STEM Learning Assistant

Transcription

1 STEM Learning Assistant Recruitment Pack STEM Learning Assistant Term Time Only Contents: 1. Principal s Letter 2. About the Sponsor 3. Job Description 4. Person Specification 5. Information for Candidates 6. How to apply

2 1. Principal s letter Dear Applicant, Thank you for taking the time to find out more about the University Academy of Engineering South Bank. This recruitment pack has been designed to give you information about the role of STEM Learning Assistant with details of the Academy s vision and ethos, our sponsors and academic partners. The Academy opened in state-of-the-art facilities in September 2014, which were purposedesigned to offer world class STEM learning experiences to all of our students. Our Post 16 offer will open in September We aim to be outstanding in all areas and become a centre of excellence in everything we do, both within our local community and beyond. The University Academy of Engineering South Bank is the first Academy in Southwark to be sponsored by a University, and the most exciting new school that opened in Sponsored by London South Bank University, the Academy has the STEM subjects: Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths as the focus of the curriculum. The successful candidate will join our team from September 2015 to support the students and the development of the new Academy. This is a unique opportunity to help shape our new Academy in its second year. The role would suit an enthusiastic professional with the energy and drive to be a significant part of our team, taking our vision through to reality. The successful candidate will be dynamic and ambitious with a desire to be part of our new way of educating young people. To create our new Academy we need an exceptional team. I understand that we will be asking a lot from our staff, but in return we can promise extensive support and development opportunities as well as a stunning learning environment in which to work and extend your skills. We have already had very positive responses from parents and carers, staff, students and our University partners. If, after reading the enclosed information you would like to apply, please complete the application form that can be found online at and return it via e mail to or by post to PA to the Principal, University Academy of Engineering South Bank, Trafalgar Street, London SE17 2TP by noon on Monday 22 nd June Interviews will take place week beginning Monday 29 th June 2015.If you have any queries please contact the PA to the Principal on I look forward to receiving your application. Jane Rowlands Principal

3 2. About the Sponsor The London South Bank University (LSBU), our sponsor, has been working closely with employers and professional bodies to support students to achieve career success, whatever their ambition, for over 100 years. It has a long standing commitment to serving its local community LSBU, having started as an engineering institution 120 years ago, is one of the few universities to offer engineering education in the UK. LSBU has some of the most modern engineering facilities with a particular emphasis on digital manufacturing and engineering. As well as providing access to specialist engineering facilities and engineering education expertise for Academy students and staff, LSBU will be able to bring their significant experience of embedding STEM and non STEM subjects into a curriculum that is not only professionally oriented and employability focused, but one which enables students to appreciate the application of their learning to the real world. The curriculum and its delivery will be designed to foster confidence and enterprise in young people. The students of the Academy will benefit from the extensive employer links which the sponsors have and will have the opportunity to interact with them to gain an appreciation of real world application of knowledge and skills. LSBU has a track record of preparing students for employment in the UK and in multinational companies. They will be able to support students to find clear pathways to Higher Education or professional programmes in further education or in industries, particularly in their specialist areas. LSBU will ensure that students have high quality information, advice, guidance and support to make the right choices for their progression routes from the Academy.

4 3. Job description Post title: Responsible to: STEM Learning Assistant University Academy of Engineering South Bank Special Educational Needs and Disability Co-Ordinator (SENDCO) University Academy of Engineering South Bank The Role To work as part of a team including teachers and other support staff to support the learning and welfare of all students. This will include detailed and specialist knowledge in a particular STEM learning area and will involve assisting the teacher in the planning of lessons, management of resources and enabling access to learning for all students. This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious professional to be part of our inaugural team and to learn and grow within the role. Key responsibilities To support students in their learning and development. To support teaching staff in the delivery of lessons and management of students within the Academy. To understand the skills, lesson plans and resource needs for a STEM learning area and enable all students to fully access this learning. Student Support To provide support and guidance on a one-to-one basis or to groups of students in all of their learning skills which may include: literacy, numeracy, social and motor skills. To actively encourage the inclusion of all students to participate in the life and activities of the Academy. To actively encourage students to access all learning to the best of their ability. To provide individual assistance or assistance within small groups through implementing Personal Learning Plans and teaching strategies etc. to maximise their achievements. Support the role of parents and carers in student s learning and contribute to or lead meetings with parents or carers to provide constructive feedback on student progress, achievement and behaviour for learning, maintaining sensitivity and confidentiality at all times. To update the management information system regarding incidents of positive and negative behaviour for learning and correspondence with home. As required, to deal with the personal care and comfort of students, such as toileting and intimate care issues (in line with the Academy s guidance and direction). To contribute to plans, reviews and evaluations for students by writing reports on students progress and attendance at meetings. As required, to deal with students who require physical restraint and intervention, using methods prescribed by the Academy. Promote and support the inclusion of all students, including those with specific needs, both in learning activities and around the Academy. Use behaviour for learning strategies, in line with the Academy s policy and procedures, to contribute to a purposeful learning environment and encourage students to interact and work co-operatively with others.

5 Teaching Support To work under the direction of the class teacher and line manager to plan and monitor students learning, ensuring the progress is clearly recorded in the relevant systems and relates to the learning objectives for students. Under the direction of the teacher, supervise activities and assist with the general management of students in Academy. In conjunction with the teacher, provide one- to- one support to students or work with groups of students on pre-planned activities, to reinforce the teacher s approach. Under the direction of the teacher, ensure equipment or materials are suitable for the learning activities. Prepare materials and teaching aids where necessary. Assist in training new and temporary members of the team, particularly on the behaviour for learning strategies or learning strategies used by the teacher. Under the direction of the teacher work, with individuals or groups of students in accessing the Academy Learning Resource Centre and in the use of ICT. To participate in and assist in supervision of educational visits in conjunction with the teacher and line manager. Curriculum Support To maintain a stock of resources, ordering new replacements as agreed with colleagues, to support the work across the team in its delivery of service. To contribute in the presentation of students learning and maintenance of display areas. To assist with the preparation and tidying of the classroom and upkeep of resources. To attend and contribute to all meetings as required. To provide basic clerical duties where required e.g. photocopying, filing etc. STEM Support Understanding of the learning skills needed for a STEM learning area. Work closely with STEM teachers and assist with the planning and preparation of resources for lessons. To show enthusiasm for a STEM learning area and encourage student engagement and enjoyment. Academy Culture Safeguard the health and safety of all students. Actively seek ways to further contribute to the successful establishment of our new Academy. Be eager to join in all aspects of the Academy life. All staff at the University Academy of Engineering South Bank should demonstrate a passion for education and an understanding of what a unique opportunity a new Academy like this represents. They should understand and demonstrate through their own practice that we are all learners and, as such, should continually reflect on and improve on current practice. No job description can be fully comprehensive, and from time to time the successful candidate may have to undertake other professional duties as directed by the Principal. All roles will be reviewed annually to ensure the team is working as efficiently as possible.

6 4. Person Specification Essential Desirable Qualification Criteria Right to work in the UK GCSE Qualifications (or equivalent) in relevant subjects, to include English and Maths Willingness to obtain and/or enhance qualifications and training for development in the post. Qualifications in the identified STEM learning area. Relevant First Aid Qualification. Relevant Experience Previous working experience in a School or Academy Working in a team within a customer focused environment Previous working experience in a School or Academy with KS2 or KS3 students Use of ICT to support learning. Experience of working with students with behavioural needs Experience working in a workshop or laboratory Preparation of resources. Skills Good numeracy and literacy skills Good communication and interpersonal skills Ability to work on own initiative and prioritise tasks Ability to maintain confidentiality Effective written and verbal communication skills Pro-active approach ability to identify issues, rectify or report to the appropriate person Ability to relate well to children and adults. Knowledge of a range of issues relevant to education and child development Understanding of learning processes in particular barriers to learning.

7 Personal Flexible attitude towards work (able to work varied shift patterns and be on call for emergencies) Ability to adapt to different situations with a good sense of humour Good team player Open-minded and receptive to new ideas, approaches and challenges Willing to go the extra mile Commitment to the safeguarding and welfare of all students. Disclosure This position is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974). As such, shortlisted candidates will be required to declare full details of any criminal background, regardless of whether the conviction is spent, and the Academy will be required to apply for a standard or enhanced disclosure (a criminal records check) from the Disclosure and Barring Service in relation to the successful candidate. A criminal record will only be taken into account for recruitment purposes, where the conviction is relevant to the position being applied for, and whether this is the case, will not necessarily bar candidates from employment. Any decision will depend on the precise nature of the work, the circumstances and background to the offence(s). The same procedure will be followed for Academy staff applying internally for a vacancy. Further information about the Disclosure scheme can be found at: Copies of the DBS s Code of Practice and the Academy s Recruitment Policy for posts requiring disclosure are available on request. Safeguarding recruitment statement The University Academy of Engineering South Bank is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. All appointments will be made subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance. Period of Appointment: Permanent Contract type: Term Time Only Salary: GLPC Points 3 to 11 ( 16,353 to 18,612)

8 5. Information for Candidates Equal opportunities The University Academy of Engineering South Bank recognises that equality of opportunity and the recognition and promotion of diversity are integral to its academic and economic strengths. The following principles apply in respect of the Academy s commitment to equality and diversity: To provide and promote equality of opportunity in all areas of its work and activity; To recognise and develop the diversity of skills and talent within its current and potential community; To ensure that all Academy members and prospective members are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential without receiving any unjustified discrimination or unfavourable treatment on grounds such as age, disability, marital status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, trans status, socio economic status or any other irrelevant distinction; To provide and promote a positive working, learning, and social environment which is free from prejudice, discrimination and any forms of harassment, bullying or victimisation; To promote good relations between individuals from different groups. Applicants with disabilities University Academy of Engineering South Bank is keen to increase the number of disabled people it employs. We therefore encourage applications from individuals with a disability who are able to carry out the duties of the post. If you have special needs in relation to your application please contact the Business Manager [email protected] Travel expenses The Academy will reimburse reasonable travel costs, for example standard class rail fare, to and from interview within the United Kingdom if agreed in advance. Response We very much regret that due to limited resources and the large number of applications we currently receive, we are only able to inform short listed candidates of the outcome of their application. If you do not hear from us within four weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have been unsuccessful on this occasion. We would like to assure you, however, that every application we receive is considered in detail and a shortlist only drawn up after careful reference to a detailed person specification. If therefore, your application is not successful, we hope that you will not be discouraged and will still apply for other suitable vacancies at University Academy of Engineering South Bank as and when they are advertised. Thank you for your interest in the University Academy of Engineering South Bank.

9 6. How to Apply Closing date: Noon, Monday 22 nd June 2015 Interviews: Interviews will be held week beginning Monday 29 th June 2015 Informal Discussion: Applicants, who wish to have an informal discussion about the role can contact Gloria Gray, Academy SENDCO on or via Applying: If you wish to apply for this post please complete the application form which is available at together with a letter of application (no more than two sides of A4) telling us why you wish to be considered for the post. Completed application forms should be returned to [email protected] or by post to: PA to the Principal University Academy of Engineering South Bank Trafalgar Street London SE17 2TP