Teaching Assistant – Design Technology

THE ACADEMY

GEMS World Academy-Dubai (GWA) is a private, co-educational IB World School for PreK to Grade 12 students. Established in 2008 as a member of GEMS Education, the Academy is authorised to deliver the PYP, MYP, DP and CP programmes, and is also accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). We serve a multi-ethnic community in the heart of Dubai, with a student body drawn from over 100 countries. Non-selective, our ethos is grounded in the IB Learner Profile; we encourage intellectual curiosity, entrepreneurial spirit, and foster a real sense of communal endeavour. The Academy has gained national and international recognition for its work to improve outcomes for students, as well as its aspirational and inclusive vision. As a member of the GWA community you will have the opportunity to shape the future of the Academy whilst working alongside an exceptionally talented group of teachers and leaders. 

GEMS World Academy-Dubai develops inquiring, reflective and caring learners who, through the rigour of the IB programmes, have the knowledge, skills and character to take action and create a better, more peaceful world. Supported by highly qualified staff in world-class facilities, our diverse international community is encouraged to develop intercultural understanding and respect. Our aim is to be a leading world-class IB school that maximises every student’s learning and character to enable them to choose their own successful path, and positively contribute to the local and global society. 

THE ROLE

The role of the Design Technology Technician is to provide academic, social and emotional support for the students in their designated class. The successful candidate will help plan and prepare materials to assist in a Product Design and Digital Design setting. It is a requirement that you can competently use industry standard machine tools including circular saws, bandsaws, routers and planer thicknessers. It is also expected that stock and audit is regularly taken and that health and safety maintenance of the teaching room specific to Design and Technology are upheld.

Key Accountabilities

• Models and encourages a culture of kindness in support of the GEMS/GWA core values
• Assists students individually, in small groups or as a whole class with academic support, creative activities, develops fine/gross motor coordination, observes and reports student progress to the teacher, supports specialist teachers when necessary, assist with classroom management
• Liaises with teachers to address student social and emotional needs, including those related to snack and lunch, health, clothing and general well being
• Substitutes for teacher in his/her absence (temporary duty only)
• Supervises students during scheduled recess duties
• Works with teachers to create a positive school environment the emphasizes safety, a child-centered atmosphere, sense of order and attractive displays of student work
• Accompanies students on field trips and excursion
• Assumes supervision and instructional tasks as assigned by the supervisory teacher
• Attends workshop and professional development as requested by the division level Principal
• Reports absence from duty to the school Secretary and Teacher the evening before absence
• Maintains utmost confidentiality

Expected Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or minimum High School Education
• Ideally, at least 3 years experience in a classroom setting
• Fluent in English
• Ability to multitask

• Competency in workshop health and safety
• Organizational skills of workshop tools and equipment, including consumables
• Organize the maintenance and repair of departmental apparatus and equipment and have overall responsibility for maintenance records
• Prepare apparatus, tools and materials and set up equipment for use in practical classes.
• Set up and, on occasion, carry out demonstrations.
• Maintain displays in the Faculty as requested by specialist teachers.
• Undertake appropriate technical duties as requested by the Head of Design and Technology, including assistance with whole-school initiatives.
• Work with small groups of students on practical tasks.
• A working knowledge of relevant Health and Safety policies / codes of practice / legislation would be desirable.
• English Speaker with exceptional skills, both verbal and written
• Ability to multi-task and cope with peaks of demand
• Strong interpersonal skills

GEMS Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all of its students and staff. A UK-enhanced DBS or equivalent police check is a pre-requisite for all appointments.