Headteacher: Sir R P Edwards BA Hons MA
Lidgett Lane, Garforth, Leeds, LS25 1LJ
Tel: 0113 3368600
Fax: 0113 287 2727
www.garforth.leeds.sch.uk
info@garforth.leeds.sch.uk
Date as postmarked
Dear Applicant
Thank you for expressing an interest in the position of Cluster Leader: Applied Learning and Design.
The College was awarded its second specialism in Applied Learning in 2008. Over the past five years we have
introduced and developed an increasingly wide range of courses at Levels 2 and 3, including Hair and Beauty
(delivered at specialist off site provision in Garforth town centre) and Construction. The College has its own onsite Farm, which currently offers courses in Animal Care and we are looking to introduce Motor Vehicle
Maintenance and Land and Environment courses in the near future.
The introduction and development of Diploma lines over the next few years offers exciting opportunities for
curriculum innovation and development. As a College, we are actively involved in the Applied Learning
Specialism Regional Network Group and the Principal is a member of the Headteachers'/ Principals' Applied
Learning National Steering Group.
The successful candidate will be responsible for providing strategic leadership and management across the
areas of Applied Learning, which includes: Art, Design Technology, Food and Textiles and Work Related
Learning: Construction, Hair and Beauty and Health and Social Care. The following is relevant information from
each of these departments.
Art & Design
The Art & Design department currently has 5 members of staff, delivering across the age and ability range. At
KS3 students follow a two year programme of study following national guidelines. Key Stage 4 students follow
either a GCSE course with 2 units or a BTEC First Certificate covering 3 units which take up 60 hours of studio
time. Students at Key Stage 5 have the option of studying GCE Art & Design or the BTEC National Award.
The department has a well equipped studio as well as a multi-functional Art Gallery, which is used by students
and the community, as well as being the venue for the College’s Annual Art Exhibition.
Design Technology
The Design Technology Department comprises 5 members of staff, offering BTEC Art & Design, GCSE Graphic
Products; GCSE Resistant materials; GCSE Applied Engineering; GCE Product Design at A/S and A2. Our exam
results above the national average and students’ work is used by Exam boards as exemplary material. Three
members of the department work for the AQA as examiners and moderators. The department has excellent ICT
facilities, including it's suite of computers and laptops.
Food & Textiles
The Food and Textiles department consists of 3 full time and 1 part time member of staff. It is a supportive and
friendly department, offering GCSE Food & Textiles and A/S and A2 Product Design Textiles. At KS3 students are
encouraged to learn new skills through interesting and creative schemes of work. Progression to GCSE is good
and our exam results are above the national average.
The department has two well equipped teaching rooms for Food Technology and two well resourced Textile
rooms.
Construction
The Construction Department at Garforth Community College was established in 2006 and is an ever
expanding area within the College.
The department currently has three members of staff catering for 150 learners through out Key Stage 4 and 5,
offering courses through practical vocational qualifications including the BTEC Level 2 First Diploma.
It also provides practical Level 2 Diploma in Trades trowel occupations, painting and decorating and site
carpentry. It also caters through progression with the BTEC Level 3 National Certificate in Construction
and the Built Environment.
The department also offers Adult Education through Extended Services evening classes.
Hair & Beauty
The Hair and Beauty Department have two off site provisions offering a broad range of courses,
delivering NVQ level 2 & 3 Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy, BTEC level 2 Hairdressing and BTEC level 2
Beauty Consultancy. We also offer a wide variety of short courses that are delivered during the evening,
Manicure & Pedicure, Advanced Nails, Barbering and Junior Academy. We are a team of eight staff and
have 168 students currently studying a variety of programmes. This is a very effective provision as
highlighted in the excellent retention and achievement figures of 94% this academic year. The beauty
salon on Garforth Main Street is in a very prominent position and successfully promotes the growth of our
Sixth Form provision.
Health and Social Care
This relatively new department has brought together KS 4 & 5 courses which offer students with the full
range abilities the opportunity to develop skills, knowledge and understanding of the education, health
and social care sectors.
The courses include:
GCSE Child Development
BTEC First and National Diplomas in Childcare, Learning and Development
BTEC First Diploma in Health and Social Care
BTEC National Award Health and Social Care
We also feel that our style of teaching and learning develops a wide range of transferable skills. We pride
ourselves on promoting personalised learning as well as independent learning. We are very keen to open
up our subjects in terms of numbers as well as progression routes through the National Qualifications
Framework.
Since the formation of the department, results reflect high levels of CVA and high success rates on
application for employment and Higher Education.
This is an exciting opportunity for curriculum development and will allow the right candidate to explore
the possibilities for progress with the Diploma and take Garforth Community College on to even further
success.
If you have any further questions regarding this post please contact the College.
We look forward to receiving your application.
Yours sincerely
Sir Paul Edwards
Principal