Overview
What skills and experience we're looking for
We are looking for someone who:
* Is an excellent classroom practitioner with a passion for Music
* Can inspire and motivate pupils of all abilities
* Has high expectations for achievement and behaviour
* Is committed to contributing to the wider life of the school
For Head of Music applicants, you will also demonstrate:
* Strong leadership and the ability to lead and develop a team
* A clear vision for Music and a commitment to raising standard
Please see the attached recruitment pack for further details about this role and our employee benefits.
What the school offers its staff
Employee Benefits
* Career Average Revalued Earnings Pension Scheme (CARE)
* Free membership to all Anglian Leisure Sports Centres – Bassingbourn, Bottisham, Sawston, Joyce Frankland, Linton and Netherhall
* 20% discount on Adult Education classes run by Anglian Learning schools
* Employee assistance programme via Health Assured
* Cycle to work salary sacrifice scheme
* Discounted eye care vouchers
* Annual flu jab vouchers
* Perkbox staff discounts
* Investment in personal development
Further details about the role
An exciting opportunity for both aspiring and experienced leaders.
We are seeking to appoint an Inspirational Head of Music Maternity Cover to build on the department’s excellent leadership and outstanding reputation across Cambridgeshire.
We also welcome applications from experienced Teachers of Music who are keen to contribute to a thriving department and may be ready to take the next step into leadership.
This role offers a flexible opportunity — whether you are:
* an experienced Head of Music, or
* a strong classroom practitioner ready to develop your leadership skills
Music, and the arts more widely, are at the heart of all that we do at Sawston Village College, and this appointment is integral to our vision and ambition as a successful school.
About The Role
The successful candidate will:
* Lead, manage and develop Music to ensure high-quality teaching and learning
* Deliver a broad, balanced and inclusive curriculum that engages and inspires pupils
* Raise standards and support pupils to achieve strong academic outcomes and personal growth
* Contribute to a rich programme of extracurricular music and performances
The Music Department
Music matters at Sawston Village College. Over the past years, the Department has established an enviable reputation for excellence in the County, and we enjoy consistent support from our Senior Leadership Team, the Governing Body and our Arts Development Manager as well as from parents and carers. We have 1 full time and 2 part time members of staff in the Department alongside a large team of visiting instrumental teachers.
Accommodation and resources
In September 2004, the Music Department moved into purpose-built accommodation in the Performing Arts centre. There is a large room used for both teaching and rehearsals, a second sizeable teaching room, an instrumental teaching room, 5 practice rooms (all of which are equipped with pianos), a small Music Technology room, 2 storerooms and an office.
Pupils have ready access to a wide range of percussion during lessons, and many choose to supplement the choice by using their own instruments where appropriate. The Department has an enthusiasm for a wide variety of musical traditions so, in addition to the usual classroom instruments, there are a good number of djembes, a large set of steel pans, a good-sized Samba kit and an authentic Balinese gong.
Curriculum
Music is studied as a discrete subject by all pupils in years 7, 8 and 9. The curriculum is essentially practical, aiming to extend the experience of all pupils in the central activities outlined in the National Curriculum and to help pupils sing and play their way into an understanding of key musical concepts. Pupils are taught in mixed ability groups throughout KS3 with class sizes of between 30 and 32 students. Every pupil receives a one-hour lesson each week.
Music is a popular option at KS4. The broad scope of the OCR syllabus encourages pupils with a wide variety of musical interests and strengths to continue their study of the subject and around 40 pupils are currently working towards this examination. Results have been consistently high in recent years with a high percentage of pupils gaining grades 8 and 9. Each year a pleasing number choose to pursue the subject further when they move on to Sixth Form College or higher education.
Instrument lessons
The Department benefits from the services of an excellent team of 14 visiting teachers, some of whom come to us from Cambridgeshire Music. Around 200 pupils are receiving tuition in school this year on a wide range of instruments. Singers and instrumentalists are prepared for Associated Board, Trinity Guildhall and Rock School examinations where appropriate. We typically run two private examinations visits a year for ABRSM exams.
Enrichment and Performance
Music is highly valued within the wider life of the school, with a vibrant programme of extracurricular activities. These include a wide range of ensembles such as choirs, concert bands, jazz band, samba group, string orchestra, steel pan bands and various chamber groups. Opportunities are open to all students, with some groups by audition.
Students regularly perform in concerts and events both within school and at prestigious external venues. Highlights include performances at Great St Mary’s Church, Saffron Hall, Ely Cathedral and Cambridge colleges. The department has strong links with leading musical organisations and has collaborated on major projects, including performances with the Cambridge University Choral Society and King’s College Choir. Sawston Village College is proud of its inclusive and ambitious music programme, offering students exceptional opportunities to develop their skills, creativity and confidence through music.
Commitment to safeguarding
Anglian Learning is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff to share this commitment and those in regulated activity will be subject to an Enhanced DBS Check and online checks. Certificate of Good Conduct and other applicable checks may be requested. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. Our policies for Ex-Offenders, GDPR, Safeguarding and Recruitment can be found on our website: www.anglianlearning.org.
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