Head of Primary School Music and Performing Arts - April 2025 start

Head of Primary School Music and Performing Arts– Nursery to Year 6

This is a specialist teaching post commencing in April 2025

Status of the post

This is a middle leadership post within the school’s staffing structure which carries responsibility in the EPLT (Extended Primary Leadership Team). The post holder is accountable to the Director of Music and Head of Primary.

Main Purpose of the Post

In addition to those professional responsibilities which are familiar to all classroom teachers in the school, the post holder’s key accountability will be for raising the standards of teaching, learning and attainment for students in Nursery to Year 6 in music education and to promote the status and value of the performing arts throughout the school community. This post requires drama to be covered in extra-curricular activities/school productions and assemblies.

Professional Responsibilities

The post holder will be required to exercise her/his professional skills and judgement to carry out, collaboratively, the professional duties set out below: 

1. Strategic Leadership and Development of the school

•  To support the vision, positive ethos and policies of the whole school and raise standards of the teaching, learning and attainment of all students from nursery to Year 6 in music.
• To support the creation and implementation of the Primary School’s Action Plan and take sole responsibility for the appropriate delegated aspects related to music and drama.
• To support the additional music teaching staff in achieving the priorities and targets that the school sets for itself and to provide them with guidance and support in implementing schemes of work.
• To support the evaluation of the effectiveness of the school’s policies and developments in music and drama.
• To keep abreast of educational developments in line with the school's needs.

2. Teaching and Learning

•  To be an exemplary teacher, clearly demonstrating effective planning, teaching and organisation, and high standards of achievement and behaviour in music lessons.
• To be responsible for the development and ongoing review of the primary school’s music curriculum and related schemes of work.
• To be responsible for the development and monitoring of the primary school’s music assessment procedures in liaison with class teachers.
• To liaise with the music faculty on the Showa site, to ensure that there is progression and continuity between Y3 and Y4 and Year 6 and Year 7.
• To liaise with the Primary Headteacher, Primary Senior Leadership Team and Director of Music with regard to the booking and timetabling of facilities. 
• To keep class teachers and Heads of Year fully informed of venue changes and when necessary be prepared to teach an appropriate music-related lesson in a classroom.

3. Leading and management

•  To act as line manager to the additional primary music staff.
• To lead professional development activities for the primary music staff and provide opportunities for delegated responsibilities, evaluating outcomes as appropriate.
• To work closely with the Director of Music to secure and maintain excellent communication and high standards within the department.

  4. Other Specific Responsibilities.

• In liaison with class teachers, coordinate a programme of productions, assemblies and concerts to enhance the performing arts skills of all students.
• To organise and lead a variety of extracurricular music opportunities including choir, orchestra and instrumental groups which provide opportunities to all students, from absolute beginners to advanced musicians.
• To liaise with the Music Administrator to ensure the smooth operation of the timetabling of the peripatetic instrumental programme.
• To maintain and develop links with parents, other schools, educational institutions and the wider community, including business and industry in order to enhance teaching, learning and personal development opportunities for the music education of all the students.

Person Specification

Experience

•  Substantial and successful primary teaching experience including music/drama education.
• Successful leadership, management and monitoring of a subject area (preferably in music/drama education).
• Successful implementation of a school improvement project.
• Experience of contributing to policy and decision-making. 

Disposition – evidence of:

•  Personal and intellectual qualities are required to set an example to others.
• Ability to work on own initiative and be proactive.
• Commitment to excellence and to significantly raise the musical and personal achievements of all students.
• Flexibility, drive, energy and enthusiasm.
• Approachability and a sense of humour.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

•  A thorough understanding of the English Music National Curriculum (Model Music Curriculum 2021) and the Foundation Stage Curriculum (Creative Development Early Learning Goals) and how these can be implemented through realistic and achievable planning.
• Ability to be a good team player with a good understanding of how teamwork contributes to school improvement.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure, prioritise tasks and manage time effectively in order to meet deadlines.

How to Apply

Please see the full job description, and apply via our website directly via the following link below: Primary Music

Closing date for applications: January 5th 2025

The British School in Tokyo welcomes applications from suitably skilled applicants from all backgrounds.

This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check or International Child Protection Check, and provision of satisfactory background checks for at least the past 5 years.

Further information about the school is available on the School’s website www.bst.ac.jp