Head of Support for Learning (SENCo) - Whole School - Diplomatic Quarter Campus - Required for August 2023

The British International School Riyadh (BISR) is an extremely well-regarded not-for-profit, co-educational school in the Middle East, catering for students aged 3-18 across its existing five campuses, providing high quality education to the expatriate community since 1979. The school is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and as a British School Overseas (BSO). BISR is also a member of the British Schools of the Middle East (BSME) and the Council of British International Schools (COBIS). The BISR Diplomatic Quarter campus is also an IB World School, offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. The school follows the English curriculum, greatly enriched by the local and international context. Learning is holistic, supported by a broad co-curricular programme, encompassing extra-curricular activities, student leadership, service learning and residential trips. Strong pastoral care supports student well-being.

We are seeking a lively, dynamic Head of Support for Learning (SENCo) to join the BISR Student Services Department and lead the Support for Learning team. The Support for Learning team is a highly committed team of specialist teachers and Learning Support Assistants who work cooperatively and imaginatively. The Head of Support for Learning contributes to the development of inclusive provision/practice across the BISR campuses. The candidate should be an outstanding classroom practitioner able to provide support and guidance to teaching staff and parents. Candidates should hold a recognised qualification in SEN and have an understanding of the challenges in dealing with SEN issues in a Middle East context. We are specifically looking for an individual who is willing to contribute to our three strategic pillars of learning, enrichment and well-being.

Full Job Description is available here:  Head of Support for Learning (SENCo)

The successful candidates will:

 

• Be committed to providing inclusive provision within an international context.

• Have a clear vision for the development of Support for Learning at BISR.

• Be experienced in leading a whole school team.

• Hold additional qualifications relating to SEND and/or SEN Coordination.

• Be experienced in conducting and analysing psycho-educational assessments.

• Show an understanding of examination access arrangements.

• Demonstrate an open and collaborative approach to supporting students, colleagues and families.

• Share expertise, knowledge and skills with the wider BISR community..

• Have excellent interpersonal skills, high levels of emotional intelligence and a good sense of humour, effectively collaborating within a range of teams.

• Fully support the school Mission, Vision and Motto.

• Go the extra mile for students, contributing to the wider life of the school, including the broad co-curricular programme and community events.

• Hold an appropriate UK or UK recognised teaching qualification.

 

We can offer:

 

• Highly motivated and engaged students

• A school with a strong sense of community

• A learning focused school committed to staff development

• Motivated, hard-working and dedicated colleagues, who are committed to high quality learning, student well-being and the school's enrichment programmes

• The opportunity to live, work and travel in a unique, beautiful and fast changing country. 

 

To apply, please follow the link: https://inteachers.net/job/3300 and provide a supporting statement of application following our Guidelines.  

 

Closing date for all applications: Saturday 11 March 2023

 

BISR believes very strongly in the role of the school in safeguarding children and young people.  All staff, whatever their role in the school, will be required to undergo rigorous background checks before commencing employment.

 

The school reserves the right to make an earlier appointment if a suitable candidate is identified

For more information about the school please visit our website: www.bisr.com.sa  

BISR is committed to safeguarding children and young people. We conduct thorough background checks on all staff prior to employment, regardless of their role. Our Safer Recruitment Policy linked here outlines the school’s Safer Recruitment and Vetting Policy guidelines, which we strictly adhere to.

To apply for a teaching position on InTeachers, please follow the ‘inteachers’ link on the vacancy.

To apply for a non-teaching position on InTeachers, please follow the ‘inteachers’ link on the vacancy. You will need to bypass some questions by noting “not applicable.”

All applicants, whether for teaching or non-teaching positions, must provide the following in support of their application:

All Applications Must Include:

• An up-to-date, two-page Curriculum Vitae, including a photograph.

• A statement in support of your application, addressing the following question: “How do you think you would be able to support our Mission and REACH motto?”

Teacher Applications Must Also Include:

• How do you demonstrate that you are a lifelong learner, and how does current pedagogical practice impact your classroom?

• How do you create a positive classroom climate and support student well-being in your current school?

• What strategies do you use to ensure that all learners in your classroom make good progress?

• What is your contribution to your current school community?

The school reserves the right to make an earlier appointment if a suitable candidate is identified.

For more information about the school, please visit our website: www.bisr.com.sa

 

 

 

BISR teachers should possess the following:

Qualifications:

• Qualified Teacher status.

• Certificate of Education (PGCE or B.Ed).

• Relevant training or qualifications for the specific post.

Understanding:

• Appreciation of a British school's demands in an international context.

• Commitment to the school's co-curricular life.

• Understanding of intercultural awareness and cultural sensitivity.

• Recognition of responsibility for students' holistic growth and well-being.

Experience:

• Experience in various contexts (UK and international).

• Experience teaching within a Key Stage or subject.

• Experience with positive behavior management strategies.

• Experience planning for diverse learning needs, including highly able students.

• Experience in curriculum development, monitoring, and assessment.

• Experience with second language students or willingness to train.

Skills and Abilities:

• Detailed knowledge of the English National Curriculum.

• Ability to create a stimulating learning environment and demonstrate creative teaching.

• Willingness to collaborate with colleagues.

• Good organizational skills for recording and evaluating progress.

• Effective communication skills with pupils, parents, and colleagues.

• Time management and ability to direct teaching assistants.

• Good ICT skills.

• Understanding of Assessment for Learning strategies.

• Desire to develop knowledge across the curriculum.

Personal Qualities:

• Warmth and sense of humor.

• Flexibility.

• Enthusiasm.

• Team player.

• Commitment to professional development.

• Willingness to participate in co-curricular activities.

• High expectations for self and students.

• First-class communication skills.

• Empathy with all stakeholders.

Equal Opportunities:

BISR values a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture, committed to equality of opportunity and creating an environment where everyone is valued and respected as a global citizen.