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VACANCY INFORMATION PACK
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
OF DRAMA AND DANCE
Assistant Director of Drama and Dance December 2019
ABOUT THE FACULTY
DRAMA
Academic Drama forms part of the compulsory curriculum for the Kay Stage 3, and is a very
popular subject at GCSE, A 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 A 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 A 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.
Assistant Director of Drama and Dance December 2019
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….
West Side Story, London Road, Oliver, The Sound of Music, Our Country’s Good, Guys and Dolls,
Annie, Singing in the Rain, Jane Eyre, Aladdin and Billie Elliot
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 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
Assistant Director of Drama and Dance December 2019
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.
Assistant Director of Drama and Dance December 2019
DANCE
At Downe House, girls have a passion for dance across all genres and we take great pride in
being able to harness their enormous enthusiasm and develop their talents. We do this in several
ways – through curriculum classes with the PE department, through a diverse and varied dance
timetable during the evening and through extra-curricular outings, workshops and performances.
There are a number of performance opportunities for our pupils throughout the year, including
two annual Dance Shows and our School – wide House Dance competition. These productions
bring together girls of all abilities and are a reflection of the sense of unity and pride in dance at
the School.
We work with the local community and other local skills to broaden our pupils experiences, to
develop and promote the department, whilst also showcasing the wonderful talent we have at
Downe House.
Our large team of both full and part-time teachers have a huge breath of knowledge in teaching
and choreography, and are excited to bring the joys of dance to girls who want to pursue their
training here at Downe. The girls have many opportunities to build their technique, develop their
creativity and gain an understanding of performance style.
DH Dance has gone from strength to strength in recent years, creating some truly outstanding
dancers. Our girls currently study a range of genres including Ballet, Contemporary, Hip Hop,
Modern, Musical Theatre and Tap. We also have a Dance Company which trains weekly to stretch
and challenge our most outstandingly able dancers. We also have a weekly Dance Academy
which is used as a platform for pupils to develop their skills and hone their technique. As a
department we aim to inspire our girls to enjoy the physical and artistic expression of the
discipline and the sheer fun of dance.
Assistant Director of Drama and Dance December 2019
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE
Assistant Director of Drama and Dance
RESPONSIBLE FOR
Drama Graduate/ Drama Administrator
Wardrobe Assistant
Drama and Outreach staff as appropriate
LINE MANAGER
Director of Drama and Dance
JOB PURPOSE
To be a key external face for Drama and Dance for Downe House by reaching out
to the local community and beyond.
To seek out new opportunities to develop Dance and Drama outside of the
School.
To raise the profile and to develop programmes to share Downe House expertise
and enrich the experiences of our girls through an exciting outreach programme.
To motivate a team of staff as well as assist with the development of Drama and
Dance within the School community.
To work closely with the Director of Drama and Dance, the Head of Drama
(Academic), the Head of Extra-curricular Dance and the Head of Extra-curricular
Drama to enhance the Drama and Dance provision across the Downe House
community.
To teach approximately 24 lessons per week to include Curriculum Drama (up to A
level) and Speech and Drama lessons as appropriate and dependent on the
needs of the Department
To direct at least one school production in line with the Faculty production
schedule.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
To represent the School and the Drama and Dance Faculty at local schools,
feeder prep schools and to liaise with theatre companies and agencies across the
UK.
To be responsible for developing community theatre projects outside of Downe
House and in collaboration with other schools.
To explore and support external festival and competition opportunities for the
performance of Drama and Dance (e.g. Edinburgh Fringe Festival, NT
Connections, Shakespeare Schools Festival)
To foster dramatic excellence across the School and actively promote the Drama
and Dance
Assistant Director of Drama and Dance December 2019
Faculty within the School community and encourage the girls’ interest in these
areas
To stimulate and encourage pupils to a high standard of interest and work in
Curriculum Drama, Dance and Speech and Drama, ensuring that the needs of
each individual are met.
To deliver lessons in line with the agreed specifications and schemes for
Curriculum Drama and Speech and Drama.
To maintain a record of work in sufficient detail.
To ensure that all girls taking Curriculum Drama and Speech and Drama are being
appropriately praised and rewarded throughout the year through the Stars and
Commendations system.
To identify outstandingly able pupils in all year groups and monitor that they are
being sufficiently challenged in Curriculum Drama and Speech and Drama.
To mark and assess pupils work in line with School and Faculty requirements and
to record assessments in accordance with the School’s policy.
DEPARTMENT
To teach approximately 24 lessons per week dependent on the needs of the
Department.
To complete pupil reports as and when required to set deadlines.
To direct at least one School production in line with the Faculty production
schedule.
To liaise with the Director of Drama and Dance to contribute to the programme of
School productions, the Scholars’ Programme and other performance
opportunities.
To assist with the Drama trips and theatre visits.
To support the organisation of the Drama sessions at Scholarship Days,
Assessment Days, Experience Days and New Girls’ Open Days.
To support the Director of Drama and Dance in providing a challenging and robust
programme for scholars, seniors and outstandingly able pupils.
To contribute to the ongoing development of the Department’s website area and
social media channels.
To work closely with the Director of Drama and Dance, the Head of Drama
(Academic), the Head of Extra-curricular Drama, and the Head of Extra-curricular
Dance to co-ordinate events and productions.
To update the Department and pupil handbooks as necessary.
To undertake the observation and annual appraisal of other staff members within
the Department as required.
To line manage the administrative function for Drama and ensure that Speech
and Drama and Curriculum Drama are adequately supported.
To participate in the interview process for teaching posts when required and to
help to ensure the effective induction of new staff in line with School procedures.
To contribute to the annual Departmental Development Plan.
To develop cross-curricular links across other departments within the School.
Assistant Director of Drama and Dance December 2019
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.
CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (CPD)
Downe House is committed to providing Continuous Professional Development
opportunities to all our staff. We have a healthy training budget for both external and
internal study and regularly organise engaging and topical training events, which staff are
invited to attend. We set aside specific times for training and offer a wide range of
development opportunities to staff, whatever their role. All new staff also participate in a
detailed induction programme to ensure that they are supported during the important
first few weeks in post.
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.
Assistant Director of Drama and Dance December 2019
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential skills:
Educated to degree level, ideally with a teaching qualification or equivalent.
An enthusiastic and innovative approach and the ability to motivate others.
Excellent networking skills and the ability to build effective relationships outside
of the School community.
A progressive approach and up to date with the world of theatre.
Previous experience of managing and leading a team of teachers or practitioners.
Experience of teaching Curriculum Drama including examination groups.
A strong understanding of Drama and Dance both as a curricular and extra-
curricular subject.
The ability to analyse academic data to inform and plan lessons and monitor pupil
progress.
The ability to deputise for the Director of Drama and Dance in their absence.
Experience of working in an educational setting with young people age 11 – 18.
A very good knowledge and understanding of playwrights and practitioners.
Excellent personal performance skills.
Relevant LAMDA or TRINITY teaching experience.
Experience in management and development of timetables.
Up to date knowledge of examination syllabuses from RADA, LAMDA or TRINITY
and other exam boards.
Experience of directing full-scale productions to an excellent standard.
Outstanding communication skills and a genuine desire to build excellent working
relations with multiple stakeholders, in and outside of the School community
Strong administration skills.
The ability to lead multiple projects and manage a team efficiently and
appropriately.
Financial acumen and the ability to manage a budget effectively.
Competent in the use of ICT.
A flexible approach to working hours to include evenings and weekends.
The willingness to get fully involved in the life of a busy boarding school.
Desirable skills:
Experience in Dance teaching and/or performance.
Experience as a Musical Director or Voice Coach
Previous experience of managing or delivering outreach sessions in Drama and/or
Dance.
Technical skills and experience (lighting, stage management, for example)
Assistant Director of Drama and Dance December 2019
TERMS, CONDITIONS AND BENEFITS
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.
Salary
You will be paid on the Downe House pay scale, and your starting point will be agreed on
appointment by the Headmistress dependent on your qualifications and experience. The
post also attracts a Head of Department allowance. You may also receive an incremental
point each year up to point 12 on the Downe House scale. In addition the School
normally reviews salaries on an annual basis and any pay award agreed by the Board of
Governors is implemented annually in September.
Salaries are paid by direct transfer into your bank account by the Bursary on the last
Friday of the month.
Working Hours
Normal school hours are 8.30am to 6.00pm Monday to Friday and 8.30am to 12noon on
a Saturday. There are 57 timetabled 40 minute lessons available across the week. Full-
time staff normally teach up to 32 lessons per week and part-time staff a proportion of
this and are paid accordingly pro rata. Although we always endeavour to offer stability
with regard to the number of lessons and the timetable, this is reviewed on an annual
basis by the Headmistress and Academic Deputy and may vary dependent on the needs
of the School.
Due to the nature of this position the post holder will teach approximately 24 lessons per
week. Flexibility regarding working hours, to include some evenings and weekends, will
be required.
Time off
As a general rule full time teachers may be given time off during the working week. Staff
who work on a Saturday morning will be given a full day off where possible and staff who
work Monday to Friday will be given half a day if possible. The time off will be dependent
on the School timetable and specific days cannot be guaranteed.
Duties
As a busy boarding School, we expect all academic staff to play a part in the full life of
the School. All full time staff will be required to complete nine duty sessions per year and
part time staff will be required to undertake a proportion of duty sessions in line with
their timetable commitment.
Assistant Director of Drama and Dance December 2019
A duty is usually considered to be a half day (up to 4 hours) during the weekend. There
are many interesting opportunities to spend time with the girls including theatre visits,
sports events, cinema, outdoor activities, open days and many more! Staff are given as
much flexibility as possible to select dates and activities that are of interest and/or fit
with their home commitments. Full information about our duty system is contained in our
Duty Sessions Procedure.
There may be some flexibility on the number of duties for staff who already undertake
regular weekend commitments outside the normal teaching timetable as a result of their
teaching role. Where appropriate any reduction in the normal nine duties will be agreed
by the Headmistress on an individual basis and confirmed in writing. This arrangement
will apply to this position due to the nature of the Drama Department and the
requirements at weekends and evenings.
In addition you will participate in a rota of cover and other duties during the normal
School day, for example lunch duty.
Tutor Responsibilities
As part of your role you will be a Tutor to a small group of girls (approximately eight) and you
will meet with them on an individual basis every week. This is a fulfilling and valuable role
and further information about the responsibilities of being a tutor will be given to you when
you join the School.
Part time teachers may also be required to be a Tutor but the number of girls will be
proportionate to their timetable.
Probation Period
Your appointment will be subject to a probation period of three terms. During this time you
will meet regularly with your line manager and receive guidance, support and feedback. This
will also be an opportunity for you to raise any concerns and to discuss your development
needs.
Notice Period during Probation
During your probation period the following notice period will apply:
If appointment is to terminate at the end of Lent Term, notice must be given by 1 March
at the latest.
If appointment is to terminate at the end of Summer Term, notice must be given by 1
June at the latest.
If appointment is to terminate at the end of Michaelmas Term, notice must be given by 1
November at the latest.
Normal Notice Period
After probation is complete, your notice period will increase to the following:
If appointment is to terminate at the end of Lent Term, notice must be given by 1
November at the latest.
Assistant Director of Drama and Dance December 2019
If appointment is to terminate at the end of Summer Term, notice must be given by 1
March at the latest.
If appointment is to terminate at the end of Michaelmas Term, notice must be given by 1
June at the latest.
Pension
On appointment you will be automatically enrolled as a member of the Teachers’
Superannuation Scheme administered by the Teachers Pensions. You may also opt out
of this scheme.
Holidays
The school holiday year runs from 1st September to 31st August and you are entitled to
5.6 weeks statutory leave, inclusive of public holidays. You are required to take your
statutory holiday entitlement during the first arising non-term time periods (aggregated
until the statutory entitlement is exhausted) in each holiday year, provided that, during
those periods, you are not unavailable for work due to sickness or the exercise of a
statutory right (for example paternity leave or maternity leave). Public holidays will be
counted as non-term time periods, but days on which you are required to work for the
school (such as INSET days, where a public holiday falls during term time, or school trips)
will not.
You may be required to work reasonable hours from time to time during School holidays
as required by the Headmistress.
In particular 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.
Sick Pay
The School operates an occupational sick pay scheme to support you if you are ill and
comply with the requirements of the scheme. The payments are as follows:
After 4 calendar months service completed, up to 25 days on full pay and
thereafter up to a further 25 days at half pay in Year 1.
Up to 50 days on full pay and thereafter up to a further 50 days at half pay in Year
2.
Up to 75 days on full pay and thereafter for up to a further 75 days at half pay in
Year 3.
Up to 100 days on full pay and thereafter for up to a further 100 days at half pay
in Year 4 onwards.
Assistant Director of Drama and Dance December 2019
Under Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) the first three days of any absence count as “waiting
days”, and do not qualify for sick pay. However, under the School Sick Pay Scheme
employees will be paid in full during the waiting period providing that:
during the first year of employment, no more than an accumulative total of 5
working days of sickness have been taken.
after one years’ service, no more than an accumulative total of 10 working days of
sickness have been taken in a rolling 12 month period.
After 5 or 10 days absence as above, waiting days will then apply and the first
three days of absence will be unpaid.
Meals and Refreshments
During term time free nutrious 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.
Facilities for use by staff
There are some excellent facilities on site that staff can use at set regular times. For
example our tennis courts, swimming pool, and fitness room plus staff swim and Yoga.
Further details are available from the PE department.
Social events
At Downe House we enjoy a number of special social occasions through the year when staff
can mix with colleagues and family members. There is normally a Christmas Dinner with
dancing, a Summer Staff Party in the marquee, and a Lent Term Dinner. Pastoral staff are
invited to attend with a partner/guest and no charge is made for these events.
Induction and Staff Training & Development
At Downe House we are committed to the professional development of all our staff. You will
receive initial induction training when you first join us, and you will also be assigned a
mentor for your induction period.
Following induction, you will be encouraged to demonstrate continuous professional
development by attending appropriate internal and external training courses, seminars and
conferences.
Discounted School fees
At the discretion of the Headmistress, staff may be eligible for up to two-thirds discount on
day fees should their daughter be accepted into the School. This discount is on a pro rata
basis for part-time employees.
Assistant Director of Drama and Dance December 2019
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 Department [email protected].