Head of Drama

Drama Vision Statement

To promote and deliver a drama education for the 21st century, where craft is the vehicle for exploring the self & human behaviour, as well as creating access to professional pathways in drama so that students can be innovators and changemakers in the field.

In combination with our unique oracy curriculum and approaches, drama has a special place at School 21, and experiential learning has become the crucial counterpart to stretching pupils’ cognition. This is your chance to-lead a department of skilled practitioners and take the teaching of drama to the next level.

School 21 is an all-through school and your role will offer the opportunity to teach in the upper primary school, the secondary school and lead the development of pathways into a thriving post 16 offer. The successful candidate will have a track record of guiding creative processes and achieving beautiful work. The candidate would have a strong subject knowledge and well developed skills in text, genre and ensemble work as well as using drama to develop the well-being and self-reflection of students.

We believe the teaching of drama should support students to think independently and to develop their own creative confidence as a means to making a difference to the world.  Creating beautiful and expressive work is a key feature of School 21 as a whole and therefore we are looking for a highly collaborative individual who is passionate about spreading the use of creative arts approaches across the curriculum. 

At School 21, all of us are striving to become innovators (rethinking key aspects of education practice), multipliers (growing others and building teams), craftspeople (who think deeply about their practice) and people with integrity and humanity (driven by a strong sense of values and purpose).  This is what we are looking for in new members of staff.   We empower staff to find their voice and their creativity.   We offer collaboration and learning across ages and subjects.  We believe strongly in developing the full potential of all staff.

The successful candidate will be:

• An experienced Head of Department with a strong track record
• An excellent classroom and pastoral practitioner
• Someone with the ability and drive to lead a team
• Someone who is keen to develop and promote educational & professional pathways in Drama
• A creative and deep thinker about pedagogy
• Interested in the growth of every child – head, heart and hand
• A strong team player who believes in the power of collaboration
• Someone who can build partnerships with organisations and community

ABOUT SCHOOL 21:

• 4 to 18 mixed, inclusive school in the heart of Stratford, Newham
• Cutting edge pedagogy and curriculum

WE OFFER:

• Innovative CPD 
• The chance to network with great practitioners and learn from the best
• Collaborative working across the 4 to 18 school

School 21 is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.