Head of Grade
About This Role
We are looking to hire for this position starting in July 2026, with flexibility regarding the start date.
Reports to: Vice Principal (Senior School)
School Section: Senior School
Responsibility Allowance Level: 3
Management Time Allowance: 5 lessons per week
Please Note: Experience in teaching a subject within the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is preferred.
Key Working Relationships:
Vice Principal (Senior School), Assistant Principal (Safeguarding), Assistant Principal (IBDP Coordinator), Learning Coordinators, fellow Heads of Grades, Tutors, Teachers, Students, and Parents.
Overall Purpose of this Position:
The aim is to support all students in their personal and academic journeys through a customized approach to holistic education.
Working under the Vice Principal (Senior School), the Head of Grade will be responsible for the pastoral care and academic advancement of students, emphasizing the four pillars of learning at SJI International: academic programs, service, co-curricular activities, and outdoor education.
Duties:
The responsibilities outlined in this job description complement those typically expected of a Classroom Teacher. The Principal may adjust these duties, with your agreement, to reflect or anticipate changes in the role, consistent with the salary and job title.
Staff Management
• Lead a group of Tutors and facilitate team meetings.
• Support the professional development of Tutors.
• Evaluate and enhance the quality of pastoral care provided by the team.
• Ensure Tutors conduct effective Tutor Group and Enrichment Period sessions.
• Update Tutors on any changes to school policy.
• Collaborate with subject leaders (HODs/HOFs) to improve learning and student outcomes.
• Engage in decision-making and policy development across the school.
• Co-lead expeditions for grades 7 to 9 or 10 to 12.
Student Progress
• Supervise the reporting process for the Grade. Guide Tutors in generating reports, ensuring compliance with deadlines and quality standards.
• Monitor individual student academic progress by reviewing reports and data, following up as necessary with students, parents, and teachers.
• Track student involvement in the Enrichment Programme, ensuring adherence to expectations related to Service, CCA, and Outdoor Education.
• Participate in and organize Parent/Teacher Consultation evenings, coordinating as needed with parents/guardians and relevant personnel.
• Ensure smooth transitions between educational stages, including from Elementary to High School, the selection of IGCSE subjects, and the selection of IBDP subjects.
• Collaborate with the Vice-Principal (Senior School) and Senior Council students to organize the Orientation Programme for the relevant grade. Develop an Induction Programme for late admissions to ensure optimal integration into the student community.
• Communicate specific student needs to all staff members as appropriate (including Learning Development needs, health concerns, etc.).
• Write and research references upon request.
• Oversee the planning of regular Grade assemblies.
Student Welfare
• Get to know each student in the year group as thoroughly as possible.
• Maintain regular communication with parents/guardians of students in the year group, building strong relationships with the Parent Support Group (by meeting regularly with the PSG).
• Refer students to the Assistant Principal (Safeguarding) and Deputy Safeguarding Lead for necessary counseling.
• Collaborate closely with the Learning Support Department, particularly regarding students with social, emotional, and behavioral challenges (conduct regular Support Service Meetings).
Attendance
• Promote and celebrate good attendance and punctuality.
• Ensure that Tutors register students accurately and intervene with students/parents when attendance issues arise within the Tutor Group.
• Monitor attendance and punctuality within the Grade, developing intervention strategies for any identified issues.
• Work with Learning Coordinators and the Vice Principal (Wellbeing & Achievement) to address interventions for persistent absentees.
Student Behavior and Engagement
• Acknowledge and celebrate achievements within the year group, organizing celebratory assemblies or sharing information in newsletters, etc.
• Uphold the standards of the Behaviour for Learning Policy. Work with the Vice-Principal (Senior School) and Tutors to maintain high standards of behavior and uniform, overseeing records of behavioral issues.
• Implement monitoring arrangements for vulnerable students or those with frequent behavioral challenges (such as Report Cards or PSP).
• Keep parents/guardians informed of any issues concerning their child (both positive and negative).
• Create opportunities for positive interactions within the Grade, such as end-of-term socials.
Other Duties and Responsibilities
• Serve as a positive professional role model.
• Set high expectations.
• Exercise diligence in resource allocation and deployment.
• Show due care in Risk Assessment and Health & Safety procedures.
• Foster teamwork and collegiality within the pastoral team.
• Engage in teaching and meet additional expectations aligned with the normal responsibilities of a Teacher.
For more information, please visit our website at https://www.sji-international.com.sg/about/careers.
Please note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.