Head of Primary

Job description / Role

Key purpose

The post holder will lead, manage, and be accountable for tracking progress, considering curriculum planning, supporting the Behaviour for Learning Policy and speaking with parents to promote the fulfilment of the school’s vision:

As a member of the Extended Leadership Team, the post holder will be expected:

• To articulate a vision for their key stage in the context of the school’s ethos and vision
• To lead, manage, co-ordinate, maintain, develop, monitor and evaluate the progress made for children within their key stage
• To make a full contribution to the processes of planning, resource management, policy development and implementation across the school through the effective leadership and management of your specific key stage
• To make a full contribution to ensuring high expectations and standards in all aspects of school life
• To work flexibly in supporting the day-to-day organisation and management of the school
• To be accountable to the relevant senior leader and ultimately the Principal/CEO
• To contribute to the school’s Performance Development Programme where appropriate

Aspects of the role of assistant head teacher

There are five aspects which enable the key purpose to be achieved:

• Promoting and ensuring student development, progress and well being
• Leading teaching and learning and managing policy within the context of the year group
• Leading and managing people and teams
• Managing resources
• Promoting and representing the key stage

Promoting and ensuring high performance learning at WSD

WSD is committed to providing a world-class education to its students, and thus the very best foundation in life that it can. We have therefore adopted the High-Performance Learning framework and joined the international network of HPL schools.

To be responsible for the promotion of an HPL by ensuring:

• The leadership of staff ensures the promotion of the high-performance philosophy and framework as an attainable target for everyone
• A teacher culture and performance (attitudes and practices)
• The improvement of learner outcomes (ACPs, VAAs, attainments)
• Support in the strategic programme of professional development
• To promote and foster a professional community of practice amongst teachers
• To support the formal HPL accreditation process, which confirms our compliance with the HPL World Class School standards

To be responsible for the promotion of a positive climate for learning by ensuring:

• To support transition arrangements through the school
• A commitment to equal opportunities and student entitlement
• That the school code of conduct and dress code are adhered to
• That there is good behaviour in classrooms and around the school
• That the key stage has internal structures to promote positive behaviour and to manage disciplinary matters in liaison with the Student Welfare and House Team
• Appropriate progress targets are set for the key stage in liaison with the Head of School
• The analysis and forecasting of trends, for example in attendance, attainment, assessment and marking to identify opportunities for improvement in liaison with the Head of School
• Liaison with the ELT and SLT for the purpose of referral and review of individual cases
• A positive ethos which reflects a commitment by all teaching staff to high achievement, excellent behaviour, an effective climate for learning, good relationships and equality of opportunity for all
• That the evaluation of assessments and attainment routinely includes the views of students
• Active observation of and participation in the activities of the key stage
• The promotion of student engagement in enrichment activities in liaison with the Student Welfare and House Team
• The development of proactive relationships with external agencies

Skills

To be considered for this role, candidates must be:

• An excellent team player both within the department and across phases
• Have experience in heading a part of the primary school, leadership experience or supervisor for a minimum of three years
• Have clear understanding of DSIB framework and requirements for school inspections
• Have the capacity to innovate in line with new trends in education for young learners
• Excellent IT and interpersonal communication skills
• Excellent command of English (spoken and written)
• Be an outstanding practitioner with good knowledge of the UAE Inspection framework
• Be well-versed to lead on professional development for staff
• Be able to draft a strategic plan to accelerate the department or phase to excellence

GEMS Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all of its students and staff. A UK-enhanced DBS or equivalent police check is a pre-requisite for all appointments.

About the Company

GEMS Education is a pioneering education company with an international network of award winning K-12 schools. Over the past 55 years GEMS has grown from one school to being a truly global company with one incredible mission – to make quality education available to every student. Over 20,000 education professionals unlock the potential of over 250,000 students across 14 countries each and every day, preparing children of all ages for real world success.