Brief for the Position of Director of Music

BRIEF FOR THE POSITION OF DIRECTOR OF MUSIC

PRESTFELDE PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Shrewsbury’s Co-educational Prep School for 3-13

CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 3

BACKGROUND 4

THE ROLE 8

THE PERSON 9

HOW TO APPLY 17

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Prestfelde School is one of the West Midlands’ leading co-educational day/boarding preparatory schools. The School is seeking to appoint a Director of Music, the successor to our retiring Director who has been at Prestfelde School for over 31 years.

The School Council now seeks an outstanding Director to provide strong operational and strategic leadership, ensuring the efficient and integrated delivery of a wide range of musical events in support of the Head and the School as a whole. This post offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the School’s reputation and ongoing success as the best local independent prep school.

The successful candidate will offer a significant track record of leadership and management. He or she will be a creative and inspirational musician and a strategic thinker to lead a progressive, collaborative approach that is committed to ensuring the very best for our pupils. The appointee will possess highly developed interpersonal skills and robust intellectual abilities to build strong relationships with parents and their children. A genuine resonance with a traditional, but forward-thinking approach to independent education and it’s essential musical ethos.

WELCOME FROM THE HEAD

Thank you for your interest in Prestfelde School, I hope that this document will encourage you to go ahead with an application that may lead to your joining this unique and vibrant school community. We warmly invite you to read more about us, scan our website and visit the school. We are a community which invests in people, offering a traditional, family ethos with a very progressive and modern outlook.

Prestfelde School enjoys considerable success and popularity, it continues to build on its strong reputation of developing each individual and providing an outstanding education. Having had a long association with the school and an exciting four years as Head I can speak from first hand experience of the warmth and friendliness of the school community. The beautiful surroundings, enthusiastic pupils and high staff morale provide an energy and united purpose for enjoyment and learning. We have an excellent staff development programme ensuring that colleagues are stimulated to keep growing as professionals.

Above all, it is a community where the individual is celebrated and encouraged to become the fullest and best version of her or himself: this goes as much for the staff as it does the children in our care.

This role offers exciting leadership and commitment where the musical vision and opportunities for its pupils is highly ambitious and is placed at the centre of the community.

BACKGROUND

Prestfelde is a thriving, fully co-educational school, set amidst 30 acres of beautiful grounds on the edge of Shrewsbury, Shropshire. Founded in 1929 by the Reverend G. K. Dovey, Prestfelde Preparatory School is part of the Woodard Corporation of schools, a charity founded to provide high quality education in an actively Christian school environment.

The Woodard Corporation Prestfelde is an incorporated Woodard School and so part of the largest group of Church of England schools in England and Wales. Founded by Nathaniel Woodard in 1848, the Woodard Corporation’s primary purpose is to awaken a love of learning in all and to do this within a context that recognises the unique value of each individual person and our responsibility towards each

other. All Woodard schools have an outstanding reputation for providing academic excellence coupled with unrivalled pastoral care.

Woodard is the 18th largest charity in the UK, educates more than 30,000 pupils and employs over 2,500 teaching staff in a mix of schools, independent and maintained, senior and prep, co- educational and single sex, boarding and day.

Further information on the Woodard Corporation can be found on their website: https://www.woodard.co.uk/

Prestfelde School Prestfelde is a happy and flourishing non-selective school of over 300 pupils, aged 3-13. The School prides itself on its academic, musical, sporting and artistic achievements, but also on its ability to foster positive attitudes, respect for others and a love of learning in all its pupils. The School received an excellent inspection report in November, 2018. There are at least two forms in every year group and the School comprises a first-rate team of staff, who are committed to delivering a broad, dynamic and innovative curriculum. High standards are achieved within a nurturing and inspiring learning environment. There is also an excellent learning support department.

Over recent years, the School has seen much development and is today rightly proud of its outstanding facilities including its own newly built Chapel and Theatre, Music School, Dining Hall, Design and Technology Department, Gymnasium, Indoor Swimming Pool, Library, ICT suite, Art Department, Cookery school, two modern Science Laboratories, a Boarding House, wonderful playing fields and Forest School.

Music at Prestfelde Prestfelde has an excellent, long-standing and enviable reputation for developing and inspiring musical talent as part of an overarching commitment to creativity and in particular the Performing Arts. A rich and varied extra-curricular programme supports curriculum music, and classroom lessons are timetabled throughout the school. Prestfelde is well known within the local community, and especially by senior schools nationally and in the region where music scholarships are regularly won.

Pupils have the use of a modern, purpose-built Music School. The aim of the department is to deliver a high quality musical education, to foster an enjoyment of music in every child, but

also to identify, support and inspire those children who show particular talent. As well as the usual practice/teaching rooms, the Music School includes a large performance room (Orchestra and Choir practise here, and it is also used for small-scale concerts) and a smaller Technology Room where children acquaint themselves with the modern possibilities of PCs with linked keyboards.

The children in Little Prestfelde (up to and including Year 2) have their own classroom music specialist, who also acts as Assistant to the Director of Music. The Director has particular responsibility for Years 3 to 8.

All instrumental teachers (there are currently 16) are specialists, but also demonstrate the ability to communicate enthusiasm in an age-appropriate way. All major orchestra instruments are taught as well as piano, organ, classical guitar, percussion (mostly but not exclusively drum kit), saxophone and singing. Every opportunity is sought for the younger children to be inspired by the example of the older ones, and currently, for example, over two thirds of the year 3 children play an individual instrument.

There is a special emphasis on ensemble work from the earliest stages, with a Training Band and String and Brass Groups which feed the 30 piece school Orchestra. Other ensembles are occasionally formed as required – and the House Music competition each year is just one of the enjoyable concerts – some formal, and some informal – which are held in and out of the school and which provide performance opportunities and experience to the children. In particular, the Blackburn Chapel and Theatre is a fine purpose-built 300-seater auditorium. With its Pulham chamber organ and Kawai baby grand it reflects the commitment the school has to the Performing Arts.

Singing has always been a vital element of Prestfelde life – in addition to classroom music, there are two choirs: the Junior Choir (up to the age of 9 for anyone who enjoys singing) and the Senior Choir (casually auditioned!) which takes pupils from 8 to 13. The latter group currently has 55 members, and performs regularly out of school, where they have acquired the reputation as the go-to junior choir in the region. Recently they performed for Bob Chilcott in the world premiere of his “Move Him Into The Sun” based on the poetry of Wilfred Owen, and have twice in recent years performed Britten’s “St Nicolas” with community choirs. In addition to these concerts and set-piece Carol Services, the children of all ages benefit from singing in dramatic productions which are usually musical.

More advanced musicians are fostered through an established system of admissions and scholarships. Children are auditioned for 11+ internal music scholarships and almost always these candidates are among Prestfelde’s steady flow of successes at 13+ external scholarships to senior schools. We have good relationships with these schools, and regularly

attend Big Band, Choral and other similar days there. The best players are also regularly put forward for competitions if appropriate, and we enjoy following their musical progress. It was rewarding to see our winner of Woodard’s “Young Musician of the Year” from 2012 as one of two Old Prestfeldians taking part in the ‘back row’ of King’s, Cambridge choir in “Carols from Kings” recently.

THE ROLE

We are looking for an inspirational and skilled musician to lead and develop the musical life of Prestfelde School as a beacon of musical excellence. This rare opportunity arises due to the retirement of Mr Jeremy Lund in July 2020 after over 31 years of outstanding musicianship. His successor will have the opportunity to work with the Head, and Senior team to develop and shape the department within a fully co-educational prep school. A successful classical musician, with the ability to inspire our pupils, lead peripatetic staff and conduct outstanding quality performance. He or she will be a musician who places strong emphasis on diversity of music making and encourages participation and enjoyment at all levels.

DETAILED RESPONSIBILITIES Strategic Roles

Leading the musical vision for the school in collaboration with the Senior management team Overall leadership and management of the music department To act as line manager to the music peripatetic teachers To encourage, nurture and develop the talents of all musicians, at all levels. To oversee the delivery of an effective and dynamic programme of curriculum music throughout the school To oversee the internal programme of musical performance working alongside Senior Management Team for the planning of concerts and musical opportunity To be a visible leader of performance music and working alongside form tutors to achieve inclusive practice in performance To foster a culture of music for all within the school as well as leading and stretching our ambition and performance at scholarship level Work alongside Director of Activities to devise and facilitate the thriving extra curricular programme To engage actively on local, regional and national level To support and initiate musical partnership and outreach work To take a lead role in marketing music and the scholarship process To ensure the smooth running of the Scholarship mentoring programme

THE PERSON

The successful candidate will have the following key skills, experience and attributes: • An outstanding and inspirational musician • Competent and experienced accompanist. The ability to sight read effectively and play to a high standard on the piano is essential in this post. This will form part of the interview procedure • Able to identify and nurture musical talent in children and advise parents about instruments, on scholarships and future schools • Be able to demonstrate a deep love of music and have the ability to inspire pupils with a passion for music • Choir singing or choir training experience is an advantage • Able to inspire pupils to perform beyond their own expectations • Able to lead and inspire colleagues within the music department and across the school • Highly competent manager of a large department • To work with other colleagues in delivering and managing a broad extra curricular programme • Willing to work closely with the Drama Department and other creative and performance subjects on projects within and outside the School • Dynamic and engaging classroom teacher who relates well to children of all ages • The ability as well as the knowledge of repertoire to appeal to children – boys and girls • Able to maintain and develop a strong local and regional profile and to assist with recruitment of musicians to the School

• Strong personal organisation, IT literacy and administrative skills • Familiarity with Music Technology and especially Sibelius as well as experience of arranging music for instrumentalist will be a strong recommendation • Natural and authentic communication skills, whether on stage, at internal and external events or in informal settings • Actively supportive of the School’s Chapel services and Choral music

Personal Attributes

Enjoys working with young people and is passionate about developing young lives in a happy community. Above all, an ability to work in close collaboration with the Head and a clear empathy with the ethos and aims of the School.

- Collegiate and empathetic in approach - Open and receptive to new ideas and thoughts - Energetic, enthusiastic, compassionate and able to inspire - Skills of diplomacy with the ability to act decisively - Good sense of humour - Maintains strong and positive relationships with Governors, the Head, staff, parents and pupils - Attention to detail and commitment to quality, working effectively to deadlines - Sensitivity to the aims of independent education and the changing landscape - Leads by example and commands the respect of staff and parents

Prestfelde School

Aims & Values

Prestfelde promotes a love of learning in all girls and boys. The School enables all its pupils to maximise their academic potential and to develop their individual talents in a caring, Christian community which fosters sensitivity, confidence, a sense of service and enthusiasm for life.

The School prides itself on an explicit set of core values which are at the heart of all that it does: Empathy, Aspiration, Perseverance, Selflessness, Respect, Unity, Confidence, Integrity, Courage and Humility. These values are encapsulated in the four aims outlined as follows:

• To foster and inspire lifelong learning, recognising and promoting individual talents to engage in school life with energy and enthusiasm in order to be successful individuals who are confident and go out into the world to make a difference.

• To pursue each child’s academic excellence through a rich and challenging curriculum,

in order to equip each child with the skills, knowledge and understanding for academic success.

• To foster and support personal development, social responsibility and a sense of self- worth to aspire and achieve.

• To provide an environment within a Christian context, which values and promotes respect, responsibility and resilience in order that they become good citizens within society.

Little Prestfelde (Nursery – Year 2)

Little Prestfelde caters for the pre-preparatory year groups, aged 3 -7 years of age in a purpose- built building with, amongst many things, its own Library, changing rooms and covered play- area. ‘Little P’ not only boasts excellent facilities, but also experienced, well-qualified staff, with dedicated classroom assistants on hand. The department is bright, modern and secure.

The aim is for our children to become good citizens for the future with excellent values, enabling them to become learners for life. This is achieved through active involvement, hands on practical experiences, which embed and consolidate their new understanding, throughout all areas of the curriculum.

The children have the opportunity to respond physically, emotionally, artistically and musically through an exciting and inspirational creative curriculum. In addition, our children benefit from the skills of specialist teachers. Technology is used in all its forms and the children benefit from the close association with Middle and Senior School.

Middle School (Years 3, 4 and 5) Prestfelde’s 7 to 10 year-olds enjoy the use of a modern classroom block and a beautiful outdoor learning environment in the Beckbury garden. The classes are based with a form teacher for most subjects, but with specialist teaching provision in Art, Music, IT, Design, Sport and Latin.

Middle School pupils really benefit from the full range of activities on offer at Prestfelde. They are encouraged to join clubs which are run between 4-5pm, most week days. Prep is run every day between 4-5 with second prep available in the Senior School between 5-6pm. Pupils also begin to play fixtures against other schools, and are increasingly involved in the House competitions which are a key element of school life.

Senior School (Years 6, 7 and 8)

In the Senior School, classes are socially mixed in smaller groups, with setting for the core subjects and additional support for those that require it. The Senior School’s main academic focus is to prepare pupils for Common Entrance and Scholarship examinations in Year 8.

With encouragement, high-expectations and first- rate teaching and learning, many Year 8 pupils gain scholarships at leading senior schools. In recent years, Prestfelde pupils have been awarded scholarships at Shrewsbury School, Wrekin College, Concord College, Ellesmere College, Repton School, Moreton Hall, Westminster School, Uppingham, Millfield, Bloxham and Malvern College. The majority of pupils move on to Shrewsbury School.

Co-Curricular

Prestfelde is committed to the provision of a successful and balanced co-educational experience and offers an array of co-curricular activities, encompassing everything from fencing to bush craft. Pupils are encouraged to gain new skills and hobbies through the many clubs on offer during breaks and after school, enjoying Chess, Computing and French Knitting amongst others! There are opportunities for the older children in particular to take part in activities out of school, tours and trips overseas, and all children at Prestfelde enjoy a regular and stimulating range of expeditions to local and national venues.

Sport Prestfelde regularly sends teams to local and national tournaments, as well as encouraging children to play at County and from time to time National level. The School offers the major sports (Football, Rugby and Cricket for boys, Lacrosse, Netball, Cricket and Rounders for girls) in addition to many other physical activities which awaken and develop other interests. Tennis, Swimming and Cross-Country are all particularly strong at the School, Hockey is also coached, and Prestfelde hosts a Dancing Club. Sporting facilities are first-class and include: a gymnasium, covered swimming-pool, netball and tennis courts and magnificent grounds which are well used throughout the year.

Prestfelde Plus & Prestfelde Extreme Prestfelde Plus aims to include on-site activities such as orienteering, problem solving, camp craft, den building, environmental and conservational awareness. The purpose is to enable pupils to gain valuable leadership skills and gain in personal confidence, with a strong personal and social education reflecting the school’s aim to equip pupils for the future.

From lessons in the Forest School through to Prestfelde Extreme, the School uses outdoor education to encourage pupils to work collaboratively and take personal responsibility for themselves. Prestfelde Extreme seeks to make the best use of the local Welsh adventure centres for canoeing, sailing, climbing, abseiling and mountain biking. Parents are also invited to join their children on Mountain Challenge walks.

Boarding

Boarding life at Prestfelde closely resembles the atmosphere, fun and variety of a busy, loving and happy family, but with the added advantage that you are surrounded by your friends. Children from Year 3 to Year 8 are invited to join boarding nights (three nights a week) at any stage of the term and there are frequent ‘Taster Nights’. A fun and varied boarding programme is provided that includes activities ranging from treasure hunts and river walks to worm charming! The Boarders’ Common Room is a comfortable place where children can relax and spend time together, and there is a well-equipped boarders’ kitchen where evening snacks and hot drinks can be prepared.

REMUNERATION A competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications will be offered to the preferred candidate. The salary level will be reviewed annually.

Fee remission for children is available in accordance with the Governing Body’s policy for staff plus the ability to increase through a bursary application. The School will contribute into a personal pension plan. Accommodation may be available.

Meals are provided free of charge in the dining room. All employees benefit from the ability to use the school’s sporting and recreational facilities.

The appointment is full time and the Director of Music will be expected to work such hours as are required to fully perform his or her duties over and above the normal week.

An offer of employment will be subject to the receipt of satisfactory references and relevant DBS checks. period. There will be a twelve month probationary period before the appointment is confirmed.

HOW TO APPLY

Letters of application and CVs including comprehensive details of key achievement and responsibilities should be addressed to Ms Claire Balmond, Senior Leadership Team Assistant. Applications should also include a covering letter of no more than two pages, which outlines their interest in the role, qualifications, competencies and experiences as outlined in the job description and person specification.

Application Forms are available on the School website.

Candidates may submit their applications via email or post and must arrive by noon, 5 February 2020: Email: [email protected] Postal Address: Prestfelde School, London Road, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY2 6NX Start date: 1 September 2020

Prestfelde Preparatory School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and we will check the suitability of staff to work with children. Applicants must be willing to undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check and overseas police checks (where applicable). Please see the School’s Safeguarding & Promoting Welfare of Children Policy for full details of its safer recruitment procedure.

17 Prestfelde.co.uk