Head of Junior School

Organizational Relationships: (reports to whom and supervises whom. Job titles)
Reports to: Principal. (This is a senior leadership post, which carries with it membership of the Senior Management Team of the whole school)

Correspond to: Staff, Students, Parents

Supervises: All Junior School Staff as per the Organization Chart

Teaching Load
N/A
 

Overall Functions

• To take responsibility for ensuring all academic and pastoral duties are carried out in compliance with Ta’allum policies.
• To line manage all staff within Junior School including Arabic coordinators and staff and the school counsellor.
• To take overall responsibility for the ongoing organization, development and implementation of teaching and learning in the Junior School.
• To provide and lead the strategic direction for the Junior School in line with the whole school vision & mission and development plan and as directed by the Principal.
• To ensure that the standards of teaching, learning and attainment in all areas of school life within the Junior School reflect the school’s mission of providing the best of British education along with Qatar National Curriculum.
• The Head of Junior School promotes an inspiring vision and clear direction that is shared by all members of the Junior School and the Senior Management Team. Ultimately, the Head of Junior School is responsible for ensuring that the curriculum, teaching and assessment practices inspire high levels of engagement, achievement and progress for students of all abilities.
   

Main Duties and Responsibilities
Inspirational and Strategic Leadership

• Promote an inspiring vision dedicated to high standards that is shared by all members of the Junior School
• Initiate, prioritize and lead Junior School improvement activities through effective strategic leadership and planning which supports the vision, mission and values of Ta’allum Group
• Communicate a clear view of the Junior School’s aims so that all staff know what is required of them and are competent and committed to achieving the school’s goals
• Distribute leadership effectively to achieve high standards of learning and personal development by creating an ethos of collective responsibility and mutual support
• Inspire and empower middle leaders, teachers and support staff by clearly defining all roles and aligning these roles with school priorities
• Be receptive and respond to external evaluation of the school and manage the process professionally and efficiently with the SMT
• Work effectively with school governance teams (from Head Office) and other Heads of Schools to ensure informed and responsive decision making, which help to direct change and effective management of school resources
• Ensure that the levels of students’ attainment and the quality of teaching successfully align with the Junior Schools’ promise to parents
• Clearly and comfortably delegates work, trusting and empowering others to perform
• Provides regular feedback and motivation to others to successfully achieve their targets
• Encourage others to contribute, creating a spirit of teamwork and opportunities of cooperation and collaboration between departments
• Contribute time and expertise to the professional development of Ta’allum Group teachers and leaders
• Create, implement and keep under review school’s mission and as detailed in the school development plan; a Junior School Improvement Plan, that contributes to the Whole School Development Plan, to ensure that appropriate priorities and targets for the improvement of pupils’ learning, are identified and the necessary resources are clearly allocated;
• Ensure all Junior School Teaching Staff are committed to the school’s aims, and are motivated and involved in the achievement of the priorities and targets which the school sets for itself, and are provided with the necessary support and guidance in order to implement the relevant action plans successfully.
   

Curriculum, Teaching and Learning

• Oversee all Junior school staff responsibilities and compliance in relation to planning lessons, teaching and assessing students
• Ensure all planning, and quality assurance thereof of semester plans, and lesson plans - including ensuring appropriate Learning Objectives, differentiated success criteria and differentiated activities
• Support ongoing curriculum review and planning processes
• Ensure that the curriculum is regularly reviewed, evaluated and applied.
• Ensure the publishing in designated cross-school TEAMS samples of lesson plans; moderated work and any other material requested by Head Office
• Ensure that the agreed Programme of Study is published on SIMS and completed correctly by Junior school staff
• Ensure that the assessment requirements of the curriculum are appropriately carried out.
• Oversee curriculum and tracking consistency within the Junior school
• Adhere to subject moderation policies and practices
• Oversee assessment tasks, including consistency of common assessments & confirmation of agreed cross academy Learning Objectives
• Liaise as appropriate with the designated Chair of Assessment for Examinations
• Co-ordinate reporting tasks, including comment banks and descriptor writing and development
• Ensure compliance with examination guidance & oversee Exam Papers within the Junior school
• Carry out student achievement data analysis
• Ensure that information on pupil progress is used to improve teaching and learning, to inform and motivate pupils, to inform parents
• Ensure that the individual pupil’s continuity of learning and effective progression of achievement are provided for in this all-through school by liaison with fellow school leaders, teachers and support staff.
• Promote and maintain an environment within the Junior School that secures high standards of planning, organization, teaching, learning, behaviour and achievement
• Implement a modified version of the UK National Curriculum (as per Ta’allum policies) in a way that is relevant to the needs of the pupils and enables all pupils to achieve
   

Assessment and Reporting

• Ensure that authentic assessment procedures are followed in the Junior school
• Support the Junior school assessment coordinator & Junior School Improvement Consultants, in initiatives to review and improve assessment procedures and documentation in the Junior school
• Organise parent/teacher/student conferences on a regular basis
• Ensure that the reporting procedures at the school are aligned with the school’s values and expectations
• Plan for and support teachers in maintaining and enhancing the reporting structure
• Ensure the quality of every written report for Junior school students.
   

Professional Development

• Lead, supervise and support the professional staff, assistants and admin staff in the unior school.
• Coordinating, in conjunction with the Principal, the organization of a programme of in-service training and support for teachers, which reflects the school’s mission, philosophy and aims
• Encouraging teachers to undertake professional development, for both personal and institutional goals
• Reviewing teachers' lesson planning and classroom performance through classroom observations and personal interviews
• Evaluating each teacher’s performance through a regular written evaluation (as per Performance Management Policy) which is submitted to the teacher and the Principal.
   

Pastoral Care and Discipline
The head is responsible for upholding the discipline, behaviour and uniform standards of the school by:

• Model, and seeking to ensure that school community adheres to, the traits of the learner profile
• Organize and lead meetings to evaluate the effectiveness and consistent implementation of school policies
• Establish and maintain a clear process of pastoral care for the purpose of preventing student problems from developing and dealing with those problems which may arise
• Establish, maintain and follow a clear process of dealing with offenders and sharing information with all relevant parties
• Inform the Principal of any serious student incidents or parent concerns and work collaboratively with the SMT to resolve issues in a timely and respectful manner
• Organize an effective network of form teachers/mentors.
• Liaise with form teachers regarding individual students’ needs and produce procedures to meet those needs
   

Behaviour

• Oversee all junior school staff responsibilities and compliance in regard to the behaviour and safety of students within junior school.
• Establish a purposeful and stimulating Junior school environment, rooted in mutual respect and establish a framework for discipline with a range of strategies, using praise, sanctions and rewards consistently and fairly
• Maintain good relationships with students, faculty and parents and exercising appropriate authority
• Have high expectations of behaviour, promoting self-control and independence of all learners
• Carry out data analysis on student attendance and behaviour and use information to inform next steps and action plans.
   

Administration

• Liaise with Registrar and other relevant staff on school queries and admissions.
• Oversee implementation of the annual budget, Manpower/Org Chart and orders of the Junior School, in consultation with Principal and concerned Heads.
• Monitor staff and student attendance
• Monitor and promote outstanding attendance and punctuality across the Junior School
• Assume a leadership role in the absence of other school administrators.
• Organize and communicate the class lists, timetable and room allocation in collaboration with other administrators
• Allocate teachers to classes and to positions of responsibility
• Interview candidates for teaching positions
• Work collaboratively with the Facilities Manager to address any health and safety issues and ongoing maintenance requests.
• Coordinate regular Junior school meetings to continually develop teaching and learning.
• Liaise on a regular basis with the various school administration departments supporting staff and student well being
   

Parent, Student and Community Relationships

• Build and maintain relationships with Junior School parents and the community by establishing regular and appropriate communications with all members of the school community, both internally and externally
• Engage Junior School parents as active partners in their children’s learning in a variety of ways
• Encourage positive and regular participation of Junior School parents at school events
• Consult the parent community about the work of the Junior School on a regular basis and ensure that parents views are received respectfully and help guide the school’s development
• Ensure that the Junior School uses a wide range of effective methods, including technology, to communicate with parents taking into account the home language of parents by promoting two-way communication
• Ensure that parents receive regular reports of their children’s progress and attainment that include next steps for learning
• Develop strong community partnerships that effectively support all students’ development and improve students’ learning experiences
• Focus on identifying and meeting community (staff, parents, students) needs by taking their interests and complaints seriously
• Ensure a proactive approach in delivering operational excellence focused on extra-ordinary service across all aspects of school life
• Connect school events to local community events so that students and parents have the opportunity to participate in the broader local events such
   

Provision and efficient use of educational resources
The Head of Junior School will:

• in cooperation with the Principal, allocate budgets to academic departments and oversee the purchasing and inventory process
• ensure that all departments are adequately resourced to provide high quality curriculum delivery
   

Safeguarding

• To ensure that safeguarding is seen to be of paramount importance in the school.
• To ensure the commitment of the Junior school body to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people
• Undertake the role of Designated Safeguarding Officer and to carry out the associated responsibilities.
   

Health and Safety

• Be responsible for all health and safety matters in the Junior School both on and off campus including overseeing school trips according to school policies and ensure that the Junior School is a healthy and safe place
• To ensure the maintenance of high standard of care in the school environment, including the grounds, buildings, furniture, equipment and learning materials.
• To ensure that health and safety, the wellbeing of staff and children and safeguarding, emergency and contingency planning are carried out to the highest standards.
   

Qualifications:
Educational Qualification:
Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership or similar preferred but not essential, from a recognized University (UK preferred)

Number of years of Experience:
Minimum of Five years in Leadership, with Three years as Head/Deputy Head of Junior School at an International School(s).

Certification:
Teaching License from one of the following Countries: (UK, US, CA, AU, NZ, ZA and Scandinavian countries).

Specialized trainings desired (if any)
NPQH and/or similar Certification.

Area of experience required:
 

• Experience teaching the National Curriculum for England in the UK or an international setting
• A thorough knowledge and experience of working with British Curriculum as well as familiarity with all other key aspects of UK education
• Respect for Islamic religion, Arabic and Qatari traditions, all members of school community, irrespective of position, gender, age and ethnic background
   

Competency requirements:

• Strong leadership skills, supervisory experience, and willingness to accept responsibility as a leader and supervisor of a full instructional staff.
• Must possess excellent organizational skills as well as an ability to work cooperatively with others
• Must possess a genuine interest in the academic, social, and emotional growth of adolescents, exhibit maturity and a positive attitude, and be willing to serve as a role model for students.

Key competencies include: -

• Able to continue to help us to raise the standards of teaching and learning, leading and promoting outstanding teaching on a day-to-day basis
• Work effectively with other school leaders, helping to promote and embed the school’s mission and vision statements
• Can balance their operational and strategic responsibilities on a day-to-day basis, ensuring successful outcomes always
• A great communicator and able to forge excellent relationships with all stakeholders, parents, staff and pupils
• A thorough and up to date knowledge of educational policies and practices, particularly at Junior school Level
• A proven record of academic achievement and success as a teacher and Head of Junior School.
• A strong belief in the values of an international education, with international experience
• The capacity to inspire, identify, recruit and retain outstanding staff
• A capacity to plan for and lead the Junior School to the highest levels of success in school inspections (Ministry of Education accreditation and WASC etc.)
  
   
• Demonstrate strong team leadership and excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to enhance the collaboration and partnership between staff, students, parents and the wider community to ensure support and alignment of all stakeholders towards shared school goals
   
• Be community-oriented and motivated to involve the full range of the school community - staff, students and parents in the management and development of the Junior School
• Sensitivity towards, and familiarity with, a diverse range of student learning needs
• Cross-cultural openness and understanding
• Demonstrated success modeling and inspiring a love of learning
   

Children Safeguarding and Welfare
Ta’allum Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and has zero tolerance to any divergence from Children Safeguarding and Welfare. All applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers, prohibition from teaching and the Disclosure & Barring Service.
All Successful applicants will be required to provide criminal records check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) before employment is confirmed. Candidates from outside the authority of the DBS will be required to provide an approved Certificate from the similar authority in the Country in which he/she is currently residing.
With Ta’allum Group’s commitment to Child Protection, Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, all staff and volunteers are required to share this commitment.
The following duties are expected of all staff:

• comply with child protection & safeguarding, discipline and health and safety policies and procedures
• promote and safeguard the welfare of children and young persons for whom you are responsible for and come into contact with
• ensure full compliance with all Ta’allum Group Policies, statutory regulations, communicating concerns to the line manager and other staff of Group as appropriate

Confidentiality
The nature of your responsibility means that during the course of your employment you will see or have access to information of a confidential nature relating to the work of the school or the health or personal affairs of students, parents and staff. Under no circumstances should such information be divulged or passed on to any unauthorized person or organization.
The post holder hereby undertakes and agrees to the Confidentiality Agreement/Policy of Ta’allum Group as stipulated in the HR Staff Handbook.

Additional Information
Education is an ever-changing service and all staff are expected to participate constructively in schools activities and to adopt a flexible approach to their work. The duties and responsibilities listed above are provisional. Further details may be supplied when the person is appointed. The post holder is expected to accept any reasonable alterations that may from time to time be necessary.
It is understood that areas of responsibility of the job description are not necessarily a comprehensive definition of the post or an exhaustive list of all duties performed. The main duties and responsibilities are indicated above. Other duties of an appropriate level and nature may also be required, as directed by the Line Manager.
This job description might be reviewed from time to time and where possible and will be varied in the light of the business needs of Ta’allum Group. The job description sets out the main duties of the post at the date when it was drawn up. Such duties may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the post or the level of responsibility entailed. Such variations are a common occurrence and cannot of themselves justify a reconsideration of the grading of the post.
The job description allocates duties and responsibilities but does not direct the amount of time to be spent on carrying them out and no part of it may be so construed. This job description shall be discussed with the relevant employee and he/she should be made aware of his authorities, responsibilities and roles in support of company’s objectives and the competency requirements. An uncontrolled copy of relevant job descriptions can be distributed to employee and modifications made should be communicated to him. This Job Description is made in 2 Copies. 1 copy should be kept in employee file in HR Dept. and 1 copy to be handed over to the employee.