Music Department Assistant

ROLE SUMMARY:

Wetherby Senior School was founded in 2015 and is a member of the Inspired Education Group of Schools. There are 452 boys on roll, all of whom study at least 1 language for 5 years and we regularly add at least 0.5 of a grade Value Added at both IGCSE and A Level. Our students achieve grades that allow them to gain places at top UK universities such as; Cambridge, LSE, Imperial, Durham and UCL and universities aboard such as; the University of Chicago, Pompeu Fabra Barcelona and the IE Business School Madrid. 

The School was founded to offer a progressive education in the heart of London. The School’s focus on providing an all-round education means that high standards are expected of the boys in all areas of school life. The School provides the boys with a broad educational experience, which includes Philosophy and Thinking Skills in the curriculum, to ensure that they are able to think critically and to problem solve but also to ensure they can be creative and collaborative in their approach, so that they develop a sense of social responsibility and respect for others. Our skilled staff, who have a wealth of experience, are preparing to send our pupils to leading universities in the UK, the US and elsewhere.

At Wetherby Senior School we seek to employ highly professional teachers with the ability and commitment to enhance the life of the School and to work effectively and collaboratively with all members of the School community to further establish and develop the School. Our emphasis on educating the whole boy means that all members of staff are expected to contribute to the pastoral care of a group of students as a Form Tutor as well as contributing to the School’s co-curricular activities.

The Music Department at WSS is a vibrant and dynamic hub of musical activity, comprising a dedicated team of 15 instrumental teachers. This position presents an exciting opportunity for a skilled musician to not only showcase their talent, but to also direct and actively contribute to the flourishing of our highly successful department.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• To support the ‘music for all’ ethos and approach
• To promote musical excellence and enjoyment of music by demonstrating instrumental/singing skills to pupils.
• To ensure the safeguarding of all pupils, in line with the school’s safeguarding policy.

Teaching & Pupil Progress:

• To ensure progress of all pupils by preparing and teaching lessons appropriate for each individual.
• To help organise the instrumental daily teaching diary and exam entry with the Director of Music
• To set and communicate specific targets for pupil’s individual practice each week.

Music Exams:

• Where applicable, to ensure that pupils are well prepared for music exams with either ABRSM, Rockschool or Trinity exam boards.

Communication:

• Use departmental systems of awards and monitoring concerns in order to communicate pupil’s progress and/or concerns with the Director of Music in a timely manner.
• Where applicable, to communicate with parents pupil’s progress and/or concerns (school email or phone).

Wider Department:

• To direct ensembles and/or music activities when timetables allow and as per the request of the Director of Music.
• To pro-actively engage in initiatives to achieve consistency across the music department (curriculum, ensembles and individual lessons).
• To support music events in the music calendar.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE:

1. Adaptability: Ability to adjust teaching methods and lesson plans to suit the needs and abilities of individual students and diverse learning environments.

2. Communication: Clear and effective communication skills to convey musical concepts, instructions, and feedback to students, parents, and colleagues.

3. Musical Proficiency: Experience of leading and developing young choirs

4. Organisational Skills: Excellent organizational skills to manage schedules, resources, and administrative tasks associated with teaching multiple students in various locations.

5. Interpersonal Skills: Strong interpersonal skills to build rapport with students, foster a positive learning environment, and collaborate with school staff and parents.

6. Flexibility: Ability to adapt to changing schedules, locations, and teaching environments while maintaining a high standard of instruction and professionalism.

7. Patience and Empathy:Patience and empathy to support students through the learning process, address challenges, and celebrate their progress and achievements.

8. Creativity: Creativity to develop engaging lesson, activities, and exercises that inspire students to explore and express themselves musically.

SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT

Inspired Education Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practices and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.