Teacher of Music (temporary, part-time, 0.7)

Highgate School seeks an enthusiastic and dynamic graduate teacher of Music, to teach Music part-time from January to July 2021 in this academically selective coeducational North London day school. Candidates should have excellent subject knowledge, be fully committed to the work of the department and be willing to contribute positively to its development within a stimulating and high-achieving team.

The successful candidate will be an excellent classroom practitioner with the ability to translate rigorous academic standards into practical and successful classroom outcomes. Their timetable will include a full teaching allocation , contribution to co-curricular activities (depending on experience) and taking part in the organisation and execution of the exciting and comprehensive programme of performances that take place during the school year. Keyboard skills, and/or an instrumental skill will be an advantage.

Applicants should demonstrate a deep love of music and an enthusiasm for communicating this to pupils across a wide age range. They should be comfortable dealing with teenagers in a variety of settings and should have high expectations of pupils’ approach to music, performance and learning. 

The Music Department

In the Senior School, the Music Department consists of the Director of Music, Assistant to the Director of Music, Head of Academic Music and Choral Music, two full-time and one part-time academic teacher, and two Musicians in Residence . In the Senior School, the Music Department teaches all pupils from Year 7 to 9, with two parallel classes taking Music GCSE and two classes of A Level/Pre-U Music respectively. Class sizes are small with a maximum of 24 in Years 7 and 8 and an average of 12 in Year 9, which is setted. Academic Music lessons take place in four music classrooms, one of which features a 13-Mac Music Technology Suite.

Each week, over 35 musical ensemble rehearsals and over 450 individual music lessons take place in our auditorium, recital room, Chapel and other rehearsal spaces. Most senior ensembles are duplicated at intermediate level, providing transition from the Junior School into the Senior School. Every ensemble will have an opportunity to perform each term and concerts take place both in school and in central London venues including Southwark Cathedral, St Paul’s Cathedral, St John’s, Smith Square, and the Cadogan Hall.

The role

While the specification of the role will be tailored to complement the strengths of the successful candidate, the role is expected to include many or all of the following responsibilities:

• Inspiring young people to enjoy music both in the classroom and in performance

• Teaching KS3 classes with energy, creativity and compassion

• Taking some KS4 and KS5 classes, depending on experience

• Supporting KS4 and KS5 composition lessons, depending on experience

• Setting an excellent example of practical musicianship to pupils through regular playing or singing in school

• Playing a role in the provision of extra-curricular activities

• Directing and coaching ensembles and preparing them for concerts

• Taking a full and active part in the pastoral life of the school

• Assisting the Director of Music in the organisation of concerts and other administrative tasks as requested

• Maintaining high standards of personal and professional conduct

• Being willing to work flexibly and with integrity within the existing team of teachers

Teachers at Highgate enjoy a welcoming, comfortable and exceptionally well-resourced environment and are provided with significant assistance from a range of support staff. Salaries are competitive.

James Newton, the Deputy Head (Academic), Jonathan Murphy, the Director of Music, and Catherine Harrison, the Head of Academic Music and Head of Choral Music, james.newton@highgateschool.org.uk,  jonathan.murphy@highgateschool.org.uk or Catherine.harrison@highgateschool.org.uk are very happy to answer any questions.