Year 1 Lead Teacher

About Malawi

Malawi is a wonderful country, all nestled into the African continent. Malawi has a lovely climate and the friendliest of people. Malawi is a hidden gem! Full of places to explore and adventures to be had. We are an International Primary School in Blantyre, Malawi, “the warm heart of Africa.”  Our school is situated in a picturesque location with views all around. Our school has been designed for the students to ensure a positive and growth mindset.

The Post

We are recruiting for a dynamic, inspiring and motivated Year 1 Teacher to join our expanding team at Mount View International Primary School and Early Years Centre. We pride ourselves in our commitment to delivering a high-quality education following the Cambridge International Curriculum and pastoral care. We have a highly skilled and dedicated team of teachers and teaching assistants.

Responsible for:

• Students at Mount View International Primary School and Early Years Centre, specifically the students in Year 1.
• Teachers, Teaching Assistants and Specialist teachers working with Year 1 Students.

Specific responsibilities: 

• The job description allocates duties and responsibilities. It does not direct the amount of time to be spent in carrying them out and no part of it may be misconstrued.
• The job description is inclusive but not limited. There may be modifications and amendments to it after discussion with the post holder. 

Main duties:

• To uphold the school's ethos, aims and objectives
• To be professional at all times both inside and outside of school as you are representing the school.
• To meet with the Leadership regularly to ensure a unified and clear approach to the school.
• Support the Leadership team in devising and implementing school policies and procedures which reflect the school’s commitment to high achievement through effective teaching and learning.
• Ensure all Year 1 Primary colleagues are clear in their role as a teacher, teaching assistant or specialist teacher. Ensure they understand the importance of their role in contributing to the student’s spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development for the opportunities that will lie before them.
• To have a sound knowledge and understanding of the Cambridge International Curriculum and share and disseminate this knowledge throughout Year 1. 
• Monitoring the student’s achievements and supporting teachers to implement support strategies for students who need additional support.
• Provide CPD and training opportunities for Year 1 and Lower Primary Colleagues
• To ensure the welfare and individual success of the students in Year 1.

Teaching and learning:

• Weekly monitoring of teacher’s planning including specialist teachers. Offering support and guidance to teachers to develop their teaching style, student’s active learning and curriculum delivery.
• To support weekly planning meetings with Year 1 teachers.
• Planning and implementing Year 1 Phonic Screening Assessments.
• To read each Year 1 student's report prior to them being viewed by the Headteacher.
• Ensure curriculum coverage, continuity and progression in all subjects for all Year 1 students including those with high ability, additional needs and students with EAL.
• Ensure assessments and monitoring of students or other suitable methods are devised and followed.
• When and where needed, initiate and organize extra-curricular and educational enhancement activities and clubs.
• Work with the Leadership Team to establish and implement clear policies and practices for assessing, recording and reporting on student’s achievements. Use this information to recognize achievement and support students who need additional support.
• Monitor progress and evaluate the effects of any improvement strategies on teaching and learning by working alongside colleagues analysing work and outcomes.
• Share and provide regular feedback to the Leadership team to help the school evaluate its progress.
• Assist the Leadership team to review the standards of leadership, teaching and learning across the school.

Leading and management:

• Support and encourage all Year 1 teachers and teaching assistants to establish and maintain constructive working and professional relationships with the students. 
• To plan, implement and deliver inset training sessions to Lower Primary
• To monitor colleague’s performance, attitude and creative abilities.
• Support the Head of Department for Lower Primary to induct and support new members of the Lower Primary team.
• To provide colleagues with regular training opportunities, including but not limited to, displays, classroom management, behavior management, positive mindset, outdoor learning, key and relevant research to education and learning and new teaching strategies.
• To carry out termly planned teacher and T.A observations. Writing a written report and giving verbal feedback.
• To monitor each colleague in Year 1 and their performance. Liaising with the Head of Lower Primary.
• Praising colleague’s successes and achievements
• Discussing areas of improvement individual colleagues need to focus on.
• To engage outside professionals, trainers and training opportunities to enhance the skills, knowledge and performance of Lower Primary colleagues when appropriate. 
• Ensure regular feedback sessions with the Leadership team and Senior Leadership team to inform them of plans and priorities, successes in meeting objectives and targets and professional development plans.
• Monitor and evaluate the contribution and impact of Year 1 colleagues with the improvement and development of our school.
• Take initial responsibility for the pastoral care and welfare of all Department colleagues. 

Parental and family engagement:

• Contribute to half termly newsletters for Lower School families
• Whats app reminders and weekly messages as required
• Respond daily to parents whats app questions (between the hours of 6.00am and 3.00pm Monday to Thursday and 6.00am to 2.00pm on Fridays)
• Engaging families in school events, including but not limited to swimming gala, international days, mother’s days, end of term productions, sporting events and parent teaching consultations.
• Weekend activities and or events as required 
• Arranging parents and family’s information sessions as required.

Ensuring:

• The academic success of our students
• The longevity of our school
• The quality and sustainability of what is purchased
• Monitoring the quality and adequacy of the equipment and resources in Year 1
• Sharing ideas and thoughts with the Headteacher and other Heads of Dept. regarding budget management.

Marketing:

Promoting and advertising Mount View International Primary School and Early Years Centre to parents and families at Mount View and to the wider community.

• Open days, supporting the Headteacher with and promoting Lower Primary School
• Inter school events, show casing our students, teachers and our school as a whole.
• Publicizing on social media Lower School events, successes and achievements. 
• Being active, innovative and engaged with marketing our school.   

Managing resources and equipment:

• Annual audits of Year 1’s Equipment, both at the beginning and end of the academic year.
• Liaising with our School Librarian about books, including maintenance, content, availability, quantity and diversity.
• Supporting colleagues and students with the care and consideration of our school’s resources.