Head of Music

JOB DESCRIPTION

Head of Music (Secondary - Urca Site)

The Head of Music will lead the Music Department for the Secondary Section (ages 11-18) at The British School located in Urca, Rio de Janeiro, catering to approximately 500 students. This secondary institution follows a UK-style Key Stage 3 curriculum, delivers IGCSEs at Key Stage 4, and the IB Diploma at Key Stage 5. While the majority of the student body hails from local Brazilian families, there is also a small group of expatriate children. Despite many students being non-native English speakers, they graduate proficient in English and frequently exceed the global average in IB exam scores. English serves as the primary language of instruction, and fluency in English is a prerequisite for all teaching staff.

Key Responsibilities:

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Lead and elevate the Music program within the Secondary School by establishing a clear vision, creating strategic development plans (1-3 years), and upholding high standards of practice;

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Ensure the quality of teaching, learning, and student advancement within the Music Department;

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Develop, evaluate, and execute a vibrant and engaging Music curriculum that meets UK-style KS3, IGCSE, and IB Diploma criteria;

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Facilitate effective vertical and horizontal progression by collaborating with Primary Music departments to ensure a cohesive musical vision throughout the school;

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

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Use assessment data to track progress, identify patterns, and inform planning and interventions, ensuring that students achieve results above global averages;

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Support and nurture staff through Continuing Professional Development (CPD), coaching, mentoring, performance appraisals, and sharing exemplary practices in Music pedagogy and Learning Technologies;

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Promote inclusive practices, making sure that Music is accessible to every student, including those with Learning Support needs or Gifted and Talented profiles;

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Oversee the organization of events, such as concerts, ensembles, performances, and the promotion of Music via site newsletters and marketing strategies;

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Manage Music resources, equipment, and digital tools, ensuring effective budget management and accountability for inventory;

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

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

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Advocate for the IB Learner Profile and Theory of Knowledge (TOK) connections, integrating these concepts into departmental practices;

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Coordinate co-curricular music activities, promoting staff engagement and aiding the CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) requirements;

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Communicate effectively with staff and parents regarding music initiatives, external examination expectations, and student performances;

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

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Participate positively in whole-school initiatives, the Head of Department Forum, and the broader 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, accompanied by a recognized teaching qualification (Licenciatura);

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Previous experience in music teaching is highly advantageous;

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

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Competence in ICT and digital music tools for effective integration into classroom practice;

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