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Curriculum Vacancies:

Head of Design & Technology

Salary: MPS/UPS plus TLR

About Corby Technical School and the role

We are looking to appoint a Subject Leader of Design and Technology, Engineering and Food to make an inspiring contribution to driving further departmental and whole school improvement. The successful applicant will be an ambitious, enthusiastic and committed practitioner who is multi-skilled across all specialisms, energetic who can lead a talented and hardworking team.

The successful applicant will be innovative, dynamic and be committed to outstanding achievement for all students. They will have been successful in demonstrating leadership skills, with experience in embedding ideas, leading and working as part of a team. The position is ideal for candidates wishing to further develop their skills in management and leadership and is ideal preparation for further career progression.

You will be:

  • An inspirational leader, who believes in high aspirations for all students.
  • Passionate about innovative learning and teaching.
  • A dynamic, forward-thinking individual.
  • Committed to student success.
  • Highly organised.
  • Enthusiastic.

About Brooke Weston Trust

Our Trust was formed more than 25 years ago with a simple and clear mission – to transform educational performance in all of our communities. Working in some of the most challenging contexts, we improve our students’ achievements by making long term commitments to the community and championing new approaches to improve the life chances for young people.

Our members of staff are essential to realising this vision, and a happy, motivated and supported team will deliver the best possible experiences for our young people.

We place great emphasis on creating a supportive and collaborative working environment in all our schools, where all staff can share best practice through our colleague networks. Brooke Weston staff get access to first class professional development through our Ambition Hub, which is also home to the Northamptonshire Teaching School.

How to Apply

If you think you can contribute in this role and to our organisation we welcome your application!

Further details about the Academy, the above position and details of how to apply can be found on our website https://www.corbytechnicalschool.org/  or by telephoning 01536 213100.  Applications may be submitted in writing addressed to the Principal or electronically to recruitment@corbytechnicalschool.org

Safer Recruitment

Care and respect for others are the values that lie at the heart of our Trust. The Trust is an Equal Opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. It expects all staff to share this commitment. All posts require proof of identity and as the role is working with children and young people this will also be subject to an enhanced disclosure barring service check. In line with safer recruitment requirements, individuals shortlisted for a role in school will have online checks conducted on their name across social media platforms and google.

A copy of the Trust Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy can be found here - Safeguarding and Child Protection

The Trusts position on the recruitment of Ex-Offenders can be found under section 7 of the Trust SCR, Safer Recruitment and Staff Files Policy - Safer Recruitment and Staff Files Policy

Closing date: Midday on Monday 12th June 2023

Interview date: TBC

Please be aware that if you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date your application has, on this occasion, been unsuccessful.

The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.


Job Description

Person Specification

Application Form

Key Stage 5 English Lead

Salary: MPS/UPS + TLR

About Corby Technical School and the KS5 English lead role:

We are seeking a motivated and passionate KS5 English lead to lead a high performing department with excellent outcomes. We are looking for someone who is able to thrive in a school that is innovative and research informed. As KS5 English lead, you would have the autonomy to lead freely and make your mark. This is a fantastic opportunity for inspirational teachers who have a passion for working in an exceptional teaching and learning environment and will relish working alongside the Head of English to lead a strong and vibrant English team. 

As KS5 English lead, you will be responsible for sustaining a broad, balanced and engaging curriculum for all our pupils and ensuring all students make excellent progress in English from years 12-13. You will be expected to promote high quality teaching and learning by modelling outstanding practice and lead the department’s collaborative planning by sharing resources and best practice. We are seeking a KS5 English lead who can reflect on the effectiveness of the implementation of the KS5 curriculum and can successfully assess its impact on student progress and outcomes. As a leader, you will have the opportunity to adapt the curriculum to suit the needs of our learners, plan strategically, and lead with vision.

As a school, we believe in offering all students access to a broad curriculum that includes English Literature and Language. The department has worked hard to include a diverse range of texts and inspirational starting points for creative work. We are seeking an individual who is keen to continue to develop and promote these values within the department, across the wider school and the Brooke Weston Trust. As part of the Brooke Weston Trust, you have a fantastic opportunity to work closely with our other schools as well as the Trust Director of English. 

Our supportive school culture is centred upon life-long learning and ambition for all. We look for a colleague who understands the importance of providing opportunities for staff to progress. As part of a growing school within a supportive trust, our department places importance on continuous subject knowledge and pedagogical professional development, which a successful candidate would continue to foster.

Our students come from all walks of life, and we want our staffing body to be reflective of the communities we work within. Brooke Weston Trust does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, nationality, culture, age, disability, marital status or socio-economic backgrounds. We encourage and welcome applications from minority groups and foster a work environment that’s inclusive as well as diverse, where people can be themselves.

Additional benefits to working at Corby Technical School:

  • As part of the Brooke Weston Trust opportunities for staff development and career progression go beyond the school walls; fostering talent is a key aspect of our culture.
  • Within the Trust we have a dedicated Teaching School and all staff regularly attend professional development sessions either as participants or facilitators. The Teaching School has forged partnerships with professionals across the Trust, ranging from primary through to higher education providers.   This partnership and expertise across the educational spectrum, allows the Teaching School to offer fantastic opportunities for our staff.
  • All staff receive free meals (breakfast and lunch) and are able to participate in a Car Salary Sacrifice Scheme.

If you think this role is for you then we would like to extend an invitation for a pre-application discussion where we would like to have the opportunity to tell you more.

About Brooke Weston Trust

Our Trust was formed more than 25 years ago with a simple and clear mission – to transform educational performance in all of our communities. Working in some of the most challenging contexts, we improve our students’ achievements by making long term commitments to the community and championing new approaches to improve the life chances for young people.

Our members of staff are essential to realising this vision, and a happy, motivated and supported team will deliver the best possible experiences for our young people.

We place great emphasis on creating a supportive and collaborative working environment in all our schools, where all staff can share best practice through our colleague networks. Brooke Weston staff get access to first class professional development through our Ambition Hub, which is also home to the Northamptonshire Teaching School.

To find out more about working for our trust and the benefits available to staff, please check out the work with us page on our website, and also the BWT Join Us Guide.

How to Apply

If you think you can contribute in this role and to our organisation we welcome your application!

Further details about the Academy, the above position and details of how to apply can be found on our website www.corbytechnicalschool.org  or by telephoning Jane Blackwood on 01536 213 100.  Applications may be submitted in writing addressed to the Principal, or electronically to recruitment@corbytechnicalschool.org

Safer Recruitment

Care and respect for others are the values that lie at the heart of our Trust. The Trust is an Equal Opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. It expects all staff to share this commitment. All posts require proof of identity and as the role is working with children and young people this will also be subject to an enhanced disclosures barring service check.

A copy of the Trust Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy can be found here - Safeguarding and Child Protection

The Trusts position on the recruitment of Ex-Offenders can be found under section 7 of the Trust SCR, Safer Recruitment and Staff Files Policy - Safer Recruitment and Staff Files Policy

Closing date:  Midday on Monday 12th June 2023

Interview date:  TBC

Please be aware that if you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date your application has, on this occasion, been unsuccessful.

The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

Job Description

Person Specification

Application Form

Teacher of Design & Technology

Salary: MPS/UPS

About Corby Technical School and the role

We are looking to appoint a creative, enthusiastic and inspiring teacher of Design Technology with a forward-thinking approach. The Design and Technology department is a well-resourced department. The department is expanding, and the successful candidate will join the team in delivering an inspiring and engaging curriculum from Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 5. The subject is taught in a specialist rooms/workshops with outstanding facilities. At GCSE the NCFE Engineering specification is followed and at A Level we follow the OCR Design Engineering – we also offer Pearson Design & Technology and AQA Food, Preparation and Nutrition.

In Key Stage 3 we help students manage time and resources, becoming familiar with equipment and tools. We encourage safe working practices and the development of independence of thought. We aid students to investigate a wide range of materials, processes and techniques, leading to the development of technological awareness and the ability to make reasoned decisions and valued judgements.

We also aim to broaden the students’ knowledge of Design Technology to allow them to develop practical and theoretical skills to solve problems both in two and three dimensions. We look to enable students to then apply this knowledge and understanding in a wider context in society today. What they learn at Key Stage 3 feeds directly into the new GCSE framework.

The successful candidate will have the ability to teach in a workshop at Key Stage 3 with the option to teach GCSE either Engineering or Design & Technology. We have two workshops which are well-equipped with a wide range of equipment. It is a very popular option at GCSE, with excellent results. A current Health and Safety Certificate (D.A.T.A) would be an advantage but training can be arranged. Support and mentoring would be available for a creative Design and Technology Teacher who would like to develop their skills in this area.

You will be:

  • An inspirational teacher, who believes in high aspirations for all students.
  • Passionate about innovative learning and teaching.
  • A dynamic, forward-thinking individual.
  • Committed to student success.
  • Highly organised.
  • Enthusiastic.
  •  

About Brooke Weston Trust

Our Trust was formed more than 25 years ago with a simple and clear mission – to transform educational performance in all of our communities. Working in some of the most challenging contexts, we improve our students’ achievements by making long term commitments to the community and championing new approaches to improve the life chances for young people.

Our members of staff are essential to realising this vision, and a happy, motivated and supported team will deliver the best possible experiences for our young people.

We place great emphasis on creating a supportive and collaborative working environment in all our schools, where all staff can share best practice through our colleague networks. Brooke Weston staff get access to first class professional development through our Ambition Hub, which is also home to the Northamptonshire Teaching School.

How to Apply

If you think you can contribute in this role and to our organisation we welcome your application!

Further details about the Academy, the above position and details of how to apply can be found on our website https://www.corbytechnicalschool.org/  or by telephoning 01536 213100.  Applications may be submitted in writing addressed to the Principal or electronically to recruitment@corbytechnicalschool.org

Safer Recruitment

Care and respect for others are the values that lie at the heart of our Trust. The Trust is an Equal Opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. It expects all staff to share this commitment. All posts require proof of identity and as the role is working with children and young people this will also be subject to an enhanced disclosures barring service check. In line with safer recruitment requirements, individuals shortlisted for a role in school will have online checks conducted on their name across social media platforms and google.

A copy of the Trust Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy can be found here - Safeguarding and Child Protection

The Trusts position on the recruitment of Ex-Offenders can be found under section 7 of the Trust SCR, Safer Recruitment and Staff Files Policy - Safer Recruitment and Staff Files Policy

Closing date: Midday on Monday 12th June 2023

Interview date: TBC

Please be aware that if you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date your application has, on this occasion, been unsuccessful.

The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

Job Description

Person Specification

Application Form

Operational Vacancies:

We currently have no operational vacancies however, if you would like to express interest in future vacancies please send your cv and a supporting statement to recruitment@corbytechnicalschool.org


At Corby Technical School, we pride ourselves on doing things a little differently. Here is an outline of what you can expect from us...

Our Commitment to you

  • During induction, new staff have a colleague assigned to help you to feel part of the community
  • Regular support to guide you towards a Corby Technical School approach and help you to settle in during the first couple of weeks
  • Bespoke programme of CPD and regular Performance Development Discussion meetings
  • Subscription to Health Assured to support your wellbeing
  • Membership of the Chartered College for Teachers
Equality and Diversity

Corby Technical School is an inclusive organisation that seeks to ensure equality of opportunity for all. We want our colleagues to have the confidence to challenge our processes and communications as we constantly strive to refine our approach together. Please see the Single Equality Policy for the Brooke Weston Trust for more information.

Wellbeing

We recognise that working in education can be a demanding job and therefore it is important that we are attuned to our own wellbeing and that of others. Corby Technical School are committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of all their colleagues and teams. Brooke Weston Trust are subscribed to Health Assured provision where staff can access information and support confidentially 24/7. If employees have any concerns or need further assistance, they are welcome to reach out. We are here to support you.

Continuous Professional Development

A key focus for us at Corby Technical School is the continuous development of all staff. All staff are provided with a comprehensive package of Professional Development opportunities, tailored to individual needs. The Brooke Weston Ambition Hub and Teaching School Hub who offer a range of high quality CPD throughout the year enhance our provision at CTS. If you have ambitions that require this to take a certain direction or focus, please talk to your line manager at any point. We will do everything we can to facilitate a developmental plan that suits your needs.

Communication

At Corby Technical School we believe in open and transparent leadership: Decisions are explained clearly and shared openly. As a relatively small staff community, we encourage face-to-face communication and limit email interaction to necessary exchanges of information where possible: We will always strive to address things efficiently and in person. You will be part of a department or team with direct lines of communication through clear line management. You will also have the opportunities to network with colleagues across the Brooke Weston Trust to facilitate sharing of best practice.

Life Long Learning

We encourage staff to participate actively in the enrichment curriculum within the school. Think about what skills and interests you have - or would like to develop - beyond your current role. Engage in your own development, regardless of your career stage. We believe in lifelong learning for all and that as adults in education we should demonstrate a passion for learning.

Strong Leadership

Every adult in the school community is a leader of people, and some hold leadership responsibilities within the school. We encourage our leaders to lead by example, be professional ambassadors for the school at all times, and contribute positively, upholding the school values.

High Quality Teaching

Our core mission is to provide an exceptional education for the young people in our care. This should always be our number one priority. It is every member of staff’s responsibility to ensure that they strive to follow the guidance within our Quality of Education handbook, and follow the school Behaviour Policy, to ensure that there is a consistent approach across the school, and students are given the very best opportunity to thrive in their learning.

As part of the Brooke Weston Trust, you have fantastic opportunities to:

  • Work with a subject network of five secondary academies to discuss and share curriculum and teaching ideas
  • Make links with colleagues in our five Primary academies, to develop a shared knowledge of a curriculum that works from EYFS up to Year 13
  • Get subject-specific support and coaching from our Trust Director of English. 
  • Develop your leadership through our Leadership Academy, learning from established leaders from across the Trust
  • Have access to the Northamptonshire Teaching School Hub, that is based at Brooke Weston Academy
Click on the staff profiles below to meet some of our staff members, and find out what it is like to work at Corby Technical School.

Arron Gourlay

Arron Gourlay has been at Corby Technical School for over eight years. As someone who grew up in the town, he feels a strong sense of pride about his place of work, so we caught up with him to find out more about his career at the school.

Arron, what is your current role & how did you get to this point?

I'm currently Assistant Principal, in charge of data and progress. I started here in 2014 as an unqualified teacher of computer science. Prior to that my background was in music technology (in schools), but I came to Corby Technical School to develop my career in a new field.

My career has progressed as the school has grown over the eight years that I’ve been here. After qualifying, I worked my way up to becoming Director of Computer Science and subsequently the Raising Standards Leader for key stage 4. Following that role, I was promoted to Assistant Principal.

That’s an impressive career trajectory. How has the school, and indeed Brooke Weston Trust supported your development?

When I first joined the school, I was unqualified and my experience was mostly limited to sixth form and one-to-one teaching, so the support that I got from colleagues and senior teachers was absolutely critical to my development.

I was given an awful lot of support to improve my teaching and get the best outcomes for our students. I received a lot of mentoring from high-level, experienced members of staff. This really helped me to become the teacher I am today.

Reflecting back, I’m impressed by the opportunities I had to express my own ideas and bring them to life, with support and guidance (of course). I wasn't shoe-horned into a certain way of practice, but have been able to express myself. This creative freedom really helped me develop my leadership skills within the school.

Furthermore, the built-in CPD here is fantastic. We have a lot of in-house training both on a departmental level and a whole school level every single week.

The school nominated me in the early stages of my leadership career to be part of the ‘SSAT Leadership Legacy Programme’, which is an external teaching body that supports schools. I was part of a cohort of 100 people nationally, going to networking events and visiting outstanding schools to work with exceptional school leaders.

From a Trust perspective, I was part of the first cohort of the ‘Brooke Weston Trust Leadership Academy’. This is a year-long program, giving teachers the opportunity to attend seminars with prominent leaders both in and out of education. From this, I gained a valuable network across schools in the Trust and completed a placement in another trust school to shadow a senior leader in the area of leadership I wanted to pursue. Having an insight into the next level of leadership was really useful. I am now supporting the Leadership Academy and will have a member of the current cohort shadowing me in my school to support their leadership journey which is a fantastic opportunity to share the knowledge I’ve gained throughout my career.

Within Brooke Weston Trust, the opportunities for growth and progression are significant for ambitious staff. People who show creativity and drive will be recognised and rewarded and that’s what’s so great about working here.

What it's like to work at Corby Technical School?

We’ve always had a positive community culture amongst colleagues. We're very much ‘in it together’! The staff are driven to get the absolute best outcomes for all students (both academically and pastorally). The connection that our staff have with one another is invaluable and something I think is really powerful.  

I'm from Corby, so I have a personal connection with the town and I’m very proud to work with young people in the community I grew up in. To have the opportunity to make a difference to the students here is an enormous privilege. Students at Corby Technical school progress exceptionally well during their time here and I’m very proud to work in a school that creates that environment for our children.

Any advice for aspiring teachers?

I would tell anyone who’s new to teaching: don’t think that you can't express yourself within the profession. With the right guidance and mentoring, you can break boundaries and be creative to excite and enthuse students in your subject.

What’s the secret to great teaching?

Patience and understanding is so important. A recognition that the people you're teaching are teenagers and children. It’s also about adapting to their needs - recognising any difficulties that a student might be having and tailoring your teaching strategies to make sure that you're meeting their needs.

Staying calm and focused on delivering the curriculum to them in an accessible way is also key.

Finally, teacher well-being is essential and something we take very seriously at Corby Technical School. It’s important that teachers ensure they take time for themselves and their families. As a school, we strive to ensure that our teachers have a good work-life balance and are not overburdened.

Do you have any hobbies?

Not hobbies as such, but I have 2 young children, a 3 year old and a 1 year old, so they keep me incredibly busy!

Thank you Arron!

Sarah Bartlett

Sarah Bartlett has been at Corby Technical School for just over a year. We caught up with her to find out what she’s enjoying about the school and her role so far…

Sarah, what is your current role & how long have you been here?

I am Director of Modern Foreign Languages, and I joined Corby Technical School last January (2022).

What did you do before this?

I worked at an Academy in Kettering for seven years, as a French and Spanish teacher.

What drew you here?

Being at Corby Technical School has allowed me to get back into Middle Management, doing the role that I love. Prior to having my children, I was Head of Modern Languages at a school in Portsmouth. It is a role that I have always intended to return to, and this job was the perfect opportunity at the perfect time.

What is it like to work at the School? 

Having had experience of many schools, I can appreciate just how friendly and supportive Corby Technical School is, as a workplace. Colleagues introduced themselves and offered support from the very first day, and everyone was so welcoming. No problem is too small, and we work hard every day to support each other. It is very non-judgemental place to work. I have been totally supported at every step and have already made some great friends. My department is second to none and I am so privileged to work with them as they are an inspiration and make me laugh every day.

Any advice for aspiring teachers?

My advice would be to stay passionate about your subject and keep abreast of changes and new initiatives in teaching. Don’t be afraid to try new things and adapt. If you are enjoying what you teach that passion will hopefully be communicated to the students.

What is the secret to great teaching?

The secret to great teaching is knowing your students; enabling them to feel successful whilst building their confidence to take risks and resilience to challenge. So, relationships are everything. Building trust and using praise are key to this in my opinion.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I am an avid reader and always have a book on the go. I also enjoy cooking, any kind of travel, and being outdoors; either working in my garden or enjoying the countryside with my family and our wire-haired dachshund, Jasper.

Thank you Sarah!

Jodie Kidner

Jodie Kidner, Librarian at Corby Technical School, talks to us about her role in inspiring young people to read.

Jodie, tell us a bit about your role…

I'm responsible for the day-to-day running of the school library, which involves acquiring, organising and maintaining the resources to support the students and the staff. It’s really important that the school library is a welcoming environment that promotes literacy and a pleasure for reading. I’ve been here for six years now and I love my job!

What did you do before this?

I used to work in a Public Library in the Midlands. It was enjoyable, but when I relocated to Corby, I decided that I wanted to focus on children's literature and working with young people.

How has your career developed since you’ve been at the school?

I started here as a Library Assistant and steadily worked my way up to my current role as Librarian. I’ve recently been studying for my CILIP Chartership, which is a professional qualification for information professionals. When I’ve completed this, I’d like to work towards a Masters in Librarianship. I enjoy putting the learnings from my studies into practice at work and the school has been really supportive of this, encouraging my growth and development.

What do you love about the school library?

It’s a really welcoming and bright space. I love the comfy areas we’ve created… the bean bags and sofas encourage the students to relax and lose themselves in their books. We have lots of engaging displays too, which help to inspire the next choice.

How would you describe Corby Technical School?

It’s a friendly, supportive environment to work in. Colleagues are always happy to help each other when needed. There’s a strong sense of teamwork here.

What’s a highlight in the school year for you?

We’re lucky enough to visit several school libraries across Brooke Weston Trust, for events throughout the year. One of my favourites is the ‘Carnegie shadowing scheme’ hosted by Brooke Weston Academy (held annually from March – June). It’s essentially a book club for keen readers to come together to discuss their favourite books and vote for a winner.

I always look forward to ‘book week’ which is coming up at the end of this term and we’ll be running our own mini ‘Comic Con’ again in May. It’s wonderful to see the students dressed up as their favourite characters!

We also run workshops and hosts visits from authors throughout the year. One of my favourites is Tamsin Winter, a local, award-winning author of teen fiction. Her creative-writing workshop has always been a huge hit with our students.

What’s the key to unlocking ‘reading enjoyment’ in young people?

I believe there’s a book out there for everyone, it's about finding the right genre. For young people, it usually requires some trial and error. I often say to students: If you're not enjoying a book, it’s OK to acknowledge it and try something else. We have busy lives with limited spare time, so it’s important to spend time in a story that you find engaging. There’s no shame in switching a book that’s not working for you. Reading should be about enjoyment.


What do you love about working with young people?

The best part of my job is the amount of student interaction I get. No two days are the same, so I never know who’s going to approach me for some book advice or recommendations. Those conversations really brighten my day!

I get huge satisfaction from recommending a book and subsequently finding out that the student has really enjoyed it and wants to read the next one in the series (or another book by the same author). It’s a really rewarding job in that sense, but it’s also a privilege to curate a space that represents ‘calm and quiet’ for many.

What are your hobbies?

I've recently started ‘diamond painting’. It’s a bit like colour by numbers and it’s great for relaxation and mindfulness. I can listen to audiobooks while I do it, so it’s definitely my happy place!

Thank you Jodie!

Chloe Patrick

Chloe Patrick is a Year 8 tutor and Music Teacher in her second year at Corby Technical School. We chatted to her before Christmas to find out more about her and what she enjoys about working here...

Chloe, can you tell us a bit about your role?

I'm a Y8 tutor, a Music teacher and the school Music Co-ordinator, meaning that I organise musical events and support all of the Music clubs, including the choir and Peri Music lessons (where external teachers teach students individually or in pairs). As you can imagine, it’s been a very busy time in the run-up to Christmas!

How long have you been at CTS and what did you do before?

This is my second year of teaching full-time here, but I also did my teacher training at CTS. My PGCE was conducted between here and Corby Business Academy, so I've actually been here for three years. Before becoming a teacher, I worked at an Optician, which was completely different!

What inspired you to get into teaching?

I've always really liked working with people, but working at the opticians made me realise that I missed being creative and that I wanted to work with young people. In the last 3 years, I’ve learned that I'm really suited to it! I can't imagine what else I'd be doing now. It’s definitely the right path for me.

What is it like working at CTS?

I really like it here. It’s a supportive environment to work in. Anna Jenkins was my mentor when I first started but she still supports me now in lots of ways. The staff are really friendly and even though I'm on my own (in a department) I'm never short of people to talk to. Importantly, the students are great! Once you make that effort to get to know them, you get a lot back from them.

How is your development being supported this year?

I'm in the 2nd year of my ECT program (through ‘Teach First’), so after a pretty intensive 1st year (last year), my development is focussed on the practical side of teaching. I still have some seminars to attend and a mentor that I meet with every fortnight, which is really great for supporting my learning.

What are you looking forward to this coming year?

I'm excited about the musical events we have coming up, but my main focus is growing ‘Music’ as a subject. For the first time, we’re offering Music as a GCSE subject, plus the Key Stage 3 students will have weekly Music lessons (rather than sharing the teaching slots with drama).  I'm also excited to be a form tutor to my Y8’s as I enjoy the pastoral side of things.

How do we get young people enthused about Music?

I think the key is to build their confidence and create an environment where it's OK to try things (even if they don’t work). A lot of the work I do with the students is in the practice rooms, in small groups, to help with this.  It’s also important to have lots of variety because I believe there is something for everybody. So we make the lessons as varied and comfortable as possible.

How has the teaching of Music changed in recent years?

It’s a lot more practical and structured nowadays. We have a set topic each term that students work on, trying out new techniques each week and putting it all together in a performance (or project submission) at the end. I think this helps to motivate the students and give them clarity on what’s expected of them.

Do you work with any other schools across Brooke Weston Trust?

I’m in regular contact with Clive Wears (Director of Music at Corby Business Academy) and we’ve collaborated (informally) on some joint events, including a piano masterclass (where a concert pianist came in to teach students), but I’d like to do more of this across the Trust so that we can integrate our strengths (CBA have an amazing brass department) and share resources.

What are your hobbies?

I’m a flute player, but I can often be found teaching myself the drums or ukulele (for an upcoming Music lesson!). In my free time I really enjoy yoga, reading and long walks.

Thank you Chloe!

 

Lloyd Tanangonan

Lloyd Tanangonan is an Early Career Teacher here at Corby Technical School with an exciting career ahead of him. We wanted to find out more about his teaching journey so far…

Tell us about your current role Lloyd…

I am on the ‘Teach First’ program and I’ve been teaching at Corby Technical School for a whole year. I taught as an unqualified teacher last year and then I got my QTS at the end of August and I'm now working as an ‘Early Career Teacher’ in the science department.

What were you doing before?

I finished my masters (in Neuroscience) at the end of 2020 before a short sting working in science research and then applying to the ‘Teach First’ program to start my teacher training here at Corby Technical School.

What does the course involve?

It’s a 2 year course, which will result in an upper postgraduate degree in Education. It’s a combination of essays, assessments and lectures at Birmingham City University whilst working in a teaching role here and getting hands-on experience! It’s quite intense, but I do have a slightly reduced teaching timetable (compared to normal teachers) and I get some time off for study days.

How are you supported by Corby Technical School?

I have a mentor here (a member of the teaching staff here at CTS) who routinely observes my lessons and meets with me on a weekly basis to give me support and feedback to aid my development.

How are you finding teaching?

I teach all year groups from 7 to 12 which includes Sixth Form students. It’s incredibly rewarding but I’d be lying if I pretended it wasn’t challenging! It takes a resilient person to become a teacher. What’s been great is building my relationships with the students now that I’ve been in place for a year. Time has really helped that process. They now come and talk to me more willingly, which means a lot.

How does the school support your development?

The school is very good at providing CPD for teachers. Every Monday we have after-school CPD sessions. We’ve had some really good working sessions on topics like ‘projecting your voice in a classroom’ from Anna Jenkins, which I found really useful. Northamptonshire Teaching School Hub is also based at Brooke Weston Academy so we have access to training sessions at a Trust-wide level too.

What is coming up in 2023 that you’re looking forward to?

This is my first year teaching Year 11s, so I’m focussing on how I can support those students in the run up to their exams. It’s really meaningful to be able to share my passion for science with younger people so I’m looking forward to inspiring them, if I can!

I also have a Year 7 form this year, which means having a pastoral role, building relationships with students, which I’m excited about, especially during ‘Activity Week’ in July which involves lots of fun days out (doing water sports, team building activities etc)

I'm currently running Science Club for the science department for Year 8 at the moment, but we're thinking of expanding this to our Year 9s and 10s.

What are your hobbies outside of work?

I love reading and running. I’d like to do another marathon (or maybe a half!)

What is the secret to unlocking a passion for science in children?

It’s so important to instil a sense of curiosity in students. Whilst there’s a lot of theory in science, I want them to ask questions and test theories, rather than take things at face value. Practical experiments are one of the tools we have to spark interest and excitement in science, so it’s a great way to enthuse students!

What makes Corby Technical School a great place to work?

The school is really focused on development. During my one year here, I have developed so much as a teacher. I'm more confident in the classroom and there’s a great camaraderie among the entire science faculty. We’re all here to support each other and there’s always someone to ask if you have a worry or need advice.

It really is a fabulous place to work. I’m very happy here!

Thank you Lloyd!

See a brief insight into a day in the life of our school, here: