Head of Drama

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The school prides itself on its warm and welcoming community, inclusive of all staff. Our teaching staff work alongside the operational teams to ensure the smooth running of the school. We value the contribution of all team members.

Through involvement in the co-curricular programme all those who work with us can bring their passions to work. Developing our talent is important to us. Access to training and professional development is available and encouraged.

Our reward packageincludes:

• Generous Defined Contribution Pension Scheme
• Access to onsite gym
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee Benefits Programme, including discounted access to health insurance, financial well-being products, cycle to work and electric car schemes as well as discounts to a number of major retailers
• A three course lunch is provided during term time

The Role

We are seeking a dynamic, inspirational and well-qualified Head of Drama to join a thriving and vibrant department from January 2025 (although an October HT start would be welcomed if possible). Our new Head of Drama will set the direction for the Drama Department, ensuring our young people will continue to receive an exceptional education in Drama; and will stage a variety of productions throughout the school year.

The Post

We are looking to appoint a full-time teacher, with experience of teaching across the full age and ability range. The Department is made up of the Head of Department, one other fulltime member of the teaching staff and a LAMDA teacher, who provides all LAMDA instruction. You would be expected to work closely with the Music Department concerning Musical Theatre and the school musical. This is an excellent opportunity to undertake a teaching role in a vibrant and popular Drama Department, in a highly successful school.

The Head of Drama is also a full member of the Heads of Department committee, which meets frequently to set the academic agenda for the Senior School.

Drama Department Details

In Geits (P7), pupils learn basic staging through practical and theoretical interpretation, including character development and storytelling skills. Pupils in Term 2 are immersed in project work (script), allowing pupils their first opportunity to experience small-scale theatrical performances. In 2nds, (S1) pupils develop their practical and theory understanding of voice, movement and production skills. Pupils in Geits/2nds Drama are expected to attend the theatre at least once a year.

In 3rds (S2) pupils begin their curriculum further developing skills from a range of sources following the structure of National 4 Drama. This incudes digital literacy skills to develop short-form movies and further development of production skills, leading to extended group performances where drama and production skills are assessed practically and theoretically. Pupils are expected to attend at least one theatre production a year and complete an evaluation of performance.

In 4ths (S3)-AH, pupils follow the SQA programme of National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher qualifications, with pupils being presented for directing, production and acting every year. Pupils are also presented for LAMDA examinations in acting, public speaking, reading for performance, mime and musical theatre.

Facilities

The main venue for large-scale theatrical productions within the School is within the fully equipped and versatile Magnusson Theatre (seats 250). Academic drama teaching, rehearsals and smaller-scale productions take place in the classroom upstairs or in the Magnusson Centre. There is a designated costume and properties area within the department. The classroom is used as a flexible makeup and green room, prior to productions.

The School's city centre location means that it is easy for groups to visit the professional theatres within the City of Edinburgh and the surrounding area.

Main Responsibilities

The following is a guide to the key responsibilities for this role and is not an exhaustive list:

• The teaching of Drama from Geits (P7) up to Advanced Higher Level.
• Promote and oversee the teaching of dance within the School.
• The promotion of drama in its widest sense: for a vibrant schedule of productions within school and for frequent opportunities to visit the theatre or for relevant visits to school by experts from the world of drama.
• Oversight of LAMDA lessons, ensuring the weekly timetable is well publicised and that examination entries are arranged.
• Work collaboratively with our commercial team, AccessEA, to maximise use of drama spaces for external lets.

The responsibilities common to all Heads of Department also include:

• All matters relating to the teaching and examining of subject areas administered by the Department.
• Contributions to and leading the highest quality teaching and learning up to and including 7ths (S6), throughout the Senior School.
• All aspects of the fabric and resources of the Department.
• Matters relating to the recruitment, welfare, discipline, and performance of those staff members whose timetable lies wholly or partly within the Department.
• Contribute to and promote the collegiate philosophy, which underpins departmental activities at the Edinburgh Academy, delegating responsibilities as appropriate.
• Support colleagues in their professional development and contribute to the school Professional Review process.
• Matters relating to the administration of the Department's share of the academic budget, and any other departmental finance that may be required.
• Matters of inter-departmental or whole school concern, including health and safety issues, the internal ethos and external image of the school.
• Promote and protect children's welfare in all aspects of their contribution to school life and follow school Health and Safety guidelines.
• Contribute to the Department's co-curricular activities and participate in the wider school programme of co-curricular activities.

Duties and responsibilities associated with all teachers at the Edinburgh Academy are:

• To plan, prepare and teach lessons to all assigned pupils according to their educational needs.
• To assess, record and report on the progress of the pupils within the guidelines written in the Staff Handbook.
• To engage with the wider School Curriculum in a manner which is consistent with the ethos of the School.
• To carry out such administrative and other routine tasks as outlined in the Staff Handbook.
• To demonstrate a commitment to both individual professional development and to the developing curriculum in the School.
• To carry out any other duties and to assume any other responsibilities as the Rector shall from time-to-time reasonably request.
• To be conscious at all times of the importance of the external image of the School and to act in a professional and constructive manner with pupils, parents and external agencies.
• To play a full part in the co-curricular life of the School.

Reporting

The Head of Drama will report to the Depute Rector (Academic) on all aspects of classroom management, timetabling, teaching and learning, reporting and pupil discipline.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate for this post will be someone who has a genuine love of the dramatic arts, and enjoys working collaboratively with colleagues across other departments to provide our students with the best possible education.

They would also possess the following:

• GTCS registered (or ability to be) with an appropriate degree and relevant teaching qualifications, able to teach from P7 up to Advanced Higher level - E
• Excellent organisational and communication skills - E
• Able to work as part of a team as well as under own initiative - E
• Experience of working collaboratively with internal and external suppliers - E
• Experience in managing budgets - D
• Proficient in using IT as part of classroom activity where appropriate, but also in communicating with colleagues, parents and students and organising productions and trips - E
• A passion for the role of drama and performance in promoting the overall well-being of children - E

GTCS Registration is essential, as indicated above. If you do not have this, you must make enquiries with the GTCS regarding your eligibility for registration. Please ensure to mention in your application as to whether you are registered with GTCS, and if not, whether you are in the process of registering or are confident you are eligible for registration.

You must also have the right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, The Edinburgh Academy cannot offer visa sponsorship for this post.

About the school/organisation

The Edinburgh Academy is a fully co-educational school. The School consists of a Senior School, Junior School and a Nursery Department. The School is a member of HMC. The Edinburgh Academy moved to full co-education across the whole school in 2008. The Junior and Senior Schools are on separate sites, both of which have spacious grounds and sports facilities including extensive playing fields, an all-weather sports area, and a large Sports Hall and Centre.