The Design Department is a strong team. It currently consists of one full-time Head of Department, three full-time Teachers and a Technician. The department teach the GCSE and A Level AQA Art and Design specifications.

The atmosphere of the department is enthusiastic and positive, meeting regularly to discuss progress, with all members contributing ideas for teaching and development of both subjects. The teaching environment is productive and exciting with all teachers and pupils contributing to its success.

Group sizes at GCSE and A Level are among the lowest in the Independent Sector in the North West, allowing teachers to get to know their students well and support them at every stage of their studies.

The number of students selecting Design at GCSE and A Level is healthy and growing. The popularity of the subject reflects the examination success enjoyed by the department.

In August 2024:

Almost 40% of GCSE students (in both 3D Design and Graphic Communication) achieved Grades 9 to 8.

Just over 40% of A Level students (in 3D Design and Graphic

As well as a highly engaging curriculum devised around the needs and aptitudes of each cohort, the department offer a breadth of opportunities and adventure in order to offer our creative students the best possible experience. As well as overseas trips, the department also look closer to home in exploring galleries and museums found on our doorstep and in London. The department prides itself on fantastic success with university applications, working closely with our students in preparing first rate portfolios for university interviews

The list of professional duties below is set out in addition to the expectations that The Grange School has of any member of the teaching staff, as detailed in the Job Description for a Senior School Teacher.

Teaching Responsibilities

• planning and thoroughly preparing courses and lessons;
• establishing and preserving a positive atmosphere for learning within the classroom;
• maintaining knowledge of those assigned pupils on SEND register and putting into practice strategies suggested by the SEND Coordinator.
• assessing, recording and reporting on the development, progress and attainment of all pupils, according to the school’s policy and schedule;
• preparing pupils for public examinations and assessing pupils for the purpose of such examinations;
• ensuring appropriate differentiation in work set;
• promoting independent learning;
• assisting individual pupils to maximise their potential; in each case, having regard for the curriculum of the school.

Pastoral Responsibilities

• promoting the general purpose and well-being of the pupils assigned to them;
• providing guidance and advice to pupils on educational, social, moral and spiritual matters;
• participating in meetings of staff and parents to discuss pupil’s progress as required, including Parents’ Evening of all pupils taught;
• acting as a Form Teacher when required to do so.

Professional Responsibilities and Duties

• maintaining good order and discipline;
• safeguarding the pupils’ welfare and safety at all times, both on school premises and elsewhere, while under supervised school activities;
• having due regard for the health and safety of all members of the school community, and following the school health and safety policy;
• exercising responsibility for preventing damage to property and for looking after teaching rooms;
• supervising and, where possible, teaching pupils whose teacher is absent;
• participating in organisational, administrative and supervisory tasks, such as staff duties;
• attending Morning Assembly;
• invigilating internal examinations;
• making teaching areas attractive by providing display material;
• advising and co-operating with the Head and other teachers on the development of the school;
• participating in arrangements for their further training and professional development;
• helping to train student teachers who have been accepted by the school for training;
• attending and helping at public events; in particular, attendance at Prizegiving, Open Morning, and Entrance Examination is compulsory. All teachers are encouraged to attend and support those school events that involve pupils for whom they have pastoral responsibility;
• giving a good impression of the School when in discussion, inside or outside the school, with individuals and outside agencies.

Enrichment Responsibilities

• participation in the extra-curricular programme;
• participation in the activities of the assigned House (and its section), as directed by the House Leader, including attendance at House meetings.