Waynflete Academic: Music

The School 

Magdalen College School, Oxford, founded by William Waynflete in 1480 is one of the country’s leading independent schools. Each year we employ a small number of graduates, doctoral and post-doctoral researchers, in a part-time capacity, to provide up-to-date, scholarly and expert knowledge as part of our Waynflete Studies programme. Recent appointees have found the role fits well alongside their current research commitments.

The Role

We are looking to appoint a full-time Waynflete Academic for Music from September 2022, and particularly someone who can assist with the performance elements of the department as well as teach some classroom lessons.   This will be a fixed-term contract for the length of the school year 2022-2023.

The Department

The Music Department is a thriving department with a wealth of talented musicians and an exciting musical programme. The Director of Music leads a team consisting of a Head of Instrumental Music, an Assistant Director of Music, two full time Music Teachers, a part-time accompanist, a full time Administrator, a Waynflete Interns and 38 visiting instrumental teachers.

In academic music lessons, we follow the Edexcel music course for GCSE and A level, and the department achieves outstanding results in public examinations. In 2020, pupils achieved 100% A*-A at A level, and at GCSE 95% gained grade 9-7. Music is compulsory as an academic subject in years 7 and 8 and is an optional subject in year 9.  Most pupils learn an instrument during their time at MCS - some at school and some privately. There are over 450 instrumental lessons each week and many pupils reach Grade 8 or Diploma level by the time they leave the school. Every year a number of pupils go on to university to read Music and a number of pupils gain organ and choral scholarships to Oxbridge colleges each year.

There are over 35 ensembles, which run each week and approximately 70 concerts given each year, ranging from informal Teatime Concerts to high-profile choral and orchestral concerts in The Sheldonian Theatre and other venues in the city of Oxford. Ensembles include:  

• 4 Orchestras (1 Junior School Orchestra and 1 String Orchestra)  
• 6 Choirs (including Close Harmony groups)  
• Wind / Brass / Percussion / Guitar Ensembles  
• 2 Jazz Bands  
• Numerous chamber groups

The department is housed in the Quinn building, but has practice rooms across the school site. We currently run Sibelius 8 software on the network, which can be accessed from computers across the school site.

Application Process

Candidates should submit the Application Form for Teaching Staff which can be found on the Job Vacancy link of the website (www.mcsoxford.org).  To access Click here.  To apply for the position please send the following three documents to the HR Officer, Mrs Gail Workman, (recruitment@mcsoxford.org). 

• Covering Letter of Application 
• Teaching Staff Application Form 
• CV

All documentation should be sent no later than Friday, 20th May 2022 at noon. Interviews will be on an ad-hoc basis. There will be an advantage in applying early; but we appreciate that some applicants may not wish to commit themselves at this stage.

The school’s preferred method of communication is by email and it will not be necessary to send a hard copy of the documents by post.

References are likely to be taken up in advance.  If you do not wish references to be called for at this stage, please make that clear on the reference section of the application form.

Safeguarding

Magdalen College School is committed to the safeguarding of pupils, and any offer of employment will be subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure, the receipt of satisfactory references, the school’s pre-employment medical questionnaire, plus sight of relevant original ID documentation and degree certificate(s).

Remuneration and Benefits

This is a fixed-term full-time one-year appointment with an annual salary of £22,000.

Non-teaching staff are automatically enrolled in the school’s contributory Group Pension Scheme.  This is a defined contribution pension scheme into which the employee contributes 5% of gross salary and the employer contributes 10%.

The school has a fully equipped gym which is available for staff use, and staff may also enjoy access to the University of Oxford’s Rosenblatt Swimming Pool. Tennis courts are available, and there is a comprehensive programme of staff sports clubs, including football, climbing, yoga, Pilates, and badminton. Staff also have the opportunity to join choirs and music groups, and to get involved in drama productions. There is a wide range of benefits on offer to staff, including a free lunch during term time and complimentary use of school sports facilities. Head to mcsoxford.org/vacancies to find out more.

Staff are encouraged to make use of the Senior Common Room within and after the school day, as an area for relaxation and shared discussion outside departments. There is also a quiet room located close to the SCR where staff can work and study. Tea and Coffee are served in the SCR at morning break, Lunch is provided in the Dining Hall, and cakes and cut fruit are available in the SCR at the end of the school day. Staff socials, guest nights and Master’s Drinks are regular features of each term.

Please note that MCS is an inner-city school, with very limited parking. Staff are encouraged to use public transport wherever possible for their journey to work.