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Appointment of

Director of Music

From September 2022 or earlier

Closing date: Midday, Wednesday 1 December 2021

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The Music Department The Music Department at New Hall seeks to identify, encourage and develop each of our student’s musical potential. We seek to foster a lifelong interest in music. Through engagement with an eclectic range of musical styles and genres, we believe that students can develop their creativity, understanding, co-ordination, confidence and spiritual awareness. Music also gives them a sense of achievement and a sense of enjoyment. We encourage students to collaborate, to listen to and hear each other, to take risks, to communicate clearly and to develop individual responsibility. Through music, we aim to promote a sense of belonging and inclusion.

Choir Tour to Rome, 2020

New Hall choirs have appeared on national television and regularly take part in competitions. There is a programme of European tours, most recently to Rome in February 2020. Students are encouraged to learn at least one musical instrument or to undertake vocal lessons. There are more than 400 private 1:1 lessons given by Visiting Music Teachers (VMTs) each week. The Department encourages students and staff participation in the vibrant musical life in the Chelmsford area and many take part in local choirs, orchestras and musical-theatre groups. The School has a strong association with Brentwood and Chelmsford Cathedrals and a number of choristers attend New Hall. Our students have been involved in the National Youth Choir, the National Youth Orchestra, the National Youth Jazz Orchestra and the BBC Young Musician of the Year.

‘The Jazz Initiative’ preparing for a concert (Prep & Senior students)

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Facilities The Music, Dance and Drama Departments are based in the purpose-built Walkfares Performing Arts Centre. Facilities include an iMac composition and recording suite, numerous practice rooms, two percussion suites, large teaching and performance spaces (both indoor and outdoor), in addition to the School’s historic Chapel, which houses a recently refurbished 3-manual Norman & Beard pipe organ. The Department has a wealth of departmental instruments, including high-quality pianos in all music rooms. There are also pianos in the Boarding Houses and various social areas. The Preparatory Divisions enjoy their own purpose-built Music Centre, which is currently being refurbished (completion due January 2022). The Music Department leads music for the whole school, Prep and Senior.

A concert under the Walkfares Canopy

Staffing The Director of Music leads a large team. There is a full time Assistant Director of Music, other Teachers of Music, Subject Leaders for Music (Prep) and around 30 Visiting Music Teachers (VMTs). This large and dynamic team is supported by a full-time Performing Arts Administrator. The Curriculum In the Preparatory Divisions, Music has a high profile and includes a scheme for all pupils in Years 3 and 4 to learn an orchestral instrument, taught by our specialist VMTs. Pupils in Years 5 and 6 then benefit from specialist curricular teaching, receiving both Music and Choir lessons. Year 7 and 8 students follow a specially devised programme designed to broaden their musical awareness and to equip them with the tools to analyse, create and perform their own and others’ compositions. Towards the end of Year 8, we have a Year 8 creative arts options process where students choose two of the following: Art, Drama, Music, Spanish or Greek. From Year 9, students cover a foundation GCSE year in their chosen options subjects, having an increased allocation of time (two lessons a week). GCSE students follow the AQA specification and A Level students the OCR specification. The Music Department has led the way in incorporating digital technologies into the curriculum. Each student in Years 3-13 is given a School iPad and these are used extensively throughout the Department. University Destinations New Hallians have gained places to study Music at university and conservatoires, with recent alumni represented on the postgraduate singing and jazz courses at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, the undergraduate music course at the University of Oxford and the scholarship

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programme at Berklee, Boston. A number of students are also members of the Junior Guildhall School of Music & Drama.

The Co-Curriculum The Department offers a broad variety of clubs and activities, in addition to a wealth of ensembles. These include: School Symphony Orchestra, Training Orchestra, Preparatory Division Orchestra, a variety of string ensembles, ‘The Jazz Initiative’ (our vibrant jazz band), rock groups and smaller instrumental ensembles. New Hall also boasts an impressive number of choral and vocal groups singing a range of sacred, traditional and contemporary repertoire. A Capella and musical theatre groups are also well attended and supported. Each term there is a busy programme of concerts, covering a wide variety of genres, ages and abilities. There is a need to increase provision for opportunities for our rock groups and rock bands to perform. The Music Department regularly collaborates with Dance and Drama Department colleagues on musical productions, most recently The Sound of Music, Guys and Dolls, Les Misérables and Footloose.

St Cecilia’s Day Concert rehearsal in the Chapel

Departmental Achievements The Department consistently achieves excellent results at GCSE, A Level, ABRSM and Trinity examinations. Over the last three years, 74% of students have achieved 8+ at GCSE, with 87% at 7+ and 100% at 5+. At A Level, over the last three years, 45% of students have achieved A*/A. The Music Department has a number of colleagues who continue to work as professional musicians, performing on national and international stages in addition to composed works being commissioned and performed in the UK and afar. For further details regarding Music at New Hall School, please contact Mrs Katherine Jeffrey, Principal, at k.jeffrey@newhallschool.co.uk.

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Job Description

The Director of Music is responsible for whole School music provision:

• From Reception upwards, music has an important place in the curriculum. The Director of Music will be required to teach Music from Year 7 up to A Level. There may be an opportunity to teach Music to Years 5 and 6.

• There are extensive co-curricular music activities. The Director of Music oversees a popular and vibrant provision of instrumental tuition and organises a rich and varied selection of groups, orchestras and ensembles.

• In a Catholic school, music is central to liturgy and the prayer life of the community. The Director of Music is responsible for the liturgical music that is at the heart of New Hall Catholic life.

Alongside the other Curriculum Leaders, the Director of Music has a key management role in raising academic standards and contributing to the life of the School. The quality and standard of work in the Music Department depend on the inspiration, dynamism, guidance and example of the Director of Music. The Director of Music will report to a member of the SLT; reporting lines are reviewed annually. All teachers are expected to uphold, support and realise the Catholic ethos of the School, as outlined in the Mission & Ethos Statement and the Aims of the School. Key responsibilities: 1. Whole School Music 1.1. to ensure that Music Schemes of Work are suitably challenging and exciting and that they

enable teachers to maximise student progress and attainment (for Curriculum Music, see general Head of Department Job Description that follows)

1.2. to ensure provision of a broad and relevant co-curricular music programme that fosters high levels of student engagement and enjoyment

1.3. to oversee a full and varied programme of concerts within School and at external venues, which showcase students’ developing talent

1.4. to direct ensembles and groups 1.5. to have oversight of all ABRSM, Trinity College and other examinations 1.6. to identify students with musical potential and encourage their take-up of instruments, e.g.

through the Year 3 & 4 instrumental scheme 1.7. to ensure appropriate liturgical music is included in all Chaplaincy events including weekly

chapel assemblies, whole School Masses and Liturgies, seasonal Masses and Liturgies, events and Sunday Mass for the resident community

1.8. to organise and lead a music tour at least annually (for Prep/Years 5-8 and Senior) 1.9. to lead Music Department trips 1.10. to take a proactive role in identifying music competitions (performance and composition)

for our students and encouraging significant levels of participation 1.11. to ensure a lively programme of visiting musicians and speakers, to inspire students with a

range of role models and to assist with advice in music related careers 1.12. to be responsible for the smooth running of scholarship assessments, to advise on

admissions and to make appropriate recommendations for scholarships and awards 1.13. to mentor and coach Music Scholars and any students identified as Most Able & Talented

within Music 1.14. to oversee and to develop the weekend provision of Music lessons and tuition 1.15. to coordinate and develop departmental contributions to the Summer Camps provision

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1.16. to ensure appropriate provision for Music Technology e.g. through the Rockschool Music Production specification

2. Music staffing 2.1. to organise staffing for ensembles and groups 2.2. to line manage the Performing Arts Administrator 2.3. to manage the Visiting Music Teachers (VMTs) and to oversee the running of instrumental

and vocal tuition programmes 2.4. to liaise with the Head of Drama and Head of Dance to ensure suitable provision of music

for all School productions 2.5. to liaise with the Preparatory Divisions staff to ensure a coherent music provision across the

School 2.6. to oversee teacher training for any staff undertaking school based teacher training in Music

and for any staff undertaking the Early Career Teachers (ECT) programme Head of Department Job Description 1. Organisation and General Management 1.1. to lead by example, demonstrating excellent classroom practice, marking to a high standard

and being an inspirational teacher showing management skill and good judgement in support of the School’s aims

1.2. to direct and monitor the teaching and learning of the subject 1.3. to arrange regular Departmental meetings; these should be at least fortnightly 1.4. to induct and supervise trainee teachers, NQTs and new members of staff in the Department 1.5. to liaise with colleagues, e.g. Learning Development and EAL 1.6. to be responsible for the development of members of the Department, using the

Performance Management process effectively 1.7. to observe all teachers of the subject, at least twice per year, and to undertake unannounced

Learning Walks in order to monitor Learning and Teaching 1.8. to undertake marking reviews regularly, to ensure the highest standards are maintained, in

line with the School’s Marking Policy 1.9. to promote the welfare of all students served by the Department and to pass on information

to other staff 1.10. to contribute to Curriculum Leaders’ Group meetings 2. Curriculum 2.1. to review annually the specifications used within the Department and make

recommendations to the SLT if changes are required 2.2. to access examination board websites on a regular basis, including secure password

protected content, to ensure that the taught curriculum mirrors exactly that prescribed by the examination boards. This responsibility may be delegated to another member of the Department but accountability for ensuring that this happens lies with the Director of Music alone

2.3. to ensure that each subject teacher delivers the correct specifications and schemes of work 2.4. to oversee the Marking & Assessment Policy within the Department and its proper use in

accordance with the whole School policy 2.5. to oversee all aspects of subject examinations e.g.

2.5.1. to ensure adequate testing throughout the year, the standardisation of internal examinations, their moderation, setting, marking and necessary follow-up

2.5.2. to submit results to the Vice Principal (Curriculum, Growth & Innovation) or another person as required

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2.5.3. to ensure that external examination specification requirements are adequately covered and examiners’ reports are read by members of the Department

2.5.4. to ensure that information given to the Examinations Manager is full and accurate; in case of dispute, decisions about the levels of examination entry should be supported by evidence

2.5.5. to ensure that teachers are clear about the format of question papers, the stationery used by the relevant examination board and that candidates are familiar with the formats

2.5.6. to ensure that examination candidates are provided with a copy of the correct specification

2.6. to collaborate with Subject Leaders in the Preparatory Divisions to ensure a coherent delivery of the subject across the School

2.7. to ensure that report writing across the Department is in accordance with School policy and the Whole School Administration Guidelines

2.8. to make recommendations regarding the allocation of Scholarships and Awards 2.9. to ensure that sufficient stretch and challenge is provided for Most Able & Talented students

within the Department and that additional support and mentoring is available to those students striving for the most competitive universities, such as Oxford and Cambridge

2.10. to ensure that all teachers within the Department are aware of students on the SEND and EAL registers and that sufficient strategies and access arrangements are in place

3. General 3.1. to take a leading role in initiatives to recruit and retain students such as Open Days and

Educational Days 3.2. to uphold the School’s Code of Conduct and to support members of the Department in

doing likewise 3.3. to attend School functions regularly 3.4. to be a point of contact for parents and to ensure that all positive feedback and

concerns/complaints are dealt with in line with School policy 3.5. to contribute to curriculum booklets, Department handbook, promotional material and

letters to parents 3.6. to kindle intellectual curiosity for the subject and to promote opportunities for further study

and careers through academic societies, local or national events and links with universities 3.7. to present an attractive, stimulating, tidy and safe learning environment in classrooms and

to oversee Departmental displays in public areas 3.8. to be responsible for resourcing the Department within the set budget 3.9. to manage Health & Safety issues within the Department and to refer any issues to the

Health & Safety Officer All staff are responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of students at New Hall School by ensuring compliance with the School’s Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy at all times. It is a requirement of all staff to report any actual or potential risks to the safety or welfare of students to the Designated Safeguarding Lead. This document summarises the main responsibilities of the post. All staff are required to undertake whatever else may reasonably be requested by the Principal. Applications from practising Catholics are particularly welcome. All staff are expected to uphold, support and realise the Catholic ethos of the School, as outlined in the Mission & Ethos Statement and Aims of the School. Job Descriptions are subject to annual review.

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Person Specification

Essential Desirable

Education • University graduate and qualified teacher with a successful track record teaching Music from Year 7 to A Level

• Experience of teaching Music at Key Stage 2

Experience • Experienced teacher, with leadership & management experience

• Experience of Catholic liturgy and/or Catholic education

• Experience of independent and/or boarding education

• Experience marking or moderating for public examination boards

Skills and Aptitudes

• Excellent keyboard and conducting skills

• Excellent public speaking and presentation skills, with very good spoken and written English

• Strong IT, organisational and management skills

• Ability to take a leading role in ensuring first-class provision in the whole School co-curriculum for music-related activities

• Willingness to take a full part in the liturgical life of the School, including involvement with Sunday evening Mass for boarders in term time

Organist

Disposition and personal qualities

• An understanding of the importance of promoting and safeguarding welfare of children

• Charisma, gravitas and an ability to be a visible and effective presence throughout the School

• Ability to relate effectively to students and to inspire and enthuse them about Music

• Ability to work collaboratively, with humility, to motivate and to bring out best in team members

• Willingness to participate enthusiastically in aspects of boarding school life

New Hall is committed to increasing the number of staff from ethnic minorities, across all roles and at all levels, to reflect our diverse student population. Applications from practising Catholics are particularly welcome. The Equal Opportunities Policy is available on our website.

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School Tour

Click HERE to view our Open Day virtual tour.

Hours of Work, Salary & Benefits Salary The salary for this role is currently up to £61,307pa. The range for the Director of Music is £50,771-£61,307pa (NH7-15). This salary range incorporates a £12,000pa Management Allowance (MA5). Hours of Work The nature of a busy independent boarding and day school means that the Director of Music will typically be available in School until the end of the School day at 6.00pm in term time. There is a requirement to attend Sunday evening Mass in term time (currently starting at 5.30pm). There is also responsibility to oversee the music provision at Parish Mass, which takes places at New Hall on Sunday mornings. The Sunday commitment for music for the liturgy replaces boarding duties that are undertaken by other day staff. There will also be evening and weekend concerts and other performances on a regular basis. A degree of flexibility is required.

All teachers are expected to:

• attend after-School staff meetings that may run until 6.00pm

• attend Saturday Open Days, after-School Parents Evenings (until around 8.00pm), Prize Giving Open Days, Taster Days and staff INSET days

School holidays for teachers are typically in the range of 16-18 weeks. Pension Teaching staff are able to join the national Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS). Pension contribution rates are variable, currently between 7.4% per annum and 11.7% per annum, dependent on salary (employee), and 23.68% (employer). New Hall Governors keep membership of TPS under review. Training New Hall is committed to professional development of staff and will support further in-service training as required. The School has a strong track record in teacher training, which will be fully funded and delivered in partnership with the University of Buckingham. There are generous INSET and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) budgets. Accommodation The School has a house that can be rented. This is a few minutes’ walk from the School site, with views across the School playing fields. For those relocating from outside Essex, a relocation package is available (contact HR for details). The nature of this work is that it is important to live close to the School site, since there is frequent evening work and the requirement to be in School on Sundays in term time. School fee remission School fee remission for staff children is granted in accordance with the provision at the time of commencing employment at New Hall.

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For the Director of Music, there is an enhanced fee remission of two thirds of the day fees from Reception to Year 13. Please note that there is no staff fee remission for New Hall Nursery/Pre-School (ages 1-4).  Places for staff children are subject to space availability and the normal entry assessments. If the acceptance of a job offer is dependent on your child/ren attending New Hall, please contact the Admissions Team on 01245 467 588 to verify whether there is availability within the year group/s. You will need to complete an Application Form for fee remission, available from the HR Department. This must be done prior to your child starting the School or the remission will only apply from the following term. Sports teams Contributions to the sporting life of the School by leading a team attracts a competitive remuneration package for weekend fixtures. This will be paid at a rate of £60 when on site (including home fixtures) and £90 when accompanying away fixtures. Sport membership As an employee, you will be able to make use of a discounted annual membership rate for the New Hall Sport Club (currently £20pa plus £5pa for family members), with effect from your start date. Membership includes Club time use of:

• 25-metre, 6 lane indoor swimming pool

• 10 floodlit tennis/netball courts

• Fitness Suite, which comprises a range of cardiovascular equipment and free weights

• Athletics track

• 12 golf practice bays Technology New Hall is committed to promoting the digital literacy of our students. All teachers are provided with a School laptop and iPad to aid their delivery of lessons and all students from Years 3-13 have a School iPad.

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