Head - Music

Aldar Academies; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Aldar Academies seeks a Head of Music Department to lead and develop music education across the school. The role involves establishing curriculum standards, managing resources, and fostering a collaborative teaching environment. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's in Music Education and relevant experience, with a passion for nurturing student talent.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years in a similar role.
• Mandatory experience with the England National Curriculum.
• Experience working with EAL students.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement music policies and practices.
• Monitor and evaluate music plans across the school.
• Manage team performance and establish clear expectations.

Skills

Leadership

Team Management

Professional Communication

Empathy

IT Literacy

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Education, specializing in Music

Job description

Strategic direction and development of the department:
In consultation with SLT, develop and implement policies and practices for the year group that reflect the School's vision and aims for effective teaching and learning.
Establish, monitor, and evaluate short, medium, and long-term plans for music across the whole school.
Use data effectively to identify underachieving students in the department; create and implement support plans.
Analyze and interpret relevant school data to inform policies and track the school's progress in music and performing arts.
Ensure that appropriate and relevant schemes of work are developed, implemented, and regularly reviewed for all courses, including provisions for SEN/POD, G&T, and EAL students.

Teaching and learning:
Ensure curriculum coverage, continuity, and progression for all students, including high ability and SEN students.
Establish clear policies for assessing, recording, and reporting student achievement.
Set expectations for staff regarding achievement standards, teaching quality, and behavior.
Observe lessons through drop-ins, learning walks, and formal observations.
Evaluate teaching and learning quality to identify effective practices and areas for improvement; implement actions for enhancement.
Ensure regular contributions from year groups towards the school's curriculum, standards, and assessment practices.

Leading and managing staff:
Participate in the Aldar Education performance management cycle. Manage team performance according to policy.
Establish clear expectations and foster constructive relationships within the team, promoting collaboration, support, and accountability.
Hold regular staff meetings with agendas and minutes focused on improving student achievement, teaching standards, and learning.
Identify staff development needs and organize relevant training sessions.

Managing resources:
Deploy staff and resources efficiently and effectively.
Maintain control over the music department's resources and CapEx budgets.
Use resources to create an engaging and effective teaching environment.
Ensure a safe working and learning environment, with proper risk assessments and compliance with health and safety regulations.

Other duties and responsibilities:
Support and participate in school events and extracurricular activities, including after-school programs.
Expand external competitive opportunities for students.
Develop internal opportunities to showcase music talent, such as performances and concerts.
Contribute positively to the school's ethos through Music and Performing Arts.
Participate in meetings with other leaders, prepare for progress meetings, analyze data, liaise with families, and support colleagues.
Communicate effectively with parents regarding student achievements and well-being.
Pursue professional development for self and staff.
Perform any additional duties assigned by SLT within the scope of the role.

REQUIREMENTS:

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree in Education, specializing in Music or related field, with a relevant post-teaching qualification.

Minimum Experience: At least 2 years in a similar role.

Job Specific Knowledge & Skills:

Mandatory experience with the England National Curriculum.
Experience working with EAL students.
Professional communication with stakeholders.
Passion for teaching and nurturing children.
High professionalism and child well-being focus.
Leadership and team management skills.
Empathy, credibility, self-belief, integrity, and child-centered approach.
Ability to prioritize and multitask.
IT literacy and familiarity with online teaching technologies.
Strong interpersonal skills for diverse environments.