Head of Extra-Curricular Programmes

The British School of Amsterdam is a recognized leader in quality international education in The Netherlands, with over 1,100 pupils enrolled across three school sections: Early Years School (3-6 years), Junior School (6-11 years), and Senior School (11-18 years). Situated in Amsterdam and operating since 1978, we are a high-performance school with a personal approach, and we offer smaller class sizes, modern facilities, and a high-calibre teaching staff.

As we continue to experience rapid growth, we are seeking to appoint a motivated professional who is passionate about education for young people, and would enjoy the challenge of the newly-created position of Head of Extra-Curricular Programmes.

Purpose of the Role

The primary responsibility in this newly created role is to be responsible for organising and overseeing a wide-ranging programme of activities that are available and accessible for pupils across the whole school, to take place outside of the regular academic curriculum. A key focus will be on providing a diverse and engaging range of activities that continue to enrich the educational experience for all our pupils, while promoting the development of important life skills such as leadership, teamwork, and creativity.

This position supports the school's leadership team and involves working closely with key stakeholders, suppliers, parents, and pupils. The role will report initially to the Principal, with direct line management responsibility for one person.

Specific responsibilities

Primary responsibilities for the Head of Extra-Curricular Programmes include:

• Develop & implement a diverse range of extra-curricular activities that cater to the interests and abilities of all pupils, such as clubs, sports teams, cultural events, and community service projects
• Develop international programmes and connections in sport, music, art, and other areas of competition and interest
• Create and maintain a comprehensive and accessible calendar of events and activities throughout the school year, and communicate information to pupils, parents and staff
• Collaborate with school staff, external providers, suppliers, and volunteers, to facilitate the extra-curricular programme of activities, and ensure resources and equipment are available and maintained
• Lead, guide and support staff in planning trips and visits, including evaluation of protocols, risk assessments, health & safety checks, and logistics
• Ensure safeguarding procedures are in place, followed rigorously, and ensure activities are conducted in a safe, responsible manner
• Work closely with HR to ensure all relevant background checks and safeguarding training has been completed for all suppliers
• Manage the budget for extra-curricular activities, including securing funding and sponsorships where appropriate, and providing updates to the leadership team
• Develop and implement clear policies and procedures on eligibility requirements, participation guidelines, and behavioural expectations, ensuring that these are communicated effectively to all stakeholders
• Support and advise Senior School staff who lead the Key Stage 3 enrichment programme, and assist in providing additional opportunities for pupils to explore interests outside the classroom
• Foster a positive and inclusive culture that encourages all pupils to participate regardless of background or abilities, and ensure opportunities are accessible,
• Build strong partnerships with external organisations and community groups, including supporting pupils and parents in connecting with local clubs for specific sports
• Support the development of pupil leadership programmes within the extra-curricular programme
• Coordinate and oversee age appropriate community service projects that allow pupils to give back to the local community
• Curate and administer a varied schedule of guest speakers aimed at inspiring, motivating, and challenging pupils
• Line manage and support the Duke of Edinburgh Awards' coordinator in leading pupils in the completion of awards programmes
• Support Model United Nations (MUN) staff and performing arts staff where required, ensuring logistics and resources are planned and appropriate safeguarding procedures are in place
• Participate actively in the life of the school, attending staff meetings, contributing to school-wide initiatives, and engaging with parents and other stakeholders
• Support the designated safeguarding lead by ensuring safeguarding procedures are embedded throughout extra-curricular programmes
• Manage quality assurance across all extra-curricular activities including: i) establishing clear goals & objectives, ii) regular evaluation of extra-curricular programmes, iii) developing evaluation criteria, iv) implementing best practice across programme development & implementation, and v) use data collected to implement continuous improvements to the programme

Person Specification

Essential experience, skills and abilities

• Degree level qualification
• Excellent communication skills (verbal & written)
• Strong organisation and planning skills
• Ability to prioritise & work effectively within competing deadlines
• Ability to work effectively under pressure
• Strong attention to detail
• Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills
• Ability to establish and enhance positive relationships with all stakeholders
• A positive and professional role model
• Empathetic, caring, and responsive to the needs of young people
• An understanding of safeguarding requirements within a school setting

Desirable experience, skills and abilities

• Qualified teacher status
• Experience leading extra-curricular activities in a British school
• Proficiency in the use of ICT, ideally including programmes used in schools

Contract and benefits

This is a full-time position. Benefits include:

• 8% holiday allowance paid annually
• A pension plan where the entire contribution is paid by the school
• 30 days' annual leave

 Application Process

Your application should include a CV/Resume and a brief cover letter addressed to the Principal, Mrs Ruth Sanderson, with the contact details of two referees. The closing date is Monday, 24 April 2023, at 5pm.

Safeguarding

Our School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. A job offer with The British School of Amsterdam will be subject to receipt of satisfactory references, proof of relevant qualifications, identification checks and other safeguarding checks, and overseas checks where appropriate.

Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion (DEI)

Our School is committed to a culture of equality, diversity, and inclusion. We believe that a diverse staff body reflects and supports the diversity of our pupils and society in general, leading to a cognitive diversity that promotes excellence in all areas.