Head of Sport - Yasmina British Academy (Apr '27 Start)

Role Overview

Head of Sport at Yasmina British Academy, Aldar Education, Abu Dhabi. Start date: April 2027.

Company Overview

Aldar Education operates a highly successful family of schools. Yasmina British Academy is part of this community, where staff are held in high regard by pupils, parents and school leadership.

Role Purpose

Lead the Sport department to deliver outstanding progress for all students through effective strategy, curriculum delivery, and staff leadership. Implement evidence-based approaches to raise standards, close learning gaps, and foster excellence in teaching and learning aligned with the school's vision and values.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Direction and Development

• Develop and implement policies and practices for the department that reflect the school's vision, aims, and commitment to high standards of achievement and effective teaching and learning.
• Establish, monitor and evaluate short, medium and long-term plans for departmental development.
• Use data effectively to identify underachieving students and create and implement action plans to support them.
• Analyse and interpret relevant school data to inform policies and department/school SEF writing.
• Ensure appropriate and relevant schemes of work are developed, in place, and regularly reviewed and evaluated for all year groups and courses, including suitable provision for SEN/POD, G&T, and EAL students.

Teaching and Learning

• Ensure curriculum coverage, continuity and progression for all students, including those of high ability and those with special educational needs.
• Establish and implement clear policies and practices for assessing, recording and reporting on student achievement.
• Set expectations for staff in relation to standards of achievement, quality of teaching and learning, and behaviour.
• Evaluate the quality of teaching and learning in the department and identify effective practice and areas for improvement; take action to further improve quality.
• Ensure the department regularly contributes to the school's CAS Programme and after-school Booster/Revision Sessions for I/GCSE and IB DP courses.

Leading and Managing Staff

• Perform management of team in accordance with school performance management policy.
• Establish clear expectations and constructive working relationships with the team, ensuring collaboration, support, accountability and high professional standards.
• Hold regular department meetings with minutes and agendas focused on improving standards relating to student achievement and teaching and learning.

Managing Resources

• Deploy staff and resources efficiently and effectively.
• Maintain efficient and effective control of the Department's Resource and CapEx budgets.
• Use accommodation effectively to create a stimulating environment for teaching and learning in accordance with Learning Environment Policy.
• Ensure a safe working and learning environment in which risks are properly assessed and Health and Safety policy and regulations are observed at all times.

Other Duties

• Contribute to the school's CAS Programme by leading or supporting one after-school activity each term, including leadership of Model United Nations (MUN).
• Serve as an Academic Mentor and Extended Essay Supervisor to Year 12/13 students.
• Undertake duties as part of the staff duty rota.
• Cover for absent colleagues.
• Invigilate examinations as required, including a minimum of one evening and one weekend external examination session, to support the Examinations Officer and Summer Examination Schedule.
• Undertake any other duties as assigned by the Principal.

Qualifications & Experience

• Master's degree minimum and certification in Educational Leadership.
• Teaching experience at secondary level in an international school.
• Minimum of five years of secondary school administrative experience as Assistant/Associate Principal or Head of Division in an international school setting.
• Leadership experience in curriculum development, instructional strategies and standards-based assessment.

Skills & Competencies

• Knowledge of I/GCSE and IB Programmes and developments.
• Knowledge of UAE Ministry of Education and ADEK regulations relating to curriculum, assessment and compliance.
• Commitment to the ideals of international education.
• Ability to prioritise projects and tasks and respond to simultaneous requests from various areas.
• Ability to initiate and manage change in the work environment.
• Ability to identify problems, achieve effective solutions, resolve conflict, motivate staff and foster collaboration.
• Ability to promote sound decision-making.
• Flexibility, patience and egalitarian approach.
• Secure knowledge of teaching the English National Curriculum.
• Proven track record of implementing effective strategies to raise standards and close learning gaps.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and experience at a variety of levels.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team.
• Genuine understanding and appreciation of the values of the region.

Additional Information

• Aldar Education is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment.
• Aldar Education encourages UAE Nationals to apply.
• 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.
• This job description is not all inclusive and Aldar Education reserves the right to amend it at any time.