Temporary Teacher of Music

TEMPORARY TEACHER OF MUSIC

Full time / Fixed term for terms 4/5 temporary cover for planned staff absence

MPS-UPS £30,000 – £46,525 per annum

Start date February 2025 (after half term)

Required for a February 2025 start, an excellent Teacher of Music to provide cover for planned staff absence for 2 terms. The successful candidate would be joining a dynamic department in a high achieving school, which greatly values Music within the curriculum. We have music embedded as part of the wider school culture, and present assemblies every half term, as part of Performance Week. We are delighted to have developed the Key Stage 4 offer to run both the GCSE and BTEC music. In addition to one lesson a week of music in Year 7 and 8, we have developed a music tech 8 week programme which is delivered as part of a rotation and uses the full range of Mac facilities housed in the music department. 

At the core of our values is supporting students so that they can achieve personal excellence. Whilst we are a high performing school, we are fully inclusive and students make progress irrespective of need or background. The successful candidate will be prepared to go the extra mile, be keen to work as part of a team, and be open to, and willing to share, new ideas.

The Music Department has excellent facilities, which are housed in three dedicated classrooms, all with interactive whiteboards. Practice rooms and a wide range of instruments are available for the students to use. In addition, we have a well-equipped Apple suite for digital composition. We currently use Garageband, Musical Futures, MuseScore and Teaching Gadget in class, the successful candidate should have excellent IT literacy skills and be confident with Google Suite. The department has a strong commitment to enrichment opportunities running a number of popular clubs and activities throughout term time. There are many musical activities taking place throughout the year including concerts, music showcase and a very popular end of year Festival. Music also plays a pivotal role in the very successful school productions that have been running at Willingdon Community School over the last few years. The successful candidate will have the ability to deliver outstanding lessons at both KS3 and KS4, they will be a keen musician and have practical experience of a range of musical instruments. Being able to sing in class would also be preferred. We are a Musical Futures school with an emphasis on musicianship; from equipment maintenance to learning how to practice. For the last four years, we have been supporting our local primary school with music provision one morning a week. The successful candidate may have the opportunity to continue this work, which is great for transition and also development of the all through curriculum. 

Our Vision Statement:

We are Willingdon

We are a united, vibrant community which demonstrates personal excellence in all that we do. Learning at Willingdon transforms lives by igniting curiosity and expecting the very best from staff and students alike. We value opportunities, aiming for success today to prepare for challenges and opportunities tomorrow. We are respectful, compassionate and courteous to empower each other on our unique learning journeys. We look after ourselves and each other, and show empathy, respect and compassion to all people and our environment along the way. We encourage tolerance, resilience and reflection, which in turn allows everyone to make progress every lesson. We work together as a harmonious community to be the very best versions of ourselves.

Staff wellbeing is of paramount importance to us at Willingdon Community School. We can offer the successful candidate:

·        A clear purpose. We are here to develop personal excellence and help staff and students be the very best versions of themselves.

·        Lots of opportunities to observe others and feedback. We don’t grade lessons and feedback is developmental.

·        Regular opportunities for staff voice directly to the Headteacher.

·        On appointment, a full induction day is arranged to ensure you are supported with the transition to your new role.

·        50% off Benenden Health Care scheme. 

·        Opportunity to join Bupa Dental Plan which provides varying contributions to NHS and private dental services.

·        Regular Mindfulness sessions to enhance your work-life balance. 

·        We offer Mental Health First Aid to all staff which is a two day qualification. 

·        An Employee Assistance Programme via the County Council, this service is provided by ‘Care First’, they offer advice, information, emotional support and counselling.

·        Annual Flu Vaccination is provided in the autumn term and paid for by the school.

·        Access to the ESCC My Staff Shop which gives access to a wide range of tax efficient benefits and discounts from national and local businesses.

·        The Love 2 shop membership card (linked to My Staff Shop) is a reloadable gift card which can be spent at a number of major retailers.

·        Bike Scheme, this is a salary sacrifice scheme that produces a saving of up to 32% compared to buying a bike upfront.

·        A free coffee machine is ready for you during break and lunch time.

·        Invitations to whole school social events such as our Christmas party which is subsidised as a thank you to staff, and other gatherings to celebrate success.

·        Local business discounts for Willingdon Community School staff.

·        And more!

We believe that happy teachers make happy children and therefore do our utmost to support our staff.  

Willingdon Community School is committed to child protection/safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, we expect all staff and volunteers to share this duty of care. All applicants will be subject to safer recruitment procedures and will require satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS check.

We advise applying promptly for our vacancies as we reserve the right to close and interview early if sufficient suitable applications have been received.

To apply for this post, please download and complete the application form from the school website: http://willingdonschool.org.uk/about-us/vacancies or, e-mail: recruitment@willingdonschool.org.uk