Head of Language Acquisition and Language Learning - ESL

The Post

Aldar Academies are currently seeking an inspirational leader to be our new Head of Language Acquisition and Language Learning in Abu Dhabi commencing September 2019, or earlier by negotiation.  This is an exciting opportunity to join the highly successful Aldar family of schools and to help shape the future of Abu Dhabi’s leading school group.  

The successful candidate will combine an excellent track record of successful language teaching, training and leadership experience, developed in the UK or internationally, with strong inter-personal skills and cultural awareness with the ability to inspire colleagues within the Aldar community and manage the demands and needs of all stakeholders. Exceptional communication skills combined with a flair for developing competencies in others are central to this role.  The role requires experience in the development of CPD with an understanding of leading language teaching across all phases of the school. Candidates must be committed to working in partnership with the local community and developing ways to engage with parents and forge effective partnerships with them.

The successful candidate will be closely aligned with the core values and ethos of Aldar Academies and and possess a genuine understanding and appreciation of the values of the region. 

Main Responsibilities:

1. Academy Ethos

1.1 To fully support the Academy’s vision and values;

1.2 To ensure that Aldar Education is always presented positively;

1.3 To carry out any duties as reasonably directed by the line manager;

1.4 To participate in Aldar’s policy of performance management and demonstrate a commitment to your own professional development;

1.5 To rigorously adhere to the Aldar’s safeguarding procedures.

2. Curriculum

2.1   To regularly review the curriculum provision for the acquisition of language to ensure it meets the changing needs of the students;

2.2  To model effective language learning in a classroom environment and support teachers in the planning, preparation, and teaching of excellent lessons which enthuse and inspire students, and promote the joy of learning a second language

2.3  To identify and assess staff needs based on analysis and act as a consultant and lead language development.

2.4  Support and model the effective differentiated instruction so as to meet all students’ learning needs with an appreciation for students’ learning differences.

2.5  Develop materials and resources, implement, support and/or lead in the production and improvement of curriculum planning as appropriate, and undertake other academic project work as directed. 

2.6 Lead academic, departmental, and school meetings when required, and attend/deliver professional development sessions.

2.7 To plan and coordinate a whole school approach to language learning as necessary;

2.9 To provide guidance and support to Departments in implementing strategies for  language learning linked to appropriate curricula.

3.0 To monitor student progress across a group of schools

3.1 To oversee and support appropriate intervention programmes;

3.2 To be confident in the use of internal and external data management systems;

3.3 To lead on Assessment, Recording and Reporting of language learning;

3.4 To liaise with senior and middle leaders and account for the achievement of students in the acquisition and development of English as a second language and other languages as appropriate

4. Leadership and Management

4.1 To contribute to the development of policy and planning linked to language learning;

4.2 To develop and present an accurate and coherent account of performance to a range of audiences including governors and parents as appropriate;

4.3 To support middle leaders with self-evaluation and department plans;

4.4 To appropriately manage any relevant budgets allocated to Language Development

4.5 To assist the Principal in shaping direction and setting high expectations at all times;

4.6 To promote teamwork and motivate staff to ensure effective working relations;

4.7 To liaise with senior colleagues at Aldar Education to support strategic development of language acquisition.

Requirements:

1. BA in Education or BA Degree with PGCE is essential
2. Ability to establish positive working relationships with a range of stakeholders
3. A good knowledge of primary pedagogy across all curricula
4. Working within a diverse environment of second language learners 

What we offer

Aldar Academies are a family of world-class, child centred and innovative schools based in the UAE.  We educate over 10,000 students across our group of owned and managed schools and as we grow so does our need for highly skilled, inspirational and dedicated school leaders.  We offer an attractive remuneration package including medical cover, flights, housing and free child school places.  Our future-focused learning model includes both students and staff and so we place a special emphasis on professional development, coaching and training.  Successful candidates will have access to a wide network of professionals and opportunities to both lead and contribute to training others as well as developing themselves. 

Aldar Academies is committed to the safeguarding of children and young people, and any offer of appointment will be subject to any relevant medical checks and clearance from appropriate safeguarding authorities.