Director of Music

The Music Department staffing comprises of the Director of Music, supported by a teacher of music in the Junior School, and nine peripatetic teachers in both Junior and Senior Schools. The Senior School department is housed within a dedicated floor, containing one large teaching space, suitable for large choir and ensemble rehearsals, which can be partitioned off into two smaller teaching spaces. In addition to this there are 3 practice rooms, a small teaching annexe, and a department office.

At Key Stage 3, pupils are taught in mixed ability groups and follow a scheme of work created within school. In 1st and 2nd Form, pupils have a full afternoon each week dedicated to music and drama, and in the 3rd Form, they are given the opportunity to select from a number of options which enables them to focus on those aspects of performing arts that they prefer.

At Key Stage 4, the Edexcel GCSE (9-1) is followed. Uptake of music at GCSE is usually in the region of 3 to 4 pupils each year.

At A' Level, the Edexcel Music course is studied. There are currently no students studying at A' level, and none have indicated an intention to study it next year. This is an area which the appointed candidate will be expected to address, along with ensuring that levels of participation in the musical life at Austin Friars remains high.

The Post

The postholder is responsible to the Deputy Head (Academic).

Responsibilities include the following:

· Responsible for the academic teaching at all levels

· Preparation and planning of lessons in accordance with departmental schemes of work

· Demonstrating a range of teaching methods and keeping abreast of developments in the subject area at KS3, GCSE and AS/A' Level; employing a range of teaching resources including the display of pupils' work

· Setting and marking of classwork and homework according to relevant school and departmental policies

· Recognition of the specific needs of each pupil and of classes as a whole. Setting an appropriate pace for lessons and adapting teaching methods to the needs of pupils

· Establishing a structured learning environment conducive to learning and where pupils know that high standards are always required

· Managing the classroom effectively with appropriate use of sanctions and rewards in accordance with departmental and school policies

· Motivating pupils to want to learn and establishing a rapport with pupils conducive to learning

· Providing all pupils with appropriate challenges

· Carrying out assessment according to departmental and school policies. Recording assessment - grades/reports etc. within deadlines set

· Setting and marking/moderating examination coursework where appropriate

· Ensuring that work is set for classes when absent from school

· Attending departmental meetings and sharing departmental responsibility. Attending staff meetings and school or departmental INSET. Seeking opportunities for professional development through INSET and through participation in the school Performance Management scheme

· Responsible for all extra-curricular musical activities

· Directs, accompanies and coaches instrumentalists, singers and ensembles as appropriate

· Oversees the internal academic examinations

· Oversees the House Music Festival

· Oversees the House Singing Competition

· Organises the logistics of instrumental lessons and the appointment of new staff as appropriate

· Organises school concerts

· Links with other staff in the organisation of other school activities that are directly related to the music department

· Takes charge of all financial aspects of the department

· Takes congregational practices in the Chapel when appropriate

· Organises Associated Board exam entries

· Attends parents evenings as required

· Liaises with visiting teachers and parents

· Responsible for the maintenance of school instruments

· Attends any INSETS as appropriate

· Acting as an effective tutor

· Carrying out the normal supervision duties as laid down in school policies, One referee should be the applicant's current or most recent employer. Please note that references will not be accepted from relatives or from people writing solely in the capacity of friends. References will be sought prior to interview and the School may approach previous employers for information to verify particular experience or qualifications, before interview. Where an applicant is currently working with children, the current employer will be asked about disciplinary offences relating to children and whether the applicant has been the subject of any child protection concerns and if so, the outcome of any enquiry or disciplinary procedure. Where an applicant is not currently working with children but has done so in the past, that previous employer will be asked about those issues.

All candidates invited to interview must bring documents confirming any educational and professional qualifications referred to in their application form. Where originals or certified copies are not available for the successful candidate, written confirmation of the relevant qualifications must be obtained from the awarding body.

Where the successful candidate has worked or been resident overseas in the past five years, the School will carry out such checks and confirmations as may be required in accordance with statutory guidelines. If relevant, the School will also verify the right of foreign nationals to work in the UK.

All candidates invited to interview must also bring with them:

Ø A current passport (if you do not hold a current passport, or you do not hold a British passport, then further evidence will be required as proof of the right to work in the UK)

Ø Driving Licence - photocard

Ø Official documentation evidencing your current address (e.g utility bill, bank statement)

Ø Where appropriate, any documentation evidencing a change of name (for example, marriage certificate).

We are looking for a good honours graduate who is an excellent classroom teacher with a passion for music. The ability to teach with flair and imagination across the 11 - 18 age range is essential. Applicants should have excellent subject knowledge and be able to communicate effectively in the classroom. The applicant should be willing and able to work in a mutually trusting and co-operative environment.

The School is the only Augustinian school in the UK and by promoting our Augustinian tradition and aims, we commit ourselves through our core values of unitas, veritas and caritas to St Augustine's ideal of: being a united community (unitas); searching for truth together (veritas); and being bound by the duties of familial charity (caritas). While maintaining our traditions, the School has broadened its outlook in recent times and celebrates the Christian liturgical calendar in ways which both reflect our Catholic roots (our history, ethos and ideals) and the practice of the wider Christian family, catering for the needs of pupils in a truly inclusive environment.

The School's website can be viewed at www.austinfriars.co.uk

The Person

A supporter of independent education is absolutely essential, as is the need to understand, support and promote the Augustinian values and ethos of the School as enshrined in the School's mission statement.

The Music Department at Austin Friars aims to provide a wide-ranging experience of music for all pupils, as well as striving for excellence in academic achievement and in standards of performance from individuals and ensembles.