About the Role

Vision and Strategic Direction:

Develop inquiring, reflective and caring learners who, through the rigour of the IB programmes, have the knowledge, skills and character to take action and create a better, more peaceful world

Model and encourage a culture of kindness in support of the GEMS/GWA core values and uphold the mission and ethos of the Academy as a non-selective, international and academically successful school through the lens of the International Baccalaureate Organisation

Work collaboratively with the Local Advisory Board, the Senior Leadership Team and staff to develop an ambitious vision for GWA which builds on the School's many strengths and positions the School as a leader in the rapidly changing world of international education

Translate this vision into a clear, measurable strategy, inspiring and empowering all parts of the GWA community in its delivery

Ensure GWA is well-positioned to seize opportunities and respond to challenges presented by changes in the external context, locally within Dubai, regionally and globally

Job Purpose:

With the CEO / Principal and the Senior Leadership Team, the post-holder will (i) share responsibility for all the policies, decision-making processes and strategic planning involved in the management of the Academy; (ii) realise the ethos of an IB learning organisation with high expectations of students and staff, and a positive approach to internationalism, entrepreneurialism and innovation; (iii) lead the development of the Academy as a learning, researching and self-evaluating organisation (iv) lead by example, setting the highest professional standards and maintaining a visible presence around the Academy.

The post-holder will deputise for the Principal in their absence, and support the CEO / Principal and Principals in their workload, when tasks are delegated or shared.

The focus of this post is to lead on all aspects of academic operations and to have responsibility for the strategic overview of assessment, recording, reporting, attendance and cover as well as the Academy's data tracking and intervention

Core Responsibilities

Academy Leadership and Management

• To support the Senior Leadership Team by sharing responsibility for all of the policies and decision-making processes involved in the management of a complex organisation. Furthermore, to be available (onsite) for a minimum of 15 days out of term time during each academic year determined by the CEO / Principal (or a delegated member of staff)
  
• To deputise for the Principals and share Academy leadership
  
• To chair meetings of the Senior Leadership Team and Director of Learning meetings, and co-ordinate focus group meetings, as required by the CEO / Principal
  
• To prepare and present reports, and lead on issues as directed by the CEO Principal (e.g. curriculum plans and evaluation, target setting, data tracking/analysis, e-strategy, Sixth Form)
  
• To lead on Student Voice developments and support in developing the Academy Council, House Councils and other whole Academy initiatives to focus on teaching and learning
  

Community and External Engagement

• To be a compelling and credible ambassador for GWA effectively communicating the strengths of the School to a diverse range of external audiences
  
• To develop strong relationships with parents/carers, the local government; including the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), Embassies and the wider international communities to the benefit of the School
  
• To represent the School effectively as an international member of NEASC, CIS, NESA and the IBO, valuing connectivity with such bodies and taking a lead role in accreditation and evaluation visits
  

Teaching and Learning

• To lead the development of policy and practice for teaching and learning, and ensure differentiation and effective interventions through monitoring lessons, supporting team planning and leading staff development
  
• To ensure that curriculum documentation contains content and skills, instructional methods and assessment practices
  
• To lead and develop the monitoring and evaluation of teaching and learning including regular cycles of lesson observations, learning walks, peer observations, reviews of student work, lead lesson audits, staff assessment etc
  
• To develop a teaching and learning development plan for all staff which aims to establish good teaching as the baseline for the Academy, and supports the development of an increasing proportion of outstanding teaching
  
• To support the development of senior and middle leaders through mentoring, training and coaching for their strategic planning, self-evaluation and validation processes
  
• To work with the Secondary Principal : Academic Operations, Student Progress and Outcomes to ensure effective personalisation of the curriculum and differentiation of teaching so that the provision meets the needs of learners with additional needs
  
• To create development plans for all staff in the areas of curriculum, assessment, e-learning and the Sixth Form which aim to establish good practice as the baseline for the Academy and support the development of an increasing proportion of outstanding practice
  
• To develop the knowledge and skills of senior and middle leaders (e.g. Directors of Learning) and establish a team of teacher-coaches in order to increase the capacity of the Academy to provide effective support to staff to develop outstanding teaching and learning
  

Staff Development

• To promote the development of the Academy as a learning, researching and self-evaluating organisation through managing staff development opportunities
  
• To ensure performance management links effectively to individual staff development plans aimed at improving the areas of curriculum, assessment and e-learning
  
• To plan and implement an annual programme of staff development opportunities, including Thursday afternoon PD, INSET days and staff meetings with individual development opportunities that are linked to the Academy's Improvement Plan, individuals' development targets and which must be provided within the available budget
  
• To encourage the involvement of staff in research projects and networks, promoting and supporting those which are already implemented
  
• To develop similar opportunities and support for the professional development of non-teachers who support teaching and learning, such as library, resources and cover supervision staff, so that all staff at the academy can develop excellence in their work
  
• To update Phoenix Classroom and provide information as necessary
  

Strategic Planning,

Leadership and Accreditation

• To collaborate with the Principal to commit to the successful implementation of the School Development Plan and take responsibility for all divisional centred targets
  
• To regularly review divisional strategic goals to ensure transparent, consistent and timely processes and resources are in place to meet the needs of the target focus
  
• To provide strategic leadership, line management and support to the appropriate teams within the Academy structure
  
• To ensure all curriculum areas develop and deliver effective plans for the continued raising of achievement so that the majority of students achieve the standards envisaged in the International Baccalaureate, and are able to make high quality progression post-16
  
• To lead the work of curriculum areas to identify students at risk of poor progress as early as possible and to work with these staff and others to ensure rapid and effective intervention and support for those learners
  
• To support the leaders and managers of these areas in implementing the Academy's policies for staff performance, support and effective teamwork
  
• To support these areas in maintaining a high quality learning environment
  
• To support staff in these areas to forge strong community links, particularly with international projects and 14-19 collaborations
  
• To motivate and work with others to create a shared culture and positive climate
  

Communication

• To communicate effectively with students, faculty, staff, parents, colleagues and the community (i.e. verbal, nonverbal and written communication)
  
• To perform those activities as will be required for the general welfare of the School and/or as requested by the Head of School, US/IB Cluster Lead and School Support Centre
  
• To support, back, encourage, and serve as a "critical friend" to the Principal in all school related issues and concerns
  

Recruitment and Staffing

• To assist in the screening, interviewing, and hiring process of personnel as requested
  
• To collaborate with the Principal to ensure strategic staff allocations are being considered in direct relation to timetable adaptations
  
• To oversee a programme of development and training for all staff which includes succession planning
  

Health and Safety

• To ensure a safe environment for the stakeholders of the Academy to provide a secure environment in which learning processes can be provided
  
• To ensure the continuing availability of utilities, site services and equipment
  
• To collaborate with the Principal to ensure the Academy's Health and Safety Policy statement is clearly communicated and available to all staff and support middle managers to manage and maintain the policy
  
• To oversee the implementation of the Health and Safety Policy at all times, and that it is subject to review and assessment at regular intervals or as situations change
  
• To collaborate with the Principal to ensure systems are in place for effective monitoring, measuring and reporting of health and safety issues to the Governors and where appropriate the Health and Safety Executive
  

Safeguarding

• To collaborate with the Principal to ensure that the policies and procedures relating to safeguarding and safer recruitment are fully implemented and followed by all staff
  
• To ensure that all staff and volunteers feel able to raise concerns about poor or unsafe practice in regard to children, and such concerns are addressed sensitively and effectively in a timely manner in accordance with agreed whistleblowing practices
  

Other Duties

• To initiate, lead by example and actively promote the Academy's vision and values, including the development of a strong learning community whose members show high respect for others, for the diversity of the community and for the environment
  
• To undertake personal development through training and other learning activities including performance management as required
  
• To recognise own strengths and areas of expertise and use these to advise and support others
  
• To be a positive role model for students in dress and conduct within the Academy
  

Evaluation:

Written annual job performance is evaluated and provided in accordance with school policy timelines established by the CEO/Principal

About Your Benefits

Benefits:

Competitive remuneration package depending on experience and qualifications, relocation allowance, housing, 40 working days annual leave, tuition fee at a premium plus school for 2 children and other concessions, travel and professional development allowance, visa, medical, end of service and other benefits in line with the UAE Labour Law.

About GEMS

Trusted for over 55 years and now a third generation education family, GEMS Education began in a single school room in Dubai. Today, we have the privilege of educating over 190,000 students from over 176 countries through GEMS owned and managed schools globally; over 270,000 students access resources through our services division; and we will impact 20 million by 2020 students through the initiatives of our Charity partner Varkey Foundation.

About the School

GEMS World Academy-Dubai (GWA) is a private, co-educational IB World school for PreK to Grade 12 students. Established in 2008 as a member of GEMS Education, the school is authorized to deliver the PYP, MYP, DP and CP programmes and is also accredited by the Council of International Schools and is being accredited by NEASC. The total student enrolment is 1600 students with faculty strength of 170 teachers, 82 teaching assistants and 40 administration and support staff.

• The internationally recognized gold standard of pre-university education is the DNA of GWA.
• GWA has the continuum of all four IB programmes. IB is considered the best performing curriculum as per PISA & TIMSS benchmarking. The IB Learner profile prepares students for a more effective transition into world-class universities.
• Strong IB World averages (and continually improving) providing access to the world's best universities.
• A school that is recognized by KHDA (Very Good) as an environment where innovation and improvement are fostered.
• With over 92 nationalities and part of the global World Academy network with Schools in Chicago, Switzerland, and Singapore, GEMS World Academy - Dubai is geared towards developing global citizens.
• Our students have the opportunity to move from the macro environment of space to the microscopic environment of cells and atoms in our Digital Planetarium and the ability to create audio and video content in the purpose-built recording studios and green-screen room.
• With over 150 After School Activities, over 45 Week Without Walls options around the world, sports opportunities for all, student leadership, individualised learning (RTI) GWA provides a truly holistic education.
• A strong 10 year legacy of a warm caring community.

For an insight into GWA Dubai please see this video It Feels Like Home - That's The Difference

About Application Process

If you meet the criteria and you are enthusiastic about the role, we would welcome your application. To complete the application you would need the following document(s):
1. Resume/CV
2. Passport-size photograph
3. CV

Important Note : GEMS Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all of its students. Applicants will be required to submit a current police criminal clearance check or equivalent from their home country or current country of residence prior to appointment.