Music Head 

Aldar Education is seeking an outstanding Head-Music (whole school) for Muna British Academy in Abu Dhabi commencing in the academic year 2025-26.

Muna British Academy is relocating to Saadiyat Island. It was recently rated ‘Outstanding’ by ADEK – Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) currently serving over 700 students from Nursery – Year 6 we follow the National Curriculum of England. Next year will see the school grow and open a Year 7 for the first time.

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.

Responsibilities:
Strategic direction and development of the department:
•    In consultation with SLT, develop and implement policies and practices for the year group which reflects the School’s vision and aims for effective teaching and learning.
•    Establish, monitor and evaluate short, medium and long term plans for music across whole school.
•    Use data effectively to identify students who are underachieving in department; create and implement plans of action to support those students.
•    Analyse and interpret relevant school data, to inform policies and school’s progress in music and performing arts.
•    Ensure that appropriate and relevant schemes of work are developed, in place, and regularly reviewed and evaluated for all courses. These must include suitable provision for SEN/POD, G&T, and EAL students.

Teaching and learning:
•    Ensure curriculum coverage, continuity, and progression for all students including those of high ability and those with special educational needs.
•    Establish clear policies and practices for assessing, recording, and reporting on student achievement.
•    Set expectations for staff in relation to standards of achievement and the quality of teaching and learning and behavior.
•    Observing lessons through drop ins, learning walks and formal observations.
•    Evaluate the quality of teaching and learning and use this to identify effective practice and areas for improvement; take action to further improve the quality of teaching and learning.
•    Ensure the year groups are regularly contributing towards the school’s curriculum, standards, and assessment practices.

Leading and managing staff:
•    Participate in the Aldar Education performance management cycle. Performance manage team in accordance with established policy.
•    Establish clear expectations and constructive working relationships with the team, ensuring collaboration, support, and accountability.
•    Hold regular staff meetings with minutes and agendas focused on improving standards relating to student achievement and teaching and learning.
•    To identify development areas of staff and propose and deliver staff trainings as necessary.

Managing resources:
•    Efficient and effective deployment of staff and resources.
•    Maintain efficient and effective control of the music department’s resources and CapEx budgets.
•    Effectively use resources to create an effective and stimulating environment for teaching and learning.
•    Ensure a safe working and learning environment in which risks are properly assessed and Health and Safety policy and regulations are observed at all times.

Other duties and responsibilities:
•    Support in organizing and taking part in school events and extra-curricular activities (ECAs) which may take place after school hours.
•    To expand external competitive opportunities for students across networks.
•    To embed internal opportunities to develop music across the Academy, e.g., academy of excellence showcase, musical performances, concerts, etc.
•    Make a positive contribution to the wider life and ethos of the school through Music and Performing Arts.
•    Participate in meetings with other Phase Leaders and SLT, including preparation for and action from progress meetings and data analysis, liaising with families, feeding into and from meetings, supporting colleagues in developing their classroom practice, leading new initiatives to improve standards.
•    Communicate effectively with parents/carers with regards to student’s achievements and well-being using school systems/processes – PTMs.
•    Take initiative of own and staff’s professional development for successful execution of roles and responsibilities.
•    Any other duties as assigned by SLT within the overall function, commensurate with the grading and level of responsibility of the post.

REQUIREMENTS:

Minimum Qualifications:  Bachelor’s Degree in education (specializing in Music or similar) and/ with a relevant post teaching qualification.
Minimum Experience:  A minimum of 2 years of experience working in a similar role.

Job Specific Knowledge & Skills:   

•    Mandatory experience in teaching the England National Curriculum.
•    Experience working with students whom English is not their first language (EAL) students.
•    To be able to deal professionally with a range of stakeholders.
•    Passion for teaching and commitment to educating and nurturing children.
•    A high level of professionalism and consideration of the well-being of children.
•    Ability to lead and manage a team.
•    Warmth, empathy, credibility, self-belief, integrity, drive and child centered.
•    To be able to prioritize workload and multitask.
•    IT Literate and familiar with online technologies to aid in 21st century teaching.
•    Strong interpersonal skills to communicate with parents in a diverse multi-cultural environment.