YARM SCHOOL
APPOINTMENT OFHEAD OF DESIGN TECHNOLOGY
Applications are invited for thepost ofHead of Design Technologyfor September 2018 or possibly January 2019.
Design Technology at Yarm School
The Design Technology Department is housed in a striking, spacious, modern building and is exceptionally well resourced. There are four full-time members of staff who work in a happy, purposeful and collaborative environment, supported by a full-time workshop technician. Entering the department from a welcoming foyer and exhibition area, there are specialist rooms radiating from a large central workshop facility. The workshop area caters for advanced projects using a wide range of traditional, modern and smart materials. The level of equipment provision is impressive: two newly installed 3D printers, a large laser cutter and a CNC plasma cutter enable pupils to realise innovative ideas. At the design stage, these ideas have often been explored and enhanced through SolidWorks. A variety of lathes, milling and folding machines allow for engineering projects, while band saws, band facers and a wood turning lathe give a flavour of the machines available for creative projects in wood. A separate room, with dedicated extraction facilities, allows for safe working in GRP and spray finishing. The foundry houses a forge and all forms of welding equipment.
Also within the department’s remit, a specialist room for Textiles exists to cater for this very popular subject option. An array of sewing machines, including one that is CNC programmable, supplement a host of specialist facilities from the dying of fabric to batik work and printing. In a similar vein, a large electronics room is well equipped, with circuit etch and CNC cutting facilities. A suite of dedicated computers, including one linked to a CNC vinyl cutter, is enthusiastically used by pupils of all ages. The design technician operates from his own office, where sets of project materials are stored and where a wide range of sundry facilities, components and resources are held. There is a large materials store that also houses a range of machines for preparing stock. The Design Technology teaching have the benefit of two well-resourced offices, each of which provides a vantage point over the main workshop area. In the last year considerable investment has taken place in the main departmental workshop to enhance lighting, the use of space and ventilation – it is a superb environment to work in, appreciated by both pupils and colleagues.
Design Technology is highly regarded by pupils and staff alike. The ethos of the department focuses on problem solving and innovation, which is expressed through a wide array of projects. In First and Second Year (Years 7 and 8) all 100+ pupils in each year group, spend two 55-minute lessons in the department. Work modules are developed and prepared jointly by staff. In Third Year (Year 9) the pupils cover a broad spread of all aspects of Design and Technology, enabling them to make an informed decision as to which of the three specialist routes they may wish to pursue further at GCSE level. Our pupils choose from the CIE IGCSE Design and Technology course, AQA’s Design and Technology GCSE (with a specific focus on a textiles outcome) and WJEC’s electronics GCSE.
In total, in a typical year around 60 pupils opt to follow the subject through to GCSE. In summer 2017 75% of all entries recorded an A*/A grade for Design Technology. Impressively, 100% of the pupils entered for the Design Technology (Textiles) strand recorded an A*/A grade. The same strong outcomes are also evident for the Electronics course: only 2 grades in summer 2017 were not A*/A.
AQA Product Design and AQA Textiles are the discrete specifications offered at A level. In a typical year, the department supports a good-sized A level group for each of these subjects. Again, results are excellent. The three-year average for A level Product Design records 75% of entries at A*-B grade as a final outcome. The three-year average results figures are even stronger for A level Textiles: over 90% of entries recorded at A*-B grade as a final outcome. The pass rate for Design Technology has stood at 100% for over 15 years and the department counts well over 100 candidates who have been rewarded with either an A* or A grade at A’ level in that time. Engineering is a popular subject with students as they move on to university. Motorsport, Product Design, Interior Design, Textiles and Textiles Marketing, and Architecture are also popular university options. The department has strong links with former pupils who work in the design industry and are keen to share their experiences.
The Design and Technology department has one of the strongest records for Arkwright scholarships in the country: over 80 awarded in total to our students. Equally, the department has a proven track record in national competitions, having regularly and recently won major prizes. The most important showcase event of the year for the department is our Product and Fashion Show. Held in mid-May, all GCSE and A level work is exhibited. Around 300 people attend the design exhibition, enjoy a BBQ and round off the evening with the very popular fashion show. Annually, the department offers Technology Taster experiences to primary and prep school aged pupils. It also hosts and manages a Dragons’ Den independent learning day for all Second Year (Year 8) pupils. Activities linked to the department, such as GreenPower or Computer Aided Design and Manufacture, capture and nurture pupil excitement for the many opportunities the subject presents. The department arranges visits to local and more distant manufacturers as part of its curriculum delivery.
The department is a busy creative hub in the school: an exciting place to work. Pupils are capable and positive, with a real commitment to engineering, design and fashion. The advertised position offers a tremendous opportunity for an innovative and inspirational candidate to lead a strong team in offering a modern design curriculum.
The Candidate
Applications are invited from well-qualified, suitably experienced and dynamic Design Technology teachers with the vision, energy and skills to make an excellent subject leader. The successful candidate will be joining a highly regarded, mutually supportive department.
The Head of Design Technology should be an exceptional teacher and must be exemplary in carrying out his/her professional responsibilities. He or she will lead the strategic development of the department and achieve, through collaborative leadership, the highest standards of teaching and learning across the department, expressed through the development of stimulating, creative and well-resourced schemes of work that aim to inspire intellectual curiosity and develop academic rigour. The Head of Design Technology will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the department, its safety and its administration. In particular, he/she will seek to promote the subject and its profile within the school.
Aside from a passion for teaching Design Technology, the applicant should be keen to contribute to the broader life of the school through cultural, sporting or other extra-curricular activities.
Criminal Records Check
Yarm School is required to seek an enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) with a barred list check in respect of successful applicants for all posts at the School where staff may come into contact with children. A criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to working in the School. Applicants who are invited to interview should provide details of any criminal record under separate, confidential cover to the Headmaster before attending the interview. A copy of the School’s policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders and the DBS Code of Practice may be obtained from the Headmaster. Before an appointment is made routine checks will be undertaken to confirm identity and qualifications etc.
Appointment Procedure
Applications will only be accepted on the application form provided by the School. This should be completed electronically. All questions must be answered. The candidate may also submit a Curriculum Vitae if he/she wishes but this is not a requirement. Applications should be submitted with a covering letter (again, by e-mail) explaining why the candidate and post are mutually suited.
Applications should be e-mailed to the Headmaster, Mr David M Dunn, as soon as possibleand no later thanmidday on Tuesday, 24th April 2018.We will read applications as they arrive.
Yarm School
The Friarage
Yarm
TS15 9EJ
Telephone 01642 786023
Fax 01642 789216
Further information about the School, together with an application form and job description, can be found on our website on under “vacancies”. Please e-mail if you have any difficulties or queries.
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