Head of Performing Arts

Harris Academy South Norwood is a mixed comprehensive school situated in the heart of South Norwood, SE25, just a few minutes walk from Norwood Junction. We serve an incredibly diverse school community with numerous languages, cultures and backgrounds represented within the school. Our staff are equally multicultural, with colleagues hailing from all over the UK and the world. Our vision for teaching is whole school consistency, departmental autonomy. We believe that teachers teach best when supported by clear, consistent systems within which they can delve into the uniqueness of their subject disciplines.

In practice, this means that we have strong whole‑school behaviour systems, shared strategies well recognised by students such as checking for understanding and teaching new vocabulary, but also expect and allow subjects to employ the pedagogical strategies, formats and routines that are right for them. At HASN, we prioritise teacher development and commit significant time and resources towards teacher and staff development. We support colleagues to undertake professional qualifications and further study outside of the school, and encourage them to plan and pursue their professional goals with our support.

Working within the Harris Federation, we are able to draw on a wealth of expertise and experience across all areas of school life and leadership, meaning that staff can draw on a wide professional network. In turn, this supports a healthy approach to workload in which leaders hold the firm belief that collaboration is our strength and that seeking support is often the best thing professionals can do for the children they work with.

If you are a teacher of Drama and/or Performing Arts and looking for an opportunity to join a truly thriving school where you can make a real difference, then this is the role for you. Our new colleague will have a passion for enabling students to perform beyond the classroom, and will be committed to directing and supporting extracurricular performances and events. At HASN, our performance calendar is central to Academy life with a range of shows each term, culminating in our annual summer musical. The successful candidate will also nurture our developing partnership with the Stanley Arts Centre, our neighbour, as we look to solidify the links between the school and the various companies and teams who call Stanley Arts home.

MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

• To be accountable for leading, managing and developing the subject area.
• To raise standards of student attainment and achievement within the whole subject/curriculum area and to monitor and support student progress.
• To ensure the provision of an appropriately broad, balanced, relevant and differentiated curriculum for students studying in the department, in accordance with the aims of the academy and the curricular policies determined by the Governing Body and Principal.
• To teach the relevant subject across the age and ability range.
• To facilitate and encourage a learning experience which provides students with the opportunity to achieve their individual potential.
• To effectively manage and deploy staff, financial and physical resources within the department.
• To share and support the school’s responsibility to provide and monitor opportunities for personal and academic growth.

Your main areas of responsibility will fall under the areas of:

• Operational and strategic planning (including formulating the subject and faculty improvement plans, and leading the development of appropriate syllabuses, resources, schemes of work, marking policies, assessment and teaching strategies).
• Ensuring the delivery of an appropriate, comprehensive, high quality and cost effective curriculum and leading development of the subject and its delivery.
• Staff development (including recruiting, building and managing an effective team of motivated staff).
• Student outcomes (including ensuring the effective operation of target setting, monitoring and evaluation systems and the input and maintenance of accurate student data).
• Pastoral system (including being a form tutor to a selected group of students).
• Teaching, including acting as an outstanding role model.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We would like to hear from you if you:

• Hold QTS (or equivalent) and a relevant undergraduate degree, and, ideally, management training.
• Demonstrate successful teaching of GCSE at good or better level.
• Have experience of initiation and effective management of change.
• Show evidence of raising achievement in present post and showing good value added for groups.
• Have knowledge of current curriculum developments in subject and their implications.
• Have good knowledge and understanding of current educational thinking.
• Show good understanding of how children learn and how to raise standards of achievement.
• Have good communication skills in speech and writing.
• Display excellent organisational skills.
• Are able to build and sustain professional standards and relationships with students.
• Are able to contribute towards creating a safe and protective environment.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

Teacher Development
At Harris, we have curated professional development pathways that will guide you towards achieving your career ambitions. We have developed a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. With a strong network of passionate educators, expert development initiatives and a multitude of opportunities for career progression, your journey with Harris could be the most rewarding one yet.

Flexible Working
We are committed to fostering a positive and supportive working environment for our staff, recognising that achieving a balance between professional and personal responsibilities is essential. We understand that each individual’s circumstances are unique, which is why we offer flexible working options that can be adapted to meet the needs of both the academy and our employees.

Benefits
In addition to the opportunities for career development and progression, we also offer a competitive rewards and benefits package which includes our Harris Allowance (usually £2,000 for Inner London and £1,500 for Outer London), a Performance and Loyalty Bonus, Teachers Pension Scheme, a Wellbeing Cash Plan, Employee Assistance Programme, and many other benefits.

Safeguarding Notice
The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.

Equal Opportunities
The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.

APPLYING FOR THIS POSITION
Thank you for your interest in this position. If you would like to discuss this opportunity, or to request a visit, please email the academy via the Why work page on harriscareers. Before applying, please download the Job Pack for full details on the job responsibilities and person specification. This will help you when completing your application, and throughout the recruitment process. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible as we may interview and offer to a candidate before the closing date. Please note that we only accept applications submitted before the closing date via our careers website.