Head of Art, Design and Technology

Head of Art, Design and Technology

MPS/UPS + TLR 2c (£7,847)

Are you looking for the opportunity to lead a vibrant team of Art, Design and Technology specialists? Do you have a passion for teaching that instils a love of ADT in your students? Can you inspire the next generation with the opportunity to teach up to and including A Level? Can you involve all ages and abilities in engaging learning experiences in modern facilities? Great Western Academy is seeking to appoint a Head of ADT who can build on the success of the faculty to date and contribute to the wider education agenda, inspiring learners and raising standards. We can accommodate applicants with specialisms in Art or any of the Design Technology disciplines.

Great Western Academy opened in brand new, state-of-the-art facilities in North Swindon in September 2018. The Academy is heavily oversubscribed in all years and our first cohorts of A-level students celebrated exceptional outcomes over the past three summers, with strong destinations for all including three Oxbridge students. Our ADT faculty offers examination courses in Art, Photography, Textiles, Product Design and Hospitality. Results have been strong, particularly in Art, where both GCSE and A-level outcomes are amongst the strongest in the school.

This role will provide the successful applicant with the chance to further lead and develop an exciting ADT curriculum in KS3 and KS4 as well as the opportunity to teach at A-level. You will lead a team that has a significant visual and learning impact in our school, with the potential for even more. You will therefore have the chance to significantly shape the experiences of our students in your subject areas they progress through our growing school. You will also be well supported to enjoy and develop your own practice, being part of a team of middle leaders whose current and future development is a priority for us.

Our priority is very much to recruit the best classroom practitioners who can ensure our students arrive at the Academy excited about the day ahead and leave each day talking about the excellent learning they have experienced.

Great Western Academy runs a successful enrichment program for all students from 3.10 to 4.15 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. The subjects studied are as diverse as Astronomy, Orchestra, Volleyball, Pokemon and Scrabble, and the ADT faculty contributes strongly to our offer. Enrichment broadens and deepens a student’s range of experiences at school and gives them the opportunity to learn with other age groups. All teachers will run one enrichment session a week as part of their directed hours. It is an opportunity to engage students’ interest in an area of your own interest.

Great Western Academy aims to radically improve the life chances of every student who attends. Our brand-new building and state-of-the-art facilities help us to achieve this, but it is the fantastic team of staff who turn our vision into reality. If you have the proven ability to inspire students in the classroom and beyond then this provides you with an exciting opportunity to further shape your practice and develop your career.

Additional benefits of working at GWA include:

• Average class sizes of 26 in years 7 to 11

• Flexible working opportunities

• Excellent CPD opportunities

• State of the art facilities

• Leading edge ICT, including a laptop provided for all staff

• Free Health and Wellbeing Support Service

• Cycle to work scheme through Cyclescheme

• Access to EV charging on site. Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice scheme

• Easy access to the A419, and free parking

Further details are available on the Academy website and in the information documents attached.

Applications should be submitted electronically to the recruitment email by 9am on Wednesday 8th May 2024, interviews will take place as soon as possible after that date.

We may interview before the closing date (and close the advert early) depending on the suitability, and number of, applicants.