Head of Secondary

The Role

As the Head of Secondary, you will:

• Lead the creation and establishment of the secondary school, including curriculum design, staff recruitment and operational planning.
• Foster an inspiring and aspirational learning environment that supports academic excellence and personal growth.
• Build and lead a high-performing team of educators committed to student success.
• Collaborate closely with the Senior Leadership Team of the whole school to ensure a seamless transition for students progressing from primary to secondary education.
• Drive innovation and best practices in teaching and learning while aligning with the school’s vision and ethos.
• Develop strong relationships with students, parents, and the wider school community.

Main Duties:

A Strategic direction and development of the department 

• Develop and implement policies and practices for department which reflects the School’s vision, aims, commitment to high standards of achievement, and effective teaching and learning;
• Establish, monitor and evaluate short, medium and long term plans for the development of department;
• Use data effectively to identify students who are underachieving in department; create and implement plans of action to support those students;
• Analyse and interpret relevant school data, to inform policies and department/school SEF writing;
• Ensure that appropriate and relevant schemes of work are developed, in place, and regularly reviewed and evaluated, for all year groups and courses. These must include suitable provision for SEN/POD, G&T, and EAL students.

Teaching and learning

• Ensure curriculum coverage, continuity and progression in department for all students including those of high ability and those with special educational needs;
• Establish and implement clear policies and practices for assessing, recording and reporting on student achievement;
• Set expectations for staff in relation to standards of achievement and the quality of teaching and learning and behaviour;
• Evaluate the quality of teaching and learning of department and use this to identify effective practice and areas for improvement; take action to further improve the quality of teaching and learning;
• Ensure the department is regularly contributing towards the school’s CAS Programme and after school Booster/Revision Sessions for I/GCSE and IB DP courses.

Leading and managing staff 

• Performance manage team in accordance with school performance management policy;
• Establish clear expectations and constructive working relationships with team, ensuring collaboration, support, accountability and high professional standards;
• Hold regular department meetings with minutes and agendas; agenda should include focus on improving standards relating to student achievement and teaching and learning.

Managing resources 

• Efficient and effective deployment of staff and resources;
• Maintain efficient and effective control of the Department’s Resource and CapEx budgets;
• Effective use accommodation to create an effective and stimulating environment for teaching and learning in accordance with Learning Environment Policy;
• Ensure a safe working and learning environment in which risks are properly assessed and Health and Safety policy and regulations are observed at all times.

Other duties and responsibilities

• Contribute to the school’s CAS Programme by leading/supporting one after-school activity each term, including leadership of Model United Nations (MUN);
• To be an Academic Mentor and Extended Essay Supervisor to Year 12/13 students;
• Undertake duties as part of the staff duty rota;
• Cover for absent colleagues;
• Invigilate examinations, as required, including a minimum of one evening and one weekend external examination session, to support the Examinations Officer and Summer Examination Schedule;
• Any other duties as assigned by the Principal.

REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of a master degree and certification in Educational Leadership
• Teaching experience at secondary level in an international school.

Minimum Experience

• Minimum of five years of secondary school administrative experience as Assistant/Associate Principal or Head of Division in an international school setting.
• Leadership experience in curriculum development, instructional strategies and standards based assessment.

Job Specific Knowledge & Skills

• Knowledge of IB Programmes and developments
• Knowledge of UAE Ministry of Education and ADEK regulations relating to curriculum, assessment and compliance
• Recent IB CPD
• Commitment to the ideals of international education.
• Ability to prioritise projects and tasks, and to respond to simultaneous requests from various areas.
• Ability to initiate and manage change in the work environment.
•  Ability to identify problems, achieve effective solutions, resolve conflict, motivate staff and foster collaboration, and promote sound decision making.
• Flexibility, patience and egalitarian approach.