Director of Performing Arts at Banda School

Job Summary

The Director of Performing Arts will be responsible for overseeing all drama and musical activities throughout the school whilst creating an innovative and vibrant programme, both within the curriculum and in extra-curricular and enrichment activities. This will involve working closely with the Head of Music and the post holder will be accountable to the Head. The Director of Performing Arts will also work closely with all Music and Drama Department members.

PERSON SPECIFICATION FOR DIRECTOR OF PERFORMING ARTS

The applicant needs to:

• Possess a degree or equivalent teaching qualification.
• Be an inspirational, committed and highly effective practitioner, dedicated to achieving the best
• outcome for each child.
• Have experience of working in British Curriculum Schools.
• Be a strong musician and performer with the ability to inspire pupils of all ages and abilities.
• Promote the school’s mission and values effectively and creatively.
• Possess the desire to promote and develop music and drama across the whole Prep school
• community.
• Be a proficient piano player.
• Be able to sight-read music to a high standard.
• Possess a vision for the future of music and drama in a leading preparatory school.
• Have the capacity to lead and inspire a team of teachers.
• Possess a love of the performing arts and teaching children of all abilities.
• Be able to build good relationships with parents and families.
• Be able to build good relationships with colleagues.
• Be able to create a stimulating and engaging learning environment.
• Be able to use initiative, show flexibility and be adaptable.
• Be pro-active, dynamic and a self-motivated member of The Banda School team.
• Be punctual and use time appropriately.
• Be a good communicator with adults and children.
• Show good organisational skills.
• Show a good level of written English.
• Be experienced in using ICT in teaching and as a tool for research and for communication.
• Familiarity with using an iPad in teaching is important.
• Present a clean Certificate of Good Conduct or International Child Protection Certificate (ICPC)
• Safeguard and promote the welfare of the pupils.
• Keep up to date with educational developments and be committed to continual personal and
• professional development.
• Be a motivator.

Responsibilities

• In conjunction with the Head of Music and Teacher of Drama, direct and advise on all matters connected with the delivery of Performing Arts throughout the school, providing a strong vision for future development.
• Liaise with the Head of Music and Teacher of Drama on timetable planning and other curriculum related issues.
• Facilitate a high quality of musical and dramatic performance at the school.
• Provide direction and support for dramatic and musical performances outside normal school hours, when required.
• Provide opportunities for children to perform within and outside the school and build strong relationships with the local community.
• Actively contribute to the planning of school Arts events.
• Teach Music and/or Drama within the school curriculum and work collaboratively with the Head of Music and Teacher of Drama.
• Ensure that the learning experience matches the individual needs of the pupils in the class, giving each child an opportunity to achieve to the best of his/her capability
• Evaluate your teaching and use this evaluation to improve and develop teaching strategies.
• Make appropriate educational provision for pupils with learning difficulties and for those children with EAL, with support from The Banda’s Learning Support Department.
• Create a secure, happy and stimulating environment, maintaining the highest standards of organisation and discipline.
• Provide well-planned, creative and engaging learning experiences for pupils.
• Maintain a high standard of display and a stimulating environment, in the classroom and in other areas of the school.
• Liaise with parents concerning pupils' academic progress and attend Parents' Meetings to discuss the academic progress of pupils.
• Write detailed reports on each pupil when required.
• Demonstrate competence in the use of ICT as a teaching/learning tool and ensure that all administrative requirements are met.
• Acknowledge that the staff is a team, which co-operates and is supportive of all members, and ensure the smooth running and success of the school, playing a full part in this team.
• Analyse current policies in light of teaching and national initiatives.
• Review and evaluate, in conjunction with the Head of Music and the Teacher of Drama, the relevant annual Departmental Development Plans and Reviews.
• Be involved in the updating of Departmental Handbooks when required.
• Advise, encourage and support all staff in both the Music and Drama Departments.
• Assist the Head of Music with the organisation of Peripatetic teachers, communications with parents, general day-to-day management and ensuring appropriate arrangements are made for examination entries.
• Review, evaluate and improve the design and delivery of Performing Arts on an ongoing basis.
• Act as a role model to others, demonstrating high standards of professionalism in all aspects of leadership.
• Uphold and promote the school’s child protection and safeguarding policies and procedures, ensuring they are adhered to by all staff.
• Promote the safety and wellbeing of pupils.

Wider responsibilities:

• Perform duties, as requested by the Head, for supervising the pupils outside the classroom e.g. Lunch/break etc.
• Be willing to ‘cover’ for any colleague who cannot attend school for any reason and provide a cover sheet for colleagues if unable to attend school.
• Operate at all times within the stated policies and practices of the school.
• Attend weekly Staff Meetings, whole school meetings and any other meetings that may require attendance.
• Attend staff INSETS and curriculum meetings, participating in curriculum development and relevant areas of school policy making.
• Maintain good order and discipline among pupils, safeguarding their health and safety both on the school premises and when engaged in school activities elsewhere.
• Maintain high personal standards of appearance and behaviour, being punctual and confidential at all times.
• Attend assemblies and school functions when required.