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  

How to apply for a position at BISR

Thank you for considering the British International School Riyadh as your next employment venture. 

BISR is fully committed to safeguarding children and young people. We complete rigorous background checks for all staff, whatever their role in the school, prior to them commencing employment. Our Safer Recruitment Policy is linked here, which we encourage you to read as the policy sets out the school’s Safer Recruitment and Vetting Policy guidelines and requirements.

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

To apply on InTeachers for a non-teaching position, please follow the ‘inteachers’ link on the vacancy, you will need to bypass some of the questions by making a comment ‘not applicable’.

All applicants whether applying for a teaching or a non-teaching position must provide the following in support of your application:

All Applications must include: 

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

• A statement in support of your application, which must include your response to the following question:

“How do you think you would be able to support our Mission and REACH motto?”

In addition, Teacher Applications must include: 

• How do you demonstrate that you are a lifelong learner and how does current pedagogical practice have an impact in 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

 

Please refer to the associated job description for the role requirements. 

Teachers who work at BISR should have:

Qualifications

• Qualified Teacher status.
• Certificate of Education - PGCE or B.Ed.
• Training or qualification relevant to the post.

Understanding

• An appreciation of the demands of a British school in an international context.
• Recognise the vital importance of a positive commitment to the co-curricular life of the school.
• An appreciation of the importance of intercultural understanding and cultural sensitivity.
• Recognise the responsibility each individual staff member has in supporting the holistic growth and well-being of students.

Experience

• Experience of working in various contexts both in the UK and internationally.
• Experience of teaching within a Key Stage or subject.
• Experience of positive behaviour management strategies.
• Experience of planning for children with a range of learning needs, including extremely able students.
• Experience of curriculum development, monitoring and assessment.
• Experience of working with second language students or prepared to undertake training.

Skills and Abilities

• A detailed knowledge of the English National Curriculum.
• Ability to organise a stimulating learning environment and demonstrate excellent creative teaching skills.
• Willingness to collaborate with colleagues in preparing for learning and teaching.
• Good organisation of recording and evaluating progress.
• Show good communication skills when working with pupils, parents and colleagues.
• Effective skills in managing and organising own time and directing deployment of teaching assistants.
• Good ICT skills to be effective in your job.
• An understanding of Assessment for Learning Strategies and use of this to inform future planning.
• The desire to develop knowledge of the curriculum above and below the preferred key stage or in a cross-curricular context.

Personal Qualities

• Warmth and sense of humour.
• Flexibility.
• Enthusiasm.
• Team player.
• Commitment to continuing professional development.
• Willingness to be involved in co-curricular activities and events and engage in all aspects of school life.
• High expectations of yourself and of children.
• First class communication skills.
• Empathy with all stakeholders: students, colleagues, parents and visitors.

Equal Opportunities

At the British International School Riyadh, we believe that achieving our mission and vision to be “an outstanding British international school, providing world class learning experiences, in a nurturing environment, where students excel, flourish and develop as positive global citizens” is driven by a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture with equality of opportunity for all. The school is committed to creating an environment where we value people as unique members of a diverse community, developing as positive global citizens who respect the culture and identity of all.