Director of Performing Arts

The Board of Trustees of Wembley Multi-Academy Trust (WMAT) is looking to appoint a creative, talented and collaborative individual  to the significant role of Director of Performing Arts. As an expanding MAT we are always looking for ways to develop our student’s character through embedding a culture of performance in Music and Drama.  We are looking for an individual who is flexible and is able to take on curricular and extracurricular leadership responsibilities in Music and Drama at both Wembley High Technology College and North Brent School, our brand new £30 million site in Neasden. We are seeking to appoint a Music and Drama specialist with a track record or securing outstanding results for students.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to build upon their current expertise and develop their leadership in a range of areas. They will be committed to enhancing all aspects of students’ lives and making a real difference to students’ life chances.  They will provide strong leadership to the Music, Drama and Dance departments at the school to ensure that teaching is outstanding throughout. Above all they will ensure that students develop a genuine love for the Performing Arts and have regular opportunities to perform.

They will have a proven track record of improvement at departmental level. They will be highly analytical, emotionally astute and able to deploy appropriate strategies to maximise impact. The successful candidate will be able to think and act strategically, be cognisant of the broader picture, whilst fully understanding the implications of finer details. They will have experience of helping develop others, be committed to our values of excellence and achievement, and believe in the unique way in which our Trust works.

Specific Responsibilities

·        Design and teach sequences of engaging, challenging and academically rigorous Music and Drama lessons that secure a high level of subject knowledge

·        Record and report on the progress of students, specifically for GCSE coursework

·        Train teachers in the Music and Drama departments to ensure consistently outstanding provision

·        Promote instrumental music and the attainment of ABRSM performance and theory qualifications as well as LAMDA qualifications

·        Organise and deliver a programme of concerts and drama productions throughout the academic year across all Key Stages

·        Select and deliver a whole school musical each year, developing new ideas as appropriate.

·        Explore opportunities for educational trips and visits that promote students’ enjoyment of the Performing Arts. We believe students are entitled to see at least one professional performance per year.

·        Coordinate and lead the schools’ choirs and develop our ensemble groups

·        Organise and line manage peripatetic Music teachers

·        Coordinate staff from across the schools in the delivery of each production or event.

·        Liaise with parents on all matters relating to the Performing Arts

·        Manage the Performing Arts budget

Qualifications & Experience

We are looking for a leader with a successful track record of school improvement. You will have:

• Qualified Teacher Status, Degree, further relevant professional studies.
• A willingness to undertake the NPQSL, NPQH or relevant/equivalent training.
• Values that align with WMAT.
• An understanding of what it takes to work with others and help lead one of the highest achieving schools in the country.
• A track record of securing tangible success and outstanding outcomes.
• The technical ability and behavioural traits that secure the confidence of all stakeholders.
• Experience of developing a culture of learning and continuous improvement of staff and students.
• Strong monitoring and evaluation skills.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of current developments and the latest educational research (such as curriculum development and how pupils learn).
• An ability to set up systems and processes to ensure departmental improvement.
• An ability to understand people’s individual strengths, harness and develop them.
• A commitment to learning and leading with humility.

Wembley Multi-Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The post will be subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure. We are an equal opportunities employer and we welcome all applicants. Early applications are encouraged and the Trust reserves the right to withdraw this post should an appointment be made early.