Head of Computer Design and Robotics (Maternity Cover)

The Role

You will be an energetic, flexible and versatile teacher with a broad curriculum knowledge spanning Computing, Robotics and Engineering/STEM and the ability to inspire pupils' creativity, problem-solving skills and independence through their CDR lessons.

You will be a reflective practitioner with a focus on continuous learning and development of your teaching practice.

The role is suitable for someone comfortable teaching across the different disciplines and incorporating them into an innovative curriculum. You will be committed to preparing children for the future by enhancing their creativity and their understanding of the design process and by developing their problem-solving skills in a technology-driven world.

You will be receptive to adopting a project-based, collaborative approach to computer design and robotics through investigative project work revolving around a real-life scenario needing a solution.

Challenge - building the skills needing to solve the challenge - collaborative problem-solving and generation of ideas/research - prototype / mock up - testing and analysis, possible improvements - final outcome - reflection and evaluation.

Main Responsibilities

• Teach Computer Design and Robotics to pupils from Year 2 to Year 8.
• Devise an innovative and forward-thinking Computer Design and Robotics curriculum promoting inter-disciplinary opportunities involving digital literacy, online safety, graphic design, coding and programming, CAD and robotics, which should be reviewed annually.
• Adopt a collaborative, project-based approach to Computer Design and Robotics revolving around real-life scenarios needing a solution.
• Embed the use of IWB and 1:1 devices into teaching and learning in CDR.
• Encourage pupils to develop their problem-solving and debugging skills, building a resilient approach to CDR.
• Promote the development of online pupil project portfolios.
• Manage the departmental budget and ensure all resources are well-maintained and updated regularly.
• Promote the subject regularly by encouraging and leading special events (e.g. Coding and Robotics competitions etc.)
• Keep yourself informed and abreast of new developments in your subject area.
• Arrange suitable trips, visits and guest speakers to enrich the CDR curriculum.
• Foster a stimulating atmosphere conducive to the intellectual, digital, social and emotional development of pupils and promote good relationships and pupil outcomes.
• Liaise regularly with your counterpart at Langley Senior School to ensure curriculum alignment and organise joint events.
• Produce an annual departmental development plan supporting the whole school strategy.
• Differentiate effectively to make the subject accessible to all, including pupils with SEND and stretch/challenge the more able pupils.
• Contribute to the co-curricular programme, including the hobbies programme.
• Contribute to the Enrichment programme in Years 5-8.

Skills & Experience

• Enthusiasm for working with young children.
• Commitment to the provision of high-quality childcare and education.
• Positive approach.
• Good organisation, record keeping and planning skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Reliability and trustworthiness.
• Experience using a MIS (the School uses iSAMS).
• Experience as a Form Tutor with pastoral responsibilities for a KS2 form.