Lead Teacher of Drama

Join Portland Place School – a haven of creativity

Portland Place School is a leading independent co-educational day school for children aged 10-16, located directly in the heart of the City of Westminster. We were founded with a particular purpose in mind: to be an alternative to the intense, large, examination focused independent day schools of which there are many in London. 

Part of the Alpha Plus family of schools, Portland Place School offers rigorous and tailored career professional development to meet the needs of staff progression, a diverse and experienced group of teachers who share their pedagogical practice and first class teaching & learning and pastoral care for students. Portland Place School is undergoing a transformation in our approach to learning.  Our aim is to provide a real-life education where children are adaptable, empathic and prepared for 21st Century careers. 

 The school is looking for an enthusiastic and highly skilled Lead Teacher of Drama who will lead the curriculum implementation and development of Drama in the school. The post is suitable for an experienced teacher looking for a wider responsibility, starting in April 2022.

The successful applicant will be able to engage, motivate and drive enthusiasm amongst our students for Drama and play a key role in raising attainment at both Key Stage 3 and GCSE levels. The applicant will be expected to take the lead, alongside the Director of Music in the annual school production and other drama performances and contribute, along with the rest of the Creative Arts faculty staff, to further promote and develop Drama across the school.  The Lead Teacher is also responsible for the structure, timetabling and administration of LAMDA tuition which is a popular and growing programme. Portland Place Online, our hybrid school, forms part of the school so some online teaching may form part of the regular teaching timetable.

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

Ability to plan and deliver outstanding, exciting and innovative lessons (Essential)

Ability to plan an outstanding, exciting and innovative curriculum for Drama (Essential)

Knowledge of requirements for examination and moderation of Drama (Essential)

Evidence of professional development (Essential)

Experience of teaching Drama at KS3 and GCSE levels (Essential)

Ability to lead extra-curricular activities (Essential)

Excellent communication (Essential)

Excellent and up-to-date subject knowledge (Essential)

Strong data analysis skills (Desirable)

 Qualifications

A good degree (Essential)

A PGCE or QTS Qualification (Essential)

Qualities

Creative, enthusiastic and inspirational teacher (Essential)

A passion for Drama and educating children (Essential)

Willingness to participate in and take responsibility for trips (Essential)

Commitment to working as part of a team (Essential)

Establishes excellent relationships with students and parents (Essential)

Safeguarding

Portland Place School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The protection of our students’ welfare is the responsibility of all Portland Place School staff and individuals are expected to conduct themselves in a way that reflects the principles of our organisation.

The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced disclosure via the DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) and will have DBS clearance. This check will be carried out alongside other relevant pre-employment checks. References will be taken up and carefully checked.

Please click the link below for further information on employing Ex-Offenders: Policy on employment of ex-offenders.pdf (alphaplusgroup.co.uk)

Equal Opportunities

Portland Place School wholeheartedly supports the principle of equal opportunities in employment; and actively opposes all forms of unlawful or unfair discrimination on the grounds of sex, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, race (which includes colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins), religion or belief, age or disability.

Application Deadline: 17th January 2022

Please note that interviews may be held at any stage after applications are received, so candidates are advised to apply as soon as possible. The vacancy may be closed earlier than the specified deadline if the right candidate is found.