Head of Drama

Do you want to work at a school that has ‘high expectations of what pupils can achieve’ and school where pupils are, ‘polite and respectful and try hard in lessons.’

Ofsted November 2023

About the Role

We are looking to appoint an inspiring leader to continue to drive forward Drama at LPA producing a sense of belonging for students, building their confidence and self-esteem, and delivering outstanding performances for the wider community.

The Head of Drama will develop schemes of learning and co-curricular opportunities working closely with the Director of Music and dance teacher on the school musical and promoting the arts.

The successful candidate will:

• be passionate and committed to upholding the vision and values of the academy in all we do
• be an exceptional, reflective and resilient practitioner, adept at leading teams
• have a proven track record of excellent teaching and will be committed to developing Drama so it becomes an outstanding area of the school.
• be a self-starter
• have the capacity to generate energy and enthusiasm for learning and a love of/interest in the arts
• be able to raise achievement through motivating, challenging and inspiring our students;
• help foster a culture of high expectations and achievement across the arts
• have a commitment to inclusion
• have a passion for recognising students and making them feel valued
• be able to establish strong relationships with students and staff
• model professional standards across all areas of work.

We are looking for a highly committed team player with drive, energy and passion who will inspire a love of learning within their students.

You will have the knowledge, skills and experience to lead and deliver the drama curriculum across all key stages, including GCSE and A-Level. There is the possibility for delivering LAMDA exams if the candidate felt it was appropriate for our cohort. It is important we get the right personality to promote, inspire and develop this important part of our academy.

It is important we encourage an in inclusive department and the successful applicant will have the ability to meet the needs of all students and this will become a real strength of the department.

Key elements of this post include:

• Build on the drama curriculum in to improve student outcomes and increase enrolment in GCSE courses.
• Oversight of Drama courses, including coursework, moderation of grades and teacher development.
• Further develop extra-curricular drama with the production of annual performances, musicals and plays.
• Liaise with local artists, theatres etc to create opportunities for trips, collaborations, or competitions where possible
• Identify professional development opportunities for team members
• Contribute to the school marketing programme with engaging content to celebrate and maintain the high profile of Performing Arts

Salary & Benefits

M1 – UPS3 + TLR

Access to Local Government Pension Scheme

Regional networks of Trust colleagues and access to key leaders in Education

Dedicated Employee Assistance Programme

Awards and Recognition Scheme

Flexible working patterns

Benefits Platform

About us

We have a strong sense of purpose and are fervently committed to the achievement of every individual. We aim to provide a high-quality education in a safe, happy, caring and focused environment. We encourage all students to embody our values of ambition and aspiration, courage and resilience and gratitude and respect.We are intent on developing a love of learning amongst our students, offering them a broad and balanced curriculum, enhanced by a range of enrichment activities designed to support their personal growth. We encourage all students to take responsibility for their own learning.

We are ambitious for every child, no matter what their background, prior attainment or needs. We are very proud of our community and believe we offer something exciting for those who join us. We have the privilege of working in a stimulating and dynamic school that engenders a culture that genuinely cherishes individuality, aims to instilcreativity and independence. Underpinned by our values, we are student focused and we believe that there are no limits for outstanding learning and outstanding achievement.We have high expectations of our students and staff, high aspirations for them and demonstratecomplete belief in them all.

Ours is a warm and compassionate community where students explore and discover their passions working alongside staff who are committed to enriching the lives of their students.

At David Ross Education Trust, our schools work as a team and achieve great things through these partnerships. Our subject specialists, our trust-wide intranet, a common curriculum and our online learning resources all help us share knowledge and expertise simplifying work processes allowing staff to focus on high quality teaching.

We value our staff highly and take work/life balance seriously; we realise a happy staff is an effective staff. The leadership of the Academy is determined to create an environment where teachers can carry out their core role of delivering excellent lessons.We have a clear and simple behaviour policy that is easy to administer.If action is needed beyond the basic classroom routines the pastoral and senior teams take the burden away from the teachers, conducting detentions, following up and dealing with parents on your behalf.

In addition to this, teachers are trusted to be professionals and as such we have no unannounced observations, no lesson grading and meeting and INSET day time for joint team planning

We aim to bring out the best in you as well as in our students and we understand the importance of quality CPD. Lodge Park offers a range of development opportunities, with both internal and external providers for staff at different stages in their career.We are responsive to staff needs supporting them with training and development so that they can deliver excellent teaching.

Being part of the David Ross Education Trust enables us to collaborate with a range of staff from across the trust both Primary and Secondary as well as accessing CPD from HMIs and Ofsted trained staff.We are always keen in developing all our staff in which ever career direction they wish to go.

Apply now

To complete our on-line application form, please click on ‘apply now’.

Early applications are advised.We receive high numbers of applications for our roles and therefore have to close the vacancy prior to the closing date in order to review candidates’ details against our job criteria before shortlisting or re-opening the vacancy.

The David Ross Education Trust is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff.

It is our objective to ensure that job applicants and staff are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential. We do not discriminate against any applicants on the basis of any protected characteristics.

The David Ross Education Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo vetting appropriate to the post, including a social media presence check and Enhanced DBS check.The successful applicant will be expected to adhere to all safeguarding, welfare and health and safety policies and procedures of the Trust.