Director of Study

JOB PURPOSE

The primary objective of this role is to provide leadership, motivation, and strategic direction to members of the academic Senior Leadership Team (SLT), focusing on enhancing the quality of the academic curriculum and boosting student performance. This position is essential for influencing the school’s academic future and collaborating effectively as a vital member of both the Organizational and School SLT.

Reporting directly to the Principal of NAS Guangzhou and the Panyu Education Advisory Board, the successful candidate will be responsible for the leadership, organization, and management of the school, inspiring a vision for teaching and learning while driving improvements in student performance and enrollment.

KEY RESULTS AREA

Strategic Planning and Vision

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Collaborate with the Head of Schools and quality assurance staff to lead the academic strategy.

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Ensure the development and implementation of a rigorous curriculum that serves bilingual learners and equips students for IGCSE, IB, A-Level, and Chinese examinations.

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Supervise academic monitoring and evaluation cycles to uphold high academic standards and foster a positive learning atmosphere throughout the school.

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Assess and monitor academic standards in accordance with NAE bilingual school guidelines and institutional processes, including competitor benchmarking.

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Analyze school performance and pinpoint areas for ongoing improvement.

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Effectively attract, develop, retain, and manage staff.

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Promote excellence, equity, and high expectations for all members of the school community.

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Conduct evaluations as part of NAE Performance Management.

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Gather insights from professional development training.

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Collect feedback regarding department quality assurance.

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Review parent survey evaluations.

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Collaborate successfully with both the school Senior Leadership Team and the Nord Anglia Education Team.

Curriculum Assessment and System Setup

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Lead the design and execution of a unified curriculum and assessment framework ensuring cohesion, progression, and consistency across Primary, Secondary, and bilingual streams.

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Oversee the creation and ongoing enhancement of student performance tracking and data systems to inform teaching quality, student interventions, and curriculum modifications.

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Coordinate the review and adjustment of curriculum delivery and student placements based on assessment data to effectively support each student's progress and achievements.

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Establish clear protocols and reporting standards for academic data analysis, benchmarking, and improvement planning in line with Nord Anglia Education requirements.

Front of House: Admissions and Marketing

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Assist the Principal and MAC with overarching school marketing efforts to ensure continued growth.

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Facilitate school admissions by coordinating the academic team's involvement in promoting the institution to prospective parents.

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Support school marketing and admissions initiatives, highlighting the unique aspects of the Nord Anglia experience and educational strategy.

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Ensure that international colleagues fully understand both the school's and NAE’s educational and commercial vision, philosophy, and mission.

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Act as a representative for the school, engaging with key influencers and parents of potential students.

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Maintain ongoing communication with parents to encourage advocacy for the school.

Leadership in Teaching and Learning

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Foster an environment within the school that emphasizes achievement across all operational aspects.

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Utilize our educational partnerships and programs, including Nord Anglia Education’s Global Campus, to create exceptional academic, personal, and social opportunities for students.

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Encourage a culture of personal responsibility and enthusiasm for learning.

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Regularly assess the curriculum to ensure effective delivery tailored to student needs.

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Promote students’ personal and social growth through both the curriculum and extracurricular engagements.

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Encourage teaching excellence by monitoring and enhancing teaching standards within the school.

Operational Expertise & Resource Management

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Guarantee the effective and efficient utilization of educational resources to achieve operational and educational excellence.

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Develop, implement, and review the school’s strategic development plans.

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Assist the Principal of the Education Advisory Board in managing the relevant school budget in compliance with NAE policy and current context.

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Contribute to the establishment of best practices that can be shared across NAE.

Recruiting and Developing Talent

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Recruit educators in line with NAE's Outstanding Teacher for Outstanding Schools principles.

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Support the performance management and continuous professional development of all teaching staff.

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Promote staff well-being to enhance professional contributions and satisfaction.

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Commit to the ongoing professional development of all employees.

PERSONAL SPECIFICATIONS

Qualifications/Training

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Hold a university degree with honors.

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Possess a recognized teaching qualification.

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Exhibit a commitment to continuous professional development.

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Have a further degree in education or leadership.

Skills and Knowledge

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Demonstrate strategic leadership skills to formulate and implement academic strategies that align with the school's vision.

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Possess a comprehensive understanding of international curricula (IB & A-level) and their integration with the Chinese National Curriculum.

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Experience in school leadership, including education oversight, operations, and budget management.

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Awareness of contemporary educational issues and curriculum developments.

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Apply effective teaching and learning strategies that result in high levels of teaching and student achievement.

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Effective strategies for maximizing student enrollment and achieving commercial success, including personal involvement in school promotion.

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Understand the differences between international schools and government-maintained institutions.

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Develop and implement a school quality improvement program demonstrating increased student achievement through self-evaluation.

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Set appropriate performance targets for the school and prepare, monitor, and evaluate an action plan concerning those targets.

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Experience in premises development.

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A proven history of leading, participating in, and developing successful teams while managing change.

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Ability to operate at both strategic and operational levels.

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Capacity to represent the overall group's vision while functioning as part of a broader network of schools.

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Ability to inspire, motivate, and earn the trust and confidence of students, staff, and parents.

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Skill in addressing parental concerns while balancing customer perspectives with the school’s educational and operational principles.

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Commitment to enhancing the entire school experience, including events and after-school activities.

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Proficiency in effective communication with diverse audiences.

CREATE YOUR FUTURE

We are Nord Anglia Education, one of the largest premium international school organizations globally. Every day, our teachers and support staff help thousands of students achieve more than they ever imagined.

A transformative education at one of our schools prioritizes excellent academic outcomes, creativity, well-being, and global connectedness. Our innovative approach to educational technology fosters a personalized, 21st-century learning experience for all students, while our extensive reach allows us to recruit and retain top educators and provide unforgettable events and expeditions.

Our staff are empowered to make significant impacts in their areas of expertise. The rapid pace of our growth necessitates evolution and change from everyone, providing you the chance to shape your role in the future. This dynamic environment challenges the learning agility of our employees, ensuring that each day is filled with new and engaging experiences.

Established in 1972 in the United Kingdom, our first international school opened in 1992 in Warsaw, followed by swift global expansion in the 2000s.

By joining our team, you will become part of a global family of experts working for a rapidly growing premium international brand.