Jebel Ali School
Head of Drama
- Permanent
- Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Experience 2 - 5 yrs
Job expiry date: 20/11/2026
Job overview
Date posted
06/10/2026
Location
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Salary
Undisclosed
Compensation
Comprehensive package
Experience
2 - 5 yrs
Seniority
Senior & Lead
Qualification
Bachelors degree
Expiration date
20/11/2026
Job description
Reporting to the Head of Secondary and ultimately the Principal, the Head of Drama at Jebel Ali School leads the department's teaching staff and academic programme from January 2027. Drama is taught here to GCSE and A Level using the Edexcel specification, and the school wants a proven track record of outstanding results at both levels. Curriculum planning, schemes of work and the department's assessment schedule all sit with you, within the framework of The National Curriculum for England and Wales. Data drives much of the improvement work, with progress, attainment and learning skills feeding into a SMART action plan for the department. Staff leadership is a large part of the job, from lesson observations and appraisals to planning INSET and inducting new colleagues. Timetable submissions, room allocations, teaching groups and the department budget for materials and equipment also need managing. Teaching spaces should feel stimulating and meet health and safety regulations, and every colleague is expected to use the school management software for curriculum planning and assessment records. Pastoral care matters just as much, including the ability to identify safeguarding concerns. A B.Ed. and/or PGCE is required, and the department will look to you to lead by example in the classroom.
Required skills
Key responsibilities
- Plan, implement and review the Drama curriculum within the school's aims and objectives
- Oversee teaching within the department through the preparation of schemes of work
- Monitor department data and use it to build action plans that improve progress, attainment and learning skills
- Ensure student work is regularly assessed, achievements are recorded and assessment tasks are standardised
- Manage the ordering, storage and use of materials, equipment and books, and account for spending within the allocated budget
- Advise the Principal on staff appointments, review and development, and take part in interviews when required
- Chair departmental team meetings and circulate accurate minutes to relevant parties
- Attend Heads of Department meetings
- Liaise with the timetabler on curriculum time and staff allocation
- Supervise the use and care of department teaching spaces in line with health and safety regulations
- Run INSET for members of the department
- Support the induction of new colleagues into the department
- Evaluate department staff performance in line with the Appraisal Policy
- Organise department routines, including timetable submissions, room allocations, teaching groups and task schedules
- Maintain and regularly review department policies on preparation, marking and data analysis
- Observe lessons and monitor marking and assessment with department staff
- Develop a SMART action plan identifying department strengths and areas for development
- Prepare qualitative and quantitative evidence for relevant inspection and accreditation frameworks
Experience & skills
- Hold a Drama teaching qualification such as a B.Ed. and/or PGCE
- Demonstrate a proven track record of outstanding results teaching Drama to GCSE and A Level using the Edexcel specification
- Apply full working knowledge of The National Curriculum for England and Wales and its assessment practices
- Prioritise pastoral care, balancing academic progress with social support
- Recognise and act on safeguarding concerns
- Pursue individual and collaborative professional development
- Stay current with curriculum developments and best practice in international schools
- Clear background checks including references, qualification verification and police checks
- Start at Jebel Ali School in January 2027