The Role
St Andrew’s Prep School is seeking to appoint a
Deputy Head Academic (DHA) who will provide strategic direction and leadership
of the academic provision in the Prep School. Reporting to the Head,
the DHA is responsible for the successful organisation, administration and
development of the academic life of the Prep School and will collaborate
closely with the Deputy Head Academic of the Senior School. He/ she will also
liaise with the Director of Admissions & Marketing in relation to student
admissions and progression.
The role has a significant strategic element to it and the appointee will be expected to play a leading part in shaping the future of the School’s academic provision as we strive to provide a world-class education. In particular, the appointee will be involved in continuing to shape our Key Stage 3 curriculum; establishing and driving our digital learning platforms; and leading the academic parts of the School to ensure outstanding academic outcomes. This is a wide-ranging and complex role requiring a clear understanding of academic provision, management systems and leadership, ideally in a Prep School setting, within a Christian context.
The DHA will most likely be someone who has
experience at Senior Management level in the independent sector who is seeking
a fresh challenge. Alternatively, the role might suit an exceptional individual
with experience gained as a Head of Department and who has an instinctive feel
for School Leadership.
Key Responsibilities
The Deputy Head (Academic) will promote the Christian
ethos of the School.
She/he will hold principal responsibility for all
aspects of the School’s academic life;
Facilitating the ensured academic success of Prep
School pupils on transition to Senior School as well the integration of the
academic vision between both the Preparatory and Senior School is an important
element of the role.
The post holder will be a member of the Senior
Leadership and Management Team and will report on the following to the Head, as
required;
Strategic Planning
Provide innovative educational vision for all pupils
and exam arrangements in co-operation with the
Assistant Head Academic, and colleagues by leading academic development and
quality teaching and learning;
To anticipate educational trends and development and
lead on the opportunities that build academic outcomes for both staff and
pupils at St Andrew’s School;
To be responsible for the development and
implementation of all academic and curriculum policies and practises, working
closely with the Head, Assistant Head Academic, Assistant Head Primary and
Heads of Department;
To overview the academic enrichment programme;
To work closely with the Director of IT and Head of
Computing to overview the pedagogical development of the IT Plan to provide a
suitable education for St Andrew’s pupils; blending School values and the need
for global and social awareness within Government guidelines.
Academic Organisation
Devise and adjust the curriculum in line with the
School’s needs, changing opportunities and regulations;
Work with the Assistant Head Academic to ensure a
fair and balanced timetable is prepared;
Deploy staff efficiently and effectively taking
account of their skills, knowledge, attitudes, and career development
Advise the Head on staffing needs in a timely manner;
Delegate and monitor use of the Academic budgets;
Manage Scholarship, internal assessment
Oversee, train staff and use pupil tracking and
assessment results and analysis to improve learning experiences and outcomes;
Ensure academic reports are written in a timely,
informative and attitudinally correct manner;
Classroom Activity
Monitor and set the quality and pace of learning;
Monitor and manage the classroom environment and
displays; advise the Director of Finance and Operations about maintenance and
classroom development issues;
Monitor and promote the effective use of
Maintain oversight of the Learning Success Centre,
EAL and Extension opportunities and the use of IT in the classroom
Staff Management
Undertake formal Departmental
Ensure Heads of Departments are fulfilling their
roles and provide support as necessary.
Chair Heads of Department meetings and other academic
working groups or meetings, as required.
Deputise for the Head as may be required and take on
delegated tasks as directed.
Contribute to School marketing, promotion and
recruitment.
Set high standards and maintain School
Preparation for and management of School
Skills and Attributes
A strong personal connection with the School’s
Christian ethos
Proactive, sound judgement combined with the highest
standards of personal integrity, energy, stamina, resilience, empathy,
enthusiasm, and a sense of humour
Ability to work dynamically and flexibly as part of a
leadership team, to show initiative and imagination and the ability to inspire
others
Ability to work at both a strategic and operational
level
The presence, intellect, tact and credibility to
represent the Prep School at all levels and to a variety of audiences, both
internal and external
Vision, creativity, imagination, and academic
curiosity combined with the ability to operate at a strategic level
First class oral and written communication and
presentation skills
High levels of discretion and confidentiality
The ability to manage and prioritise a diverse
workload, meet deadlines, and work calmly under pressure
Impressive personal presence and presentation
Highly literate and numerate, excellent in the use of
IT and with a keen eye for detail
High work standards evidenced by a consistently
thorough detailed and organised approach
How To Apply
, Prep School, Job in Kenya ){kind=link}