Working With Us
Chobham Academy is always on the lookout for inspirational and influential staff. Most of all, we are on the lookout for potential colleagues who like our students and want to help them succeed. In order to help our staff have the best possible experience and achieve a proper work- life balance, we have put into place a range of measures to benefit both our teaching and students services colleagues.
These include:
- An extra week of holiday for all Chobham staff. This takes the form of a two-week half term in October. We work fewer days than most other schools.
- Outstanding professional development both at Chobham and through the wider Harris Federation
- Excellent promotion opportunities
- A constant dialogue about workload and how to manage it most effectively. We have regular workload audits, and frequent campaigns to tackle unnecessary work and identify quick wins
- Rapid and effective support with any student behavioural issues arising
- A high-quality staff induction programme
- Marking protocols devised by departments themselves
- Manageable and flexible lesson planning expectations
- Clear communications and manageable deadlines. We only ask staff to do what is necessary and avoid complication and confusion. Chobham is an exceptionally well-run school
- Learning walks rather than formal lesson observations. These are not graded
- Nursery on site
- Flexible and part time working encouraged whenever possible
- Additional time for leadership responsibilities
- Focus on effective outcomes rather than time spent
- High levels of administrative support for all teachers
- Ongoing celebration of staff excellence
- Generous Harris rewards and benefits package, including an extra £2000 for Mainscale/Upper teachers working in our Academy.
We place high emphasis on staff wellbeing at Chobham. This helps colleagues to be happier and more effective in their work. Staff are regularly consulted about their wellbeing and the outcomes of these consultations have a direct and rapid impact upon the Academy's approach to supporting staff wellbeing.
We understand that while it is incredibly rewarding, teaching is also a physically and emotionally wearing job. We want Chobham teachers to be as fit and fresh as possible and to know that the school as a community really cares about how they are. We have tried to put these principles into practice with a number of initiatives which we think give Chobham teachers one of the best wellbeing packages to be found anywhere. These include:
- A meeting free week every half term
- An extra week of holiday with a two-week half term in the Autumn
- A late start or early finish for every teacher on one day each week
- A staff mindfulness programme led by trained colleagues and supported by a free mindfulness app
- Subsidised gym membership
- Staff fitness and exercise classes
- Guest speakers on wellbeing
- Regular special events such as comedy nights
- Staff discounts at shops and restaurants in the local area
- Access to the Harris Federation's staff counselling service
Our staff are regularly consulted on the wellbeing services the school provides and we always try to respond to staff suggestions. In this way, staff feel empowered and get more of the services they really want. We are very proud of our wellbeing programme at Chobham and hope you will agree that it shows our commitment to making the school an exemplary working environment.
Main Areas of Responsibility
Your role will include:
- To assist and advise teaching staff on the preparation and layout in teaching areas for practical exercises, running trials, demonstrations and helping students with learning activities as appropriate.
- To ensure equipment and materials prepared for lessons are to the specification of the teacher requisitions, including the setting up and operation of audio-visual, music and media equipment.
- In conjunction with the appropriate teachers to advise students on the safe and proper use of equipment and on the correct and safe way to carry out learning activities.
- To assist in the safety, inspection, repair and general maintenance of all resources, equipment and tools in conjunction with the appropriate line managers, with special reference to hardware, specialist equipment and ICT equipment. To advise these on any maintenance or inspection needed by the equipment which is beyond post holder's competence.
- Ensure understanding of subject syllabus and schemes of work in order to prepare for practical lessons adequately.
- To assist with stock keeping, ensuring that appropriate levels of stock are maintained. Carrying out regular stocktaking checks and ordering as necessary.
- To undertake safety checks as required and comply with the requirements of Health and Safety, and other relevant legislation and school documentation. This to include carrying out appropriate risk assessments for practical and technical activities.
- Ensure Implementation of health and safety regulations across the subject area.
- To assist in ensuring that all equipment and materials are stored safely and securely, ensuring that they are maintained in good condition and readily available for issue.
- To undertake basic maintenance and cleaning of equipment and to organise its construction, cleaning, servicing and repair as required in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.
- Keep up to date with health and safety regulations and with developments in Music and Media, attending relevant courses and reading publications;
What We are Looking For
Qualifications, Knowledge & Training
- Educated to A Level or equivalent
- Basic knowledge of Health and Safety regulations
Experience
- Experience working with a range of music and media equipment and resources
- Experience or solid understanding of working as a technician in a school or educational establishment, undertaking a range of practical tasks
Personal Skills, Abilities & Qualities
Ability to communicate effecti...