Candidate Pack: Creative Arts

HEAD OF CREATIVE ARTS / CREATIVE ARTS TEACHER (MUSIC / DRAMA)

CANDIDATE PACK

SEPTEMBER 2023

(OR JANUARY 2024)

CLOSING DATE: MAY 31ST 2023 www.southlee.co.uk

South Lee Prep & Nursery, Bury St Edmunds

South Lee Prep School is a forward-thinking school that is always looking for ways to enhance learning and ignite intellectual curiosity in our children. We want them to become independent learners, to ask questions, to challenge what they already know, to learn new ways of thinking and to be the best they can possibly be. We also want them to learn who they are and how to be resilient and happy in their own skin.

Through our six South Lee pillars (authenticity and achievement, communication and community, nurture and zest) we aim to instil the skills and confidence in each child so they can go out into the world, ambitious and brave, ready to make a positive difference in whichever way they choose.

Message from the Head

Thank you for taking an interest in the role of Head of Creative Arts or Creative Arts Teacher (Music or Drama) at South Lee Prep School & Nursery. We are happy to consider various options: one person doing both music and drama or two people teaching one subject each. Expertise in other areas such as dance or media would also be welcomed.

Over the Summer, we are refurbishing an area of the school to become our Creative Arts Hub and so we are looking for someone with vision and drive to bring this new area to life.

I hope you find our brochure helpful but if you have any further questions, please do get in touch with our staff recruitment team at recruitment@southlee.co.uk

I look forward to receiving your application,

Mrs Jo Coventry-King Head

Attributes of a successful candidate

Passion for and expertise in music and/or drama; Organised and able to manage events, organise rehearsals, inspire children (and staff!)

Inclusive, kind and empathetic; Able to balance their own administration, lessons, clubs and performances; Enthusiasm, energy and zest to share the joy of their subject(s); Qualified Teacher Status; Excellent behaviour management.

Useful Information

Applicants are encouraged to apply if they have one specialism (Drama or Music) for a part time role.

The Head of Creative Arts / Creative Arts teacher is line-managed by the Deputy Head.

The role would include teaching music and drama to all age groups in the school (including pre-school once a week), running clubs and choirs, organising concerts and putting on a creative arts festival, a whole school play, tea-time tunes, various nativities and smaller performance opportunities

Key Responsibilities

Music

Teaching of class music to children aged 3-13; Running three choirs (Pre-Prep, Lower Prep & Chamber Choir) and preparing for regular performances and a choice of instrumental groups; Co-ordinating, supporting and line-managing the peripatetic music teachers; Leading in all aspects of music throughout the school day including playing in assemblies, accompanying musicians in performances, conducting; Developing an interesting and varied music curriculum where pupils develop their musical skills including the ability to compose, read music and perform; Ensuring pupils have regular opportunities to perform in school, to their parents and to outside audiences when appropriate; Preparing pupils for senior school scholarship applications; Monitoring, assessing and tracking progress of all pupils in music.

Drama

Teaching of class drama to children aged 3-13;

Organising, scheduling, resourcing and rehearsing all school plays and nativities throughout the year;

Supporting the teaching of public speaking and presentations, particularly with the pupils in Upper Prep;

Preparing pupils for senior school scholarship applications

Developing the school's schemes of work, promoting a diverse and interesting curriculum;

Co-ordination of the school's drama wardrobe and props; Monitoring, assessing and tracking progress of all pupils in Drama; Ability to offer individual or group LAMDA Lessons also welcome.

General

Developing an amazing learning environment of the Creative Arts Hub ensuring equipment, resources and facilities are well-cared for and managed;

Some cover of other lessons when necessary; Working on whole school events and projects;

Working closely with the Director of Studies, Deputy Head & SENDCo to ensure all children are achieving well in your lessons;

Playing a full part in the life of the school;

Attending parents' evenings, concerts, Speech Day and other important school events;

Building links with the local community and working together with other staff to provide excellent cross-curricular links to enhance learning.

Working at South Lee Prep & Nursery

All teachers are issued with an iPad as part of our Digitally Enhanced Learning

Various opportunities for professional development

Longer holidays than the maintained sector

Fee concessions

Free on-site parking

Company Pension Scheme with flexibility for employees and free financial advice for each employee available on appointment

Delicious cooked lunches every day during term time and free refreshments available throughout the day

Conveniently located on the edge of Bury St Edmunds

Reduced rates on facility hire for family events or groups from outside school

Thorough induction with mentor and staff buddy for the first year in post

Amazing colleagues with a culture of teamwork, sharing best practice and support

Application Process

Deadline for this vacancy is midday on 31st May 2023.

Applicants can find the application form and other details on our school website:

https://www.southlee.co.uk/work-with-us

Suitable candidates may be interviewed before the closing date and the school reserves the right to withdraw the position if an early appointment is made. Applicants are therefore encouraged strongly to apply in good time. All applications should be sent to recruitment@southlee.co.uk

For reasons of safer recruitment, please be aware we do not accept or review curriculum vitae. In order to progress your application, we will require a completed South Lee Prep School Application Form.

It is our policy that we request employment references for all short-listed candidates prior to interview. Applicants will be asked to confirm that they have not been disqualified from working with children. Any gaps in employment will be explored at interview.

Candidates should be aware that in line with Keeping Children Safe 2022, we will conduct online searches for shortlisted candidates.