Deputy Head Academic : Prep School at Durham International Schools

Summary of Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

• The Deputy Head Academic is responsible for leading and managing the day-to-day academic matters of the Prep and Pre-Prep School and driving excellence via transformative teaching, a rich curriculum and a robust assessment calendar.
• An adaptable and innovative leader and administrator, the Deputy Head Academic works collaboratively with the Year Group Leads, Heads of Department and all teaching staff to ensure the Durham International School values, ethos and educational philosophy are continuously embedded and demonstrated in all curriculum development and assessment practices

Strategic Direction Teaching & Learning and Assessment

• Provide professional leadership and guidance on academic matters across the Pre-Prep and Prep School, ensuring the highest standards of teaching, learning, assessment, and curriculum development, and supporting the continued development of staff and students.
• Contribute to Prep School and schoolwide strategic planning and play a significant role in contributing to the School Development Plan.
• 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.
• Work collaboratively with the staff body to build upon and further enhance the school’s academic excellence and culture of intellectual curiosity and life-long learning.
• Keep up to date with current research, trends and issues relevant to the academic life of the Prep School.

Leadership and Management

• Key responsibility for curriculum design and timetabling for the Prep School.
• Oversight of academic progress and interventions in the Prep School (including Pre-Prep School) Analysis of internal and GL assessment results Effective delivery of reporting and feedback systems for students Lead on the academic areas of inspection preparation.
• Liaise with the Heads of School and appropriate members of staff to manage the transition programmes for students between phases.
• Organisation and management of the academic calendar in the Prep School, including assessments, reporting and parents’ evenings.
• Work with Year Group Leads, 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.
• Coordinate the transition programmes for students between phases.

Curriculum Development

• Oversee the ongoing planning, implementation and evaluation of the EYFS - Year 6 Prep School curriculum which aligns with the English national curriculculum.
• Line manage the Prep School Year Group Leads and Heads of Department.
• Keep up to date with Kenyan and International initiatives related to curriculum development and assessment practices

Programme Tracking and Monitoring

• Develop and continuously review effective systems for monitoring and evaluating the progress of all students across the Prep and Pre-Prep School. 
• Work with the Deputy Head Pastoral and SENCo to implement appropriate strategies to ensure teachers are planning for and teaching adaptively to meet the needs of students with educational and social/emotional/behavioural needs and that all students’ accommodations are in place for their assessments. 
• Introduce and lead the effective use of iSAMS for academic monitoring.
• Ensure an intentional approach and consistent implementation by all class teachers in the use and analysis of assessments, comparative judgement assessments, SEND and other data, to ensure the highest standards of academic attainment and high-impact leaning for all students across the school.

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.

Safeguarding and Promoting the Wellbeing of Students

• Promote and safeguard the welfare of children and young people throughout the school.
• Incorporate the School’s mission, vision and core values into normal working practice and be a positive role model to others.
• 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.

Person Specification:
Qualifications and Experience 

• A good UK Honours Degree (or equivalent)
• A certified teaching qualification 
• NPQH or Masters in Education is desirable, but not essential. 
• A proven track record of successful school leadership experience at least at departmental level or equivalent.
• Proven experience of leading, developing and motivating high calibre, diverse teams with a strong 
• commitment to the continued professional development of all colleagues. 
• Experience of teaching children from age 5 to 11.

Personal Qualities

• Have a good track record of being an adaptable and innovative leader, an excellent motivator, communicator and administrator. 
• Capable of managing key aspects of an expanding and high-profile British International school.
• An empathetic relationship-builder with an understanding of how to work effectively with multiple stakeholders, build strong teams, delegate effectively and bring out the best in colleagues.
• Be committed to the values, ethos and educational philosophy of Durham International School.
• Have a clear understanding of excellence in teaching and learning. 
• Excellent digital skills and a demonstrated interest and skill set in digitally enhanced learning. 
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills