Head of Outdoor Learning

Job description / Role

Job overview

The British International School Jeddah (BISJ) is a prestigious co-educational international school in Saudi Arabia, with a proud 48-year history of excellence. It offers a vibrant and inclusive learning environment, a rich co-curricular programme, and an impressive record of outstanding student outcomes, with a strong emphasis on wellbeing.

Join a school where students are supported to flourish and thrive. An environment where students are empowered as lifelong learners with the skills, knowledge and attributes to excel. Innovative teaching within a robust British curriculum provides a stimulating environment for both educators and learners.

We are currently seeking a dynamic and highly qualified Head of Outdoor Education to lead and develop our comprehensive programme under the guidance of the Director of Sport.

This specialist role promotes challenge, adventure, and personal development by delivering high-quality outdoor learning experiences across water-based, land-based, and expedition activities. The successful candidate will ensure outdoor education contributes to the holistic development of students in line with the school's mission.

Key responsibilities:

The Head of Outdoor Education is responsible for both curriculum delivery and rigorous safety management. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Program design & delivery: Plan, deliver, and review a broad and balanced Outdoor Education programme across Primary and Secondary Key Stages (1-3).
• Activity scope: Incorporate a range of activities, including water sports (kayaking, canoeing, sailing, windsurfing), bushcraft, and Duke of Edinburgh Award training.
• Health & safety: Implement and monitor health and safety standards in all outdoor learning activities, ensuring correct procedures are followed in the event of an accident or injury.
• Expedition leadership: Support and guide students undertaking Duke of Edinburgh Award expeditions and provide staff and student safety briefings prior to all trips.
• Equipment management: Maintain, repair, and oversee the safe use of all outdoor and water sports equipment, ensuring all equipment is fully operational and regularly checked.
• Curriculum development: Prepare schemes of work, lesson plans, and assessment tools that align with the British and International curricula.
• Collaboration: Liaise with colleagues in PE, Swimming, and external partners to integrate outdoor learning into the wider curriculum.

Qualifications and experience:

The nature of this role requires specialised professional certifications in addition to educational experience.

Academic qualification
A Bachelor’s Degree in Outdoor Education, Physical Education, Sports Science, or a related field (required).

Essential specialist certifications (required):

• BCU Level 2 Coach and BCU 4 Star Sea.
• RYA Powerboat Level 2.
• Current First Aid qualification.
• Driving licence.

Experience:

• Extensive experience in water sports and outdoor education programmes within a school or coastal centre setting.
• Experience planning and delivering outdoor activities across a wide age range.

Desirable qualifications:

• PGCE in Outdoor Education or equivalent teaching qualification.
• Lifeguard training and Bushcraft certifications (fire making, shelter building, camping).
• Duke of Edinburgh Award expedition training and leadership.

Preferred attributes:

• Leadership and risk management: Excellent organisational and risk management abilities, ensuring the highest standards of health, safety, and safeguarding.
• Inspiration: Strong leadership and facilitation skills, with the ability to inspire confidence, resilience, and teamwork in students.
• Flexibility: Willingness to work outside of regular school hours, including evenings and weekends, as required by event schedules.

Why join BISJ?

• To work in a leading international school, with a diverse and motivated staff and student body.
• The opportunity to thrive in a culturally rich and diverse international community that celebrates differences and cultivates respectful, empathetic global citizens.
• To grow as a professional through a world-class professional development programme with leading global experts supported by a generous CPD budget.
• Supportive and collegial staff environment with an excellent remuneration and benefits package.
• A chance to live and work in the vibrant and welcoming city of Jeddah, recently rated the second best city for quality of life in the Arab world.
• Be part of a prestigious British international school with over 48 years of excellence, combining strong British educational values with a broad international outlook.

If you are an enthusiastic educator with a commitment to student success and enrichment, we would love to hear from you.

BISJ prioritises safer recruitment and child safeguarding, aligning with UK Keeping Children Safe in Education, the recommendations of The International Task Force On Child Protection, and other international standards. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will undergo thorough background checks, including written and verbal references; qualification verification; identity and police checks, including overseas checks.

Application process

Applications should include the BISJ application form, a full CV, and a cover letter outlining your experience and suitability for the role. Applicants must highlight and explain any gaps in employment, providing relevant details where applicable.

Applicants are required to provide three professional referees, including their most recent Head Teacher or Principal. References will be requested for shortlisted candidates prior to interview, in line with BISJ’s safer recruitment procedures.

The school reserves the right to make an earlier appointment should a suitable candidate be identified.

Data protection (PDPL)

In accordance with the Saudi Arabian Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL), BISJ will process applicants’ personal information securely and confidentially, using it solely for recruitment purposes and only sharing it with authorised individuals involved in the selection process.