Deputy Principal/Head of Secondary

About the Role:

The Head of Secondary is a crucial member of the School Leadership Team, combining leadership responsibilities with some teaching duties. This role involves sharing information throughout the school community, managing all internal and external assessments, and acting as the main point of contact between the school and external program organizations.

Administration:

• Supervise the daily activities within the secondary section of the school.

• Collaborate with the Executive Principal to manage teacher assignments and their respective duties.

• Address disciplinary matters involving students, both on and off campus, in partnership with the Executive Principal, taking direct responsibility on a daily basis.

• Enhance communication between the school and parents.

• Oversee daily operations, including tracking student and staff attendance, managing registers, and ensuring coverage.

• Hold regular meetings with the secondary staff.

• Conduct an annual audit of 'Teaching and Learning', ensuring alignment of curricula (IEYC/IPC/Cambridge Primary/Cambridge Lower Secondary/IGCSE) both horizontally and vertically.

• Lead professional development initiatives throughout the school.

• Oversee processes related to external authorizations, accreditations, and quality assurance (e.g., IPC accreditation, AIMS/CIS/NEASC Accreditation).

• Manage strategic communications with parents across the school using various platforms such as Toddle, newsletters, webinars, and parental education on the curriculum.

Leadership and Management:

• Inspire and motivate all staff to achieve the highest professional standards.

• Foster a collaborative learning environment within the school and engage with other institutions to establish effective learning communities.

• Manage change effectively.

• Build connections with the community.

• Work alongside the Executive Principal (UIS SJ Campus) to ensure effective management of school finances.

• Contribute to the development of a comprehensive strategic plan for the school.

• Assist in setting school goals and targets that align with wider school objectives.

• Communicate these goals and targets to all relevant staff and students.

• Ensure that job descriptions and performance evaluations for staff are based on clear roles and responsibilities, reviewed at least annually, and aligned with current employment conditions.

• Keep all policies updated, collaborating closely with teaching staff and the Executive Principal (UIS SJ Campus).

• Ensure the maintenance of secure, supervised, and well-kept school environments, adhering to health and safety regulations.

• Oversee personal professional development while promoting the well-being and work-life balance of all teachers.

• Fulfill all duties assigned by the Principal/Executive Principal.

• Develop and, when appropriate, manage high-quality extended services.

• Perform any other reasonable tasks as needed.

Academic:

• Develop curriculum policy documents, an overarching curriculum plan, and schemes of work that address both individual and collective learning needs of students in collaboration with the Principal/Executive Principal.

• Lead the creation and implementation of a curriculum that motivates and engages every student.

• Maintain a consistent focus across the school on student assessment and achievement by utilizing relevant data and benchmarks to set, monitor, and evaluate individual student progress.

• Use assessment outcomes to inform curriculum planning, termly and weekly plans, and daily teaching practices to meet the identified needs of students.

• Keep accurate and comprehensive student records and apply data to support evaluations of student progress.

• Oversee staff performance and curriculum delivery, implementing disciplinary actions as needed, in collaboration with the Executive Principal/School Leadership.

• Monitor, assess, and review classroom practices, promoting strategies for improvement and striving for exceptional standards of learning and teaching.

• Meet with each secondary staff member to assess their performance and development plans.

• Collaborate with the Principal to prepare and monitor a Personal Performance and Development Plan.

• Plan for professional development for staff.

• Address and resolve issues of underperformance among students and teachers.

• Uphold high standards of behavior and attendance.

Communication:

• Build effective relationships with all stakeholders through strong communication and interpersonal skills, offering and receiving appropriate advice.

• Ensure that all communication channels within the school are well-known and respected by parents and staff.

• Coordinate with all school sections to ensure smooth transitions and continuity in learning.

• Represent the school at educational conferences and ensure that those responsible for curriculum development have similar opportunities.

• Prepare necessary written reports for the Executive Principal, the Board, and any individuals or organizations designated by the School Leadership Team concerning activities, curriculum, and student learning.

Marketing:

• Contribute to the overall marketing strategy of the school and take part in school marketing initiatives.

• Seize opportunities to promote the school’s values and mission.

• Ensure that others associated with the school also advocate for its values and mission.

Health, Safety, and Student Welfare:

• Participate in the creation and implementation of a health and safety policy consistent with national regulations and the school’s policies and best practices.

• Help establish and maintain a safe environment for all users—students, staff, and others.

• Promote staff awareness of health and safety issues through professional development and other initiatives.

• Raise student awareness of health and safety concerns through the curriculum and other methods.

• Assist in creating and maintaining structures, procedures, and a supportive environment for students academically, socially, emotionally, and physically, fostering development in all areas. Perform any additional duties assigned by the Executive Principal that are necessary for this role.

Requirements:

• BEd or an equivalent qualification.

• Teaching qualification (PGCE or equivalent and/or higher degree such as an MA/MS/MBA).

• At least 5 years of leadership experience in teaching.