Director of Academics - Primary & EAL

Department: Wellington College China Central Office

Supervisor: CEO with dotted line to Masters or Executive Director of IOL as required

Objectives:

The key aims of the Director of Academics - Primary & EAL are to:

1. Inspire leaders, teachers and TAs to deliver the highest possible education for the pupils

2. Drive excellence in Primary & EAL teams across the WCC group of schools

3. Support the school leaders in defining the strategic development for Primary & EAL within their school, as required

4. Support the school leaders in preparation for board sub comms and SABs

5. Work with school staff, as agreed between the CEO and Masters, to deliver high standards for Primary & EAL across the WCC group

6. Provide high quality 1:1 support, group training and CPD 

7. Support networks across the WCC group

8. Help develop the leadership pipeline by nurturing future academic leaders

9. Ensure identified staff have access to the most appropriate and highest quality training and development courses

10. Lead on cross group curriculum, assessment and pedagogical development for Primary & EAL 

11. Support the growth and development of WCC by providing expertise and strategic input in Primary & EAL for new schools and to Business Development opportunities as required by the CEO

12. Extend WCC’s influence by speaking at conferences, networking and writing materials as agreed between the CEO and the Executive Director of IoL

13. Provide consultancy, training and development courses to the wider community through the Institute of Learning, as agreed between the CEO and Executive Director of IoL 

14. Keep up to date with developments in education in China, the UK and globally

The Director of Academics - Primary & EAL will be proactive, resilient and professional. S/he will imbue the Wellington College values and communicate articulately and effectively within the Wellington community and externally.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Staff Support

• Work with the CEO, Masters and Primary / EAL Leads to ensure the needs of individual schools and WCC as a whole are met. This will include assessing needs and supporting the development of strategic plans

• Assist with QA measures – as agreed with the Masters

• Identify and lead high quality professional learning and training that builds capacity and expertise in Primary & EAL and strengthens provision

• QA courses led by external parties  

• Network with leaders within WCC and beyond to strive for best practice and keep up to date with developments in education

• Establish a WCC professional learning network for Primary & EAL which facilitates the sharing of best practices across schools

• Nurture current and future Primary & EAL leaders through effective mentoring / coaching 

• Support the Snr Director of HR with the Talent Development programme as required for example by networking with high potential individuals and promoting WCC as an employer

• Establish opportunities for Primary & EAL specific qualifications 

• Evaluate Primary & EAL outcomes and standards across the group

• Support schools to prepare for the ASC and SAB as required

• SSE and AR preparation 

• Support training and induction of new Primary & EAL Senior Leaders

• Provide interim cover for Primary & EAL Senior Leaders as required

2. Curriculum, Assessment and Pedagogy

• Ensure the Primary & EAL curriculum and assessment framework reflects the highest standards set for the group 

• Lead on cross group pedagogical excellence and development in Primary & EAL 

• Lead curriculum and assessment evaluation and review

• Ensure Primary & EAL cross group assessment is accurate & reported consistently

• Keep abreast of latest developments in China, the UK and globally

• Ensure SLT are aware of latest trends and agree WCC’s response

• Support the development of optimum learning environment

• Draw on R&D from the IoL to inform curriculum, assessment and pedagogical development, practice and policy

3. Extend the Influence of WCC

* As agreed between the CEO and the Exec Director of IoL

• Lead on developing a range of Primary & EAL publications and related training and development programmes for Leaders, Teachers, Teaching Assistants ad parents 

• Directly deliver training to Leaders, Teachers, Teaching Assistants and parents, including beyond the Wellington community

• Contribute to IoL led research projects 

• Network with professionals externally

And, 

• Project Management and New Schools, as required by the CEO

• Lead on specific operational and strategic work in their area of expertise as required during project management and start-up phase of a new school, ahead of the appointment of the Senior Leadership Team

• Support transition, handover and induction of Snr Leaders

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Bachelor's degree or above

Major: Relevant teaching qualification

Language: Business level communication in English - written and verbal

Working Experience: 10 years and above of relevant experience in schools, experience in a Group-wide / multiple-school or Consultancy role may be beneficial

Management Experience: 5 years of school leadership

Expertise:

Extensive knowledge of 

• Relevant curriculum and pedagogy (Primary / EAL)

• International education and/or activities an advantage

• Working in Asia, preferred but not essential

• Academic courses and training 

PREFERRED APTITUDES:

• Commitment to high quality learning and educational provision

• Personal Integrity, accountability and credibility- Wellington Values driven

• Strong influencing skills, a diplomatic, collaborative leadership style; able to inspire results through others

• Ability to present analysis, proposals and strategies to the governors and leadership teams

• Strong track record of solving complex problems, strategic thinking and delivering significant impact as a leader.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 

• Proven ability to work with metrics, numbers and trends, and develop recommendations for action based on the analysis.

• Strong mindset for continuous improvement to meet or exceed expectations

• Resilience