Deputy Head Academic, Prep School at Durham International Schools

• 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