Bushey, Hertfordshire
PURCELL SCHOOL
Please apply by downloading an application form from The Purcell School website and submit with your supporting statement. CVs will not be accepted.

ROLE DESCRIPTION

This is a once in a life-time opportunity to shape the future of music at one of the most distinguished and famous music schools in the world.

We are a secondary school and home to 200 young musicians for 34 weeks a year. Students live and breathe music, living and learning in a community that is unique, open and inspiring. Staff are equally energetic, passionate and committed.

The Head of Department role is crucially important, enjoying close interaction with students and staff. You will personally manage your students’ musical programme, assess their progress and help to look after their wellbeing; you will develop artistic and creative projects and experiences; forge close strategic partnerships with other relevant institutions and individuals; proactively recruit students through networking and outreach activities; manage an outstanding team of teachers; and enhance good relationships with parents and colleagues. As in a conservatoire setting, Heads of Department are senior members of school staff and will need to have the necessary skills and profile to command the respect of students, potential students and colleagues both within school and the music industry more generally. Heads of Department play a leading role in shaping the School’s strategic ambitions and are afforded autonomy over how they run and manage their own departments, under the oversight of the Director of Music.

We are looking for an inspiring individual who has a clear vision of the purpose and direction of a music school in the 21st century, and the skills to deliver it throughout their department and beyond. The successful candidate will be a distinguished performer and/or teacher in any relevant instrumental discipline, with a national or international reputation. You will have access to an extensive network of professional colleagues and organisations and be happy to draw upon these for the benefit of students. You will instinctively bring people together, motivate and inspire others, have excellent organisational and communication skills, and be decisive when necessary. Most of all, you will exude a passion for working with young musicians, you will demonstrably enjoy their company, and will take pleasure and pride in their achievements.

In return, we offer the opportunity to work with truly outstanding students and colleagues within an ambitious but caring environment. Whilst term time is busy and often absorbing, we encourage and support your other professional work where this doesn’t compromise your students’ experience. Many current Heads of Department use the generous holiday periods to contribute to international summer schools, act as jury members and performers, and pursue their own musical and creative ambitions. Some also act as external examiners for conservatoires across the country. All such work is supported by the School.

The Department of Wind, Brass and Percussion is a new configuration and therefore offers the opportunity for its first Head to lead it forward and make it their own.

JOB SPECIFICATION

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

JOB TITLE: HEAD OF WIND, BRASS AND PERCUSSION

All members of staff are ultimately answerable to the Principal.

Your line manager is the Director of Music

This job specification sets out the duties of the post at the time of drafting. Specific responsibilities are as follows:

FOR HEAD OF WIND, BRASS AND PERCUSSION (0.8)

Promote the school’s ethos of safe, happy healthy students

Inspire an ambitious department
Create positive relationships between students, music teachers, pastoral and academic staff
Act as first point of contact for parents of first study students
Set clear expectations, assessment criteria and varied, appropriate repertoire
Oversee continuous assessment of students, providing feedback to students and parents at appropriate times
Manage the team of teachers and their teaching allocations, with good communication, high expectations and generous support
Set and maintain healthy musician practices for students and staff, both physical and psychological
Observe teaching and evaluate progress of department on a regular basis
Set a vibrant curriculum and artistic programme

Teach students

One-to-one, in chamber music, small ensembles, orchestral sections, department classes and seminars
Organise guest masterclasses
Assist with hiring adjudicators and guest assessors where appropriate
Assist with programming WBP students in internal and external concerts

Recruit students, and nurture the reputation and profile of the School

Maintain external profile, teaching, adjudicating, coaching, performing (where this does not compromise your contribution to Purcell students’ experience)
Attend Open Mornings and run departmental open days
Assess all applications, and audition shortlisted candidates
Liaise with potential feeder schools, bands, junior conservatoires, outside hirers, hubs and wider networks

Instruments

Oversight of the school’s wind, brass and percussion instruments, inventory, advice on repair/hire/purchase/renewal of stock

Events and concerts

Help to staff some evening and weekend classes, rehearsals and concerts, sharing the load with other instrumental HoDs
Attend instrumental HoD planning meetings
EDI: Diversify the repertoire, training students and teachers in accessing work by under-represented composers

Influence futures

Give impartial advice about HE, consultation lessons and careers; write references

FOR ALL TEACHING STAFF:

To carry out teaching commitments as agreed with the Principal and Vice-Principal
To participate in the School’s appraisal scheme
To support and implement the School’s behaviour policy
To monitor students’ attendance at lessons and to liaise with the Vice-Principal or the Instrumental timetabler when difficulties arise
To assist in providing cover for absent colleagues
To supervise students during internal and external examinations
To supervise students during breaks on a duty rota
To attend assemblies
To attend the weekly staff meeting and other relevant meetings by arrangement
To attend Parents’ Evenings
To participate in School Inset meetings
To contribute to the School’s extra-curricular and/or boarding provision
To assist occasionally at whole school events

FOR ALL STAFF:

To promote the aims and values of the School
To support and protect the interests of the students
To support colleagues in their work
To ensure the smooth-running of the School and the well-being of the School community
To act in accordance with the current legal requirements, School policies and guidance on the safeguarding of children and young people
To undertake such administrative and supervisory duties as may be required
To follow the procedures and policies set out in the Staff Handbook
To promote equality by actively protecting staff and students from discrimination
To comply with current Health and Safety regulations and best practice

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

This is a substantial part time post (0.8) to start in September 2024.

Competitive salary according to the candidate’s experience

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Experience and Knowledge:

Expert knowledge of repertoire and pedagogical methods
Open to question the status quo
Ambitious for high standards
Equally passionate about the core repertoire and the new or less familiar
Knowledge of HE in UK and abroad
Network of friends and allies in the conservatoire sector

Ability and Skills:

Excellent administrator
Diplomatic, quick to communicate
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Able to hold people to account and unafraid of difficult conversations
Charismatic performer and teacher
Respected as a figure of authority in the profession
Open minded and generous in linking with external organisations in UK and abroad
Reliable judge of standards, achievement and potential

Personal Attributes:

Strong understanding of expectations in music education
In tune with today’s profession
Empathetic and professional
Passionate about student well-being
Familiar with current practice in education, including some understanding of SEND and adolescent mental health

The Purcell School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. All applicants should read the School’s Child Protection policy, which is available on our website, and are required to declare any criminal convictions or cautions, or disciplinary proceedings related to young people. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including records checked and processed through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
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Head of Wind, Brass and Percussion Full Time

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