Design Technology Teacher

Roles and responsibilities

1. Lesson Planning and Curriculum Delivery:

• Designing Effective Lessons: Develop and deliver lesson plans that focus on a variety of topics, such as product design, engineering principles, material science, computer-aided design (CAD), and sustainable design practices. Lessons may also include practical activities such as model-making, prototyping, and testing.
• Teaching Design Principles: Teach students the stages of the design process, including research, ideation, prototyping, testing, and refinement. Students should also learn about design thinking and how to solve real-world problems creatively.
• Hands-On Activities: Provide students with the opportunity to engage in hands-on design projects, where they can apply theoretical knowledge to create prototypes, models, or functional products.
• Incorporating Technology: Integrate modern technology, such as CAD software, 3D printing, laser cutting, and other design tools, to teach students the technical skills they’ll need in the industry.

2. Classroom and Workshop Management:

• Safety Protocols: Ensure that students are following safety guidelines in the classroom, especially when using tools, machinery, or materials. This is a critical part of managing a design technology space.
• Maintaining Equipment: Oversee the proper maintenance of tools, machines, and materials used in design projects. Regularly inspect equipment for safety and functionality.
• Organizing the Workshop: Keep the workshop area well-organized, ensuring that students have access to necessary materials and tools while also maintaining a clean and safe working environment.

3. Assessment and Monitoring Student Progress:

• Evaluating Design Projects: Assess student work based on their creativity, the application of design principles, technical execution, and their ability to present and explain their designs. Provide regular feedback on both theoretical and practical assignments.
• Tracking Progress: Monitor each student’s development over time, including their ability to apply design thinking, solve problems, and use design tools effectively. Offer additional support to students who may be struggling or need more challenging tasks.
• Project-Based Assessment: Use project-based learning and assessments, where students design, prototype, and present a final product. Assessments can include the process of design, technical skill, and how well the product meets specified criteria or solves a given problem.

4. Student Support and Differentiation:

• Supporting Individual Needs: Adapt lesson plans and projects to suit the different learning styles and abilities of students. Some students may need more support with technical skills, while others may need additional creative challenges.
• Encouraging Collaboration: Promote teamwork and collaboration on group projects. Many design projects require students to work together, whether in brainstorming sessions or while constructing prototypes.
• Fostering Creativity and Problem-Solving: Encourage students to think creatively and critically about design problems. Help them develop solutions that are both practical and innovative.

Desired candidate profile

Be a vocational and inspirational educator who supports an inclusive learning environment, with the ability to raise standards for all students
Be knowledgeable of and confident in the use of proven, effective teaching and learning methodologies, yet with the ability to ‘think outside of the box’ and be open to new approaches
Be fully committed to our high-performance learning philosophy (HPL) and the notion that every student can achieve
Have extremely high standards and expectations for all, and be able to work effectively under pressure with excellence as the primary goal
Be aspirational for themselves and their own development and career progression
Believe strongly in and fully support the wider extracurricular life of the school to develop fully rounded students
Be an effective team player with the ability to maintain a sense of perspective and humour.
Parental and Community Communication:
Parent-Teacher Communication: Keep parents informed about their child's progress in design technology, particularly on projects and skills development. This can include regular updates on performance, assignments, and any challenges.
Community Engagement: Organize exhibitions or showcases where students can display their work to parents, peers, and the wider community. These events help students gain confidence in presenting their ideas and creations.
Industry Connections: Build relationships with local businesses, designers, and engineers to bring real-world insights into the classroom. Guest speakers or field trips to design-related companies or exhibitions can inspire students and give them a deeper understanding of potential career paths.