Assistant Head of Secondary – Pastoral

About Us

Virginia International Private School (VIPS) is a well-respected, K-12 school with over 1175 students, meeting the needs of the local Emirati and expat community. VIPS is on a very exciting journey as it goes from strength to strength in its commitment to quality education and its continued improvement, with a main focus on students’ outcomes. We cater to our students via high quality teaching and learning, ensuring that the day-to-day interactions which take place in and out of the classroom, and the pedagogical approaches used engage, motivate and challenge learners effectively. This year, we opened our brand new, state-of-the-art building for secondary girls and we will proudly graduate our first cohort, the Class of 2022, at the end of this academic year. In October 2021, VIPS underwent its Irtiqa’a inspection and was evaluated to be a ‘Good’ school. VIPS is proudly accredited by New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), attesting to our school’s high quality and integrity. Our staff are empowered to fulfill their roles successfully as well as supported via personalized professional development. VIPS enjoys the benefits of dynamic, experienced leadership and management, a holistic learning community, dedicated teachers, and supportive governance.

Job Description and Person Specification

Senior Leader: Assistant Head of Secondary (Pastoral)

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. As a result, the school expects all teaching staff, non‐teaching staff and volunteers to share and uphold this commitment.
We are seeking an enthusiastic and committed school practitioner to lead the pastoral welfare of secondary school students. The Assistant Head, Pastoral is a key member of the Senior Leadership Team and will assist in providing the highest quality education for students in an international setting. The post holder will be line-managed by the Head of Secondary and work in collaboration with the school’s SLT and key stakeholder groups.
The post holder will continue to develop a positive ethos, strong culture, and high levels of behavior across all grades of the secondary school. The Assistant Head will ensure that:

• All students are safe and happy in school.
• Clear procedures are established across the school to ensure a strong, positive ethos.
• Effective policies and procedures are in place with regards to Child Protection and Bullying, and to regularly monitor this.
• Well-developed strategies are put in place to promote positive behavior management.
• The pastoral team is effective, including the Grade Level Leaders and Form Tutors.
• Parents and carers play a key part in promoting positive attitudes and behaviors.
• Well-being is at the center of school practices.
• The school runs smoothly day to day and processes relating to ethos are well operated, for example, rewards, consequences, duties, movement around school, and expectations for behavior.
• Intervention strategies to address underachievement are implemented.

Key Responsibilities:

• Be the lead colleague in establishing and managing an effective ethos and culture, in line with the school’s vision and values, across the secondary school.
• Act as the Designated Safeguarding lead
• Ensure there are clear attendance and punctuality processes in place.
• Ensure effective behavior management, based on the school’s Behavior and Rewards Policy and Code of Conduct. 
• Manage student wellbeing including Mental Health, ensuring relevant interventions are put in place where necessary.
• Work closely with  parents to ensure the welfare of their children.
• Lead, manage, develop and support Grade Level Leaders and Form Tutors. 
• Lead the development of personalised learning approaches.
• Manage the day to day processes that promote the smooth running of the school day, for example, duty schedules, assemblies, etc.
• To provide induction for new students.
• Manage the transition of Pupils into Grade 6
• Manage the options process alongside the Curriculum Lead. 
• Manage review days and parents evenings.
• To ensure that the assessment, recording and reporting of student progress is managed in accordance with School Policy.
• To support the process of student recruitment and admissions and to encourage student participation in School life
• Lead SEF procedures and development planning of Student Development.  
• Serve on the following committees – Safeguarding, Inclusion, Discipline, E-safety, ECA’s, Activities, Parent
• Take responsibility in supporting and fostering the UAE’s Moral Education program/form time program.
• Monitor staff closely and be able to challenge underperformance professionally, sensitively and provide the necessary support.
• Ensure confidentiality and respect for school policies are maintained.
• To ensure communication across the school in all areas is of the highest standards and respectful and professional with all stakeholders.
• Teach classes as directed and cover colleagues when needed.
• Conduct probationary reviews and yearly appraisals of teachers as directed within the secondary school.
• Ensure school appearance and environment is in line with the school policies and expectations.
• Ensure the Head of Phase is informed of any staff and parent issues in a timely manner.
• To lead school events, school assemblies, staff workshops, and other school-related events as appropriate.
• Support all school strategies and procedures as part of the wider SLT as directed by the Heads of Phases and the whole school Principal.

Start Date: September 2022
Please send your CV and cover letter to HR@virginiaschool.ae

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