Director of Learning - EAL 2024-2025

THE ACADEMY

GEMS World Academy-Dubai (GWA) is a private, co-educational IB World School for PreK to Grade 12 students. Established in 2008 as a member of GEMS Education, the Academy is authorised to deliver the PYP, MYP, DP and CP programmes, and is also accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). We serve a multi-ethnic community in the heart of Dubai, with a student body drawn from over 100 countries. Non-selective, our ethos is grounded in the IB Learner Profile; we encourage intellectual curiosity, entrepreneurial spirit, and foster a real sense of communal endeavour. The Academy has gained national and international recognition for its work to improve outcomes for students, as well as its aspirational and inclusive vision. As a member of the GWA community you will have the opportunity to shape the future of the Academy whilst working alongside an exceptionally talented group of teachers and leaders. 

GEMS World Academy-Dubai develops inquiring, reflective and caring learners who, through the rigour of the IB programmes, have the knowledge, skills and character to take action and create a better, more peaceful world. Supported by highly qualified staff in world-class facilities, our diverse international community is encouraged to develop intercultural understanding and respect. Our aim is to be a leading world-class IB school that maximises every student’s learning and character to enable them to choose their own successful path, and positively contribute to the local and global society. 

THE ROLE

At GWA, there is  a fantastic opportunity to develop our own EAL curriculum, informed by the IB Learner Profile and Approaches to Learning. The GWA curriculum  sequences the enduring understandings of each discipline and gives all students the opportunity to apply what they have learnt in a variety of practical contexts. The Director of Learning EAL will be an enthusiast who will work closely with our EAL team and the Directors of Learning to design and develop an inspiring EAL curriculum, reflecting our shared vision and values.

The ideal candidate should have a strong track record in effective teaching and helping students succeed. While experience in teaching the IB Middle Years and Diploma programmes is preferred, outstanding teachers from any curriculum background are encouraged to apply. Alignment with the IB philosophy and commitment to the Learner Profile values are crucial. A genuine passion for working in a non-selective and culturally diverse community is also a key requirement. 

Salient Responsibilities:

Professional Learning

• To maintain and develop an understanding of national and international trends in early language acquisition
• To encourage and support an ethos of collaborative curriculum development and planning within the EAL department 
• To support the professional learning of colleagues through training, coaching and quality assurance of curriculum resources

Curriculum Planning

• Under the leadership of, and in collaboration with the Vice Principal and Assistant Principals in Primary and Secondary Divisions, to develop curriculum intent within the area, informed by and supporting GWA’s ethos and vision
• To develop curriculum overviews within the curriculum area that sequence enduring understandings across unit plans, grades and divisions and exemplify enquiry questions and key terms
• To oversee the development of unit plans for each unit of work within the EAL department, informed by analysis of curriculum impact and school-wide priorities
• To report on the development  of the curriculum to Senior Leadership
• To review curriculum documentation on an ongoing basis

Assessment

• To ensure that the intended outcomes of English language acquisition are clear, coherent and constructed in a manner which supports our vision that every individual should achieve personal success, including an annual review of EAL phase descriptors to ensure they effectively express the intended learning outcomes of the curriculum
• To lead and collaborate with EAL teachers to ensure curriculum objectives are met and learning outcomes are achieved
• To lead on collaboration with mainstream subject teachers and form tutors to evaluate and measure the impact of EAL interventions
• To develop and implement effective summative assessments
• To collate, analyse and use assessment data so that students, parents, teachers and leaders are provided with accurate information in relation to; progress, attainment, understanding and approaches to learning
• To ensure that the impact of EAL lessons is appropriately tracked to allow for effective early intervention, accurate reporting and to inform future interventions.  

Minimum Requirements:

• A certified professional teaching qualification at degree level, such as B. Ed, PGCE, PGDE or equivalent specialism in EAL/English Language
• Proven successful partnering with Admin (SLT) and other relevant stakeholders
• Resilient and agile decision making skills to ensure successful design and implementation of programmes that meet school and student body requirements to help students achieve success in all aspects of their life
• Superior interpersonal skills that reflect patience, tolerance, sensitivity, empathy and enthusiasm for working with students, parents and school staff in a multicultural and international setting
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