Head of Department & Whole School Productions– Drama

Main Pay Scale/UPR + TLR2 £6829

Required: September 2023

Post: Permanent

Employed By: Washwood Heath Multi Academy Trust

Based at: Washwood Heath Academy, Burney Lane, Stechford, Birmingham, B8 2AS.

Closing Date: Tuesday 18th April 2023

 Are you an experienced teacher with a passion for Drama education and a proven track record of success, looking for a new challenge? Washwood Heath Academy has a fantastic opportunity for a talented individual to join an All-Through Academy Arts team.

We are seeking to appoint a highly motivated, dedicated and inspirational individual who is passionate about Drama, theatre and performing arts, and is ready to lead a Department. Washwood Heath Academy became an All-Through Academy in 2017 for pupils across the age range of 4-18 years. The successful candidate will be joining the Academy at an exciting time; the new state-of-the art primary facility opened in February 2019 and we are currently implementing a Knowledge-rich curriculum to raise academic standards and enrichment opportunities. Washwood Heath is an Academy that embraces evidence-based research and we work collaboratively with the other Academies in the Multi-Academy Trust.  

 In our recent February 2020 Ofsted inspection, our All-through Academy was recognised as ‘Good’ across all categories. The Ofsted Report states that:

 'This is a school for everyone. Staff work hard to support pupils who are new to the school or who have particular needs. Pupils respect different cultures and traditions and get along well with each other. Pupils, particularly in the primary phase, display a good level of independence for their age. Leaders know their school very well. They use research to help it to improve. Leaders check carefully on the impact of their decisions. Significant changes to the sixth form have led to students learning well. In the secondary phase, strong subject leadership is improving pupils’ achievement.’

 We have a fantastic opportunity for an established Drama teacher looking to take the next step in their career.  You will be passionate about education and how you can use your skills and experience to challenge students to achieve. We are looking for a committed Head of Department: someone who will go above and beyond to ensure the students in their classes are given every opportunity to be successful, and creative. Our recent Ofsted inspection said “Leaders at all levels have a good understanding of how to plan work so that it extends what pupils know and can do”. As a Middle Leader at Washwood Heath, you will have the opportunity to bring your experience to this already thriving team.

Our ideal candidate will be an experienced, outstanding practitioner with a strong commitment to improving pupils’ lives in an Academy with high levels of disadvantage and be able to demonstrate a clear track record of raising standards. A constant thirst for improvement and innovation alongside the determination to see developments through to their conclusions are essential. You will be an excellent communicator, a team player who is able to work under pressure and effectively engage pupils and staff. They will have in depth knowledge of the elements of drama, and be willing to further develop the extracurricular provision, providing rich performance opportunities and leading on many whole school events.

 Drama is a developing subject at Washwood Heath Academy, currently taught at key stage 3. We have KS4 groups and are currently delivering GCSE but would look to consider BTEC and would like candidates to have experience of delivering both and therefore use professional judgement to inform our choice of course. We are well resourced and have 2 drama studios and excellent stage and sound equipment in our main hall. We provide opportunities for pupils to perform and seek a Head of Department with a performance skill set and one that will engage and excite our pupils through a high quality extra-curricular provision.

 Washwood Heath Multi Academy Trust is committed to the development of all staff. Within the Trust, there is a family of 7 schools (one All-Through, two secondaries and four primaries) serving the East of Birmingham. We believe that we are stronger working in partnership to serve the children and families of our community.

 We can offer you:  

●  Enthusiastic, well behaved learners who engage positively with school life

●  Hard-working, motivated and engaged staff and governors, who care deeply about the outcomes for children and young people

●  A culture of support for all staff

MAT-wide continued professional development opportunities to enable practical and research-based school improvement initiatives. This includes a whole range of opportunities to further develop colleagues’ teaching skills and leadership potential, including a Supportive NQT Induction Process & Policy, Career Pledge for Teachers to support at each stage of career, paid opportunities to upskill via apprenticeship levy (right up to masters level). 

●    High level of support, coaching and friendship from the CEO/Head Teacher group

●    A creative and innovative in our approach to all aspects of school life

●    Motivated, vibrant, multi ethnic students and staff

●    A strong family ethos where individuals are respected and valued

●    Access to a generous pension scheme

●    On-site parking

 If you can demonstrate that you possess the necessary experience,

knowledge and qualifications and aspire to our vision and values then we would

like to hear from you. Further information about the school, the post and how

to apply can be found on our school website www.washwoodheath.com/vacancies or

alternatively complete the online application form. Unfortunately, we cannot

allow any visits the school prior to submitting your application, but if you

have any questions please contact:

Miss Emma Pugh, Assistant Head Teacher: epugh@washwood.academy

Closing date for applications: Tuesday 18th April

 Applications to be returned to: recruitment@whmat.academy. (CVs will not be accepted).

Washwood Heath Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS check is required for all successful applicants.

Washwood Heath Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS check is required for all successful applicants.