Early Years and Primary Performing Arts Coordinator

We are seeking an Early Years and Primary Performing Arts Coordinator to lead the development and execution of a vibrant, inclusive, and high-quality performing arts curriculum that covers both Early Years and Primary education, with Music and Drama as core elements, and ideally including aspects of dance. This role combines effective teaching in the classroom with curriculum leadership, creating a cohesive progression of skills, enriching PYP Units of Inquiry through authentic arts integration, and arranging regular, well-organized performance opportunities that build confidence, creativity, and community spirit.

The Performing Arts Coordinator will be charged with planning and coordinating a schedule of student performances throughout the academic year, ensuring these events are meaningful, age-appropriate, thoroughly rehearsed, and aligned with the school’s values, safeguarding policies, and operational requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Curriculum Leadership and Programme Development

• Design, implement, and continuously enhance the Primary Performing Arts curriculum, defining a clear scope and sequence (Music, Drama, and Dance) from Early Years through upper Primary.
• Ensure the learning experience aligns with the PYP framework, facilitating transdisciplinary learning and developing the PYP learner profile through performing arts.
• Maintain consistency in expectations, assessment practices, and skill progression across year groups and campuses (when applicable).
• Organize and manage resources (instruments, costumes/props, audio equipment) while ensuring their safe and responsible usage.

Teaching and Learning

• Teach Music and Drama (incorporating dance when possible) to assigned year groups, crafting engaging lessons that foster technique, creativity, collaboration, and performance abilities.
• Differentiating instruction effectively to support multilingual learners and students with additional needs, working closely with EAL and Learning Support teams.
• Implement formative and summative assessments to track student progress and provide constructive feedback.
• Promote student agency by encouraging choice, composition/creation, reflection, and goal-setting.

Performance Programme and Production Leadership

• Plan and direct an annual series of performances and showcases (including seasonal concerts, year-level performances, assemblies, PYP Exhibition support, and school events).
• Establish a clear production timeline for each event: repertoire selection, rehearsal schedules, roles/responsibilities, risk assessments, stagecraft, technical needs, costumes/props, and communication with families and staff.
• Guide students in performance preparation: stage presence, ensemble skills, confidence-building, audience etiquette, and providing constructive feedback.
• Schedule rehearsals to minimize disruption to learning, ensuring efficient time management and clear expectations for staff support and supervision.
• Collaborate with leadership and operations to ensure that events are conducted safely, managed effectively, and in accordance with safeguarding and school policies.

Enrichment and Co-Curricular Provision

• Develop and/or supervise co-curricular performing arts programs (such as choir, ensembles, drama clubs, and dance groups) that cater to student interests and the school's capabilities.
• When appropriate, collaborate with visiting artists, workshops, or partnerships to enhance the program and broaden cultural perspectives.
• Encourage opportunities for student leadership (e.g., student stage crew helpers, peer mentoring, hosting).

Community and Culture

• Foster a positive performing arts culture that emphasizes effort, growth, teamwork, and enjoyment in the learning process.
• Ensure inclusive participation, making performance opportunities accessible and respectful of diverse backgrounds.
• Communicate clearly with families regarding events, expectations, rehearsal requirements, and ways to Apply via the WhatSchool platform.