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Bradfield College Information for Candidates Page 1

Director of Music

Information for Candidates


Contents

2. The College 7. Application Process

3. Music at Bradfield 8. Safeguarding

5. Director of Music 9. Bradfield College’s Values

7. Additional Information 10. Teacher Standards & Sample Reference Form

The College

Founded in 1850 by Thomas Stevens, and set in a

village amidst unspoilt Berkshire countryside,

Bradfield College enjoys a well-established reputation

for being one of the country’s leading co-educational,

independent schools through its provision of

academic excellence and a well-rounded education.

Pupil numbers are approximately 770, (up from 730

in 2012-13) and, as well as an extensive GCSE

programme, the College offers both the IB Diploma

Programme and A Levels in the Sixth Form.

Faulkner’s, a state-of-the-art Year 9 boarding house, is

specially designed to help all girls and boys make a

happy and successful transition to senior school;

pupils then move into one of 11 senior houses.

The College has exciting strategic plans for the future. In

addition to its already extensive community outreach

programme, Bradfield has recently become the sponsor

of Theale Green School, following its conversion to a

sponsored academy and Bradfield is totally committed

to extending its reach as an educational charity and

adding positive value to the local community. There are

also plans to increase the number of girls (taking pupil

numbers to c800), to further enhance the academic

ethos of the College, to grow the IBDP, to extend the

range and depth of Co-Curricular opportunity, to grow

our innovative and dynamic Careers programme, to

enhance our already impressive facilities and, most

importantly, to ensure that we remain a market leader in

offering the best possible pastoral care to our pupils.


Music at Bradfield

In addition to the Director of Music role, the Music Department is staffed by the Head of Academic Music and Peripatetic

Teaching and the Head of Co-Curricular Music, as well a secretary and music technician. There are 18 instrumental teachers

including some prominent members of their professions.

The department is housed in a purpose built building. Facilities include a concert hall, two main teaching rooms, a computer

suite with PCs running Sibelius 7, Cubase 6, Garritan Personal Orchestra, Garritan

Curricular music

All year 9 pupils take classroom music lessons in sets of 10-12. The department currently follows the Edexcel syllabus at both GCSE and A

level, as well as the IBDP Higher and Standard Level courses. A number of pupils have gone on to study music at university and music

college. Recent graduates have accepted places at Bristol, Birmingham, The Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and Trinity College.

Pupils have also studied at the junior departments of the London Music Colleges

Co-Curricular music

Music plays an important role in the cultural life of the College. Pupils of all levels and abilities are encouraged to participate in

Co-Curricular musical activities.

Approximately 400 instrumental lessons take place each week. These include singing, all standard orchestral instruments, piano,

and organ. Lessons are also taught in jazz, pop and rock instruments, including saxophones, electric guitar and kit percussion.

Pupils can also study theory, aural and Alexander Technique. ABRSM and Trinity Guildhall exams are offered including

performance in the jazz idiom. The College encourages applications for other local music competitions and is particularly keen

for more advanced pupils to audition for the Reading and Berkshire Youth Orchestras.

The department runs a busy and varied Co-Curricular programme of activities. Ensembles include: Chapel Choir, Chamber

Choir, Barbershop Choir, Sinfonia, String Group, Concert Band, Big Band, Jazz Band, Saxophone Group, Clarinet Quartet and

various other small ensembles.


There is an active program of concerts and trips. The department is working in partnership with VOCES8 and with the London

Chamber Orchestra. Pupils performed with the LCO at the Cadogan Hall in May 2013 as part of the orchestra’s Music Junction

Project. Annual events include two large concerts, regular lunchtime concerts, a Concert Series featuring guest performers,

recitals and Scholars’ concerts as well as both Advent and Christmas Carol services. There are regular staged productions of

musicals and operas. Recent productions have included Cabaret (2015), Into the Woods, Dido and Aeneas and Sweeney Todd

(2013). The Bradfield Festival (2015) saw pupils working alongside the orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Stomp, NYJO and

many other exciting acts in the Greek Theatre. Our choirs and other ensembles regularly perform outside of the College and

overseas tours take place on a regular basis including recent concert tours to the USA and Canada.

Choral activity is an important part of the College’s music. On entry to the College, all new pupils are voice tested. For those

selected there are chances to sing in a variety of settings with a large musical repertoire. Recent trips to sing evensong include

visits to the cathedrals of Southwark, Winchester, Chichester and Gloucester. In February 2015 the choir performed evensong

at Keble College, Oxford. Members of the chamber choir have appeared on ITV1’s ‘Carols from Bucklebury’ singing carols of

their own as well as leading the congregational singing. The Bradfield College Choral Society is in its second year having

performed at Douai Abbey in 2015.

Prep School events that are run by the department include Orchestral Day, String Day, Creative Arts Day, workshops by

VOCES8, the Tempest Flute Trio and Onyx Brass. As well as developing links with our feeder Prep schools the College is

keen to grow closer links with Theale Green School and already collaborate on the Apollo5 Young Leaders’ Project as well as

various smaller projects.

The department also participates in the College’s community outreach programme, offering music workshops to local primary

schools and opportunities for local retired members of the community to attend concerts and participate in music afternoons.

Chapel

There are currently two morning Chapel services each week, one Friday afternoon service as well as a few Sunday morning

services each term. In addition to these regular services, special events include Remembrance Sunday, the Advent and

Christmas Carol Services (the College holds 3 Christmas Carol services in order to accommodate the over 1000 people who

wish to attend) and Confirmation Sunday. The Chapel Choir visits a cathedral each year to sing evensong.


Job Description—Director of Music

The Director of Music will be an important member of the College’s Academic and Co-Curricular team and will be responsible

to the Deputy Head (Academic) and Assistant Head (Co-Curricular) for developing the vision and enthusiastically leading the

Music Department at Bradfield College. He or she will be responsible for the strategic direction of the Department, will

oversee the day-to-day running of the College’s music and will be responsible for the leadership and management of all staff

within the Department.

The duties and responsibilities of the post will give the holder considerable scope for shaping the future of Performing Arts at

the College.

This Job Description is neither final nor exclusive and the range of tasks would embrace many incidents and situations which

are not stated, but require initiative and common sense to be applied.

Responsibilities

To ensure the protection and safeguarding of all pupils working within the Music Department through raising staff

awareness of College policy and of Child Protection procedures and protocols and ensuring that these are being

followed.

To provide strong and effective strategic leadership within the Music Department.

To promote Music and the wider Performing Arts for the benefit of the pupils at the College, providing maximum

opportunities for the pupils and encouraging widespread involvement in the Performing Arts, whatever the level of a

pupil’s ability.

To lead the strategic direction of the Department, in line with the College’s strategic plan for each academic year,

tracking progress accordingly and supporting Heads of Department with the design, implementation, and evaluation of

appropriate Departmental Development Plans.

To ensure that pupils’ achievement in public examinations in the Department is outstanding in relation to their own

ability profile.


To audition and pre-audition potential Music Scholars and feedback recommendations for awards to the Senior Team.

To work closely with the heads of Drama and Dance to develop and implement a creative curriculum across the

Performing Arts and to ensure the delivery of high quality and breadth within all performances in Curricular and Co-

Curricular activities including joint projects such as Musical Theatre Productions.

To identify and develop cross-curricular teaching and learning opportunities within the Department and wider

Performing Arts in the College.

To manage staff within the Department including Heads of Academic and Co-Curricular Music.

To be responsible for the standard of teaching throughout the Department through implementing and monitoring the

College’s ‘Teaching Standards’ policy. This will involve regular observation of colleagues.

To plan, staff and organise the annual calendar of events, liaising with the Head of Co-Curricular Music and Assistant

Head (Co-Curricular) to ensure as few clashes as possible with other activities, events etc. and to ensure that Music

and Performing Arts events are appropriately publicised to parents and pupils.

To manage the financial resources of the Music Department as appropriate.

To develop and maintain links with the local community and feeder schools to promote Bradfield’s Music within the

Performing Arts programme.

This list is not exhaustive and is subject to change. The Director of Music will be expected to fulfil any reasonable request

made by the Deputy Head (Academic), Assistant Head (Co-Curricular) or by the Headmaster.


Person Specification

The successful candidate will:

Have a good degree or equivalent in Music

Display a firm commitment to the protection and safeguarding of children and young people

Be an inspiring leader and an effective manager of others

Be an outstanding Musician in their own right as a performer, composer, conductor etc.

Ideally demonstrate a range of Orchestral and Choral conducting experience

Have a clear vision as to how to enhance the musical experience and attainment of our pupils.

Be able to think strategically at a whole school level

Have good IT skills including music software

Be an enthusiastic team player who looks for solutions rather than highlights problems

Be able to work collaboratively with others

Be expected to attend a wide range of College events (including at the weekend) and to be a very visible presence

around the College

Have a good sense of humour

Application Process

Letters of application, along with a completed

application form, a Curriculum Vitae and the

names and addresses of two referees should be

sent to:

The Headmaster

Bradfield College,

Bradfield,

Berkshire

RG7 6AU

Applications can also be made by email to

[email protected]

Short-listed candidates will be invited to Bradfield

for interview. A tour of the College will be

offered.

For an informal discussion about the post, please

feel free to telephone Neil Burch,

Deputy Head (Academic), on 0118 964 4526

(during office hours), or by email:

[email protected]

Bradfield College reserves the right not to appoint

to this post should a suitable candidate not be

identified.

mailto:[email protected]?subject=DIRECTOR%20OF%20PERFORMING%20ARTS

mailto:[email protected]?subject=Teacher%20of%20Chemistry%20


Safeguarding

Bradfield College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and

expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.. The post-holder is responsible for promoting and

safeguarding the welfare of children and young people for whom he/she is responsible, or with whom he/she

comes into contact, and ensuring compliance with our child protection policy statement.

Disclosure and Barring Service, references and right to work in the UK

As Bradfield College is registered to ask ‘exempted questions’ under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974,

successful applicants will be subject to the required and satisfactory DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service)

clearances before the appointment is confirmed.

This post is also subject to receipt of written references which must be satisfactory to Bradfield College and

documentary evidence of qualifications.

Successful applicants will need to provide confirmation of permission to work in the UK. Please note that under

the Immigration Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, Bradfield College has an obligation to ensure applicants have the

right to work in the UK prior to commencement of employment (this is carried out at the interview stage; if

applicants fail to produce the required genuine documents prior to commencement of work for the College, or if it

is found that those documents do not meet the legal requirement, an offer of employment will be withdrawn).

Health & Safety

All staff are required to refer to their individual responsibilities as defined in the Health & Safety Manual and ensure

they are competent to implement them and agree to abide by them. Staff health, safety and welfare at work are

protected by law. The College has a duty to protect staff and to keep them informed about health and safety.

Staff have a responsibility to look after themselves and others. If there is a problem, employees are expected to

discuss it with their line-manager or with the College’s Health and Safety Manager.


Our Aims Bradfield College’s purpose is to provide an outstanding education for the young people

in its care, equipping them to lead happy and successful adult lives. To achieve this, the

College aims:

For young people to enjoy school and to have the confidence both to take re-

sponsibility for themselves and to try things that they can’t quite do yet

To develop intellectual curiosity and ambition in the pursuit of academic

excellence

To provide a breadth and depth of experience beyond the classroom that

inspires all pupils to identify and develop their own interests and talents

To offer outstanding pastoral care for each individual that develops positive

character and attitude alongside physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing

To promote an open-minded and outward-looking mentality, encouraging

all pupils to play a positive role in serving their wider community

Our Values Bradfield College expects all members of the College community to work together and

to display:

Integrity

Compassion

Tolerance

Enthusiasm

Resilience


Standards for Teachers

Teachers at Bradfield make the education – both in and out of the classroom - of their pupils their first concern,

and are accountable for achieving the highest possible standards in work and conduct.

Teachers act with honesty and integrity; have strong subject knowledge; keep their knowledge and skills as teachers

up-to-date and are self-critical; forge positive professional relationships; and work with parents and carers in the

best interests of their pupils. Further, they are constantly active in encouraging and supporting the Bradfield’s core

values and are always aware of the responsibility they carry as role models to the pupil body, whether on or off

duty.

A teacher at Bradfield must:

1 Set high expectations which inspire, motivate and challenge pupils

establish a safe and stimulating environment for pupils, rooted in mutual respect

set goals that stretch and challenge pupils of all backgrounds, abilities and dispositions

demonstrate consistently the positive attitudes, values and behaviour which are expected of pupils.

2 Promote good progress and outcomes by pupils

be accountable for pupils’ attainment, progress and outcomes

plan teaching to build on pupils' capabilities and prior knowledge

guide pupils to reflect on the progress they have made and their emerging needs

demonstrate knowledge and understanding of how pupils learn and how this impacts on teaching

encourage pupils to take a responsible and conscientious attitude to their own work and study.

3 Demonstrate good subject and curriculum knowledge

have a secure knowledge of the relevant subject(s) and curriculum areas, foster and maintain pupils’

interest in the subject, and address misunderstandings

demonstrate a critical understanding of developments in the subject and curriculum areas, and

promote the value of scholarship

demonstrate an understanding of and take responsibility for promoting high standards of literacy,

articulacy and the correct use of standard English, whatever the teacher’s specialist subject

4 Plan and teach well-structured lessons

impart knowledge and develop understanding through effective use of lesson time

promote a love of learning and children’s intellectual curiosity

set prep and plan other out-of-class activities to consolidate and extend the knowledge and

understanding pupils have acquired

reflect systematically on the effectiveness of lessons and approaches to teaching

contribute to the design and provision of an engaging curriculum within the relevant subject area(s).


5 Adapt teaching to respond to the strengths and needs of all pupils

know when and how to differentiate appropriately, using approaches which enable pupils to be taught

effectively

have a secure understanding of how a range of factors can inhibit pupils’ ability to learn, and how best

to overcome these

demonstrate an awareness of the physical, social and intellectual development of children, and know

how to adapt teaching to support pupils’ education at different stages of development

have a clear understanding of the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs;

those of high ability; those with English as an additional language; those with disabilities; and be able to

use and evaluate distinctive teaching approaches to engage and support them.

6 Make accurate and productive use of assessment

know and understand how to assess the relevant subject and curriculum areas, including statutory

assessment requirements

make use of formative and summative assessment to secure pupils’ progress

use the relevant data provided by the College to monitor progress, set targets, and plan subsequent

lessons

give pupils regular feedback, both orally and through accurate marking, and encourage pupils to

respond to the feedback.

7 Manage behaviour effectively to ensure a good and safe learning environment

have clear rules and routines for behaviour in classrooms, and take responsibility for promoting good

and courteous behaviour both in classrooms and around the school, in accordance with the College’s

behaviour policy

have high expectations of behaviour, and establish a framework for discipline with a range of strategies,

using praise, sanctions and rewards consistently and fairly

manage classes effectively, using approaches which are appropriate to pupils’ needs in order to involve

and motivate them

maintain good relationships with pupils, exercise appropriate authority, and act decisively when

necessary.

8 Fulfil wider professional responsibilities

display a commitment to the protection and safeguarding of children and young people

work within all College and Departmental policies and guidelines

take responsibility for improving teaching through appropriate professional development, responding

to advice and feedback from colleagues

play a full role in supporting the Head of Department/Head of Faculty in the development and

management of the subject area

communicate effectively with parents with regard to pupils’ achievements and well-being

make a full and positive contribution to the co-curricular programme within the College

support colleagues and pupils in their co-curricular activities


approach their co-curricular contribution in a way that reflects the College’s understanding of the

value of the co-curricular in the education of children

be mindful of the College’s Health and Safety Policy and be assiduous in respect of its application in

respect of their co-curricular contribution.

9 Make a full contribution to the College’s programme of Tutoring

play a full and active role in the UCAS and Careers process through the writing of references and

collation of data

contribute to review meetings with parents and other carers

be active in providing clear, prompt assessments of individual tutees

play an active role in the support of tutees with SEN registration

help support the College ethos and aims through careful use of the weekly Tutorial programme

support individual tutees through attendance at concerts, plays and other CCA activities

10 Support the College’s system of pastoral and spiritual care

support Housemasters/ mistresses in their day-to-day work in the Houses

be active and explicit in support of the House in which they tutor

develop an informed, supportive and challenging relationship with their tutees

attend Chapel and Assemblies regularly

support the Chaplaincy in its day-to-day work in the College

Current Fifth Form pupils attending a Sixth Form Subject Fair in the Old Gym


Bradfield College Reference Request Form (for information only)

Name of Applicant: XXXXXXX Post: XXXXXXXXX

Name of Referee: XXXXXXX

ACADEMIC Very

Good Good Fair Poor

Very

Poor

Do

not

know

Further comment if nec-

essary

Attendance & punctuality

Dress and appearance

Ability to lead and inspire

Academic ability

Quality of teaching

Examination results of pupils

Lesson preparation and

presentation

General discipline and class

control

Involvement with extra cur-

ricular activities

Likely commitment to board-

ing school life

Relationships with staff and

parents

Relationships with, and

understanding of, pupils at

various levels of ability

Ability to cope with pressure

Initiative

Dependability & cooperation

Administrative efficiency (eg,

reports, records, mark books,

homework)

General willingness to work

hard


PERSONNEL MATTERS

For what period was the above employed by you?

(Please give dates)

Please confirm the applicant’s present salary

Has he/she brought grievance proceedings against you

during employment?

If so, what were the circumstances and the outcome?

Yes No

SUITABILITY TO WORK WITH CHILDREN

Are you completely satisfied that the candidate is suita-

ble to work with children?

If you are not satisfied, what are your concerns and

why do you think the candidate might not be suitable?

Yes No

Have you obtained a Disclosure and Barring Certifi-

cate? Yes No

Have you carried out a check of the Barred List? Yes No

DISCIPLINARY RECORD. AND CHILD PRO-

TECTION CONCERNS

Has the candidate been subject to any disciplinary pro-

cedures where the disciplinary sanction is still current?

If so please give details.

Yes No

Have there been any allegations or concerns expressed

about the candidate during his or her employment that

relate to the safety and welfare of children and young

people?

If so please give details, including whether the allegation

or concern was investigated, the outcome and how the

matter was resolved.

If the candidate’s role involved no contact or responsi-

bility for children or young persons please answer Not

Applicable

Yes No

The Children Act requires me to ask if there are any

reasons not covered above which would cause you to

doubt the candidate’s suitability to work in a boarding

school and to make the point that there should be no

mis-statement or omission relevant to the suitability of

the applicant in this respect.

No: there are no reasons or Yes: there are reasons

Are there any other comments you wish to make?


If you had a similar vacancy on your staff would you

recommend this applicant?

(a) Yes, confidently 1

(b) Possibly 1

(c) No 1

I understand that I may be contacted subsequently for clarification of any part of the reference.

I can confirm that I know of no reason whatsoever why XXXXXX is not a suitable person to work

in a post where there is access to children.

Signed:

Position held:

Print Name:

Date:

Please send a normal prose reference in addition to this form if you feel able to: a standard form like this

does not give adequate scope for a proper reference.

Bradfield College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and

expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment

Documents

Director of Music - bradfieldcollege.org.uk · The department currently follows the Edexcel syllabus at both ... The Director of Music will be an important member of the ... Have