About the School:

Northwood School is a highly successful 11-18 school with just over 1,000 students. In September 2024 we moved to become part of the Partnership Learning Trust which comprise 18 schools across London. 

The school is popular and inclusive with a truly comprehensive intake. In October 2024 OFSTED confirmed that we have maintained our Outstanding judgement from our previous Inspection. Our philosophy places students at the centre of our work, creating a calm and caring environment where they can learn and thrive. Our exceptional outcomes (top 10% in the country at key stage 4 and top in the borough at key stage 5 in 2023) are testament to the success of this approach. This has not happened by accident. It has been achieved through the dedication of talented staff and students, alongside a strong and supportive Governing Body. 

About the Department:

The Design and Technology department is a dynamic and collaborative team whereby Product Design, Textiles and Food are delivered in rotation at KS3. Food and nutrition is always very popular with 2 classes in both Year 10 and 11 being offered. The food curriculum at Northwood is stimulating and engaging, it covers a wide range of topics, from basic cooking techniques and nutrition principles to advanced culinary skills and food science. We have a well-equipped food technology room with modern appliances and resources to support students in developing their skills.

About the Role:

• Teach Food & Nutrition across Key Stages 3 and 4, with the possibility of teaching at GCSE or BTEC depending on experience and interest.
• Plan and deliver engaging and differentiated lessons that cater to a variety of learning styles and abilities.
• Guide and support students in developing their practical cooking skills, knowledge of nutrition, and understanding of food safety and hygiene.
• Encourage students to experiment with different ingredients and recipes, fostering their creativity and passion for food.
• Assess student progress, set targets, and provide constructive feedback to support individual learning journeys.
• Contribute to the department's curriculum development and resource creation, ensuring that our Food & Nutrition curriculum remains relevant and inspiring.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues in the department and across the school to create a cohesive and supportive learning environment.
• Participate in professional development opportunities to enhance your teaching practice and keep abreast of the latest developments in food and nutrition education.

Ideal Candidate:
• Holds QTS or equivalent.
• Possesses excellent subject knowledge in Food & Nutrition .
• Demonstrates a passion for teaching Food & Nutrition and a commitment to student success.
• Has strong communication, interpersonal, and classroom management skills.
• Is confident in building rapport with students and fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment.
• Has a good understanding of the National Curriculum for Food & Nutrition and relevant examination specifications.
• Is committed to ongoing professional development and reflective practice.

Northwood School offers: 

• Support and coaching for all new members of staff            
• A well-established induction programme            
• Professional development with progression- we have a range of recruitment and retention opportunities as well as an established associate programme to support staff to be ready for their next step         
• A commitment to consultation and collaboration to put staff well-being at the heart of what we do- examples include Golden ticket days, centralised detentions run by middle and senior leaders, marking from home opportunities and a feedback policy that removes unnecessary marking.
• Bike to Work scheme            
• Varied day and residential trips, both abroad and in the UK            
• The full support of the Headteacher, senior leaders and colleagues- our aim is to allow professionals to teach through strong behaviour management and support structures.          
• Fantastic and modern facilities including a newly refurbished staff room and access to our sports facilities. 
• -A wellbeing programme spaced across the year to allow staff to come together and socialise, additional opportunities including staff yoga.

OFSTED 2024 Quotes

• Pupils thrive here. They embrace their school values and are proud to be part of its strong and caring community. All staff have high expectations for pupils to succeed and grow in every aspect of school life
• Pupils’ behaviour is exemplary. They are polite and respectful. They are also caring and supportive of each other. They share the high expectations that leaders and staff have for them and appreciate their support. 
• Staff, including those new to teaching, receive ongoing high-quality training. Staff feel valued and supported by leaders in managing their workload. 

Staff Quotes from our recent Edurio Survey

• Students are amazing, the majority of them are working very hard to achieve their goals. Being a new starter at the school, I appreciated all the support that was put into place ( coaching program, department meetings, line manager meetings), also, the quality of the CPD sessions was outstanding and very useful in our practice.
• It feels sustainable for me to work here and have a family which is something I really value, as I LOVE my job and love being a parent so I am grateful for the balance. The Leadership Group feel supportive and approachable to enable me to have some work / life balance
•  There is a genuine care for staff well being. Staff and students are pleasant to be around and make this a kind and caring work environment.
• The level of staff support with behaviour issues and the good-natured and understanding level of feedback on performance that is not overly forensic or overcritical, which creates a lower-pressure working environment, happier teaching and consequently a happier school.