vacancy information pack teacher of … of speech and drama...understanding of literature and the...

VACANCY INFORMATION PACK

TEACHER OF SPEECH AND DRAMA

Teacher of Speech & Drama August 2017

The Performing Arts are important in the lives of the girls at Downe House. There is

enormous enthusiasm for Drama, Musical Theatre and Dance, and excellent standards

are achieved at all levels. The facilities are continually expanding, to enable the girls to

gain an increasingly rich variety of experience and the opportunities to develop not only

their own skills in performance, creativity and craftsmanship, but also their critical and

appreciative faculties as members of an audience.

We are fortunate to have a multi-functional Performing Arts Centre. The girls have the

opportunity to work in a professionally equipped modern 500 seat theatre and two

purpose-built drama studios - rehearsing, performing in and/or directing the frequent

productions, performances, festivals and assessments. They are also able to learn,

handson, the technical aspects of theatre such as sound and lighting, stage

management, costume and stage design.

In the Farr Centre (Sports Hall) we have a large Dance Studio and access to other

rehearsal and performance spaces around the site.

The School has exciting plans to build a new flexible theatre space which will add to the

Performing Arts facilities within the next two years.

PERFORMING ARTS AT DOWNE HOUSE


SPEECH AND DRAMA

Speech and Drama, Musical Theatre and Communication Skills are popular ‘extra’

subjects at Downe House, with over 300 girls across the school electing to take lessons.

There are a variety of reasons why a girl might wish to have lessons. Many have had

experience of the subjects at a previous school and wish to continue; some wish to gain

confidence in speaking and performing; some take it purely for enjoyment; others take it

as an adjunct to GSCE or A-Level Drama, while still others choose it in place of GSCE or A-

Level Drama.

Speech and Drama lessons primarily offer girls the opportunity to develop inter-personal

and communication skills through the speaking and acting of literature and drama.

However there are many and varied benefits to taking Speech and Drama as an extra

subject. Skills in acting and communication help develop an ability to speak and to

express views and opinions with confidence. They encourage an appreciation and

understanding of literature and the spoken word through speaking, reading and listening;

they also promote technical skills such as clear articulation, confident physicality and

breath control. Speech and Drama encourages self-confidence, and promotes creativity,

imagination and team-work skills in a

supportive and non-threatening environment.

The department holds a wide variety of texts

from Classical to Modern, and it is one of our

aims to introduce the girls to a range of

literature across the centuries as well as from

other cultures. We also introduce the girls to a

range of theatrical styles, and encourage them

to experiment with these through

improvisation to develop their imagination and

creative responses.

Over the course of a year’s lessons, a girl can expect to experience the following

elements in her lessons:

Play reading

Poetry reading

Choral Speaking

Sight-Reading

Improvisation

Devised Drama

Mime

Breath support and awareness

Vocal development (ie: modulation, projection, and resonance to encourage clear

articulation)

Theatre history

DRAMA AT DOWNE HOUSE


DRAMA

Academic Drama forms part of the compulsory curriculum for the Lower School, and is a

very popular subject at GCSE, AS and A2 level. In addition girls may take private Speech

and Drama lessons and are prepared for Trinity Guildhall and RADA examinations. We

have students gaining places in the National Youth Theatre as well as progressing to

study at foundation level and/or degree level, either at university or Drama School. We

are proud of the strong history of alumnae forging successful careers in the Performing

Arts industries; whether they are on stage, in front of a camera, producing, writing,

directing or in the many production roles behind the scenes.

The Drama Department offers a wide

range of clubs and extra-curricular

activities that are open to students in

all year groups. It is common practice

for all department staff to make an

active contribution to the co-

curricular programme.

Theatre visits are scheduled each

term for those studying GCSE and

AS/A2 Level courses and through the

Drama Scholars’ programme.

Students in all year groups are

offered similar opportunities through

boarding house and year group excursions.

The Department also offers, on a regular basis, workshops and performances by visiting

practitioners to complement their studies. These are sometimes opened to other

students apart from those already studying at GCSE and AS/A2 Level.

We work with the community and other local schools to broaden our students’

experiences, to improve and develop the subject and to showcase the enormous talent

of the Downe House girls.

Throughout the school year the Drama Department is responsible for and involved in the

organisation of several major co-curricular events independently and in collaboration

with other departments and faculties such as Dance and Music.

SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS (DRAMA/PERFORMANCE)

Currently internal and external scholarships are offered at 13+ and 16+. The 16+

scholarship paper currently involves sitting a one hour written paper and a one hour

practical examination. Scholars are expected to make an active contribution to the

school’s busy Drama programme throughout the year.


GERALDINE JAMES DRAMA AWARDS

This performance based scholarship for girls entering the sixth form was introduced to

support our most talented performers through their final two years at Downe House. To

be nominated for the award, girls must have a proven commitment to performance and

have achieved excellence in curricular and co-curricular Drama. Candidates submit a

short written paper and have a series of interviews. Successful candidates are

encouraged to develop their talent further, have a department mentor and meet with Ms

James as part of our extensive enrichment programme.

PRODUCTION HISTORY

Recent productions include….

Into the Woods, Midspring Night’s Dream, The Worst Witch, West Side Story, London Road,

Oliver, The Sound of Music, Our Country’s Good, Guys and Dolls and Annie.


JOB TITLE

Teacher of Speech and Drama

LINE MANAGER

Head of Extra-Curricular Drama

JOB PURPOSE

To share in the teaching of Speech and Drama, Musical Theatre and Communication

Skills throughout the School as required.

To commit to the high academic standards the Department sets, become fully integrated

in the extensive extra-curricular programme and promote and support the subject in all

aspects of School life.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Teaching Speech and Drama (and Musical Theatre/Communication Skills where

appropriate) from Year 7 up to and including Year 13 following the Trinity Guildhall

and RADA Shakespeare Certificate syllabus.

• To stimulate and encourage students to a high standard of interest and

achievement in the subject area.

• To ensure the needs of individuals are met and, where appropriate, liaising and

working with the Learning Skills Department.

• Directing and assisting with productions and workshops.

• Providing teaching cover to Department staff as necessary.

• To harmonise work of Speech and Drama Studies activities with the life of the

School as a whole.

• Completing personal administration tasks to deadlines.

• Providing assessment information and written reports as required.

• Attending Parents’ meetings as necessary and communicating with parents.

• Communicating with Tutors, Heads of Year, and Heads of House as appropriate.

• Accompanying Drama Department Theatre Trips as necessary.

• Contributing to the extensive Extra-Curricular Drama programme.

• To participate in such meetings and working parties as are deemed appropriate.

• To undertake other reasonable tasks relevant to the needs of the School as the

need arises.

JOB DESCRIPTION


SAFEGUARDING AND CHILD PROTECTION

Downe House is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and

young people and expects all staff to share this commitment and adhere to, and comply

with, the School's Safeguarding and Promoting the Welfare of Children policy and

procedures at all times.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

All staff at Downe House are required to remain vigilant, observe all relevant Health and

Safety policies and procedures, take reasonable care of their own and others’ Health and

Safety, report all accidents and incidents, raise concerns through their line managers,

and address minor physical problems by reporting them as maintenance requests

through the School’s internal IT reporting system (MERLIN).

EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY

Staff at Downe House are expected to promote equality of opportunity for all girls and

staff, both current and prospective, and to support an environment that values diversity.

PROMOTING BRITISH VALUES

Downe House recognises the importance of placing emphasis on fundamental British

values in the curriculum and all other aspects of School life. These values reflect the

ethos of the School and all members of the community have a role to play in delivering

the values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance

of those with different faiths and beliefs. All subject areas, and all non-teaching staff, are

responsible for promoting these values when opportunities arise.

DATA PROTECTION

All staff at Downe House have a responsibility to ensure that data they are responsible

for is accurate and appropriate to the needs of the School, and that they are responsible

for ensuring any personal data processed for any purpose or purposes in connection with

their role at the School, shall not be kept for longer than is necessary for that purpose or

those purposes in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998.

Note: This job description is not a comprehensive definition of the post. It will be reviewed as

part of the cycle of appraisal, and it may be subject to modification or amendment at any time

after consultation with the holder of the post. Further guidance on the duties and

responsibilities of members of staff is found in the Staff Handbook and on Merlin.


SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

The successful applicant is likely to possess the following:

• A Performing Arts degree;

• Experience of teaching Speech and Drama to individuals or small groups;

• Experience of directing productions and organising theatre projects

• Enthusiasm about Drama, coupled with the ability to be energetic and willing to

motivate students

• Flexibility towards teaching hours, a strong commitment to extra-curricular hours

and production/workshop support.

• Competency in the use of ICT

It is anticipated that the successful candidate will be able to demonstrate the following:

• An appropriate understanding of the whole school business;

• A strong commitment to the Downe House ethos, aims and aspirations;

• Appropriate expertise/knowledge;

• Highly professional approach;

• Integrity;

• Punctuality;

• The ability to prioritise and meet deadlines;

• The ability to work as a member of a team and accept direction;

• The ability to be flexible and adapt to change;

• The ability to be proactive and positive;

• Excellent communications and interpersonal skills;

• Good organisational skills;

• Good judgement;

• The ability to be self-critical;

• The ability to work on own initiative;

• The ability to teach throughout the School;

• Effective classroom management skills;

• The ability to relate well to adolescents and enjoy their company;

• A willingness to participate in the boarding life of the School and contribute to the

extra-curricular activity programme;

• A commitment to ongoing training and learning;

• An analytical mind and pro-active approach to problem-solving;

• A sense of humour;

PERSON SPECIFICATION


Downe House offers a range of benefits and competitive terms and conditions as

outlined below. The information in this document is non-contractual but is designed to

give you an overview of the post.

Working hours and rates

Exact number of lessons and timings will be confirmed by the Head of Extra Curricular

Drama. Due to the nature of the role, it is anticipated that you will be employed on a

peripatetic basis. Hours of work will vary depending on the number of pupils that you are

allocated, and the School timetable.

The rates for lessons are as follows: £10.86 per girl per group lesson, £15.72 per girl per

pair lesson and £18.83 per individual lesson all of which are paid term-time only for the

lessons taught.

In addition to timetabled lessons, Teachers may also be required to assist with duties as

required (lunch duty etc) and attend staff meetings, Department meetings, and parents’

meetings.

You will also be required to attend INSET at the start of term as part of your professional

development and to keep up-to-date with School matters. INSET may fall on a non-

working day and where this is the case, there is still an expectation that you will attend

wherever possible.

Probation Period

Due to the length of this fixed-term contract, it is unlikely that there will be a probation

period. However, you will meet regularly with your line manager and receive guidance,

support and feedback. There will also be an opportunity for you to raise any concerns

and to discuss your development needs.

Notice Period

4 weeks’ notice is required on either side. In the case of Summary Dismissal, your

employment may be terminated immediately.

Holidays

You will be entitled to all normal School holidays that fall during your fixed-term contract. You

may also be required to work reasonable hours from time to time during School holidays as

required by the Headmistress. As a peripatetic member of staff, you will be entitled to a pro

rata entitlement of 5 weeks’ paid holiday per year plus payment for bank holidays.

All academic staff are expected to attend INSET and staff meetings at the start of each

term prior to the return of the girls. These dates are published in advance so you will

have plenty of notice.

Heads of Department are also required by the Headmistress to come into School during

the holidays for various meetings and to support pupils during the period when exam

results are available.

TERMS, CONDITIONS AND BENEFITS


Meals and Refreshments

During term time, free meals and refreshments are available throughout the day while

you are on duty. This includes breakfast, lunch and supper and a wide choice is normally

available.

Parking

There is plenty of free on-site parking available.

Staff Facilities and Social Events

Various sports facilities are available on site that can be used by staff at agreed times

during the week. Activities include swimming, gym, tennis and squash. In addition you

will be invited to a number of School social events and functions that run throughout the

year.

We look forward to receiving your application. If you require any further information then

please do not hesitate to contact the HR Department on 01635 204712. Alternatively

please email the HR Director, Kate Tuttle on [email protected]

vacancy information pack teacher of … of speech and drama...understanding of literature and the...

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