Head of Drama at Howell's School, Llandaff
Full time, starting September 2024.
The Role:
We are seeking an experienced and passionate teacher of Drama to build upon and lead the existing success of the Drama department, its culture and strategic direction throughout the Senior School and the College.
The successful applicant will have a strong background in Drama, where the subject should have been studied at university or Drama school, and be committed to high academic and practical standards in all aspects of the role, from KS3 to KS5. They will be required to demonstrate high standards of preparation, organisation and marking as well as having a secure knowledge of a range drama practitioners and performance styles.
We are looking for someone who is deeply passionate about theatre but also has an appreciation of the changing nature of the industry and how the use of technology has impacted live performances.
Key accountabilities will include:
- Line managing members of the department.
- Directing the annual school production to a very high standard in a short space of time (including overseeing all design aspects of the show)
- Understanding the value and importance of teamwork and collaborating across multiple departments (including Music, Art, D&T, Prep School)
- Managing multiple projects (public performances and extra curricular events) alongside delivering the drama syllabi at all levels.
- Significant contribution to school events (including the carol service and annual pantomime)
- Interviewing prospective students as part of the admissions process (including scholarship applications)
- Organising and planning subject based activities for open days / evenings.
Further information can be found in the job description. The successful candidate will also be expected to undertake an appropriate programme of teaching in accordance with the duties of a standard scale teacher, as outlined in the job description. The percentage and nature of this to be discussed at interview.
Skills, qualifications & experience should include:
- A well-qualified graduate with QTS or equivalent experience.
- Successful teaching experience in a range of settings across the full age range 11–18, up to and including A level, with a track record of consistently enabling learners to achieve high standards.
- A proven track record of academic success in the subject area.
- Able to demonstrate excellent behaviour management skills and a commitment to creating a positive culture of student welfare, by taking an active role in pastoral care matters.
- A proactive and innovative approach to teaching, including knowledge of the latest developments within the profession.
- A supportive and inclusive approach regarding different cultures, backgrounds, abilities and personal choices.
About the Department
The Drama department is very successful and innovative where staff work very closely together to contribute to a thriving performance culture across the school. Within lessons, students are encouraged to explore and experience a wide range of performance styles, technical aspects of theatre, playwrights and practitioners. Students in KS3 are taught in mixed ability classes and we follow the Eduqas examination board at GCSE and WJEC at AS & A-level. We have a very high, uptake and success rate at both levels.
To see some of our previous productions, please click the links in the attached advert document: Mary Poppins, Matilda, Wizard of Oz, and A Christmas Carol.
Howell’s School, Llandaff, caters for girls from the age of 3 to 16 and girls and boys 16-18. Since 1980 it has been a member of the Girls’ Day School Trust, the largest organisation of independent schools in the UK. Its 25 member schools all have a reputation for consistently high academic standards, superb pastoral support and enviable co-curricular programmes. The facilities inside the Victorian building and its more modern extensions are first-class and the opportunities for extracurricular activities, teamwork and confidence-building numerous. Academically, the school provides great added value, with results at both GCSE and A Level regularly greatly exceeding expectations.
Benefits:
As part of the GDST, the UK's leading network of independent girls' schools, we can offer a variety of benefits, such as:
- Access to extensive professional development opportunities
- Training grants for qualifications
- Generous flexible private pension scheme
- Free life assurance benefit
- A discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools
- Interest free loans for training, computer purchase loans and travel season ticket loans
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Competitive terms and conditions of employment
The closing date for applications is 12pm on Friday 26th January, with interviews to be held the following week, w/c 29th January.
Please apply by visiting the GDST careers site, filtering by school on the left-hand side to find the vacancies at Howell's, and clicking 'Find out more'.
Safeguarding Statement:
The GDST is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. As part of our commitment to ensuring a safe environment for children, all applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post. This process includes checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). To be eligible for employment, candidates must provide proof of their right to work in the UK.
Please review the 'Work for Howell's' section of the school website to learn more about why people choose Howell's as the place they want to work, and for guidance on completing the application form.
The GDST is committed to diversity, inclusion and real change: a family where every individual is valued, respected and included. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates and from a range of backgrounds and experiences including race, gender, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age. The GDST is a Disability Confident Committed employer, and is committed to equal opportunities in employment, training and development through an Equal Opportunities Policy.
Applications will be accepted in alternative formats, therefore should you require any adjustments to be able to complete the application form or wish to discuss any accessibility requirements, please contact Helen Flynn, People & Culture Manager (she/her), or call to arrange to visit the School for a confidential conversation at your convenience.