Head of Music

JOB DESCRIPTION

Head of Music (Secondary - Urca Site)

The Head of Music will oversee the Music Department for the Secondary Section (ages 11-18) at The British School, Rio de Janeiro's Urca site, which serves approximately 500 students. This secondary school adheres to a UK-style Key Stage 3 curriculum, offers IGCSEs at Key Stage 4, and the IB Diploma at Key Stage 5. While most students come from local Brazilian families, there is a small contingent of expatriate children. Despite a significant number of non-native English speakers, students graduate fluent in English and often surpass the global average in IB exam results. English is the medium of instruction, and fluency in English is a requirement for all teachers.

Key Responsibilities:

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Drive and enhance the Music program across the Secondary School, establishing a clear vision, strategic development plans (1-3 years), and maintaining high standards of practice;

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Take responsibility for the quality of teaching, learning, and student progress within the Music Department;

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Create, assess, and implement a dynamic and engaging Music curriculum that aligns with UK-style KS3, IGCSE, and IB Diploma standards;

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Ensure effective vertical and horizontal progression, collaborating with Primary Music departments to maintain a unified musical vision across the school;

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Evaluate Music provision through lesson observations, learning walks, "walk-throughs," and data analysis;

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Utilize assessment data to monitor progress, identify trends, and inform planning and intervention, ensuring students exceed global averages;

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Support and develop staff through CPD, coaching, mentoring, appraisals, and showcasing best practices in Music pedagogy and Learning Technologies;

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Advocate for inclusive practices, ensuring that Music is accessible to all students, including those with Learning Support needs or Gifted and Talented profiles;

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Manage the organization of events, including concerts, ensembles, performances, and the promotion of Music through site newsletters and marketing efforts;

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Oversee the management of Music resources, equipment, and digital tools, ensuring efficient budget management and accountability for inventory;

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Contribute to the development of facilities, particularly by providing expertise during the design phase of a new purpose-built music facility;

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Ensure adherence to health and safety policies, including conducting risk assessments for hazardous equipment, performances, and off-site excursions;

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Promote the IB Learner Profile and Theory of Knowledge (TOK) links, integrating these principles into departmental practices;

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Coordinate co-curricular music initiatives, encouraging staff involvement and supporting the CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) requirements;

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Effectively communicate with staff and parents about music initiatives, external examination requirements, and student performances;

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Balance the responsibilities of Head of Department with a designated teaching timetable, merging strategic leadership with high-quality classroom instruction;

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Engage positively in whole-school initiatives, the Head of Department Forum, and the overall school community;

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Report to and be accountable to a designated member of the Site Leadership Team (SLT).

Requirements:

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A degree in Music or Music Education along with a recognized teaching qualification (Licenciatura);

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Prior experience in music teaching is highly beneficial;

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Full professional proficiency in English (C1/C2 level), as it is the main language of instruction;

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Proficiency in ICT and digital music tools for effective classroom integration;

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Familiarity with relevant Secondary curricula and assessments, such as KS3, IGCSE, and IB Diploma.