Head of Drama

THE ROLE

An exciting opportunity has arisen at The Oratory for a Head of Drama teaching position. We are looking for a vibrant and dynamic Head of Drama to join our team. As the Head of Drama, you will play a crucial role in shaping the educational experiences of our students and ensuring a rich and diverse learning environment for them.

The Head of Drama has responsibility for the successful planning, development, delivery and administration of the academic Drama curriculum. In addition, the Head of Drama takes responsibility for the school’s co-curricular drama programme of events. Students are actively involved in dramatic productions every year and recent performances over the past few years have incorporated musicals and Shakespeare, as well as more modern productions.

The need to develop a rapport with students that promotes high academic standards and intellectual development is paramount, as well as the enthusiasm to encourage students to take the subject further academically.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to create a supportive and engaging learning environment for students of all abilities. You will also be expected to participate in school-wide initiatives and help promote the importance of Drama education to parents and the wider community.

THE DEPARTMENT

Drama is taught throughout the school, up to and including A Level. It is also a very popular co-curricular subject, with many students taking LAMDA examinations and taking part in school productions. The Drama Department consists of the Head of Drama, another part-time teacher who also teaches English, and part-time LAMDA staff. The department is housed in our Hilaire Belloc Theatre, which was opened in 2013 and includes a main auditorium with retractable tiered seating, lighting and a technical booth. There is also a Drama classroom in the same building.

Through the leadership of the Head of Teaching and Learning all staff are actively encouraged to undertake CPD opportunities and to continually share and reflect on their practice, engaging in and applying their awareness of developments in teaching and learning strategies, including digital initiatives.

In any school, and particularly in a boarding school, the emphasis is on total education and we provide a wealth of opportunities for our students. The school is therefore keen to appoint teachers who would wish to be involved in activities outside the classroom, provided that their teaching duties permit this.

BENEFITS

• Sports Centre membership with free access to the gym; squash courts, lane swimming and golf course.
• A meal while on duty during term time.
• Contributory pension scheme.
• Free parking.

SAFEGUARDING

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

The following duties will be deemed to be included in the duties which you may be required to perform:

• child protection, discipline, health and safety.
• promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons for whom you are responsible.

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants should complete the school’s application form and send together with a covering letter in PDF format to recruitment@oratory.co.uk

The closing date for applications is 2 February 2025 with Interviews taking place soon thereafter. Early applications are encouraged.

The interview process will include:

• Interviews with the Head, Deputy Head Academic and Head of Department.
• Lesson observation.
• Tour of the school with the Deputy Head Pastoral.

We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications or if we find a suitable candidate from early applications.

Please send postal applications together with a covering letter to:

Human Resources Department, The Oratory School, Woodcote, Oxfordshire, RG8 0PJ

For any queries, please email recruitment@oratory.co.uk.

The Oratory Schools Association Registered Charity No. 309112 is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must be willing to undergo checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exception Order 1975,2013,2020.