Deputy Head Pastoral (Senior School) Rugby School Thailand, a co-educational boarding school set in 80 acres of glorious Thai countryside south of Bangkok, opened its doors in September 2017 for pupils aged 2 10 years. From September 2018 the Senior School will also open, initially for pupils in Years 9, 10, and 12. We will adopt the nomenclature of Rugby School, our parent school, so these year groups will be known as F Block, E Block, and Lower XX. Rugby School Thailand is the first overseas sister school of Rugby School UK, one of the most prestigious and well-known schools in the UK. Rugby School Thailand will share Rugby School UK s DNA in every important respect. It will be unique. The Senior School The Senior School comprises Years 9 13. The capacity of the Senior School is approximately 650, with students housed in outstanding classroom and boarding facilities The Senior School academic curriculum will draw from the best of the UK National Curriculum. Each department offers either GCSE or IGCSE courses in Years 10 and 11. In Years 12 and 13, Rugby School Thailand pupils will study A-Level courses. Rugby School Thailand aims to prepare pupils for further studies at the world's best universities. Unlike other international schools, Rugby School Thailand will operate as its parent school does in Warwickshire, with long school days and classes on Saturday morning. The Senior School buildings are designed to offer an outstanding learning environment. The main buildings include a teaching block; state of the art Design and Technology and Visual Arts studios; ICT suites; Drama studios and expansive auditorium; library; air-conditioned sports hall (with an elevated 240m running track indoors); 50m swimming pool plus warm up pool; floodlit football fields; tartan running track; golf driving range; and tennis centre. 1
A Sixth Form Centre will provide a hub for Years 12 and 13 students as they pursue independent and group study as they complete their A-Levels. Senior boarding houses will be at the heart of the Senior School. Boarders will have access to some of the best facilities in South East Asia. JOB DESCRIPTION Job Title Department Function Reports to Location Deputy Head - Pastoral Senior Management Pastoral Care / Management Head of Senior School Rugby School Thailand The role of Deputy Head Pastoral at a new school provides the successful candidate with an exciting opportunity from the date that the appointment is confirmed, to help establish policies, practices and procedures that will ensure a high-achieving and happy environment to undergird the school s future success. Whilst in the first years of the Senior School there will not a be a full complement of classes across year groups, the school will grow dynamically. The Deputy Head - Pastoral's responsibilities will be broad, covering organisational, pastoral and academic matters. Initially, the Deputy Head Pastoral will also be the Head of Boarding, so the successful candidate will be expected to have had experience running a boarding house in an independent school. The Deputy Head Pastoral will: Deputise in all matters for the Head of Senior School in his absence Lead a team of Housemasters Report directly to the Head of Senior School Be a member of the Senior Management Team Be responsible for the day-to-day oversight not just of his/her own boarding house, but the efficient, compliant running of all boarding facilities Develop an innovative pastoral care programme unique to Rugby School Thailand Develop and maintain pastoral care policies for the school that include matters such as child protection, student welfare, and discipline Develop and maintain a pastoral care programme for staff Contribute fully to the academic, extra-curricular and social life of the school Be an ambassador of Rugby School Thailand at all times, both on and off the school site 2
Administrative and Organisational Responsibilities: Produce, promulgate and maintain the School's Pastoral Care policies Maintain and update these policies and procedures and ensure school s preparedness for inspection Oversee major school events and gala days Organise rotas ensuring both equity and duty of care responsibilities are achieved Efficient use of student management system to alert staff to pastoral concerns relating to students, as well as reporting and recording of same Responsibilities for Pastoral Care and Discipline: Take a leading role in the maintenance of good standards of discipline and welfare within the school, liaising with the Head of Senior School in serious matters Organise and chair regular Pastoral Team meetings with Housemasters Appraise Senior Management Team of pressing pastoral issues Develop a Pastoral Care framework for Rugby School Thailand that caters to the unique complexion of the school and its students Actively seek the continuous improvement of the Pastoral Care programme at Rugby School Thailand by regular reflection as well as the regular implementation of initiatives that are pertinent to the needs of students at Rugby School Thailand Assume the role of 'Designated Safeguarding Lead' (DSL) across the School Access and implement regular Child Protection INSET sessions for all staff Ensure that boarding at Rugby School Thailand is a model of professionalism, happiness, imagination and efficiency Craft, update and implement specific policies to deal with matters such as bullying and harassment, acceptable use of technology, etc. Support the spiritual and personal development of the children and sharing in the leading of assemblies on a regular basis. Develop and manage a student leadership programme across the Senior School, including the process for selecting student leaders Staff Responsibilities: Provide support, advice and encouragement for colleagues at all levels in the performance of their duties in order to create a warm and positive working environment Lead by example in all areas of school life and to be a powerful role model for colleagues, as an outstanding practitioner Assist the Head of Senior School in creating and maintaining good relationships with staff, being alert to concerns and building a strong sense of camaraderie in the staff community Participation in the School Appraisal/Professional Development Review Programme Oversee the organisation of Staff Duty rotas Organise cover for absent colleagues 3
Monitor and keep records of staff absences, including illness and attendance on training courses Organise relevant compulsory professional development as well as INSET on pastoral care initiatives Assist the Head of Senior School with the appointment, induction, and management of staff Supervise Gap Students and Graduate Assistant Teachers for whom and for whose programmes the Deputy Head - Pastoral will have direct responsibility. Parental, Community Outreach and Marketing/PR Responsibilities: Maintain and enhance good relationships with parents, and prospective parents, both formally and informally Be prepared to attend marketing functions in Pattaya, Bangkok, and occasionally abroad Assist the Head of Senior School and his wife in hosting Parents Evenings, school social functions and other special events Support the Deputy Head Co-Curricular in the development of our Community Action Programme. Academic Responsibilities Assist the Senior Management Team in guiding the academic direction of the school, including overall quality of teaching and learning, Learning Support, EAL, and university preparation Liaising with the Head of Pre-Prep and Head of Prep to ensure continuity of pastoral approach from Pre-Prep to Prep and from Prep to Senior Liaison with Head of ICT to establish staff training needs and development of the curriculum, with a particular focus on utilising ICT capabilities to manage Pastoral Care at Rugby School Thailand Liaising with the Deputy Head Academic to ensure staff are supported in their teaching practice Teaching and Learning Although teaching a reduced load, the Deputy Head Pastoral Care will be expected to be an educational leader at Rugby School Thailand Share a restlessness for continual improvement in the teaching and learning programmes of the School Support the co-curricular programme of the school through involvement in sport, music, drama, outings and other activities, playing a full part in such events. 4
This job description may be amended at any appropriate time, following consultation between the Head of Senior School and Deputy Head - Pastoral, and will be reviewed annually. The Deputy Head - Pastoral may also be required to undertake such other comparable duties as the Head of Senior School may reasonably require from time to time. BOARDING RESPONSIBILITIES From September 2018, when Boarding begins, the Deputy Head Pastoral will also be the Head of Boarding. A separate Head of Boarding position will be created when the boarding houses reach capacity. The boarding responsibilities for those initial years for the Deputy Head Pastoral will include; Manage boarding staff, including Housemasters, tutors and matrons Develop and implement an efficient, electronic leave system Establish rules and regulations pertaining to boarders' behaviour and expectations Organising relevant INSET training for boarding staff in matters of student safety and child protection Report to Senior Management Team on the process of appraising boarding staff Establish open communication links with parents and carers Participate in the marketing of boarding at Rugby School Thailand in the local and overseas markets Ensure an active activities programme in place (with ongoing review) for boarders With the other boarding housemasters, devise a common timetable and programme of academic enrichment and private study in the boarding houses Engender a healthy rivalry between houses in an active range of inter-house activities and competitions All residential members of staff will contribute to this programme and/or to duties, according to their areas of interest, experience and expertise, and according to their other school commitments. The Deputy Head Pastoral will develop a timetable of evening tutorial and study sessions to nuture the learning enrichment of students. The Deputy Head Pastoral will oversee a rota of supervision that sees the load shared fairly. Boarding Housemasters will have an assistant with whom they will share weekend duties. That rota may include rostering a free weekend to members of boarding staff on a rotational basis. 5
Person Specification The Deputy Head Pastoral's success will be measured by the individual's ability to show initiative, flexibility and a clarity of vision for the pastoral well-being of students and staff at Rugby School Thailand. The role will necessitate use of initiative, exceptional organisational skills, and the ability to provide effective but sensitive leadership within the school, both through personal involvement and example and the use of clear communication and people skills. Personal skills include: A passion for education in an international setting A passion for multiculturalism Flexibility and adaptability A record of outstanding achievement in an independent boarding school in the UK or elsewhere A passion for boarding A restless desire to make Rugby School Thailand the pre-eminent boarding school in South East Asia An exceptional organiser and administrator A talented communicator both orally and in writing A strategic thinker An ability to develop and foster teamwork Education Attainment Essential University degree from a recognised academic institution Teaching Qualification from a recognised academic institution Knowledge and Experience Essential Knowledge of the UK education system Experience in an independent boarding school in the UK or elsewhere Experience as a Housemaster or Assistant Housemaster of a boarding house in an independent school At least 5 years teaching experience 6
Desirable Knowledge of international education Experience of management within an independent boarding school Experience leading or significant involvement in the start-up of a new school Experience working in the UK independent sector Experience working with children who have English as a second language Remuneration Package The successful candidate will be appointed on an initial 3 year contract and will need to complete a successful probationary period. Salary and benefits are competitive and will be commensurate with the responsibilities of the position and the size of the School. A highly competitive expatriate package includes: annual bonus newly-built, on site, fully furnished accommodation suitable for singles or families throughout the contract (if recruited from overseas). Economy flights to and from Bangkok at beginning and end of contract (including family) Annual Economy flight for employee (excluding family) to home city (or cash equivalent towards a flight elsewhere) private health insurance with a 10% co-payment on claims 100% fees remission for 2 children; 50% for 3rd+ child relocation allowance In addition, staff will have use of school facilities, free wi-fi, access to school transport, and concessional membership rates at local clubs (eg 11 km bike track on adjacent land, owned by the owners of Rugby School Thailand). Application Process Long list interviews will be held in person either at our Chonburi site, cities in the UK, or at Rugby School UK. Some long list interviews will be conducted by Skype. Short list interviews will be held either at Rugby School Thailand or Rugby School UK. Closing Date: Monday 30 October (5pm Thailand time) Early applications from candidates resident in Thailand might have a Long List interview before 21 October. 7
Long List interviews: Week commencing 13 th November Short List interviews: Week commencing 27 th November Some Short List interviews for residents of Thailand or elsewhere in South East Asia may be held in the week commencing 8 January, 2018. (Rugby School Thailand reserves the right to appoint by invitation before the closing date.) Please send a covering letter (no more than 1 side of A4), a recent photograph and a completed application form to the Head of Senior School, Alan Ball, at seniorcareers@rugbyschool.ac.th by the closing date. An application form is attached to this position description, or one can be found on the Rugby School Thailand website. Should you wish to have an informal conversation or if you have further questions please email the Head of Senior School, Alan Ball at aball@rugbyschool.ac.th Qualifications, Identification, Health and Background Checks Please note that you will be required to bring documentation to interview providing proof of your identity and qualifications. You may also be required, within the final appointment process, to undergo a health check and relevant background checks (e.g. Enhanced disclosure with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) in the UK and a local police certificate) as part of the school s recruitment and safeguarding procedures. You will also be required to get an International Child Protection Certificate (ICPC) before commencing at Rugby School Thailand. PERSON SPECIFICATION Essential Desirable Method of assessment These are qualities without which the Applicant could not be appointed. These are extra qualities which can be used to choose between applicants who meet all of the essential criteria. Qualifications A graduate with a good honours degree from a leading university. PGCE or equivalent A Masters or further degree. Production of the applicant s certificates. Discussion at interview. 8
Independent verification of qualifications. Demonstrable experience of contributing to the success and development of an academic department, or pastoral programme in a school. Leading an aspect of curriculum or pastoral programme. Managing and appraising colleagues. Contents of the application form. Interview. Professional references. Experience Evidence of a commitment to on-going professional development. Coaching in a school environment. Experience of tracking and monitoring student progress and responding accordingly. Ability to motivate, lead and manage a team of staff. Contents of the application form. Skills Ability to maintain appropriate discipline when dealing with students. Interview. Professional references. Ability to organise own workload, prioritise and meet deadlines. 9
Ability to work on own initiative, and as part of a whole school team. Ability to communicate effectively with other staff, students and leadership. Excellent interpersonal, written and oral skills. Ability to network both inside and outside the school community. Knowledge Personal competencies and qualities Highly developed IT skills and a willingness to keep up to date with new technologies. Current knowledge of educational change and issues. Determined and driven. Motivation to work with children and young people. Contents of the application form. Interview. Professional references. Contents of the application form. Interview. Professional references. Ability to form and maintain appropriate relationships and 10
personal boundaries with children and young people. Creative and imaginative. Demonstrably energetic and enthusiastic Positive attitude to use of authority and maintaining discipline. Committed to on-going CPD. Determined to grow and develop as an individual. Willingness to embrace a coaching philosophy in all aspects of school life. 11