Purpose
The role of Head of Visual Art & Design is a leadership position focused on enhancing the appreciation of Art & Design among all pupils. Key responsibilities include:
1. Appointment by the Head; reporting to the Deputy Head (Academic).
2. Oversee the day-to-day running and development of the Visual Art & Design Department.
3. Performance and professional development oversight of departmental teaching staff.
4. Chairing departmental meetings and collaborating with colleagues to ensure continuity across the school.
5. Teaching Art & Design, overseeing Art Pre-Senior School Baccalaureate, and leading the Senior School Art scholarship programme.
6. Monitoring pupil progress, writing reports, and attending relevant meetings and parents' evenings.
7. Implementing an effective curriculum, promoting cross-curricular links, and staying abreast of pedagogic developments.
8. Managing departmental budgets, planning events, and communicating effectively with parents.
Person Specification
As the Head of Visual Art & Design, you will ideally:
1. Possess excellent verbal and digital communication skills to represent our school effectively to parents and staff.
2. Demonstrate empathy, understanding, and patience with pupils, parents, and staff.
3. Work well both independently and collaboratively, fostering a spirit of teamwork.
4. Adapt your leadership style to meet the needs of your team and various situations.
5. Exhibit exceptional time management and organisational skills.
6. Have a deep knowledge of the Visual Arts subject area and inspire a passion for learning.
7. Manage resources effectively, including timetabling and departmental responsibilities.
8. Make positive and comprehensive contributions to other areas of the school.
9. Display keen pastoral intuition.
10. Embrace and embody the ethos and values of the school, maintaining the highest standards of professional conduct.
11. Approach your work with professionalism, enthusiasm, and pride.
Specific Responsibilities
1. Responsible for the teaching, learning and overall quality of Art throughout the school and for developing the creative, artistic ability in all our children throughout the school.
2. Share responsibility for teaching a selection of classes across the age range from Year 1 to Year 8 (including Scholarship candidates) and maintaining high standards across each year group, irrespective of age, gender or ability.
3. Recognise, support, and prepare Art pupils for Art scholarships to their Senior Schools, helping them with their portfolios and exam preparation requirements.
4. Lead the development of a vision for the Department, one that is suited to the schools aims and the current and future needs of all pupils.
5. Responsible for display in key areas of the school and specialist areas ensuring art and design displays are changed and updated regularly to reflect the diverse range of the children’s work.
6. Ensure the profile of the children’s Art is maintained by organising and leading internal Art competitions and events for the children and through entrance in local, regional, and national art and design events and competitions.
7. Lead and run Art and DT clubs or alternative activities for the children and support the children with access to the Art facilities at other times of the day.
8. Manage the departmental budget.
9. Prepare an Annual Review, Action and Development Plan analysing previous development plans and future aspirations for the department.
10. Organise and lead trips and visits linked to Art including local, national, and international events.
11. Work closely with the SLT in order to ensure that all aspects of the Prep School Baccalaureate are effectively introduced and developed in relation to the department including attendance at relevant meetings, etc.
12. Participate in meetings at school which relate to the curriculum and organisation of the school or the pastoral care of pupils.
13. Attend school functions which are deemed necessary by the Head.
14. Communicate and consult with parents of pupils on a regular basis, at all times reflecting the ethos and aims of the school.
15. Support the marketing of Art by producing articles, news and stories as needed for the marketing department.
16. Manage the Art Department and support the school on Open Days and at events to showcase the children’s Art and Design achievements.
17. Observe, assess and record each child's progress, setting targets and sharing these with pupils and parents. Report to parents on the development, progress, and general attainment of pupils.
18. To work closely with the Learning Support teachers to ensure a joined up approach to target setting and to ensure every child makes progress.
19. Keep up to date with changes in the Art curriculum and developments in best practice.
20. To play a full and active role in Prep school life and embrace the ethos at Amesbury and demonstrate that you are a team player – there are lots of activities outside the classroom and school day to get involved with.
21. To value each child as a unique individual and to put the needs of our learners first, by leading to maximise each child’s future opportunities.
22. Attend staff training and Inset days as per the School Calendar.
23. Monitoring the health and safety of the department and being pro-active about reporting/resolving issues you recognise.
24. To carry out your professional duties to the highest possible standard and lead the children, staff and parents as detailed in the school’s Contract of Employment.