Head of Music of the High School

We are seeking to appoint a dynamic and outstanding musician to lead our strong and vibrant music department. Students study for both the IGCSE and IBDP in music whilst there is also a thriving co-curricular programme of orchestra, bands and choirs.

The school is incredibly well-resourced with excellent facilities for music including a performance hall, designated music classrooms and an array of music practice rooms. Several students have won international music competitions and the school is a member of ISCMS which each year hosts a major music event in South East Asia.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The key responsibilities are likely to include:

• To have overall responsibility for the leadership and management of the music department.
• To have overall responsibility for the quality of teaching and learning within the department and to be responsible for the public examination results achieved by the department.
• To have overall responsibility for the organization and quality of concerts and musical performances throughout the year.
• To work with the Head of Drama to support the annual school musical.
• To oversee the overall performance of students in music and to ensure that the most able are stretched and challenged and those who do not find success easy in music have clear action plans for differentiated help and support
• To ensure that the Performance Reflection and Enhancement Process is carried out within the department.
• To lead the regular departmental meetings and to ensure that best practice is shared within the department and that appropriate collaborative planning takes place.
• To ensure that course outlines, units of work and lesson plans are up-to-date, comprehensive and for Year 11 and 12 congruent with IB policies and practices
• To represent the department at Heads of Department Meetings
• To work with the Deputy Principal to ensure full department grade entry and reporting at set grading periods are completed appropriately and on time.
• To represent and where appropriate ‘market’ the department to staff, parents, visitors to school and administration
• To work with the Professional Learning Centre and the Deputy Principal/Director of Teaching and Learning to ensure good and proper professional development opportunities are provided for and professional development expectations are met by members of the department
• To manage the department’s budget and to liaise with the purchasing department to ensure smooth and timely purchasing to meet department needs.

PERSONAL QUALITIES

The successful candidate will demonstrate experience and expertise in most of the following areas:

Inspirational leadership, as evidenced by:

• A track record of success in music education both inside and outside the classroom;
• The ability to motivate and inspire both colleagues and students;
• Natural leadership qualities, with a capacity to initiate and manage change with flair and creativity

Strong interpersonal and organisational skills, as evidenced by:

• A collegiate working style, with an inclusive and empowering approach to management;
• Administrative efficiency and the ability to prioritise

Compelling personal qualities, as evidenced by:

• A personal style combining authority, credibility, presence and a passionate commitment to excellence;
• An appetite for personal professional learning;
• Appropriate academic credentials and an impressive record as a teacher with a love of teaching and an interest in the development of young people;
• Exceptional communication and relationship building skills, allied with the ability to listen and influence others

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education

• A music degree and a passion for music

Experience

• Preferably, but not essential, experience of working in a bi-cultural environment.

Essential

• English fluency, including both and writing;
• Competency in the use of technology

Please send a letter of application and a CV which includes the contact details of two referees to mark.bishop@ykpaoschool.cn