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Debra Jones

Experienced and passionate Director of Music

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About Me

Experienced and passionate Director of Music with over 21 years in secondary music education. Excellent reputation for raising academic standards, increasing student engagement in the subject and for leading spectacular performances. I have taken on leadership responsibility in the wider educational foundation and beyond, contributing to teacher development and increased opportunities for arts students to collaborate.

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Home: About Me

My Experience

Background & Expertise

South Island School. Hong Kong
Head of Music / Director or Performance

Aug 2002 - Present

Led a highly successful and well-respected Music Department characterised by high levels of academic achievement, excellent student participation in ensembles and vibrant and innovative performance opportunities.

Created engaging curriculum for students from aged 11 to 18, within a number of international systems including MYP, IGCSE and IB, including the instigation of special interest courses, such as Music Theatre , Music Technology and Music for Advanced Musicians, to encourage wide uptake of Music in the upper years.


Mentored colleagues, encouraging and empowering them to collaborate, share their strengths and to learn new skills.


Represented the Arts subjects on leadership panels, advocating for them and promoting them to the wider community.


Chaired the ESF Music Curriculum Group, organising professional development opportunities, sharing forums and large scale cross-foundation performances.

Created engaging curriculum for students from aged 11 to 18, within a number of international systems including MYP, IGCSE and IB, including the instigation of special interest courses, such as Music Theatre , Music Technology and Music for Advanced Musicians, to encourage wide uptake of Music in the upper years.


Mentored colleagues, encouraging and empowering them to collaborate, share their strengths and to learn new skills.


Represented the Arts subjects on leadership panels, advocating for them and promoting them to the wider community.


Chaired the ESF Music Curriculum Group, organising professional development opportunities, sharing forums and large scale cross-foundation performances.

Barking Abbey School, UK
Head of Music

Sept 2000 - July 2002

Developed engaging curriculum for Years 7 - 9 and GCSE to improve academic results and the status of the subject amongst the student body.

Instigated a new programme of extra-curricular activities to cater for diverse musical tastes and to encourage student involvement. Organised frequent opportunities for students to experience live music and to meet local artists.


One of two teachers selected to participate in a national Teaching and Learning pilot. Mentored two colleagues who wanted to update their practice ahead of applying for threshold.

Lewis Girls' School, Wales, UK
Head of Music

Sept 1998 - Aug 2000

Updated curriculum from Years 7 - 13, utilising a more practical approach to music learning in order to raise student engagement in the subject.


Collaborated with local music hub to ensure a comprehensive instrumental tuition programme, and encouraged cross-phase opportunities with feeder primary schools.


Founded an excellent school orchestra to complement the existing choral activities, with frequent performances in the community.

Home: Experience

Education

University of Wales Institute Cardiff

September 1996 - 1998

First-class Bachelors degree in Secondary Music Education awarded, including Qualified Teacher Status, following extensive in-school teaching practice.
Graduated with highest mark in cohort, including 95% in practical performance.

Royal Welsh College of Music

Sept 1991 - June 1994

BA Performing Arts (Music)
Awarded Upper-second Class degree.
Course included intensive instrumental training, demanding academic study and ensemble performance.
Majored in 'cello and recorder, with a special interest in Early Music.

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My Skills

What I Do

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Leadership

Extensive experience of leading a department, supporting, mentoring and developing colleagues.

The ability to inspire people to collaborate and contribute creative ideas to large scale musical projects.

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Teaching

Sound pedagogical skills which I can utilise and model within a range of international curricula.

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Musical

High-level ensemble training to create musical events that students remember and are proud of.

Home: Skills

"Without music, life would be a mistake"

 Friedrich Nietzsche

Home: Quote

Let’s Connect

1F, GREENBELT COURT
Greenvale Village
Discovery Bay
Lantau 
HONG KONG

+85260766740

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Home: Contact

+85260766740

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