Work with Us
All of our current vacancies are available to view on My New Term
At Corby Technical School, we pride ourselves on doing things a little differently. Here is an outline of what you can expect from us...
Our Commitment to you
- During induction, new staff have a colleague assigned to help you to feel part of the community
- Regular support to guide you towards a Corby Technical School approach and help you to settle in during the first couple of weeks
- Bespoke programme of CPD and regular Performance Development Discussion meetings
- Subscription to Health Assured to support your wellbeing
- Membership of the Chartered College for Teachers
Equality and Diversity
Corby Technical School is an inclusive organisation that seeks to ensure equality of opportunity for all. We want our colleagues to have the confidence to challenge our processes and communications as we constantly strive to refine our approach together. Please see the Single Equality Policy for the Brooke Weston Trust for more information.
Wellbeing
We recognise that working in education can be a demanding job and therefore it is important that we are attuned to our own wellbeing and that of others. Corby Technical School are committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of all their colleagues and teams. Brooke Weston Trust are subscribed to Health Assured provision where staff can access information and support confidentially 24/7. If employees have any concerns or need further assistance, they are welcome to reach out. We are here to support you.
Continuous Professional Development
A key focus for us at Corby Technical School is the continuous development of all staff. All staff are provided with a comprehensive package of Professional Development opportunities, tailored to individual needs. The Brooke Weston Ambition Hub and Teaching School Hub who offer a range of high quality CPD throughout the year enhance our provision at CTS. If you have ambitions that require this to take a certain direction or focus, please talk to your line manager at any point. We will do everything we can to facilitate a developmental plan that suits your needs.
Communication
At Corby Technical School we believe in open and transparent leadership: Decisions are explained clearly and shared openly. As a relatively small staff community, we encourage face-to-face communication and limit email interaction to necessary exchanges of information where possible: We will always strive to address things efficiently and in person. You will be part of a department or team with direct lines of communication through clear line management. You will also have the opportunities to network with colleagues across the Brooke Weston Trust to facilitate sharing of best practice.
Life Long Learning
We encourage staff to participate actively in the enrichment curriculum within the school. Think about what skills and interests you have - or would like to develop - beyond your current role. Engage in your own development, regardless of your career stage. We believe in lifelong learning for all and that as adults in education we should demonstrate a passion for learning.
Strong Leadership
Every adult in the school community is a leader of people, and some hold leadership responsibilities within the school. We encourage our leaders to lead by example, be professional ambassadors for the school at all times, and contribute positively, upholding the school values.
High Quality Teaching
Our core mission is to provide an exceptional education for the young people in our care. This should always be our number one priority. It is every member of staff’s responsibility to ensure that they strive to follow the guidance within our Quality of Education handbook, and follow the school Behaviour Policy, to ensure that there is a consistent approach across the school, and students are given the very best opportunity to thrive in their learning.
As part of the Brooke Weston Trust, you have fantastic opportunities to:
- Work with a subject network of five secondary academies to discuss and share curriculum and teaching ideas
- Make links with colleagues in our five Primary academies, to develop a shared knowledge of a curriculum that works from EYFS up to Year 13
- Get subject-specific support and coaching from our Trust Director of English.
- Develop your leadership through our Leadership Academy, learning from established leaders from across the Trust
- Have access to the Northamptonshire Teaching School Hub, that is based at Brooke Weston Academy
Click on the staff profiles below to meet some of our staff members, and find out what it is like to work at Corby Technical School.
Sarah Bartlett
Sarah Bartlett has been at Corby Technical School for just over a year. We caught up with her to find out what she’s enjoying about the school and her role so far…
Sarah, what is your current role & how long have you been here?
I am Director of Modern Foreign Languages, and I joined Corby Technical School last January (2022).
What did you do before this?
I worked at an Academy in Kettering for seven years, as a French and Spanish teacher.
What drew you here?
Being at Corby Technical School has allowed me to get back into Middle Management, doing the role that I love. Prior to having my children, I was Head of Modern Languages at a school in Portsmouth. It is a role that I have always intended to return to, and this job was the perfect opportunity at the perfect time.
What is it like to work at the School?
Having had experience of many schools, I can appreciate just how friendly and supportive Corby Technical School is, as a workplace. Colleagues introduced themselves and offered support from the very first day, and everyone was so welcoming. No problem is too small, and we work hard every day to support each other. It is very non-judgemental place to work. I have been totally supported at every step and have already made some great friends. My department is second to none and I am so privileged to work with them as they are an inspiration and make me laugh every day.
Any advice for aspiring teachers?
My advice would be to stay passionate about your subject and keep abreast of changes and new initiatives in teaching. Don’t be afraid to try new things and adapt. If you are enjoying what you teach that passion will hopefully be communicated to the students.
What is the secret to great teaching?
The secret to great teaching is knowing your students; enabling them to feel successful whilst building their confidence to take risks and resilience to challenge. So, relationships are everything. Building trust and using praise are key to this in my opinion.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I am an avid reader and always have a book on the go. I also enjoy cooking, any kind of travel, and being outdoors; either working in my garden or enjoying the countryside with my family and our wire-haired dachshund, Jasper.
Thank you Sarah!
Chloe Patrick
Chloe Patrick is a Year 8 tutor and Music Teacher in her second year at Corby Technical School. We chatted to her before Christmas to find out more about her and what she enjoys about working here...
Chloe, can you tell us a bit about your role?
I'm a Y8 tutor, a Music teacher and the school Music Co-ordinator, meaning that I organise musical events and support all of the Music clubs, including the choir and Peri Music lessons (where external teachers teach students individually or in pairs). As you can imagine, it’s been a very busy time in the run-up to Christmas!
How long have you been at CTS and what did you do before?
This is my second year of teaching full-time here, but I also did my teacher training at CTS. My PGCE was conducted between here and Corby Business Academy, so I've actually been here for three years. Before becoming a teacher, I worked at an Optician, which was completely different!
What inspired you to get into teaching?
I've always really liked working with people, but working at the opticians made me realise that I missed being creative and that I wanted to work with young people. In the last 3 years, I’ve learned that I'm really suited to it! I can't imagine what else I'd be doing now. It’s definitely the right path for me.
What is it like working at CTS?
I really like it here. It’s a supportive environment to work in. Anna Jenkins was my mentor when I first started but she still supports me now in lots of ways. The staff are really friendly and even though I'm on my own (in a department) I'm never short of people to talk to. Importantly, the students are great! Once you make that effort to get to know them, you get a lot back from them.
How is your development being supported this year?
I'm in the 2nd year of my ECT program (through ‘Teach First’), so after a pretty intensive 1st year (last year), my development is focussed on the practical side of teaching. I still have some seminars to attend and a mentor that I meet with every fortnight, which is really great for supporting my learning.
What are you looking forward to this coming year?
I'm excited about the musical events we have coming up, but my main focus is growing ‘Music’ as a subject. For the first time, we’re offering Music as a GCSE subject, plus the Key Stage 3 students will have weekly Music lessons (rather than sharing the teaching slots with drama). I'm also excited to be a form tutor to my Y8’s as I enjoy the pastoral side of things.
How do we get young people enthused about Music?
I think the key is to build their confidence and create an environment where it's OK to try things (even if they don’t work). A lot of the work I do with the students is in the practice rooms, in small groups, to help with this. It’s also important to have lots of variety because I believe there is something for everybody. So we make the lessons as varied and comfortable as possible.
How has the teaching of Music changed in recent years?
It’s a lot more practical and structured nowadays. We have a set topic each term that students work on, trying out new techniques each week and putting it all together in a performance (or project submission) at the end. I think this helps to motivate the students and give them clarity on what’s expected of them.
Do you work with any other schools across Brooke Weston Trust?
I’m in regular contact with Clive Wears (Director of Music at Corby Business Academy) and we’ve collaborated (informally) on some joint events, including a piano masterclass (where a concert pianist came in to teach students), but I’d like to do more of this across the Trust so that we can integrate our strengths (CBA have an amazing brass department) and share resources.
What are your hobbies?
I’m a flute player, but I can often be found teaching myself the drums or ukulele (for an upcoming Music lesson!). In my free time I really enjoy yoga, reading and long walks.
Thank you Chloe!
See a brief insight into a day in the life of our school, here: