Teacher of Music

Hemel Hempstead School is seeking a well-qualified, engaging and dynamic teacher to join our successful Music department.

The Music Department has two full-time teachers, a part-time Music technician and administrative support. The Head of Performing Arts oversees the running and management of the faculty, and is a Director of Learning on the school’s Leadership Team. The department works very much as a team, supporting each other in curricular and extra-curricular aspects of the subject. We also work very closely with the other departments in the Performing Arts faculty, namely Drama and Dance.

Results in Music are very good and significantly above the National Average. At KS4 and KS5, students follow the Edexcel Music Specification. Music students have full use of the computer suite and the recital room to support their studies. Our high expectations, supportive environment and excellent teaching ensure good results. GCSE music class sizes are increasing, as are A Level Music classes.

At KS3, students follow a comprehensive scheme of work over one hour per week, designed to encourage progression in a range of skills, develop confidence in all aspects of performance and composition and a thorough understanding and love of music. We endeavour to support students’ literacy skills and develop cross curricular links in a range of subjects.

The Department has an extensive programme of extra-curricular ensembles including 4 different choirs, smaller instrument ensembles such as flute group and acoustic band right up to a 15-piece funk band with many more in between. The school Chamber Choir has competed several times in the National Music for Youth competition, winning regional finals as well as performing in the Royal Albert Hall in a joint venture with the Dance department.

The Department offers two popular concerts a year, a Spring Concert Series for KS3 students only, a Carol Service and a biannual music tour, visiting countries such as Italy, Spain and Croatia. The Performing Arts Faculty produces a large whole school musical, every two years, working collaboratively to create an exciting performance opportunity for students. The department was also nominated to become a Music Mark School for 2022/23.

Music is an integral part of the HHS experience. Students are offered a range of opportunities to experience live music on trips and they are encouraged to demonstrate their skills through student-led activities such as House Music. We have several students in Year 12 who give 1 hour per week to our Community Enrichment Programme and they help out in our department either repairing, tidying or assisting lessons. Some of them also run smaller ensembles for us.

The subject is taught across several teaching spaces situated in a new facility that includes two large classrooms (a recital room and computer suite), six practice rooms and a recording studio. We use Logic and Sibelius for composing and recording as well as having a good supply of recording equipment and PA for larger scale performances both for exams and concerts.

We share our facilities with the Dacorum Music School and enjoy a close and supportive working relationship with them. A wide range of peripatetic music lessons are delivered by a dedicated team of peripatetic music teachers as well as some of our peris leading ensembles during lunchtimes and after school.

This is a dynamic and exciting department, offering opportunities and challenges for someone with a passion for Music, an enthusiasm for teaching and a desire to work with young people in a creative and supportive environment

The Academy is part of Scholars’ Education Trust creating a formal link with Sir John Lawes School (OFSTED Outstanding). We offer an innovative induction programme and professional development programme both at Hemel Hempstead School and across the Trust, recognising that our staff are the key to our success.

Diversity: Scholars’ Education Trust is fully committed to the principles of equal opportunity, diversity and inclusion. We want to attract and retain the very best staff in all areas of the trust, ensuring our staff body reflects the diversity of our students and local community.

For further details, contact HR at hr@scholarseducationtrust.co.uk or on 01727 734424.

If you are interested in joining us at this exciting time, please click Quick Apply to apply online. 

Closing date: 9.00am on 29 June 2023

Interview date: TBC

We reserve the right to make an appointment before the closing date, so early applications are encouraged.

Scholars’ Education Trust is an equal opportunities employer. The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.