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Head of Music

Head of Music

Britannica International School, Shanghai

China

Job type:
Full Time, Fixed Term
Start date:
1st August 2019
Apply by:
1 February 2019

Job overview

Are you a qualified and experienced Music Teacher/ Leader, capable of teaching primary and secondary students and seeking a new opportunity in leadership to manage the further development of the Music provision at one of Shanghai’s top international schools?

We have a fantastic opportunity for a skilled, suitably qualified, creative and hard-working Music Teacher who has at least two full years teaching experience in a British curriculum school, to lead our successful Music Department at our fully CIS accredited, happy and growing 2-18 school in Shanghai.  This is an excellent opportunity for a very creative Music Teacher to make their mark on one of Shanghai’s leading international schools.  The role will require teaching Music to both primary and secondary students and leading a second in department as well as working alongside and managing other teaching staff who contribute to the music programme at the school.

About the School

Britannica International School Shanghai (www.britannicashanghai.com) is the only truly British owned and managed, British style, international school in Shanghai.  It offers learning and teaching experiences based on the Early Years Foundation Stage and English National Curriculum enhanced to meet the needs of its international student body.  Secondary students are prepared for Cambridge University and Pearson Edexcel IGCSE and A Level examinations. Specialist Music teaching is currently taught from Reception to A level.

The school is accommodated in well-resourced and purpose-built premises that are situated in the high quality residential district of Gubei, which is within 15 minutes of the vibrant Former French Concession area. It has a capacity for 750 pupils from 2 – 18 years of age, making it unique in the city with regard to its smaller school and family feel environment.  The school currently has a student population of over 430 students.  Class sizes are all under 22 students and often smaller, with IGCSE and A Level classes being as small as two or three students.  The department has two large music studios and a music technology room, along with use of an enviable school theatre fully equipped with light and sound for stage productions.  The department is well resourced with musical instruments.

About the Role

The role is due to start from August 2019.  We are seeking applications from individuals who have experience in teaching school Music programmes and working with external 1:1 peripatetic music teachers, the local community and managing and directing whole school music events.  Strong leadership skills will be sought in the suitable applicant, as the role involves strategic management of the direction of the department, logistically managing a complex and busy music programme across the school and leading, communicating and co-ordinating with a large number of academic and non-academic staff. 

The school provides a full two week induction process enabling you to settle into Shanghai and be fully prepared to start the new term.   Holidays are similar to those in the UK with a 180 day calendar year.

An excellent remuneration package is available, that provides an income above UK teacher pay scales.   The school prides itself on professional development and mentoring new staff to become leaders in their field of expertise or curriculum interest.

Applicants must have a relevant Bachelor degree from a reputable UK University, Qualified Teacher Status, with either a PGCE or B.Ed from the UK, a minimum of 2 full years teaching experience in a maintained, independent or international British style school, and experience of teaching the English National Curriculum.  As an English school specialising in the English National Curriculum to a diverse international student population, English as a First language is a crucial requirement for the candidate, and accordingly applications from native-level speakers of English will be preferred.  90% of all teaching staff in the school are British nationals.

Britannica has already built its reputation on high quality and high standards and as such it has similar high expectations of its staff.   The school therefore welcomes fully qualified, flexible, skilled, child-centred teachers who will further enhance the quality of teaching and learning and also be prepared to contribute to the extra-curricular life of this busy school.

Britannica Teachers:

  • are passionate about education,
  • inspire and empower their students through their engaging and demanding teaching,
  • participate collaboratively in all aspects of school life,
  • create a warm and safe community, to which parents and pupils are proud to belong and feel fully inclusive,
  • are flexible and have a sense of humour,
  • enjoy being part of a British owned and managed group of schools with all the consequent benefits this brings.

About the City of Shanghai

Shanghai is one of the largest cities in China, but is probably its most diverse and cosmopolitan, with a huge International community choosing to travel, live, and settle here.  Shanghai provides an excellent lifestyle, with a combination of western cultures mixed with the best of China’s past and present, making Shanghai’s local culture unique in the world.  Shanghai is an extremely safe, welcoming, and modern city.  There are excellent education facilities, transportation, and amenities across the city, with two International airports providing excellent transport links across the world. 

About the Orbital Education Group

The school also forms part of the Orbital Education group, an expanding group of international schools providing a British Education to an internationally diverse student population.  In addition to our school in Shanghai, the Orbital group have schools in other culturally attractive and historically important destinations, such as Spain, Hungary, Russia, Ecuador, Slovenia and the Middle East, with exciting plans to develop schools in new regions across the globe. 

As part of the Orbital group, our staff have the opportunity to work and collaborate with colleagues around the world, supporting them to achieve excellent outcomes and enabling their students to achieve their potential.  After two years’ successful employment, staff also have the opportunity to be considered for roles at other schools within the group, giving them the opportunity to see the world at the same time as progressing their career.  

Applications - If this describes you and you are keen to join our excellent school and friendly, supportive and hardworking staff team, then we would welcome an application from you.  Your application should be submitted by email and should include a CV with photograph, a letter of application and the names and email contacts of two referees, one of whom must be your current or most recent employer.

Please submit your application to the Principal, Mr. David Goodwin at recruitment@britannicashanghai.com

Closing date -  1st February 2019

Interviews will take place by skype and will commence immediately from the date of advertising.  The school reserves the right to appoint before the deadline if the right candidate is found.

Britannica International School, Shanghai is committed to safeguarding children and young people. As part of the school’s commitment to safeguarding, all post-holders are subject to background checks and an International Child Protection Certificate administered by ACRO https://www.acro.police.uk/icpc/ (if ever worked or lived in the UK), Prohibition Checks where appropriate and/or Criminal Records (Police Check) disclosure from their most recent country of residence. Prior to employment employees will be required to present original and notarised copies of their professional qualifications.

About Britannica International School, Shanghai

Based in Shanghai, China, Britannica International School teaches the English National Curriculum with enhancement for international students. Shanghai is the largest city in the world, with a population of 24 million. The school’s central location in the city makes it suitable for students living in the Former French Concession, Jing’an, Zhongshan Park and Gubei regions of the city. Academic facilities include Science and Technology rooms, Libraries, and ICT suites, and sporting facilities a swimming pool, sports hall, astroturf pitch, tennis courts, basketball and netball courts, cricket nets, and Indoor and Outdoor Multifunctional Play Areas. As part of the school’s expressive arts programme, students have the opportunity to be a member of the orchestra, cast or choir. The physical education at BIS incorporates ‘British Gymnastics’ and ‘LTA Tennis’ programmes while introducing ‘Quick Sticks’ hockey, ‘FA skills’ Football and ‘All 4 Ball’ basketball through England Basketball.

Nearly all staff here are British citizens who have been trained in the UK. The school is also British owned and British managed. The school also organises frequent expeditions across China and Asia. Orbital Education offers regular teaching opportunities at the school. Britannica International School prides itself on its exceptional academic success. In 2016 the school achieved a 100% A* to C pass rate in Britannica IGCSE exams, and students go on to study at some of the most prestigious universities in the world.

Principal

Paul Farrell

Values and vision

Britannica International School, Shanghai is creative in its curriculum planning, so that its teaching of pupils is relevant in content, appropriate in its challenges and encourages the high standards and the broad curriculum that reflects the very best of British Education.

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Applications closed