Secondary (11-18) Music Teacher

Early application is encouraged.  School 21 reserves the right to close applications early and make an appointment at any stage.

School 21 is a pioneering 4-18 school that opened in September 2012 in Stratford, East London. We are looking for a passionate, highly motivated Secondary music teacher to join an award winning music department with a rich & exciting curriculum and extra-curricular music offer. You will be working alongside an experienced and thoughtful team of creative music teachers, including the Director of 4-18 music & performing arts, our Primary & Secondary music leads, and our dynamic team of ten instrumental teachers, which currently includes two Musician in Residence roles.

Music has a central place in the life of School 21 – not just in the core curriculum, where it is a beacon of excellence, ambition and innovation, but as part of project based learning, the enrichment programme, assemblies and whole school exhibitions and events.  Our Festival of Light concerts in the Autumn term,  involve every child across the school, showcasing the outcomes of all year group music curriculum projects and a range of ensembles, and are a central part of the school culture, celebrating not only the students, but teachers and parents as part of a staff and community choir. We believe in nurturing every member of our school community by including every child in such events, whilst driving the highest standards of performance and creativity possible. Students receive at least 2hrs of music per week in Y5-Y9 (and a minimum of 1hr per week in reception-Y4). Music and drama also combine each year to produce a high quality musical, and we run a recital series across the school calendar to celebrate the work of individual and small group ensembles. We also run a unique Band Project Programme, in which all students on Y5/6 engage in a 2year immersive instrumental ensemble project as part of a Big Band, Wind Band or String orchestra. This programme continues with a scholarship phase in Y7-9 where students engage in a range of instrumental projects including intergenerational music making. The programme is co-delivered by class teachers & professional musicians and provides sustainable access to learning an instrument in an authentic & purposeful, project based setting. The school calendar is packed with opportunities for students to meaningfully share their work with an authentic audience, and we are constantly reflecting and developing the work we do. Across all phases of the school, a culture of music is being nurtured both in and out of the classroom, and we are looking for someone dedicated to the growth of their own practice, as well as that of the department and school music culture. This post is an opportunity to be part of something truly special, and to contribute to the next phase of its journey, in a supportive & developmental environment. 

School 21 is a very special and different kind of place to work in. All of us are striving to become pioneers (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. All staff have more planning time than most schools and a tailored programme of professional development which results in strong outcomes for the students.  We believe strongly in developing the full potential of all staff.

Since we opened in 2012 we have put learning and teaching at the heart of everything we do. We have also pioneered real world, interdisciplinary learning in collaboration with a network of extraordinary organisations: creative, artistic, high tech, professional. 

At School 21  we believe that the purpose of education is to develop the whole child: head (academics), heart (character and well-being) and hand (generating ideas, problem solving, creating extraordinary authentic outcomes).

The successful candidate will be:

• A passionate teacher with strong subject knowledge
• A creative and deep thinker about pedagogy
• A strong musician
• A collaborative planner 
• A team player 
• Interested in developing the growth of every child – head, heart and hand 

ABOUT SCHOOL 21:

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

WE OFFER:

• Exceptional CPD 
• The chance to network with outstanding practitioners and learn from the best
• Collaborative working across the 4 to 18 school
• A strong feedback culture so that teachers can develop in areas of their practice that are important to them
• Every teacher being part of a team/circle that develops strategic practice 

For more information please see the candidate information pack, or visit www.school21.org.uk or e-mail Sakshi Saxena –  [email protected].

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.