Head of Secondary School

The Head of Secondary at RCS is part of the Senior Leadership team and is responsible for providing effective leadership of the Secondary School (Grades 7-12) in fulfilling the aims and objectives expressed in the RCS Guiding Statements. S/he is expected to demonstrate a commitment to the philosophy behind the PEI, Egyptian ministry, and IB Diploma Program curricula, and should be an adaptable educator and innovative curriculum leader, with an expansive experience and knowledge of academics.

The Head of Secondary reports to the School Principal.

Key responsibilities are to:

• Create a school culture, which actively and meaningfully promotes the school’s curricula, Canadian and Egyptian culture, as well as global cultures.
• Support the Principal in developing and communicating a clear strategic vision of how to develop RCS successfully
• Motivate and empower the secondary team to implement the strategic vision of the school
• Being an expert in academics, support teachers and academic and pastoral middle leaders in developing their professional knowledge and skills
• Ensure the educational and social-emotional needs of students are met at all times
• Lead the selection, appraisal, and professional development of the teaching team
• Ensure the physical safety and emotional well-being of all students and staff
• Ensure there are clear and effective lines of communication both internally and with the school community
• Ensure procedures are in place for assessing student performance accurately, fairly, and regularly
• Oversee and manage the secondary school budget in collaboration with the Finance Director and Principal
• Liaise with the SLT on staffing & curriculum requirements, particularly PEI graduation requirements
• Provide leadership in the program of university and career counseling, in coordination with the college and career counselor

Whole School Role for Head of Secondary:

• Represent the secondary school within the whole school leadership team
• Communicate with all sections of the school and community to plan school events
• Implement the RCS strategic plan and collaborate with the senior leadership team to review and develop such
• Report to the Principal and Board of Governors to share progress, developments, and challenges within the secondary school
• Be visible within the broader educational community and be an active life-long learner.

 Staff:

• Provide feedback on teachers’ and subject-area department heads’ performance and evaluation of professional abilities
• Work with the teachers and academic department heads on creating a strong curriculum background on which to base teaching; including emphasis on cross-curricular and project-based assessments.
• Encourage shared decision-making and strengthen staff performance and confidence through teamwork
• Convene, and be available for, meetings regarding teacher and department head concerns
• Implement an orientation and induction program for all new staff, offering ongoing support during the transition process
• Ensure that professional staff development is appropriate to the needs of the school and is integrated into the RCS appraisal process
• Plan appropriately for staff professional development with staff and other SLT members

Students Learning, Care and Engagement:

• Welcome families and monitor the transition process in collaboration with the Admissions Director
• Visit classes and monitor student progress through observation and data analysis
• Monitor student behavior and, if necessary, meet with children, their parents, and relevant staff members to resolve any issues in collaboration with the Director of Student Support Services
• Liaise with class teachers on matters of attendance, lateness, or discipline
• Collaborate with the Director of Student Support Services to ensure the pastoral welfare of students is addressed, following up with outside specialist services if necessary.

Parent Engagement and Relations:

• Be available to answer any parental concerns and meet with parents if necessary to discuss their children
• Regularly communicate with parents about developments to the educational program and school policies
• Facilitate reporting of student progress to parents through parent/teacher conferences, student-led conferences, three-way conferences, and the issuing of report cards
• Lead and coordinate parent representative meetings to discuss school developments, as well as other school events to build the school community

Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment:

• Lead the long-term planning of the curriculum, and liaise with academic department heads and student support specialists to ensure there is an excellent curriculum with high standards in place.
• Direct processes for curriculum review and development together with teachers and other academic SLT members to ensure smooth transitions and adaptations to special populations.
• Monitor the progress of the implementation of the PEI and Egyptian Ministry Curricula
• Work with the IB coordinator in meeting the requirements of the IBO in earning their approval of the Diploma Programme for grades 11 & 12
• Implement, evaluate, and review action plans related to the curriculum, instruction, and assessment
• Oversee and review assessment, recording, and reporting processes.

Administration:

• Review applications for admission in conjunction with the Director of Admissions and applicable admissions policies; including mindfulness of PEI requirements regarding high school-age enrollment from other schools.
• Ensure maintenance of up-to-date student records
• Work with the Human Resources Director and School Principal to plan and implement a successful recruitment process.
• Contribute to the budget development process based on secondary program needs, in conjunction with the School Principal and Finance Director, keeping a record of all budgeting and financial expenditure for the secondary section (Grades 7-12).