Head of Curriculum - Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - Bloom Education

Description

The Charter Schools project is dedicated to public school students based in Al Ain, in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Operated and managed by private education providers, our Charter Schools offer an American-based curriculum from kindergarten through to cycle three, up to Grade 11, with more grades to be introduced as students' progress in their educational journey.

This is your opportunity to be a part of a vibrant learning community that values diversity, professional development, and innovation. Our remuneration packages are competitive locally and internationally with an excellent salary and comprehensive benefits.

We also encourage and support the pursuit of Continuing Professional Development where relevant and feasible. The successful candidate will be required to set high standards of themselves and others and will conduct themselves with consummate integrity. In doing so, they will be supported by a highly effective team of senior and middle leaders and a staff, pupil, and parent body committed to the achievement of excellence.

The Position

The Head of Curriculum and Assessment Data will lead the strategic planning, development, and implementation of curriculum design and assessment practices across all Charter Schools under the American curriculum framework. 

This role is responsible for ensuring alignment with AERO (American Education Reaches Out) standards while tailoring curriculum practices to reflect the UAE cultural context and meet the expectations of the UAE School Inspection Framework.

The role also involves managing assessment data and providing insights to enhance educational outcomes and drive data-informed decisions.

Job Description

1. Leadership in Curriculum Development:

· Curriculum Strategy: Design and implement a comprehensive curriculum strategy aligned with the American curriculum and AERO standards, ensuring it meets the diverse needs of all students in UAE charter schools

· Curriculum Alignment: Ensure the curriculum across all subjects and grade levels is aligned with UAE cultural values and the expectations outlined in the UAE School Inspection Framework.

· Curriculum Design: Oversee the development and continuous improvement of curriculum materials, ensuring they are both academically rigorous and culturally relevant to the UAE context.

· Integration of Technology: Promote the use of digital tools and technology in the curriculum to enhance learning experiences and facilitate the development of 21st-century skills.

2. Assessment Data Management and Analysis:

· Data-Driven Assessment: Develop and oversee the implementation of a robust assessment system that aligns with AERO standards and UAE inspection expectations, ensuring the effective use of formative and summative assessments to monitor student progress.

· Assessment Data Analysis: Lead the analysis of assessment data to identify trends, strengths, and areas for improvement. Use this data to inform curriculum adjustments, teaching strategies, and overall school improvement plans.

· Benchmarking: Ensure that assessment results are benchmarked against international standards, as well as local performance metrics, to maintain high academic expectations and support global competitiveness.

· Reporting: Provide regular data reports and insights to school leaders, staff, and stakeholders, supporting evidence-based decision-making for curriculum adjustments, teacher development, and school improvement.

3. Curriculum and Assessment Training:

· Professional Development: Design and deliver training programs for academic staff on curriculum implementation, AERO standards, and the effective use of assessment data to drive instructional improvements.

· Collaborative Learning: Foster a collaborative learning culture where staff members share best practices in curriculum delivery, assessment, and data analysis. 

· Assessment Literacy: Ensure that teachers and academic leaders are well-versed in assessment literacy, including the design, administration, and interpretation of assessments aligned with AERO and UAE standards. 

4. UAE Cultural Sensitivity and Compliance: 

· Cultural Awareness: Ensure that curriculum content and teaching strategies are sensitive to and reflect the UAE's national identity, cultural values, and traditions. 

· UAE Inspection Framework: Stay informed on the UAE School Inspection Framework and ensure that curriculum, teaching, and assessment practices meet regulatory requirements and expectations for school evaluations. 

· Compliance: Ensure all curriculum and assessment initiatives comply with UAE Ministry of Education regulations and align with ESE objectives. 

5. Monitoring and Evaluation: 

· Curriculum Review: Regularly evaluate the curriculum to ensure its effectiveness and relevance, adjusting based on student performance data, stakeholder feedback, and changes in educational standards or regulations.

· Impact Analysis: Monitor the impact of curriculum and assessment initiatives on student learning outcomes, ensuring that they lead to improved academic achievement and meet the goals set by UAE authorities. 

· Inspection Readiness: Lead efforts to prepare schools for inspections by ensuring all curriculum and assessment practices meet or exceed UAE inspection standards. 

6. Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement: 

· Stakeholder Communication: Engage with key stakeholders including school leaders and the Ministry of Education to ensure that curriculum and assessment policies are aligned with national priorities. 

· Parental Engagement: Support schools in providing clear communication to parents about curriculum goals, student progress, and assessment results. 

· Cross-Department Collaboration: Work closely with heads of teaching, inclusion, and professional development to ensure alignment between curriculum delivery, student support, and teacher training.

Qualifications, Experience and Competencies

Educational Background: 

· Masters degree in Education, Curriculum Development, Educational Leadership, or a related field. 

· Strong knowledge and experience with the American curriculum and AERO standards. 

Experience: 

· Minimum 8-10 years of experience in educational leadership roles focused on curriculum design, assessment, and data analysis. 

· Proven experience working in or with schools in the UAE or GCC region, with a deep understanding of UAE cultural contexts, the UAE School Inspection Framework, and Ministry of Education regulations. 

Assessment Expertise: 

Demonstrated experience in using assessment data to inform curriculum decisions, instructional improvement, and school-wide initiatives. 

Curriculum Design: Expertise in designing, implementing, and evaluating curriculum frameworks aligned with AERO standards and adaptable to the UAE context. 

Data Literacy: Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret assessment data, make data-driven decisions, and communicate insights effectively to diverse stakeholders. 

Educational Leadership: Proven leadership abilities in managing large-scale curriculum and assessment projects, guiding teams, and fostering a collaborative culture among staff. 

Cultural Competence: Understanding of and respect for the UAEs cultural values, traditions, and societal norms, with the ability to integrate these into curriculum and assessment practices. 

Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with school leadership teams, teachers, governmental agencies, and other stakeholders to achieve shared educational goals. 

Communication Skills: Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to deliver complex ideas in a clear, concise, and culturally appropriate manner. 

Technology Integration: Knowledge of how to integrate educational technology into curriculum and assessment systems to enhance teaching and learning.