Expeditions and Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator

We are looking to appoint an enthusiastic and hard working individual, who can lead and manage the expedition programme at Surbiton High School. 

Job Purpose: To lead, manage and develop the expeditions programme at Surbiton High School. This includes the maintenance and development of an already highly successful Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, as well as the Adventurous Training programme.

Reporting Line: Assistant Principal (Compliance, Health and Safety)            

Tenure: Permanent, Part-time Hours and days to be determined in discussion with the successful candidate. The role will be a minimum of 3 days per week, full-year round (52 weeks)

Key Responsibilities:

International Expeditions:

• To lead and manage the organisation of the School’s international expeditions programme
• To organise relevant training and orientation weekends in consultation with the School and the expedition providers
• To organise and lead ‘Build-up Days’ for each expedition
• To organise and run a cultural themed evening about the country to be visited, if applicable
• To ensure that a suitable staff team is recruited for each expedition
• To advise colleagues on leading expeditions
• To ensure that all staff members of the expeditions team have the necessary up-to-date training and qualifications
• To organise and manage travel safety courses for all expedition participants
• To maintain management of kit and equipment needed for expeditions and plan purchases, replacements and repairs where necessary
• To liaise closely with external expedition providers and other relevant stakeholders
• To set up and maintain a dedicated online ‘Learning Space’ for each expedition
• To ensure clear communication of information pertaining to the expeditions to all relevant pupils and parents
• To encourage, advise and help pupils to structure their own fundraising activities
• To organise and lead a presentation to pupils and parents to promote and advertise school expeditions
• To ensure key feedback and post-expedition evaluation is carried out

Duke of Edinburgh

• To lead and manage the organisation of the school’s Duke of Edinburgh programme
• To attend, coordinate and take overall responsibility for all Duke of Edinburgh events, both in and out of hours, including:
• Expedition training sessions
• Parent meetings
• Practice expeditions
• Qualifying expeditions
• Presentation evenings 
• To lead, train and supervise pupils in wild country terrain in order for them to successfully complete their Duke of Edinburgh Award expedition
• To ensure that the Duke of Edinburgh Award records, including eDofE, are kept up-to-date, and to take whatever action is necessary to sustain and improve performance by pupils
• To ensure that all Duke of Edinburgh activities are conducted in line with relevant health and safety guidelines and legislation and in line with the school’s policies and procedures, including those covering trips and visits, safeguarding and data protection. Please note that the School is our own awarding body for Duke of Edinburgh and we do not go through our local borough for the programme.

General

• To liaise closely with the Assistant Principal regarding the decisions and logistics for all expeditions
• To assist on field-trips, including with the Geography and Biology Departments
• To be involved in the Adventurous Training programme
• To lead residential trips for other subjects
• To provide cover and private study supervision if required
• To carry out any such duties as may be reasonably requested.                           

The successful candidate will be likely to fit the following profile:

• Suitable outdoor qualification to help train pupils and lead expeditions in wild country terrain both within the UK and overseas (Mountain Leader)
• Full UK driving license required (willingness to drive a minibus is an essential requirement)
• Ability to monitor, evaluate and assess project performance
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as a member of a team
• Excellent communication skills
• Excellent time management skills, to be able to plan and regulate workload including the ability to prioritise demands and thrive under pressure
• Excellent organisational, administrative and ICT skills
• Ability to inspire, motivate and support pupils and colleagues in a successful and dynamic school
• Experience of leading adventurous training and expeditions would be an advantage
• Experience of delivering the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award would be an advantage
• Experience in booking and coordinating overseas travel and trips would be an advantage
• Experience of leading and collaborating with colleagues
• Experience of working with young people
• Personal warmth to gain the confidence of pupils, staff and parents
• High standards of personal presence and presentation and attention to detail
• Ability to communicate concisely and sensitively, both orally and in writing, to a variety of audiences
• A team player with leadership qualities
• Organised and able to self-direct
• Positive, enthusiastic and energetic approach to life, with a can-do attitude
• Ability to think creatively and imaginatively
• Committed to Surbiton High School’s ethos and strategic vision
• High expectations for pupil attainment, personal development and conduct
• Committed to representing the strategic vision for the School
• Ambitious and aspirational for oneself and for the School
• Committed to professional development and show a willingness to undertake appropriate training for this role

To Apply

Please apply online by clicking on the following:   

https://unitedlearning.current-vacancies.com/Jobs/Advert/1934948?cid=1567 

Closing date for Applications: 8:00am Monday 8 June  2020

Interviews to be held week commencing:  15 June 2020 

Surbiton High School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Please note that the School reserves the right to appoint at any stage during the recruitment process.

For any queries relating to the role or your application, please email recruitment@surbitonhigh.com 

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