Head of Junior School

Stonyhurst International School Penang

Stonyhurst International School, Penang is a coeducational day and boarding school for pupils from 3 years to 18 years from all religious denominations and secular belief systems. 

The school will be located in one of the most prestigious neighbourhoods on Penang Island with direct ocean frontage and featuring world class educational facilities.

Our partnership with Stonyhurst College, United Kingdom allows us to provide unrivalled pathways into the very best universities worldwide.

Stonyhurst International School will open in September 2022 with an expected enrolment of 340 students from Nursery through to Year 9. Over the following years the school will expand to a maximum enrolment of approximately 1200 students.

The Junior School will be opening in September 2022, we are expecting an initial enrolment of approximately 140 students from Nursery to Year 6. At capacity the Junior School will have a maximum enrolment of approximately 500 students. The Junior School will follow the International Primary Curriculum with the addition of Singapore Maths.

The pedagogical approach of the school will be focussed on the process of guided enquiry and framed by our belief that classrooms are learning laboratories and that the role of educators is to facilitate and guide learning. There will be considerable emphasis placed on the development of skills and values alongside content knowledge. 

All students will join our coaching groups, these will be operating in both the Junior and Senior School and are designed to allow students to develop the skills and competencies to work alongside and lead the development of others. Our coaching framework will form a core part of our programme of pastoral care along with our staff performance management and professional development programmes.  

The development of values and community service will be a key component of learning at all levels as will be our commitment to provide a robust and varied programme of afterschool activities.       

The Role

We are seeking to recruit a Head of Junior School to take on the role no later than July 2022. This individual will report to the Principal of Stonyhurst International School, Penang. We seek to recruit someone who has the expertise, innovation, maturity and drive needed to develop a thriving, stimulating and happy learning environment for all pupils.

This will be a highly rewarding and professionally challenging position; the Head of Junior School will support the Principal in the phased opening of the school and have overall responsibility for the line management of academic staff and development of the academic frameworks across the Junior School.

The Head of Junior School will ensure all programmes of teaching and learning have the Jesuit Pupil Profile at their centre and that instructional coaching methodology is embedded throughout the school at all levels. 

Initially this position will be classroom based in the Junior School, with a reduced load leading a Year 6 class. It is envisaged as the school expands the Head of Junior School position will become non-classroom based. 

The successful candidate will be supportive of the Ignatian ethos of the school and of the founding school’s pedagogy and educational priorities.

Personal Specification

Knowledge and experience

• Minimum of 3 years in a school leadership position

• A deep commitment to and understanding of inquiry-based learning and the concept of classrooms as learning laboratories. 

• Demonstrate an understanding of and experience with instructional coaching frameworks.

• Demonstratable ability to develop high quality academic programmes for all students

• Experience of implementing IPC and the National Curriculum of England and Wales

• A qualified and experienced classroom practitioner.

• Experience of successful academic leadership in high performing international or independent schools.

• An understanding of and ability to implement academic frameworks across the Junior School.

• A proven commitment to high standards and continuous improvement of teaching, learning and staff development.

• An in-depth knowledge of current educational practices and issues as they relate to children aged 3 years to 12 years. 

• Strong academic credentials.

• Knowledge of, and a commitment to, best practice in safeguarding the welfare of pupils.

In addition, the ideal candidate may have the following:

• Strong pedagogical understanding and knowledge.

• Relevant postgraduate professional qualifications, with evidence of ongoing professional development.

• Experienced in the development of a new international school campus, preferably within a South East Asian context.

• Experience with school accreditation systems including the Council of International Schools and the Independent Schools Inspectorate.

• A high degree of cultural competency and experience developing relationships in an Asian setting.

• Excellent managerial skills and experience, with a responsive and flexible working style.

• Maturity of judgement, resilience, integrity, and personal presence.

Personal Attributes

• A collegiate and collaborative approach, combined with a willingness to work in a hands-on way.

• Outstanding interpersonal skills, as well as excellent written and oral communication skills.

• An outward-looking, open personality, showing diplomacy, persuasiveness and capability of inspiring trust in people from a wide variety of backgrounds.

• Personal charisma, dynamism, energy and enthusiasm, with the ability to motivate, influence and inspire staff, pupils and parents.

• A supportive leadership style which is personable, approachable and tactful.

• Ambassadorial skills and the ability to build relationships with a wide range of people.

• The ability to create a culture in which people can be creative and innovate, whilst respecting tradition.

• A focus on excellence.

• A commitment to the diverse needs of children, and an appreciation of the wide range of talents in a school community.

• An understanding of and sympathy with the school’s Ignatian ethos.

Terms of Appointment

Salary

The position will be demanding and carry a great deal of responsibility. Consequently, the package available to successful candidates will be competitive and commensurate with the importance of the role and the successful candidate’s experience.

A housing allowance, or housing, will be provided for the successful applicant, along with medical insurance, airfares for the Head of Junior School, spouse and dependants and fees remission for up to two dependent children.

The post will be offered subject to satisfactory references, a medical examination and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

To Apply

Applications should include an up to date Curriculum Vitae, a cover letter which outlines how you meet the personal and professional specifications required for the position and the contact details of three referees.

Closing date

Applications will close on 27th November 2021 with interviews commencing the following week via Zoom. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.