The English Department

The Innovation Cluster

The Innovation Cluster currently consists of fourteen hard working professionals with a range of ages and experience who get along extremely well together as a team. The Cluster incorporates the subjects; Technology, Information Technology and Business Studies.

Joanne Darkin Director of Learning Sarah Stringfellow Assistant Director of Learning, Learning and Teaching Andrew Purdon Assistant Director of Learning, Tracking & Intervention Judith Brennand Teacher of Food Technology Emma Dandy Teacher of Technology (Engineering) Jacqui Edwards Teacher of ICT Kathy Goulding Teacher of Technology (Textiles) Garry Houghton Teacher of Technology (Resistant Materials/Graphics) Sara McMahon Teacher of Business Studies Graeme Napier Assistant Headteacher/Teacher of ICT, Music & Technology Liz O’Donnell College Leader (Apollo)/Teacher of Food Technology James Wright Teacher of Technology (Resistant Materials/Graphics) Jane Thompson Food/Art Technician Charles Van den Berg D&T Technician

The aims of the Cluster are:  To ensure that every student, regardless of ability, reaches his/her full potential.  For students to develop a lifelong interest and appreciation of the many aspects of Technology and Business Studies

For all years students are in, ICT according to ability. In both Business Studies and Technology all classes are taught in mixed ability groups.

As a Cluster we are keen to adopt an interactive approach to teaching, the aim has been to encourage creativity in the classroom and we are confident this will assist pupils in achieving their full potential. We meet regularly to share ideas regarding teaching and learning.

At KS3 pupils are taught and assessed using a variety of different methods. Pupils are taught to understand the Assessment Focuses; as a cluster we share success criteria with pupils to enable pupils to feel empowered and understand how they may progress between the levels.

In KS4 students have an option of the following: Business Studies, Food, Textiles, Graphics, Engineering, Resistant Materials, ICT and Computing Studies.

Post-16 courses include A Level Product Design, Engineering, Textiles, Food and Business Studies. CTEC L3 Information Technology and Computing.

The Innovation Cluster is a very strong, close-knit and successful team. We are looking for a new professional to add their talent and enthusiasm to the department.