Principal Teacher Curriculum - DGA12941

Dumfries Academy is a six year comprehensive school situated within Dumfries town centre, with a mainly urban catchment, but drawing from a large geographical area including a number from rural areas. The school has three distinct learning environments which afford it the privilege of traditionally large classrooms, coupled with modern and innovative teaching spaces carefully designed as a part of the school's extensive programme of refurbishment and redecoration. In short, it is an attractive, welcoming and vibrant centre for learning and achievement.

Our school’s aims, values and vision are focused firmly on the premise that our learners will be afforded the best possible opportunity to learn effectively, in a stimulating and engaging environment, within a culture of mutual respect to maximise their potential and realise their own personal ambitions. Within our vision statement, which was devised in consultation with our staff and pupils, we focus on the four capacities of Curriculum for Excellence which underpin all aspects of learning in our school.

We have strong cluster partnerships with our five associated primary schools and there is a real commitment to developing coherent, planned transitions for learners. In addition to pupils from our cluster, our S1 is made up of pupils from other schools, who have chosen to attend Dumfries Academy - because of awareness of its effective provision in relation to support for those with additional needs and confidence that our senior phase curriculum model affords young people the opportunity to build an extensive portfolio of achievement and attainment.

We are seeking an enthusiastic, motivated, dedicated, diligent, creative and skilled professional to join our team. We invite applications from those who are committed to providing the best possible learning experiences and personal support for our young people. The successful applicant should have demonstrated a clear commitment to leadership of learning, teaching and assessment and should have a clear vision of how to raise attainment, as well as a proven track record of high-quality outcomes for all learners. You will be part of a forward-thinking, collaborative leadership team that focuses on effective self-evaluation for continuous improvement.

This is a temporary post for a period of up to 12 months to cover a maternity leave. This post may be suitable for secondment. Agreement from your line manager must be sought before applying for this post.

This post forms part of Dumfries Learning Town schools and/or The Bridge to deliver courses as part of the BGE and/or senior phase curriculum as appropriate to meet the needs of our learners.

Applicants for teaching posts must be registered with the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS), Clerwood House, 96 Clermiston Road, Edinburgh, EH12 6UT in the appropriate sector. This post is considered as Regulated Work with Vulnerable Children, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. From 28 February 2011, preferred candidates will be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG scheme update check prior to formal offer of employment being made by Dumfries and Galloway Council. Applicants who have been resident outside the UK within the last 5 years, if offered a position, in addition to a Disclosure Scotland Check, will be required to provide a completed police record check from the police authority in the country or countries in which they were resident.

As part of the recruitment and selection process we ask that you provide ONE completed reference alongside your application form and will be read in conjunction with your application form. Please note that it is your responsibility to gather a reference and forward the completed document to the relevant contact within the School. The reference should be submitted prior to the closing date.

With an exciting benefits package, working for Dumfries and Galloway Council supports you to invest in your own health and wellbeing. Employees have access to our bespoke Vivup platform with over 800 discounts on everyday essentials from top UK retailers, restaurants, utility providers and more. Employees also get access to membership of Scottish Teachers' Pension Scheme, exclusive discounts from local businesses, a Cycle-to-Work scheme, financial support from My Money Matters, and guidance from our trained Wellbeing Champions.

Here at Dumfries and Galloway Council we are committed to equality, diversity and equal opportunity with our values, which include treating everyone with dignity, fairness and respect, driving us to tackle inequality. We are looking for people that can bring different perspectives and experiences and especially welcome applications from those who are underrepresented in our organisation.

For further information please contact: Joanne Dillon, Headteacher on 01387 274350 or email: gw08dillonjoanne@