Teacher of Drama

The Directors of The Gardener Schools Group have established Kew House School in the conviction that there exists an opportunity for a different kind of independent secondary school in London - academically demanding but with a modern approach to selection criteria, the flexibility of the curriculum, the shape of the school day and term and recognition of creativity and talent. 

The school opened with 63 students in September 2013 and now has a role of over 550. We opened for internal and external sixth form candidates for the first time in September 2016.  The school will grow to full capacity over the next 2 or 3 years with 600+ students aged 11-18. 

The successful candidate will be a well-qualified enthusiastic graduate teacher. They will have the opportunity to assist in further developing and building the subject in the school. This is a full-time maternity cover post from April 2021. We would welcome applications from newly qualified applicants and experienced teachers. 

The school operates its own pay scales comparable with national teacher pay scales and will offer a salary commensurate with experience and the nature of this role.

Drama has a role of great importance within the curriculum. There is significant interest in the subject and numbers electing to study Drama at GCSE and in 6th Form are very healthy. KS3 Drama Club meets weekly to play and perform. We regularly enter students in local and national Drama festivals and competitions, in addition to putting on the whole school production at the end of every Autumn term and a Summer Showcase. We have had several students accepted to NYT and NMYT. For GCSE we follow the AQA specification over 3 years. We offer an A level in Drama and Theatre as well as BTEC Performing Arts. Both subjects have two 3-hour sessions per week. Trips and workshops play a large part in the students’ experience, making the most of our proximity to the West End and industry links.

The successful candidate will be a well-qualified and enthusiastic graduate teacher with the ability to inspire students in a range of subject related disciplines. The post holder will have the opportunity to help in the growth and development of the subject. As a member of a growing department, it will be essential that the candidate is an outstanding teacher with the ability to teach across these disciplines at KS3, KS4 and KS5.

Location

The school is housed in a modern and newly equipped building, close to rail and road links near Kew Bridge. These include Gunnersbury Underground station (7 minutes) and Kew Bridge British Rail Station (2 minutes). There is also some on-site parking.

Facilities

The buildings are equipped with modern, cutting edge facilities including science labs, art and design, a design and technology suite, music department and rehearsal rooms, theatre, restaurant, café, flexible teaching suites and meeting rooms. The sixth form enjoy a superb independent learning centre (ILC) and roof garden for their exclusive use.

The use of information technology is given great importance within the school and a digital curriculum is a core component of the education for Kew House students. As such, access to computers, tablets and other digital media is available throughout the building in flexible spaces and smaller hubs.

The school is well placed to make maximum use of the full range of sporting facilities close to the school. These include the Fountain Leisure Centre, the river Thames for rowing and a full range of pitches and athletics facilities nearby.

Curriculum

The curriculum is structured around a two-year KS3 and flexible timetabling. The post 16 curriculum is structured around a three A level programme with an EPQ. Some students may take four A levels. Each subject is allocated six hours of contact per week plus two hours of independent learning time. The school’s aim is to provide a rich and broad education to all students whatever their specialism. Whilst we aim to achieve the highest academic results for each student, we do not serve as an examination “factory”.

An extensive extra-curricular programme is in place. This consists of sport, creative activities and curriculum extension sessions. We include guest speakers and workshops to inspire the students. Residential and other school visits are encouraged, making the optimum use of the resources and facilities available locally, nationally and internationally. 

The Individuals in Society (IS) course focusses on personal development, emotionally, practically and intellectually. This is a timetabled teaching programme.

Pastoral

The ethos of the new school is that of a family and social hub, giving emotional support and security to all students and employees. Each student receives individual attention both educationally and pastorally. The approach emphasises the partnership with parents; their involvement, with parents often spending time in school, is part of the ethos of Kew House.  Our vertical tutor groups add to the family approach.

The Department

Drama is an independent department but naturally we work very closely with Music. We also collaborate with English, History, Art and DT whenever possible. Currently we have two full-time Drama teachers and one teacher of Drama and Music. Each member of the department plays a key part in the success of the subject and are the reason why Drama is highly regarded by students and parents. 

Appointments

The school welcomes applications from teachers in the state sector, a significant number of staff have joined us from this sector. We also welcome applications from newly qualified teachers.

All appointments are made in accordance with our equal opportunities policy and applicants should let us know of any special needs they may have. 

Kew House School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and questions will be asked at interview to assess suitability of candidate to work with our children. All appointments are subject to satisfactory Criminal Record (DBS) check. 

Staff Development 

The school is committed to staff development and the position will provide a good springboard for further promotion within the school and beyond. All staff will be encouraged to attend INSET courses and will be provided with ample professional development opportunities.

The Recruitment Process

Candidates are required to submit a completed application form together with a supporting letter of application and details of two referees. One referee should be able to comment on the teaching skills of the candidate, and one must be the current or most recent employer. References will be taken prior to interview. Candidates must provide original documents as proof of identity at interview.

The closing date for applications is 22 February at 12:00

Short-listed candidates will be contacted by telephone and asked to attend an interview by arrangement.