Head of Music
Responsible to: Faculty Leader of Design and Performance
Salary: MPS/UPS + TLR 2b
The post-holder will be expected to undertake duties in-line with the professional teacher standards for qualified teachers.
Responsibilities
* Set high expectations which inspire, motivate and challenge pupils; establish a safe and stimulating environment rooted in mutual respect; set goals that stretch and challenge pupils of all backgrounds, abilities and dispositions; demonstrate consistently the positive attitudes, values and behaviour expected of pupils.
* Promote good progress and outcomes by pupils; be accountable for pupils’ attainment, progress and outcomes; be aware of pupils’ capabilities and their prior knowledge, and plan teaching to build on these; guide pupils to reflect on their progress and emerging needs; demonstrate knowledge of how pupils learn and how this impacts teaching; encourage pupils to take a responsible attitude to their own work and study.
* Demonstrate good subject and curriculum knowledge; have a secure knowledge of the relevant subject(s) and curriculum areas, foster and maintain pupils’ interest, address misunderstandings; demonstrate a critical understanding of developments in the subject and curriculum areas; promote high standards of literacy, articulacy and the correct use of standard English in the subject.
* Plan and teach well-structured lessons; impart knowledge and develop understanding through effective use of lesson time; promote a love of learning and intellectual curiosity; set homework and plan other out-of-class activities to consolidate knowledge; reflect systematically on teaching effectiveness; contribute to the design and provision of an engaging curriculum within the subject area(s).
* Adapt teaching to respond to the strengths and needs of all pupils; differentiate appropriately; understand factors that can inhibit learning and how to overcome them; adapt teaching to support pupils at different stages of development; meet the needs of all pupils, including those with SEND, high ability pupils, EAL learners and those with disabilities; use and evaluate distinctive teaching approaches to engage and support them.
* Make accurate and productive use of assessment; understand how to assess relevant subject and curriculum areas, including statutory requirements; use formative and summative assessment to secure progress; use data to monitor progress, set targets and plan subsequent lessons; provide regular feedback and encourage response to feedback.
* Manage behaviour effectively to ensure a good and safe learning environment; establish clear rules and routines in line with the school’s policy; maintain high behavioural expectations and use a range of strategies consistently and fairly; manage classes to involve and motivate pupils; maintain good relationships and act decisively when necessary.
* Fulfil wider professional responsibilities; contribute to the wider life and ethos of the school including extra-curricular provision; develop professional relationships with colleagues and draw on specialist support; deploy support staff effectively; pursue professional development and respond to feedback; communicate effectively with parents regarding pupils’ achievements and wellbeing.
Personal and Professional Conduct A teacher is expected to demonstrate consistently high standards of personal and professional conduct. The following statements define the behaviour and attitudes which set the required standard for conduct throughout a teacher’s career. Teachers uphold public trust in the profession and maintain high standards of ethics and behaviour, within and outside school by:
* Treating pupils with dignity and building relationships rooted in mutual respect; observing proper boundaries appropriate to a teacher’s professional position.
* Safeguarding pupils’ wellbeing in accordance with statutory provisions.
* Showing tolerance and respect for the rights of others.
* Not undermining fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.
* Ensuring personal beliefs are not expressed in ways that exploit pupils’ vulnerability or contravene the law.
* Maintaining professional regard for the ethos, policies and practices of the school; maintaining high standards of attendance and punctuality.
* Acting within statutory frameworks that set out professional duties and responsibilities.
Person Specification
Qualification Criteria
* Qualified to degree level or above
* Possesses QTS status or equivalent
Experience
* Evidence of successful practice as a teacher in a secondary school
* Experience of continually improving teaching practice to increase student achievement and progress
* Experience of developing schemes of learning and involvement in extra-curricular/enrichment activities
Knowledge
* Up-to-date knowledge in the curriculum area (including A-Level/GCSE specifications)
* Understanding of teaching strategies to establish high aspirations for results and behaviour
* Evidence of using educational research to facilitate learning
* Knowledge of current legal requirements, national and school policies on safeguarding and wellbeing
Leadership
* Ability to lead by example; effective teamwork and leadership
* High expectations for accountability and consistency
* Motivation to continually improve standards and inspire excellence
* Empathy and the ability to listen
* Commitment to safeguarding and welfare of all students
Teaching and Learning
* Effective and adaptable ICT skills; numerate for data analysis
* Effective communication; energy, enthusiasm, resilience and perseverance
* Commitment to educational research to facilitate learning
* Excellent classroom teaching with ability to reflect and improve practice
* Effective and systematic behaviour management with clear boundaries, sanctions, praise and rewards
* Strategic thinking about classroom practice and tailoring lessons to student needs
* Ability to interpret complex student data to drive planning, achievement and progress
* Excellent planning and organisational skills
* Ability to produce correspondence/documents suitable for a specific audience in clear English
Closing Date 19th September 2025
Interviews W/C 29th September 2025
Safeguarding The Mercian Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment Policies can be found on our website. This position is subject to appropriate vetting procedures including a criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) which will require you to disclose details of all unspent and unfiltered spent reprimands, formal warnings, cautions and convictions as part of the recruitment process.
#J-18808-Ljbffr