Assistant Director of Music

The Department

The Music Department is a thriving department with a wealth of talented musicians and an exciting musical programme. The Director of Music leads a team consisting of an Assistant Director of Music, a Head of Instrumental Music, two Teachers of Music (one with a particular Junior School focus), a part-time accompanist, a full-time administrator, a Waynflete Academic and around 42 visiting instrumental teachers. There is a close connection between the Junior School and Senior School in the Music Department and there are many opportunities for pupils from both areas to collaborate for projects.

Please see the Information Pack for more information.

The Role

The school is seeking to appoint a bright, capable Assistant Director of Music from September 2024 or January 2025. The Assistant Director of Music will support the Director of Music in delivering Music throughout the Senior School both within the classroom as well as in the extensive co-curricular music provision. They will teach class music lessons from Year 7 to Upper Sixth (including Oxbridge preparation) and oversee the development of the curriculum in the Lower and Middle School. The standard of music throughout the school is extremely high and this post is a wonderful opportunity for the successful candidate to work with some very talented musicians. The Assistant Director will play a full role in the Music Department’s extensive co-curricular programme and will have the opportunity to lead a range of orchestras, ensembles and choirs. They will also oversee the chamber music programme, including the yearly Grove Auditorium Concert as well as chamber concerts throughout the year. The Assistant will also be fully involved in assisting with the running and organisation of the major concerts during the year, including the Music at Magdalen Concerts in SJE, as well as the Carol Services in Magdalen College Chapel and the Sheldonian Concerts. The Assistant will also be involved in the music scholarship auditions and will oversee the music scholars during their time at the school, creating opportunities for them and overseeing their development. The role is likely to be most suited to an experienced teacher, with conducting experience but may also be suitable for someone who has been in a related career and is an Early Career Teacher (ECT) or currently without a teaching qualification and looking to pursue the School’s Waynflete Teaching Certificate, which can lead to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

The Candidate

The successful candidate will:

• show clear commitment to safeguarding children;
• be a well-qualified graduate of Music or a related discipline;
• support the Director of Music in managing the network of opportunities for every pupil instrumentalist in ensembles;
• take a full role in leading and conducting orchestras, ensembles, choirs and performances across the School;
• oversee the Music Scholars and the Chamber Concert Series;
• arrange music as necessary
• organise the hiring or purchasing of music for ensembles they organise
• organise masterclasses and workshops
• oversee the recruitment and development of instrumentalists both within the school and in feeder schools
• have excellent interpersonal and administrative skills
• show clear enthusiasm for the subject;
• plan and teach class lessons in an engaging manner in a highly successful Music department across year groups from Year 7 to A Level;
• support the progress of all pupils studying Music by taking a role in departmental support and enrichment sessions;
• assist with the development of partnership projects with local schools;
• set clear expectations for pupil behaviour within an encouraging classroom environment;
• take a keen interest in the welfare of pupils and act as the pastoral tutor to a senior school houseroom;
• be willing to contribute fully to other areas of school life, such as games, drama, CCF or other activities;

Please see the Information Pack for more information.

The Assistant Director of Music will report to the Director of Music, and ultimately to the Master.

Application Process

Candidates should submit the “MCS Application Form for Teaching and Support Staff” which can be found on the Job Vacancy link of the website (www.mcsoxford.org). To access Click here. To apply for the position please send the following two documents to the Recruitment Officer, Ms Yelena Molcanova (recruitment@mcsoxford.org).

1. “MCS Application Form for Teaching and Support Staff” Form
2. CV (Curriculum Vitae)

All documentation should be sent no later than Tuesday 7th May, at midday. The school’s preferred method of communication is by email and it will not be necessary to send a hard copy of the documents by post.

References may be taken up in advance. If you do not wish references to be called for at this stage, please make that clear on the reference section of the application form.

We anticipate holding interviews on Monday 13th May, which will include a taught lesson. We will be in contact with shortlisted candidates by telephone. Please be aware that all shortlisted candidates will be requested to complete a “Self-Disclosure” form before attending their interview. We reserve the right to interview and appoint before the above dates.

Safeguarding Policy

Magdalen College School is committed to the safeguarding of pupils, and any offer of employment will be subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure, the receipt of satisfactory references, the school’s pre-employment medical questionnaire, plus sight of relevant original ID documentation and degree certificate(s). This role will be in regulated activity and will require a children’s barred list check as well as an enhanced DBS check. The enhanced DBS check is due to this role being exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Remuneration and other benefits

MCS currently has its own salary scale, and salaries are more generous than those in the maintained sector; there is also a relocation allowance on a sliding scale, by agreement with the Master and Bursar, and dependent on current location. The school also operates a cycle to work scheme, and travel loans are available. MCS offers teaching staff a choice of pension arrangements; a Defined Contribution scheme with an employer contribution of 23.68% or the Teachers’ Pension Scheme with a salary sacrifice arrangement. Staff may move between the two schemes as suits their needs. The Master will discuss the pension with any offer of appointment.

The school has a fully equipped gym which is available for staff use, and staff may also enjoy access to the University of Oxford’s Rosenblatt Swimming Pool. Tennis courts are available, and there is a comprehensive programme of staff sports clubs, including football, climbing, yoga, Pilates, and badminton. Staff also have the opportunity to join choirs and music groups, and to get involved in drama productions. There is a wide range of benefits on offer to staff, including a free lunch during term time, free private health insurance and complimentary use of school sports facilities.

Head to mcsoxford.org/vacancies to find out more.