Head of Lower School

Overview

Head of Lower School

Venue: A Grade International School
Days: Mon – Fri
Hours: 8am – 4.30pm (1 hour lunch)
Salary: 30k -55k (dependent on experience and before tax)
Age Group: 3 – 18 years old
Native: Yes
Degree: Yes (an educational degree is an advantage)
PGCE: Yes
Experience: 2 years of experience working as a qualified teacher
Benefits: International health insurance, accommodation allowance of ¥11,000, end-of-year bonus, and free tuition for up to two children.

Start: August 2023 – interviewing now
Will accept qualified candidates from outside of China

Job Title: Head of Lower School
Line Manager: Head Master

Purpose of Job
• Establish, evaluate and develop the academic aims and standards of the School in partnership with students, staff, governors, HIMS personnel and parents.
• Take responsibility for the leadership, and management of HIS Lower School.
• Assist the Head Master in establishing and maintaining a vibrant and thriving school.
• Manage the performance of the HIS Lower School teaching staff.
• Ensure that quality educational programmes take place in a safe, positive and healthy learning environment.

Duties and Responsibilities
Overall Responsibilities
• Promote high standards in all aspects of school life, particularly in pupil progress.
• Actively support the vision, ethos, culture and policies.
• Inspire and motivate pupils, teachers and other school employees.
• Comply with the professional duties of the staff Code of Conduct.
• Contribute to a school culture which is positive, purposeful and professional.
• Engage positively in the school Appraisal process and performance management arrangements.
• Be committed to safeguarding and to promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Strategy and Direction
• Work with the Head Master and Senior Leadership Teams to provide strategic leadership to shape, deliver and actively promote the environment and school culture that is consistent with the ethos and expectations.
• Contribute to the development of the overall HIS Qianhai vision and values and ensure that pupils, staff and parents all understand and subscribe to the vision and values.
• Work closely with the Senior Leadership Team to ensure effective implementation of the school’s strategic and development planning and to lead this process.
• Ensure that professional development is available for all and linked to the school’s development plan and priority needs.
• Promote and market the school in support of pupil admissions and staff recruitment. Management
• Establish and maintain the efficient day-to-day running of the HIS Lower School, including organising cover for teaching staff as well as all rosters and rotas.
• Line manages the Heads of Phase and Key Stage Leaders in the HIS Lower School.
• Build budgets and monitor spending in the HIS Lower School.
• Oversee and monitor the school timetable in the HIS Lower School.
• Work closely with the Head Master in the appointment of academic, administration and curriculum support staff.
• Ensure that learning is at the centre of all decisions related to planning and resourcing.
• Hold regular meetings of the HIS Lower School Management Team.

Curriculum Development and Pastoral Support
• Be responsible for the delivery of the agreed curriculum and the maintenance and development of the highest possible academic standards.
• Establish, review and adapt an appropriate British-based curriculum for all students.
• Monitor, evaluate and review classroom practice to ensure high quality teaching and learning is in place.
• Plan and prepare the student grouping and staffing structure for the HIS Lower School.
• Oversee the development of assessment and tracking systems to monitor and evaluate students’ progress, achievement and attainment.
• Remain up to date with changes in educational theory and subject/phase requirements.
• Establish and regularly review all academic policies, curriculum documents and schemes of work.
• Publish curriculum summaries, and academic handbooks as required and ensure that these are kept up to date.
• Oversee and take responsibility for the pastoral support of all students in the HIS Lower School.
• Ensure that students’ personal development is effectively promoted through the curriculum and other enrichment activities.
• Oversee an extensive enrichment programme for all HIS Lower School students within and beyond the school working week.

Academic Support
• Establish an overall view of the academic profile of the HIS Lower School and their pupils, both individually and collectively.
• Assist staff in supporting individual pupils, small groups and class learning needs, always offering support and encouragement to colleagues to ensure pupils are supported in their learning.
• Oversee and support the recruitment, induction and training of new HIS Lower School staff.

Collegiality
• Lead by example and set high and realistic expectations in all professional matters, ensuring that all staff and pupils observe matters such as dress, behaviour, punctuality, attendance and mutual support.
• Maintain a teaching load appropriate to the position, including participation in extra-curricular activities as appropriate, and as agreed with the Head Master.
• Ensure that staff and pupils commit to supporting learning through the school’s VLE and other relevant platforms.
• Take a fair and appropriate share of duties and act as a Duty Supervisor.
• Although not a member of a particular House, attend House activities as well as Expeditions as required.
• Together with the Head Master, manage staff disciplinary issues effectively and in a timely manner.

Communications and Public Relations
• Actively establish good relations with parents and all other visitors to the school.
• Present a coherent and accurate account of the school’s performance in formats appropriate to a range of audiences.
• Oversee the organisation of and attend academic parents’ evenings and be available to meet parents as required.
• Oversee the production of reports, working with the Heads of Phase and HIS Lower School middle management and ICT Services.
• Communicate closely with parents and ensure that pupil progress is regularly reported, and relevant data is always available.
• Support and attend all major school events.
• Work to maintain effective partnerships with the community, promoting and representing the school at local, national, and international level.
• Operate effective communication channels throughout the school.

Safeguarding
• Take seriously the responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, and to work together with others to ensure adequate arrangements within the school help to identify, assess, and support children who are suffering harm.
• Ensure the ongoing Health & Security for all HIS Lower School stakeholders.

Other Responsibilities
• Undertake other reasonable duties as requested by members of the Senior Leadership Team and any duties that the Head Master deems necessary for the effective operation of the school.

Requirements
Education, Training and Qualifications
• Appropriate degree, with UK PGCE, or other teaching qualification giving QTS.
• Evidence of relevant and challenging continuing professional development.
• Working knowledge of the National Curriculum of England including EYFS, KS1 and KS2 as appropriate.
• Advanced degree in Education, NPQH or equivalent (desirable).

Knowledge and Experience
• At least 4 years senior leadership experience.
• Experience in teaching learners with diverse needs, especially EAL, in early childhood/ primary school stage
• Experience in managing performance of staff, especially senior or middle level managers.
• Experience in highly effective relationship management with a variety of stakeholders.
• Experience or clear understanding of Lower School leadership in an international school environment.
• Knowledge of international accreditation, inspection and evaluation frameworks.
• Knowledge and understanding of positive behaviour management of students and evidence of effective practice in a range of settings.

Personal Qualities
• Have the ability and willingness to inspire others; leading by example, role modelling the school’s vision statement: Leadership for a better world.
• Be a role model for the Staff Code of Conduct.
• Be flexible and capable of managing change and instilling high standards.
• Be highly motivated, ambitious and collaborative and willing to take the initiative.
• Have high levels of honesty and integrity in aspects of their role.
• Demonstrate empathy, humility and genuine care about staff and pupils, taking time to support, guide and motivate them.
• Be able to think strategically and drive improvements in pupil welfare and their wider learning experiences.
• Have excellent organisational, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrate strategic leadership and the ability to lead and manage a team to deliver the school development plan effectively.

Other
• A clean enhanced Disclosure and Barring Services check or police check (for applicants who have never worked in UK) and no question regarding suitability to work with children.