Deputy Faculty Leader for PE and Health

Whickham School is seeking to recruit an engaging and inspirational leader and teacher of PE and/or Health. Our PE and Health Faculty of 13 staff consists of a Faculty Leader, Deputy Faculty Leader, 3 programme leaders and a range of teachers with many years of experience. We also have PE technicians supporting the faculty with equipment and practical set up/take down. PE and Health provision at Whickham School is very strong, with excellent outcomes for pupils in a range of qualifications at KS4 and KS5. This post is vacant due to the promotion of the current deputy faculty leader. 

The faculty is popular with pupils and runs a significant number of clubs and activities at lunch time and after school using our excellent facilities.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an enthusiastic and committed individual to make a difference in the lives of young people. We place a strong emphasis on pastoral work and the role of a tutor, and use a restorative approach in supporting pupils. The school is heavily oversubscribed and results are considerably above local and national averages.

Our vision for all our pupils is that they are valued and inspired to be the best that they can be. We seek to develop the following 4 qualities in our pupils:

• Aspiration – Whickham students set aspirational goals that are ambitious and without limitation.
• Respect – Without compromise, Whickham students demonstrate respect for themselves, others and their environment.
• Resilience – Whickham students persevere with challenges especially when faced with setbacks.
• Empathy – Whickham students strive to be kind, caring and and understanding of each other’s feelings and needs.

One of our unique strengths and selling points is our commitment to staff which includes:

• Reduced teaching allocation to allow for each faculty to meet collaboratively for an hour each fortnight in specialist subject teams to support subject specific pedagogy and development
• Access to a range of salary sacrifice schemes (e.g. Bike2Work, electric vehicles)
• Leadership and Teaching & Learning development opportunities
• A supportive environment where work/life balance issues are considered carefully
• An ECT programme which receives very positive feedback
• Access to school fitness facilities out of school hours
• Higher priority for admission of children of staff into the school

Specific details regarding the role and skills and qualities that the successful candidate will need to demonstrate are in the attached job description and person specification, all applications are to be submitted via TES.

We welcome visits by prospective applicants to the school. Please contact Neil McMahon by email (nmcmahon@whickhamschool.org)  if you wish to arrange a time to see the school. Applications should be submitted by Wednesday 17th April 2024.

Whickham School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and young people, requiring all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We follow strict safeguarding policies, offer induction training, and require satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks for all employees, following KCSIE guidelines, including online searches of applicants.