Graduate Assistant in Drama

Cranleigh seeks to appoint, for September 2024, a strong honours graduate to teach Drama. The successful candidate will teach classes in Drama from years 9 to 11 in a lively, ambitious and successful Department, as well as taking a full part in the life of this busy and friendly boarding school. There may be the opportunity for some A-level teaching depending on experience.

Cranleigh is a leading fully co-educational independent boarding and day Senior School consisting of around 700 girls and boys of 13–18 years of age. There is also a Preparatory School in close proximity. Cranleigh aspires to be a beacon of excellence in learning and teaching and is committed to the continuing professional development of all employees. 

THE DEPARTMENT

The Department is accommodated in a newly refurbished facility including superb rehearsal studios, two independent teaching classrooms, a flexible multi use large capacity performance space, a smaller scale thrust theatre, green room and dressing rooms.

The Department prides itself on the fact that it produces performances of a professional standard that both entertains and challenges its considerable audiences. There are currently three teachers in the Department, alongside a full-time Theatre/Production Manager and an Assistant. The team is a friendly and open one, committed to providing all pupils with the opportunity to fulfil their potential. Weekly Department meetings give the opportunity for colleagues to share good practice and discuss both curricular and school-wide issues.

THE CURRICULUM

The department teaches the EDUQAS Specification at both GCSE and A Level.

At A Level the department teaches approximately 20 students across the two year groups, all of whom regularly attend high quality live theatre (usually in London). At GCSE the department teaches around 70 students across year 10 and 11. In the last 3 years the department has attained outstanding results: averaging 67% A*-A at A Level and 81% grade 9-7 at GCSE.

The post will involve teaching a wide range of abilities and ages and we consider it vital that the successful candidate enjoys the challenge of teaching such a broad range of pupils – giving confidence and enjoyment to those who struggle, whilst stretching and inspiring the most able. There are always opportunities to push pupils beyond the syllabus, and we would welcome fresh ideas from the successful applicant. Each pupil and teacher has an iPad and the successful applicant should demonstrate a willingness to commit to utilising technology in his/her teaching.

THE POST

The responsibilities of a Graduate Assistant in Drama will include to:

• teach approximately 0.6 of a full-time teaching load to a high standard, with teaching sets to be decided by the Head of Department;
• prepare suitable teaching material for each lesson and to follow the departmental programmes of study;
• contribute to the making and sharing of department resources;
• set an appropriate level and quantity of prep in line with School and departmental Assessment and Feedback policies;
• provide written reports, report grades and summative assessment marks by the deadlines set by both the Head of Department and the Deputy Head Academic;
• be available during drop-in clinics where students can get extra help; and
• attend weekly department meetings. 

THE PERSON

The successful candidate will ideally be either a) currently completing the final year of a degree in Drama (or related degree) or b) a recent graduate in Drama (or related degree). They will be self-motivated, good humoured and will relish the challenge presented by being part of a cheerful, supportive and highly successful department.

This post would be ideal for anyone considering teaching or indeed just looking for a great place to spend a year getting some salaried experience in the field of education. No teaching qualifications are necessary – guidance and support will be offered to the successful candidate who will be flexible, adaptable, innovative and a good team player.

In addition, they would be expected to get involved in all aspects of this busy boarding school, including acting as a tutor to a group of students within a House and doing one evening duty per week. All teachers are expected to contribute to the School’s co-curricular programme alongside their academic responsibilities; a willingness to assist with any of the school’s main sports - rugby, hockey, netball, football, cricket, athletics and tennis – would be beneficial.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss any aspect of the post informally, please contact Jon Scott, Director of Drama by email in the first instance: jons@cranleigh.org

THE APPOINTMENT

This is, initially, a fixed term appointment for one year from September 2024 and comes with a salary of circa £18,000. Accommodation and all meals in term-time are provided. The successful candidate will also receive 17 weeks holiday.

Candidates should state fully what their particular interests are and where they think they can make contributions to the wider life of the school.

For further details and to apply, please visit the School’s website:

https://www.cranleigh.org/about-us/join-our-team

Candidates are requested to submit a brief letter of application, together with a completed application form (apply on the website) supported by a full CV as soon as possible and no later than 9:00 am on Tuesday 7th May 2024. Applications are considered as they are received and therefore the vacancy may close sooner than advertised.

Only applications submitted on the School’s Application Form will be considered.

Cranleigh School recognises the positive value of diversity, promotes equality and challenges discrimination. We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds.

All applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

Cranleigh School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects its staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to a DBS check.