Head - UAE Social Studies - Bateen World Academy (March 2027)

Aldar Academies are seeking a Head- UAE Social Studies for Bateen World Academy commencing March 2027. Located in the center of the city of Abu Dhabi, Bateen World Academy is a hugely popular school based in a vibrant community. The school is a high-achieving British and IB World School, recognised for excellence and consistently exceeding IB Diploma global averages while achieving outstanding I/GCSE results. As an established and outstanding institution, the school offers the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) from FS1 to Year 6, and the IB Diploma Programme (DP) and Career-related Programme (CP) in Years 12 and 13. This provides the community with a seamless, all-through school experience from FS1 to Year 13, combining the best of PYP, UK, and IB pathways.

This is an exciting opportunity to join the highly successful Aldar family of schools and to help shape the future of Abu Dhabi's leading school group.

The successful candidates will be closely aligned with our core values and ethos and possess a genuine understanding and appreciation of the values of the region.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related subject with PGCE or an equivalent teacher qualification.

Minimum Experience

• 5 Years teaching experience and it is desirable that candidates have some leadership experience.

Job Specific Knowledge & Skills

• Strong leadership skills and impact of improving learning and teaching.
• Outstanding teacher
• Commitment to the ideals of the UAE Ministry of Education and international education.
• Ability to work under pressure, problem-solve, and be resilient.
• Commitment to continuing professional development.
• Demonstrated understanding of Islamic and social studies, Emirati culture, and a commitment to advancing educational and cultural objectives within the institution.

Aldar Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Offers of appointment are subject to satisfactory references and police clearance.

A. Strategic direction and development:

• Contribute to the whole school vision, the strategic direction of the school and attend and present at Executive Leadership Team meetings when invited.
• Analyse and interpret relevant school data, to inform policies and faculty/school SEF writing.
• Develop and implement policies and practices for the Social Studies department that reflect the school’s vision and commitment to high standards of achievement.
• Establish short, medium and long-term plans for departmental development, utilizing data effectively to identify areas for improvement.
• Ensure the appropriate and relevant schemes of work are developed and regularly reviewed for students in Year 5 to Year 13, catering to students with diverse learning needs. These must include suitable provision for SEN/PoD, G&T and EAL students.
• Contribute to the whole school vision, the strategic direction of the school and attend and present at Executive Leadership Team meetings when invited.

B. Learning and teaching

• In line with the school’s USPs, create and lead a vision for the department that promotes innovative learning experiences and high-quality outcomes.
• Ensure comprehensive curriculum coverage, continuity, and progression in the Social Studies department for all students, including those with special educational needs and Gifted and Talented.
• Regularly evaluate the quality of teaching and learning within the Social Studies department to identify effective practices and areas for improvement.
• Promote UAE culture across the curriculum and the school.
• Ensure the department is regularly contributing towards the school’s ECA provision, revisionand booster schemes, and wider initiatives.

C. Leading, managing staff & Assessment

• Undertake effective performance management of the Social Studies team in accordance with school policies and Director of MOE.
• Establish constructive working relationships with the team, emphasizing collaboration, support, and accountability.
• Conduct regular faculty meetings with a focus on improving standards and student achievement.
• To be responsible for leading the organisation of International Benchmark Assessments.
• Undertake the organisation and collection of departmental data and present this to the Director of MOE subjects.
• Analyse data to identify patterns and trends that inform planning and interventions to support the children in the phase.
• Ensure that high quality interventions are delivered across the phase that support and challenge all groups of students.
• Lead the Monitoring, Evaluation and Review processes to quality assure all aspects of provision and seek improvements to ensure that consistently high standards are promoted.

D. Other duties and responsibilities

• Lead initiatives to enhance Arabic Language proficiency, fostering a deep understanding of UAE culture, and National Identity.
• To be responsible for organizing and participating in events such as Ramadan celebrations and Iftar, promoting cultural understanding and unity within the school community.
• Ensure efficient deployment of staff and resources within the Social Studies department to maximize effectiveness.
• Maintain control over the department’s budget to support teaching and learning initiatives.
• Create, use and maintain learning environments, aligned to the school’s USP, that are conducive to outstanding learning and teaching.
• Serve as a tutor in Middle and Senior School (Year 5 to Year 9), including responsibilities such as registration and pastoral support.
• Fulfill additional duties as required, including covering for absent colleagues and invigilating examinations, with occasional responsibility for after school and weekend invigilation and attendance at events as directed by the Principal.
• Any other duties assigned by the Principal.