Head of Design Technology - (MPS/UPS plus TLR 2.2)

St Thomas a Becket Catholic Secondary School; West Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

St Thomas a Becket Catholic Secondary School seeks a Head of Design Technology to lead a thriving department. The successful candidate will manage curriculum development, drive student engagement, and work collaboratively within a supportive community. This role offers the chance to impact pupils positively in a well-resourced environment.

Benefits

Comprehensive CPD programme

On-site professional cycle track and gym

Wellbeing package via Schools Mutual

Qualifications

• Experience in teaching Design Technology and leading a department.
• Passion for instilling a love of Design Technology in students.
• Willingness to engage in continuous professional development.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and management to the Design Technology Department.
• Identify improvement priorities and contribute to school evaluation.
• Teach all Design Technology subjects with an emphasis on Resistant Materials.

Skills

Leadership

Curriculum Development

Teaching

Education

Qualified Teacher Status

Relevant Degree in Design Technology or related field

Job description

An appointment as Head of Design Technology at St Thomas a Becket is an opportunity to join a highly successful team of talented, committed staff, enthusiastic, friendly pupils and a community of supportive families and a highly dedicated Trust.

We believe that our success derives from our inclusive, pupil-centred focus; our commitment to the continuous review of curriculum and pedagogy; our focus on CPD; and a strong belief in the need to work within a set of Catholic values which underpins all that we do.

We are looking to appoint a Head of DT who is not just passionate about DT themselves, but also about instilling an appreciation of the joy of DT in the students we proudly serve. We are looking for an excellent Head of Department, or someone looking to step up to that level for the very first time, to complement our brilliant team and to continue to drive results and the development of our pupils. DT is a hugely popular option choice and our uptake at KS4 is increasing year on year as our newly developed KS3 scheme is embedded. We are forecasting 2 DT classes, 1 Textiles class and 1 Food class in year 10 next year.

This is a particularly exciting time to join us as we are currently part of the DfE Schools Rebuilding programme. The successful candidate will have the fantastic opportunity to design and develop DT areas within the new school build.

In particular, the post holder will:

• Provide professional leadership and management to the Department in order to secure high quality teaching, effective use of resources and improved standards of learning and achievement for all students
• Identify priorities for improvement within the department and contribute to school self-evaluation and improvement planning.
• Manage resources efficiently so that teaching and learning is effectively supported in the department.
• Lead, manage and develop the Department curriculum development.
• Teach all DT subjects at KS3 with a focus on Resistant Materials at KS3 and KS4.

In exchange, we offer a range of benefits including:

• Being part of a small Catholic school where the underlying values of kindness, love and respect are integral in everything we do and pastoral support is prioritised
• A comprehensive CPD programme focusing on the needs of staff and the school
• The ability to work collaboratively with colleagues from across the Trust ensuring best practice, continuous improvement and networking opportunities
• Staff voice being used to shape school improvement and drive changes where necessary
• An on-site professional cycle track and well-equipped gym available for staff use
• A comprehensive Trust wide wellbeing package to support staff through Schools Mutual

At St. Thomas a Becket we are proud to be a Catholic school for our whole community and want to offer each young person, whatever their background and starting point, the chance to grow and flourish spiritually, academically, physically and emotionally.

In our most recent Ofsted report (2023) where the school was rated ‘Good’ in all areas, a student is quoted as saying ‘at this school all students are loved’, which succinctly sums up the spirit, ethos and culture of St. Thomas a Beckets. As those who are truly loved and appreciated as individuals will always thrive to explore their unlimited potential, pupils and staff alike.

The thing that I value most about working at Beckets is the friendly staff and atmosphere, the like mindedness of everyone to strive for excellence and to ensure young people get not only the best education, but the chance to develop as well rounded individuals. Teacher of RE

I absolutely adore teaching at Beckets due to the supportive nature of both staff and students. Pupils are always very proactive in their learning. I would argue that the best part about being a teacher at Beckets is being able to hear the opinions and perspectives of pupils and watch them grow both emotionally and academically as they progress through their school career. The notion of teaching in a school with an ethos that is centred around cultivating a growth of both mind and heart was very appealing and continues to be the case as my career progresses. I find that the culture at St Thomas a Becket is one that allows pupils, parents and staff to feel safe and supported. There is a real sense of working in symbiosis. Teacher of English

We implore you to read our Recruitment Pack which is available as a supplementary document for more insights into our school.

The person specification and job description can be found as attachments to the advert via the following link:

Visits to the school are welcomed and will allow you to fully appreciate our amazing students and the rich opportunity offered.

If you would like to arrange an informal conversation or visit to the school, please contact Sophie Hargreaves (HR Officer) to arrange a suitable time [e-mail]

The closing date for applications is Friday 16th May at 9am. Interviews will be held as soon as possible.

All of our staff uphold the Core Values and Catholic Ethos of the Trust. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS clearance in line with our Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment Policy.

Please note, as part of the recruitment process, we will carry out an online search for any short-listed candidates in order to comply with the guidance given in the September 2024 update of ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’.