Director of Performing Arts

About the job

 The Director of Performing Arts is required to develop the high profile of the Performing Arts Department within and beyond the school. A key focus of the role will be to engender a continued enthusiasm and interest in Performing Arts in the school community and to develop levels of Performance.

This role is of great cultural importance in the life of the school community and responsibilities reflect this. The Director of Performing Arts is responsible for music in the whole school and takes a lively interest in all forms of musical activity overseeing a wide variety of musical ensembles, school productions (in liaison with those delivering co-curricular drama and dance) and overseeing all aspects of choral and liturgical music including the Schola Cantorum, the choir of the Abbey Church.

As an experienced Teacher you will teach part time within the curriculum across the age range, which may include exam classes. You will help to promote Music by means of academic enrichment and enjoy seeking opportunities to develop teaching and learning within the subject.

Please be aware, we are also advertising for a Choral and Liturgical Music Director. Only one appointment will be made from these two roles, based on the skills and experience of the successful candidate.

We are looking for someone who: 

• has a passion for Performing Arts, and has demonstrable experience in choir management, co-ordination of liturgical music, and leading congregational singing.
• has a familiarity with Catholic liturgical repertoire and traditions, and an appreciation of the ethos of a Catholic and Benedictine boarding school.
• enjoys engaging with pupils outside of the classroom, for example helping to deliver our co-curricular programme and tutor responsibilities, which are a requirement of the role.
• engenders an atmosphere within lessons which is conducive to active learning and encourages pupils to learn collaboratively.
• is dynamic, creative, and inspirational, motivating pupils to strive for the best.
• demonstrates excellent Music subject knowledge and who is committed to their own professional development.

We can offer: 

• a competitive pay scale.
• a free employee assistance programme.
• a supportive, skilled, and innovative staff team.
• an inspiring, intellectually rewarding work environment.
• pupils with highly developed social skills and self-confidence.
• plenty of opportunities for CPD, and pastoral and wider-curricular involvement.
• an excellent catering facility, which offers all our staff a complimentary lunch.
• complimentary access to onsite leisure facilities including indoor swimming pool, gym and squash courts.

Closing date for applications: Friday 11 October (9:00am)

Interviews will take place shortly after the closing date. 

To Apply

Please visit our website at Working at Downside - Downside School where you can download job descriptions for both roles.

To apply for the Director of Performing Arts, please use this link https://cvminder.com/2409pwy2

Please complete your application through our applicant tracking system, CV Minder

Applications must be completed in full to include full employment history, education history and contact details for referees to cover the last 5 years of employment.

Online applications are encouraged, alternatively, you can call us on 01761 235100 or email hr@downside.co.uk to request an application form.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Downside is an independent, co-educational boarding and day school for pupils aged 11 to 18, and one of England’s oldest and most distinguished Catholic schools. The School is situated at the foot of the Mendip Hills, twelve miles south of the city of Bath.

Downside School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be DBS checked. We strive to be an equal opportunities employer. Registered Company No. 11751009 and Registered Charity No: 1184700