What skills and experience we're looking for Leadership & Management Proven experience leading or coordinating a department or subject area Ability to develop and implement a clear vision for Design & Technology across the school Experience managing and supporting teaching staff, technicians, and trainees Ability to delegate responsibilities and monitor departmental performance Leading departmental meetings and driving improvement initiatives Experience managing departmental budgets and resource allocation Strategic planning for curriculum development and department growth Teaching & Learning Expertise Strong subject knowledge across Design & Technology disciplines (e.g., product design, resistant materials, electronics, engineering and food technology. Consistently outstanding or highly effective classroom teaching Ability to model excellent teaching practice and support colleagues' development Expertise in curriculum design and sequencing from KS3 to KS4 Experience preparing students for GCSE DT qualifications Ability to use data to improve student progress and attainment Knowledge of inclusive teaching strategies and differentiation Curriculum Development Designing and implementing a broad, balanced and engaging DT curriculum Aligning curriculum with National Curriculum and exam board specifications Incorporating modern design practices, digital technologies and industry links Leading project-based learning and design thinking methodologies Assessment & Quality Assurance Monitoring student progress and analysing performance data Developing and moderating internal assessments and coursework Ensuring standardisation of marking across the department Conducting lesson observations and learning walks Supporting staff with performance management and professional development Health & Safety Management Strong understanding of workshop and practical health & safety requirements Ensuring compliance with CLEAPSS guidance and risk assessments Maintaining safe use of machinery, tools, and equipment Training staff and students on safe working practices Resource & Facilities Management Managing workshops, studios, equipment, and materials Budget planning and purchasing resources efficiently Overseeing maintenance and replacement of specialist equipment Working effectively with DT technicians Staff Development Leading departmental CPD and sharing best practice Supporting staff with curriculum delivery and assessment strategies Wider School Contribution Contributing to whole-school improvement priorities Organising competitions, exhibitions, trips, and enrichment activities Promoting careers in design, engineering, and manufacturing Professional Skills Strong organisational and time-management skills Excellent communication and interpersonal skills Ability to motivate students and staff Problem-solving and innovative thinking Passion for design, creativity, and practical learning What the school offers its staff Why choose Dixons Ashton Academy? (Formally Great Academy Ashton) Dixons Ashton Academy is a thriving and ambitious 11-16 academy serving 1,300 students from across Tameside, Oldham and Manchester. The academy is the beating heart of its community and is proud of its rich diversity, with over 30 languages spoken by students. As part of Dixons Academies Trust, the academy is committed to providing an exceptional education and creating an environment where every young person thrives. • We believe that people, more than strategy, create value - we all belong and grow together • '9 in 10' for teachers: our innovative strategy providing greater flexibility and agency • Consistent behaviour and expectations; teachers can teach and students can learn • Fortnightly coaching for all staff • Schemes of work fully resourced and ready Why choose Dixons Academies Trust? Our mission is to challenge educational and social disadvantage in the North. As a school trust, we are committed to making a difference where it matters most through delivering exceptional education in our schools in Bradford, Leeds, Liverpool and Greater Manchester, which include primaries, secondaries, all-throughs and a standalone sixth form. • We are values driven: we work hard on the things that matter, with humility; we are good and kind; we are motivated by mastery, autonomy and purpose. • We have been challenging educational and social disadvantage for over 30 years. • We have launched a bold flexible working policy to give our teachers more time back. • We are ambitious for every child and highly inclusive. • We have an innovative approach to central operations which allows educators to focus on teaching and learning. • We prioritise the professional development and growth of all our staff; every member of Team Dixons receives regular coaching. • We are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce and our staff work collaboratively to share resources and reduce workload. • We offer hybrid working arrangements and free on-site parking. • We have a wealth of benefits and salary sacrifice schemes (private health, lifestyle benefits and discounts). Commitment to safeguarding Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) medical online and social media prohibition from teaching right to work satisfactory references suitability to work with children You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.