Head of Art and Design

JOB INTRODUCTION

George Watson’s College wishes to appoint a permanent Head of Art and Design in the Senior School. The post represents a rare opportunity for an outstanding practitioner to make a high profile contribution to the success of one of Scotland’s leading schools.

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply, please include a letter of application of not more than 800 words giving us more information about you and why you would like the role, addressed to Mr Gordon Boyd, Head of Senior School.

Any specific questions relating to the advertised post can be emailed to vacancies@gwc.org.uk

Candidates called for interview will be asked to teach a lesson as part of the selection process.

If you require more information about the School, please visit our school website.

Closing date: 11:59pm on Thursday 14 March 2024

Interviews are scheduled to take place on Tuesday 26 March 2024
Package DescriptionLocation: George Watson’s College, Edinburgh

Contract Type: Full time, Permanent

Salary: Commensurate with skills and experience

Benefits: Competitive salary, reduced school fees at George Watson’s College for children of staff, Membership of the Galleon Club (the school’s fitness club)
Main ResponsibilitiesThe person appointed will:

Lead, develop and monitor the effectiveness of the Art and Design curriculum in the Senior School, liaising with other Heads of Department as necessary to achieve common objectives

Act as Line Manager to other members of the Art and Design department, promoting good practice and high standards and intervening where necessary to provide support to colleagues

Ensure that trainee teachers in the Department are supported appropriately

Act as Line Manager to the support staff allocated to support the work of the Art and Design Department

Ensure that all teaching and learning in Art and Design is effective and that all pupils are being properly prepared for public examinations where appropriate

Contribute to professional discussions with senior staff and others to contribute to the development of the policies and practice of the school

Review the performance of the Art and Design department on an annual basis, using performance data and other evidence as appropriate

Prepare an annual bid for curriculum and other funding and exercise proper control over the departmental budget as allocated

Liaise with the Deputy Headteacher (Pupil Enrichment) to ensure that pupils and staff in the subject area have appropriate access to necessary digital learning resources including IT

Liaise with fellow Heads of Department

Liaise with the Head of Additional Support for Learning and with the Heads of Guidance to ensure that the learning of and provision for pupils in Art and Design is tailored to meet the needs of our pupils

Liaise with Heads of Year to ensure that the appropriate targeted support or arrangements to support the wellbeing of individuals is provided in the Department

Contribute to enrichment provision of the Senior School by developing and implementing opportunities for pupils both in lesson time and at other times

For full details of the main responsibilities, please refer to the job description
The Ideal CandidateThe person appointed will:

be a trained and qualified graduate teacher of Art and Design eligible for registration with the General Teaching Council for Scotland

be an outstanding and confident teacher of Art and Design who is able to demonstrate the very highest standards of teaching Art and Design in secondary schools

lead an engaging and challenging Art and Design curriculum that enables all pupil to enjoy the subject and achieve at the highest level

be flexible and imaginative in developing new ideas and resources, as well as adapting to curriculum changes and strategic priorities

have excellent leadership, interpersonal and communication skills and be able to work with colleagues from different disciplines and across both Junior and Senior Schools, as well as partners from the wider community

have the strong organisational skills necessary to lead a successful department in a high profile school

About the school/organisationGeorge Watson's College sits in the heart of Scotland's capital city, Edinburgh, providing a world-class education for children and young people from Preschool to Senior 6.

We encourage our pupils to develop a love of learning through an inspiring curriculum and an extensive and inclusive enrichment programme, which are underpinned by the four values we live by: aim high, be kind, join in and respect all.

Our school is a place where pupils have the freedom to thrive, succeed, explore, perform, and grow, giving them the opportunity to discover their own limitless potential.

Preschool, junior and senior pupils all learn and play on the same 52-acre campus, where our sports facilities, music school, art department, technology building and drama studios are within walking distance.

We offer our pupils one of the widest extra-curricular programmes you will find anywhere, plus the opportunity to travel internationally during their time with us, and a broad range of learning experiences outside the classroom.

Digital technology supports and enhances learning, with every pupil encouraged to use their device where it adds real value to developing skills and critical thinking.

Our school has an enviable reputation for the breadth of opportunities pupils have to get active, with around 25 different sports available to both girls and boys. Participation, excellence, professionalism and equality are the four cornerstones of our physical education and sport department here at Watson's.

When it comes to music and drama, our pupils are given the opportunity to co-produce stunning shows, delivering memorable performances that live long beyond school days.

Most importantly, the wellbeing of our pupils matters to us more than anything else. There are various ways we support pupils to proactively manage their mental health, while a range of peer-led programmes has created a culture in which we can all play our part.

All this means that when the sun shines we celebrate the happy moments, and when it doesn't we're there to protect and support, just as our motto says: ex corde caritas - love from the heart. www.gwc.org.uk