Head of Athletics

Reports: Director General

Interfaces With: Students, Faculty, Staff, Parents, Divisional Offices

ISP-J seeks an experienced and dynamic Head of Athletics. The ideal candidate will support our school’s mission, goals, and vision; value community; bring a spirit of enthusiasm, energy, and willingness to take thoughtful initiative in a collaborative setting.

The Head of PE Department is responsible for making clear and effective decisions about: planning, implementing and evaluating the curriculum and extra-curriculum; leading and managing teaching and non-teaching staff; and organizing department resources.  To have overall responsibility for the standard of students’ work, outcomes and behavior in the department.

Department Planning

In consultation with the Section Principal and Director of School:

• To construct a Development and Improvement Plan, defining short, medium and long term goals of the department
• To oversee the implementation and evaluation of the Development and Improvement Plan;
• To prepare the PE department for internal and external school inspection and accreditation visits
• Develop After School Sports Activities
• Encourage and promote physical activity and sports 
• Plan and oversee the IPS-J sports teams throughout the school year (sporting tours, hosting events etc.)
• Liaise and work closely with the Head of PE & Sport and Head of Aquatics when organising whole school events such as sports days and swim galas

Curriculum

• To construct and oversee schemes of work in PE which satisfy statutory requirements and are compatible with the school’s aims, policies and ethos
• In consultation with members of the PE department, to evaluate the schemes of work and modify them in the light of new attitudes and approaches, changed examination syllabi, or altered school or national policies. To ensure that a high-quality extra-curricular sport curriculum meets the needs of students of all abilities
• To ensure that schemes of work are differentiated to meet the needs of individual students
• To liaise with the SEND about students with special educational needs
• To ensure that schemes of work show continuity and progression
• Curriculum objectives and content:
  • To ensure that schemes of work for PE build on skills, attitudes, knowledge and concepts developed in the primary school and progress through grade 12
  • In consultation with the Instructional Coach, to assist in the improvement of cross-curricular themes, skills and dimensions
  • To promote teaching and learning strategies within the PE department that stimulate students' interest and involvement in learning and meet the needs of individual learners, drawing on good practice in different areas of the faculty
  • Acquire a range of appropriate educational resources
  • To develop and monitor assessment procedures compatible with the school policy and statutory requirements
  • To maintain constant awareness of improvements in PE and bring these to the attention of the Section Principals

Management of Staff

• The Head of PE Department should demonstrate the ability to lead, motivate and get the best out of others.  They should foster a common sense of purpose, shared vision and sense of mission within the department
• To assist with recruitment and appointment
• To conduct the appraisal process
• To identify strengths and areas for improvement of staff and take appropriate actions to encourage high morale
• To bring to the attention of the SLT line manager areas of concern in the professional capability of teaching and non-teaching staff
• To ensure that lesson plans are prepared, schemes of work are followed, student performance/work is assessed 
• To hold effective departmental meetings and ensure that minutes are distributed to members of the department and the Section Principal
• To ensure that the department is represented at cross-curricular group meetings

Resources and Accommodation

• To ensure that resources within the PE department are relevant to the curriculum and extra-curricular needs and are well maintained
• To prepare an annual departmental budget for the Director of School and ensure appropriate financial records are maintained
• To ensure the purchase, maintenance and appropriate allocation of resources
• To ensure that the stock records are accurately maintained
• To ensure that the learning environment is enhanced and that gyms and outdoor sports facilities etc. are left tidy and clean
• To liaise with the Health and Safety representative in ensuring that students and teachers work in a safe and healthy environment

Child Protection and Safety

• Actively support and adhere to the Child Protection Policy, including attending annual training
• Ensure lessons, activities and trips are inclusive, safe and secure for ISP students