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Principal

Principal

Maru-a-pula School

Gaborone, Botswana

Salary:
Internationally competititve
Job type:
Full Time, Permanent
Start date:
negotiable after July 2020

Job overview

Maru-a-Pula (MaP) (meaning clouds of rain or promises of blessings) is a co-educational day and boarding secondary school founded in 1972 and is a premiere independent secondary school in Botswana. MaP offers Cambridge IGCSE and AS/A Levels to nearly 800 students. Two thirds of our students are citizens of Botswana and one third are expatriates, currently drawn from more than 30 countries. MaP has a staff complement of over 160 people from both Botswana and many other countries. 

At MaP service is neither optional nor occasional. Service is required of all students and teaching staff each week. The founding Principal, Deane Yates, launched the school on non-racial ideals, with community outreach as a core principle. Currently, MaP students are actively involved in more than 35 different projects. Many alumni say their service work has had a pivotal impact on their lives. Sports and the Arts are also notable features of MaP life. MaP students excel in local, regional and global competitions and our top athletes have represented Botswana in national teams.

Through diligent financial management, the school maintains a healthy financial position to meet the running costs and development of the school. In addition, MaP has prioritized the provision of financial aid to selected, academically capable pupils who would otherwise not be able to afford to attend the school. A notable feature are the full scholarships awarded to orphans and vulnerable children on an annual basis.

The school campus is rooted in the African soil and is modest and authentic. However, the school’s facilities have been progressively developed to create a leading edge in the field. The school is committed to lifelong learning, leadership development and African creativity that will shape a better future for Botswana and beyond. MaP students are characteristically socially aware, ambitious and hardworking. They are eager to engage and their energy is matched by teachers who are passionate to ensure they succeed. Our teachers and students form strong bonds and are delighted to work together on a unique campus. MaP students achieve admission to many of the top universities in the region and internationally. 

One of the most marked characteristics of MaP is its inclusive ethos. It is a secular school, embracing all faiths and cultures. MaP has no school flag, no school motto and no school song. What it does have is a soaring school sound – that of our marimbas. MaP staff, students, parents and alumni share an undeniable spirit of hard work, creativity and joyful interaction.

Due to the retirement of the Principal, the Council of Maru-a-Pula school is inviting innovative and forward-thinking educationists to apply for the post of PRINCIPAL OF MARU-A-PULA SCHOOL

To take up this prestigious appointment in July 2020 or ASAP thereafter.

The Principal of Maru-a-Pula is a leader of leaders on the staff and a role model for future leaders who are our students.  He or she has a vision for education in Africa that will raise up citizens with integrity and a global world view.  The Principal prefers to achieve consensus rather than making decisions on behalf of others and continually learns and grows with the community of the school.

The Principal is accountable to the Council for:

• The academic program of the school

• School administration

• Finance

• Boarding 

• Grounds and Maintenance 

• Development

Accordingly, the school is seeking applications internationally which meet the following criteria:

• A post graduate qualification in addition to full secondary level teaching qualifications

• At least ten years’ experience in a senior management role in a secondary school

• Passion for lifelong learning and love of education

• A vision for the development of secondary education in the context of Southern Africa

• An outstanding communicator who sees the glass as half full

• Demonstrable success in school marketing and fundraising

• A record of working harmoniously with boards and groups of stakeholders

• Capacity to research and establish partnerships and relationships that add value to the school both in Southern Africa and internationally

• A delight in the company and care of adolescents, appreciation of teachers and a desire to be one of Africa’s leading schools

• Alignment of personal values with the mission and core values of MaP

• Outstanding written and oral communication

The Council will negotiate an attractive remuneration package with the person appointed.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send a full copy of your CV together with a covering letter which sets out the reasons why you wish to apply for this particular position to the Chairperson of Human Resources Committee at Maruapula@staffroom.co.za.  All applications are  in st rict confidence.

About Maru-a-pula School

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School image 2
+267 91 2953

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Maru-a-pula School is a co-educational independent all-through school based in Gaborone in Botswana.

Unlike many international schools, Maru-a-pula School deliberately enrols a high percentage of local citizens. Approximately two-thirds of the students are from Botswana. Roughly 270 students are expatriates from 35 different nationalities. Students enjoy exchanges with more than 20 schools in the USA, UK, China, Japan, Switzerland, France, and Australia. The school offers rigorous preparation for the Cambridge IGCSE, AS and A-Level examinations. In 2016, 58.5% of Maru-a-pula School students earned either an A* or an A at A-Level. In addition, 90 students gained university places in 2016. From basketball and karate to chess and debating, Maru-a-pula School students excel in local, regional and global competitions. In recent years, the school has fielded national champion teams in netball, basketball and rugby. Maru-a-Pula also has a School Council, which is ultimately responsible for the general policy and financial management of the school.   

Principal

Andy Taylor

Values and vision

Maru-a-pula School students are encouraged to develop deep and sustained service partnerships with residents in Gabane, Gaborone and further afield. Students can choose from more than 35 different weekly opportunities to make a hands-on difference. By teaching in a village primary school, feeding destitute families in the township of Old Naledi, working with orphans or visiting the children’s ward of a hospital, it is hoped that the school’s students will often be learning more powerful lessons than those typically taught in classroom settings.   

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