Aldar Education - Head - Arabic

Role Overview

Aldar Education is seeking a Head of Arabic to support our growing family of schools in the United Arab Emirates, for an immediate start. The role is based in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.

Company Overview

Aldar Education is the leading education group in Abu Dhabi. We educate over 34,000 students across our group of owned and managed schools in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. We are a "Great Place To Work" and currently employ over 1,400 teachers to deliver the English National Curriculum, the American Massachusetts State Curriculum, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, all with an international dimension. Our purpose is to empower the next generation to shape our future, directly supporting the educational goals of Abu Dhabi's government. Aldar Education's efforts are guided by the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 plan, which aims to build a sustainable knowledge-based economy through premium education.

Role Purpose

To inspire, engage, and challenge students in their formative years by creating a nurturing and play-based learning environment. To deliver high quality teaching and inclusive learning experiences that spark curiosity, encourage creativity, and support students' academic, social, and personal development.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Direction and Development

• Contribute to the whole school vision and the strategic direction of the school.
• Attend and present at Executive Leadership Team meetings when invited.
• Analyse and interpret relevant school data to inform policies and faculty/school SEF writing.
• Develop and implement policies and practices for the Arabic department that reflect the school's vision and commitment to high standards of achievement.
• Establish short, medium and long-term plans for departmental development, utilizing data effectively to identify areas for improvement.
• Continue to develop and enhance short, medium, and long-term plans for the development of the Arabic department.
• Ensure appropriate and relevant schemes of work are developed and regularly reviewed for students in Year 5 to Year 13, catering to students with diverse learning needs.
• Ensure schemes of work include suitable provision for SEN/PoD, G&T and EAL students.
• Promote and develop the identity of Arabic First and Second language.

Learning and Teaching

• Create and lead a vision for the department that promotes innovative learning experiences and high-quality outcomes in line with the school's USPs.
• Ensure comprehensive curriculum coverage, continuity, and progression in the Arabic department for all students, including those with special educational needs and Gifted and Talented.
• Set clear expectations for staff regarding standards of achievement and quality of teaching in Arabic.
• Regularly evaluate the quality of teaching and learning within the Arabic department to identify effective practices and areas for improvement.
• Promote UAE culture across the curriculum and the school.
• Ensure the department regularly contributes towards the school's ECA provision, revision and booster schemes, and wider initiatives.

Leading and Managing Staff

• Undertake effective performance management of the Arabic First and Second Language team in accordance with school policies and Director of MOE.
• Establish constructive working relationships with the team, emphasizing collaboration, support, and accountability.
• Conduct regular faculty meetings with a focus on improving standards and student achievement.

Assessment

• Lead the organisation of International Benchmark Assessments.
• Undertake the organisation and collection of departmental data and present this to the Director of MOE subjects.
• Analyse data to identify patterns and trends that inform planning and interventions to support students.
• Ensure that high quality interventions are delivered across the phase that support and challenge all groups of students.
• Lead the Monitoring, Evaluation and Review processes to quality assure all aspects of provision and seek improvements to ensure consistently high standards are promoted.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead initiatives to enhance Arabic Language proficiency, fostering a deep understanding of UAE culture and National Identity.
• Organize and participate in events such as Ramadan celebrations and Iftar, promoting cultural understanding and unity within the school community.
• Ensure efficient deployment of staff and resources within the Arabic department to maximize effectiveness.
• Maintain control over the department's budget to support teaching and learning initiatives.
• Create, use and maintain learning environments, aligned to the school's USP, that are conducive to outstanding learning and teaching.
• Provide targeted support and challenge to Emirati students in Arabic literacy to facilitate their academic progression and post-secondary education readiness.
• Serve as a tutor in Middle and Senior School (Year 5 to Year 9), including responsibilities such as registration and pastoral support.
• Cover for absent colleagues and invigilate examinations, with occasional responsibility for after school and weekend invigilation and attendance at events as directed by the Principal.
• Fulfill any other duties assigned by the Principal.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in a related subject with PGCE or an equivalent teacher qualification.
• Masters in Arabic Language or education is preferred but not necessary.
• Minimum 5 years teaching experience.
• Desirable: some leadership experience.

Additional Information

• Aldar Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.
• Offers of appointment are subject to satisfactory references and police clearance.
• Aldar Education is an equal opportunity employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment.
• Aldar Education is mindful of its national development strategy and encourages UAE Nationals to apply.
• This job description is not all-inclusive. Aldar Education reserves the right to amend this job description at any time.