Whole School Horticultural & Sustainability Teacher - August 2026
Status
Actively Hiring
Date Listed23 March 2026
ContractPermanent
PlatformW5_SYNC
About This Role
Al Ain English Speaking School (AAESS) is on the lookout for an outstanding Whole School Horticultural & Sustainability Teacher to join our team in August 2026. We are seeking someone with a strong passion, vision, and expertise to spearhead an engaging, practical, and academically rigorous sustainability and horticulture program that spans from Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) through to Sixth Form.
This is a distinctive and thrilling opportunity to influence environmental education at a flourishing British curriculum school, embedding principles of sustainability, outdoor learning, and student leadership into the core of our educational environment.
About Cognita:
Cognita stands as a global frontrunner in independent education. Established in 2004, our expanding network encompasses over 100 schools across 16 countries—including regions in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East—serving a diverse community of more than 85,000 students. Although each of our institutions has its unique character, our shared mission is to foster an environment where everyone can "Thrive in a rapidly evolving world."
At Cognita, we recognize the individuality of every student. We cultivate their unique personalities and strengths, supporting them academically, socially, and emotionally, no matter where they are in the world or their starting point. We cherish what makes them special while providing them with valuable knowledge, opportunities, and best practices. They become part of something greater, receiving an education that is truly world-class.
About AAESS:
Al Ain English Speaking School is one of the longest-established schools in Al Ain, known for its reputation that extends well beyond the city limits. Located in the ‘Garden City,’ celebrated for its oasis-like environment, AAESS caters to over 2,200 students aged 3 to 19 and continues to expand. Our spacious and inviting campus boasts excellent facilities, including a fantastic indoor swimming pool, floodlit tennis courts, a 566-seat auditorium, a food preparation and nutrition kitchen, an automotive garage, a TV and radio production studio, and two Apple Mac suites. We follow the British Curriculum, offering iGCSE, AS, and A Levels, with our Sixth Form students gaining admission to prestigious universities around the globe.
AAESS is proud to be the first school in Al Ain awarded the British Schools Overseas Award, endorsed by the British Government and quality assured by Ofsted. In addition, we hold the esteemed Silver Carnegie Mental Health Award, reflecting our commitment to academic excellence and the mental well-being of our students and staff.
Al Ain English Speaking School fosters a caring, multicultural community that empowers all individuals to achieve their potential within a dynamic and innovative learning atmosphere. We prioritize inquiry, perseverance, and reflection, treating each other with respect and integrity while learning together to become responsible and enterprising global citizens.
Purpose of the Role
The Whole School Horticultural & Sustainability Teacher will be responsible for leading, developing, and implementing an inspiring, practical, and educationally rigorous horticulture and sustainability program throughout AAESS (from EYFS to Sixth Form). The successful candidate will help integrate environmental literacy, sustainable practices, outdoor learning, and student leadership into the life of our school.
This unique role supports AAESS’s vision for preparing future-ready learners by enhancing students' knowledge, skills, and values regarding sustainability, food growing, biodiversity, responsible resource management, and environmental stewardship. The position encompasses teaching, curriculum enrichment, project leadership, and community engagement.
1) Teaching and Learning (Whole School)
- Plan and execute high-quality horticulture and sustainability learning experiences for students across EYFS, Primary, Secondary, and, where fitting, Sixth Form.
- Create age-appropriate programs that foster progression in knowledge, practical skills, and understanding of environmental sustainability.
- Conduct lessons and practical sessions that are engaging, safe, inclusive, and tied to real-world sustainability issues.
- Employ a variety of teaching methods to inspire students, including inquiry-based learning, project-based learning, outdoor learning, and student-led initiatives.
- Modify teaching approaches to accommodate all learners, including those with SEND, EAL, and varying levels of prior experience.
- Uphold high standards for behavior, participation, and the care of tools, spaces, and resources.
2) Curriculum Development and Integration
- Develop a comprehensive horticulture and sustainability framework aligned with the school’s curriculum aims and values.
- Collaborate with Heads of Department and curriculum leaders to weave sustainability themes into subjects such as Science, Geography, DT, Art, PSHE, Business, and Sixth Form enrichment.
- Contribute to interdisciplinary projects related to:
- biodiversity and ecosystems
- food systems and healthy living
- climate awareness and environmental responsibility
- water conservation and efficient resource use
- recycling, composting, and waste reduction
- sustainable innovation and student enterprise
- Support students' progression from Early Years exploratory outdoor learning to advanced student-led sustainability initiatives in Secondary and Sixth Form.
- Develop schemes of work, lesson plans, risk-assessed practical activities, and appropriate assessment methods.
3) School Garden / Horticulture Provision
- Oversee the design, organization, and development of AAESS’s horticultural areas (e.g., garden beds, planting zones, shaded growing areas, containers, sensory spaces, compost zones, greenhouse/polytunnel if applicable).
- Create and maintain seasonal planting plans that align with the UAE climate and school calendar.
- Teach students practical horticultural skills, including:
- soil preparation and composting
- planting and propagation
- watering and irrigation awareness
- plant care and maintenance
- harvesting and safe food handling (as relevant)
- Ensure horticultural resources, tools, and storage are systematically organized, maintained, and safe.
- Collaborate with the Facilities Team to support irrigation, shade, maintenance, and sustainability of school growing areas.
4) Sustainability Leadership and School Improvement
- Assist in developing and implementing AAESS’s sustainability strategy and action plans in accordance with school priorities.
- Advocate for sustainable practices throughout the school, including initiatives to raise awareness among students and staff.
- Help coordinate and track practical sustainability initiatives such as:
- recycling campaigns
- reducing single-use plastics
- energy and water conservation awareness
- campus greening and biodiversity projects
- Utilize data and evidence (when applicable) to assess impact (e.g., student participation, project outcomes, environmental enhancements, pupil voice).
- Contribute to the school’s self-evaluation and improvement planning regarding sustainability education and enrichment.
5) Enrichment, Student Leadership, and Community Engagement
- Lead or assist in eco clubs, gardening clubs, sustainability committees, and opportunities for student leadership.
- Create avenues for students to take ownership of projects through roles such as eco ambassadors, garden leaders, or sustainability champions.
- Organize whole-school events and campaigns (e.g., sustainability week, planting days, Earth Day activities, community gardening events).
- Forge positive connections with parents and local community partners to enrich learning experiences.
- When suitable, establish partnerships with local organizations, environmental groups, farms, nurseries, or sustainability initiatives in the UAE.
- Showcase and celebrate student work and impact through assemblies, displays, newsletters, and school communications.
6) Assessment, Monitoring, and Reporting
- Evaluate student learning and engagement appropriately for the nature of the program, utilizing a variety of formative and practical assessment methods.
- Monitor progress in skills, knowledge, and engagement (as applicable to the timetable model).
- Provide feedback to students that encourages improvement and reflection.
- Contribute to reports, curriculum reviews, and presentations for SLT/governors as required.
- Collect student voice and stakeholder feedback to enhance provision.
7) Health, Safety, and Safeguarding
- Ensure all teaching and practical activities are carried out in accordance with school safeguarding, health and safety, and risk assessment procedures.
- Conduct and maintain appropriate risk assessments for gardening tools, outdoor learning, manual handling, environmental exposure, and any practical activities.
- Encourage safe and responsible use of equipment and materials.
- Maintain strong supervision and clear routines during outdoor and practical sessions.
- Demonstrate a full commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
8) Professional Responsibilities
- Contribute positively to the broader life of the school and uphold AAESS values and professional standards.
- Attend relevant meetings, training, continuing professional development (CPD), and school events as necessary.
- Collaborate effectively with colleagues across all phases.
- Engage in professional learning related to sustainability education, horticulture, and outdoor learning.
Person Specification
Essential Qualifications and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Education, Environmental Science, Sustainability, Horticulture, Geography, Biology, Agriculture, or a related field.
- Recognized teaching qualification (e.g., PGCE, B.Ed., or equivalent).
- Experience teaching children and/or young people in a school environment.
- Proven track record of planning and delivering practical, engaging learning experiences.
- Strong grasp of sustainability concepts and environmental education.
- Practical experience in horticulture/gardening (in school, community, or professional settings).
- Collaborative experience working with colleagues across teams/phases.
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
- Experience in an international school and/or British curriculum context.
- Background in delivering outdoor learning programs across various age groups.
- Horticultural qualifications or training (formal or accredited).
- Experience leading eco initiatives, school garden projects, or sustainability accreditation efforts.
- Knowledge of the UAE’s environmental context, climate, and suitable planting/growing practices.
- Experience running clubs, enrichment programs, or student leadership initiatives.
Skills and Attributes
- Passion for sustainability, environmental stewardship, and hands-on learning.
- Ability to motivate and engage children and young people across a broad age range (EYFS–KS5).
- Strong organizational and project management capabilities.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with staff, students, and parents.
- Creative, proactive, and solution-oriented approach.
- Strong classroom and behavior management skills.
- Commitment to inclusion and adapting learning for diverse learners.
Working Hours and Flexibility
- The role adheres to the school’s standard full-time teaching schedule and academic calendar.
- May require support for after-school clubs, sustainability initiatives, school events, and community engagement activities.
- Flexibility may be necessary during significant school events or whole-school initiatives.
Benefits include:
- A tax-free salary
- A four-and-a-half-day work week, in line with new UAE regulations, with a full-time salary
- High-quality furnished accommodation
- Generous medical insurance
- Annual return flights to your home country
- Coverage of visa costs and end-of-service gratuity
- Year-round sunshine
Benefits of living in Al Ain & the UAE:
Living in Al Ain City provides teachers with affordable living in an exceptionally friendly and cosmopolitan setting. Staff enjoy an excellent work-life balance and vibrant community.
This is a distinctive and thrilling opportunity to influence environmental education at a flourishing British curriculum school, embedding principles of sustainability, outdoor learning, and student leadership into the core of our educational environment.
About Cognita:
Cognita stands as a global frontrunner in independent education. Established in 2004, our expanding network encompasses over 100 schools across 16 countries—including regions in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East—serving a diverse community of more than 85,000 students. Although each of our institutions has its unique character, our shared mission is to foster an environment where everyone can "Thrive in a rapidly evolving world."
At Cognita, we recognize the individuality of every student. We cultivate their unique personalities and strengths, supporting them academically, socially, and emotionally, no matter where they are in the world or their starting point. We cherish what makes them special while providing them with valuable knowledge, opportunities, and best practices. They become part of something greater, receiving an education that is truly world-class.
About AAESS:
Al Ain English Speaking School is one of the longest-established schools in Al Ain, known for its reputation that extends well beyond the city limits. Located in the ‘Garden City,’ celebrated for its oasis-like environment, AAESS caters to over 2,200 students aged 3 to 19 and continues to expand. Our spacious and inviting campus boasts excellent facilities, including a fantastic indoor swimming pool, floodlit tennis courts, a 566-seat auditorium, a food preparation and nutrition kitchen, an automotive garage, a TV and radio production studio, and two Apple Mac suites. We follow the British Curriculum, offering iGCSE, AS, and A Levels, with our Sixth Form students gaining admission to prestigious universities around the globe.
AAESS is proud to be the first school in Al Ain awarded the British Schools Overseas Award, endorsed by the British Government and quality assured by Ofsted. In addition, we hold the esteemed Silver Carnegie Mental Health Award, reflecting our commitment to academic excellence and the mental well-being of our students and staff.
Al Ain English Speaking School fosters a caring, multicultural community that empowers all individuals to achieve their potential within a dynamic and innovative learning atmosphere. We prioritize inquiry, perseverance, and reflection, treating each other with respect and integrity while learning together to become responsible and enterprising global citizens.
Purpose of the Role
The Whole School Horticultural & Sustainability Teacher will be responsible for leading, developing, and implementing an inspiring, practical, and educationally rigorous horticulture and sustainability program throughout AAESS (from EYFS to Sixth Form). The successful candidate will help integrate environmental literacy, sustainable practices, outdoor learning, and student leadership into the life of our school.
This unique role supports AAESS’s vision for preparing future-ready learners by enhancing students' knowledge, skills, and values regarding sustainability, food growing, biodiversity, responsible resource management, and environmental stewardship. The position encompasses teaching, curriculum enrichment, project leadership, and community engagement.
Key Responsibilities
1) Teaching and Learning (Whole School)
- Plan and execute high-quality horticulture and sustainability learning experiences for students across EYFS, Primary, Secondary, and, where fitting, Sixth Form.
- Create age-appropriate programs that foster progression in knowledge, practical skills, and understanding of environmental sustainability.
- Conduct lessons and practical sessions that are engaging, safe, inclusive, and tied to real-world sustainability issues.
- Employ a variety of teaching methods to inspire students, including inquiry-based learning, project-based learning, outdoor learning, and student-led initiatives.
- Modify teaching approaches to accommodate all learners, including those with SEND, EAL, and varying levels of prior experience.
- Uphold high standards for behavior, participation, and the care of tools, spaces, and resources.
2) Curriculum Development and Integration
- Develop a comprehensive horticulture and sustainability framework aligned with the school’s curriculum aims and values.
- Collaborate with Heads of Department and curriculum leaders to weave sustainability themes into subjects such as Science, Geography, DT, Art, PSHE, Business, and Sixth Form enrichment.
- Contribute to interdisciplinary projects related to:
- biodiversity and ecosystems
- food systems and healthy living
- climate awareness and environmental responsibility
- water conservation and efficient resource use
- recycling, composting, and waste reduction
- sustainable innovation and student enterprise
- Support students' progression from Early Years exploratory outdoor learning to advanced student-led sustainability initiatives in Secondary and Sixth Form.
- Develop schemes of work, lesson plans, risk-assessed practical activities, and appropriate assessment methods.
3) School Garden / Horticulture Provision
- Oversee the design, organization, and development of AAESS’s horticultural areas (e.g., garden beds, planting zones, shaded growing areas, containers, sensory spaces, compost zones, greenhouse/polytunnel if applicable).
- Create and maintain seasonal planting plans that align with the UAE climate and school calendar.
- Teach students practical horticultural skills, including:
- soil preparation and composting
- planting and propagation
- watering and irrigation awareness
- plant care and maintenance
- harvesting and safe food handling (as relevant)
- Ensure horticultural resources, tools, and storage are systematically organized, maintained, and safe.
- Collaborate with the Facilities Team to support irrigation, shade, maintenance, and sustainability of school growing areas.
4) Sustainability Leadership and School Improvement
- Assist in developing and implementing AAESS’s sustainability strategy and action plans in accordance with school priorities.
- Advocate for sustainable practices throughout the school, including initiatives to raise awareness among students and staff.
- Help coordinate and track practical sustainability initiatives such as:
- recycling campaigns
- reducing single-use plastics
- energy and water conservation awareness
- campus greening and biodiversity projects
- Utilize data and evidence (when applicable) to assess impact (e.g., student participation, project outcomes, environmental enhancements, pupil voice).
- Contribute to the school’s self-evaluation and improvement planning regarding sustainability education and enrichment.
5) Enrichment, Student Leadership, and Community Engagement
- Lead or assist in eco clubs, gardening clubs, sustainability committees, and opportunities for student leadership.
- Create avenues for students to take ownership of projects through roles such as eco ambassadors, garden leaders, or sustainability champions.
- Organize whole-school events and campaigns (e.g., sustainability week, planting days, Earth Day activities, community gardening events).
- Forge positive connections with parents and local community partners to enrich learning experiences.
- When suitable, establish partnerships with local organizations, environmental groups, farms, nurseries, or sustainability initiatives in the UAE.
- Showcase and celebrate student work and impact through assemblies, displays, newsletters, and school communications.
6) Assessment, Monitoring, and Reporting
- Evaluate student learning and engagement appropriately for the nature of the program, utilizing a variety of formative and practical assessment methods.
- Monitor progress in skills, knowledge, and engagement (as applicable to the timetable model).
- Provide feedback to students that encourages improvement and reflection.
- Contribute to reports, curriculum reviews, and presentations for SLT/governors as required.
- Collect student voice and stakeholder feedback to enhance provision.
7) Health, Safety, and Safeguarding
- Ensure all teaching and practical activities are carried out in accordance with school safeguarding, health and safety, and risk assessment procedures.
- Conduct and maintain appropriate risk assessments for gardening tools, outdoor learning, manual handling, environmental exposure, and any practical activities.
- Encourage safe and responsible use of equipment and materials.
- Maintain strong supervision and clear routines during outdoor and practical sessions.
- Demonstrate a full commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
8) Professional Responsibilities
- Contribute positively to the broader life of the school and uphold AAESS values and professional standards.
- Attend relevant meetings, training, continuing professional development (CPD), and school events as necessary.
- Collaborate effectively with colleagues across all phases.
- Engage in professional learning related to sustainability education, horticulture, and outdoor learning.
Person Specification
Essential Qualifications and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Education, Environmental Science, Sustainability, Horticulture, Geography, Biology, Agriculture, or a related field.
- Recognized teaching qualification (e.g., PGCE, B.Ed., or equivalent).
- Experience teaching children and/or young people in a school environment.
- Proven track record of planning and delivering practical, engaging learning experiences.
- Strong grasp of sustainability concepts and environmental education.
- Practical experience in horticulture/gardening (in school, community, or professional settings).
- Collaborative experience working with colleagues across teams/phases.
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
- Experience in an international school and/or British curriculum context.
- Background in delivering outdoor learning programs across various age groups.
- Horticultural qualifications or training (formal or accredited).
- Experience leading eco initiatives, school garden projects, or sustainability accreditation efforts.
- Knowledge of the UAE’s environmental context, climate, and suitable planting/growing practices.
- Experience running clubs, enrichment programs, or student leadership initiatives.
Skills and Attributes
- Passion for sustainability, environmental stewardship, and hands-on learning.
- Ability to motivate and engage children and young people across a broad age range (EYFS–KS5).
- Strong organizational and project management capabilities.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with staff, students, and parents.
- Creative, proactive, and solution-oriented approach.
- Strong classroom and behavior management skills.
- Commitment to inclusion and adapting learning for diverse learners.
Working Hours and Flexibility
- The role adheres to the school’s standard full-time teaching schedule and academic calendar.
- May require support for after-school clubs, sustainability initiatives, school events, and community engagement activities.
- Flexibility may be necessary during significant school events or whole-school initiatives.
Benefits include:
- A tax-free salary
- A four-and-a-half-day work week, in line with new UAE regulations, with a full-time salary
- High-quality furnished accommodation
- Generous medical insurance
- Annual return flights to your home country
- Coverage of visa costs and end-of-service gratuity
- Year-round sunshine
Benefits of living in Al Ain & the UAE:
Living in Al Ain City provides teachers with affordable living in an exceptionally friendly and cosmopolitan setting. Staff enjoy an excellent work-life balance and vibrant community.