Head of Secondary
The British School Caracas
Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of
- Quick apply
- Expired
- Job type:
- Full Time, Fixed Term
- Start date:
- August 2023
- Apply by:
- 4 March 2023
Job overview
The British School Caracas was founded in 1950 and is the leading international school in Venezuela. We have experienced exponential growth over the past three years which has brought with it interesting and challenging educational opportunities. To contribute to meeting these challenges and to play a key role in the development of our school, we are looking for an energetic Head of Secondary to join our Senior Leadership Team. With 200 students in the Primary Section and 140 students in the Secondary Section, we expect the increase in numbers to continue. Our curriculum follows the English National Curriculum in years 7-9, IGCSE in years 10-11 and the IB Diploma Programme in years 12-13.
Working within the remit of a 5-Year Strategic Plan that has at its core the aims of professionalising the school and raising the standards of teaching and learning, the ideal candidate will have experience of curriculum development in a leadership role and have a proven track record of inspiring and motivating staff and students, as well as, where necessary, challenging, developing and holding to account. Excellent communication skills will be central to the successful candidate fully assuming the role as a serious educator who can establish trust with all stakeholders while, at the same time, exhibiting an attention to detail that will facilitate a rigorous pursuit of stated objectives, initiatives and the day-to-day issues that invariably arise in a dynamic environment such as TBSC.
The ability to establish strategic developmental priorities for the secondary school at TBSC will be a crucial part of the task. We expect the successful candidate to be a visible leader at the centre of what are exciting times here at TBSC.
The school is situated in a beautiful part of Caracas against the backdrop of the Avila mountain range which affords panoramic views of the city. Caracas is now becoming, once again, a vibrant city that is friendly, safe and a gateway to a fascinating country. We have a very strong sense of community as a school and this has inspired tremendous loyalty in students, parents and staff alike.
You are invited to contact us to find out more about who we are as a school, where we want to go and whether this is a role that will be rewarding for you.
Should you find that the above resonates with you and that you wish to find out more and possibly apply, please contact the Head of School, George Palmer at head@tbscaracas.com for an initial informal chat and to receive a copy of the job description. We offer a highly competitive ‘package’ that includes a foreign currency salary, housing according to family circumstances, flights, medical insurance and excellent CPD opportunities.
The deadline by which to apply is 3rd March 2023.
Experience:
- Minimum 6 years of teaching.
- Minimum 2 years as a middle manager or senior leader (Head of Section, Head of Department, IB Coordinator or equivalent).
- English National Curriculum teaching experience.
- IGCSE teaching experience.
- IB DP teaching experience (desirable).
- Experience of curriculum development.
- Experience of mixed-ability classrooms, students with English as an Additional Language needs and students with Special Educational Needs.
RECRUITMENT CRITERIA
The British School Caracas is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practice and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and provide relevant police checks as required.
About The British School Caracas
- The British School Caracas
- Transversal 9 Este, Avenida Luis Roche, Quinta DAMI, Urbanización Altamira
- Caracas, DC
- Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of
HISTORY: A brief summary of some major events at TBSC:
1950 The British School Caracas was opened at the Old Hacienda Farmhouse in Las Mercedes (now the Vera Cruz Supermarket) on 15th of September with 37 pupils and four teachers. Eileen Hinks (later Eileen Mendt) was appointed Headmistress.
1954 TBSC was relocated and its main buildings with seven classrooms for 240 pupils (The Mendt, Pre-School and Amphitheatre Buildings today) inaugurated by the British and Canadian Ambassadors of the day.
1958 An apartment below the original offices at the main entrance was converted to make two classrooms for Pre-School. The Britannia House Shield was donated by B.O.A.C. (British Airways).
1962 A two story annexe with six classrooms was opened next to the Amphitheatre building to accommodate a Dutch section complete with Dutch teachers and a Dutch language programme. Today this building is still known as The Dutch Building.
1967 A severe earthquake shook Los Palos Grandes and Altamira but the school escaped with only minor damage.
1978 The British Community held a reception at the school to mark the visit of the Prince of Wales to Venezuela. This was a record year for enrolment (301 with a pupil teacher ratio of 30:1).
1981 Catherine Judge was appointed Headmistress.
1984 The Dutch section closed.
1987 Jane Askey was appointed as Headmistress.
1988 Was a record low for enrolment at the Altamira site (90 pupils).
1989 The first P.T.A. Spring Fayre was held.
1990 A covered area (‘The Hanger’) and playing surface was provided next to the Dutch building in lieu of an extended indoor hall. Alan Darby was appointed as Headmaster.
1991 Roger Anniss was appointed as Headmaster.
1994 Sheila Purdom was appointed as Headmistress.
1995 Science, ICT and two further classrooms were added to the the Amphitheatre Building. The first Year Book was published.
1997 New buildings containing eight classrooms, a Science Lab, Staff Room and changing rooms were opened next to the cancha (The Fletcher Building) increasing the capacity of the school.
1999 Quintas Dami and Alicia were purchased to house a Library/Media Centre, administration offices and Key Stage 3.
2000 The 50th Anniversary of the school. The 40th anniversary and retirement of long serving teacher and Deputy Head, Janet Fletcher. Mark Gifford was appointed as Head of School.
2002 Appointment of Richard Free as Head of School.
2003 The British School Caracas awarded accreditation by the Council of International Schools (CIS).
2004 The Board reached a decision to remain essentially a Primary School (3+ to 12+) for the foreseeable future.
2006 Appointment of Brian Allen as Head of School.
2007 CIS Five Year Review.
2009 Amphitheatre roof built, Year 8 opens after an absence of six years. Board announce the intention of expanding to pre-university levels.
2010 The 60th anniversary of the school. The primary programme adopts the International Primary Curriculum to complement the National Curriculum of England.
2011 Appointment of Neil McBurney as Head of School. For the first time in TBSC´s history, our first Key Stage 4 (Year 10) students undertake the Cambridge IGCSE after receiving authorisation to offer this prestigious curriculum in May 2011.
2012 The school completes the CIS Self Study as a part of the CIS Ten Year Review. The CIS school visit took place in November.
2013 TBSC is granted CIS Accreditation. Out first Year 11 students complete their IGCSE external examinations in June 2013. Our IB Diploma authorisation application is completed as we prepare to off the IB Diploma from September 2013. Appointment of John Plommer as Head of School.
2014 Appointment of Yasir Patel as the Head of School.
2015 Our first Year 13 (IB) students graduate. This includes Carlos Borges, who has studied at TBSC from Early Years. The school is successful in its International Schools Inspectorate (ISI) and is recognised as part of the British Schools Overseas. TBSC is fully accredited by the Council of British International Schools (COBIS)
2020 George Palmer appointed Head of School
2020 TBSC celebrates its seventieth anniversary
Vision
Preparing young minds to impact and improve the world.
Mission
To provide a world class British and international education that nurtures our students, embeds TBSC values, and maximises each individual's potential.
CHILD PROTECTION AND SAFEGUARDING
The British School Caracas is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practice and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and provide relevant police checks as required.
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