Peripatetic Music Teacher

Hilden Grange School is a co-educational preparatory day school for children aged 3-13 years in Tonbridge, Kent. The school was founded in 1929 and is now part of Inspired Education. At Hilden Grange we are dedicated to giving our children a broad and balanced education in a supportive and stimulating environment where every child’s potential can be realised in academic, creative, physical and spiritual areas. Pupils strive for high standards, both inside and outside the classroom, they take pride in their achievements and enjoy participating wholeheartedly in the life of the school.

We are now looking to recruit an enthusiastic and dedicated Peripatetic Music Teacher. This is a sessional role, to start as soon a possible.

The role will involve teaching:

Singing (beginner onwards – candidates should be happy and willing to teach students from as young as 5/Year 1). There are currently 6 students (3 hours a week) – there is a lot of demand so this will likely grow quickly.

Piano (beginner – Grade 5/6) – there are currently 9 students but there is also a waiting list.

There are 2 sessions a week needed for choir accompaniment. 8.00am – 8.45am on a Tuesday and 4pm – 4.30pm on a Thursday.

Singing and piano students could be arranged for a Tuesday and Thursday to fit around the choir sessions.

We reserve the right to close the advert early, if a suitable candidate is appointed and therefore we encourage early application.

Key Responsibilities:

Conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times in accordance with school protocols and procedures as outlined in the Staff Handbook
Teach a varied programme that gives a good grounding in:
Basics in reading music notation
Instrumental technique
Musical language and understanding
Aural and rhythm awareness
Have a flexible approach to instrumental tuition
Plan and prepare lessons for the specific needs of each pupil
Prepare and enter pupils for graded examination (where appropriate)
Assist with monitoring by: keeping an up-to-date register provided by the Head of Music; assessing, recording and reporting on the development, progress and attainment of pupils each week
Record the pupil’s progress each lesson and share with the boys their strengths and targets
Under guidance, contribute to the cultural life of the school by supporting extra-curricular performances and rehearsals
Liaise closely with parents and contact them regularly to provide feedback and address any issues or concerns
Attend all teaching dates agreed with the Director of Music
Dress professionally and appropriately and refer to the dress code in the Staff Handbook
Arrive at school in good time to start the first lesson and photocopy materials outside lesson time.
Never leave pupils unsupervised during their lesson
Leave teaching rooms tidy, returning any equipment used to its rightful place
Lessons to contain a variety of activities and utilise a range of teaching methods/strategies.
Plan a series of lessons that build on prior attainment and meet the needs of individual pupils, with information regarding SEN pupils shared
Be able and willing to accompany during choir rehearsals on a Tuesday morning from 8-9am

Qualifications, Skills & Experience:

Qualifications –

Appropriate music qualification
Teaching qualification would be beneficial

Experience –

Experience of teaching music in a school environment
Experience of working with children who have Special Educational Needs
Experience of working with younger children would be advantageous

Skills –

Use an appropriate range of teaching and learning strategies
Good accompaniment skills
A confident and competent user of IT
Good organisational skills
Good interpersonal skills/effective communicator

Knowledge –

Knowledge of the Kodaly method
Knowledge of child protection and safeguarding issues

Personal competencies & Qualities –

A strong commitment to effective learning and teaching
Determination to ensure that every pupil fulfils their potential at whatever level
To be prepared to enter fully and whole-heartedly into the life of the school
Evidence of being a strong team member
Enthusiasm and a positive outlook
Positive attitude towards professional development and their own learning
To understand the importance of providing equal opportunities regarding the religious persuasion, racial origins, gender, disabilities, cultural or linguistic background of all children