Head of Arabic and Islamic Studies Department

Job description / Role

Head of Arabic and Islamic Studies Department reports directly to the Director of Language Acquisition as well as the Principal, and is a member of the Middle Leadership Team of The Arbor School.

Core Purpose of the Post

As a member of the Middle Leadership Team across the school, the HoAIS will model the School mission, values and beliefs in action, particularly with respect to international-mindedness, education for sustainable development and intercultural understanding.

The HoAIS, with the support of the senior leadership team, takes responsibility for the day-to-day operation of provision made by the school for pupils learning a number of KHDA required subjects, including Arabic and Islamic Studies in all its forms, as well as UAE social studies and moral. The HoAIS provides staff with professional guidance in order to secure high quality teaching and ensures the effective use of resources to bring about improved standards of achievement of all pupils.

The key task of the HoAIS is to ensure that the school follows the appropriate curriculums as specified by the KHDA, as well as meets the required outcomes and targets as set by the KHDA. The HoAIS also ensures that children are actively engaged in their learning, and integrates a focus upon education for sustainable development, developing an innovative curriculum that inspires students to learn.

Key Duties and Responsibilities
• Strategic direction and development of The Arabic department, including Islamic Studies/ UAE Studies and Moral.
• Standards of teaching and learning throughout the department.
• Efficient and effective deployment of staff and resources.
• Manage the professional development of staff in pedagogical best practice, in conjunction with the SLT.
• Work with the Director of language Acquisition to identify staff training and student learning development needs.
• Work with all members of the SLT to pursue the school improvement plan and it’s contents.
• Support the fulfillment of the school development plan as referenced in KHDA academic plan application and take responsibility for those tasks allocated in that plan.
• Ensure the UAE Inspection Framework requirements are met in relation to the data analysis and the Self Evaluation reports in the school.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the Principal.

Strategic direction of The Arabic and Islamic department
• Ensure effective systems of communication, including feedback about pupil’s learning to inform future planning.
• Monitor the quality of learning by establishing effective departmental appraisal and moderation systems.
• Up-to-date knowledge of National and local initiatives which may impact upon policy and practice.
• Promote a strong extra-curricular Arabic programme to support students and parents in acquiring the language.
• Play an active part in functions and events that promote the cultures and heritage of the region. Support the development of Inclusive values, awareness of ESD issues and development of strong language skills for all learners.
• Explore education for sustainable development and help to integrate concepts into the curriculum.

Teaching and learning
• Lead INSET regularly within the department, and where appropriate; this may include chairing and be a part of working parties.
• Provide opportunities for observation of colleagues/visits to other schools in order to share best practice.
• Collect and interpret assessment data gathered on pupils and use to inform practice.
• Ensure the teaching and learning of Arabic and Islamic Studies for students is fun and enjoyable for all.
• Work on enhancing teaching pedagogies of Arabic and Islamic Studies for students from FS –Year 13.
• Review and revise Arabic and Islamic Studies curricula for students and ensure it uses Ministry of Education books where applicable, which are supplemented by other resources that allows for varied pedagogies and is exciting for students.
• Prepare, write and supervise the diagnostic/assessment tests for students for in Years 4, 6 and 9 in addition to analyzing the results using the school systems of tracking. Write periodic reports to the school Principal.

Leading and managing staff
• Lead and manage all staff within the department.
• Coordinate professional development for teachers of Arabic and Islamic Studies for non-Arab students.
• Advise the Principal and Director of Language Acquisition on all staffing matters within the department.
• Appraise all departmental colleagues on an annual basis.
• Encourage all staff to recognise and fulfil their statutory responsibilities.
• Demonstrate best practice through the adoption of a reduced teaching timetable.

Efficient and effective deployment of staff and resources
• Provide advice to Head/SLT relating to resource requirements, the deployment of staff and timetabling in relation to the support of learning support.
• Organise and coordinate the work of colleagues to ensure appropriate deployment of learning resources including ICT.
• Maintain existing resources and explore opportunities to develop or incorporate new resources from the wide range available within and externally to the school.

Requirements

• University Degree in Arabic language
• Teaching qualification
• Minimum of 3 years teaching experience
• Minimum 2 years’ experience as a Head of Department
• English Language Fluency is necessary

Skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with pupils and adults.
• Initiative and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to manage confrontation and challenging behavior.
• Team working and organisational skills.
• An observant and responsive approach;
• Flexibility and adaptability to be able to respond to the needs of the pupils and change plan accordingly.
• A positive, energetic and enthusiastic outlook.
• Patience, understanding and empathy with pupils and parents.
• A sense of humour.

Remuneration Package:
• Accommodation allowances,
• Schooling allowances,
• Transport allowances,
• Private medical insurance,
• Annual economy airfares to country of residence
• End of gratuity as per UAE labour law.

About the Company

An Educational Investment group that owns and runs schools within the UAE. Head office is based in Dubai.