WIRRAL GRAMMAR SCHOOL FOR GIRLS
Headteacher Mrs E Cogan BEd Hons NPQH
POST:TEACHER OF MUSIC
Department Profile
Music is a popular subject at Wirral Grammar School for Girls; its status is high and it is well
supported as a core curriculum subject. The current staffing level involves a full-time Head of
Department, one full time teacher and a technician. The school is served by a team of 12
private peripatetic staff; over 300 girls a week have instrumental and vocal lessons in school.
The KS3 curriculum is delivered to years 7, 8 and 9 in a weekly lesson of one hour in length;
there is a healthy take up at GCSE (Edexcel) and at AS/A2 (Edexcel).
Wirral Grammar School for Girls has for many years provided an extensive programme of
enrichment opportunities for musicians. The current list of ensembles includes: Junior
Singers, Mixed Choir, Pop Choir, Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, Year 7 Orchestra, Flute
Group, Samba Band, Soul Band, Cajon Group and Guitar Club. The is an annual joint
musical production with Wirral Grammar School for Boys. We would expect the successful
candidate to take a significant role in the extra-curricular provision and to help organise
concerts as required.
Facilities
In February 2006, the Music Department moved into a new, purpose-built Music Suite
comprising one class teaching room, one class teaching/rehearsal room, 5 peripatetic
teaching rooms, office and store. The teaching rooms are fully equipped with high
specification keyboards, computers, Internet access, networked Cubase and Sibelius
software, interactive white board as well as classroom instruments including African drums,
cajons, acoustic guitars, glockenspiels and ukuleles. Both teaching rooms have a digital
piano, drum kit and bass guitar for use in band rehearsals and class performances.
The post
 KS3, KS4 and KS5 teaching in Wirral Grammar School for Girls
 Willingness to take part in the school’s programme of extra-curricular enrichment
Wirral Grammar School for Girls
Heath Road, Bebington, Wirral, CH63 3AF
Tel: 0151 644 8282 Fax: 0151 643 1332 E mail: info@wirralgirls.co.uk
KS3 teaching in Wirral Grammar School for Girls
The Schemes of Work for KS3 are constantly under review, with the evaluation of current
strategies and their appropriateness for students today being a hall mark of the Music
Department. Students are actively engaged by practical activities in performance (especially
whole class singing) and composition, supported by listening and music theory. All KS3
pupils have the opportunity to learn the keyboard and guitar in class lessons.
KS4 teaching in Wirral Grammar School for Girls
GCSE music is a popular subject with 2 teaching groups in Years 10 and 11. In addition to
performance and listening skills, girls compose using the department’s computers and
keyboards with the programme Sibelius being the most popular choice.
KS5 teaching in Wirral Grammar School for Girls
The Edexcel specification is followed, with a healthy uptake following GCSE music (currently
6 pupils at AS and 5 at A2). Teaching is as practical as possible, with class performances to
support the understanding of set works. In 2014, 3 girls went on to study music at university
and one girl secured a recording contract abroad.
Willingness to lead the school’s programme of extra-curricular enrichment
The successful candidate will, above all, be an accomplished musician who is enthusiastic
about enhancing the musical experience of all students. Any specialism can be
accommodated in the extra-curricular programme and the expectation is that the person
appointed will be keen to help in the organisation of activities, concerts and outside events
where necessary.
Wirral Grammar School is a highly successful school with a waiting list. Please look at the
school’s last Ofsted report to gain further information.
If you think you meet these criteria, please apply using the TES online system via the TES
website where all documentation is available for download. Please also include details of two
referees. As the TES online system only allows you to upload one document – this should be
your application form. You may cut and paste your letter and any supporting documents to
the end of the application form prior to uploading it. The link to this can be found on the
school website under School/Vacancies. www.wirralgirls.co.uk.
Closing date: Noon on Friday 1st May 2015.
Wirral Grammar School for Girls
Heath Road, Bebington, Wirral, CH63 3AF
Tel: 0151 644 8282 Fax: 0151 643 1332 E mail: info@wirralgirls.co.uk