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Candidate Brief Visiting Music Teacher (Piano)Candidate Brief for the position ofVisiting Music Teacher (Piano)Newton Prep was rated as ‘Excellent’ across the board by ISI Inspectors in March 2022
Candidate Brief Visiting Music Teacher (Piano)newtonprepschool.co.ukPosition & RoleWe are seeking to appoint an inspiring, committedand highly-skilled Visiting Music Teacher (VMT) Piano,to join a first-class Music Department. The MusicDepartment is well resourced and, as such, thereare many opportunities to support extra-curricularactivities through additional group coaching and toaccompany concerts and pupils at the direction ofthe Director of Music.VMTs are recruited by the Headmistress and Directorof Music. They are responsible to the Headmistress,via the Director of Music, in all matters relatingto performance, ensembles, recruitment andpupil progress and the day-to-day managementof their timetables.The successful candidate will be an outstandingteacher with a passion for inspiring our youngestmusicians to perform to the highest possiblestandard, as well as being an active performerin their own right. VMTs are self-employed andinvoice parents directly each term. They are expectedto communicate with parents to arrange lessons,organise payment and report on progress.The appointment is in addition to the team ofcurrent VMTs. Currently, there are nine visitingpiano teachers within the Music Departmentteaching over 130 pupils each week.Starting September 2022 (or as soon thereafter) 56.40 per hour Up to two days a week2
Candidate Brief Visiting Music Teacher (Piano)The SchoolEstablished in 1991, Newton Prep is a thrivingschool for children, aged 3-13. The School isunashamedly ambitious for its pupils who haveaccess to outstanding facilities. We want themto achieve their academic potential whilst alsoengaging in sport, art, music and drama. Inthe School, there are currently over 640 pupilsfrom Nursery to Year 8.We want the children to involve themselves inthe total life of the School, which includes afterschool clubs and activities and a wide range oftrips. We celebrate the diversity of our pupils;we want our children to develop a strong senseof community, learning how to make a positivecontribution to the community of NewtonPrep and the world around them. The ethosand philosophy is one that is based on mutualrespect and kindness shown to others.Our Vision is to provide the children in our carewith a first-rate education in the knowledgethat time is precious and irreversible. Theeducation we provide has a strong academicbase and an imaginatively broad curriculumgiving a rich learning experience for allchildren including provision for children witha range of abilities, including those with highaptitudes in specific subjects. Moreover, theNewton education has a lasting impact aschildren progress through their school yearsand throughout their lives, developing bothintelligence and character. Our atmosphere isfull of happiness and enthusiasm with a senseof purpose and achievement as both pupilsand staff aim high. Good governance bolstersthese aspirations. We focus on developingambition in the children so that they moveon to the most appropriate senior school.Newton Prep is a model for best practice inall aspects of prep education.The School is unashamedly ambitious forits pupils and places a strong emphasis onthe education of the whole person. Weattach great importance to the teaching ofArt, Drama, Music and Sport as well as themore academic subjects. Our curriculum andextensive co-curricular programme, togetherwith the House system, reflect the School’scommitment to providing both high qualitylearning opportunities and strong pastoralsupport so that our pupils have the bestopportunities to achieve their full potentialand are successful in all areas of school life.LocationThe School is conveniently situated in closeproximity to Battersea Park Station (just a2 minute walk or a 4 minute journey fromClapham Junction and Victoria Station) andQueenstown Road Station (a 4 minute walkor 4 minute journey from Clapham Junctionand 7 minutes from Waterloo Station).Battersea Power Station and the surroundingarea have undergone major developmentover the last 8 years, including the openingof the London Underground Northern Lineextension to Battersea Power Station (an8 minute walk) enabling a connection intocentral London within 15 minutes.Fundamentally, we want Newton Prep childrento enjoy their precious childhood years.3
Candidate Brief Visiting Music Teacher (Piano)newtonprepschool.co.ukThe Music DepartmentMusic is a central part of the School’soffering. The full-time staff comprises of theDirector of Music, three music teachers, adedicated Singing Teacher for the School’sTraining Choir and a Music Administrator,who assists with the day-to-day running ofthe Music Department.The School offers individual tuition on mostorchestral instruments and approximately60% of pupils are currently receivingindividual lessons each week. M:Tech MusicTechnology sessions are also available as anafter school activity.The Music Department has truly first-classfacilities. In 2018, the 120-seat recital hallwas refurbished and is fully iPad controlledwith recording facilities and a grand piano.More recently, a new and dedicated teachingspace has been created for regular classMusic lessons and ensemble rehearsals.In addition, the Music Department has arecording studio, Music Technology MacSuite and ten practice rooms with pianos.There are three excellent Grand Pianos inprincipal teaching space and Auditorium.All three grand pianos in the departmentare available for teaching and practisingby arrangement.Through their participation in choirs andensembles, pupils are taught how todemonstrate commitment and team-work:they are expected to both work hard and enjoytheir rehearsals so that their performanceshines as a product of practice, creativityand flare. Pupils have many opportunitiesto perform and there are a good numberof concerts, recitals and other performanceopportunities throughout the School year. Inthe Lower School, pupils have the opportunityto join a number of extra-curricular groupsoutside of the timetabled school day.In the Upper School (Years 3-8), pupilsparticipate in a range of extra-curricularactivities. Singing is strong, with over 200children participating in weekly choirrehearsals. String playing is similarly popular,with almost 50 pupils learning a stringedinstrument. Pupils regularly perform withprofessional musicians and the School offersMasterclasses and Educational Visits in Musicfor all pupils.2020 and 2021 were two challenging yearsfor music and musicians. Newton Prepcommissioned a series of videos to showcasethe children’s work in place of a ChristmasConcert. A sense of music at the School can becaptured through this series seen here.4
Candidate Brief Visiting Music Teacher (Piano)newtonprepschool.co.ukKey ResponsibilitiesThe responsibilities of the Visiting Music Teacher will have:lllllI nspiring musical performance of the highestquality through committed, skilled andoutstanding one-to-one teaching.T eaching to the individual needs, abilities andtalents of each child, suggesting repertoireand adapting scores where necessary.I dentifying clear teaching objectives andlearning outcomes, with appropriatechallenge to deliver outstanding quality. ssessing pupils’ progress, giving timelyAindividual feedback to pupils and their parentsas to how to progress further.llll ctively promoting and encourage pupils’Aparticipation in extra-curricular music,including solo recitals and school concerts.E ntering pupils for examinations throughthe Music Administrator, as and whenappropriate.I nvoicing parents in a timely mannerat the beginning of a new term. ommunicating with parents and respondingCto parents’ queries and concerns as andwhen they arise in a professional andtimely manner.E nsuring that the School’s Policiesare reflected in daily practice.5
Candidate Brief Visiting Music Teacher (Piano)newtonprepschool.co.ukPerson SpecificationThe ideal candidate will have:l A relevant music qualification at degree level.l Excellent oral and written communication skills.llllE xperience in teaching the piano to pupils agedbetween 3-13, both boys and girls. A unique approach to teaching the pianowhich is inspiring and is not based solely onexam repertoire. Performing experience in their own right. sound understanding of technique, particularlyAwith regard to young players.l An ability to work as part of a team.l An approachable and engaging manner.ll n understanding of, and commitment to,Asafeguarding and promoting the welfareof children.E nhanced disclosure via the Disclosure andBarring Service, including a Barred List check.6
Candidate Brief Visiting Music Teacher (Piano)newtonprepschool.co.ukAppointment ProcessTo apply, please submit your CV, a cover letter(which does not exceed more than one sideof A4) and a video (not exceeding more thanthree minutes), explaining your suitability forthe post. This should reach the HR Departmentat hrassistant@newtonprep.co.uk.The closing date for applications is Friday 16thSeptember 2022 at 9.00 am.For further information, please contact the HRDepartment on 0207 720 4091 (Ext 1255) orthe above email address.Candidates invited to interview will be notifiedby Tuesday, 20th September, 2022 and will berequired to complete the School’s ApplicationForm in advance of visiting Newton Prep.Interviews and lesson observations will takeplace on Thursday, 22nd September, 2022.The successful candidate will be subject tochild protection screening, including a DBSand Barred List check.We’re an equal opportunity employer. Allapplicants will be considered for employmentwithout attention to race, colour, religion, sex,sexual orientation, gender identity, nationalorigin, veteran or disability status.7
Candidate Brief Visiting Music Teacher (Piano)Co-educational Preparatory School149 Battersea Park RoadLondon SW8 4BXTelephone: 020 7720 4091/NewtonPrepSchnewtonprepschool.co.uk
andidate rief Visiting Music Teacher (Piano) 6 Person Specification The ideal candidate will have: l A relevant music qualification at degree level. l Excellent oral and written communication skills. l Experience in teaching the piano to pupils aged between 3-13, both boys and girls. l A unique approach to teaching the piano which is inspiring and is not based solely on
