Head of ICT and Computing

A rare and exciting middle leadership opportunity has arisen at The English School, Kuwait. The key priorities of our Head of ICT and Computing will be to focus on the development of digital technology to support teaching and learning across the school, and to coordinate the ICT curriculum in line with the English National Curriculum and best practice. The successful candidate will be committed to our values and ethos; understand what excellence looks like within the subject of ICT and be able to articulate how to achieve this to our school community. 

The Head of ICT and Computing will be an integral part of the school’s e-learning strategy steering group and be confident to build upon the excellence already established as an iPad, Google educator status school. We have come a long way in our whole school approach to digital learning and are at an exciting stage of our development. This position would undoubtedly suit a proven middle leader, or exceptional teacher ready to increase their responsibility within a thriving, pupil focused school. This role involves working closely with our Director of Studies and IT Systems department.  Many of our pupils consistently exceed ICT curriculum expectations, are self-driven and passionate about their learning. If you have the requisite knowledge, skills and motivation, we urge you to apply for this exciting opportunity to be part of our team.

Key Responsibilities:

• The Head of ICT and Computing is expected to teach a timetable in their specialist subject, ICT, and undertake pastoral responsibilities as a KS3 form tutor.

• To support and offer advice across subjects (KG to Year 8) to deliver high quality digital learning and the effective use of quality digital resources to enhance learning

• To provide guidance on existing systems and lead best practice, encouraging collaboration across the school

• To support less confident colleagues and offer scheduled support and training in identified areas

• Oversee a coherent approach to cloud and shared drive storage, and systems for academic departments in conjunction with the IT department and Director of Studies

• Develop and oversee our digital learning strategy, auditing the strategy and communicating next steps to the school’s leadership team 

• Keep up to date with and share ongoing developments within the National Curriculum and communicate these to teachers within the department

• Develop student initiatives such as our popular, ICT crew and Teacher Parent Partnership workshops on subjects appropriate to ICT

• Help deliver INSET and other peer support and training activities

• Involvement in curriculum review and other academic initiatives

Candidate Requirements:

 * Exemplary pastoral and safeguarding practice knowledge

• Fully qualified teacher with at least 3 years’ experience of teaching; recent experience either in a UK school, or of teaching the English National Curriculum, and it is essential you are a fluent English speaker

• Excellent classroom practitioner, able to  demonstrable a clear interest in and knowledge of digital learning technology (experience with Google products desirable)

• Proven experience of leading and managing innovation and change within an ICT department

• Able to work with and support colleagues, helping to motivate and inspire staff across the school

• Able to delegate tasks when appropriate and draw in wider colleagues, such as our IT systems manager or technicians, to support with particular initiatives

• Confident to lead presentations and staff training within the area of ICT when required

• Understanding of the different digital needs across the age range of pupils at the school

• Strong IT skills; excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Creative approach to teaching, with an interest in solving problems; seeking and trying out new methods

• The ability to collaborate effectively yet also demonstrating initiative and thriving on personal responsibility when appropriate 

• Excellent organisational skills: ability to manage and prioritise workload and cope with periods of peak intensity, with an understanding of how to coordinate and develop systems that are fair

• Positive approach and readiness to build consensus among the school’s leadership team and IT systems department

• Ability to run and review academic systems effectively with appreciation of the pupils and staff those systems are designed to support

• Readiness to contribute to the school’s co-curricular programme, including participation in assemblies, webinars, enrichment and other events

Package Details:  Excellent tax free package and housing.

Applications must be made via our website.

Interviews: Suitable candidates will be interviewed as soon as possible after an application is received. It is therefore in the interests of candidates to respond quickly in order to avoid disappointment.

Our school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children - successful applicants will be subject to relevant Child Protection and reference checks.