Head of Art

Dumpton is a thriving, coeducational Prep School built on a simple but powerful belief: that every child has remarkable potential within them. Our role is to create an environment in which each individual has the very best opportunity to flourish. Our values — Be Kind and Aim High — are not slogans on a wall; they guide our decisions, shape our culture and define our expectations of one another.

We are seeking a passionate and inspiring teacher who will raise the profile of Art across the school and foster a love of creativity in all pupils. This is an exciting opportunity for a candidate with the vision and ambition to shape and lead the future of creative education at Dumpton.

The successful candidate will be responsible for leading the Art curriculum and teaching, ensuring that every child at Dumpton has the opportunity to experience a rich and varied creative education. At the same time, in line with our ‘aim high’ ethos, we are committed to nurturing those pupils with particular enthusiasm and talent, supporting them to develop their skills and flourish through a strong co-curricular programme and a well-established scholarship pathway.

We are highly ambitious about the future of art, design and creativity at Dumpton. For the right candidate, there is clear potential for this role to develop into a broader faculty leadership position, with responsibility extending beyond Art to include other creative subjects across the school.

Early applications are very much encouraged. We will review and shortlist candidates on an ongoing basis and may close the vacancy once the right candidate has been identified. Candidates are therefore advised to submit their applications promptly to avoid disappointment.

Dumpton School is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in all areas of our Community and encourages applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

Dumpton School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

All successful job applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening.

HEAD OF ART RESPONSIBILITIES

·       To oversee the quality and success of Dumpton’s artistic provision, ensuring that all pupils are given the opportunities to enjoy art and make excellent progress

·       To take responsibility for the Art Curriculum throughout the school

·       To be proactive in encouraging strong communication with parents in Lower Prep, ensuring that all parents are well informed about Lower Prep life through the weekly newsletters, and by establishing a culture of positive relationships and communications for all Lower Prep parents.

·       To oversee and enhance the Lower Prep Co-Curricular provision, ensuring that a range of enjoyable and inclusive activities are on offer for pupils outside of their curriculum lessons, including break times.

·       To liaise closely about pupils' progress with the Lower Prep Curriculum Coordinator, Head of EdX and Deputy Head Academic as required, to ensure that pupils academic progress in the classroom is carefully monitored, ensuring time and space for support and interventions where required

·       To join the School’s Senior Management Team (SMT) and attend meetings, working collaboratively to support the effective day to day running of the school and contributing to whole school strategy

Dumpton Class Teacher Responsibilities

·       To promote at all times the school values of being kind and aiming high, becoming an inspirational role model to the children you teach

·       To create a friendly, happy classroom environment where every child is valued, nurtured and supported, and provided with outstanding pastoral care

·       To plan and deliver inspirational teaching of the Art curriculum, ensuring all pupils are encouraged to love their learning as well and achieve their full potential

·       To plan and deliver lessons in line with the school’s focus on Quality First Teaching principles, ensuring an inclusive classroom environment where all children can achieve success

·       To monitor and track pupil progress efficiently and intervene effectively, ensuring all pupils are supported to fulfil their potential, both through stretch and challenge and early intervention for those requiring additional support

·       To build strong links with all parents, ensuring proactive communication about children’s learning experiences, and regular feedback on children’s progress and development

·       To embrace the school’s commitment to character education and emotional literacy through ‘The Dumpton Way’ to ensure that all pupils can be supported to fulfil their personal potential

·       To show an ongoing commitment to professional development and reflective practice, engaging with the latest research and best practice in education

·       To attend Prep and Whole School Staff Meetings as required, as well as taking an active part in the school’s internal CPD activities

·       To become a fully integrated member of a busy and mutually supportive staff team, working collaboratively with other staff in the school

·       To play an active role in Safeguarding Children and report any concerns or observations to the Designated Safeguarding Lead