Backwell School is to appoint an enthusiastic and passionate Teacher of Design Technology from 1 September 2022 on a permanent full time basis.
The successful candidate will be able to teach Product Design to KS4 and preferably to KS5. The ability to teach other elements of DT to KS4, or even KS5 level, would be beneficial.
This is a small but passionate team, who are part of the wider Art and Design Technology Department of seven teachers and two technicians, are always looking for ways to improve and enhance the curriculum offering to students.
The Design Technology Team is led by our Subject Leader for DT and sits within the Art and Design Technology area overseen by the Curriculum Leader for Art and Design Technology. Our current school development priorities are focussing on establishing a shared ‘toolkit’ of research-based pedagogy, effective use of assessment, the progress of vulnerable students and a whole school ethos around anti-discrimination. The new post holder will be expected to contribute to continuing developments within the Art and Design Department and the wider school.
KS3 students are taught textiles, food and nutrition and product design on a carousel basis allowing them to sample all elements of the Design Technology curriculum. We offer students the opportunity to study Design and Technology, Food Preparation and Nutrition and Art Textiles to GCSE level as well as A Levels in Art: Textile Design and Design Technology: Product Design. Classrooms are specialist workshops for food, textiles and product design lessons with capacity of approx. 25 students per group.
Backwell School offers its staff a vibrant and stimulating teaching environment and there is a broad range of professional support available for new members of staff both within the department and in the wider school. Our induction programme is highly regarded and new teachers can expect to be assigned a mentor in addition to career professional development support.
We also provide a fantastic benefits package to our employees including a contributory pension scheme, a broad employee assistance programme and benefits (offering discounts on shopping), cycle to work scheme and on-site parking. As a member of the Lighthouse Schools Partnership we have an extend programme of CPD across the Trust. We encourage sharing of best practice and mentoring both across Backwell School and the wider Trust.
Backwell School is a large comprehensive school with over 1700 students of which 350 are in the Sixth Form. Judged by Ofsted as Good in January 2020 the school has an excellent reputation in the local area and is oversubscribed in regards to student applications. Our latest Ofsted report can be read here.
The school has thriving extracurricular activities in all areas including sport, music and drama, and staff are encouraged to play a full part in the life of the school. Teachers are encouraged to run clubs for students around either personal interests or subject areas and the school has a wide range of these taking place. For example, Art and Design Technology staff are heavily involved in our biennial whole school production – creating fabulous sets and costumes including irrigation systems to allow it to rain on stage for Singin’ in the Rain!
All members of staff are expected to act as tutors within the pastoral unit system. Newly qualified teachers may be asked to assist rather than take sole responsibility for a group.
We are committed to providing a comprehensive education for all our young people and this ethos is summarised in the Backwell School Charter.
Before making an application candidates are asked to match their qualifications, experience, skills and abilities against the criteria listed on the job and person specification below.
To make an application please fill in the online application form.
The closing date for applications is 9.00am on Monday 24 January 2022. Those who are successful following shortlisting, will be contacted regarding interview arrangements. Interviews will take place before the end of Term 3.
