Creating music, inspiring musicians Type to

enter text The handbook for instrumental teachers at Simon Balle School September 2012

Helping our students reach their musical potential and going the extra mile for them is so important in these difcult times.
Mark Taylor, Director of Music

We have an outstanding music department, and part of the reason for our success is our strive to continually improve and be held accountable for our work The purpose of this handbook is to ensure that we are all aware of what is expected of us in our work at Simon Balle School. The handbook also outlines our ethos and our purpose. There are clear procedures for students who miss lessons and for most aspects of our work and we expect that all staff will follow these. Every student is an individual and should be encouraged to progress, improve and take an active part in the musical life of the school. This is achieved through support and high quality teaching. In these difficult financial times, the quality of our teaching - the product we sell - is paramount. Above all, the handbook is designed to enable staff to be happy working at Simon Balle, feeling part of both the music team and the school staff as a whole. We are all part of the same team and must work together and support each other for the benefit of our department, our school and most importantly, our musicians.

Our team
Mr M. Taylor Mr D. Fisher Miss N. Glover Mr D. Austin Mrs S. Pearson Mr P. Endersby Mr R. Smith Ms L. Byrt Mrs J. Eldred Miss J. Harris Mr P. Hedley Ms D. Kemp Mrs E. Kirkwood Mr K. Lee Mr J. Lovell Mrs C. Millinger Mr A. Nunn Mr J. Niesyto Mr N. Pennock Miss C. Pyne Mrs E. Simpson Mr P. Stevenson Mrs C. Taylor Director of Music Music Teacher, Music Technology Music Teacher Music Technology Music Administration Music Centre Technician Music Technician Piano Violin, Orchestra Singing Drums Lead Instrumental Music Teacher, Voice Cello, Strings Guitar Keyboard/Piano/Theory Flute, piano Brass Acoustic Guitar Clarinet, post 16 Bass Voice Drums / Percussion Lead Instrumental Music Teacher, Woodwind

Staff dress code

The following policy is set by the school and should apply to all staff Staff should promote a positive and professional image Staff should wear clothing that is appropriate to their role Clothing should not display any political or otherwise contentious slogans Shoulders should be covered Flip Flop shoes should be avoided for health and safety reasons Denim must not be worn The staff ID badge should always be worn

Staff should consider the manner of dress and appearance appropriate to their professional role which will be different to that adopted in their personal life. They should ensure they dress decently, safely and appropriately for the tasks they undertake. Therefore in music we expect that male members of staff should wear a shirt and tie (jeans are not acceptable), and ladies should dress smartly. We ask that as a general rule, polo shirts are not worn unless there is an event which means the music department one is needed. The image of the music department is very important and many of the music team have requested that we adopt a strict policy. There is a copy of the school handbook in the upstairs kitchen. If you have any questions about school procedures, policies or require general advice on an issue, do please refer to this. At all times information is available.

Professionalism
We work very closely with our musicians, and it is essential that we behave in a professional manner at all times. A full school handbook is available in the music office. For your own safety, you must remember: You are the teacher, they are the student. There is a clear difference Never give a student your personal mobile number Should you need to ring a student, always do this through the school phone Should you need to email a student, do so through your school email and always copy in the music email address. As a general rule, always ask someone in the school office to contact students. We all think that there are students for whom there is an exception. There are not. You must always keep a professional distance from the students at all times. The slightest situation could ruin you and your career. Should a student tell you something that needs to be passed on, the DSP for Child Protection is Leon Brown. See Mark Taylor who will send for Leon. If in doubt, pass it on. You are passing on the responsibility.

The music department

Each member of visiting staff has a file in which they keep their register and all correspondence. These should be returned at the end of the day. If unable to teach, please telephone 01992 410408 (our direct line) before 8.15am. This is so a note can be put on the timetable early in the day. If you need to change a day, please speak to Mark and then inform Sue in writing. Please dress as for a school (no jeans please!). Please try to arrive at least 10 minutes early. This enables you to prepare, photocopy any music required, check for messages, turn on the computer and ensure you are there to greet the student.

Instrumental lessons
Students receive 33 instrumental lessons per year. This may not be in three equal termly amounts and totals are established by the end of the academic year. You will receive lists of your students to check on a regular basis, to help with the massive operation of invoicing. Please check them carefully and query everything! It is essential that lessons are weekly, do not change days (apart from a one-off) and that teachers do not have to double-up.

Tuition fees and timetables

Invoices for lessons are issued every term. Six lessons notice is given to change the cost of lessons, a a term is required to cease lessons. Timetables are completed by the instrumental teachers and are always on display on the Music notice board. They should be labelled with the name and form of all students. A new timetable should be used at the beginning of each term. It is the responsibility of the student to check the lesson time every week and ensure that they attend on time. Where a student is having difficulty arriving on time, or at all, teachers are asked to initially be sympathetic and help them, either by giving them a fixed lesson for a few weeks (where possible) or writing the time of their next lesson several times in their school homework diary. Any changes of day or time out of the ordinary should be passed in writing to the Music Office staff who will ring home with the information.

Ensembles
We have many ensembles, most of which are listed later in this handbook. All musicians should be in an ensemble where appropriate. Ensemble leaders are asked, as part of their leadership, to monitor attendance. An ensemble will only be as successful as the leadership that it receives, and poor attendance should be followed up by telephone calls home. Leaders are also expected to ensure that the ensemble is fun, challenging and appropriate. This will naturally lead to good attendance! Use the Music Office staff to telephone people at home for rehearsals and information for example, to remind them they have a rehearsal tomorrow! The support is provided, so do use it in a measured way.

Missed lessons
When the teacher is available and the student does not attend the lesson is forfeited and no refund can be made. If a student is on a school trip, teachers are asked if lessons can, wherever possible, be made up. In the case of a school trip, the student should have told the teacher before hand that the lesson would be missed. When the teacher is not available the lesson can be made up at a future date. All teachers will receive a full timetable for their students. Please check it with students. There will then be no need to ask Sue where someone is. It will have the complete week in case you change a day. If a student does not arrive for a lesson, the instrumental teacher is asked to send for the student. This is an important part of the support that we provide. At the end of the day, the instrumental teacher should complete an absence record for Sue Pearson outlining who has missed a lesson. Sue will then investigate and send an email home. With the above practice being adhered to, parents are made aware of nonattendance at an early stage, thus handing them the responsibility. At no stage should non-attendance be left to continue without action.

Checklist for the end of each teaching day at Simon Balle Register completed Absence record completed online Timetable put up for the next time you are in and completed online Windows in room are closed, PA and all equipment turned off Door is locked

Applications for lessons

A student applies for instrumental lessons by getting their parent/guardian to complete the application form. This is returned to Mark Taylor, who signs the form to confirm that he has seen it, and is happy for lessons to commence. The form is passed to the relevant teacher, and the student meets the teacher at the earliest opportunity. The teacher will then contact the student when lessons can commence and complete their part of the application form before returning it.

Termination of lessons
Where a student wishes to cease tuition, the instrumental teacher will, at first talk to the student to find reasons etc. They may also refer the student to Mark Taylor. Lessons can only be stopped at the end of a term, for which a full terms notice is required, addressed to the Director of Music and taken to the music office. The letter must also contain payment for all outstanding fees. This will then be sent to the bursars office, where it will be distributed to the relevant teacher. Accounts will then be amended accordingly.

Reports
Instrumental reports are written to be sent in January. All data should refer to the Autumn Term. It is expected that they will be completed on computer. Reports should be positive, giving praise, setting points for action and giving clear, achievable musical targets. They should be specific and should not generalise. Further guidance is available from the office team, along with sample reports that we consider are excellent.

Training and performance management

All music staff are entitled to be performance managed at least once a year by their line manager. A separate Performance Management chart is distributed with full details. Instrumental leaders act as line managers for their team, Mark Taylor line manages the whole department. This will allow for a formal assessment of any training needs. Obviously training is an on going requirement and all staff will have the opportunity to attend external, internal and inset training. In the Music Department we are developing performance management for all our instrumental staff. The more hours that a teacher does for the department, the more relevant their training needs and targets for the department. The process will allow staff to review their present work, based on evidence gathered. Future targets can then be set. All staff employed by the school will be part of this process. Music Service staff are asked to participate as part of our support process and the annual agreement. We have an annual programme of instrumental inset within the department, to also enable all staff to be part of the development of the department. It is essential that all staff have training that they feel improves the quality of their teaching. This will be supported by informal team meetings during the year.

Instrumental standards
As part of performance management and expctations, we have the following standards, in line with OFSTED standards of teaching.

We must teach through music, not about music.

Every instrumental lesson must include: Pace Challenge Demonstration at least 2 pieces accompaniment (piano or backing track) performance skills

It should start on time enthuse/inspire the musician The student should leave the lesson knowing what they must do for the next lesson (written down?) How they should do this What to listen to for the next lesson

Most importantly, if you cannot inspire the student, they will not want to learn.

Lesson observations will be annual and are part of the performance management process. The form below details what the teacher will be judged by.

Instrumental lesson observation comments Name of teacher and student observed Observer and date
Pace in the lesson, including the number of activities completed.

The amount of challenge in the lesson

Use of demonstration in the lesson

Use of accompaniment in the lesson

Describe the relationship with the student

Other comments relating to the lesson and a concluding statement about the overall quality

Registers
Instrumental teachers are asked to complete the registers The lesson number is written in the relevant box: 1 2 20 33

Where a student is absent, a circle is put around the number of the lesson missed
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All relevant information should be on the register: Student name, form and instrument; length of lesson, as well as details of any letters sent home. Lesson numbering should go through to 33, not starting at 1 for a new term. When a student starts mid-way through the year, start the numbering from 1. Inform Sue how many lessons will be taught for the remainder of that block of 11 lessons, so that an invoice can be issued. Registers are completed for each term. Please use a new section or shaded area for each claiming period.

Hours claimed
Claim forms are checked against the registers to verify that the correct number of hours have been claimed for. Please ensure that the hours taught boxes are completed every week on the register. The amount entered on the claim form should be the amount entered in the hours taught box. Therefore, the register should list all students, ensembles and workshops. Everything claimed on the form should be listed on the register and a copy of the register should be submitted with the claim.

Refreshments
Tea / Coffee making facilities are available. They are provided free of charge. In return, we ask that you keep the tea bar clean and help maintain our excellent facilities. There is a coffee shop near the canteen. Open from 7am until 2pm, it serves hot and cold drinks, sandwiches and some hot snacks. The canteen is open at break and lunchtimes.

The school day

School starts at 8.45am and ends at 3.25pm each day. Please remember that there is a lot of traffic in Hertford so leave plenty of time for your journey. 08.45-09.00 09.00-10.00 10.00-11.00 11.00-11.20 11.20-12.20 12.20-13.20 13.20-14.15 14.15-14.25 14.25-15.25 Morning registration - tutor time Lesson 1 Lesson 2 Break Lesson 3 Lesson 4 Lunch Afternoon registration tutor time Lesson 5

At exam times the school day will follow a 3/2 split with break at 10am and lunch at 12.20. ! 08.45-09.00 09.00-10.00 10.00-10.20 11.20-12.20 11.20-12.20 12.20-13.15 13.15-13.25 13.25-14.25 14.25-15.25 Morning registration - tutor time Lesson 1 Break Lesson 2 Lesson 3 Lunch Afternoon registration Lesson 4 Lesson 5

Instrumental teaching
Instrumental staff are asked to ensure that lessons are both as enjoyable and educational for the student as possible, leading by example. The teacher should always encourage the student as much as possible, as happiness usually leads to a faster progression. This encouragement and support should include Arriving punctually to all lessons Greeting the student and, if necessary, accompanying the student to the practice room Positive praise Contacting home, through the Music Office, on a regular basis. For example, if a student forgets music, or has not completed a satisfactory amount of practice, an email should be sent. We have email addresses for most parents, and this is the most effective method of communication. It also passes the buck back to parents in the event of a problem. At no time should a situation such as lack of practice or music be allowed to continue. At no time should a student be left waiting for an unnecessary length of time for a lesson. Teachers should ensure that all mobile telephones are switched off, or put on silent. Indeed, teachers are reminded not to receive telephone calls during a lesson, unless an emergency.

Practice
The instrumental teacher will set the amount of practice to be done per week, and it is expected that all students will have a Music Service practice book, which can also be used as a source of communication between teacher and parent. Parents should also sign the practice book at least once a week to at least encourage them to take an interest in the tuition that their child is having. It is expected that instrumental teachers will flag up students not practicing at an early stage.

Provision of music
When the teacher requires the student to purchase music, the details should be put into the practice book, along with information on where the book can be purchased including a telephone number. This will then enable the parent to order music by telephone. Parents should be encouraged to confirm in the practice book that the book has been ordered if not immediately purchased. This then ensures that new music is on the way and hopefully avoids problems later on. Photocopying is not a replacement for music, and should only be used in an emergency. Photocopying should be left until the end of the lesson, so that the student is not left waiting in the practice room.

Examinations
All staff are encouraged to enter students for external examinations when ready. This provides students with something to aim for and, if they pass a sense of achievement. Letters for entry are in the music office and all entries should be in by the date specified. Accompanists will then be allocated. Packs are available for loan to students for assistance with aural tests and it is the responsibility of the teacher to ensure that all aspects of the exam are prepared well in advance.

Evidence of work
With the development of technology, instrumental staff can now use the computers in every practice room to make recordings of completed pieces of work. These can be recorded on Audacity and will then be attached to the students page on NUMU. It is an invaluable tool to provide evidence of standards. Instructions for how to make these recordings are in every practice room. It is expected that each student will have at least one recording made every half term or term.

GCSE and A level students

Teachers with GCSE music students are asked to record their performances as part of the process above. In previous years it has been the case that for GCSE candidates the best performances are made whilst in Year 10. For all performances, teachers are asked to hand in a copy of the solo part straight away, so that it can be kept for assessment. Please do not wait to be asked for this music, as everyone has often forgotten what was done and it becomes an issue! Teachers are asked to make themselves fully aware of the standard of what is required for GCSE and A Level performance. This means finding out what is required for our school, not just what they think. Again in the past the wrong assumption has been made and an inappropriate standard of piece supplied loosing the candidate marks when an easier piece would have gained full marks. Standards and requirements often change each year.

Talented students
It is important that all students are encouraged to achieve to the best of their ability and potential. Teachers are encouraged to help provide opportunities for our most able musicians to work at the highest level. This may, for example, be through chamber music, organising master classes, theory classes etc. Teachers are also asked to bear in mind talented students who may play an instrument to a high level, but do not have instrumental lessons in school. Please flag up talented musicians that you teach to Mark Taylor.

Recording in audacity

In conclusion
Life is very busy within the Music Department at Simon Balle School. With over 1 in 3 of the school having music lessons, the pressure to go that extra mile is very high. Motivation, pace and interesting teaching is the key to success. Our musicians continue to absorb even more activities every week. We all work so hard to support each musician individually as much as possible. Through this, we work with the whole school ethos of continually striving to improve our teaching. All our team are encouraged to think out of the box. How successful your discipline or instrument is will be largely down to the quality of the teaching. Come with new ideas, plans for workshops. I work best with those who simply get things done. Continual drive is essential for our busy musicians. In return for excellent facilities, equipment and support, we do ask that all in our team go that extra mile. When you do, you have a healthy and stable timetable. This fact is clear. In the coming year, we have been set an agenda to help raise standards across the school by using our skills, successes and superb relationships with students. We are also going to be working much more closely with many of our primary schools. All in our team are an essential part of this. Thank you for all that you do for our musicians at Simon Balle. We have a wonderful environment with even more fantastic teaching staff, all working together. Yes, we have high standards, but those same standards are one of the main reasons for our success. I continue to believe that is special. Mark Taylor Director of Music