Art and Design Technology Technician JOB DESCRIPTION
GENERAL INFORMATION The School
The Perse School, which was founded in 1615, is a charitable company and one of the country’s leading independent day schools.
The Perse School Foundation is fully co-educational, educating boys and girls from 3-18 on three sites: the Pelican (ages 3-7) in Glebe Road; the Prep (ages 7-11) in Trumpington Road; and the Upper (ages 11-18) in Hills Road. Children thus progress through three different schools, but have all the benefits of being part of one larger institution with an integrated curriculum and pastoral care system.
There are currently approximately 1010 pupils in the Upper School; 270 pupils in the Prep; and 150 pupils in The Pelican. In the past 5 years pupil numbers in the Upper and Prep have grown by c. 40% and 50% respectively. The permanent staff of the School is around 275, approximately 140 of whom are academic members of staff, and in addition there are about 50 peripatetic music, sports coaching and other specialist staff.
The School has undertaken an almost continuous programme of building works over the past decade. Five years ago a new Library, Art and Technology department and classroom building at the Prep and the Richardson Hall at the Pelican were completed. At the Upper School an extension to the Sports Centre providing a sports studio and further changing rooms, and a major new building providing 21 classrooms, a new library, a new ICT department and various support services were completed in 2010. Further buildings were added in 2011 and 2012, including a sixth form study centre and an outdoor pursuits centre at the Upper, and full sized all weather pitch at the Prep. More tennis and netball courts will be completed for January 2013, and at Easter 2013 construction will start on a new Upper School classroom building (seventeen classrooms; seven meeting / interview rooms; departmental & pastoral offices; and a large multipurpose space) for occupation in September 2014. Further works are currently in the design stage.
The Perse Prep School
The Perse Prep, which was founded in 1910, is the preparatory school for the Perse School.
The School aims to recruit about sixty boys and girls at 7+ following a competitive entrance test. The pupils, who are highly imaginative, articulate and at ease with a fast pace of work are grouped into three forms of equal ability. The School achieves some of the best academic results in the country.
A broad curriculum, which is designed to maximise the potential of all children is delivered, for the most part, by subject specialists. Well over ninety per cent of pupils transfer to the Perse School (which regularly appears in the top thirty or so schools in the national league tables) at 11+.
There is a first rate library with a full time professional librarian and there are regular visits by authors and poets. The school also has strong traditions in sport, drama and music.
The move to co-education, which began in 2007, has resulted in exciting times for the School. Pupil numbers have risen from 170 to over 270, and outstanding classroom and creative arts facilities have been opened. In addition, the Music School has been extended to include a music technology suite. There has also been considerable development of sport and play areas including an Astro Turf.
The school became fully co-educational in September 2009 and is flourishing with girls in all year groups. In September 2010 numbers increased to just over 260, thereby completing the planned expansion.
The Bursary
The Bursary, which is situated at the Upper School, is responsible for the financial, HR, legal, H&S, administrative, estates and facilities management work of the School. The Bursary also provides (through the Bursar and Clerk to Governors) a governance resource and is the secretariat to the Governing Board.
ART & DT DEPARTMENT AT THE PERSE
Housed in two purpose built classrooms, the Art and Design Technology Department delivers curriculum Art and DT to children of all years (3-6) weekly and benefits from a range of specialised equipment.
Art projects are devised to enable the pupils to experience a range of different materials including charcoal, oil pastels, watercolour and poster paint and to work on both 2D and 3D projects. Three dimensional works are explored through a range of media, including clay, plaster, papier-mâché, card, wood and wire, and pupils are
shown examples of both historical and contemporary art through classroom displays, books and digital media.
Design Technology is essentially a practical subject requiring a practical approach in every activity. Pupils are introduced to a wide range of materials, including wood, foam board and electronic components and have the opportunity to develop their measuring, cutting and making skills.
The department also contributes successfully to the School’s lunchtime and after school clubs programme.
JOB DESCRIPTION Reporting to
As a member of the non-teaching staff, the Art and Design Technology Technician’s ultimate line manager will be the Bursar, although day to day responsibility will be to the Head of Art and Design Technology.
Job Purpose
The Art and Design Technology Technician’s purpose is to support the Head of Art and DT in delivery of curricular and extra-curricular Art and Design Technology, including the preparation and clearing away of materials and equipment for lessons, and supporting children in their learning.
Key Responsibilities
To prepare equipment and teaching areas for practical classes
To work alongside the class teacher providing assistance when needed Working with small groups of children on curriculum projects
To assist the Head of Art and DT with the preparation of wall displays and materials for lessons
To ensure the safe disposal of waste
To maintain a safe and tidy working environment at all times To undertake training when required
To carry out administrative and other functions related to the smooth running of the department
To regularly check and maintain equipment and materials and order new materials and equipment when required
To participate in the school’s duty rota, supervising children at break and lunchtimes.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
The successful candidate must have the following:
Good communication, organisational and interpersonal skills; Empathy for pupils, staff and the community;
The ability to work effectively both as part of a team and also independently; Flexibility and adaptability;
The ability to work collaboratively and supportively with colleagues within school
The ability to manage commitments and deadlines;
A sense of humour, a ‘can do’ attitude and most importantly the flexibility needed to work effectively in a prep school environment.
Education/Qualifications
The post would particularly suit someone who might be preparing to study at Art College, or embark on a degree/teaching qualification or similar. The successful candidate will possess GCSE qualifications or equivalent, and may be qualified to A-Level, or be working towards HNC/HND or BTEC certification, preferably with relevance to the post. We will, however, accept applications from those without formal qualification who can demonstrate an enthusiasm for, and skill working within, the creative arts.
Knowledge
Knowledge of working with a kiln would be useful but not essential. Experience
You do not need to have worked as an Art Technician before it is essential that you have a practical can-do approach, enjoy working as part of a busy team but with the ability to work autonomously. You should have a real interest in Art and Design. Skills and Abilities
Part of your responsibility will be mounting and displaying student artwork so any previous experience in this field would be advantageous. Numerical and communication skills are needed for ordering materials, sourcing products and filing invoices.
OUTLINE TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Working Hours, Holidays, Salary and Other Matters
This post is full time, term time only for 37.5 hours a week (35 weeks a year); however there may be some flexibility for the right candidate. For the avoidance of doubt, term time comprises the published term dates plus 2 additional INSET days at the beginning of the Michaelmas term and 1 additional INSET day at the beginning of the Lent term. Included in the working day is a half-hour, lunch break. Exact working hours will be agreed with the successful candidate but are likely to be between 8.00 am and 4.00pm daily, Monday to Friday.
Paid holiday entitlement is 6 weeks including bank holidays per annum which must be taken during School holidays other than at the times referred to in the above paragraph.
The post will be remunerated at point 10 on the Perse salary scale for non-teaching staff. The pro-rated salary will therefore be £13,973. Salary scales will next be reviewed from September 2013.
The School operates a defined contribution pension scheme which all non-teaching members of staff are eligible to join once they have completed three months’ service and to which the School and the member of staff both contribute. Contributions are currently 13.75% and 6.25% respectively.
The School operates a Group Life Scheme that members of staff are automatically included in on the date of appointment.
The School’s Sports Centre is available for use by staff at various times during the week.
Lunch is provided free of charge for all staff whose working hours encompass the time of School lunch.
The School is keen to help develop the skills of its staff and looks to provide appropriate training as necessary.
Safer Recruitment
The Perse School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including references from previous employers, and a Disclosure and Barring Service check at the enhanced level and compliance with Sections 15-25 of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006 (eligibility to work in the UK). Interviews will be conducted in person, and they will explore candidates’ suitability to work with children.
Other Information
In order to facilitate your application the following information is included with this Job Description:
a) Non-Teaching Staff Application for Employment Form b) Policy statement on the recruitment of ex-offenders
APPLICATION PROCESS
An Application for Employment Form should be completed and returned to: Mrs Elinor Schneider
Headmaster’s Secretary The Perse Prep School Trumpington Road Cambridge CB2 8EX Tel No: 01223 403922 Fax No: 01223 403921 Email: prephmsec@perse.co.uk
