Job Description: PYP Co-ordinator Nexus International School, Singapore Purchased by Taylor s Education Group in July 2011, NISS currently meets the educational needs of almost 600 students from approximately 45 different countries. Enrolment is steadily increasing to meet the educational needs of the children of expatriates in Singapore. The spacious 470,000 sq ft campus at 201 Ulu Pandan Road, just 2km from Holland Village, has excellent facilities to support all academic and co-curricular programmes for up to 1,200 students. These include swimming pools, gymnasiums, sports fields, as well as recently renovated academic areas. NISS rolled out a 1:1 Apple laptop scheme in the Secondary School in 2013 and is committed to the integration of innovative learning technologies in the classroom. The Primary School has a ratio of MacBooks to learners of 1:2 and other technologies are integrated across the curriculum, including ipads and a range of the latest tools to aid learning. NISS has a team of highly qualified international educators delivering a well-balanced curriculum based on the best standards and practices used around the world. NISS is an authorised International Baccalaureate (IB) World School for Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). It is a member of the Council of International Schools (CIS), and an approved Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) Centre. NISS is currently a candidate school for CIS/WASC accreditation. NISS is a member of Taylor's Education Group and the second Nexus International School (NIS) campus in the region. The first NIS is located in Putrajaya, Malaysia. Purpose/Vision Statement To educate the youth of the world to take their productive place as leaders in the global community. Mission Nexus International School, Singapore will be an internationally minded learning community that nurtures and supports every child s emotional, physical, creative and intellectual needs in order that they can achieve academic success and become globally responsible citizens. We will accomplish this by celebrating diversity and challenging minds. Core Values Respecting and caring for each other Being dedicated to a culture of Excellence Openness in Communication Acting with Integrity Being Passionate in what we do Creating Enjoyable environments embracing diversity. challenging mind
Desired Culture/Our Promise Treat everyone as gifted and talented individuals and foster those talents and gifts through careful mentorship and guidance that is based on respect for all Provide an environment that allows these talents to flourish; one that is innovative, progressive and grounded in trust, compassion and respect Key Objectives Of The Position This job description is to be read in conjunction with the Primary Classroom Teacher job description. The Primary School PYP Coordinator is an informed, reflective practitioner who uses enquiry learning strategies within the PYP framework to create positive learning environments which motivate and challenge all learners to become self-regulated, life-long learners and leaders. Consistent with Nexus International School policies, the Primary School PYP Coordinator, alongside the Head of Primary, will act as the pedagogical leader of the PYP in the school. The position holder will have a commitment to collaborative planning and is responsible for ensuring that pedagogical aspects are discussed, information is disseminated and the PYP is planned, taught and assessed collaboratively. The Primary School PYP Coordinator is responsible for: Liaision between IBO and school Defining the culture of school (based on the PYP learner profile) Developing the programme and its whole-school implementation Facilitating inquiry Promote international-mindedness in the school Articulation of the programme Professional development: workshops, conferences, school visits, induction; IB networks Supporting the IB authorization and evaluation processes Recording, collating and archiving materials, including recording the PYP exhibition The policy on assessment Documentation be familiar with and promote understanding and use of all PYP documents Be fully conversant with all PYP publications Ensure that copies of IB publications pertaining to the PYP section of the school are available to all staff members Establish and maintain a record of completed IB Primary Years Programme planners Publish the school s programme of inquiry Lead the process of developing or reviewing the school s curriculum documents, including the programme of inquiry and scope and sequence documents Ensure that agreements are formulated for teaching and learning and for assessment Ensure the development of an action plan and, advise and support the formulation of the school s strategic development plan Maintain the archive of PYP records from one year to the next, including the exhibition Ensure that the document entitled General regulations: Primary Years Programme is supplied to parents/guardians Ensure that the document entitled Rules for IB World Schools: Primary Years Programme I shared with relevant staff
Role Professional development Ensure that staff members are made aware of professional development opportunities Ensure PYP teaching staff receive ongoing training in the delivery of the programme Make recommendations regarding professional development opportunities on and off campus Keep a record of workshop attendance and school visits to ensure equality of opportunity to identify ongoing needs, and to complete authorization and programme evaluation forms Provide appropriate guidance and support are given to staff to implement the programme (for example, developing a programme of inquiry, use of the PYP planner, use of an appropriate diversity of assessment strategies, planning the exhibition) Assist teams or individuals in developing and documenting units of inquiry and individual student inquiries Support the teachers responsible for, and the students involved in, the PYP exhibition in the final year of the programme Ensure that all PYP teachers are issued with passwords to access the OCC Resource management Make recommendations for the purchase of suitable resources to support the implementation of the programme Be responsible for the establishment of an inventory of resources to facilitate efficient collaboration Identify resources within the local community to aid the implementation of the PYP Communication Ensure that all requirements of the IB concerning the implementation of the programme are adhered to Set up systems for communication and collaboration among all staff members involved in implementing the programme Conduct parent information sessions Publish articles pertaining to the programme in the school newsletter Circulate all relevant information received from the IB and ensure that teachers and other staff are kept up to date with current developments in the programme Prepare and submit any documentation required for authorization and evaluation Respond to requests for information (for example, questionnaires) from the IB Provide a liaison between the school and the IB Provide outreach to the wider PYP community through OCC discussion forums, email and hosting visits from other schools Promote the use of the OCC within the school community Recommend exemplary teachers to participate in curriculum development meetings Further details of the role and responsibilities of PYP Coordinators are available from the IBO, in particular refer to the Responsibilities of the pedagogical leadership team section of Making the PYP happen: Pedagogical leadership in a PYP school (2009). Whilst every effort has been made to explain the main duties and responsibilities of the post, each individual task undertaken may not be identified. Employees will be expected to comply with any reasonable request from a manager to undertake work of a similar level that is not specified in this job description. This job description may be amended at any time following discussion between the principal and member of staff, and is to be reviewed annually.
Expenditure Authority Up to budget allocations consistent with school policies Key Relationships The Primary School PYP Coordinator reports to the Principal via the Head of Primary School. In addition the Primary School PYP Coordinator will develop and maintain effective working relationships with: IBO Local and International PYP Coordinator Networks School leadership team Primary School teachers Administration staff Parents and learners Personal Specification Qualifications and Training A degree plus teaching qualification (or equivalent) in a relevant area Higher degree or recognized professional qualification (preferred) Evidence of continued relevant professional development, including significant IB training Experience Experience of teaching the PYP (minimum of 5 years) Experience in teaching learners with diverse needs, especially EAL Experience in an international school environment (preferred) Experience and knowledge of curriculum design and development Knowledge and Understanding Deep knowledge and understanding of the PYP Practical understanding of effective teaching and learning strategies Theoretical understanding of effective teaching and learning strategies Relevant curriculum knowledge Understanding and knowledge of principles and practice of inclusion Person Qualities A demonstrated and genuine liking and appreciation of children Inclusive Flexible and adaptable Resilient Sense of humour High standards and expectations Motivated
Core Competencies We are looking for someone who can: Establish and maintain good relationships with colleagues, learners and parents Collaborate Communicate effectively orally and in writing Deal effectively and non confrontationally with learners and staff Positively influence others Listen actively Motivate and engage with colleagues