Head of Performing Arts

We are seeking to appoint an inspiring, enthusiastic and vibrant Head of Performing Arts to lead our dynamic and motivated team of skilled and talented teachers. This is a new post which sees the amalgamation of music, drama and dance.

You will teach one or more of these subjects to GCSE and preferably A Level and will have clear vision, excellent leadership qualities and a proven track record of innovation with effective outcomes. You will work both independently and collaboratively with colleagues. You will join a middle leadership team of experienced and exceptional practitioners, able to offer a new colleague advice and support in a welcoming, positive and creative environment accompanied by excellent professional development opportunities.

Students in Year 7 - 11 are taught on the Thurston Campus, where there is a full programme of study at KS3 in music and drama.

At KS4, we currently offer GCSE Music, GCSE Drama and BTEC First Awards in Performing Arts: Music Performance and Performing Arts: Dance. All classes are taught in specialist accommodation. We have two drama / dance studios, two music classrooms, seven music practice rooms and a fully equipped auditorium.

Year 12 and 13 students are accommodated in our separate sixth form centre, Thurston Sixth: Beyton Campus.

We currently offer A Level Music, A Level Drama and Theatre and A Level Performing Arts. In recent years, we have offered BTEC Level 3 courses in Performing Arts: Dance (Musical Theatre) and Performing Arts: Drama. Thurston sixth boasts an outstanding learning environment, with facilities and equipment adapted to the needs of post-16 learners. The building was extensively modernised in 2014 to create specialist teaching areas, incorporating state of the art IT and practical learning resources.

The performing arts subjects are well supported by students who involve themselves enthusiastically in a wide variety of performances and extra-curricular activities. For the third consecutive year, the college production was nominated for a NODA Award in the category of Best Youth Production of 2016. Last year, our production of 'Beauty and the Beast' won the Best Production of 2015 Award.

Thurston Community College is a thriving, mixed comprehensive school which boasts a strong sense of community, a supportive, caring ethos and a positive, friendly atmosphere. Staff morale is high (recognised by Ofsted in all recent inspections) because Thurston Community College offers an exciting, dynamic learning environment where staff work collaboratively, share a common sense of purpose and are relentless in the pursuit of outcomes of the highest quality for every student.

In our most recent Ofsted inspection, the college was graded as 'a Good school which is well led and managed'. Ofsted recognised that 'the behaviour of students is Outstanding; they are mature, polite and courteous in their dealings with adults and other students and they are eager to learn.'

Recently reorganised from a 14 - 18 upper school to form an 11 - 18 secondary school, we are proud of the initial successes of our new structure. Externally moderated tests in English and mathematics confirm that students at KS3 are making rapid progress and 2016 outcomes at KS4 and KS5 indicate that progress and attainment are in line with the national average and improving.
Our guiding principles are "inspire; empower; achieve". Our ambition is that every student will be inspired by learning, empowered to seize life's opportunities and will leave Thurston Community College as a happy, confident and well-rounded young person, having achieved their full potential.

Principal: Helen Wilson BSc MBA
Roll: 1757; Years 7 - 11: 1511; sixth form: 246

Thurston village is a 40 minute drive or train journey from Cambridge, where road and rail links provide transport to central London in less than an hour. If you are excited by this post, its challenges and opportunities; if you relish the prospect of joining our team of outstanding teachers; please visit our website for further details and an application form.

We very much look forward to hearing from you.

Closing date: 30 January 2017.

All vacancies appear on: www.suffolkjobsdirect.org

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS checks required for relevant posts.

THURSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Thurston, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP31 3PB. Tel: (01359) 230885 Fax: (01359) 230880. Email: admin@thurstoncollege.suffolk.sch.uk  Website: www.thurstoncollege.org.uk