Director of Physical Education & Sport

Job Title: Director of Physical Education & Sport
Department: Whole School
Reports To: Assistant Head responsible for Safeguarding & Pupil Safety

Job Summary

The Whole School Director of Physical Education & Sport is a key leadership role responsible for developing a vibrant and thriving sports community within Harrow Beijing. This position aims to promote sporting excellence while ensuring participation for all students in various physical activities. The Director will coordinate with the Physical Education (PE) staff and manage the overall strategy for sports, fostering an environment conducive to health, competition, and lifelong engagement in physical activities.

Key Responsibilities

General Responsibilities

• Promote and develop the strategic aims of the school.
• Serve as a role model in all professional matters, ensuring students adhere to standards of dress, punctuality, and attendance.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with parents and visitors.
• Attend and support all major school events, including sports fixtures and competitions.
• Maintain a teaching load as required within the PE department and participate in extracurricular activities.
• Actively engage with the school’s extra-curricular sports program and take responsibility for professional development within the department.

Leadership

• Provide clear goals and targets for the PE department that align with Harrow Beijing’s values and educational objectives.
• Identify areas for improvement within the sports provision and implement plans in collaboration with the Assistant Head and the Director of Studies.
• Foster a positive culture in the department where all students are challenged and engaged in physical education.
• Attend Head of Department (HoD) meetings and coordinate effectively with other departments to enhance the sports program.

Curriculum and Sports Provision

• Ensure a high-quality sports program that accommodates students of all abilities, fostering both participation and excellence.
• Work with HoDs to develop comprehensive fixtures and training schedules for all sports, including inter-House competitions.
• Oversee the organization of school sports fixtures, ensuring appropriate staffing and coordination with other schools and organizations.
• Implement and monitor an effective dual pathway bilingual curriculum that meets the aims of both the Chinese curriculum and international qualifications (GCSE/A Levels).

Assessment and Development

• Monitor student progress in physical education and sports, ensuring all teachers provide appropriate support and encouragement.
• Conduct evaluations of the sports program, analyzing data related to participation and performance to drive improvements.
• Establish and maintain clear expectations for homework and training schedules, ensuring compliance with school policies.

Staffing and Professional Development

• Manage and support sports coaches, both internal and external, ensuring high-quality coaching delivery.
• Conduct regular performance appraisals for sports staff and facilitate professional development opportunities.
• Ensure that all staff understand the school’s safeguarding procedures and are trained in first aid and health and safety protocols.

Community Engagement

• Promote and represent the school in local, regional, national, and international sporting events.
• Foster effective partnerships with community organizations and stakeholders to enhance the sports program.
• Maintain effective communication channels with parents regarding sports provision and achievements.

Administration

• Oversee the administration of the sports program, including scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation.
• Celebrate and recognize sporting achievements through various school communication channels.
• Manage the selection process for student participation in sports activities and competitions.

Safeguarding

• Take responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, ensuring that all necessary safety protocols are followed during sporting activities.

Relationships

• Internal: Collaborate with the Deputy Director of PE & Sport, Director of Studies, PE Coordinators, Coaches, and the Senior Leadership Team (SLT).
• External: Engage with parents, sports governing bodies, and other educational providers as necessary.

Person Specification

Essential Skills and Experience

• A minimum of 4 years of teaching experience, preferably in an international school setting.
• Proven experience in leading or coordinating teams in relation to curriculum or pastoral matters.
• Strong commitment to high standards of teaching and learning in physical education.
• Ability to inspire and engage students in physical activity and sports.

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Experience in community engagement and building partnerships to enhance sports programs.
• Evidence of involvement in transformational changes within a department or school.

Qualifications

• Qualified Teacher Status with relevant in-service training and professional development.

Additional Information

This position requires a highly motivated individual dedicated to fostering a positive and engaging sports environment. The post-holder will work closely with the school’s leadership team to ensure the effective implementation of the school’s strategic plan and contribute to the overall vision of Harrow Beijing. The job description may be amended following discussions between the line manager and the staff member and will be reviewed annually during the appraisal process.