Job Description

We wish to appoint an ambitious and inspirational Teacher of Drama to cover a period of maternity leave from September/October 2025. The position is potentially open for part time or full time candidates.



The Layard Theatre is the home for Canford's busy Drama Department, which currently has around fifty pupils studying Drama at GCSE and A Level. All pupils have stage potential and their involvement facilitates the development of a wide range of skills and disciplines. We believe that Drama is a powerful unifying force which encourages confidence and teamwork and brings out the best in young people, as well as being fun and providing the opportunity for a real sense of achievement.



The Drama Department is staffed by two full-time teachers. There is also a Theatre Technical Manager, Theatre Administrator and two Performing Arts Technicians working in the Layard Theatre.



Exam results are impressive and the successful candidate is expected to build upon the academic progress being made both at GCSE and A-level..



The successful candidate will also be involved in supporting co-curricular drama which is a hugely important part of school life at Canford. This year there have been several productions, a House Film competition and numerous informal opportunities to perform. There is also a strong body of pupils involved in backstage work.



The Layard Theatre, which was opened by Sir Richard Eyre in May 1999, is a fantastic school facility with a dynamic classroom and in addition to housing Canford's drama department and student productions, this fully-equipped, modern theatre provides a venue for a wide range of professional entertainment, including top quality theatre and music. These productions are open to the public and are publicised in our seasonal programme.



Canford is a very successful co-educational boarding and day school with some 650 pupils aged 13 - 18, of who about a third are day pupils. It has one of the most beautiful settings of any school in the country, and is a very enjoyable and exciting atmosphere in which to work. The pastoral side of the school is very strong and applicants should be willing to play a full part in the extra-curricular life of the school.



Applicants are welcome to contact the Deputy Head Academic, Ieuan Weir, for further information iw@canford.com



Canford has its own salary scale. Accommodation may be available.



Please ensure you include details of referees in your application. Please also upload a covering letter and full curriculum vitae. For queries contact the HR Department on 01202 847590 or by email: recruitment@canford.com



The closing date for applications is the 21st May 2025.

However, w

e strongly recommend early applications because we will likely expediate the process and close this vacancy should we recruit the correct applicant early.

TEACHER JOB DESCRIPTION



Canford is 'a school

community where all are inspired to

explore

, empowered to

express

and challenged to excel'

.

This vision is not just a form of words. It underpins how we live and work together, how we seek to educate and support our pupils and how we develop our staff who commit so much of themselves to those young people in our care. As a community we bring a sense of purposeful engagement and a courageous attitude to the challenges and opportunities which life brings; we aim high but pursue our goals with humble ambition and we strive to make a real and positive difference to our world through gracious leadership.

Founded in 1923, Canford School is set in 250 acres of inspirational parkland on the outskirts of Wimborne in Dorset. The school, which has some 650 boys and girls aged 13-18, is amongst the country's top co-educational boarding schools. Canford has established a commanding reputation built on its excellent academic achievement, breadth of education and a dynamic and forward thinking approach.

Purpose:

All teachers should make a positive contribution to good practice in the school by generating enthusiasm for the work in their departments, building good relationships with colleagues, parents and pupils, and by encouraging and establishing high standards in the teaching and learning of a specific subject or group of subjects. In addition, they are asked to contribute fully to the wider educational offering including pastoral and co-curricular provision and to the development of the whole school community in accordance with the aims of the school.

All staff are expected to promote the safeguarding, wellbeing and welfare of all pupils at all times.

The core teaching hours take place from 0800 to 1800 Monday to Saturday, with wider contribution required for pastoral and co-curricular activities during evenings and weekends

Workload will be determined by the SLT in discussion with the teacher. Duties are likely to vary from teacher to teacher, but will include the following:

Academic responsibilities

Prepare and deliver effective lessons according to schemes of work or as set out by the Head of Department/Line Manager. Set and mark work regularly for all pupils. Keep accurate records of pupils' progress and achievements. Apply assessment framework as laid out by the Deputy Head Academic Set and mark a share of the internal examinations within the Department Set and mark coursework as required Write internal and external assessments/reports as required Attend and contribute to Departmental meetings Show willingness to share ideas and contribute to Departmental Resources Take a share of responsibility for activities organised by the Department (eg field trips, lectures, societies) Attend INSET meetings as required - demonstrate active engagement with CPD and an ability to share and apply this learning effectively. Attend Staff meetings as required Adopt a professional approach to teaching modelling behaviour expected of pupils

Co-curricular expectations:

Canford offers a wide and varied co-curricular programme including Sport, Music, Drama, CCF, Outdoor Adventure and Community Service. Typically, a full-time teacher without additional responsibilities would contribute 4 afternoons sessions (Monday to Saturday) per week, throughout the academic year. This would be pro-rata for part-time staff:


Activities will be allocated which best align with a teacher's skills and interests, where possible. A requirement to support weekend and evening activities during term-time An expectation to support School trips outside term-time.

Pastoral expectations:

House duties will be required, allocated during evenings and weekends. Part-time teachers will be provided a pro-rata allocation. Staff attendance at assembly, chapel each week.

Other expectations include:

All staff will be allocated tutees and will be required to meet the expectations of a Canford tutor, including tutor meetings in line with expectations set out by the School. An expectation to drive on School business, which may require you to complete a mini-bus driving assessment qualification (depending on ability/qualification). Timely completion of compliance training such as safeguarding, first aid and annual declarations to confirm an awareness and understanding of the School's policies and procedures. Support marketing and admissions events such as Open Day, admissions assessment processes and other events involving feeder schools both on and off site where required. Support colleagues and engage with wellbeing initiatives both for pupils and staff.

No job description can fully encompass every aspect of this role and duties and responsibilities may vary from time to time

.



TEACHER SELECTION CRITERIA

Essential:

An honours degree in a relevant subject A track record of achievement and ambition Excellent subject knowledge Excellent communication skills Expert classroom management skills and rapport with pupils A considerable work rate and high degree of administration efficiency Good/effective ICT skills Love of working with young people Enthusiasm to participate in the School community, supporting a wide range of activities Strong, dynamic character Excellent interpersonal skills with good pastoral instincts Stamina, emotional intelligence and resilience Willingness to work on professional development and to assist others to do so Willingness to continue learning throughout your career Proven aptitude for organisation and quick logical thought Attitude, style and presence of a role model for pupils

Desirable:

A recognised teaching qualification such as a PGCE Experience of classroom teaching Understanding of the boarding school environment Experience of working within a boarding school Ability and experience working in co-curricular areas such as sport, music, drama etc

Canford School is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in all areas of our Community and encourages applications from all suitably qualified candidates.


Canford School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

The successful applicant will be required to undergo child protection screening.