Head of Physical Education

Aldar Education are currently seeking a Head of Physical Education (Academic Year 2026/2027) for Virginia American School to support our growing family of owned and operated schools in the UAE.

Virginia American School is an honoured part of the Aldar Schools network, a global leader in education with a commitment to excellence. Joining a family of several schools, we share a collective vision of shaping future leaders and providing a world-class education to a diverse student population with Aldar Education.

At Virginia American School, we believe that education is not just about academic excellence, but also about shaping well-rounded individuals who will become future leaders. Our curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking, creativity, and leadership skills in our students. We also provide a diverse and inclusive environment, preparing our students to thrive in a global society.

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:

Main Duties:

Provide strategic direction and development of the department.

Develop and implement policies and practices for the department which reflect the school’s vision, aims, commitment to high standards of achievement, and effective teaching and learning.

Establish, monitor, and evaluate short, medium, and long term plans for the development of the department.

Use data effectively to identify students who are underachieving in the department; create and implement plans of action to support those students.

Analyse and interpret relevant school data to inform policies and department/school SEF writing.

Ensure that appropriate and relevant schemes of work are developed, in place, and regularly reviewed and evaluated for all year groups and courses. These must include suitable provision for SEN/POD, G&T, and EAL students.

Teaching and learning:

Ensure curriculum coverage, continuity, and progression in the department for all students including those of high ability and those with special educational needs.

Establish and implement 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, learning, and behaviour.

Evaluate the quality of teaching and learning in the department and use this to identify effective practice and areas for improvement; take action to further improve the quality of teaching and learning.

Leading and managing staff:

Performance manage team in accordance with school performance management policy.

Establish clear expectations and constructive working relationships with the team, ensuring collaboration, support, accountability, and high professional standards.

Hold regular department meetings with minutes and agendas; agenda should include focus on improving standards relating to student achievement and teaching and learning.

Managing resources:

Efficient and effective deployment of staff and resources.

Maintain efficient and effective control of the department’s Resource and CapEx budgets.

Effective use of accommodation to create an effective and stimulating environment for teaching and learning in accordance with Learning Environment Policy.

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:

Undertake duties as part of the staff duty rota.

Cover for absent colleagues.

Invigilate examinations, as required, including a minimum of one evening and one weekend external examination session.

Any other duties as assigned by the Principal.

Qualifications for internal candidates

Minimum qualifications:

Minimum of a master’s degree and certification in Educational Leadership.

Teaching experience at secondary level in an international school.

Minimum experience:

Leadership experience in curriculum development, instructional strategies, and standards-based assessment.

Job specific knowledge and skills:

Knowledge of UAE Ministry of Education and ADEK regulations relating to curriculum, assessment, and compliance.

Commitment to the ideals of international education.

Ability to prioritise projects and tasks, and to respond to simultaneous requests from various areas.

Ability to initiate and manage change in the work environment.

Ability to identify problems, achieve effective solutions, resolve conflict, motivate staff, foster collaboration, and promote sound decision making.

Flexibility, patience, and egalitarian approach.

This job description is not all inclusive. Aldar Education reserves the right to amend this job description at any time. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. We are also mindful of our national development strategy and encourage UAE Nationals in their application at our company.

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.