The Head of Upper School (Academics) is accountable to the Head Master for the development, leadership and management of Upper School academic programme at Harrow ILA Zhuhai, for ensuring
the teaching and learning and curriculum development. For the sustained and measurable development and improvement of student academic achievement. He/she is responsible for excellence and compliance and has a key role in the recruitment of new students and academic staff.
In addition, the Head of Upper School (Academics) primary role is to deliver on the School’s aim to be the first choice bilingual school in Zhuhai by strategically leading the School’s academic provision, taking overall responsibility for all aspects of the Curriculum, Teaching and Learning, Continuing
Professional Development and Professional Performance Review process for staff.
The job holder will be held accountable to ensure outstanding levels of teaching and learning in the School and provide professional leadership and management of the Upper School Academic Team.
This role is dependent on the post holder living on the school site.
Duties and Responsibilities
SLT
• As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, assuming a general responsibility for the effective leadership and development of the whole school strategic aim, including:
• Line managing the Heads of Department (Academic) and the academic departments as well as educational support departments.
• Involvement in the recruitment of Teaching and Academic Support Staff as well as pupils
• Leadership of the Upper School development moving through to a complete G5-12 school.
Leadership
• Responsibility for the strategic leadership of the development of the Curriculum and Teaching
and Learning to promote high academic standards throughout the Upper School (G5-12)
including:
• Leading the development of the High School in all academic areas
• Designing, developing and implementing the strategic vision for the development of the Curriculum and Teaching and Learning across the Upper School (G5-12) collaborating with the Head Master, Deputy Head Whole School, Heads of Department (Academic) in the Upper School and Leadership and Service Co-ordinator to deliver a stimulating, innovative and responsive curriculum in line with the School’s vision statement, Educational Excellence for Life and Leadership which will further develop academic achievements in students
• Leading strategic academic policy making in the Upper School, including keeping up to date with local and international initiatives related to the academic curriculum and extra-curricular activities and advising the Head and Governors on developments.
• Overseeing the development and monitoring of teaching and learning in the Upper School through liaison with the Heads of Department.
• Responsibility for the planning, monitoring and promotion of the academic life of the School.

• With the Heads of Department ensure academic excellence, engaging and high-quality teaching and learning, robust tracking arrangements, and a dynamic and forward-thinking Harrow Horizons programme
• In liaison with the Deputy Head Whole School ensuring the academic progress and development of all pupils in the Upper School
• Working with the AISL team to ensure the development of the Digital Strategy across the school
• Liaising with key personnel to ensure the effective development of teaching spaces in line with curriculum design.
• Preparing regular reports for the Head and Governing Body on curriculum development and teaching and learning
• In liaison with the Head of Marketing, producing appropriate literature and maintaining an active web presence to promote the School’s academic excellence and achievements
• With the Director of Operations and Head of Administration, arranging appropriate administrative support for the academic functions of the Upper School
• Contributing to the wider Harrow family of Schools and members of Asia International Schools
• Reporting to governors on the standards of teaching and learning in the Upper School
• Overseeing the Upper School external and internal examinations including the provision for access arrangements
• Developing and monitoring the quality of curriculum provision in the Upper School from G5 to G12, making recommendations and adjustments where necessary
• Monitoring pupil progress and ensuring pupil intervention and organising parental meetings where appropriate
• Coordinating the academic elements of the transition programmes for pupils from the Lower School to the Middle Upper School (G4-5), the Senior Middle School to the Senior School (G9 to G10)
• Developing and leading CPD in the Upper School in relation to Teaching and Learning and
Curriculum as required
• Developing the Upper School meeting schedule based on the school development plan for academic improvement in the Upper School
• In liaison with the SLT responsibility for the construction and operation of the annual timetable, including:
• Conducting discussions with Heads of Departments about the decisions they make regarding
timetabling
• Coordinating the timetables of new pupils into the School by liaising with Heads of Department and Admissions on which classes they will be allocated and ensuring the Upper School Office have this information in a timely fashion
• Overseeing the options process and communication to pupils, parents and staff
• Producing and updating, as appropriate, the staffing matrix to ensure that all colleagues have the appropriate allocation of teaching, Harrow Horizons involvement, tutoring and any other duties Upper School Staff Professional Development
• Coordinating planning for the School’s Professional Performance Review and Continuing
Professional Development programme for Upper School academic staff, including
responsibility for:
• Managing the induction process for new members of academic staff
• Leading and managing the annual Professional Performance Review process for the Upper School
• Evaluating the Upper School CPD needs and, in liaison with the Head of Lower School, setting the strategic direction for staff development.
• In consultation with the Head Master and the SLT, developing a CPD programme that takes into account the School Development Plan and the individual needs of members of the Upper School teaching staff.
Whole School
• Under the Head Master, assuming a general responsibility for the effective development of the leadership attributes outlined in the School’s vision statement, Educational Excellence for Life and Leadership, with specific responsibility for:
• With members of the Senior Leadership Team and school staff, formulating and monitoring effective initiatives in the academic curriculum to provide effective opportunities for pupils to develop the School’s leadership attributes and values.
• With the Leadership and Service Co-ordinator, ensuring the leadership programme throughout the Upper School provides opportunities for pupils to develop the School’s leadership attributes
• With the SCA/CCA co-ordinator ensure a rich offering of activities to enrich the curriculum in the Upper School
• Maintain high standards of personal conduct in the School, in accordance with school policies
• Communicate effectively with parents regarding all matters of academic performance of students.
• To ensure suitable student records and data are available and maintained for student academic progress and to provide reports and references as may be reasonably required.
• Alongside Deputy Head Whole School and tutors induct new students into the school and manage their progress and needs as they settle into the school environment
• Oversee the needs of the students ensuring their welfare, the physical and emotional wellbeing
• Communication with students, staff and parents in all areas of academic performance and
development
• Assist in planning and implementing PSHE topics in line with UK syllabuses
• Attend FoH meetings alongside parent engagement officer when required
• Deliver parent workshops when required
• Assist with whole school assembly programme and delivery
• Producing the academic sections in the Staff Handbook
• Managing the Upper School Resources budget
• Updating the Head of Department, student and parent handbooks
• Undertaking duties as the Head of School or a delegated representative may reasonably request.Boarding
• Be proactive in seeking to engage with the Boarding Team and forging links between the day school and boarding house.
• Carry out evening duties as agreed with the Head of Boarding.Safeguarding and Academic Wellbeing
• Monitor and report on-site security, Health and Safety issues to Operations.
• To plan, implement and review the structure of staff supervision (duty rota); to ensure the safety and security (including emotional) of all students at all times when they are in school (including break and lunch times).
• To assist the DSL in keeping up to date student records in relation to progress, health and wellbeing, achievements and misconduct to provide reports and references that may be required.
• To work with the Pastoral Care Lead and the School Counsellor to ensure that vulnerable students get adequate care.
• To be DSL level 3 trained to help out with occurrences requiring safeguarding expertise and to assist the DSL with communications with students, staff and parents.
• Manage student support for academic excellence
• Lead, support, and monitor initiatives to ensure students are effective in their learning and that academic interventions support academic excellence and leadership attributes.

Experience:
• The ability to be identified as an excellent classroom teacher and have experience of successful leadership within a school
• A proven track record of leadership, impacting on whole school outcomes
• A proven track record of delivering on academic performance
• A proven track record of suitability for working with children and young people, including the ability to form and maintain appropriate relationship and personal boundaries
• Experience of collaborating with colleagues
• Experience of analysing whole school data and using it to inform whole school planning and
development
• An understanding of what excellent independent education offers students and parents
• Experience of working in an academic leadership role in a high performing school.

Knowledge:
• Up-to-date knowledge of issues surrounding young people and a proven track record of delivering on curriculum initiatives
Personal Qualities:
• A dynamic leader and effective manager
• High levels of personal and professional integrity
• Ability to exercise discretion and confidentiality
• Personal warmth to gain the confidence of pupils, staff and parents
• Positive rapport with pupils
• High standards of personal presence and presentation and attention to detail
• Ability to communicate concisely and sensitively, both orally and in writing, to a variety of audiences
Attitudes:
• A team player with leadership qualities and a reflective and flexible approach
• Organised, energetic, positive and able to self-direct
• Positive, enthusiastic and energetic approach to life
• Ability to think creatively and imaginatively
• Committed to the Harrow Zhuhai’s ethos
• High expectations for pupil attainment, personal development and conduct
• Committed to representing the SLT’s strategic vision for the School
• Ambitious and aspirational for oneself and for the school
• Committed to professional development and show a willingness to undertake appropriate training as required
• A positive ‘can do’ approach in all aspects of the role
• A willingness to be fully committed to the life of a busy boarding school
• High levels of personal presentation, integrity and communication skills.