Job Openings at Banda School

The Director of Music will be responsible for overseeing all Music and musical activities throughout the school. This will include the management of a department of teachers and peripatetic teachersand the post holder will be accountable to the Head. The Director of Music will work closely with all department members.

Requirements:

• Possess a degree or equivalent teaching qualification
• Be an inspirational, committed and highly effective practitioner, dedicated to achieving thebest outcome for each child
• Have experience of working in British Curriculum Schools
• Be an exceptional musician 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 across the whole Prep schoolcommunity
• Be a proficient piano player of Grade 8 standard
• Be able to sight-read music to a high standard
• Possess a vision for the future of music in a leading preparatory school
• Have the capacity to lead and inspire a team of teachers
• Possess a love of music and teaching children of all abilities and passion for thedevelopment of musical excellence
• 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 personaland professional development
• Be a motivator.
• Experience of working in a British Curriculum School is essential.
• Have a clear strategy for the development of musical excellence and to develop engagementin pupils

Job Details

• Develop and encourage participation in music at all levels
• Maintain appropriate standards of pupil behaviour and care of instruments
• Oversee departmental orders in line with the music budget
• Organise and lead regular departmental meetings, the minutes of which should be kept andcirculated
• Oversee, in liaison with the Head, the management, performance and recruitment of externalperipatetic teachers
• Oversee written reports from the peripatetic music teachers twice a year
• Ensure that the school’s music equipment is organised, stored, maintained and replacedwhere appropriate
• Review and update all departmental documentation and the handbook
• Ensure new teachers/peripatetic teachers have appropriate induction
• Plan and deliver high quality lessons in line with the agreed scheme of work for thedepartment
• Work proactively to develop positive home/school relations, responding swiftly andprofessionally to parental queries and concerns, involving the SLT when necessary
• Teaching Music throughout the school as required
• Identify clear learning objectives and specify how they will be taught and assessed
• Endeavour to give every child the opportunity to reach their potential and meet highexpectations
• Evaluate own teaching critically to improve effectiveness
• Organise and confirm all musical events and concerts/recitals
• Draw up annual and termly calendar events and communicate these to the Head
• Ensure all teachers in the department are fully aware of their commitment and responsibility
• Attend termly inter-school meetings, INSETS and Heads of Department meetings
• Liaise with department members concerning curriculum, schemes of work, teaching methods,record keeping etc. to provide continuity and uniformity in the department
• Communicate with staff and with parents concerning pupils' progress and attend Parents’
• Meetings when required
• Co-ordinate before and after school musical activities and individual peripatetic lessons
• With the Head of Music and Head of Performing Arts, organise various musical Inter House events
• Co-ordinate the hiring of musical instruments
• Liaise with the Director Co-Curricular and the Finance Department on co-curricular musicalactivities and transport required for events
• As appropriate, be prepared to teach a small number of one-to-one instrumental and/or musictheory lessons
• Assess and monitor pupils’ work and progress
• Writing a detailed report on each pupil at the end of designated terms and submitting schemesof work, planning and record keeping when required
• Develop and lead the delivery of a suitable Music curriculum for Nursery through to Year 8.
• Undertake administrative and organisational tasks related to the post
• Ensure the provision of a suitable number of ensembles
• Be involved in the School’s annual musical production
• Suitably prepare music scholars

go to method of application »

The Director Teaching and Learning will work closely with the Headmistress and other members of the Senior Leadership Team to implement and oversee the academic life of the school. He/she will oversee and implement the academic objectives and monitor their effectiveness.

Areas of Responsibility

• Member of Senior Leadership Team (SLT)
  • Attend meetings and undertake duties as reasonably requested by the Head
  • Assist in the day to day running of the school
  • Monitor the implementation of whole school targets
  • Work with the Head to lead, motivate and support staff
  • Be a proactive member of the SLT, attending and supporting meetings when necessary
• Teaching and Learning
• Teach a minimum of 30% timetable
• Oversee curriculum planning and implementation – liaise with Heads of Departments and the Head
• Drive and oversee the use of ICT and specifically iPads as a learning tool
• Organise standardised testing and record data in clear form
• Collate and proof all internal examinations
• Oversee the examination and invigilation timetable
• Set up the examination room in preparation for mock examinations and Common Entrance and ensure adequate spare materials are available
• Organise and communicate the Prep timetable
• Oversee whole school assessment and tracking in conjunction with the Head of Key Stages 1 and 2.
• Organise reporting deadlines, report checking and publishing of reports on iSAMS 
• Liaise with external examination bodies and the ISEB re scholarship and Common Entrance papers – ordering papers and entering pupils
• Liaise with the Head of Learning Support to ensure that the correct provision is given to children with learning difficulties and that examination concessions are provided
• Monitor and evaluate the quality of teaching and pupil achievement, with the SLT Appointment and Management of Staff
• Organise appraisal and observation of staff
• Support the Head in the process of staff recruitment
• Work with Deputy Head to provide a full induction programme for new staff
• Construct staff teaching timetables
• Manage work scrutiny and pupil shadowing
• Chair regular Heads of Department (HoDs) meetings
• Keep abreast of curriculum changes and delegate staff to research areas
• Public Relations and Relations with Parents
• Be an ambassador of The Banda at all times and lead by example
• Advise and guide parents through regular workshops
• With the Head, communicate with secondary schools to which we regularly send pupils and administer entrance examinations
• Assist with the Future Schooling Forum with the Head and Deputy Head
• Ensure adequate scholarship and interview practice for secondary school scholarship candidates
• Organise parents’ meetings
• Oversee the establishment of links with external organisations– DfE, IAPS, journals etc
• Resources, Premises and Administration
• Regularly review school policy documentation in preparation for inspection
• Collate academic information for Secondary School transfer and ICAS forms
• Examine data analysis of examination results
• Oversee the departmental development plans and reviews
• Help ensure departmental handbooks are reviewed and kept up to date

The duties outlined in this job description may be modified by the Head, with your agreement, to reflect changing needs of the School.

PERSON SPECIFICATION FOR DIRECTOR TEACHING AND LEARNING

The applicant should:

• Be a progressive thinker with vision
• Be caring, approachable, able to engage fully with pupils, parents and staff
• Be an excellent classroom practitioner who is committed to enabling every child to fulfil their potential in all areas
• Be a fully qualified teacher, preferably with Key Stage 1, 2 and 3 training and experience 
• Be a passionate believer in high quality Key Stage 1, 2 and 3 provision with a clear understanding of the curriculum at these stages
• Be a team-builder with excellent communication skills, able to listen, consult and motivate ï‚· Be a dynamic innovator who will lead from the front ï‚· Have experience of working in British curriculum schools 
• Be able to use initiative, show flexibility and be adaptable 
• Be pro-active as a leader and Director Teaching and Learning
• Be punctual, with additional preparation time at the beginning and end of each term
• Show organisational skills and leadership in behaviour, dress and speech 
• Lead by example in professional matters 
• Display confidence in and possess a high level of written English 
• Be able to use ICT in teaching and administration
• Present a clean Certificate of Good Conduct or International Child Protection Certificate (ICPC)

The post holder will have the responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of the children and young persons for whom he / she is responsible, or with whom he / she comes into contact, and will be expected to adhere to and ensure compliance with the School’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy at all times.

go to method of application »

The Head of Lower School works closely with the Head of Pegasus Early Years and the Headmistress, to whom s/he is responsible, in order to ensure the effective and efficient management of all aspects of the School. The Head of Lower School has overall responsibility for the day-to-day running of Years 1 - 4 and enjoys considerable autonomy. He/she will be a member of the Senior Leadership Team and it is essential that there is a close liaison and an excellent working relationship between all three Heads.

The Head of the Lower School is expected to provide dynamic leadership of the department, maintaining the highest possible standards and inspiring a team of committed  staff. He / she constantly strive to ensure that pupils receive the very best all-round education in order that they, in turn, can achieve their full potential.

Responsibilities associated with the post:

• Lead, develop and inspire an excellent, committed, forward-looking teaching and support staff;
• Enthuse and inspire pupils with the joy of learning and the thrill of exploration;
• Work collaboratively with the Head of the Early Years and the Head to provide a quality all-round education for pupils in the local community;
• Teaching and Learning
• Teaching and learning are at the heart of the School and the Head of Lower School must embrace and underpin this philosophy. He / She is expected to have a teaching commitment and should be a highly effective practitioner. In addition, the Head of Lower School should help to generate and promote a culture of positive reflection and innovation, drawing on good practice and inspiring teachers to develop their own skills. He / She should be conversant with modern methodologies and latest best practice and should be able to make informed judgements on what works best for teachers and children.
• Consultation
• Consult with the Head on:
• The formulation of aims and objectives of the Lower School
• Whole School Policies and Handbooks
• Recruitment at all levels
• Matters concerning Health and Safety
• Preparation for Inspection
• Other appropriate matters as directed
• Structure of Management
• The Head of Lower School plays an important role in the whole-school management of The Banda. He/ She must meet weekly with the Head as part of the Senior Leadership Team and is expected to take part in whole-school working groups as appropriate.
• Appointment and Management of Staff
• In consultation with the Head, take full responsibility for the selection and appointment of teaching staff in the Lower School
• Deploy and manage all teaching staff and allocate particular duties to them in a manner consistent with their conditions of employment and job descriptions
• Evaluate the standards of teaching and learning, ensuring that proper and appropriate standards of professional performance are established and maintained
• Supervise and administer the School’s system of performance management – observations and appraisals.
• Ensure that all staff have access to advice and training appropriate to their need, in order to support and promote professional development
• Pupils
• Determine and implement effective policies for the recruitment of pupils
• Ensure that the progress of pupils in the Lower School is monitored and recorded appropriately
• Ensure that there is an effective policy for pastoral care and that this is implemented
• Determine measures to be taken to promote good discipline amongst the pupils in order to ensure high standards of behaviour and the proper respect for authority. Where this is less than expected, ensure that measures are taken to rectify this
• Ensure the maintenance of good order and discipline at all times where pupils are present on the school premises and during ‘off site’ activities
• Curriculum
• In consultation with the Director Teaching and Learning:
• Determine, organise and implement an appropriate curriculum, having regard to the needs, experience, interests, aptitude and stage of development of the pupils and the resources available to the Lower School
• Ensure that all pupils have access to a broad range of enrichment opportunities, including sporting and extra-curricular activities, to supplement the taught curriculum
• Public Relations and Relations with Parents
  Make arrangements for parents to be given regular information about the school curriculum, the progress of their children and other matters pertaining to the School 
• Organise and attend meetings, events and functions as are necessary to promote positive and effective relationships between staff, pupils and parents 
• Promote the interaction of the School with the wider community
• Address concerns and enquiries on a regular basis
• Resources, Premises and Administration
  In consultation with the Bursar and the Head: 
• Allocate, control and account for those financial and material resources of the School which are under the control of the Head of Lower School 
• Assist the Bursar in making arrangements for the security and effective supervision of the Lower School grounds and buildings and their contents
• Ensure that maintenance needs are reported promptly
• Create and maintain an effective administration system for handling all aspects of the Head’s duties and the efficient administration of the Lower School

It should of course be noted that the above job description is not exhaustive, and that other duties and responsibilities may be expected, consistent with the efficient and effective discharge of the post of Head of the Lower School.