Director of Learning - Drama

DIRECTOR OF LEARNING - DRAMA

PAY SCALE ILPS + TLR 2B

Required for April or September 2025

Thank you for your enquiry about the post of Director of Learning Drama at Dunraven School. The school’s aim is “Excellence for All” and the governors wish to appoint a candidate of significant ability and enthusiasm, aware of and stimulated by the challenges and potential of a successful multi-ethnic co-educational school and keen to share in the leadership of our All Through Provision.

DUNRAVEN SCHOOL OVERVIEW

Dunraven School’s results are strong, remaining well above national averages and representing positive ‘value-added’. Recognition of its marked progress has been significant and its journey as a school is important to us. For example:

• in February 2011 we were designated as both a National Support School and a Leading Edge School;
• in August 2011, we converted to Academy status;
• in 2012 we began our development as an All Through School with children starting in Reception in September 2013;
• in summer 2013 our £20 million BSF programme was completed;
• in 2016 we were designated as a National Teaching School and an Academy Sponsor. The Dunraven Educational Trust was established;
• in September 2018, our Multi Academy Trust was formally set up with the integration of Van Gogh Primary, followed by Goldfinch Primary school in January 2019 and The Elmgreen School and Rosendale Primary School in September 2021
• In April 2023 we were judged as Good with Outstanding Features (Sixth Form and Personal Development) by Ofsted.

If you are successful in your application, you will share in the leadership and management of a staff who are hard working, committed, positive in outlook and dedicated to the achievement of our students. We offer:

• a high standard of professional practice, with bespoke in-house CPD provision, and affiliation to nationally recognised courses and providers (SSAT, Teaching Leaders, Future Leaders, NPQs);
• clear pathways for career development and progression with a proven track-record of success in developing leaders;
• a supportive and collegiate environment, with regular staff social and sporting activities (such as yoga, football and House events);
• excellent opportunities for leading work with external partners (National Support School, National Teaching School);
• a culture of high trust and accountability that values creativity and innovation, leading practice locally and nationally in a range of fields.

Further details about the post and how to apply can be found on our careers webpage. 

The closing date for receipt of applications is noon on Friday 6 December

interviews will take place as soon as possible thereafter

We reserve the right to close early, therefore early application is recommended

We look forward to receiving your application

Shortlisted applicants will be given a tour of the school site on the day. Pre-visits can be arranged by appointment only, please contact the school and ask for Zuhre Mevlit, PA to the Headteacher if you wish to do so. These do not form part of the selection process.

Dunraven School is committed to the safety and protection of its students. A satisfactory enhanced DBS check is a condition of employment for all employees.

DIRECTOR OF LEARNING DRAMA- SECONDARY PHASE

THE DRAMA DEPARTMENT

This is an exciting post offering considerable opportunity for contribution and development. The governors are seeking to appoint an experienced, well-organised and well-qualified candidate with curriculum insight, ability and enthusiasm. We are looking for an effective classroom practitioner who can teach all key stages including GCSE and A-Level. An interest in drama activities and providing opportunities for students outside of lesson time would be encouraged. Drama is well regarded and supported by the school and is part of a very strong arts offer at Dunraven.

Drama is taught to students once a week in KS3 and students develop a wide range of performance skills and knowledge of theatre that feeds well into their KS4 course. Students devise, read and perform from scripts, learn about the roles in theatre and develop technical theatre skills. In Years 10 & 11, the Edexcel GCSE syllabus is taught as an option. Students study The Crucible as their exam text and usually perform from a contemporary text for Component 2. We also have a strong uptake at A-Level with a Year 12 and a Year 13 class following the Edexcel syllabus and currently studying Equus and Lysistrata as their exam texts. Recent Component 2 texts include The Believers, Pomona and God of Carnage.

The facilities for teaching Drama are excellent with two purpose built black box studios with full lighting and sound facilities. These two studios can be turned into one larger black box theatre for studio performances or we have a fully equipped proscenium arch theatre space for bigger productions.

Extra-curricular opportunities are at the heart of what Dunraven Drama does and in addition to our fantastic exam performance work we also have a good reputation for the quality of our whole school musicals and our annual KS3 performance. In recent years we have performed Oliver, We Will Rock You and Les Miserables. We take full advantage of the opportunities provided by living in London and enjoy relationships with a number of theatres and Drama schools. We regularly provide opportunities for our students to attend performances and participate in workshops at a range of theatres.

Dunraven is keen to support all aspects of staff development, personal and professional, and has a strong staff development policy. It has had Investors in People status for many years.

Shortlisted Candidates will be expected to teach a sample lesson.

SELECTION CRITERIA

• Candidates will be expected to have the following skills and knowledge:
• A thorough knowledge of their subject area, particularly in relation to the new requirements at KS3 and 4 as well as 16-19 developments, and an interest in developing Drama through the primary phase.
• A enthusiasm for and willingness to lead on and contribute to the range of school Drama productions and societies
• Skills and strategies for the leadership, supervision and support of staff and students.
• Knowledge and understanding of departmental leadership, management, administration and planning.
• The appropriate academic and management skills required to be an efficient and effective teacher.
• The ability to plan, organise, assess, monitor and evaluate effectively, and to maintain a stimulating learning environment. Knowledge of assessment including at Advanced Level.
• Effective interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.
• Skills in the use of ICT, particularly in relation to Drama Programmes.
• Skills required to be an effective form tutor.
• The ability to devise strategies for implementing policies leading to equality of opportunity.
• An understanding of and commitment to whole-school issues in a co-educational school and the willingness to be involved in all aspects of the work of the department and to contribute to the wider life of the school.

S/he will be required to carry out the duties of a school teacher according to the School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Document, and in the light of the school's changing needs. Job descriptions are reviewed regularly and may be subject to modification or amendment after consultation.

Please note: Dunraven is a non-smoking environment. Dunraven School is committed to the safety and protection of its students.