PLEASE APPLY VIA THE APPLICATION FORM ON THE PURCELL SCHOOL WEBSITE
PLEASE ALSO SEND A SUPPORTING STATEMENT
We are seeking to appoint an outstanding musician and teacher to lead and oversee the academic music pathways in this world-leading music school. Purcell students are among some of the most gifted and able young musicians in the world, so the successful candidate will need to be an outstanding academic musician with a creative, innovative and flexible approach to curriculum delivery. We are looking for someone who can strengthen and enrich our academic music programmes and integrate them fully into the heart of the student experience and the wider musical life of the School. We want our academic musical pathways to be at the very forefront of music pedagogy, and welcome those with the drive, ambition and skills to achieve this.
All students take IGCSE Music in one year in Year 10 and all undertake A Level Music in the Sixth Form. Lower School students have a bespoke curriculum and all follow a unique musicianship programme designed to develop every aspect of their academic and musicianship skills. A large and well qualified team of teachers delivers our academic programmes. Your primary responsibility will be to lead and direct this team in the planning and delivery of the music curriculum throughout the school including the production of appropriate Schemes of Work, assessment schedules, progress monitoring and regular reporting.
Working alongside the Director of Music, you will also take strategic oversight of all areas of the music curriculum and line manage those staff who contribute to the curriculum pathways. You will also have the opportunity to explore your own musical interests, contribute to the delivery of the new Strategic Plan, contribute to the audition process and explore your own creative and musical interests.
The Purcell School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
JOB DESCRIPTION FOR HEAD OF ACADEMIC MUSIC
– To create engaging, rigorous and enriching schemes of work, ensuring they are robust and effective and meet the needs of all students
– To ensure that all lessons are well-planned; lessons should be tailored to meet the learning requirements of the class with sufficient opportunities for group and individual challenges
– To teach all year groups
– To lead the Academic Music team; giving a clear vision and direction to the work, identifying key areas for improvements and planning appropriate actions to meet them
– To ensure that staff have access to all relevant materials to carry out these tasks
– To organise a framework for administrative tasks. This includes both day to day administrative and academic music specific tasks
– To manage both the people and resources associated with the department
– To ensure that risk assessments are carried out in line with the school Health and Safety policy
– To remain fully informed about national and local developments in their subject area as well as keeping abreast of wider educational issues
– To develop the departmental Teaching and Learning action plan
– To ensure that examination administration is carried out and that all students are prepared for external and internal exams
– To manage the departmental budget
– To work alongside the Director of Music, deputising for them as required
All applicants should read the School’s Child Protection policy, which is available on our website, and are required to declare any criminal convictions or cautions, or disciplinary proceedings related to young people. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including records checked and processed through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
The Purcell School is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes application from appropriately qualified people regardless of gender, marital status, sexual orientation, race, ethnic origin, colour, nationality, religion, disability or age. Candidates will be assessed against relevant criteria only (i.e. skills, qualifications, abilities, experience) in selection and recruitment.
