Post Title: Head of Department – Drama
Salary/Grade: Main/Upper Pay Scale + TLR
Contract Type: Full-time, permanent
Responsible to: Senior Leadership Team / Assistant Headteacher for Teaching and Learning
Responsible for: Drama Department staff, curriculum delivery and student outcomes within Drama
Purpose of the Role
The Head of Department – Drama will provide inspirational leadership for Drama across the school, ensuring high standards of teaching, learning, achievement and engagement. The postholder will develop a creative, ambitious and inclusive Drama curriculum that enables all students to build confidence, creativity, performance skills and cultural understanding.
The successful candidate will lead the department with energy and vision, supporting colleagues to deliver high-quality lessons and ensuring that Drama contributes fully to the wider life of the school.
Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership and Management
- Provide strategic leadership and day-to-day management of the Drama Department.
- Set high expectations for staff and students, promoting excellence in teaching, learning and behaviour.
- Lead departmental planning, self-evaluation and improvement in line with whole-school priorities.
- Support, line manage and develop Drama staff, including mentoring early career teachers where appropriate.
- Lead regular departmental meetings and ensure effective communication within the department.
- Monitor the quality of teaching, learning and assessment across Drama.
- Promote a positive, inclusive and ambitious culture within the department.
Curriculum Development
- Design, implement and review a broad, balanced and engaging Drama curriculum across Key Stages 3 and 4.
- Ensure schemes of work are well-sequenced, challenging and accessible to all learners.
- Lead the delivery of examination courses, including GCSE Drama or equivalent qualifications where offered.
- Ensure curriculum planning reflects the diversity, creativity and cultural richness of Liverpool and the wider world.
- Promote students’ understanding of performance, theatre-making, script work, devised drama and evaluation.
- Develop opportunities for students to experience live theatre, workshops and enrichment activities.
Teaching and Learning
- Model outstanding classroom practice through high-quality teaching.
- Support colleagues in developing effective pedagogy, assessment and feedback within Drama.
- Use a range of teaching strategies to engage, challenge and support students of all abilities.
- Ensure lessons promote creativity, confidence, collaboration, communication and critical thinking.
- Maintain high expectations for student conduct, participation and effort.
- Ensure teaching is inclusive and meets the needs of students with SEND, EAL and disadvantaged students.
Assessment, Progress and Achievement
- Monitor student progress and attainment across Drama.
- Use assessment data effectively to identify gaps, plan interventions and raise standards.
- Ensure assessment practices are consistent, meaningful and aligned with curriculum intent.
- Track the progress of examination classes and implement strategies to secure strong outcomes.
- Provide accurate reports and updates to senior leaders, parents and carers as required.
- Celebrate student achievement within Drama and the performing arts.
Enrichment and Wider School Contribution
- Lead and develop extra-curricular Drama opportunities, including clubs, productions, showcases and performances.
- Contribute to whole-school events, assemblies and community celebrations where appropriate.
- Build links with local theatres, arts organisations and cultural partners across Liverpool.
- Encourage student participation in performance opportunities both in and beyond school.
- Promote Drama as a valued subject that supports personal development, confidence and communication skills.
- Support the wider personal development programme of the school through creative and cultural learning.
Safeguarding and Professional Responsibilities
- Promote and safeguard the welfare of children and young people in line with school policies.
- Maintain a safe, respectful and purposeful learning environment.
- Follow all school policies relating to behaviour, safeguarding, inclusion, health and safety, assessment and curriculum.
- Maintain professional standards and contribute positively to the ethos and values of the school.
- Engage in continuing professional development and keep up to date with developments in Drama education.
- Undertake any other reasonable duties as directed by the Headteacher or Senior Leadership Team.
Person SpecificationEssential Qualifications and Experience
- Qualified Teacher Status.
- A relevant degree or equivalent qualification in Drama, Theatre Studies, Performing Arts or a related subject.
- Successful experience of teaching Drama in a secondary school.
- Strong knowledge of the Drama curriculum at Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4.
- Evidence of securing positive outcomes for students.
- Experience of leading curriculum development or supporting departmental improvement.
- A strong understanding of effective assessment and progress tracking.
Essential Skills and Attributes
- A passionate and inspiring Drama practitioner.
- Strong leadership and organisational skills.
- High expectations of students’ achievement, behaviour and personal development.
- Ability to motivate, support and develop colleagues.
- Excellent classroom management and communication skills.
- Commitment to inclusive practice and raising achievement for all learners.
- Ability to use data and evidence to improve teaching and learning.
- Creativity, resilience and a commitment to continuous improvement.
- Willingness to contribute fully to the wider life of the school.
Desirable
- Experience of leading a department, subject area or significant curriculum initiative.
- Experience of teaching GCSE Drama or equivalent qualifications.
- Experience of organising school productions, performances or arts enrichment activities.
- Links with local cultural, theatre or arts organisations.
- Experience of mentoring trainee teachers or early career teachers.
Our School
This is a welcoming and ambitious secondary school serving the community of Liverpool. We are committed to providing an excellent education for every student, developing young people who are confident, creative, respectful and ready to make a positive contribution to society.
Drama plays an important role in our curriculum and wider school life. We are seeking a talented and enthusiastic Head of Department who can build on existing strengths, raise aspirations and ensure that students have access to rich, meaningful and memorable creative experiences.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from candidates who share our commitment to inclusion, diversity and excellence.
REF: INDALI
Pay: £32,196.00-£51,048.00 per year
Work Location: In person
