Teacher of Science and Design & Technology (DT) – part time

Managed by: Head of Science & Engineering
Reporting to: Head of Science & Engineering

Ditcham Park School is a unique, successful and thriving school situated in 16 acres of the beautiful South Downs National Park. We have 400+ pupils, aged 4 to 16 years who benefit from a caring and supportive ethos and relatively small classes. GCSE results are consistently impressive and the school was ranked 14th best independent school, in category, in the country based on its GCSE results. Pupils of Ditcham Park School are proud of their vibrant learning community which is committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to discover their talents, realise their potential and become well rounded, socially responsible citizens in a school ‘where every child is known and valued’.

The Department

The Science and Design & Technology departments at Ditcham Park School play a central role in developing pupils’ curiosity, creativity and problem-solving skills through engaging theoretical and practical learning experiences. We aim to inspire pupils to think critically, investigate independently and develop confidence in applying scientific and technical knowledge to real-world situations. Both departments contribute significantly to the school’s STEAM curriculum and work collaboratively to promote problem-solving skills and awareness of future career pathways available to pupils.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and adaptable teacher to join our team in a flexible STEAM-based teaching role. The successful candidate would be able to teach both KS3 and KS4 D&T with the ability to teach science at KS3. The ability to teach KS4 science would be an advantage. This is a part time role, 0.8 of an FTE.
The role would suit an energetic and versatile teacher with a passion for STEAM education, practical learning and wider school involvement. The successful applicant will contribute positively to the wider life of the school and support the continued growth of Science, Design & Technology and STEAM opportunities across the school.

The Role – Teaching and Learning

• Plan and deliver high-quality lessons in Science and Design & Technology.
• Teach pupils across Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4.
• Create engaging and inclusive learning environments that challenge and support all pupils.
• Deliver practical and investigative lessons that promote curiosity, resilience and independence.
• Use a range of teaching strategies to maximise pupil progress and engagement.
• Maintain high expectations for behaviour, effort and presentation.
• Prepare pupils effectively for internal assessments and GCSE examinations.

Curriculum and Assessment

• Contribute to the planning and development of the Science and D&T curriculum.
• Support the continued development of STEAM initiatives across the school.
• Assess, record and report on pupil progress in line with school policies.
• Use assessment data to inform planning and targeted support.
• Support GCSE coursework and NEA requirements where appropriate.
• Practical and Workshop Responsibilities
• Promote excellent standards of health and safety within laboratories and workshops.
• Ensure safe and responsible use of tools, machinery, specialist equipment and materials.
• Support the organisation and maintenance of practical resources.
• Encourage pupils to develop confidence in practical and technical skills.

Wider School Contribution

• Attend parents’ evenings, open mornings, INSET days, school events and departmental meetings as appropriate to the role.
• Contribute to extracurricular clubs, competitions and enrichment activities.
• Support STEAM extracurricular events and wider school initiatives.

Person Specification
Person Specification – Essential

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent.
• Ability to teach Science to KS3 / KS4.
• Ability to teach Design & Technology to KS3 / KS4.
• Strong classroom management and organisational skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
• Enthusiasm for practical learning and STEAM education.

Person Specification – Desirable

• Experience teaching practical D&T specialisms such as Product Design, Resistant Materials, Engineering, Textiles or CAD/CAM.
• Experience supporting GCSE coursework and NEA projects.
• Interest in STEAM enrichment and extracurricular activities.
• Experience working within an independent school environment.
• Ability to contribute to clubs, competitions or project-based learning initiatives.

What We Offer:
As part of our team, you will receive:

• Competitive salary
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Wellbeing services
• Training and professional development opportunities

Benefits

• Company events
• Company pension
• School fee remission
• Free lunch
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
• Cycle to work salary sacrifice scheme

Ditcham Park School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. A certificate of good conduct may be needed for applicants who have lived or worked overseas. This position is subject to an enhanced DBS certificate in the event of a successful application.

As with all School employees, it is the School’s responsibility to adhere to and ensure compliance with the School’s Child Safeguarding Policy at all times, thus promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons with whom he/she comes into contact.

If, in the course of carrying out the duties of the post, you become aware of any actual or potential risks to the safety or welfare of children in the School, you must report any concerns to the School’s Designated Safeguarding Lead.

In accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 all employees have a duty to look after their own and other’s health and safety. Ditcham Park School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Agencies need not apply