Primary Years Programme Co-Ordinator ( Pre-School) at ADvTECH

Qualifications:

•  Degree in Education BEd (Foundation Phase/ Intersern Phase/ Senior Phase)
•   Have held a school /-wide curriculum-based position

Experience:  

• More the 5 years’ experience within teaching and learning
• Previous leadership experience being part of the school’s Senior Leadership Team
• Previous IB and / or PYP experience

Curriculum development and implementation  

Communication

• Ensure 100% alignment of the school’s curriculum with the IEB PYP standards
• Conduct regular curriculum reviews and updates, document alignment status in collaboration within the Crawford community.
• ensure all IB communication is shared continuously with all staff and leadership.
• enable collaboration among all staff involved in implementing the programme.
• conduct ongoing parent information sessions around the PYP programme.
• publish regular articles pertaining to the programme in the school’s newsletter / online platforms
• prepare and submit any documentation required for evaluation
• successfully maintain IB authorisation status with no major recommendations during evaluation visits
• track IB evaluation reports and document compliance with IB standards
• conduct two formal programme evaluations each year and implement action plans for identified areas of improvement within three moths
• document evaluation findings and track progress on action plan implementation.
• ensure all requirements and procedures set by the IB concerning the programme are adhered to.
• provide continual liaison / updates for Brand Academics, ADvTECH CAT, the school leadership team and the IB.
• Ensure the seamless integration of CAT/ Brand Academic initiatives and assist staff with effective time management strategies to ensure the academic rigour of PYP is maintained.
• continually communicate PYP information to the wider community through a variety of media,
• inform Brand Academics/ ADvTECH CAT about progress being made in terms of implementation and development.
• continually promote and create opportunities for International Mindedness to be addressed and celebrated throughout the school.

Professional Development and teacher support

• ensure all staff members are made aware of professional development opportunities available (within and beyond the school) and encourage participation.
• keep an updated record of staff development and staff attendance
• organise induction of new staff to the PYP and provide ongoing support for them.
• make recommendations regarding training specifically relevant to the implementation of the PYP teaching methods and inquiry-based learning.
• keep a record of workshops conducted and school visits to achieve equality of opportunity and identify ongoing needs by means of gathering feedback on workshop effectiveness
• assist teams or individuals in developing units of inquiry (Transdisciplinary and Stand Alone)
• arrange for own professional development needs, in negotiation with the Principal.
• in negotiation with the Principal, arrange to attend PYP workshops and keep up to date with new developments within the PYP.

Resource Management

• manage the schools resource budget for the PYP programme communicating with the Principal, Brand Academic Manager and ADvTECH Central Academics Team as required
• facilitate the purchase of suitable resources to support the implementation of the programme in consultation with the Resource Centre Manager
• have an oversight of the continual integration of digital technologies into the learning and teaching programme and in line with the prescribed EdTech framework
• encourage staff, parents and students to identify people in the community and resources that can be used to support the programme.

Documentation

• publish / update/ communicate the School’s Programme of Inquiry on Toddle and other required platforms.
• coordinate year level outcomes to ensure both vertical and horizontal articulation in all subject areas.
• maintain a record of completed planners, electronically on Toddle, so all staff can access this at all times.
• lead the process of developing or reviewing the school’s scope and sequence documents in collaboration within the Crawford community.
• ensure that reporting formats reflect the PYP and DBE CAPS requirements
• continually manage and update the PYP Action Plan.
• participate in the formation of the school’s strategic development plan to meet the standards and practices of the IB programmes.

Implementation

• organise teacher support with planning, modelling and strategies in learning environments.
• work with teachers to ensure that the inquiry approach is being used in all learning environments.
• facilitate and coordinate all weekly teacher planning meetings and staff meetings.
• establish and coordinate appropriate curriculum teams that meet the needs of the school.
• facilitate monthly collaborative planning meetings with grade-level teams to enhance interdisciplinary teaching and learning
• maintain records of meetings agendas, attendance and outcomes
• monitor and document the horizontal and vertical coverage of all curriculum areas.
• have oversight of the integration of EdTech into the teaching and learning programme.
• host at least three PYP informational sessions for parents and community members.
• record the attendance and feedback from the sessions; evaluate the impact on community and their understanding of the PYP

Review and Accountability

The Principal:

• ensure regular communication with the PYP Coordinator on a formal and informal basis.
• is encouraged to attend the PYPC meetings.
• through an appraisal process reflect and review the work of the PYP Coordinator according to the KPI.
• receive formal and informal feedback from staff and relay that to the PYP Coordinator.
• provide regular informed feedback about any ongoing issues.

The PYP coordinator is supported in terms of fulfilling the responsibilities in the following ways:

• developmental opportunities both on and off site with the view to having a fully informed Coordinator.
• a minimum of 25% teaching load, as negotiated, to pursue the requirements of the IB.
• regular communication with the Principal/Deputy Principal, particularly in matters relating to resourcing of the PYP.
• regular time for reflection and review.
• the establishment of appropriate curriculum teams to assist with the implementation and continuing development of the programme.
• access to some administrative support

Skill Requirements 

• Strong communication skills (both written and verbal)
• Excellent networking skills.
• Advanced Planning, strong organising and time management skills are critical – must adhere to deadlines, multi-task and be able to prioritise.
• Ability to work both independently, with minimal supervision, and in a team environment.
• Ability to learn quickly and manage workload in a cooperative and demanding environment.
• Good Microsoft Office skills, Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Excellent Interpersonal and Relationship Management
• Analytical Thinking
• Problem Solving
• Customer service
• Project Management
• Research skills
• Negotiation skill

Behavioral Attribute

• Exceptional work ethic, with strong values and principles – takes all opportunities to go above and beyond the basic expectations.
• Detail-oriented: and attention to detail for tasks with zero tolerance for errors.
• A self-motivated individual who can work under stress and meet deadlines.
• A positive attitude and open mind that approaches problems from all angles to find the optimal solution