Assistant Head - Lower Primary - Virginia American School (AY26/27)

Job Description

Main Duties

• Assist the Assistant Principal Primary in maintaining a safe, orderly, and positive learning environment in Lower Primary.
• Lead and oversee high-quality academic programs across all Lower Primary grades, ensuring strong student achievement and progress monitoring.
• Align curriculum, assessment, and teaching practices with national and international standards, including the UAE National Agenda and National Identity.
• Promote students’ academic, personal, social, and emotional development within a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment.
• Ensure effective pastoral care, safeguarding, student wellbeing, and pastoral care in line with ADEK regulations.
• Champion the school’s vision, mission, and values, fostering a positive, collaborative school culture.
• Integrate UAE values, culture, and heritage across curriculum and school life, ensuring compliance with national education requirements and assessments.
• Build strong partnerships with parents and the wider community through clear communication and active engagement.
• Lead, support, and develop staff through professional learning, mentoring, and performance management.
• Oversee daily operations, resources, learning environments, and educational technologies to support effective teaching and learning.
• Promote student literacy and a love for reading.

Academic Leadership & Student Achievement

• Lead high‑quality academic provision for KG and Grade 1.
• Monitor student progress using assessment and achievement data.
• Support the Assistant Principal in maintaining strong teaching standards.
• Ensure alignment with national/international benchmarks and the UAE National Agenda.
• Lead curriculum review and promote excellence, creativity, and critical thinking.

Student Personal Development & Wellbeing

• Promote students’ social, emotional, and personal development.
• Implement wellbeing and pastoral care systems.
• Support positive behaviour, discipline, and life‑skills development.

School Vision, Mission & Values

• Embed the school’s vision, mission, and values across the phase.
• Foster an inclusive, positive school culture aligned with whole‑school strategy.

Student Protection, Care & Guidance

• Ensure safeguarding and child protection in line with ADEK requirements.
• Work with the school counselor to support student wellbeing.
• Promote respect, inclusion, and anti‑bullying practices.

Parental Engagement & Community Collaboration

• Maintain clear communication and strong partnerships with parents.
• Lead parent meetings, workshops, and community engagement.
• Address concerns professionally and empathetically.

UAE National Agenda & Educational Standards

• Ensure compliance with UAE education standards and assessments.
• Integrate UAE culture, values, and National Identity into learning.
• Stay informed of policy updates and implement required changes.

Staff Leadership & Professional Development

• Lead, support, and evaluate teaching and support staff.
• Provide mentoring, feedback, and professional development.
• Promote collaboration and continuous improvement.

Operational Management & Resources

• Oversee daily operations, timetabling, and resources.
• Ensure effective use of technology.
• Maintain a safe, high‑quality learning environment.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Experience

• At least 6 years’ experience, including 4 consecutive years teaching performance exceeds standards and expectations as evidenced by performance appraisal
• At least 2 years’ experience in middle leadership role
• Experience of leading school initiatives that have led to improvement in standards and achievement.
• Experience working with parents and external agencies.

Job Specific Knowledge & Skills

• With secure knowledge of teaching and learning, and a track record of implementing effective strategies to raise standards and plug gaps in learning.
• ability to work with data and be effective in using data to diagnose, intervene, and evaluate impact upon learning.
• ability to organize tasks
• ability to handle multiple tasks
• ability to exercise good judgment
• must possess leadership skills
• must appropriately handle confidential information
• Aldar Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.
• Offers of appointment are subject to satisfactory references and police clearance. ­­­­­­­­