Curriculum Lead - Performing Arts - (Fixed Term Maternity Contract)

Above all, we seek an enthusiast who is going to give the children a love of performing arts (Music and Drama). The teacher must be passionate, knowledgeable, approachable and engaging. The subject lead will promote and guide the teaching of performing arts throughout the Pre-Prep and Juniors.

This position is a full-time (part-time considered) fixed term maternity cover for up to one year starting January 2025.

Objectives

• To foster enjoyment and enthusiasm for the study of performing arts
• To enhance and steer the teaching of performing arts throughout the Pre-Prep and Juniors and support the staff within the department and Peripatetic team
• To raise continuously standards of pupil achievement in performing arts at all levels

Main Accountabilities

Strategic planning:

• To create and oversee the direction of performing arts from Nursery through to Year 6
• Be aware of developments in the teaching of performing arts which may benefit the children, such as the use of it and to implement these and share best practice
• Create an annual performing arts development plan
• Plan termly events – book rehearsals and venues and communicate these through the appropriate school channels
• Ensure a balance of opportunities for pupils to perform across the Pre-Prep and Juniors
• Provide opportunities for pupils to compete in a variety of competitions
• To foster strong links with the Director of Music and Head of Drama to ensure continuity of education and a smooth transition within performing arts

 Teaching and learning:

• Teach music and/or drama
• Write and coordinate Year 3 and 4 Class plays
• Teach and co-teach various musical activities across the Pre-Prep and Juniors, including choirs, orchestra, strings group
• Lead weekly hymn practices for Pre-Prep and Juniors
• Choose appropriate music for plays and concerts and ensure these are prepared within lessons
• To guide the planning, resource creation and assessment overview in Performing Arts for the whole of the Juniors
• To monitor the teaching of Performing Arts and to guide, as well as inspire, colleagues
• To ensure delivery of material that inspires the pupils and staff, as well as challenging all pupils
• To review schemes of work annually with progression across year groups in mind
• To respond appropriately to the abilities and aspirations of the pupils enabling them to take responsibility for their learning
• Support at out of school performance events involving pupils
• To ensure the efficient administration of a programme of pupil feedback
• To ensure that accurate and up-to-date records of pupil progress are kept
• Work with the Junior staff to provide supporting music for Collects and other termly events

Promoting and developing the subject

• To take full responsibility for the development of Performing Arts throughout the Junior School in conjunction with the Director of Music and Head of Drama
• Review the curriculum, within the priorities determined by the SLT, alongside an annual set of targets for the development of the subject
• Contribute regularly to academic meetings and keep appropriate records of such discussions
• To review and update the subject handbook
• To coordinate subject specific trips and/or visitors
• Work closely with HODs to ensure curriculum progression through the school, meeting at least once per term 
• Attend subject leads meetings
• Work with marketing to ensure the promotion and celebration of performing arts across the School
• Take a lead role in encouraging a strong Crosfields presence at Woodley Festival annually, supporting the event fully.
• Ambassador for the school

Managing resources

• To ensure all resources are well maintained and updated regularly within the constraints of the subject budget
• Manage the budget devolved to the department, ensuring its efficient use and that limits are not exceeded
• Order and allocate materials and equipment as appropriate; advise the senior leadership of the school on the resource and accommodation requirements of the department
• Maintain an up-to-date inventory of equipment and resources
• In partnership with the HOD, ensure, as far as possible, that the subject’s equipment and resources are maintained in good order and that the rooms allocated for the department's use are cared for and offer an attractive and educationally stimulating environment for pupils.

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

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. For further information, please see here Guidance on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 .

As a result of the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996, employers now have to verify that new recruits who are not British nationals are eligible to work in this country. Therefore, any applicant who is offered an interview will asked to provide official documentation to verify their ID, address and right to work in the UK. It is also normal practice for the School to ask for original qualifications and professional membership documents to be presented at interview as detailed on the application form.

Crosfields School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers, online checks and the Disclosure and Barring Service. Further information on our recruitment processes can be found on our website: Crosfields School Recruitment Policy.