Teacher of Design

Salary: £30,000 to £46,525; Main Pay Range or Upper Pay Range

Start Date: 1st September 2024

Contract type: Full Time

Contract term: Permanent/Fixed term for 1 year

Suitable for NQTs: Yes

Closing date: Wednesday 8th May at 12.00 noon

Interview date: Monday 13th May 2024

Wilmslow High School

· School age range: 11-18

· Number on roll: approx. 2,000 (including 500 sixth form)

We are seeking to appoint two (one permanent and one fixed term) enthusiastic and energetic teachers of Design & Technology to join our large, thriving and highly regarded team. Applications are encouraged from both early career or experienced teachers who are committed to teaching at the highest standard and raising the aspirations and achievements of our students. The successful candidates will be joining a large team within the Art, D&T, Food and Computing faculty who, without exception, believe that every child can achieve their full potential when challenged in a high-expectation learning environment.

We currently offer a full range of Design & Technology subjects which are fully resourced. Our students enjoy access to three workshops, two textile suites, three food rooms, graphics room and a Design Hub which includes 3D printers, two laser cams and a new creative computer suite. We have also invested in two new computer science suites to develop our teaching of systems, electronics and robotics. The spaces have been designed with STEM in mind: areas where students can advance their knowledge, develop their practical skills and undertake problem solving tasks which require them to also apply their knowledge of maths and science. We need a teacher who embraces new technologies, will utilise the numerous 3D printers and Laser Cam machines, and encourage students to immerse themselves, work conceptually and explore extensively in the quest for innovation and creative outcomes.

The role will include the teaching of Design & Technology across KS3 (possibly including some food) with the opportunity to specialise in product design or fashion & textiles at key stage 4 and 5. Due to being a large team, teachers who specialise in other areas will be considered as we can be flexible with the timetable. Another strength of our curriculum is we operate a half year split rather than a carousel which provides students with the opportunity to work in-depth on their knowledge and skills. The textiles taught is predominantly fashion with a strong focus on fabric manipulation and experimental techniques. We like to push the boundaries and give the students the confidence and autonomy to explore – every outcome is different and unique. In product design, we place great importance on offering a high-quality curriculum that allows students to develop their creativity, imagination and knowledge to solve real and relevant problems whilst considering their own and others' needs, wants and values.

We work closely with our Art team who have four creative workshops and produce work of very high quality. The ability to teach Art would be welcomed, although this is not essential.

Here at Wilmslow High School, it is our ambition to both inspire our students, and provide them with the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world. Students learn how to take risks, and be resourceful, innovative, enterprising and autonomous. The Design & Technology team is at an exciting moment in its development, and the ideas, energy and drive of the potential candidate will be welcomed, encouraged and valued.

The successful candidate will have:

A high degree of subject competency and personal organisation with a continuing personal interest in, and commitment to Design & Technology.

An innovative and progressive approach to curriculum development, working practice and teaching.

The flair and ambition to motivate students of all abilities and develop the profile of Design & Technology within the school and wider community.

Effective planning skills and be an appropriate classroom manager with high expectations evident in all lessons.

An ability to take responsibility and achieve success.

The ability to work as a member of a team and to contribute to that team in a creative and purposeful manner.

Rigorous professionalism in everything, accepting nothing but the best in a culture of excellence.

A willingness to embrace and promote the importance of Design & Technology across all key stages.

We aim to recruit teachers who have high academic achievement or expertise in their subject and then provide an environment in which curiosity and enthusiasm for professional learning are encouraged and celebrated. Our Professional Learning programmes provide a wide range of opportunities for colleagues at all career stages to engage with research, work collaboratively with colleagues across teams, and develop their subject expertise. We also have a thriving coaching programme.

Young people only get one chance at education; so at Wilmslow High School we are committed to the pursuit of excellence for every student, every day. We do this through our dedication to learning, by being guided by values and in striving to serve.

We endeavour to preserve a happy and caring environment that is rooted in our core values, and in which staff and students can flourish, whilst challenging ourselves to pursue excellence for all our students.

The school is set in extensive grounds, ideally positioned between the thriving city of Manchester and the open countryside of the Peak District.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff to respect this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.