Applications welcome Director of Digital Learning St Andrew’s School, Turi, Kenya is seeking to appoint a Director of Digital Learning for a September 2019 start. Reporting to the Director of St Andrew’s School, the Director of Digital Learning will provide strategic leadership in the use of technology in learning in both the Prep and Senior Schools as well as being responsible for the management of IT Systems across both schools. This is a high profile and demanding position and the successful applicant will be a key person in shaping the future of the School. It is suited to a high calibre professional who combines exceptional teaching abilities with significant relevant experience within the IT sector. The School is about to undertake an audit of its IT provision with a view to this informing a significant expansion in the use of technology in the classrooms to support teaching and learning. The successful candidate will therefore be joining the School at a very exciting time in the School’s evolution. St Andrew’s School – Background St Andrew’s School, Turi, is highly respected in Kenya and regarded as one of the leading international schools in East Africa. With approximately 610 pupils, it comprises two semi-autonomous Schools: a Preparatory School of 250 pupils between the ages of 3 and 13 and a Senior School of 360 pupils between the ages of 13 and 18. St Andrew’s has a strong Christian foundation and ethos which define and govern the nature and work of the School today. While children from all faith backgrounds are welcome, the School’s Christian character is clearly evident in its underlying educational philosophy and practice, the School sees its overall aim as encouraging young men and women to “live and lead with integrity” The School is situated on a beautiful 400 acres site on the western slopes of the Rift Valley some 200km NW of Nairobi, near the Equator and at 2600m where the climate is temperate. It is malaria free.
Director of Digital Learning
Applicants should send a completed application form together with a brief covering letter and a CV to the HR Director at the School (
[email protected]) no later than Wednesday 23rd January, 2019 The application form and further information about the School can be found on the School Website.
The School St Andrew’s School, Turi is one of the most prominent international schools in Kenya and has an outstanding reputation throughout Africa. Founded as a Preparatory School for the children of expatriates in 1931, it has grown to comprise both Preparatory and Senior Schools and to welcome children of over 25 nationalities, the majority of whom are now African. It is fully coeducational and boarding, teaches the British curriculum and sends pupils to universities in the UK, America, Australia and many other parts of the world. Specifically at the Senior School, the iGCSE , GCSE and A levels are taught from Year 9 to Year 13.
The Role St Andrew’s, Turi is seeking to appoint a Director of Digital Learning (DDL) who will provide a broad vision as well as oversight and coordination in the use of digital learning. One of the initial key objectives for the DDL will be to establish an effective practice for digital learning throughout the School, reviewing existing platforms, systems and process methodology with a view to creating a comprehensive environment from which to develop and deliver world class digital learning services. The role has a significant strategic element to it and the appointee will be expected to play a pivotal role in the development of a strategic approach to technology enhanced learning across the whole School. He/she will provide staff with training and encourage them to innovate and use technology to its full potential as well as giving advice on pedagogic practices and curriculum design. The DDL will take the lead on scoping and implementation of new digital learning technologies, initiatives and processes, including taking a proactive approach to continuous improvement and evaluating the effectiveness of the School’s digital learning platform. The DDL will also be responsible for identifying and facilitating the sharing of best practice in the development of resources supporting digital learning activities in the School as well as line managing the network administrator and IT technicians. The DDL ultimately reports to the Director of the School but on a day to day basis will work closely with the Deputy Heads both academic and pastoral in both schools. The appointment is seen as critical to the School’s success and the appointee will play a central role in the School’s development.
Responsibilities The overarching responsibilities of the DDL are Develop, set and implement a School-wide digital strategy, in line with the School’s broader plans and strategy Develop and lead the School’s e-safety provision Keep abreast of developments in digital learning in education, both in the UK and internationally Work with staff to explore and exploit potential developments in the use of digital learning technology Drive and manage the use of data at the School to enable teachers to help students to pursue excellence in their studies Ensure the content of digital learning is of a high quality, suitably engaging and appropriate for the medium Ensure best practice in the use of the School’s digital learning platform Line manage the network administrator and IT technicians Manage the digital learning and IT infrastructure budget efficiently in consultation with the Financial Director
Knowledge and Experience ESSENTIAL
DESIRABLE
QUALIFICATIONS
A record of good academic achievement and educated to degree level or equivalent PGCE or equivalent teaching qualification
Relevant professional Information Technology qualification
KNOWLEDGE
A commitment to promoting and Evidence of the ability to safeguarding the welfare of work cooperatively with children multi-disciplinary professionals Understanding of the digital Good understanding of the learning platforms (VLE, MLE) and their uses in an educational BSO inspection framework environment and National Minimum Standards for Boarding A clear understanding of and An understanding of how affinity for the School’s ethos web-based media and Understanding of the current mobile technologies can and emerging issues and trends be used to enhance in digital learning and of learning, teaching and pedagogical learning assessment
EXPERIENCE
An experienced passionate teacher with extensive knowledge of applying technology to enhance teaching and learning
Person Specification Skills and Attributes Ability to work independently as well as part of a team, to show initiative and imagination and the ability to inspire others A team player who can balance need, risk and pragmatism when developing solutions Highly developed people skills with a focus for details and strong project management skills. The ability to manage and prioritise a diverse workload, to meet deadlines, and to work calmly under pressure Effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain technical issues to both those with and without a technical background. Good analytical skills with a structured and methodical approach Energetic, creative and tenacious with an enthusiasm for innovation Ability to keep abreast of new techniques and practices Flexible approach to working hours as required.
Experience of managing a small team of staff with excellent project and people management Experience of successfully managing budgets and delivering against objectives
Working at a senior leadership level Relevant experience in an international context Proficiency in creating/ updating engaging pedagogically sound online learning resources and guides
Terms and Conditions Remuneration There is a generous overall remuneration package as detailed below (the cost of living in Kenya is significantly lower than in the UK): Salary: The successful applicant will be placed on the Main Pay Scale Accommodation: suitable rent free accommodation will be provided as a taxable benefit. Domestic and gardening help is arranged by the School, but paid for, at local rates, by the applicant School fees (where applicable): there is a 100% fee remission for staff children throughout the School; places are subject to the School’s normal entry requirements. Fee remission is a taxable benefit Medical care: all members of staff and their families are covered under a comprehensive insurance scheme Pension: the School operates a defined contribution pension scheme in which the employer and employee each contributes 6% of monthly salary. For employees emigrating from Kenya at the end of their contract, the full value of the contributions, plus accumulated interest, can be withdrawn from the scheme
Safeguarding St Andrew’s School, Turi is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will undertake their role and responsibilities in accordance with St Andrew’s School’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy and Guidelines and will be required to undergo all checks relevant to the post.
Application Procedure To find out more please contact the HR Director, Ms Janet Ndiho. Tel: Email:
+254 (0) 734 288501
[email protected]
Applications are encouraged as early as possible. These should be submitted by email to the HR Director and include: a completed application form, a brief covering letter and a CV. Application forms are available on the School website, or from the HR Director. Closing date for applications:
23rd January, 2019.
Start Date:
September, 2019
Website:
standrewsturi.com
Meals: these are provided free of charge during term time but is a taxable benefit Facilities: extensive sports facilities are open to use by staff and their families
Hours of work and holiday entitlement The role is full-time and includes working in the evening and at weekends as required, annual paid leave of 6 weeks. The successful applicant will be expected to take a full and active part in the leadership of the School.
standrewsturi.com
