Teacher of Agriculture

Abbotsholme School; Rochester; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading independent school in England seeks an individual to teach and manage agricultural activities, engaging students in hands-on farm operations while ensuring animal welfare. This role involves contributing to the delivery of practical lessons and managing farm operations year-round. Ideal candidates will have experience in farming and strong communication skills. Applications should be sent to the provided email.

Qualifications

• Experience in an educational or farming environment is desirable.
• Understanding of livestock management and welfare is essential.
• Strong communication skills to engage with students.

Responsibilities

• Promote and safeguard the welfare of children and young persons.
• Be part of a 365-day/year rota for animal welfare.
• Contribute to GCSE and A'level lessons through demonstrations.
• Support academic staff with the use of the estate.
• Facilitate buying and selling of stock.
• Order materials and products as directed by the farm manager.

Skills

Hands-on experience with farm operations

Ability to work with children

Knowledge of animal husbandry

Education

Relevant agricultural or educational qualifications

Job description

Overview

Set in beautiful, rural surroundings, Abbotsholme is a leading independent co-educational boarding and day school for ages 2-20. We develop enquiring minds and independent thinkers through respect, honesty, humility, integrity and courage. The Abbotsholme farm is located on the Staffordshire/Derbyshire border; the farmland consists of rolling countryside leading down to the floodplain of the River Dove. The farmland extends to approximately 74 acres. 66 acres are devoted to permanent pasture, which is managed extensively, with low inputs of farm yard manure. Of this, 20 acres are harvested for winter fodder and the remainder is grazed by up to 20 cattle, 50 ewes with lambs and 15 horses. The school has a registered, pedigree, suckler herd of British White Cattle, with a bull, up to 8 breeding cows, plus followers. The sheep are mix of bel tex x lexel amd purebred texel. Both breeds of sheep are regularly shown at the English Winter Fair. The farmland also contains eight acres of woodland, consisting of established, semi-natural woodland in the dingles and a relatively new plantation on the eastern edge of the farm. Hedgerows form an important area for wildlife habitats and food for birds, insects and mammals.

The Role

Academic All children at the school, from reception to Year 9, have timetabled practical farm and equestrian sessions. Even for the little ones, this isn't come and look, this is come and do. Reception and Infants will help give the animals their normal afternoon feed, going in the pens with the calves, piglets and poultry. The juniors will be more hands on; helping to muck out the livestock, to carry out basic handling and will be given semi-autonomous tasks to complete. Secondary school children are fully involved in the running of the farm and stables. We don't create jobs for the students to do, they do whatever needs doing that day. This approach will see year 7 students plucking and dressing turkeys to show at an Agricultural fair, all of the students mucking out the pigs or helping to move the livestock around the school. It is not uncommon to see a group of students herding a flock of sheep or herd of cattle through the school as they are moved from one grazing area to another. Older students can take the Agriculture iGCSE course, which combines farming with land based management. At level 2 students learn about livestock production, animal husbandry and will look at estate maintenance, game management and conservation. The BTEC level 3 National Extended Certificate in Agriculture course teaches students more about the business element of estate management; the students have their own projects, such as rearing calves and then identifying the most advantageous business point to sell these animals at market. At the higher stage, studies look at the biology of farming and how production has developed through adaptations. All of the courses offered heavily encourage the students to explore the adoption of technology in land based enterprises, students are encouraged to use apps on their iPads to improve the management of the estate. The students will work with industry experts, helping to carry out pregnancy scanning of breeding cattle or learning how software is used to complete the legal paperwork that forms a key part of modern farming.

Responsibilities

• Promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons for who you are responsible and with whom you come into contact.
• To be part of a 365 day/year rota to provide the highest levels of welfare and care for the school's farm animals.
• To contribute to the delivery of GCSE and A'level lessons and KS1 & KS2 activities, particularly through practical demonstrations during the school day.
• To provide support to all academic staff in the use of the estate.
• To ensure that the Farm is run in such a way as to promote access and use by pupils, be cost effective and maintain recognised industry best practice and ethical standards.
• To facilitate the buying and selling of stock as directed by the Farm Manager.
• To order and acquire materials, equipment, animal and plant protection products, food and bedding as directed by the farm manager.

To apply please complete our attached Application form, forwarding with a cover letter from yourself to [e-mail] as soon as possible. We reserve the right to make an appointment before the closing date, so early applications are advised. Previous applicants need not apply. If you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date, please assume that unfortunately, on this occasion, your application has not been successful.

Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities

Safeguarding Abbotsholme School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All positions are subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and shortlisted candidates will be subject to an online check.

GDPR personal data notice: According to GDPR guidelines, we are only able to process your Sensitive Personal Data (racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, trade union membership, genetic data, biometric data, health, sex life, or sexual orientation) with your express consent. You will be asked to complete a consent form when you apply and please do not include any Sensitive Personal Data (although this can be included in your covering letter if you wish to do so), remembering also not to include contact details for referees without their prior consent.

Child Protection statement: We recognise our moral and statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all pupils. We endeavour to provide a safe and welcoming environment where children are respected and valued. We will be alert to the signs of abuse and neglect and follow our procedures to ensure that children receive effective support, protection and justice. The procedures contained in this policy apply to all staff, volunteers and governors. Because of the nature of the work for which you are applying, this post is exempt from section 4 (2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. The amendments to the ROA 1974 (Exceptions Order 1975, (2013 and 2020)). It is not, therefore, in any way contrary to the Act to reveal any information concerning convictions which would otherwise be considered as "spent" in relation to the applicant's suitability for employment. Any such information will be kept in strict confidence and only used in consideration of the suitability of the applicant for such a position where such an exemption is appropriate. If you are shortlisted for the role, you are therefore required to declare all convictions, cautions or bind-overs you may have, or have had in the past, even if they would otherwise be regarded as "spent" under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Equal opportunities: We are an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all colleagues.