Head of Design & Engineering

Shire Oak Academy; Walsall; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity awaits at a forward-thinking academy looking for an enthusiastic Subject Leader. This role involves leading a dedicated department to elevate student achievement and ensuring a high-quality curriculum. With a commitment to excellence, you will inspire both students and staff, fostering a positive learning environment. Join a passionate team in a thriving educational institution that values innovation and collaboration, and help shape the future of young minds in a supportive setting. If you're ready to make a difference, this is the perfect role for you.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in teaching and leading a department.
• Strong subject knowledge and a passion for the subject.

Responsibilities

• Lead the department team in raising standards of attainment and achievement.
• Monitor progress and guide further improvement in teaching and learning.
• Ensure high-quality, consistent teaching across all ability groups.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Subject Knowledge

Teaching Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Job description

Shire Oak School, a comprehensive secondary school, was formed in 1970 by merging Shire Oak Grammar School, opened in 1961, with Walsall Wood Secondary Modern School, which had been moved to new buildings adjoining those of the grammar school in 1966. In September 2003 we received designation as a specialist science college.

In April 2011, our school became an 11 to 18 comprehensive converter Academy. In October 2018, Shire Oak Academy alongside Aldridge School, Queen Mary’s Grammar School, Queen Mary’s High School and The Walsall Studio School formed The Mercian Academy Trust.

This is an exciting and innovative time for the Academy and we are looking to appoint an individual who is:

- An inspirational and enthusiastic team member.

- Clear about what constitutes outstanding outcomes for all students.

- A passionate, creative Subject Leader who believes in all students’ capacity to succeed and will embrace our ethos ‘Turning Potential into Excellence’.

We can offer you the support of a strong, hard-working team and the opportunity to work with students who meet the high expectations we have of them.

The Academy has been heavily oversubscribed for a number of years and we are incredibly proud of our external examination results.

Job Purpose:We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Subject Leader to join our team. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading the department, raising standards of attainment and achievement, and ensuring the delivery of a high-quality, balanced curriculum.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the department team in raising standards of attainment and achievement across the curriculum.
• Develop and maintain positive attitudes towards the subject and confidence in teaching it.
• Establish short, medium, and long-term plans for the development and resourcing of the subject.
• Monitor progress, evaluate the effects on teaching and learning, and guide further improvement.
• Implement clear policies and practices for assessing, recording, and reporting on student achievement.
• Set expectations and targets for staff and students in relation to standards of achievement and quality of teaching.
• Ensure high-quality, consistent teaching and learning across all ability groups.
• Provide guidance on appropriate teaching and learning methods.
• Lead professional development of subject staff through example and support.
• Use data effectively to identify and support students who are underachieving.
• Ensure the provision of a broad, balanced, relevant, and differentiated curriculum.
• Establish constructive working relationships among staff involved with the subject.
• Manage and deploy teaching/support staff, financial, and physical resources within the department.

Requirements:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
• Proven experience in teaching and leading a department.
• Strong subject knowledge and a passion for the subject.
• Ability to inspire and motivate students and staff.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and contribute to a positive working environment.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Participate in the academy’s CPD programme.
• Communicate effectively with parents and external bodies.
• Contribute to the academy’s planning and quality assurance activities.
• Support the academy’s ethos and policies.

Closing Date: Friday 16th May 2025 at midnight

Shortlisting:

Interviews: WC 19th May (will be confirmed at a later date)

For a more detailed look at our Academy access our website onwww.shireoakacademy.co.uk.

Further details are available by contacting the Headteacher’s PA by e-mail [e-mail]

The Mercian Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Pre-employment checks include an enhanced disclosure and barring service check as a requirement of this post. Our Safeguarding Policy is available on our website, and we encourage applicants to review it before applying.

This position is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check (formerly CRB) under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Further details regarding this check are available from the school or by visitingwww.crb.gov.uk.