Teacher of Music

The Music Department is lively and forward-looking and is committed to achieving success for all its students.  Staff meet on a regular basis to discuss policy and current issues.   The Music department enjoys very close co-operation with our very active dance and drama departments.

The Music Department enjoys very good accommodation and resources with a suite of 5 practice rooms, 2 dedicated teaching rooms and an office.  There are interactive whiteboards, and a total of 30 PCs with Sibelius and Reason in both classrooms. The computers are also linked to the school network.  Each teaching room has a variety of percussion instruments as well as 15 keyboards, 15 ukuleles, an assortment of electric and acoustic guitars, electric bass guitars and amplifiers.  Each practice room has a Clavinova, keyboard or piano and one room has a Hammond Organ.  We also have 2 drum kits and sound equipment for amplification. The department also has a number of orchestral instruments available for hire to students.

At Key Stage 3 students are taught in mixed ability classes. A broad and balanced curriculum is offered with an emphasis on practical learning, which has been enhanced by a variety of workshops and visits to West End shows.  Each activity or visit fits with the schemes of work for Key Stage 3. 

At Key Stage 4 Students follow the Edexcel syllabus and are taught for three lessons per week between all members of the department. There are currently 35 pupils studying GCSE music.  Our results from last year were 100% 9 - 6 grade. Visits to conferences, workshops, concerts and the theatre are part of their enrichment programme within the scheme of work.  

At Key Stage 5 Students follow the AQA syllabus and are taught 5 lessons per week. There are currently 4 pupils studying at this level.

Extracurricular activities The Music department offers students regular access to concerts, visits and a wide variety of extra curricular activities.  A number of concerts are held during the school year and play an important part in fund raising for the department and show casing the hard work of the students.

The department has close links with the Bromley Youth Music Trust (BYMT). The Concert Orchestra and Chamber Choir are going on tour to Belgium in July 2019.  The Music department also works closely with Dance and Drama, who perform large scale shows and productions once a year. 

The department runs ensembles according to the specific intake of instrumentalists, and strives to promote practical music making for all students, and all abilities.

The successful applicant is likely to demonstrate the following qualities:  • A good degree in a relevant subject • Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) • A clear philosophy on how and why Music should be taught • Subject knowledge sufficient to challenge students and achieve high outcomes  • Awareness of the strategies available for improving the learning & achievement of students • A good understanding of curriculum developments in the specific subject area • Familiarity with national strategies • Recent relevant professional development • An excellent classroom practitioner   • Able to use a range of teaching & learning strategies • An understanding of how assessment for learning can improve student performance • A confident & competent user of ICT in the teaching of the subject to enhance student learning • Able to use student level data to raise standards • Able to communicate both orally & in writing to students & their parents • Be willing to be fully engaged in the whole life of the school  • Have a commitment to team work  • Enthusiasm & a positive outlook • The ability to motivate, support, inspire and work collaboratively with a team of specialist staff, teaching and support • The ability to work independently and collaboratively as a member of a team of middle managers • Commitment to high student expectations • Creative in problem solving together with a willingness to take on or try new approaches & ideas • Commitment to extracurricular activities • A positive attitude towards professional development and own learning • Reliability & integrity • Good personal organisation • Commitment to high standards and expectations  In addition the successful candidate must be willing to uphold the ethos and policies of the school, including the commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.