DT Teacher

Description & Requirements

Role Description

JOB TITLE

Design and Technology Teacher

DEPARTMENT

Design and Technology

LOCATION

Shanghai

SUPERVISOR

Head of Design and Technology

OBJECTIVES

To deliver high-quality Design and Technology teaching in the Senior School at Wellington College International Shanghai, enabling pupils to develop creativity, technical understanding, practical skills and confidence in solving design problems.

To support pupils’ academic progress and wellbeing, promote safe and responsible workshop practice, and contribute to the department’s teaching resources and co-curricular provision under the direction of the Head of DT.

ROLE OVERVIEW

We are seeking a passionate, creative and collaborative Design and Technology teacher to join our Senior School team. The successful candidate will inspire pupils with a range of abilities and prior experience through engaging, inclusive and appropriately challenging teaching.

Experience of successfully teaching IGCSE/GCSE Design and Technology is essential. Experience of teaching IB Diploma Programme Design Technology is highly desirable.

The successful candidate will have experience of delivering an established curriculum and contributing to the development of schemes of work, teaching resources and assessment activities under departmental leadership.

Proficiency in CAD software and practical experience of using CAM equipment safely in an educational setting are essential. The department’s facilities include FDM and resin 3D printers, CNC routers, a waterjet cutter and laser cutters. Experience with a range of these technologies would be an advantage; staff must complete any required training and authorisation before using unfamiliar equipment.

The successful candidate will also contribute to pupils’ wider experience of Design and Technology through co-curricular activities, exhibitions and collaborative projects.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Teaching and learning

• Plan and deliver engaging, well-structured Design and Technology lessons for assigned Senior School classes, in line with the agreed curriculum and relevant examination specifications.

• Prepare lesson plans, sequences of learning and teaching resources that provide appropriate challenge and support for pupils with different learning needs.

• Develop pupils’ skills in research, designing, making, testing and evaluation, including the responsible selection and use of materials, tools and manufacturing processes.
• Incorporate relevant developments in CAD/CAM, engineering, electronics and sustainability into teaching, in line with departmental plans.
• Establish high expectations for pupil progress, participation, behaviour and the quality of practical and written work.
• Set purposeful homework in accordance with the Senior School homework policy.
• Contribute to the review and improvement of schemes of work, teaching resources, assessments, homework and subject documentation under the direction of the Head of DT.
• Review the effectiveness of personal teaching practice and use feedback, assessment evidence and professional learning to improve pupil outcome

2. Assessment, reporting and communication

• Assess pupils’ work regularly through appropriate formative and summative methods, providing timely and constructive feedback.
• Maintain accurate records of attainment and progress for pupils in assigned classes.
• Analyse assessment information for assigned classes to identify learning needs, adapt teaching and implement appropriate interventions.
• Participate in departmental standardisation and moderation activities, as required.
• Prepare clear and accurate written reports on individual pupils’ progress, achievement and next steps.
• Communicate promptly with the Head of DT, Heads of Year and relevant pastoral colleagues about concerns relating to pupil progress, engagement or behaviour.
• Attend parents’ meetings and communicate professionally with parents, providing additional updates as required and in accordance with College procedures.

3. Workshop safety and management of resources

• Maintain a safe, orderly and inclusive learning environment in classrooms and workshops.
• Follow College health and safety policies, applicable local regulations and relevant technical guidance adopted by the College.
• Follow approved risk assessments and contribute to their review with the Head of DT and technicians, particularly when introducing new practical activities, materials or equipment.
• Teach and reinforce safe working practices, including the appropriate use of tools, machinery, personal protective equipment and materials.
• Use specialist equipment only within the scope of completed training and authorisation, and ensure that pupils receive appropriate instruction and supervision.
• Liaise with departmental technicians to prepare equipment and materials for lessons, allowing sufficient preparation time.
• Report hazards, faults and incidents promptly, and follow College procedures to prevent the use of unsafe equipment.
• Use materials and equipment responsibly, minimise waste and maintain appropriate storage and housekeeping standards.
• Identify resource needs for assigned teaching and co-curricular activities, and provide recommendations to the Head of DT to inform annual purchasing.

4. Departmental collaboration and co-curricular contribution

• Work collaboratively with the Head of DT, departmental colleagues and technicians to support the effective delivery of Design and Technology.
• Plan and deliver assigned DT CCA, encouraging participation and supporting pupils’ interests beyond the classroom.
• Contribute to departmental exhibitions, competitions and whole-school projects, working with relevant colleagues as required.
• Present and regularly refresh displays of pupils’ work to celebrate achievement and support learning within the department and, where appropriate, across the Senior School.
• Share relevant teaching approaches, resources and professional learning with colleagues.

5. Pastoral care, safeguarding and professional responsibilities

• Promote the College’s values and model high standards of professionalism, respect and care in all interactions.
• Safeguard and promote the welfare of children, complete required safeguarding training and report concerns promptly in accordance with College procedures.
• Support pupils’ wellbeing and work with relevant pastoral colleagues to address concerns.
• Apply College expectations consistently in relation to behaviour, attendance, punctuality and dress.
• Maintain a professional appearance and ensure that teaching spaces are tidy, welcoming and suitable for learning.
• Complete assigned supervision duties and provide cover in accordance with College policy and timetabled requirements.
• Attend during stipulated working hours and participate in meetings, briefings, parents’ events and other activities designated as directed time.
• Participate fully in professional development, appraisal, lesson observation and other agreed processes for improving teaching practice.
• Maintain required teaching and pupil records accurately, securely and within agreed deadlines.
• Implement relevant College policies and contribute constructive feedback when requested.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential

Education:  

• A Bachelor’s degree in Design and Technology or a closely related discipline, such as product design or engineering.
• A recognised teaching qualification appropriate to secondary education, i.e. a PGCE with QTS or an equivalent qualification.

Experience and subject expertise

• Successful experience of teaching Design and Technology at secondary school level, including IGCSE and IBDP. 
• Experience of planning, delivering and assessing learning against an established curriculum and examination specification.
• Secure subject knowledge in design processes, materials, manufacturing techniques and practical problem-solving.
• Proficiency in CAD software and experience of using CAM equipment safely to support pupil learning.
• A sound understanding of workshop safety, risk assessment and the supervision of practical activities.
• Experience of using assessment information to adapt teaching and support pupils with different learning needs.
• Experience of delivering DT-related CCA or practical enrichment projects.

Professional skills and attributes

• A level of spoken and written English sufficient to teach, assess, report and communicate effectively in an English-medium school.
• The ability to create an inclusive, engaging and appropriately challenging learning environment.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage practical lessons, resources and deadlines effectively.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills when working with pupils, parents, colleagues and technicians.
• A commitment to safeguarding, pupil wellbeing and ongoing professional development.
• A willingness to contribute to the wider life of the College and uphold its values.

Desirable

• Experience of teaching IB Diploma Programme Design Technology.
• Experience of supporting assessed design portfolios and practical coursework in accordance with examination board requirements.
• Experience of teaching in an international or culturally diverse school community.
• Experience of supporting pupils who use English as an additional language.
• Practical experience with several of the department’s manufacturing technologies, including FDM and resin 3D printing, CNC routing, waterjet cutting and laser cutting.
• Experience of integrating electronics, programming or engineering applications into design projects.
• Experience of supporting design exhibitions, competitions or interdisciplinary STEM projects.
• Relevant postgraduate study or additional qualifications in Design and Technology, education or a related field.

As an employer of choice, Wellington College Education (China) is committed to making professional learning and personal development central to its ethos and approach. WCEC fully recognises its responsibilities for safeguarding children. Our safeguarding policy applies to all staff, governors and volunteers working in the Group.