Following an internal restructure, we are seeking an experienced leader to become our new Depute Rector Academics. This post will be responsible for the delivery and development of all academic matters within the Senior School. We are a busy, all-through day school, and this role will be central to providing students with an excellent academic experience, helping them to “always excel” and achieve at the best of their abilities. This role will lead the Academic Leadership Team (ALT) to oversee vital elements such as the curriculum, timetable, staffing levels, subject choices and internal/external examinations. The Depute Rector Academics will have excellent interpersonal skills, with a proven track record of leading and being part of a high-performing team. The successful candidate will be an innovative leader who provides oversight of all aspects of academic life, the curriculum, quality assurance of learning and teaching, staffing and the timetable. Ideally, they should have a detailed understanding of the examination systems used at the School: SQA, GCSE/A Level courses and the EPQ (Extended Project Qualification). They must have a strong eye for detail and the ability to make decisions in regard to subject choices, examination delivery, the exam appeals system and the requirements of the Support for Learning (SfL) Department. An ability to multi-task and manage multiple challenges with competing deadlines is a must. The successful candidate will make data driven decisions, highly organised and detail orientated. They should also have related administrative experience in a school setting, demonstrating competency in data management, timetable design and development, learning and teaching requirements from both the staff and pupil point of view. The Depute Rector Academics will work closely with the following team members: Assistant Director of Studies: assists with timetabling, subject choices, option columns. Timetabler: ensures that the delivery of education runs smoothly and efficiently. Exams Officer: The Exams Officer is responsible for the organising of internal and external examinations, the Appeals system and the reporting the results. Head of Careers and UCAS: responsible for all UCAS applications and the delivery of education on Careers / World of Work.Head of Support for Learning: responsible for the co-ordination of Support for Learning across the School.Package DescriptionThe school prides itself on its warm and welcoming community, inclusive of all staff. Our teaching staff work alongside the operational teams to ensure the smooth running of the school. We value the contribution of all team members. Through involvement in the co-curricular programme all those who work with us can bring their passions to work. Developing our talent is important to us. Access to training and professional development is available and encouraged.Our reward package includes:Generous Defined Contribution Pension SchemeAccess to onsite gymEmployee Assistance ProgrammeEmployee Benefits Programme, including discounted access to health insurance, financial well-being products, cycle to work and electric car schemes as well as discounts to a number of major retailersFee discountA three course lunch is provided during term timeMain ResponsibilitiesThis role shapes the academic journey for our students at the Senior School. Together with the Depute Rector Student Life, they lead the Senior School and its constituent parts. The following is a summary of the key responsibilities of this role but is not an exhaustive list.Academic Policy and Curriculum: Works closely with the Junior School Headteacher and leadership team to oversee the ‘academic journey of pupils’ and advises the Rector on new developments and changes to the school academic policies. Oversees and monitors the school’s curriculum (including Geits – 3rds, as well as exam courses, and literacy/numeracy) for balance and depth, designs and oversees quality assurance, with reports to Court-level.Monitors and advises the Rector on curriculum content, changes and subject choices, as well as leading innovation to ensure the School’s academic programme is fit for purpose. Senior School Improvement Plan: Work in partnership with the Depute Rector Student life to produce the Senior School Improvement Plan on an annual basis. Timetable / Subject Choice and Options: Overall responsibility for option blocks and oversees the production of the timetable by the Timetabler. Work with the relevant teams to co-ordinate and manage the information to pupils and parents regarding subject choice. Staffing levels and appointments: Advises the Rector on staffing levels and assists in the appointment of staff. Responsible for arranging and monitoring staff duties (supervisory) in all areas of the school.Heads of Department: Oversee Department budgets, staffing; produce agendas for meetings of the Heads of Department (HoDs). Examinations: Manages the Examinations Officer and public examinations team and supports the organising of internal examinations and reporting the results.Responsible for the tracking of pupil performance in unit tests and reporting progress to parents. Ensures HoDs produce appropriate evidence to support Appeals. Takes responsibility for the submission of all Appeals to SQA deadlines.Monitoring and Tracking of Academic Progress inc. Value Added: Developing the use of predictive tools to link target setting and tracking. Responsible for the school’s value-added analysis and oversees the use of value-added measures with students and departments. Professional Learning: Responsibility for professional learning for individuals and the whole staff. This will involve liaison with the Head of the Junior School to assist in planning for whole school as well for Senior School INSET. Responsibility for CPD for individuals and the whole staff. GTCS Registration, PRD & Professional Update: Responsible for developing and evaluating the school’s approaches to PRD and Professional Update in line with GTCS requirements. Self-evaluations and performance management. Responsibility for developing and implementing the school's approach to self-evaluation and the impact on overall school performance.Probationer teachers and PGCE students: Responsible for all aspects of supporting probationer teachers and students. Assessment and Reporting and Parents’ Evenings: Acts as a key point of reference in liaising with parents over academic matters. Oversight of approaches to homework and assessment and the reporting of student progress to parents. Responsible in conjunction with the Year Heads for the organisation of Parents’ Evenings. Support for Learning: Responsible for the co-ordination of Support for Learning across the School with the work of the department and the articulation into the Study Skills programme for all. Oversees the school’s policy for students with learning differences, as well as the ‘Gifted and Talented’/Enrichment Programme.There will also be additional duties that arise and are deemed necessary, including attendance at Court Committees as required; leading at E&P (Education and Policy) Court Committee; and working with Pastoral Depute on new staff induction and staff duties.The Ideal CandidateEssential Qualities and Experience:The successful candidate will demonstrate:A track record of impressive delivery in a senior or middle leadership position Ability to lead, inspire, manage and develop a team as well as an ability to work collaboratively within a team.To be able to make a significant contribution to strategic planning; to debate and discuss issues constructively; to subscribe to the principle of collective responsibility for key decisions; and to show interest in all areas of School leadership Exceptional time management and organisational skills with the ability to work to tight deadlines and manage competing prioritiesStrong analytical and problem-solving skills, combined with a proactive and positive approach to delivering change Proven track record of managing and delivering change projects or programmes within an educational settingStrong personal values and integrity; resilient and calm under pressureAmbitious and forward-thinking for the School and its strategic directionExperience of writing and delivering timetables, balancing staffing requirements and overseeing academic curricular design and deliveryExperience of school inspections and a good understanding of the compliance aspects required To be a cheerful and well‐presented person, capable of inspiring confidence in colleagues, pupils and parents; an effective public speaker able to give whole school presentations, as well as to parents and the wider EA community. Ability to build good relationships with parents and colleagues, including working well within a team and an ability to take directionA passionate commitment to the development of learning and teaching across the curriculum; an up‐to‐date knowledge of new learning and teaching developments and strategies A clear vision for tracking and monitoring pupils and using appropriate technology to do so. High degree of personal motivation, initiative, energy, creativity and drive, as well as an eye for detailRegistered with the General Teaching Council for Scotland (or eligible for registration) Committed to working in line with EA ValuesDesirable:Adept at coaching and mentoring staff at Senior School level along with managing and involvement in CPD and staff development and appraisal To be aware of the nature of the School and prepared to commit to its all‐round ethos, co‐curricular activities and pastoral approach To maintain, along with other members of the SMT, a highly visible and professional presence around the School and at events within and beyond the School day, including at weekends High degree of computer literacy, especially in Microsoft Office applications.Enthusiastic and positive mindset about learning and teachin
