Job Purpose:
To undertake the teaching of Drama and leading the Department throughout the school in
conjunction with the Headmaster and/or Deputy Head (Academic), and to carry out the duties that
the subject requires in terms of planning, preparation and evaluation. To liaise with other heads of
department where necessary and ensure continuity and progression throughout the curriculum.
To participate in a range of extra-curricular activities and duties, selected through discussion or at
the request of a member of the Senior Leadership Team.

Key responsibilities:
Curricular:
• Instil a love of Drama, ensuring a wide Drama curriculum across the school that inspires
children, teachers and parents.
• To promote the department and inspire the children with a love of the subject.
• To produce and direct a series of on-stage performances across the school and year. These
might range from musicals, to plays and nativities.
• Subject teaching to assigned classes, with detailed knowledge of the relevant curriculums.
• Planning, preparation, marking and evaluation of classwork. The setting and/or
administration of both internal and external tests and exams as required by the school.
• Support the heads of houses with internal House competitions, such as House Drama.
• To maintain and update Departmental resources including authentic materials
and interesting reading materials.
• Monitor all forms of assessment within the department, including the writing of reports and
comments, as required by the school.
• Lead the scholarship preparation programme, building on the significant reputation The Elms
has developed in this area.
Leadership and organisational:
• Lead, support and motivate staff working within the department and oversee the
department’s organisation and management.
• Develop and maintain departmental handbook and development plan.
• Attendance at Heads of Department meetings.
• Oversight of timetabling of the weekly individual drama lessons run by peripatetic teachers in
conjunction with the Head of Music.
• Assist with the timetabling/booking of the Theatre as a shared school and externally hired
space, in conjunction with the Deputy Head (Operations) and the Organisational
Management Group.

Other:
• Participation in extra-curricular activities, both on a regular basis, and when additionally
required for specific reasons. These may include evening clubs for the boarders or the
participation in evening and weekend duties, on a rota basis.
• Attendance at, for example, parents’ meetings, staff meetings during the term time and
INSETS both pre- and post-terms, Governors’ Support and Monitoring Group meetings if
requested, pastoral meetings with pupils, termly church services.
• To promote the department and inspire the children with a love of the subject.
• If a Tutor, to undertake the pastoral and administrative duties in respect of the Tutor Group
to which assigned.
• As part of the House system to undertake any roles or support the Head of House may
require or outline.
• To carry out the duties as requested, and as laid out in the current staff handbook.

Personal Specification:
Essential:
● An intellectual interest in Drama and a passion for the subject and all it offers.
● Recognised and suitable qualification in Drama, or suitable transferable experience.
● A creative learner and teacher.
● To be able to contribute material to the website.
● Able to advise pupils, parents and staff insightfully. To have a flexible approach to teaching
and a willingness to learn.
● An approachable, professional colleague and classroom practitioner.
● Interest in continuing professional development of self and other staff.
● Pragmatism and ‘can do’ approach.
● Able to work independently, using a wide range of resources.
● Ability to prioritise and remain calm under pressure.
● To be flexible, resilient and well organised.

Desirable:
● Experience of working in a preparatory school setting.

This job description and personal specification indicates only the main duties and responsibilities
of the post. It is not intended as an exhaustive list.