Head of Music

This is an exciting opportunity to lead and develop the music department.

About Holmewood House School

Holmewood House is a prestigious independent Prep School of 440+ pupils aged 3-13 years just outside Tunbridge Wells. The School is a happy and supportive working environment, where we pride ourselves on the exceptional provision for our pupils and staff in all areas.

The school wholeheartedly believes that emotional and social well-being, self-esteem, happiness and confidence are of prime importance and are in themselves inextricably linked to academic progress. Staff are excited by the curiosity and thirst for learning that each child, regardless of their ability, naturally displays. They work hard to allow each child to ask why, to query and to have the time to develop their thoughts into fresh discoveries and innovations and, in doing so, overcome the challenges faced. The end result is the celebration of learning – a reward in its own right!

The relationship between home and school is of fundamental importance in ensuring every child is surrounded by the love, care and guidance which they require as they make their way through their educational journey. In short, the partnership allows the children to enjoy the most important journey of all: childhood.

Commitment to safeguarding

Holmewood House is committed to promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and all staff, volunteers and other third parties are expected to share this commitment. The school adopts a rigorous safer recruitment process which is adhered to in the appointment of all new members of staff. As part of the safer recruitment process, all applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post including, but not limited to, checks with past employers and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

For further information about Holmewood House please visit our website www.holmewoodhouse.co.uk

The Music Department

Our pupils achieve notable success every year with Scholarships to Senior Schools - some are now professional soloists having trained at UK’s leading Conservatoires. Pupils regularly play with The National Children’s Orchestras of Great Britain, County Youth Orchestras and have been members of London Junior Conservatoires. The standard is high, and we believe that all children – regardless of experience or ability - or should have a full and exciting musical education at our school from Nursery to Year 8.

We are looking for someone who is ambitious and enthusiastic, with a strong sense of imagination, to create and lead a stimulating Music programme which is fun and stretches and challenges our pupils. 

We need a strong performer who can inspire the pupils to become performers themselves and to gain great pleasure out of being surrounded by Music.

An inspirational and dynamic teacher, you will need to coordinate and lead the planning and teaching of Music throughout the school, as well as liaising with other Heads of Department on creative collaborations. As with all teachers, you will be a form tutor looking after pupil wellbeing both inside and outside of the classroom. 

Essential skills - you will need the ability to:

• Direct, conduct and develop choirs/ bands accompanying from the piano/keyboard (the ability to play strings would be an advantage).
• Accompany concerts/services/drama productions
• Accompany ABRSM exams
• Identify able musicians and prepare them for scholarships
• Assist pupils with Aural and ABRSM Theory examination preparation
• Excellent communication and relationship building skills
• Make music inclusive and inspirational for all abilities 

Key responsibilities

• Raise the profile of Music in school and beyond; to really promote Music as an integral part of our school.
• Lead on all aspects of teaching and learning in Music within the curriculum and beyond, including public examinations and scholarships. To oversee the writing, delivery and review of the schemes of work and ensure the Music department is at the forefront of the latest methods of teaching.
• To set ambitious targets for the department and to work with SLT to deliver them.
• To plan an exciting and diverse programme of concerts and music events both informal and formal throughout the year to challenge and showcase the work of different choirs, orchestra, bands, ensembles and individual musicians, whatever their level.
• To organise and lead a range of events such as visiting speakers, trips, workshops and masterclasses.
• To build and nurture relationships with senior schools and to work on collaborations with local schools. 
• Inspire and lead VMT’s to grow the numbers of pupils taking instrumental lessons and to showcase their achievements in assemblies.
• To collaborate with the Drama Department and other departments as appropriate.
• To promote a diverse range of musical styles and genres reflecting world music.
• Monitor the quality of teaching in the department.
• Lead regular departmental meetings to oversee all aspects of the departments organisation and management and to ensure the schools policies and practices are being delivered.
• Evaluate pupils progress and attainment and ensure the very best quality of musical education.
• Manage the department's budget and resourcing.
• Run departmental clubs and extra-curricular activities.
• Work with the Assistant Head Learning and Teaching on departmental reviews and target setting.
• Ensure professional development within the department and oversee the induction of new staff to the department.
• Present on occasion to the SLT and governors on exciting aspects of music.
• Attend all whole school staff meetings, professional development and promotional events.
• Tutor a group of pupils to ensure they are well cared for both academically and pastorally.
• Write detailed, good quality reports for music and as a tutor.
• Contribute to wider school life, which may include boarding duties.

Salary

A competitive salary will be offered depending on the skills and experience of the successful candidate.

Pension & School Benefits

The successful candidate will be offered a range of benefits including a generous employer contributory pension, free parking, term-time working and free lunch/ refreshments.

Hours of work

Full Time, Monday – Friday whilst the school is in session plus any additional Inset and staff training days.

Start date

September 2023

Offer

The successful applicant will be offered the role subject to the satisfactory completion of a number of background checks including but not limited to; an enhanced DBS check, the taking up and verification of references, the verification of career history and fitness to undertake the role.

Application

If you wish to be considered for this role, please complete an application form, which can be found on our website at: https://holmewoodhouse.co.uk/staff-vacancies/

The closing date for applications is Monday 20th February.