Head of Music (Maternity Cover)

Manor House School requires maternity cover for the Head of Music from 25 April 2022.  Full details of the the school, the role and responsibilities, the person specification and the application process can be found in the attached information pack.  The following is offered by way of a summary.

Job Description

Manor House School has a strong musical tradition which reflects the aims of the founder of the school, who was herself a musician.  Music is intrinsic to the ethos of Manor House School, which encourages the development of all children as individuals.  Manor House pupils participate in musical activity with enthusiasm and it is the responsibility of the Head of Music to develop their interest by detecting and nourishing individual talent and by encouraging each child to fulfil their musical potential.

The successful candidate will involve all children, from the youngest to the oldest, in musical activity and encourage them as individuals as far as they are able. This will include singing, music composition and ensuring they are made familiar with and enjoy the tradition of hymn singing. The candidate will also fulfil the role of a member of the Senior Teaching Staff which may include the role of a form tutor.

Leadership

• Manage and lead the Music Department and liaise with other Departments to ensure that Music enriches the experience of pupils and maintains its role as a subject of major importance at Manor House. 

• Oversee all visiting instrumental staff and permanent staff in the Department and to engage any new peripatetic teachers with suitable qualifications as the need arises (Admin support is provided for the weekly timetable and communication with VIS).

• Liaise with the Headteacher and other Departments (principally Drama) to produce and direct two major school musical productions every year – one for Seniors and one Preps.

• Oversee the school’s participation in external examinations, principally GCSE and ABRSM. (Admin support is provided for ABRSM)

• Liaise with the Headteacher and other departments to produce particular services throughout the year (principally the Carol Service, the Easter Eucharist and the Leavers’ Service), and to organise other services as directed by the Headteacher.

• To lead regular whole school Music Assemblies to enhance the pupils’ appreciation of music. 

• Co-ordinate small recitals and a summer concert for  Prep and Seniors together.

• Organise music for the various occasions such as the Prep department Nativity play and Summer Assembly.

• Co-organise the annual House Arts Competition, direct the music for the annual Prep Production and organise rehearsals for occasional music concerts.

Teaching and Learning

• Ensure that all pupils realise their potential in attainment and wider achievement through high quality teaching and learning experiences.

• Monitor pupil progress and where necessary provide intervention in order that those taking GCSE music achieve the highest possible grades.

• Undertake a designated programme of teaching.

• Record and report on the development, progress and attainment of pupils.

• Recruit and rehearse the school choirs and orchestras.

• Provide accompaniment in church and assemblies for weekly services.

School improvement and quality assurance

• Promote the school and its pupils by participating in external competitions, performances and music festivals.

• Lead curriculum development and quality assurance and ensure that systems are in place to monitor, evaluate and promote the continuing professional development of colleagues within the department.

• Lead and deliver the scholarship programme giving scholars and more able students opportunities as appropriate. 

School ethos

• Create and maintain a positive environment for teaching by ensuring the Music Room is a stimulating environment that promotes effective learning, high standards of attainment and good discipline.

• Contribute to and promote the development of a positive school ethos and achievement of the seven school values.

• Manage and participate in extra-curricular activities.

• Organise the department’s contribution to Open Days, Experience Days and Scholarship assessments.

• Organise regular newsletter contributions, sharing the successes of the department and students.

Pupil Support

• Employ a range of strategies and methods of differentiation to take account of pupil learning styles, abilities and previous experiences.

• Support pupils with special educational experiences.

• Contribute to the development of school policy in relation to behaviour management of pupils.

• Work in partnership with colleagues, parents, other specialist agencies and staff in other schools as appropriate.

• Be aware and follow the school’s policies and procedures, especially those relating to safeguarding and child protection, behaviour and Health and Safety.

Any other activities deemed necessary by the Headteacher or Deputy Headteacher.

Safeguarding

Manor House School is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people which all staff share responsibility.   We have an extensive policy on safer recruitment practices which ensures those unsuitable for working with children are identified at the initial stages.  All staff in regulated activity with pupils are subject to the standard pre-employment checks and include an enhanced DBS check.  Volunteers and visitors are also subject to identity checks.

All staff have a responsibility for safeguarding the students with regular training and updates when required.

You may be liable to prosecution if you are found to be included in the Disclosure and Barring Service’s/Disclosure Scotland’s or on the Children’s Barred List and engage, seek or offer to engage, in work which either involves contact with children or any opportunity for contact with children.