Description
Secondary - English Teacher/Head of English Role Profile
Purpose of Role
To provide professional leadership and management of the subject to ensure high standards of attainment through effective teaching and learning. The Head of English leads, manages, and develops the department to achieve excellence in all activities, exercising leadership, demonstrating vision, and empowering others to deliver the departmental strategy within the school.
About The School
Aspen Heights British School (AHBS) is an ambitious school on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi, committed to providing personalised learning experiences and support to enable all children to progress and succeed academically.
ISP Principles
- Begin with our children and students, prioritising their success, wellbeing, and safety.
- Treat everyone with care and respect, embracing diversity and promoting wellbeing.
- Operate effectively, focusing on priorities that make the most difference.
- Be financially responsible, making careful financial choices.
- Learn continuously, engaging in personal and professional development.
Secondary Head of English Key Responsibilities
Grade: Middle Leadership Group
Teaching allocation: 75%
Responsible to: Head of Secondary
Responsible for: Teaching staff within the subject area
Strategic Direction and Development of the Subject
- Develop and implement policies, plans, and targets reflecting the school's commitment to high achievement and effective teaching and learning.
- Create a positive climate for staff development and confidence in teaching the subject.
- Establish understanding of the department's role in students' moral, cultural, and spiritual development.
- Work with the Leadership Team to plan for department development and resourcing.
- Liaise with colleagues to ensure smooth transition of students into Year 7.
- Monitor progress towards departmental goals and evaluate their impact on teaching and learning, using this analysis for improvement.
Learning and Teaching
- Secure and sustain effective teaching, evaluate achievement, and set improvement targets.
- Monitor curriculum coverage, continuity, and progression for all students.
- Ensure clarity of teaching objectives and effective communication with students.
- Guide on teaching methods suited to diverse needs.
- Maintain curriculum delivery and provide meaningful work during staff absences.
- Develop students' literacy, numeracy, and ICT skills.
- Establish assessment, recording, and reporting procedures, using data to recognize achievement and set future targets.
- Use prior achievement data to inform progress.
- Set and evaluate achievement targets, including for students with special needs.
- Evaluate teaching quality and implement improvements.
- Develop students' independent and collaborative study skills.
- Engage parents in their child's learning and provide regular updates.
- Build links with the community to extend the curriculum and enhance teaching.
Subject and Curriculum Knowledge
- Maintain secure knowledge of the English curriculum and assessment methods.
- Stay updated on curriculum developments.
- Apply effective teaching theories and cater to individual needs.
- Demonstrate leadership and management skills, with strong planning and interpersonal skills.
Planning and Teaching
- Plan and deliver well-structured lessons that foster a love of learning.
- Set homework and out-of-class activities to reinforce learning.
- Reflect on lesson effectiveness and contribute to curriculum development.
- Differentiate teaching to meet diverse needs.
- Understand factors affecting learning and adapt teaching accordingly.
- Support pupils' development at different stages.
Assessment
- Understand assessment requirements and use data to monitor and promote progress.
- Provide regular, constructive feedback and manage behaviour effectively.
- Establish and maintain high standards of behaviour and classroom management.
Resources and Staff Deployment
- Identify and manage resources efficiently and safely.
- Advise on resource needs and allocate resources effectively.
- Maintain and develop resources, including ICT.
- Use space creatively to enhance learning environments.
- Ensure health and safety compliance.
Additional Responsibilities
- Raise attainment and literacy across the secondary phase.
- Lead initiatives aligned with school improvement priorities.
- Monitor and improve teaching through data analysis and lesson observations.
- Manage English teachers within the department.
- Develop post-16 English provision and non-examinable courses.
- Contribute to whole-school development and safety.
Health and Safety
- Promote safety and responsible attitudes towards safety among pupils.
- Perform playground duties diligently.
- Follow health and safety rules to protect students and staff.
- Maintain awareness of safety measures.
Communication with Parents
- Maintain regular, informal communication with parents.
- Attend Parents’ Evenings and provide accurate progress reports.
Professional Conduct
- Maintain high standards of ethics and behaviour.
- Build respectful relationships with pupils, colleagues, and parents.
- Safeguard pupils’ wellbeing and respect diversity.
- Comply with school policies and cultural expectations.
Qualifications and Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree in teaching from an accredited institution.
- PG Diploma, QTS, and relevant professional requirements.
- Minimum of 3 years’ full-time teaching experience.
Knowledge and Skills
- Deep knowledge of the English curriculum and assessment methods.
- Up-to-date with curriculum developments.
- Effective teaching and leadership skills.
- Strong planning, communication, and IT skills.
Personal Attributes
- Passionate about quality education.
- Respectful, organized, reliable, and detail-oriented.
- Critical thinker and proactive in school development.
Safeguarding and Inclusion
ISP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff undergo vetting procedures, including background checks. We value diversity and are committed to inclusive hiring practices.