Head of Prep Music (short term contract)

THE SCHOOL

St Helen’s is an academically selective independent girls’ day school of more than 1100 students aged 3-18, set in beautiful green space in Northwood, Middlesex. 

THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT

Music plays a central role at St Helen’s, with four class teachers across the Prep and Senior Schools, a Music Administrator, Performing Arts Technician, and a team of 17 visiting music teachers led by the Head of Instrumental and Vocal Music. Prep Music is based in a purpose-built classroom, with four practice rooms each containing a wide variety of instruments. 

Pupils in Years 1 to 6 take one 55-minute lesson each week, with pupils in EYFS having a 25-minute lesson each week. Pupils in KS1 and 2 also have a weekly singing assembly. Diverse and bespoke schemes of work are based around a practical core. 

Co-Curricular music is thriving at St Helen’s, with a large number of girls participating in activities on a weekly basis. The Prep Music Department offers Co-Curricular ensembles including an orchestra, three choirs, string and wind ensembles, a musical theatre group and smaller groups. There are many performance opportunities for ensembles and choirs throughout the year, including a Carol Service, a variety of Solo Showcase concerts held every week and productions for pupils in Years 1, 2, 4 and 6, in collaboration with the drama department. 

Each week, over 250 individual music lessons are taught by the visiting music staff, with students taking lessons from Year 2 upwards.

THE POST

St Helen’s is keen to appoint an enthusiastic temporary Head of Prep Music to cover a period of maternity leave between September 2023 – March 2024. This is a full-time position.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Please refer to our applicant information pack for full details.

THE PERSON

It is essential for the successful candidate to have the following qualifications,

experience, and personal attributes:

·        A good honours degree in a subject associated with Music

·        Experience of teaching Music across the primary age range

·        Demonstrable passion for teaching Music to pupils from EYFS to Year 6

·        detailed understanding of current developments in relation to primary Music

education

·        Experience in the use of IT to support the teaching and learning of Music

·        A clear motivation to work with young people

·        The ability to form and maintain appropriate relationships and boundaries with

young people

·        Commitment to further professional development

It is desirable for the successful candidate to have the following qualifications,

experience, and personal attributes:

·        Experience in leading Music in a prep school

·        A teaching qualification such as a PGCE (or equivalent)

·        Evidence of further professional development

·        A knowledge of multiple material disciplines

APPLICATION PROCESS

Closing date: 8am Tuesday 30th May 2023

Please apply as soon as possible as shortlisting/interviews will progress up until the closing date. Should a suitable candidate be appointed, we reserve the right to close the advert early. 

Due to the volume of applicants, we receive, if you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume we will not be progressing your application further on this occasion.

THE SELECTION PROCESS

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to the school where they will be interviewed by the Director of Music and members of the Prep Senior Leadership team, be observed teaching a lesson, have a tour of the school and meet other members of the Department.

St Helen’s school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, as detailed in Part 3 (Safer Recruitment) of the KCSIE 2022 guidance document. Applicants will be asked for proof of right to work in the UK and undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the disclosure and barring service.

If you have any queries about this position, please contact the school at recruitment@sthelens.london