Director of Music

About the job

The Blue Coat School is an Independent Day Preparatory School offering an outstanding educational experience to around 650 boys and girls from age 2 to 11 years. Founded in 1722 as a charity school 'for the purpose of maintaining poor children' in the centre of Birmingham, it is now an IAPS Prep School occupying a beautiful site in Edgbaston in 15 acres of playing fields and gardens. It is a thriving, supportive community where children achieve a great many things - with outstanding results.

Post Overview

We are looking for an inspirational and experienced Director of Music at The Blue Coat School; a teacher who is willing to build upon their existing teaching skills, ensuring that modern, dynamic teaching methods are fully adopted to give every child from Nursery through to Year 6 the opportunity to achieve his or her full potential in Music no matter what their starting point is.  

The successful candidate will be responsible for the vision and management of the Music Faculty, carrying on a well established tradition of excellence in Music and taking it from strength to strength. They will teach curriculum Music lessons, ensuring the highest standards of learning and achievement for all pupils. They will direct the Chapel Choir, the School Orchestra and other ensembles (depending on expertise), and will take a lead in organising and accompanying musical events and productions throughout the school year.

The successful candidate will be supported by a separate curriculum Music Teacher, a Music Administrator and a group of top class Visiting Music Teachers.

A full job description and person specification for this post can be viewed in the Information Booklet below.

Music Facilities 

The Blue Coat School is a stimulating and rewarding place to work, in the company of enthusiastic and dedicated staff. It has excellent resources, which are used to provide enjoyable and imaginative learning. There is a very long and established tradition of excellence in Music, with many children learning one or more musical instruments in addition to their weekly curriculum lessons. Children throughout the school take part in choirs (including the prestigious Chapel Choir), orchestras, chamber groups and bands. 

Typical events in the school year include an annual Young Musician of the Year Festival, regular recitals and concerts (including performances in different locations), large scale productions and regular Chapel worship. Facilities include a music suite fully stocked with instruments and Apple technology, performance areas with Steinway pianos, a Chapel with an organ, and a suite of individual and ensemble teaching rooms (including a separate organ teaching room). 

Benefits of working at our School

The Blue Coat School is a diverse and vibrant community. We pride ourselves on cultivating a staff community who are innovative and dynamic teachers, knowledgeable and passionate support staff, and creative, forward-thinking leaders. All staff have access to a range of benefits including ongoing CPD, a delicious free lunch each day during term time, remuneration on fees for any of their children admitted to the school, access to a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, use of fitness facilities including the school pool, social and wellbeing events and free on-site parking. 

The salary awarded for the post will be up to UPS2, plus a Head of Department TLR. The post includes membership of the Teachers’ Pension scheme.

This is a full time permanent position, from September 2024.

Person Specification
 

Qualifications/Professional Development

• QTS or equivalent.
• Graduate of a recognised British University or Conservatoire (or international equivalent).
• Sound background knowledge of Music and the Arts.
• Experience as a Head of Department.
• Commitment to developing as a classroom practitioner. Evidence of recent involvement in relevant professional development would be desirable.

Experience and skills

• Outstanding classroom practitioner with proven experience in KS1 or KS2.
• Proven performing experience, including proficiency in piano playing and accompaniment.
• Ability to complete administrative tasks accurately and to deliver to a deadline.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to prioritise and manage tasks.
• An eye for detail and accuracy.
• Integrated and innovative approach to the use of technology in teaching and administration.

Knowledge

• Thorough knowledge of the national curriculum and EYFS Learning Goals, and in particular, current expectations for Music education (including up to KS3).
• Knowledge of best practice in leadership and management.
• Strong understanding of a variety of learning styles.

Personal attributes

• Infectious enthusiasm and passion for Music and teaching.
• A professional manner and appearance.
• Friendly, warm personality with excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work cooperatively.
• Clear communication skills, both oral and written.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a year group team.
• Sympathy with the Christian ethos and activities of the school.
• Wholehearted commitment to the life of a vibrant school.

All members of staff are required to promote and safeguard the welfare of children they are responsible for, or come into contact with, and to adhere to, and ensure compliance with, the School’s child protection procedures and staff guidance at all times.

Original certificates will be required as proof of qualification. All other attributes will be assessed using the contents of the application form, at interview and with the professional references.

Application forms, together with a supporting letter addressed to the Headmaster, Mr Noel Neeson, should be returned to recruitment@thebluecoatschool.com by 9am on Wednesday 28th February.

The first round of interviews will take place by Zoom on Tuesday 5th March and Wednesday 6th March. 

Successful candidates will then go through to a final interview on Friday 15th March at which they will be expected to teach an observed curriculum lesson, lead a session with the Chapel Choir, take a piano sight reading exercise and attend a formal interview. There will be an opportunity to tour the school. They will also be invited to attend the BCS Music Festival Gala performance on the evening of Thursday 14th March.

At interview applicants must provide original documents to confirm their identity and right to work in the UK. They must also bring proof of qualifications where relevant for the post. The documentation required by applicants is listed in the Recruitment Policy which is available on the school website and from the School. 

The post is subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check (including a Barred List check), a satisfactory online check, a satisfactory medical fitness declaration and satisfactory references. Confidential references will be sought prior to interview.

The Blue Coat School is an equal opportunity employer.

Please note, we reserve the right to close posts and commence interviews at any time, once we have received sufficient applications. We advise you to submit your application as early as possible to prevent disappointment.