Middle School Assistant Head - Academic

Middle School Assistant Head - Academic

Description:

Due to the introduction of a Middle School at San Silvestre, we are seeking to appoint a Middle School Assistant Head - Academic. This position is a key management leadership role, crucial for the strategic development and operational management of the section. The successful candidate will support the creation of a stimulating, creative, and collegial working environment within the school. The Middle School Assistant Head - Academic should be committed to and understand the philosophy and ethos of the school.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Relationships:

• Address and resolve all parent or staff concerns or complaints promptly, keeping appropriate records and referring serious or ongoing issues to the Head of Section.
• Actively participate in Section and School events.
• Ensure parents are informed of relevant issues through appropriate channels.

Curriculum (Including Teaching and Learning):

• Participate in decision-making and policy development across the section.
• Oversee the development and implementation of best practices in classroom teaching and learning.
• Ensure curriculum coherence and the implementation of learning programmes, collaboratively planned with Heads of Departments, and documented and updated as necessary.
• Monitor teaching and learning across the section, providing feedback to teachers, coordinators, and the SLT in collaboration with the Heads of Department and the Teaching & Learning Coordinator.
• Monitor student progress in collaboration with Senior Leaders, Heads of Departments, Secondary Data Coordinator, and Learning Support Coordinator.
• Select and requisition instructional and curriculum development materials and resources in collaboration with Heads of Department.

Professional Development:

• Foster a culture of continuous learning among staff through collaboration, sharing of resources, and reflective practices.
• Identify professional development needs with the Teaching & Learning Coordinator, and design, participate in, and promote professional development within the Secondary Section, including INSET days and weekly CPD sessions.

Administration:

• Line manage allocated Heads of Department and Coordinators, and carry out the school's Performance Development (appraisal) process.
• Lead the Head of Department team and conduct fortnightly meetings.
• Actively participate in the recruitment process, including the induction and mentoring of new staff, in collaboration with the Section Head and Assistant Head – Student Care.
• Oversee the academic administration needs of the section (registration, bulletin, staff websites, calendar, meetings, iSAMS, review school documents, etc.) and participate in the development of section calendars, timetables, and general rosters.

Strategic Vision:

• Develop and continuously evaluate the school's strategic planning, section objectives, and departmental action plans.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively with the SLT, Teaching & Learning Coordinator, Data Coordinator, and Heads of Departments on all aspects related to teaching, learning, assessment, and reporting.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively with the Learning Support Coordinator and associated professionals.
• Ensure a thorough understanding of policies and procedures pertaining to teaching, learning, assessment, and reporting.
• Assume a leadership role in collaboration with the Middle School Assistant Head – Student Care in the absence of the Head of Section.

Knowledge and Competencies Required:

Qualifications / Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree plus Postgraduate Certificate in Education.
• Secondary School teaching experience.
• Ability to speak and teach fluently in English (first language English speaker preferred).
• Proven leadership experience within a Secondary School setting.
• Strong technological skills, including knowledge of Google Suite tools.
• Understanding of innovative educational practices that facilitate effective teaching and learning.
• Detailed knowledge of curriculum development.
• An understanding of all forms of assessment and how they inform learning.
• Strong understanding of Secondary School assessment and tracking, including knowledge of standardised assessments (GL Assessments: CAT4, PASS, PTM, PTE, and NGRT) and an ability to interpret results and plan actions based on the data generated.

Desirable:

• Master's degree in Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field.
• Experience with iSAMs and the Atlas Planning platform.
• A recognised Middle/Senior Leadership qualification, such as the NPQML/NPQH.
• Experience in the appraisal of staff (e.g., learning walks, classroom observation, individual self-reflection meetings, and providing constructive feedback).
• Experience in facilitating Continuing Professional Development.
• Ability to speak Spanish; basic oral and written skills desirable, but a willingness to learn is imperative.
• Experience using tools to monitor learning and progress.

This description is a guide only and is not intended to be an exhaustive or exclusive list of the duties attached to this position. The duties and responsibilities of this post may vary from time to time according to the changing demands of the school. This job description may be reviewed at the reasonable discretion of the Head of School in light of those changing requirements and in consultation with the post holder. In any event, the Head of School reserves the right to review and amend the job description. 

To apply for this position, please submit your application including a letter of application (in English) using the TES Platform (use the supporting statement section or upload as a supporting document). In your letter of application please outline why you would be interested in working at San Silvestre and explain your suitability for this role.

We are accepting applications on a rolling basis, so please apply at your earliest convenience. We will review applications as they are received and will make an appointment at any point during the recruitment cycle.

San Silvestre School is totally committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects the same from its employees. All new staff will be subject to enhanced pre-employment clearance including identity checks, criminal background checks, qualification checks, and employment checks to include an exploration of any gaps in employment.

Professional references will be sought, at least ONE of which must be from your present employer.