Post: Head of Drama (Maternity Cover, Monday to Thursday)

Scale:  MPS/UPS + TLR 2.1 (£3,527) (plus an additional payment for producing the annual school play £1,500) 

Relationships: The postholder is responsible to a member of the School’s SLT

Purpose:  The role of the head of department is to lead and manage the work of the department, to provide learning opportunities to which all students can respond with enthusiasm and commitment, and demonstrate real progress in their learning

Duties and responsibilities: Your duties and responsibilities are contained in the ‘School Teachers Pay and Conditions Document’ and in The Crypt School contract 

Guidelines for the post of Head of Department 

• have an outstanding knowledge and understanding of Drama. 
• be able to demonstrate excellent classroom practice for learning and teaching. 
• be an enthusiastic and innovative teacher with a genuine love of the subject, who can motivate and inspire students using a wide range of teaching strategies. 
• be expected to teach throughout the School
• be able to both lead and work as a member of a team and to contribute to the further development of the department. 
• be committed to their own professional development. 
• be ambitious, energetic, enthusiastic, and able to plan independently and collaboratively for the further.
• support of the ethos and values of the School.

Key Tasks:

• to offer a clear vision for the direction of the department and to oversee and be responsible for the Drama curriculum area, promoting high expectations and securing high standards of teaching and learning. 
• responsibility for results in KS3 and 4.
• to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the work of the department and the delivery of the curriculum.
• to prepare and implement Drama Schemes of Work throughout the School ensuring it is appropriate to the needs of all pupils.
• supporting members of the department to promote positive behaviour in lessons and deal appropriately with any disciplinary matters. 
• to prepare and implement an annual Department Development Plan in line with the School Improvement Plan and individual subject review. 
• to lead regular departmental meetings with minutes kept and encourage regular departmental discussion and the introduction of new ideas and techniques. 
• co-ordinating the work of the department, delegating responsibilities as appropriate; monitor the progress of all pupils through the assessment and marking of coursework, tests and examinations; this includes the co-ordination of the setting of all internal examinations in the subject area and to undertake swift intervention to counteract any signs of pupil underperformance. 
• to ensure that there is a quality display of pupils’ work in the teaching rooms which is updated on a regular basis. 
• to ensure high quality of performance management. 
• to ensure that the department is adequately resourced and the management of that element of the departmental budget. 
• to assist with the appointment of staff.
• to be responsible for departmental Health and Safety, in liaison with the senior leadership team.
• in the event of an unforeseen absence by a colleague, to ensure that appropriate work is set (including homework) and, if the absence is prolonged, that work is assessed. 
• to liaise with the senior leadership team, Governors and parents as required. 
• any other reasonable task designated by the Headmaster.

All teachers also act as form tutors and they:

• play a key role in supporting, guiding, and motivating students.
• monitor academic progress and attendance.
• monitor students’ planners.
• liaise with the Head of Year / Head of Key Stage.
• embody the vision for the School.

Expectations:

Although hours of work are not specified precisely, the working day begins with a staff briefing at 8.25am on Monday (Pastoral) and Thursday (Strategic); pupil registration is at 8.35 am and the school day ends at 3.15pm. There are several specified after-school and evening commitments each year (Open Evenings, Parent Evenings, meetings etc.) and attendance at School INSET days/Twilight sessions is required. Rehearsals and commitment to the school production (for the terms that the show is being developed and performed) is also crucial for the role. The School also organises a selection of termly Continued Professional Development sessions after school from which you select your own to attend. All teaching staff contribute to the School’s enrichment programme, as well as to the programme of academic support.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post will be subject to enhanced DBS disclosure. The Crypt School values the diversity of our workforce and welcomes applications from all sectors of the community.    

Please read our Safeguarding Policy and Recruitment, Selection and Disclosure Policy and Procedure which can be found by clicking on the link in the full job description.

The Crypt School is an equal opportunity employer, and we value having a workforce as diverse as the city and region we serve. We therefore welcome, develop and promote people from all sections of the community, and we particularly welcome applications from groups who are currently under-represented within our workforce such as from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates and disabled candidates. The aim of our policy is to ensure that no job applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. 

Our recruitment selection criteria and procedures are frequently reviewed to ensure that individuals are selected, promoted and treated on the basis of their relevant merits and abilities and that no applicant or employee is disadvantaged by provisions, criteria or practices which cannot be shown to be justified.