Head of Art

Introduction

Blackheath Prep is an independent prep school for just over 370 students aged 3 to 11. Founded in 1996, it occupies a beautiful five-acre site close to Blackheath village. Its original Georgian and Victorian buildings have been extended and adapted to include large playgrounds and extensive playing fields, tennis courts, cricket nets and a Forest School area. In April 2023 we were delighted to announce our merger with Eltham College to form a family of schools.

It is a remarkable school with outstanding facilities, a formidable track record in academic success and impressive achievements in Music, Sport, Drama and Art. The school was inspected in June 2019 and both the quality of pupils achievements in all areas of our curriculum, from academics to Design Technology and PE, as well as the quality of pupils' personal development were judged to be excellent.

The Role

Blackheath Prep is seeking to appoint a dynamic, enthusiastic and inspirational Head of Art.

The successful candidate will lead on all aspects of Art and will seek to generate enthusiasm for the subject amongst pupils and colleagues. They will manage and develop the resources of the Art department in order to provide the best possible opportunities and educational experiences for pupils of all abilities and ages in the school.

The Head of Art is responsible for ensuring the safety and welfare of pupils and achieving the highest standards of learning and achievement for all. Additionally, they are expected to promote and support the ethos, aims and vision of the school and maintain its philosophy of education.

At Blackheath Prep, the collective sum of the individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, inventiveness, self-expression, unique capabilities and talent that our community holds represents a significant part of not only our culture, but our achievements as well.

We expect and enable:

Members of staff to act as role models for the children and their families through curriculum content and conduct which demonstrates our commitment to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. Commitment to ensuring that all members of our community can see themselves in the texts and topics through which we deliver our broad and balanced curriculum. Teamwork and participation, permitting the representation of all groups and perspectives within our unique community. Regular INSET and opportunities for development which keep practice current and research informed. Every member of staff at Blackheath Prep is committed to ensuring that all children are enabled to reach their full potential. We therefore welcome applications from candidates who demonstrate an ability and genuine desire to see children shine and exceed their own and our expectations of them. Person Specification

Applicants will possess a good honours degree from a respected university. They will have an excellent teaching record, an inclusive approach and commitment to fostering a love of learning for all children.

Other valuable qualities include enthusiasm, understanding, organisational ability, a capacity to work hard and the ability to stay calm and good humoured under pressure. The appointees will need to demonstrate a commitment to technology and its use across the curriculum. The successful candidate will also have the ability to command respect amongst all segments of the wider community and bring with them real energy, excitement, ambition and vision for Art.

A pleasure in the life of a thriving, busy school, and the ability to act as an approachable, sympathetic and principled role model will be likely to characterise the successful candidate.

Most importantly, the successful candidate must have a genuine interest in the evolving needs of young people and a strong commitment to children's academic and personal development from Nursery to Year 6.

A full job description and further information relating to the post can be found on the school website and in the applicant information pack.

Terms of Appointment

The post is available from January 2025 on a permanent part time basis (Monday - Wednesday 0.6 FTE)

A competitive salary reflecting the level of experience to date

Benefits including school fee remission, life assurance and pension scheme

Wellbeing benefits including free annual eye test, annual flu vaccination and access to our Employee Support helpline

Travel benefits include Season Ticket Loan and Bike2Work scheme

Free staff lunch and tea/coffee is provided during term time

How to Apply

Please send by email a completed application form and equal opportunities form, together with a covering letter to Emma Over, HR and Recruitment Assistant:

Closing date for applications is 9am, Tuesday 25th June 2024.

Interviews will be held on Tuesday 2nd July 2024.

***Please note that the recruitment campaign might end earlier as the applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis so please do not delay in applying***

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.

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