Assistant Director of Music

Role

The Headmaster is looking to appoint an ambitious, dynamic, high-achieving graduate to assist the Director of Music in the Senior School, within this thriving department. The successful candidate will have genuine enthusiasm for Music and be capable of teaching bright A-Level pupils. They should be well placed to generate and sustain a high degree of motivation in all pupils, and to help to lead the Music staff in providing and delivering excellent teaching. As befits a cathedral School, the aim is to ensure that Music at King’s is of the highest quality. King’s is already widely known for a strong choral tradition and have extensive use of the Cathedral and Chapter House for many of its concerts. It should be noted that we are a diverse, inclusive School and we welcome applications from all candidates regardless of their own background and personal beliefs. 

Whilst the position has some flexibility depending on the skills and experience of the candidate, the Headmaster is looking for someone to take on a major role with the department focusing on instrumental music and liaison with our Visiting Music Tutors. A good keyboard player is essential, though organ skills also highly desirable. Experience in directing (instrumental/choral) is also essential and there are many opportunities for the successful candidate to engage and organise musical ensembles. The successful candidate will be required to teach all aspects of KS3, GCSE and A level. The Headmaster is looking for someone with a good sense of humour but at the same time qualities which will enable to get the very best from our pupils. This position is suitable for an experienced teacher or an early career teacher.

The School

The King’s School Gloucester has a rich academic tradition dating back to its founding in 1541. It houses the longest serving classroom in Europe and is held in high esteem amongst the local and wider community, winning Gloucestershire Independent School of the Year in 2020. The School strives for excellence in all areas: the academic results are strong with student value added being equivalent to half a grade at GCSE; there is a wide-ranging sport provision and pupils reach national levels every year; in Music, our links with Gloucester Cathedral provide an ideal location for high quality orchestral and choral music; finally, the creative arts enjoy much success with DT and Art having their own dedicated design spaces.  

The Department

The Music Department is housed in its own building which comprises a large flexible classroom (with grand piano) and its own ICT Suite of 16 PCs running Sibelius Ultimate. Both of these rooms contain TV style monitors. There is a music library, six large practice rooms (each equipped with a piano) and a music office with kitchenette.  There is also a digital practice organ. The Music Department building is a grade II listed building which was one a Probate Court, designed in the ‘Picturesque Gothic Style’ was converted into the Music Department three years ago. The department holds a variety of concerts from small informal recitals in the Ivor Gurney Hall, musicals in the School Hall, to large-scale concerts held in the Cathedral.  We also have use of the Mission Hall for ensemble rehearsals and the Cathedral’s Chapter House. 

ur curriculum focuses on each area of performing, composing and listening with KS3 classes following schemes from musical contexts. We have 12 keyboards, a set of ukuleles and a Samba set for practical music making, with singing also being a strong activity.  We have healthy pupil numbers at GCSE and always a good uptake of pupils for A-Level. We have success in pupils gaining places at top universities and music conservatoires. Our recent results of As and A*s is testament to the quality of candidates and teaching that enable pupils to pursue music as their chosen profession. 

The Candidate

The Assistant Director of Music will:

• Be a first-rate musician (with excellent keyboard skills) and a committed teacher able to play a full part in all aspects of the department.

• Be capable of enthusing pupils and able to achieve high standards both in the classroom and in extra-curricular musical activities

• Undertake administrative duties 

• Be willing to play a full part in the School’s wider life, including its pastoral work

Overview of Key Responsibilities

• First class teaching of Music throughout the School at KS3, GCSE and A-Level including assisting with the development of Schemes of Work 

• Promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons for whom you are responsible and with whom you come into contact

• To be an exemplary teacher, clearly demonstrating effective planning, teaching and organisation skills, as well as expecting high standards of achievement and behaviour in Music lessons

• To administer, coach and where necessary accompany pupils for ABRSM/TRINITY examinations and concerts

• To take responsibility for directing some of the School groups (instrumental/choral) as agreed with the Director of Music 

• To continue to develop links with the Junior Music Department

• To assist in supporting and monitoring the progress of Music Scholars

• To assist in supporting our team of VMTs 

• Be willing to share good practice within and beyond the Music Department

• To ensure a high standard of care and education for all pupils, so that they are looked after in a happy, safe and stimulating environment 

• Establish and maintain a happy, positive working environment when working with individual pupils or with small groups of pupils

• Assessing, recording and reporting on the development, progress and attainment of pupils, having regard to the School’s curriculum and procedures

• Provide or contribute to oral and written assessments, reports and references relating to individual pupils or groups of pupils

• Taking part in the pastoral life of the School as a Form Tutor

• Promoting an awareness of relevant Career opportunities and experiences for students, in Music subjects

• Assisting with Musical / Drama / Stage productions 

• Support the Director of Music as directed in all areas of the department

Knowledge and Experience

• Subject knowledge compatible with teaching Music to Key Stages 3, 4 and 5

• Experience or interest in developing resources to support teaching at all levels

• Competence in the use of ICT and multimedia, including remote learning platforms to creatively support and enhance learning

Skills

• Appropriate skills to work with children of all ages and abilities

• Ability and willingness to plan in order to deliver a curriculum to all Key Stages

• Achieve high standards both in the classroom and in extra-curricular musical activities

• Inspire gifted and talented pupils and to prepare them for university level studies

• Play the piano/organ to a high standard

Qualifications

• An excellent degree and/or postgraduate qualification in Music or a relevant subject

• Additional Music or professional qualification

Benefits

• Accommodation may be available if required 

• A contributory pension through Aviva APTIS is now offered instead to all staff  

• Generous fees remission 

• Access to a Doctor for advice and short consultations 

• Cycle to Work Scheme / Electric Car Scheme

• Lunches 

• Parking