Appointment of Head of Pre-Prep September 2020
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APPOINTMENT OF HEAD OF PRE-PREP SEPTEMBER 2020 __________________________________________________ AN INTRODUCTION FROM THE HEADMASTER __________________________________________________ We are delighted that you have shown an interest in the role of Head of Pre-Prep at Hoe Bridge. Hoe Bridge is an academically focused IAPS school that is looking to appoint an enthusiastic and inspirational Head of Pre-Prep, someone who can inspire the staff, the children, liaise comfortably with the parents and bring energy and humour into daily school life. This is an exciting opportunity for a driven professional to join a forward thinking school which has outstanding facilities and a reputation for preparing children for future success in a large number of the best senior schools in the South of England. The ideal candidate is someone with character, driven to captivate children’s minds and passionate about making education exciting and stimulating. Our expectation is that leaders at our school show a desire to collaborate, inspire and develop within their areas, demonstrating the highest standards in terms of leadership, organisational and pedagogical skills as well as a willingness to contribute to the rich co-curricular life of this busy school. Our staff are sparky, innovative, dedicated and friendly, always looking for new ways to engage the children’s interest. With a mentoring programme for every new member of staff and excellent career progression opportunities, all staff are encouraged to develop and extend themselves and to get involved in all aspects of school life. The information in this application pack and on our website will support you in understanding the context of our school, our ethos and culture. Thank you for your interest in this position. I very much hope that you will consider making an application for this very exciting opportunity. Chris Webster Headmaster _______________________ Our school was awarded a grade of ‘excellent’ during our last inspection, ABOUT HOE BRIDGE something that both the girls and boys, staff and parents are extremely proud of. _______________________ The atmosphere of every school is unique and the strength and attraction of Hoe Bridge School is a thriving co-educational prep school for boys and girls Hoe Bridge lies in the atmosphere generated by the staff and pupils. aged between 3 & 13. There are 480 children on roll split between the Pre-Prep Standards and targets are realistic, though set as high as possible, the bright and Prep Departments. It is set in a perfect location just on the outskirts of are challenged and the less able supported. The staff endeavour to instil Woking surrounded by 22 acres of beautiful grounds and is only 25 minutes confidence in all the children and visitors are amazed to see just how happy from central London. the children are, how determined they are to succeed and how much they Welcoming new children to our vibrant and dynamic family is a very exciting care about each other. "A busy and fun action packed adventure" is one way moment for our teaching staff. They collectively embrace the trust placed in life at Hoe Bridge has been described.... What a great and accurate them by parents to help them to nurture happy, confident, achieving children, description! There is never a dull moment nor is there time to be bored and so vital in these formative years. The staff are all experienced and highly trained the children are proud to call Hoe Bridge their school. and follow our ethos of high expectation, individual determination, enthusiasm, The School has an exceptional reputation not just in the local area but county respect, warmth and care from the outset. A walk around the school will wide as well. There is a real energy throughout to preserve the family demonstrate these qualities in abundance but also show that we never forget atmosphere, to constantly strive to improve results and explore all the that children are children and should be having fun while they are learning. possibilities available to enrich both the School and the lives of the children. Our Pre-Prep years see the children immersed in learning, creativity and exercise. These are closely interlinked with enthusiasm and success in one area leading to greater confidence in others. The children will be challenged in an age appropriate way, encouraged to do their very best within their own abilities, with individual efforts recognised and rewarded. Our creative curriculum is topic- based making learning engaging, memorable and relevant. Topics frequently extend across the whole of Pre-Prep through lessons and assemblies. Each topic is designed to have a ‘stunning start’ and ‘fabulous finish’ to ensure engagement throughout. Conservation and sustainability are also woven throughout the curriculum. Our facilities are unparalleled in the area. Within our estate, the Pre-Prep Department enjoys its own purpose-built building with assembly hall, fully equipped gym, well-stocked library, ICT suite, art and music rooms, as well as modern classrooms with indoor and outdoor learning areas. All classrooms have interactive whiteboards and we make extensive use of iPads and LearnPads. We share with the Prep Department our heated open-air swimming pool, new 110-seat Performing Arts Centre and our stunning 22 acre estate with its playing fields, meadow, woods, river and pond. Lunchtime is keenly anticipated not just for playtime but a choice of tempting and nutritious food and a wonderful opportunity to socialise in our family style setting where children are encouraged to try new foods and develop their best table manners. ________ ETHOS ________ Happiness: to have fun, friends and fulfilment Confidence: to develop respect, self-reliance, independence and leadership enabling pupils to use their breadth of knowledge practically in school and throughout their lives Achievement: to develop the intellectual/academic, sporting, social and cultural/creative skills in order that pupils excel both within Hoe Bridge and beyond ____________________ JOB DESCRIPTION _____________________ We are seeking an outstanding leader with the vision, energy and focus required to lead and manage a highly successful Pre-Prep Department. As Head of Pre-Prep, he or she will be responsible for leading, managing and developing the Department. The successful candidate would benefit from a proven track record of leadership and teaching from Nursery through to Year Two. The Head of Pre-Prep is a key leadership position and will require close collaboration with other senior leaders across the School in the development and implementation of Hoe Bridge strategic vision. The Pre-Prep Department is one part of Hoe Bridge School, a thriving IAPS school. The Head of Pre-Prep is a member of the Senior Management Team, reporting to the Headmaster and attending relevant meetings with the Governors. Working closely with the Headmaster, the Head of Pre-Prep will have leadership responsibility for the Pre-Prep Department, ensuring continued excellence in academic, pastoral and co-curricular provision. The post holder will also work closely with other members of the Senior Management Team and will have a significant input into delivering the School’s strategic intentions. The Senior Management Team consists of the Headmaster, Deputy Headmaster, Bursar, Assistant Head Academic, Assistant Head Pastoral, Head of Communications & Development, Head of Pre-Prep, Pre-Prep Senior Teacher and Facilities Manager. The Head of Pre-Prep is a member of IAPS and the School and staff benefit from the support of this association. ______________________ RESPONSIBILITIES ______________________ The post will have responsibility for the following areas within the Pre-Prep Department, as well as allowing scope for development in line with the candidate’s interests and strengths. Therefore, this job description is designed to be indicative rather than restrictive and will be subject to review. ______________________________________ Leading, mentoring and monitoring the work of all Pre-Prep KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITIES Department staff ______________________________________ Leading an effective staff Performance Management process which rests on self-evaluation and is fundamentally supportive Strategic Direction Ensuring that lessons and activities delivered by staff across the Pre- Prep Department provide appropriate stretch and challenge as well as Working closely with the Senior Management Team in the development of fostering high expectation for all pupils and that every child is a strong whole school ethos, underpinned by the articulation of shared supported to meet their maximum potential values throughout the school Ensuring that parents receive regular, timely and informative feedback Promoting strong working relationships between different sections of the about their children’s progress, including clear direction about how school to support effective pupil progression and staff learning they may improve Working with the Headmaster, contributing actively towards the development and implementation of the strategic plan Pastoral Leadership Being aware of, and responding to, the local and wider external environment of the School and sector, adapting plans and strategies as Ensuring that the personal, academic and developmental needs of necessary every Pre-Prep child are considered, met and monitored appropriately Actively pursuing the development of an open culture and an ethos of Leadership & Management kindness, ensuring that bullying and antisocial