Assistant Head Teacher (Academic) - Lower Phase
Assistant Head Teacher (Academic) - Lower Phase
Position Description
The Assistant Head Teacher Academic plays a crucial role in the school delivering on academic standards and student progress. This includes leading on curriculum development, teaching and learning strategies, and assessment practices to ensure every student achieves their full potential. The AHTA also plays a crucial role in supporting the LP Assistant Head Teacher Pastoral (AHTP) with the pastoral development of the phase. This position requires a compassionate leader who is committed to fostering a positive school environment and supporting the holistic development of all learners.
Curriculum
● Lead the design, implementation, and evaluation of a broad, balanced, and inclusive curriculum that meets the needs of all students.
● Ensure the curriculum is aligned with the school’s vision and values.
● Coordinate Year Heads and Subject Coordinators to develop schemes of work that are engaging, relevant, and support high standards of learning.
● Monitor and evaluate the impact of the curriculum and the standards of teaching on student outcomes and make evidence-based recommendations for improvement.
● To work closely with the JP subject leads to support them in their role.
Teaching and Learning
● Provide leadership in developing innovative and evidence-based teaching and learning practices.
● Monitor the quality of teaching across the school through lesson observations, learning walks, and work scrutiny.
● Lead professional development initiatives to enhance the skills and knowledge of teaching staff.
● Model outstanding teaching and learning in the classroom.
● Provide coaching, mentoring, and professional development opportunities to enhance teaching practice.
● Ensure teaching practices are inclusive and support all pupils, including those with additional needs, EAL, and high-potential learners.
● To liaise with the Primary Inclusion Coordinator and assist in the development of ‘One Page Profiles’ and Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for students with academic requirements.
Assessments and Reporting
● Oversee the school’s assessment policy, ensuring it supports effective teaching and learning while minimising workload.
● Use assessment data to track student progress and support Year Heads and Subject Coordinators to identify gaps, and implement targeted interventions as required.
● Ensure that formative and summative assessments are used effectively to inform planning and improve student outcomes.
● Lead all aspects related to the preparation of student reports and liaise with other teams and phases when doing so.
● Manage systems related to the tracking of student attainment and progress (e.g SIMS mark sheets, NFER portal, tracking sheets etc)
Performance Management:
● Support all colleagues, providing clear objectives and constructive feedback.
● Support the performance appraisal process by setting and monitoring professional development goals for staff.
● Identify and address professional development needs to build leadership capacity and improve teaching standards.
● Celebrate successes and address underperformance in a supportive and constructive manner.
Pastoral and Community Responsibilities
● Foster positive relationships with students, parents, carers, and external agencies to support pupil well-being and achievement.
● Promote a culture of safeguarding, ensuring that all policies and practices prioritise the safety and well-being of pupils.
● Contribute to the wider school community by supporting events, initiatives, and partnerships that enhance school life.
● Act as a role model for students and staff, demonstrating professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to the school’s values.
Other responsibilities
● Lead the organisation and implementation of staff duties (the end of the day, morning duties, break duties etc).
● Work with the Assistant Headteacher (SIMS) to ensure that the Lower Phase timetable is conducive to high-quality teaching and learning in the best interests of the students.
● Line manage the Lower Phase Teaching Assistants and English Support Teaching colleagues.
● Take an active role in events both within the Junior Phase and across other areas of the school.
● Take an active role in any school accreditation and any ministry-related activities and procedures.
● Liaise with the transport team to manage and resolve bus-related incidents and issues effectively.
● Review and monitor CCTV reports, collaborating with relevant staff to investigate and resolve issues promptly.
● Lead Continuing Professional Development (CPD) sessions and meetings, sharing expertise in key areas.
● Liaise professionally with other teams (academic and non-academic) as required.
● Assist the Head Teacher and deputise when required, supporting all aspects of the Head Teacher’s responsibilities.
● Undertake additional duties as directed by the Head Teacher and/or Principal.
Safeguarding
Prospective candidates should submit the details of at least two previous employers as referees which must be their two most recent employers, covering a minimum of four years of employment, or all of their employment if the candidate has less than four years of experience.
If a candidate has only one previous employer, two references can be provided from the same employer.
For candidates in a school where the line manager is providing a reference, the reference must be countersigned by the Head Teacher or Principal.
All successful applicants will be required to undergo an enhanced criminal background check and must provide a detailed residential history for the last ten (10) years.
The British School of Kuwait (BSK) is committed to safer recruitment practices.