Deputy Head of Juniors

Purpose of the Job

• To be a member of both the JLT and work closely with the SLT where necessary.
• To support and advise the Head of Juniors and to deputise in their absence.
• To lead the school in all academic and pastoral areas as required.
• To ensure that communication between Juniors and Seniors, regarding academic matters, is smooth and effective.
• To work closely and collaboratively with the Mile Post Leaders and to be a key link between school leaders, teachers, house parents, DSL and other relevant parties in relation to individual students wellbeing and achievement.
• To support the school in its aims and objectives, to provide the best possible outcomes for MIS students.
• With other leaders within the school, organise staffing of key activities and events; be a presence on the campus and at school events.

Main Responsibilities

• Attend JLT meetings in order to manage strategic approach and day-to-day running of the Juniors. Attend/chair other meetings as required.
• Engage with teachers in a supportive capacity as part of the whole school to ensure excellence in all matters.
• Strategic development of academics in Juniors, including overseeing the positive implementation of various Juniors Policies, in collaboration with the Head of Juniors.
• Lead whole school initiatives to develop student achievement, including raising standards and promoting a positive growth mindset.
• Work closely with the Deputy Head Pastoral on whole school wellbeing initiatives; develop strategies for the sharing of good practice.
• Foster appropriate challenge, pace and rigour, whilst nurturing independent thinking and driving ambitious aspirations to create a culture of outstanding student achievement.
• Keep up to date with the latest educational research and developments in excellent practice with regards to the Juniors age group.
• Assist in the coordination and delivery of Parent Workshops and other events to enhance and develop the role of parents as partners in their child’s learning.
• Work to ensure smooth transitions between each stage of academic school life.
• Provide advice and support to Juniors Staff on all matters.
• Assist with school events, trips and initiatives as necessary.
• To oversee the teaching and learning of the IPC, working towards embedding this across the school to gain accreditation.
• To support staff where necessary when managing individual student cases, including communicating with parents and being available for meetings.
• Deal with general complaints from the public and parent body, ensuring they are passed on to other relevant parties where necessary.
• Manage all major disciplinary incidents with assistance from ALT and other managers as appropriate.
• To work closely with both the Learning Support Department and EAL to ensure no child is falling through the cracks.
• To have strong communication with Pringle House Parents regarding pupil wellbeing.
• To take responsibility for assisting with the day-to-day running of the school, and inputting into developments in all areas of the Juniors.
• Although this role is principally not class based, some teaching will be required. This is mainly to assist with cover for teachers for both development and CPD reasons, and should a teacher be away for personal reasons.
• This is something which will be arranged in communication with the JLT.
• To assist at events related to marketing and admissions, such as assessment days, school tours and presentations.
• To ensure the effective running of the student council
• To contribute reports to the Board of Governors, when required.
• Participate in recruitment of teachers when required.
• Oversee Pastoral inset and corresponding budgets.
• Help teachers to use ISAMs to full capacity and to support data collection, recording and use.

Whilst every effort has been made to explain the main duties and responsibilities of the post, each individual task may not be identified. The post holder will be expected to comply with any reasonable request by the Head of Juniors or Head of School to undertake work of a similar level that is not specified in this job description. This job description may be amended at any time following discussion and will be annually reviewed.

Applications are welcomed from candidates who meet the following requirements:

• A qualified teacher with a UK PGCE or other globally recognised teaching qualification (such as QTS).
• A minimum of 6 years' qualified full-time teaching experience and related management experience.
• A reflective practitioner, with a positive, resilient personality and problem-solving skill-set.
• Recent and consistent experience of Co-Curricular Activities

We welcome applicants with experience of working within boarding schools or applicants with a keen interest to participate, live and work within a boarding community. We appreciate that all applicants may not have such experience at present but we welcome applicants with the right approach to a unique part of the MIS experience.

The position will commence in August 2022, and the initial contract will be for a period of two years. Preference is given to candidates already in Mainland China.

Merchiston International School (MIS)

MIS is a British Boarding School located in Longhua District, Shenzhen, South of China. We are a thriving community that challenges all staff to push boundaries with their teaching and to be progressive in their own professional learning.

We offer an innovative British independent school curriculum for international students aged 4 – 18, starting in EYFS and culminating in IGCSE and A-level. The campus, imbued with the ethos of its founding school, Merchiston Castle School Edinburgh, is designed to create an innovative learning space in which an effective 21st-century education can flourish and inspire.

All MIS teachers are expected to participate fully in the school’s life beyond the classroom by contributing to the Co-Curricular Activities (CCA) programme and boarding house life.

If you are interested in joining us, to teach inquisitive and talented children, in a community that seeks to provide professional development opportunities, then please apply…we want to hear from you!

How to apply

provide the names and full contact details of three professional referees, one of whom should be the Director/Head of School/Principal of your current school.

Short-listed candidates must be able to provide a recent DBS/PVG check, police clearance certificate or similar record of non-criminality demonstrating that there is no reason why they cannot work with children.

The application should be submitted no later than Friday 18th March 2022.

Early applications are encouraged, as MIS reserves the right to appoint before the deadline.

Due to national regulations, it is very unlikely that we will be able to secure a work permit or visa for foreign nationals whose 60th or subsequent birthdays take place between August 1 2021 and July 31, 2022.