Assistant Head of Primary Academics

The school seeks to appoint Assistant Head of Primary Academics to take up post in August 2024.

OBJECTIVES:

The Assistant Head of Primary Academics is the academic lead in the Primary School, working alongside the Head of the Junior School.  The Assistant Head of Primary Academics shares responsibility for the day to day running of the Junior School.  By virtue of their standing, the Assistant Head of Primary Academics has the authority to take independent decisions where appropriate and may be called upon to deputise for the Head of the Junior School from time to time. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

General:

1.     The Assistant Head of Primary Academics is responsible in the Primary School for all aspects of teaching and learning, curriculum management & development and students’ academic progress, as well as overseeing Junior School testing, assessment and reporting between Years 2 to 6. 

2.     The postholder works with academic support staff as well as in liaison with other members of the Senior Management Team. 

3.     The Assistant Head of Primary Academics is line manager to Years 2 to 6 Primary Homeroom teachers.

Faculty and Staff Performance Management:

4.     Leading, co-ordinating and supporting the work of Junior School colleagues including curriculum management, staff performance and ensuring the quality of teaching and learning from Years 2 to 6.

5.     Leading and co-ordinating staff appraisal and professional development from Years 2 to 6.

6.     Setting professional standards and academic expectations from Years 2 to 6.

7.     Oversight of the Years 2 to 6 department budgets and budgets for academic CPD.

8.     Convening and chairing meetings of the Junior School Education Committee.

9.     Working with other members of the SMT to manage new staff induction and staff appraisals.

Student Outcomes:

10.  Overseeing and being responsible for the academic progress and outcomes of students from Years 2 to 6.

11.  Organising and implementing quality assurance procedures: learning walks, lesson observations and book scrutinies.

12.  Implementing and managing appropriate tracking and monitoring systems, including those offered by third-party providers.

13.  Working with the numeracy and literacy co-ordinators to ensure best outcomes for students.

Admissions and Marketing:

14.  Managing the overall admissions testing for Years 2 to 6.

15.  Ensuring the quality of papers set and having oversight of marking standards.

16.  Interviewing prospective students.

17.  Giving tours of the school to prospective students and parents as required.

18.  Speaking on academic matters at open events.

Digital Learning:

19.  Leading on and overseeing the use of digital technologies for Years 2 to 6, to support and enhance teaching and learning.

20.  Introducing digital technologies to ensure that the school is at the forefront of digital innovation and its practical applications.

Operational:

21.  Planning and overseeing the reporting cycle for Years 2 to 6.

22.  Updating and reviewing all policies for Years 2 to 6, according to the policy cycle.

Strategic:

23.  Advising the Head of Junior School and the Board on future academic developments of Years 2 to 6.

24.  Keeping the staff abreast of curriculum developments and initiatives, advising on their implications.

25.  Making recommendations to the SMT for the use of teaching space and advising on maintenance priorities. 

26.  Advising the Head of Junior School on academic budgets and educational spending priorities. 

27.  Attending meetings of the Governing Board as required. 

General:

28.  Adhere to the school policies and procedures of SPGS International. 

29.  Uphold the school’s values and ethos. 

30.  Be a good role model in respect of speech, dress, behaviour and care of equipment in line with the requirements laid out in the Staff Code of Conduct.

Safeguarding: 

31.  Promote the welfare of all students at all times. 

32.  Comply with the school’s wellbeing and safeguarding policies and procedures, and the laws of the People’s Republic of China, and any school specific procedures/rules that apply to this role. 

33.  Respect and value each child’s social, cultural and religious background and by example, provide mutual respect and tolerance. 

34.  Follow SPGS International’s safeguarding policy with regard to the health and safety of children both on and off the school premises when students are under the school’s jurisdiction.

35.  Recognise that Health and Safety is the responsibility of every employee.

Pastoral:

All members of staff are likely to be a Homeroom Teacher at some point.  Homeroom Teachers are the main point of contact for students in school and have responsibility for monitoring both the academic and pastoral development of every student within their group ensuring positive, communicative relationships with all parties involved in student welfare.  Responsibilities include the day-to-day welfare of students, upholding School policies on attendance, behaviour and health and safety, including safeguarding. 

Specific responsibilities include:

36.  Taking a genuine interest in each student, encouraging and challenging as necessary. 

37.  Following the school’s registration procedure and following up on absence with the tutor group. 

38.  Monitoring student homework and planners.

39.  Monitoring student progress and achievement and supporting students as required. 

40.  Communicating effectively with parents. 

41.  Communicating effectively with senior and other staff. 

42.  Ensuring that information with regard to students is shared with appropriate relevant staff. 

43.  Ensuring that student files, portfolios and reports are in order. 

44.  Supporting the delivery of social and emotional aspects of learning and moral, social and cultural education. 

45.  Organising Junior School assemblies. 

46.  Working collaboratively in a team of tutors under the direction of the Head of Key Stage and Deputy Head Pastoral to maximise the welfare of the students.

Assessment and Reporting: 

47.  Maintain a regular system of monitoring, assessment, record-keeping and reporting of students’ progress as required.

Behaviour Management:

48.  Uphold the expectations made by SPGS International School Chengdu with regards to school behaviour, for example ensuring that all students observe matters such as dress, punctuality and school rules in all school locations and activities (including external activities outside the school premises). 

ICT/AI and GDPR:

49.  Follow the data protection policy of SPGS International Schools and ensure that all practices relating to data usage are compliant with Chinese law and international best practice. 

50.  Understand and develop ICT skills and attributes to make full use of the technology available to students whilst ensuring they maintain their own skill base.

Homework:

51.  Ensure homework is set in line with the assessment and reporting policy’s expectations.

52.  Collaborate with colleagues to design, share and monitor homework.

School Enrichment Events / Activities: 

53.  Assist planning, organising or delivering school enrichment day events and activities (including residential activities) where relevant. 

Extra-Curricular / Co-Curricular Duties:

54.  Plan, lead and deliver weekly co-curricular activities as part of the school’s co-curricular programme. 

55.  Take an active role in the wider life of the school, supporting students to develop a rich depth of experience beyond classroom learning. 

Duty and Cover: 

56.  Staff may be required to supervise students during non-teaching periods as determined by the Head of Junior School or a senior manager. 

57.  Liaise with colleagues and work flexibly (this might include covering for staff sickness). 

58.  Supervise classes on behalf of colleagues as determined by the cover schedule. 

School Meetings: 

59.  Attend and participate in staff meetings as required including department meetings, year or Key Stage group meetings, teaching and learning development meetings, staff / curriculum meetings etc. 

60.  Supervise children during unstructured times as determined by the duty rota. 

Risk Management: 

61.  Follow the school’s risk management policy and ensure all events/activities (including out of school trips) are safe, educational and fun.

62.  Help ensure all children and staff are safe and secure, informing the Head of Junior School or designated staff of any issue.

Communication with Parents: 

63.  Follow SPGS International School Chengdu’s policies regarding communication with parents. 

64.  Actively establish good relations and communication with parents of students in your care. 

65.  Ensure that parents are well informed about the curriculum, attainment and progress of students and about the contribution that they can make to support academic and social progress. 

66.  Attend parents’ evenings as required. 

67.  Promote high quality relationships with all stakeholders.

68.  Stimulate, foster, and enhance a sense of community amongst staff, parents, and children that encourages them to support the vision and mission of the School.

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

QUALIFICATIONS

·       Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant subject area.

·       Qualified Teacher Status, PGCE

Languages

·       Fluent in English.

WORKING eXPERIENCE

·       Minimum two years’ teaching experience at a UK or international school.

·       Experience of responsibility at a senior management level would be a distinct advantage. 

Competencies & APtitudes

·       Good understanding of strategies to support learners with a range of additional needs. 

·       Good communication skills. 

·       Good teamwork and collaborative skills

·       Resilience and a good sense of humour 

·       Fairness, kindness, and warmth

·       Interest in wider issues relating to teaching and learning

·       Demonstrating practice that represent the five core SPGS values at all times (Achievement, Community, Liberalism, Creativity and Possibility).