Head of English (Secondary)

We are looking for a suitably qualified head of English who has experience teaching GCSE English language and literature, and is available for an August 2023 start. This role is NOT suitable for ECT/NQT's. You must-

1. Have Qualified Teacher Status (UK)
2. Leadership experience from a UK school or a British School Overseas
3. Understand and believe in our school vision which is to be - a happy community school with amazing learning at its heart where pupils are empowered to make choices, engage in meaningful learning experiences and make exceptional progress.

For all staff in school we share a responsibility to ensure that children are safe and properly supervised at all times. Our school is committed to ‘amazing learning’- providing enjoyable and meaningful learning experiences so that every pupil makes as much progress as possible. All staff are expected to adhere to The Aquila Professional Code of Conduct and commit to promoting our vision – ‘A happy community school with amazing learning at its heart where pupils are empowered to make choices, engage in meaningful learning experiences and make exceptional progress’. Our focus is providing children with amazing learning and to be the school of choice for the community we serve.

The Aquila School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years’ employment history.

Key qualities and skills: 

• To be a credible leader with a range of teaching and leadership experience 
• To be able to lead learning so that lessons are engaging and relevant, enabling every child to make as much progress as possible 
• To be able to develop positive working relationships with all members of the school community 
• To be able to use initiative, be flexible, fun, proactive and positive
• Passion and skill to raise the status of teaching and learning in English 

Core purposes: 

• To lead and manage the secondary English faculty
• To be accountable for ensuring that children are inspired, motivated and equipped to make as much progress with their learning as possible through ‘amazing learning’ 
• To work collaboratively with colleagues and families 
• To have a positive impact on the work of the whole school including liaison with primary / FS

Key duties include:

All teachers-  

• To ensure children are safe and well cared for at all times 
• To plan and deliver creative and engaging lessons, ensuring that children are actively learning throughout each lesson 
• To ensure effective communication and direct the work of others, as appropriate 
• To lead extra-curricular activities, participating and leading staff training and contributing to the establishment and development of the school community 
• To comply with our agreed policies and Aquila Ways 
• To actively engage with our school community e.g. through newsletters, informal dialogue, reporting, supporting school functions and contributing to community and marketing activities 
• To actively participate in the performance management process of self and others 
• As the schools grows all teachers will be involved in improving learning across the school as lead learners and subject leaders 
• Ensure teaching and learning are of the highest standard and personalised to specifically meet individual needs and the phase meets the school’s challenging targets for progress and attainment 
• Use data and analysis to review and adapt the curriculum/lessons to ensure pupils have high achievement
• Lead CPD for all members of the school community 
• Ensure the school maintains a positive and respectful ethos 
• Ensure the curriculum is inclusive and learner led, taking into account the cultural heritage of the school community and the local region 
• Communicate with families about learning and other issues related to school 

 In addition, all staff are required to carry out any tasks required by the school or the regional office to facilitate the smooth day to day running of the school.

To be line managed by the Head of Secondary

Hours of work- 7.20am-4.15pm Monday to Thursday,  7.20am-midday on Friday plus occasional evening and weekend work. Holidays- as per the school KHDA approved calendar plus up to five days during the school holiday.

Person Specification

• Excellent English speaker  
• Unceasingly optimistic and a ‘can do’ attitude – calm kind and professional with all members if the school community  
• Experience of teaching KS3/KS4 is essential  
• Can meet deadlines by effective planning and time management
• A proven track record of securing excellent outcomes at GCSE and beyond

Benefits    

• A generous tax free salary    
• End of service gratuity

Staff on our sponsorship will also be eligible to receive:    

• Housing allowance OR school accommodation    
• Health care for employee and up to 2 dependent children (if you sponsor them)    
• Annual flight allowance for employee    
• Two free places for children to attend The Aquila School under the assumption the school can meet their needs

Staff under our sponsorship not currently in the UAE receive the above and:    

• Flight into the UAE at start of contract and back to home country at end of contract

Benefit eligibility is dependent on family status at the time of joining and will require verification.

How to apply: - Interested applicants should ensure they meet the person specification. Please apply by clicking on the 'Apply on school website' button.

About the International Schools Partnership

The Aquila School is owned by a London based company called International Schools Partnership (ISP). The International Schools Partnership (ISP) is a growing group of committed colleagues in financially responsible schools around the world, all of which aim to be the school of choice in their local area. Learning is at the heart of everything we do for our pupils, colleagues and parents. We are committed to getting better, all the time.

ISP was founded by an experienced team of committed educationalists and commercial operators who have worked together over many years. Our growing group of private schools located in the UK, the USA, Spain, Costa Rica, Chile, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Malaysia, and Mexico educate children and pupils from 2-18 years of age. We have now expanded to over 50 schools delivering multiple curricula and building on local brands and reputations with over 30,000 pupils and 5,000 staff located across the globe.