The Head of School is responsible for providing leadership and coordination of the PYP/Learning and Teaching program within the school.

It is an expectation that this person will have extensive knowledge and experience with delivery and leadership of the IB PYP.

The Head of School will be expected to work within the Senior Management Team (SMT) to realise the school’s Vision and Mission (with a specific focus on the Educational Vision). To take overall responsibility for the ongoing organization, development and implementation of learning and teaching in the School. The Head of School is an active ambassador for the school in the community who is responsible to the Board and Senior Management Team (SMT)

The Head of School will be expected to work with the KG and PYP Coordinators and teaching team, and the parent community, demonstrating outstanding communication skills.

The role also requires supporting and monitoring teachers to ensure that an inquiry approach to learning is delivered across the school, as well as supporting the school’s vision.

Specific Responsibilities

General management

• Member of the Senior Management Team (SMT) and Senior Leadership Team (SLT)


• Attend Board Meetings


• Uphold all aspects of the school’s ethos and policies, and encourage staff dedication and morale


• Developing links and relationships with other international and PYP schools both in Kenya and abroad


• Ensure equal opportunities for staff and pupils regardless of gender, ability and culture;


• Offer general oversight of teaching and learning matters in relation to staff, students and parents


• Develop whole-school learning culture


• Oversee all school trips and work as the key lead of the school’s health and safety team


• In collaboration with the KG and PYP Coordinators manage the Staff Professional Development plan and budget


• Maintain open communication with school regarding curriculum


• Lead, support and manage the School’s KG and PYP coordinators

Administration

• Supports the Admissions Committee by meeting with prospective students and parent/s, assessing student readiness and providing recommendations to the Admissions Committee


• Give school tours to all prospective parents


• Oversee implementation of the annual budget and orders


• Monitor teaching staff and student attendance


• Write termly Board reports highlighting accomplishments, progress toward goals, specific concerns, and general updates


• Engages with and supports the HR team throughout the hiring process – recruiting highly qualified and capable faculty members and staff who will fulfill the school’s vision


• Organise with the Human Resource Manager and assist the KG and PYP Coordinators in the induction of new staff

Students

• Ensure student records are maintained by the teachers


• Liaise with the PYP, KG coordinators and consultant to ensure the needs of students with SEN are being identified and met


• Liaise with staff, students and parents to ensure effective student transition from one class to another


• Ensure that there is an appropriate and varied programme of extra-curricular activities for all students


• Oversee the planning and organising of an informative assembly programme that supports and promotes PYP student learning and philosophy

Staff

• Lead, supervise and support all teachers and administrative staff


• Coordinate regular meetings to support the implementation of the school programme


• Oversee the PYP and KG Coordinators in the implementation and development of annual professional staff appraisal/growth plans


• Ensure that there is regular communication with the KG and PYP Coordinators on a formal and informal basis


• Through an appraisal process reflect and review the work of the KG and PYP Coordinators and receive formal and informal feedback from staff


• Determining academic staffing requirements and in assist in appointing new staff

Learning and Teaching

• Being a cover teacher as required


• Constantly reappraise your own professional performance, participate in training courses and keep informed of current legislation and best practice


• Assist Kindergarten (KG) and Primary Years Program (PYP) Coordinators with the appraisal programme for both new and established staff

Communication

• Inform the Senior Management Team (SMT) about progress being made in terms of implementation and development of the programme


• Promote International Mindedness throughout the school.

Resource Management

• Oversee the management of the resource budget for the entire school.


• Liaise with the Senior Management Team (SMT) in recommending and facilitating the purchase of suitable resources to support the implementation of the IB programme.

Documentation and Curriculum

• Monitor the overall academic standards, assessment principles, policies and practices within the School.


• Ensure that all curriculum areas are developed, delivered and assessed appropriately.


• Ensure teaching and learning promotes international mindedness.


• Evaluate the effectiveness of teaching and learning.


• Participate in the formation of the school’s strategic development plan.


• Establishes and maintain a record of completed planners.


• Support the PYPC with publishing the school’s Programme of Inquiry


• Support the PYPC with developing and implementing the PYP Action Plan

Implementation

• Organise teacher support with planning, modelling and strategies in learning environments in collaboration with the KG and PYP coordinators


• Work with KG and PYP Coordinators to ensure that inquiry-based learning is the leading pedagogical approach in all learning environments


• Have an oversight of the KG and PYP Coordinators that meet the needs of the IB.


• Have oversight of the integration of digital technologies

Qualifications

The Head will have:

• TSC Certificate


• Minimum of ten years teaching experience


• PYP/IB knowledge and experience


• Primary school teaching qualifications


• Have previous experience in a leadership position within a Primary School.


• Have previous successful experience with International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme