Head of PE (Secondary) (AY 2026/27) - GEMS Cambridge International School, Abu Dhabi

We are looking for an exceptional and enthusiastic Head of Secondary Physical Education to become a part of our school community starting in August 2026. This position entails providing both academic and operational leadership for Physical Education throughout the Middle and Secondary schools. The Head of Secondary PE will collaborate with the Director of PE to ensure the delivery of high-quality academic PE, facilitate competitive sports, prepare students for examinations, and promote student wellbeing. The individual in this role will oversee curriculum implementation, assessment management, and enrichment opportunities in Secondary PE, adhering to British curriculum standards and UAE regulatory frameworks (ADEK and MoE).

Responsibilities:

1. Phase Leadership:
- Lead the implementation of the Secondary PE curriculum for students in Years 7-13.
- Ensure a smooth transition from general physical education to specialized academic PE pathways.
- Assist the Director of PE in creating alignment between Primary and Secondary PE offerings.
- Support the Director of PE in upholding excellence in competitive sports and examination groups.
- Facilitate Secondary PE staff meetings to ensure consistent execution of agreed strategies.
- Foster a positive culture of participation, enjoyment, and physical wellness.
- Monitor curriculum implementation and maintain documentation that is inspection-ready.

2. Teach Like a GEM (TLAG) Departmental Support:
- Collaborate with the TLAG Champion to implement the TLAG Framework throughout Secondary PE, ensuring shared expectations and consistent practices.
- Encourage high-quality coaching and theoretical instruction for examination classes.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of TLAG implementation through lesson observations, planning reviews, and student feedback.
- Promote consistency in feedback, demonstrating worked solutions and exam techniques.
- Ensure the curriculum aligns with the National Curriculum for England and exam board objectives, making it accessible to all through adaptive instruction for varied physical abilities and needs.

3. Curriculum and Assessment:
- Coordinate the PE schemes of work for Middle and Secondary schools to ensure progressive skill enhancement.
- Align curriculum planning with the Cambridge iGCSE PE (0413) framework.
- Ensure compliance with theory and practical assessment requirements.
- Oversee the moderation and standardization of practical assessments.
- Keep updated with examination board requirements.
- Assist in accurate data entry and reporting during school assessment cycles.

4. Data, Standards, and Student Achievement:
- Monitor academic performance in iGCSE PE.
- Analyze data trends and implement targeted intervention strategies.
- Provide guidance for students selecting PE as an academic pathway during Options choices in Years 9 and 11.
- Aid in identifying and nurturing sporting talent.
- Promote healthy lifestyles and foster positive attitudes toward physical activity.

5. Sport, Enrichment, and Competition:
- Organize fixtures, tournaments, and competitive sports offerings.
- Encourage high levels of student participation across Secondary.
- Support the development of elite pathways as needed, in conjunction with the Director of PE Whole School.

6. Operational and Safety Oversight:
- Assist in the safe utilization of facilities and equipment.
- Ensure that risk assessments are conducted for all activities and events.
- Collaborate with the Director of PE Whole School to coordinate Secondary PE timetables and staff assignments.

7. Compliance, Safeguarding, and Inclusion:
- Demonstrate and uphold the highest standards of safeguarding and child protection.
- Ensure that all students can participate inclusively, regardless of their ability or background.
- Maintain accurate and compliant departmental documentation according to school, ADEK, and MoE standards.
- Assist the Director of PE Whole School in aligning departmental practices with whole-school policies and regulatory requirements.
- Ensure that risk assessments are completed and safeguarding policies are adhered to during enrichment activities.