Head of Drama

Thank you for your interest in this important post. Stantonbury School has undergone a rapid transformation since it joined Tove Learning Trust in September 2021 and we are at a crucial and exciting time in our development. The predecessor school was judged as inadequate with serious weaknesses in 2021 and in a little over two years we have developed a strong collaborative culture and effective practices that have been recognised positively by Ofsted when they inspected the school in January 2024. We are in a really strong position to continue our improvement journey and we are looking for talented and committed people like you to join us.

Working in any school is always a rewarding experience but by joining the team at Stantonbury School you are going to make a genuine difference to the lives of our students and to help in growing a stronger sense of pride in our school and community. So many staff at Stantonbury make a long term commitment to the school because they love working with our amazing students and enjoy forming strong bonds with colleagues as they grow professionally together.

We are proud of our broad and ambitious curriculum and we invest heavily in staff training and development to ensure that our practice in and out of the classroom is strong so we help our students to reach their aspirations and become effective citizens. We provide lots of support for our staff team to help them perform this essential job through an effective induction programme for new team members and bespoke ongoing CPD. Supporting staff wellbeing is a priority and we make every effort to ensure that we manage workload as well as possible and to recognise when support might be needed. Being part of Tove Learning Trust is very important to us and Stantonbury School is well supported by the highly effective central team. One of the strongest features of being part of the Tove family of schools is that each school is encouraged to be autonomous - in recognition that each school community is unique and therefore a centrally prescribed model will not work. We like being autonomous but we also benefit greatly from working collaboratively with other Trust schools, in receiving specific expert support and advice from the school improvement team and in a wide range of back office functions. The school is also supported by the Trust executive team and an experienced Executive Principal

There are some tangible benefits of working at Stantonbury School too.

an onsite leisure centre, pool and gym where we can offer staff highly reduced membership ratesan employee rewards scheme with a range of discounts in a wide range of storesaccess to a comprehensive employee assistance programme including access to individual advice and counsellingfree parking But most importantly we have a diverse student and staff community which makes working at Stantonbury School an enriching experience where everyone is valued and welcome - we hope you will want to join us too. The specific details of this job role are described in the job description and the requirements we need from you are listed in the person specification. In your application you should show how you meet the person specification and outline how you would contribute to the Stantonbury team. We welcome informal pre application visits - there is nothing better than seeing the school in action. If you can't make a visit then a phone conversation is a great alternative. We look forward to hearing from you. Job Context

To enable all students to make as much progress as possible, and to develop as confident, well-educated and happy young people.

Key Responsibilities

● Be responsible for the standards of teaching and outcomes in Drama across all key stages, ensuring student progress in the learning of Drama through good quality teaching.

● To achieve very positive outcomes for all students in public examinations, demonstrating a significant contribution to each student reaching their Target Grade.

● Lead a team of staff to deliver highly effective lessons leading to high levels of achievement, supporting and coaching staff in developing and extending their pedagogic repertoire.

● Model best practice in ensuring that lessons are well differentiated, including providing for the least able and for the most able and gifted students so that others can learn from your practice.

● Ensure that the department runs efficiently on a day-to-day basis.

Job Description

Teaching and Learning:

1) under the reasonable direction of the Principal to carry out the professional duties of a school teacher and adhere to all aspects of the Teachers' Professional Standards

2) A commitment to ensure the effective implementation of the school's Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

3) To maximise progress for all classes taught by you.

4) To teach Drama in Key Stage 3, 4 and, if appropriate, in the Sixth Form

5) To teach in line with faculty and School policies on e.g. assessment, teaching and learning, homework, student behaviour

6) To contribute to learning opportunities within the formal and extended curriculum

7) To ensure student progress against prior attainment, at least in line with national averages and progress targets

8) To contribute to the profile of your teaching subject(s) within the School.

9) To be responsible for a classroom or teaching area and its impact on learning (e.g. through superb displays) and the organisation of learning resources for yourself and within your department

10) To regularly review and evaluate teaching and learning in lessons and across schemes of work.

11) To enhance learning in your subject area(s) through use of Information and Communication Technology as a teaching and learning tool

12) To involve parents in behavioural issues in line with School policies

13) To ensure the effective and efficient deployment of classroom support

14) To work as a member of designated teams and to contribute to the building of teams within the School.

15) To take part in the review, development and management of activities relating to the curriculum, organisation and pastoral functions of the School.

A full job description is available.

Application is by application form and covering letter.

Candidates may be interviewed prior to the deadline.

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