This is an exciting opportunity for the successful candidate to lead and promote their subject within this thriving and vibrant Art Department from August 2023.
The successful candidate will be able to teach pupils from a selection of Year groups from Primary 7 (Geits) to S6 (7ths).
Department Details
The Art & Design Department offers excellent facilities for print-making, photography, graphic design, film and ceramics as well as a dedicated studio for the senior pupils. The pupils’ achievements are celebrated with an impressive end of year exhibition and are also on display around the school.
The Department consists of two full-time teachers (including the Head of Department), two part-time teachers (one with a Pastoral leadership role), and a technician. We currently also have an Artist-in-Residence. They work with pupils from ages 10-18.
The Department makes full use of local trips to draw inspiration from this beautiful city and the many Art Galleries within walking distance. For many years, they have run international Art trips, where groups have visited New York, Washington, Barcelona and Paris. For the senior pupils there is an annual residential trip within Scotland.
The reputation of the Department is excellent, not just within the confines of the City of Edinburgh but also within Scotland. For many years, pupils of the Academy have built up a name for ambitious and inventive work in a broad range of media, because their teachers have encouraged their confidence and their independence from an early stage. Art & Design is taught as a compulsory subject until it becomes optional along with Photography at the start of the GCSE course (S3). A good number of pupils then move on to the Eduqas AS/A Level or SQA Higher Art & Design and/or SQA Higher Photography. Several pupils each year will go on to study at the top Art Colleges in a wide range of degree courses. There are opportunities for pupils to work outwith the curriculum through Activities, Arts Award and evening life drawing classes.
Results in past years have been outstanding. The Department has an excellent academic record overall which it seeks to maintain and to develop over the next years. In 2022, the A-level pass rate was 82% at AB grades, and the GCSE pass rate was 100% A-C (69% A*/A grades).
The responsibilities common to all Heads of Department include:
- All matters relating to the teaching and examining of subject areas administered by the Department.
- Contributions to and leading the highest quality teaching and learning up to and including 7ths (S6), throughout the Senior School.
- Provide quality control measures that monitor the quality of teaching and learning.
- All aspects of the fabric and resources of the Department.
- Complete an annual exam analysis that analyses performance and identifies developmental priorities and targets
- Matters relating to the recruitment, welfare, discipline and performance of those staff members whose timetable lies wholly or partly within the Department.
- Contribute to and promote the collegiate philosophy, which underpins departmental activities at the Edinburgh Academy, delegating responsibilities as appropriate.
- Support colleagues in their professional development and contribute to the school Professional Review process.
- Matters relating to the administration of the Department's share of the academic budget, and any other departmental finance which may be required.
- Matters of inter-departmental or whole school concern, including health and safety issues, the internal ethos and external image of the school.
- Promote and protect children’s welfare in all aspects of their contribution to school life and follow school Health and Safety guidelines.
- Contribute to the Department’s co-curricular activities and participate in the wider school programme of enrichment and co-curricular activities.
Duties and Responsibilities associated with all teachers at the Edinburgh Academy are:
- To plan, prepare and teach lessons to all assigned pupils according to their educational needs.
- To assess, record and report on the progress of the pupils within the guidelines written in the Staff Handbook.
- To engage with the wider School Curriculum in a manner which is consistent with the ethos of the School.
- To carry out such administrative and other routine tasks as are outlined in the Staff Handbook.
- To demonstrate a commitment to both individual professional development and to the developing curriculum in the School.
- To carry out any other duties and to assume any other responsibilities as the Rector shall from time to time reasonably request.
- To be conscious at all times of the importance of the external image of the School and to act in a professional and constructive manner with pupils, parents and external agencies.
Any queries regarding this role should be directed to the Head of HR [email protected]
Essential Criteria
- Honours degree relevant to the teaching aspects of the role
- Qualified Teacher Status and GTCS registration.
- A proven track record of excellent teaching ability and classroom management skills.
- The ability to communicate concepts in Art, Design and Photography in an articulate, positive and sensitive way
- The ability to use a variety of teaching strategies to engage and challenge students of all abilities
- The ability to turn a vision into results; the initiative to consider change and the wisdom to effect change positively
- A deep subject knowledge and the ability to communicate it
- An understanding of the need to ensure appropriate health and safety within the Department
Desirable Criteria
- Teaching experience across the full age range of pupils
- Experience of teaching the examination specifications currently in place
- Proficiency in a range of Art and Design media
- Positive attitude to maintaining high standards of behaviour in students
- Enthusiasm and confidence; emotional intelligence and resilience
- The ability to work effectively as part of a team
- The ability, interest and commitment to lead co-curricular activities
Short-listed candidates will be asked to plan and teach a lesson.
About the school/organisation
The Edinburgh Academy is a fully co-educational school. The School consists of a Senior School, Junior School and a Nursery Department. The School is a member of HMC. The Edinburgh Academy moved to full co-education across the whole school in 2008. The Junior and Senior Schools are on separate sites, both of which have spacious grounds and sports facilities including extensive playing fields, an all-weather sports area, and a large Sports Hall and Centre.
The school prides itself on its warm and welcoming community, inclusive of all staff. Our teaching staff work alongside the operational teams to ensure the smooth running of the school. We value the contribution of all team members.
Through involvement in the co-curricular programme all those who work with us can bring their passions to work. Developing our talent is important to us. Access to training and professional development is available and encouraged.
In addition to salary (which includes an EA enhancement), teacher holidays and pension, our reward package includes:
- Free gym membership
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Employee Benefits Programme including discounts to a number of major retailers, holiday, electric car and cycle to work schemes, as well as health and well-being option
- Fee discount
- A three course lunch is provided during term time