Head of Boarding(ID: 1025)

Working with us

A commitment to lifelong learning, for ourselves and our students so we can all make a positive difference

Dehong Education recognises that exceptional and inspirational teachers are our most valuable resource in providing our students with an excellent international education. Dehong teachers are ambitious for their students’ learning and put students first in everything they do. They have the highest aspirations for their students’ achievement and development, both in the classroom and through the many co-and extra-curricular activities on offer. Our teachers actively promote the School’s mission and vision through their enthusiastic and full participation in school life and their supportive engagement with students, colleagues and parents.

Reports to

Head of Secondary School

Purpose of Role

Boarding at Dehong accommodates up to 4 students in dorms which vary in size from 2 to 4 students. 

This role is a new opportunity to create a welcoming and homely atmosphere where our students can relax and be fully engaged in their academic studies and make strong friendships with their peers. 

The House is new and offers 3 bedroom duplex accommodation for the Housemaster/Houseparent, which is situated at the end of a corridor. It is an expectation of the role that you are in residence whenever Dehong pupils are in the House. 

Learning and Teaching Standards A

The following outlines the roles and responsibilities for the Head of Boarding, this is by no means an exhaustive list. 

Welfare and discipline

•    Investigate all allegations of inappropriate behaviour using the school policies as guidance. 

•    Ensure that every student is safe and cared for within the House and wider community

•    Create an environment in which every student can thrive and develop to their potential in all areas

•    Write House reports for pupils at the relevant times (dependent on report writing review). 

•    Encourage pupils to live life to the full whilst in School, engaging with sports, arts and wider opportunities. 

•    Keep detailed pastoral records such as a House log 

•    Ensure that uniform and general appearance is of a high standard

•    Manage the staffing rota to ensure suitable supervision is in place at all times

•    Attend meetings as needed

•    Develop leadership opportunities within the House for students

•    Develop and manage the House rewards and sanctions systems

Communication

•    Communicate clearly and regularly with parents and/or guardians on any relevant matters and news.

•    Communicate with academic staff about students on a regular basis

•    Entertain parents on social occasions

•    Lead and support staff on the boarding team to ensure ‘safe at school’ and pastoral care are of a high standard

Safety

•    Ensure fire drills are carried out minimum once per term and that students and staff are clear on the routine

•    Ensure that weekly risk assessments are carried out in House (walk arounds)

Learning and Teaching Standards B

Hours and duties:

Head of Boarding

The day starts with ensuring all students are up and dressed on time and neatly for breakfast. Their rooms will need to be organized and tidy and once this is done they can go to breakfast and off to school from there. You will next see them after their QiDi activities when you will be supervising them until dinner time. At dinner, the boarding tutor will take over and they will be responsible for their prep time supervision. After prep, students return to House and are allowed their phones to call home and friends, get ready for bed, relax, play games etc and you are overseeing this time, providing supervision. The final part of the evening is collecting electronics and getting the students to complete their bedtime routines then putting out lights. 

Boarders arrive between 6-8 on a Sunday evening and leave the House directly after School on a Friday. 

As with all boarding and parenting roles, the hours can be long and the Head of Boarding must be prepared to work at any time to care for the boarders in times of emergency. Flexibility, resilience, patience and empathy are key qualities of an outstanding Head of Boarding and the reason this position is widely regarded as excellent preparation for other senior management roles. 

Person Specifications

The main part of the role is to create a happy and caring atmosphere within the boarding community and to lead staff and pupils in a positive way to achieve this. Previous boarding experience would be an advantage but a ‘can do’ attitude is essential.

The successful applicant will have the following attributes:

•    Exemplary personal standards

•    A high level of integrity

•    Approachable and caring

•    Able to set high, yet attainable, standards for pupils and staff

•    Knowledge of IT systems

•    Strong written and verbal communication skills with staff, pupils and parents

•    Ability to form strong working relationships with other staff within the school

•    To promote boarding, both within and outside the School. 

•    Excellent organizational skills

•    Strong leadership skills and an ability to lead your team in a collaborative and considered manner

•    Willing to undertake professional development as required

Safeguarding Statement

Dehong Chinese International School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all the students in our care and expects all applicants to share this commitment. We follow safe recruitment practices which are aligned to the recommendations of the International Task Force on Child Protection. We hold ourselves to a high standard of effective recruiting practices with specific attention to child protection.  All appointments are subject to an interview, identity checks, criminal record checks, and successful references.