Deputy Headteacher Secondary (Head of Academics) at Safa Community School

POST: Deputy Headteacher Secondary (Head of Academics) at Safa Community School, Dubai

In 2019 the school was awarded the title of ‘Best New School in the UAE’ and 2021 shortlisted as a finalist for ‘Most loved’, ‘Happiest’ and won the award for ‘Best Value Added’ for schools in 2021-2022 across the UAE. The school has one of the best staff retention rates in Dubai and was voted one of the 15 Best Schools in the UAE by the Schoolscompared.com survey. 

Safa Community School is an all-through UK curriculum school, from FS1 to Year 13, with 2,200 on roll. (@safa_scs and Safa Community School Youtube ). We pride ourselves on our high standards across all aspects of school life. This includes high academic progress and a wide variety of extra-curricular success. 

Safa Community School (SCS) is seeking a dynamic and outstanding leader to shape and develop life at Safa and to contribute significantly to our vibrant community. The successful candidate will be ready to play a pivotal role at this exciting time in our continuing growth and development.

Safa Community School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Selection process to be held as applications are received.

The key areas of responsibility that attach to the position are set out below. The list is not exhaustive and the post holder may be expected to assume additional responsibilities as reasonably requested by the Head of Secondary. 

‘The Deputy Head Academic will coordinate all academic affairs, help develop and promote curriculum innovation, and establish an authentic and rigorous culture of academic endeavour and excellence.’

In summary, the professional responsibilities of the post are: 

Aims of the Post:

Developing and improving the quality of education offered to the pupils in the school through the promotion of the highest possible standards of education, equality of opportunity, and an environment that is conducive to excellence.

Ensuring the attainment and progress of ALL students is commensurate with the most aspirational of performance targets.

Ensuring SCS delivers a highly innovative and effective curriculum aligned with UAE objectives, UK curriculum and Exam board requirements.

Have overall responsibility for of all aspects of student academic progress and attainment. 

Job Purpose 

• To provide strong leadership that results in authentic, rigorous and disciplined first-class teaching and learning opportunities for students and staff. 
• To raise academic standards and to hold each staff member and department accountable. 
• To instigate and develop an innovative approach to teaching and learning that will stimulate all students to achieve their full potential. 
• To manage a sizeable academic staff contingent and to motivate innovation and excellence in all areas of academic endeavour. 
• To lead with other SLT members and to establish an authentic and rigorous academic culture. 
• Research and implement current best practices internationally 
• Provide or coordinate opportunities for academic enhancement and support 
• Manage, mentor, and optimise the academic team

Curriculum Development 

Ensure that innovative and appropriate approaches to learning are made available to students. Evaluate national and international initiatives to promote learning and incorporate appropriate elements into SCS strategy for teaching and learning. Ensure that the statutory requirements of the national curriculum are met. Monitor and evaluate progress towards meeting student achievement target

1. Undertake curriculum and subject reviews.
2. Mentor new HODs to ensure clarity of role and expectations.
3. Support the delivery of a stimulating, innovative and responsive curriculum that will further develop the creativity, analytical thinking and academic achievement of pupils;  
4. Undertake needs analysis to ensure the curriculum is fit for purpose, and new subjects are being offered to ensure role growth.

General Responsibilities

1. To monitor standards of teaching and learning within departments to ensure the highest quality of provision and learning for all pupils;  
2. To cultivate and develop departmental self-review to ensure good progress in standards of teaching and learning;  
3. To keep up-to-date with educational reform and policy by ensuring awareness of education initiatives and their usefulness;  
4. To inform and liaise with the Head and, where necessary, present information regarding new developments to staff and Heads of Departments;  
5. To oversee the formulation of departmental action plans (reviews and updates);  

Communication

1. Prepare agendas for and chair meetings.
2. To support effective communication by forwarding minutes and conclusions of meetings and any other documentation or memos to the relevant staff.
3. Prepare analytical reports to ensure the HOS and other stakeholders are fully informed and updated on all aspects above. 
4. Keep parents and staff updated and informed. 

Professional Development 

1. To provide or organise INSET training for the department staff (teaching and non-teaching) as appropriate. 
2. To have day-to-day responsibility for the monitoring, supporting and assessing staff. 
3. To identify development opportunities for staff within the department and through external agencies or courses. 
4. To delegate tasks in a way that maximises the use of available talent, experience and enthusiasm and provides development opportunities for all staff. 
5. To use the Performance Management cycle to enhance colleagues' professional development aspirations. 

Application Deadline: 

Tuesday, 31st January 2023 at 10h00 UAE time.

Important Note: 

Safa Community School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all of its students. Applicants will be required to submit a current police criminal clearance check or equivalent from their home country or current country of residence prior to appointment.