Teacher Art and Design - DGA12851

Stranraer Academy is looking to appoint a permanent enthusiastic, creative and inspiring teacher of Art and Design who is keen to work as part of an experienced team, contributing to the attainment and creative skills of all our pupils. Offering an exciting and supportive school environment, Stranraer Academy is situated in a beautiful rural setting in south west Scotland.

As a modern six-year comprehensive, non-denominational Secondary school, Stranraer Academy serves the area of Wigtownshire called the Rhins and is one of fifteen secondary schools in Dumfries and Galloway. The current school roll is 974 and there are 12 associated primary schools with pupils coming from small rural communities to large urban areas. The school benefits from an active and well-established Parent Council who are supportive of the school and work collaboratively to ensure the school is an integral part of its community. The current senior management structure consists of a Headteacher, four Depute Headteachers and a School Support Manager. Stranraer Academy has a large enthusiastic staff, an extensive campus and underwent a major refurbishment in 2010. The school has generous playing fields and sports facilities.

Stranraer Academy is situated in the town of Stranraer which lies on the shore of Loch Ryan. It is the second largest town in Dumfries and Galloway, an area of outstanding natural beauty. The population, including the surrounding area, is nearly 15,000. Stranraer is an administrative centre for the Wigtownshire area. The main industries in the area are the ferry port with associated industries, tourism and agriculture. A wide variety of occupations, including services such as health, are widely available. It is an area with good facilities and strong communities committed to their schools.

Good housing is affordable, and the area is easy to reach by car from Dumfries (1h 30 mins), Glasgow (2h). There are convenient road and rail links.

Dumfries and Galloway’s approach to Education looks to combine the traditional values, ethos and atmosphere of this unique corner of Scotland with fresh 21st Century thinking. Our authority has been recognised as having a clear focus on building staff skills to improve learning and teaching, raise attainment and develop strong leadership at all levels.

A significant relocation package of up to £5000 may be available to the successful candidate. Please see attached guidance for further information.

Requirements: 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.

Required Information: 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. The reference for this vacancy should be emailed to: gw08farquharjamie@ea.dumgal.sch.uk

National Pay and Leave Calculation: Please refer to important information in the attached briefing note or to www.snct.org.uk Part 2: Appendix 2.19, Pay and Leave Specification.

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: Jamie Farquhar, Headteacher on tel. 01776 706484 or email: gw08farquharjamie@ea.dumgal.sch.uk