Teacher of Design Technology (Food Preparation & Nutrition specialism preferred)
- Salary UPS or MPS
- Contract Permanent
- Hours
- Start Date 04/01/27
- Apply By 12/10/26
- Location The High School Leckhampton
JOB TITLE:Teacher of Design Technology (Food Preparation & Nutrition specialism preferred)
SALARY GRADE:MPS/UPS
CONTRACT TERM: Part-time (0.8) or full-time, permanent
RESPONSIBLE TO:Curriculum Lead for Art and Design Technology
GENERAL INFORMATION
We are currently seeking an excellent Design and Technology teacher with strong subject knowledge and the confidence to teach Food Preparation and Nutrition at Key Stages 3 and 4. This is a permanent, full-time position, although we would consider applications for part-time working at a minimum of 0.8 FTE. The ability to teach some Art would be desirable.
The successful candidate will join a supportive and ambitious department in which teamwork, strong teaching and care for pupils are highly valued. Joining us part way through the academic year, they will build on the department’s success, including our first set of outstanding GCSE results. They will be a skilled, adaptable teacher who is ready to contribute to our established curriculum and the wider school community.
Food Preparation and Nutrition is a valued part of our Design and Technology curriculum. We are looking for a teacher who enjoys teaching practical skills and can bring nutrition, food science and food provenance to life. They will help pupils make thoughtful, informed decisions about food through engaging practical and theory lessons, clear feedback and high expectations. They will also be willing to contribute to other areas of Art & DT, working closely with colleagues to give pupils a broad and engaging experience of the subjects.
Practical teaching depends on careful preparation and a strong culture of safety and hygiene. The successful candidate will work with our Food technician to make effective use of ingredients, equipment and teaching resources, and ensure that pupils learn to work safely and responsibly in the kitchen.
We want pupils to see where their learning can take them beyond the classroom. The successful candidate will promote careers in food and design technology through their teaching and help develop opportunities for pupils to meet professionals, visit workplaces and take part in projects with local organisations. They will also encourage pupils to apply their skills through school and community events, such as catering for exhibitions, open evenings and charity events. We would welcome a teacher with the ideas and enthusiasm to build these links and broaden pupils’ sense of what they could achieve.
Across Key Stages 3 and 4, pupils study Food Preparation and Nutrition alongside Product and Graphic Design, Textiles and Art. Our purpose-built school offers light, well-resourced spaces for practical and creative work. The curriculum sections below set out the courses and experience we offer in more detail.
The appointed candidate will share our ambition for excellent Design and Technology provision at The High School Leckhampton. They will bring expertise and enthusiasm to Food Preparation and Nutrition, contribute positively to the wider department and school life, and help pupils develop the knowledge, confidence and independence to achieve their best.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
We are looking for a qualified Design and Technology teacher with a relevant degree who is:
- an excellent classroom practitioner with strong knowledge of Design and Technology, particularly Food Preparation and Nutrition
- passionate about teaching and learning, with a positive outlook and excellent interpersonal skills
- a clear communicator who works effectively with pupils, colleagues and families
- prepared to promote Design and Technology, Food Preparation and Nutrition, and Art across the school
- enthusiastic about contributing to a small, collaborative department and willing to work across DT specialisms
- committed to developing their practice through professional learning
- prepared to support the school’s extra-curricular and super-curricular programme
- committed to the values, ethos and continuing development of our school
WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO SUCCEED
- Have high expectations for yourself and the pupils to ensure that all our children achieve their very best
- Have the ambition, creativity, and resilience to ensure The High School Leckhampton continues to have an excellent reputation amongst the local community
- Demonstrate the very highest standards of professional conduct
- Be supportive of the ethos of the school and department
- An understanding of the nature and value of comprehensive education and the challenges of establishing a new school
- Commitment to the paramount importance of the safeguarding and wellbeing of pupils
THE DEPARTMENT
The Art and Design Technology department has six dedicated and enthusiastic teaching staff, led by the Curriculum Lead for Art and DT, who oversees both subjects. We are supported by a part-time DT technician and a part-time Food technician, both of whom are valued members of the department. Our teachers bring a range of specialisms to the team and contribute across Art and DT; all currently teach some aspect of Food Preparation and Nutrition. This gives us a strong basis for sharing ideas and supporting one another, while allowing the successful candidate to bring their expertise to the subject.
We work closely together on curriculum planning, practical teaching and the day-to-day organisation of our specialist spaces. Our technicians play an important role in preparing resources and supporting safe, effective lessons. Clear communication and organisation help us create a stimulating environment in which pupils feel supported and challenged, and staff enjoy teaching and developing their practice.
THE KS3 CURRICULUM
Our Key Stage 3 Design and Technology curriculum gives pupils experience of Food Preparation and Nutrition, Product and Graphic Design, and Textiles. Through practical projects, they develop subject knowledge and technical skills while learning to design, make and evaluate with increasing independence. Pupils work with a range of materials and processes, including CAD/CAM, 3D printing and pewter casting, and consider the needs of others when making design decisions.
In Food Preparation and Nutrition, pupils build confidence in the kitchen by preparing and cooking a range of dishes. They develop practical skills such as weighing and measuring, knife skills, combining ingredients and controlling cooking methods. Alongside safe and hygienic working practices, they learn about nutrition, the functions of ingredients, food science and food provenance, including where food comes from and how it is produced. Pupils consider how food choices affect health and the wider world and learn to adapt dishes for different needs. We want them to understand why methods and ingredients work, as well as how to prepare food successfully.
Pupils are taught DT in mixed ability groups of up to twenty-four and have four lessons per fortnight. Each project develops the core skills of designing, making and evaluating, while project booklets help pupils record their ideas, explain their decisions and reflect on their progress.
Our Art curriculum complements DT, with relevant skills revisited across the two subjects. Pupils explore drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics and photography, developing practical skills, subject knowledge and critical understanding. They are taught in mixed ability tutor groups of approximately 30, have two Art lessons per fortnight and work in one sketchbook throughout Key Stage 3. Together, the two curricula introduce pupils to a breadth of creative and practical specialisms to inform their choices at GCSE and beyond.
THE KS4 CURRICULUM
At Key Stage 4, pupils can choose Food Preparation and Nutrition (Eduqas), Product Design (AQA 8552), Fine Art (AQA 8201) or Textile Design (AQA 8204). These established courses build on the practical skills and subject knowledge developed at Key Stage 3. Our first GCSE results provide a strong foundation, and we set high expectations for technical skill, independent thinking and achievement across the department.
Food Preparation and Nutrition is a particular focus of this appointment. Pupils develop their practical cooking skills alongside a detailed understanding of nutrition, food science, ingredients, food provenance and food choice. They learn to apply this knowledge when planning, preparing and evaluating dishes for different needs and contexts. Practical work and theory support one another throughout the course: pupils investigate how ingredients behave, make informed decisions about methods and work with increasing precision, independence and confidence. We are seeking a teacher with the subject expertise and practical teaching skills to prepare pupils thoroughly for the written examination and support them to produce their best work in the non-examination assessments.
In Product Design, pupils respond to design problems by researching users’ needs, developing ideas, making prototypes and evaluating their solutions. They use a range of materials and processes, including CAD/CAM and 3D printing, and consider sustainability, technical accuracy and the wider impact of design decisions.
In Fine Art and Textile Design, pupils explore materials and techniques, study the work of artists and designers, and develop increasingly personal responses. Structured work in Year 10 builds practical and analytical skills before pupils pursue more independent projects in Year 11.
The successful candidate will work with colleagues to develop the curriculum, maintain high standards of practical teaching and help pupils achieve their best across our GCSE courses.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR
We want pupils to experience Art and Design Technology beyond their timetabled lessons. Our programme includes a Year 8 Art visit to the Pitt Rivers and Natural History Museums in Oxford, a Year 9 Product Design visit to the Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour, a Year 10 Art and Textiles residential in St Ives, and a Year 11 visit to London art galleries. Clubs, visiting practitioners and opportunities to contribute to school and community events give pupils further ways to explore their interests and put their skills to use.
Where possible, every member of the department offers a club or activity at some point during the year. We are keen to expand our programme, particularly in Food Preparation and Nutrition, where there is scope for the successful candidate to develop new trips and activities. Possibilities include links with local food businesses, visits exploring food production or hospitality, and opportunities for pupils to cook for school or community events. We
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