Director of Music

DIRECTOR OF MUSIC

APPLICATION PACK

TEACHING & LEARNING ALLOWANCES: 4

METHODIST COLLEGE INFORMATION

Methodist College Belfast is one of Northern Ireland’s leading grammar schools, providing life changing opportunities for everyone.

I am delighted that you are interested in joining the staff team here at Methodist College. As a member of staff, you will discover a celebrated tapestry of diversity, opportunity and excellence that makes Methody truly unique. Methody provides life changing opportunities for everyone and we would love you to experience that for yourself as a member of staff.

Staff at Methody are committed to making a difference to pupils, colleagues and the College community but soon discover that Methody also enriches their lives through their unparalleled staff experience. If you are an enthusiastic, committed, and progressive person ready to bring your unique gifts and talents to the College, we would love you to be part of our exceptional team.

This is a place where lifelong friendships begin, where bright futures are built, where leaders are made and where life changing experiences take place.

THIS IS METHODY.

J LENDRUM PRINCIPAL

SELECTION AND APPOINTMENT

The Board of Governors of Methodist College wishes to appoint a Director of Music from 1 September 2024. The successful candidate will have substantial experience of educational leadership, alongside the knowledge, skills and understanding required for the post.

An Appointments Panel will oversee the Selection and Appointment process, which will include:

1. Completion of the College Application Form by candidates.

2. Shortlisting of candidates.

3. Interview for shortlisted candidates.

COLLEGE APPLICATION FORM

Completed application forms must be received by the College no later than 12 noon on Thursday 11 April 2024. Any applications received after this date and time will not be accepted. Applications must be signed. Digital signatures are acceptable. A Curriculum Vitae should not be included. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that their application is received on time and the application form is completed accurately, as the information provided will be used in the shortlisting process. Completed application forms should be emailed to principal@methody.org. All applications will be acknowledged.

SHORTLISTING OF CANDIDATES

Completed applications received by the closing date will be assessed against the criteria. The Appointments Panel will determine those candidates who meet the criteria and are shortlisted. Shortlisted candidates will be notified via email on or before Friday 12 April 2024. Unsuccessful candidates will be notified in writing by letter.

INTERVIEWS

Interviews for shortlisted candidates will take place on Friday 19 April 2024.

KEY DATES

20 March 2024

Post advertised

11 April 2024

Closing Date

12 April 2024

Shortlisted candidates advised of interview

19 April 2024

Interviews

CONFIRMATION OF APPOINTMENT

The successful candidate will be notified by the Principal followed by a formal written offer.

Before the successful candidate can be confirmed in the appointment they will be required to:

1. Agree to their records being checked with the Department of Education for Northern Ireland and a Criminal Records Check being carried out by Access NI, it being a condition of the appointment that the applicant should have a record acceptable to the Board of Governors of the College.

2. Accept the right of the College to contact any or all previous employers for references. It is a condition of appointment that such references should be acceptable to the Principal of the College.

3. Accept the right of the College to conduct a review of their social media accounts.

Appointment to this position is subject to the successful candidate undertaking a criminal records check through Access NI and to this check being clear of any offences which might affect appointment to this post. The College’s decision on what is acceptable arising from this check is final. The cost of this check is £32.00 and the successful candidate will be required to pay the school for this service.

CANVASSING AND FALSE INFORMATION

Canvassing by any candidate, either directly or indirectly, will result in disqualification from the process.

Candidates who knowingly provide false information on their application form will be disqualified from the process. If this is discovered after the successful candidate has been appointed, they will be dismissed from their post.

JOB DESCRIPTION

MAIN PURPOSE

1. To be responsible for the vision, leadership and management of curricular and extra-curricular music provision in Methodist College.

2. To maintain the College’s reputation as a centre of musical excellence.

3. To create and maintain a positive learning environment within the department.

4. To monitor, support and be accountable for pupil progress.

5. To contribute towards the development and implementation of the agreed curriculum.

6. To manage and deploy departmental resources effectively to deliver the goals and the development needs of the department in line with the school development plan.

7. To support the professional development of staff within the department.

8. To ensure that College policies are implemented.

9. To promote, support and contribute to the values and aims of the College.

10. To ensure the smooth running of the department on a day-to-day basis.

REPORTING

TO Curriculum Vice Principal RESPONSIBLE FOR Teaching staff and other relevant personnel within the department

ETHOS

1. Demonstrate a student-centred approach.

2. Maintain high standards of positive behaviour and discipline, both in the classroom and in the wider departmental area.

3. Celebrate pupil success by promoting its recognition throughout the College.

4. Raise pupils’ awareness of the subject(s) taught in the department.

5. Ensure the implementation of the College’s policies, liaising with parents/guardians and Form staff where appropriate.

6. Ensure professional working relationships within the department.

7. Maintain good channels of communication and represent the views and interests of members of the Department and disseminate information.

8. Promote the department in the College, including the Preparatory Department, and beyond eg. liaising with primary schools.

TEACHING AND LEARNING

1. Develop, review and evaluate common standards of practice, appropriate learning and teaching strategies and other educational initiatives relevant to the College in liaison with the appropriate Vice Principal and Director of Studies.

2. Develop appropriate schemes of work for each year group in line with the specifications of the NI curriculum and the external Awarding Bodies.

3. Liaise with the Special Educational Needs staff in the delivery, monitoring and review of PLPs and other means of support for pupils with learning needs.

4. Track pupil progress, liaising with the Form staff and parents, as appropriate, in supporting academic progress.

5. Develop appropriate methods of assessment and evaluate their effectiveness.

6. Devise and implement guidelines on homework, coursework and continuous and controlled assessment.

7. Direct and monitor subject teachers in the preparation, feedback and reporting of internal formal assessments.

8. Encourage pupil participation in subject related activities beyond the classroom.

DEVELOPMENT

1. Engage actively in personal and professional development opportunities.

2. Produce and implement an agreed Departmental Development Plan.

3. Monitor, review and evaluate regularly all aspects of the work of the department.

4. Keep abreast of developments in relevant subject areas and disseminate information to members of the department.

5. Advise, guide and motivate members of the department and establish support procedures where necessary, including EPD staff and those on ITT.

6. Support the continuous professional development of departmental staff in line with agreed development plans.

7. Act as a PRSD reviewer.

8. Participate in the recruitment of members of the department.

OPERATIONAL

1. Be responsible for the day-to-day management of staff within the department.

2. Supervise departmental support staff, as appropriate.

3. Convene regular departmental meetings and keep minutes.

4. Attend school meetings and events as required.

5. Maintain good channels of communication and represent the views and interests of members of the department and disseminate information.

6. Draw up the departmental timetable.

7. Manage the departmental budget.

8. Liaise with the appropriate Vice Principal regarding cover for absent members of the department. If required, provide suitable work for pupils.

9. Supervise the work of substitute teachers.

10. Implement, as appropriate, risk assessments and Health and Safety regulations specific to the subject(s) taught in the department ensuring that the department is a safe environment and that in the event of an emergency a safe and speedy evacuation is possible.

11. Supervise the organisation of departmental trips and ensure members of staff are fully aware of College policy, particularly with regard to safety and security.

12. Liaise with the Careers Service.

13. Liaise with Awarding Bodies and with the Examinations Officers on all appropriate aspects of external and internal examinations.

14. Contribute to the College’s liaison and marketing activities e.g. the collection of material for the school website and other publications.

15. Contribute to the development of effective links with partner schools and other relevant external bodies.

16. Review external examination performance and prepare statistics.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Concert planning - choosing music for large-scale works. Ordering music and orchestral parts for major events.

2. Commissioning new music as appropriate.

3. Preparing music for all broadcasts and liaising with producers.

4. Liaising with outside bodies/venues with regard to booking, payments, logistics, concert requirements –this may include liaising with soloists and sponsors.

5. Liaising with the College Development Office regarding tickets, programmes, invited guests as appropriate.

6. Directing choral/orchestral groups as appropriate, overseeing the delivery of extra-curricular music provision.

7. Overseeing the smooth running of Music performances on Open Nights.

8. Writing references (including UCAS and CUCAS) for present and past pupils.

9. Preparing students for Oxbridge/Conservatoire applications including advice on available scholarships.

10. Preparing and monitoring the Music Calendar.

11. Preparing rehearsal timetables for Senior Prize Day, College Carols and the Easter Concert.

12. Line management of the College Organist.

13. Oversight of House Music Competitions.

14. Oversight of music libraries.

15. Purchase and maintenance of instruments.

16. Maintaining good relationships with national musical bodies.

17. Organisation of memorial events, funerals and weddings.

The Director of Music will be expected to comply with any other reasonable request from the Principal to undertake work of a similar level that is not specified in this job description.

This job description is current at the date shown, but, in consultation with you, may be changed by the Principal to reflect or anticipate changes in the job commensurate with the grade and job title.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

1. Able to develop, communicate and deliver their vision for curricular and extra-curricular Music.

2. Honours Degree (2:1 or above) that includes Music as a major component.

3. Registered or eligible for registration with GTCNI.

4. Experience of teaching Music for a minimum of 5 years in a post-primary school, including A level Music.

5. Committed to raising pupil achievement, with a track record of success in pupil outcomes in external examinations.

6. Experience of leading choral and/or orchestral groups and programming appropriate repertoire.

7. Ability to demonstrate exceptional organisational and administrative skills.

8. Management and Leadership skills:

• Flexibility

• Managing staff and pupils

• Commitment to learning and professional development

• Ability to lead a team

9. Ability to inspire, challenge and motivate staff and pupils in a love of Music.

10. Inclusive approach: encourage pupils and others to value each other’s talents and abilities, and enable the development of these.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

1. Grade 7 level or above in at least one instrument with some piano experience.

2. Able to contribute to the development of Music Technology.

3. Experience of teaching composition to at least GCSE level.

4. Experience of producing and directing high-quality concerts

SINGING AT THE KING’S CORONATION IS AN EVENT WE WON’T FORGET... IT IS SOMETHING WE WILL TELL OUR GRANDCHILDREN.

THE INCREDIBLE MUSIC DEPARTMENT AND EXCELLENT TEACHERS

MADE ME CERTAIN THAT METHODY WAS THE SCHOOL FOR ME.