The Deputy Head Academic is responsible for promoting a vibrant and dynamic academic culture within the Prep School, working to ensure the highest standards of teaching, learning and academic attainment. The role is key to ensuring the Ethos, Aims and Values of the School are continuously maintained and demonstrated.
The successful applicant will work closely with the Heads of Department and other senior staff to ensure effective planning and delivery of outstanding academic curriculum, assessment and reporting; and will be actively involved in overseeing teaching and learning practice and the efficient management of academic departments. They will be actively involved in overseeing teaching and learning practice and the efficient management of academic departments.
Summary of Responsibilities and Accountabilities:
Strategic Direction
Leadership and Management
Manage and oversee the EYFS to Year 6 Prep
School curriculum, assessment and reporting to meet the needs of all Prep School students and to equip them with the skills needed to make a successful transition to the Senior School.
Develop, implement and regularly review academic and assessment policies for the Prep School which meet British School Overseas minimum standards.
Work with Senior School staff on the development of a school timetable, staffing and rooming models which facilitate and optimise teaching and learning across the whole school
Play a significant role in contributing to the School
Development Plan together with the Headteacher, the SLT and the Governance and Advisory Board
Inform the School Leadership Team of current research, trends and issues relevant to the academic life of the Prep School to facilitate future planning
Deputise as necessary for the Headteacher, Prep School
Line management of the Prep School Heads of Department, including monitoring of teacher performance, schemes of work and conducting departmental reviews.
Participate in Prep School Senior Leadership Team meetings
Curriculum Development
Lead on the academic areas of inspection preparation
Lead Prep School staff meetings
Work with Heads of Department and HR to
strengthen the culture of continuous professional development and encourage Prep School staff to access a variety of learning opportunities
Assist the Headteacher, Prep School in the recruitment and selection of inspirational and high calibre teaching staff
Liaise with the Headteacher in the induction of new Prep School staff
Coordinate school events, including Assemblies and Parents' Evenings
Work with the Heads of School in coordinating transition programmes for students between phases
Organisation and management of the academic calendar in the Prep School, including assessments, reporting and parents' evenings
Assist with the staff duty rota and staff cover
This role has a 40% teaching responsibility Oversee the ongoing review and enhancement of the EYFS - Year 6 Prep School curriculum which aligns with the English national curriculum
Develop opportunities for subject specialist teaching within the Prep School and the use of dedicated subject spaces
Oversee the Prep School's Co-curricular
Programme and the application of classroom learning in real world contexts through the
Outdoor Environmental and Education Programme
Oversee the timetabling and line management of all the peripatetic music teachers, in liaison with key academic staff
Keep up to date with local Nairobi, Kenyan and international initiatives related to co-curricular activities, and advise the Headteacher on developments and policies as appropriate
Progress Tracking and Monitoring
Develop and continuously effective systems for monitoring and evaluating the progress of all students.
Work with the Deputy Head Pastoral and SENCO to implement appropriate strategies to support student progress
Coordinate assessment within the Prep School, including Progress and CAT4 testing
Develop a consistent approach to the use of CAT4, SEND and other data to develop a culture of individualised and high-impact learning
Support staff in developing the skills to effectively interpret data about students
Oversee the reporting of student progress to parents
Maintain records and track data in relation to academic progress, behaviour, incidents and attendance etc in iSams/CPOMS and produce regular reports which trigger prompt and effective interventions
Track and monitor student progress in line with the Curriculum Policy, English as an Additional
Language Policy, and Special Educational Needs Policy
Report weekly to the Senior Leadership Team about any students whose progress is a cause for concern or where a student has exemplified excellent progress
Lead half termly meetings with the class teacher and parents (as required) of a student whose progress has been a concern that half term
Ensure that regular communication with parents about progress both celebrates good progress and supports areas for improvement where required
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 academic performance in formats appropriate to a range of audiences
Communicate closely with parents and ensure that students' academic 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 the Nairobi, national and international level
Safeguarding and Promoting the Wellbeing of Students
Promote and safeguard the welfare of children and young people throughout the school
Be alert to, and report appropriately, any behaviour that may indicate that a student is at risk of harm
Maintain and promote high standards of health and hygiene for the all the children and around the school
Incorporate the School's mission, vision and core values into normal working practice and be a positive role model to others
Treat all members of the School community with consideration and respect
Promote a positive school culture which is happy, purposeful and productive
Foster the personal, social and emotional development of all students
Maintain high standards of behaviour and safeguard students' health and safety both on the school premises and during school visits elsewhere
Promote pride in the School among the student body through high standards of dress, behaviour, manners and respect for other and property.
Behavioural Management and Pastoral requirements of the role
Maintain the good discipline of students throughout the School
Recognise and challenge any incidents of bullying, being unkind, not sharing and aggressive behaviour ensuring compliance with the relevant school policies and procedures and making sure the individual(s) involved understand their behaviour is unacceptable
Understand and implement the School child protection procedures and comply with legal responsibilities
Be a visible presence in the school supporting students and colleagues throughout the day
Be the main point of contact for parents, offering advice and guidance in supporting academic progress and concerns in the home
Support staff in fostering and maintaining constructive and supportive relationships with parents
Devise and lead strategies to support staff, students and their families in the follow up of any academic concerns including arranging for support or training
Other Responsibilities
Actively contribute to the School's extra-curricular programme according to the needs of the School and own personal interests and expertise
Undertake any other reasonable duties that the Headteacher or Directors may require from time to time
Please be advised that an incomplete Application Form or an application that does not provide a
Covering Letter and Durham International School Application Form as stipulated, will unfortunately not be considered.
Person Specification
Have a good honours degree, a teacher training qualification and a proven track record of successful teaching in the 5 - 11 age range
Have a good track record of leading and managing staff; envisioning, encouraging, supporting, monitoring and challenging colleagues
Have worked in a promoted academic role
Be committed to the ethos and values of Durham International School
Be able to work within organisational procedures and meet the required standards for the role
Be able to work collaboratively and supportively with colleagues within Durham International School and with colleagues in other organisations
Be able to relate effectively to parents and to students
Be able to communicate clearly and effectively orally and in writing and demonstrate good ICT skills
Have a clear understanding of excellence in teaching and learning
Be patient, determined, enthusiastic and well-organised with a good eye for detail
Be committed to continual personal and professional development and be reflective and able to learn from past experience
Be resilient and demonstrate an ability to work well under pressure
Display commitment to the protection and safeguarding of children and young people