The successful applicant will take the lead in the delivery of: GCSE and A Level 3D Design; GCSE and A level Graphic Communication; A Level Photography; Key Stage 3 Design. The department deliver all courses under the AQA Art and Design specifications.

The Design Department is already well established in the School – with skilled and experienced teachers covering all disciplines, and a dedicated technician. The successful applicant for this post will have particularly strong skills and experience in terms of 3D Design. The successful applicant will also be expected to take a lead in the introduction of forward-looking Design subjects (further enhancing our whole school curriculum).

The atmosphere of the department is enthusiastic and positive, with all members contributing ideas for teaching and development.

Group sizes at GCSE and A Level are among the lowest in the Independent Sector in the North West, allowing teachers to get to know their students well and support them at every stage of their studies.

The number of students selecting Design at GCSE and A Level is healthy and growing. The popularity of the subject reflects the examination success enjoyed by the department.

In August 2024:

Almost 40% of GCSE students (in both 3D Design and Graphic Communication) achieved Grades 9 to 8.

Just over 40% of A Level students (in 3D Design and Graphic Communication) achieved Grades A* to A

The successful applicant will take a lead in the delivery of Design subjects in all key stages.

The list of professional duties below is set out in addition to the expectations that The Grange School has of any member of the teaching staff, as detailed in the Job Description for a Senior School Teacher.

Head of Department:

• leads and manages the process of annual Departmental Self Review (DSR) which includes, though not exhaustively, the following: an evaluation of public examination results;
• formal discussion with the SLT link on at least once per half-term to review progress;
• regular lesson observations of colleagues to support the development of their teaching and pupil learning;
• ensuring that baseline data is being used to monitor, and where possible improve, performance of the department and the pupils within it;
• should ensure the efficient running of the department, including the meeting of deadlines for DSR, exam entries and annual requisitions;
• is responsible for the appraisal, professional welfare, training and development of members of the department; for the induction of new staff into the department; and for supporting the Deputy Heads in the mentoring of newly qualified teachers;
• is responsible for their own development as a leader and manager, undertaking appropriate appraisal, training and development to both ends;
• must keep up to date with educational developments and changes within their subject area(s);
• should ensure that members of their department adhere to the criteria as set out in the Departmental Handbook with particular regard to the setting and marking of work and reporting procedures;
• should bring to the attention of their SLT Line Manager any difficulties which arise within the department;
• should hold regular departmental meetings, formal and informal, to discuss departmental matters and to ensure that the department works as a team; minutes of these meetings to be sent to the SLT Line Manager, the Deputy Head (Academic) and the Head;
• is responsible for drawing up and annual updating of syllabuses and schemes of work; departmental hand-outs for Open Morning; the Departmental Handbook; GCSE Options Brochure; Sixth Form Prospectus; displays and the general appearance of the department;
• is responsible for the selection of text books and teaching materials, and the methods of teaching used by members of the department;
• is accountable for all budgeting within the department;
• is responsible for the implementation of Health and Safety Policies within their areas;
• is responsible for the furniture and fabric within their departments;
• is to provide the Deputy Head (Academic) with timetable allocations of departmental staff and decide rooming timetables as required;
• should, where necessary set work for an absent member of the department if he/she is unable to do so;
• should share in the appointment processes of new staff to the department;
• should co-operate with other departments in cross-curricular activities as appropriate;
• must ensure that pupils are entered for public examinations in liaison with the Examinations Office;

In addition, all staff will be expected to carry out any other duties that the Head may, from time to time, reasonably request. Furthermore, Heads of Department may have particular tasks relating to the areas they manage; it is the responsibility of the Head and/or Deputy Head (Academic) to clarify these.