Teacher of Music ( Head of Music – TLR 3)
Responsibilities
The description below is layered on top of a mainscale teachers’ job description. All TLR responsibility holders have a teaching responsibility.
The Post
The successful candidate will have the drive, commitment and expertise to head the Music Department in the development of dynamic music making. We are looking for someone who is genuinely innovative and inspirational. The person appointed will be fully conversant with contemporary thinking in the field of Music Education and must have a clear appreciation of the opportunities afforded by Music for personal growth and development. They will have experience in the use of technology as a tool for a musician and for a teacher.
In addition the successful candidate will be aware of how learning Music can be enhanced through extra-curricular opportunities.
The Curriculum
The leading emphasis is on practical music-making, underpinned by the belief that every student is capable of considerable achievement in Music. Students in Year 7 and 8 are taught in mixed ability groups, each for a lesson a week. Music in years 9, 10, 11 lies within the context of the unique Island Futures curriculum. This gives an innovative teacher and leader the opportunity to create a range of experiences with no external constraints.
As a natural extension of this, the department creates many performance opportunities, both large and small which are highlights of the school calendar. The department also host prestigious visiting artists from around the world.
Specific Responsibilities:
• To teach Music at all levels.
• To lead the music department, forge links with other departments and enhance its profile in the school community.
• To lead the development of music technology.
• To assess students work regularly and to write informative feedback.
• To take an active part in the schools extra-curricular Music Programme, including directing orchestras or choirs and other ensembles.
• To direct curricular and extra-curricular work towards school concerts and to fully participate in the planning and execution of these events.
• To effectively manage the many resources in a congested music-making environment.
• To be able to liaise with parents, careers and colleagues in an effective and informative manner.
Requirements
- A degree in Music with qualified teacher status.
• Experience of teaching Music.
• A commitment and passion for teaching Music as a practical subject.
• An ability to help and support students in realizing their compositional intentions.
• To have a sound understanding of the theory of music in order to analyse work and to help students develop a deeper understanding of set works and projects at GCSE and IB level.
• A broad taste in music, including music from non-western cultures and a willingness to embrace how music is evolving through technology
• Outstanding practical music skills, whether as a performer or composer.
• Competent pianist ability.
• A willingness to demonstrate and model singing and performing in the classroom.
• A commitment and a desire to get involved in Island School’s extensive and vibrant extra curricular Music Programme. This includes three choirs, three orchestras, jazz band and many smaller ensembles.
• A commitment to effective teamwork.
• Excellent communication skills with students, staff and parents.