UWC South East Asia (UWCSEA) Head of UWCSEA Dover and Head of UWCSEA East January 2017
Contents An introduction to UWCSEA............................... 3 UWCSEA guiding statements............................. 4 UWCSEA community........................................... 6 Learning Programme............................................ 7 Campus and facilities........................................... 8 Organisational structure..................................... 9 UWCSEA and UWC.............................................. 10 Role description.................................................... 11 Person specification............................................. 13 About Singapore................................................... 14 Appointment process and how to apply........... 14 We encourage candidates to explore the digital resources linked throughout this document, indicated by this symbol
An introduction to UWCSEA Widely recognised as a global leader in international education, UWCSEA has been providing a holistic, values-based education to international students for more than 40 years. A K–12 school educating 5,560 students and 350 boarders from over 105 different nationalities across two campuses, UWCSEA is among the largest international schools in the world. The College is characterised by the following: • A determined commitment to service and the values and mission of the UWC movement. These are embedded in the learning programme, clearly differentiating the College from other international schools. • UWCSEA prides itself on being a learning institution that continually reflects and improves—rapid growth over the last five years has proven both the demand for the College’s offering and its ability to respond to opportunity. • UWCSEA’S reputation and location in Singapore attracts the highest quality teachers in international education, and the teaching and learning environment retains them. Professional learning opportunities are exceptional and teacher turnover is only ~8% per year.
• The student body is talented, committed and diverse: academic results are outstanding and student success is valued in all five elements of the learning programme— academic, activities, outdoor education, personal and social education and service. • The College is in high demand with applications exceeding the number of available places. • As a non-profit organisation, UWCSEA invests a portion of income in scholarships for students each year. These scholars come from a variety of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. • The College is focussed on developing ethical students with a readiness for action. This means that the learning programme is genuinely holistic.
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UWCSEA guiding statements UWC mission
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UWC makes education a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future.
To make education a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future
UWCSEA educational goal We educate individuals to embrace challenges and take responsibility for shaping a better world.
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• critical thinker and problem solver • creative and innovative • collaborative • communicator • self-manager Qualities • concerned and committed • principled • resilient • self-aware
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To make education a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future
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UWCSEA PROFILE
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UWCSEA community member profile
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HOLISTIC EDUCATION
• minimise their harmful impact on the environment The UWCSEA community is committed to being aware, able and active. As global citizens and independent learners, community members lead by influence and develop the following skills and qualities:
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• take an interest in and enjoy friendships with people of all cultures and backgrounds
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• be honest and act with integrity
• be compassionate and morally responsible
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LEARNING PRINCIPLES
The UWCSEA community expects its members to: • avoid prejudice by developing views based on evidence, reasoning and understanding
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UWCSEA will be a leader in international education. We will have a worldwide reputation for providing a challenging, holistic, values-based education with an emphasis upon academic achievement, service to others, environmental stewardship, teamwork and leadership.
To educate individuals to embrace challenge and take responsibility for shaping a better world
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UWCSEA ambition
UWCSEA community Students Students at UWCSEA are selected through a process that takes a holistic view. Previous school reports and references, as well as the student’s potential to contribute, support and participate fully in the life of the College are all taken into account. In the High School, current students participate in the selection process. The process results in a remarkable student community which is characterised by their energetic commitment to the mission and values of the school. There are 105 nationalities and 56 languages spoken as a first language at the College.
Boarders and
scholars
Boarding is a unique part of UWCSEA life, as it provides students with the opportunity to live on campus and experience a rewarding and vibrant residential experience. There are 350 young people aged between 13 and 18 years boarding at the College (188 on Dover and 162 on East). The diversity of the boarding community includes students of very diverse cultural, educational, linguistic and socio-economic backgrounds, who add a wonderful dynamic to the wider community on the campus. The boarding community includes a number of scholars (students attending on scholarship). The Scholarship Programme supports approximately 100 scholars from around the globe. Most come to the College to complete the IB Diploma in Grades 11 and 12. While scholarship students must have the academic ability to meet the demands of the UWCSEA programme, they are also selected on the basis of their potential to have a positive impact on the local and global community. Many scholars are selected by one of the 156 UWC National Committees, a network of volunteers around the world who find students who will benefit from, and contribute to, the UWC mission. Others are selected through UWCSEA’s own projects within the Asia-Pacific region. Funding for scholarships is generated through school fees, the UWCSEA Nominee Programme (UNP), corporations, National Committees, parent and alumni donations. Student numbers 2016/2017 School
Dover Campus
East Campus
Whole College
Infant School (K1–G1)
286
327
613
Junior School (G2–G5)
671
671
1,342
Middle School (G6–G8)
780
602
1,382
High School (G9–G12)
1,275
946
2,221
Boarders (G8–G12)
190
162
352
Faculty and staff The College employs 550 teaching staff who all hold teaching qualifications while many also have a higher degree in their specialist subject. While the majority of teachers are from Australia, New Zealand, North America and the UK, 27 nationalities are represented across the teaching staff. Most teachers have had experience of working in international schools before joining UWCSEA. Many members of the teaching staff have held positions of responsibility in their previous schools. The teaching staff at UWCSEA are not only enthusiastic about providing the highest level of academic excellence for students, but also contribute to their overall education. UWCSEA provides teachers with as dynamic and challenging a professional life as could be found anywhere. Teachers are expected to contribute wholeheartedly to the vision and ethos of the College. All teachers participate in the Activities and Service programmes; many are involved in the trips and expeditions organised each year. The College places a premium on professional development, and with a large staff, the scope for professional learning is The Centre for International Education allows easy access to high quality professional development through extensive. conferences or external providers as well as through collaboration with colleagues. Staff at the College are highly motivated and are encouraged to use their initiative to drive the organisation forward.
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Learning programme The learning programme at UWCSEA consists of five interlinking elements: academics, activities, outdoor education, personal and social education and service. Each of the five elements of the programme is developed to ensure that the students are gaining experience and knowledge that will help them to develop as independent learners and global citizens. Teachers, students and staff at UWCSEA use technology extensively to support teaching and learning. The College has several Apple Distinguished Educators on staff, and a team of Digital Literacy Coaches who support teachers in the use of technology to support and extend student learning.
Academics
Personal and Social Education
The academic programme culminates in the IB Diploma Programme in Grades 11 and 12, with students following a UWCSEA-designed programme in Primary and Middle School (K1 to Grade 8). Students in Grades 9 and 10 complete the IGCSE programme, with students who enter in Grade 10 taking a Foundation IB course. IB Diploma results are outstanding with the Class The of 2016 (500 students) receiving an average of 36.4 points. 29.6% received more than 40 points and 24.4% graduated with a bilingual diploma. Every year, our graduates are accepted into their universities of choice and attend best-in-field institutions in the Australia, UK, US and a number of other countries around the world. A number of students complete their National Service in Singapore before taking up their studies again, and others elect to complete a gap year before commencing university studies.
Activities The College offers an extensive Activities programme to students from Grade 2 onwards. More than 700 activity events take place across both campuses each week. Students play and compete in a wide variety of sports, and a rich cultural programme provides students with numerous opportunities to participate in theatrical productions and musical ensembles. Both Dover and East campuses have competitive representative sports teams who compete in regional competitions in 12 different sports. In 2016, UWCSEA won 11 of the 24 SEASAC Division 1 Championships.
Outdoor Education The Outdoor Education programme is a central part of Hahnian educational philosophy and a powerful part of the UWCSEA educational experience.
The Personal and Social Education (PSE) programme influences the ethos and atmosphere of the whole College. It is of crucial importance in making students feel secure, valued and encouraged in their learning, growth and social development. Self-confidence and self-esteem are built through all aspects of the learning programme, but making personal and social education a unique strand ensures that time is dedicated to this important part of the student experience. From younger students identifying and celebrating mastery of new skills to Grade 12 students using their self-knowledge to select their path after graduation, the PSE programme is a dedicated time for students to explore their identity and place in the world.
Service UWCSEA has service at the heart of its mission, and service is a vital aspect of the learning programme. Long before the concept of service became common in schools and a compulsory element of the International Baccalaureate, all Grade 11 students at UWCSEA were involved in local service. In 1980, recognising that involvement in service was beneficial to students of all ages, the College extended service requirements to all students. Today, the Service programme at UWCSEA is a model of how meaningful action by individuals and groups can help students to grow and develop as compassionate people and active agents of change. The breadth and complexity of the Service programme at UWCSEA requires leadership, staff and students to make an enormous commitment to putting ideas into action.
Outdoor education experiences begin in Grade 1 and, through careful planning and building of skills, understanding and confidence, culminate in Grade 11 students undertaking their own personal expedition. In all cases, students are asked to stretch themselves to experience new things and to improve their team-building and leadership skills, resulting in greater resilience, empathy and self-awareness.
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Campus and facilities Dover Campus occupies 11 hectares in the central area of Singapore. Modern and well-equipped, the campus offers specialist facilities which allow a wide range of educational activities. The College has just completed a five-year US$60 million programme to enhance the Dover facilities, and has been awarded Green Mark Platinum by the Singapore Building Construction Agency. East Campus occupies five hectares in the East part of the Island. Purpose-built to high standards of construction and, in keeping with our sustainability goal, with close attention to environmental and energy impact, the campus was awarded Green Mark Platinum by the Singapore Building Construction Agency. The campus is conservatively estimated to be 40% more energy efficient than a building of its size. 30% of its air conditioning needs are provided by solar power. Both campuses offer specialist facilities which allow for a wide range of educational activities. All classrooms are equipped with data projectors and Wi-Fi as the norm. The College has adopted a 1:1 laptop computer scheme in Grades 6 and above, using Apple technology. Technology is integrated in all aspects of the life of the College.
College Advancement College Advancement comprise the UWCSEA Foundation, the fundraising function of the College, and Relations, which connects former students, staff and families to the College.
Alumni
The UWCSEA Foundation was established in 2008 and, as the formal fundraising arm of the College. It has since raised an excess of $12.4million. Total donations to the Foundation in 2015/2016 was $5,653,261. The Foundation is making a difference in three key areas: • Scholarship Programme: enhancing diversity where the goal is to increase scholarship places. • Environmental Sustainability: supporting the College in its commitment to making environmental stewardship a significant part of every student’s education.
• Excellence in Teaching and Learning: contributing to the College’s investment in teachers and enhancing educational programmes to ensure UWCSEA provides an unparalleled learner-focussed experience in all five elements of the programme.
Through Alumni Relations, the College is in regular contact with nearly 10,000 former students constituting over 52% of alumni. www.uwcsea.edu.sg | 8
Organisational structure UWCSEA is a not-for-profit organisation. The two campuses are legally and financially separate but are overseen by a common Board of Governors and a single College level leadership team.
Board of Governors The College benefits from a highly experienced and engaged voluntary Board of Governors, who are themselves regulated by external agencies. The role of the Board of Governors is to set direction, establish policies, ensure accountability and provide leadership to improve the learning environment of the students at the College. Many Board members are also parents of current or recently-graduated UWCSEA students. The Board meets formally four times a year. Between meetings, Board Members are expected to serve on one of the six Board Committees (Audit and Risk, Education, Engagement, Facilities, Finance and Governance).
Working relationships The Heads of Dover and East operate in a highly matrixed, complex organisation. They report to and collaborate closely with the Head of College, and work closely with one another to ensure the campuses are aligned. Collectively, the Head of College, and the Heads of Dover and East are responsible for the pedagogical and organisational leadership of the world’s largest international school. College level The Learning Leadership Team (LLT) is led by the Head of College, with the support of the Heads of Dover and East. The LLT also includes Principals from across both campuses, as well as Deputy Heads and Directors of Teaching and Learning. The LLT is responsible for ensuring that student learning across all five elements of the programme is mission-aligned and based on the College learning principles and the UWCSEA profile. The Operational Leadership Team (OLT) is led by the Head of College and includes the Heads of Dover and East, as well as the Directors of key central functions at the College: Admissions, Advancement, Communications and Marketing, Facilities, Finance, HR and Information Technology. Campus Each campus has a leadership team that is led by the Head of Dover or East, as appropriate. These teams vary between campuses, but typically include Principals, Vice-Principals, the Director of Boarding, and Directors of Activities, Service and Outdoor Education. UWC movement As leaders of the largest member of the UWC movement, the Heads build relationships with and provide support for their colleagues in other UWC schools, while contributing to the strategic direction of the movement as a whole.
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UWCSEA and UWC “I regard it as the foremost task of education to insure the survival of these qualities: an enterprising curiosity, an undefeatable spirit, tenacity in pursuit, readiness for sensible self-denial, and above all, compassion.” Kurt Hahn
The UWC movement was founded in 1962 by the German educationalist Kurt Hahn. Hahn was a leading figure in the creation of the concept of experiential learning. He believed that education was about the development of the whole person and should prepare students for life, not just for university. Hahn founded the UWC movement based upon the ideals of a holistic, experiential, values-based education. His philosophy can be encapsulated in the phrase Plus est en vous—there is more in you (than you think). Today, there are 18 UWC schools and colleges around the world, with UWCSEA in Singapore being the largest of these. As well as providing an international education for young people living in Singapore, each year the UWC movement and UWCSEA provide scholarships for more than 100 students from all over the world to attend UWCSEA. The new Heads of Dover and East will be expected leaders in the UWC movement. In taking a leading role, these individuals will gain valuable experience of a wide-range of schools and exposure to leading educators around the world.
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Role description Context A highly successful organisation, UWCSEA has experienced a period of considerable growth, development and achievement in recent years. The College aspires to operate at the forefront of international education and its vibrant and talented community continually challenges itself in the pursuit of excellence. Frazer Cairns, Head of Dover Campus and James Dalziel, Head of East Campus have both been appointed to new roles after 17 combined years of outstanding service to UWCSEA. In parallel, the College is now entering a significant new stage in its evolution and the rapidly shifting external context both locally within Singapore and globally presents a number of strategic opportunities and challenges. Against the backdrop of an increasingly challenging and unpredictable 21st Century world, the need for education which equips young people to live as responsible global citizens and leaders has perhaps never been greater. This is therefore a hugely exciting time to join UWCSEA and these roles are among the most rewarding and challenging in international education. The new Heads of Dover and East have the opportunity to animate and direct the development of UWCSEA as a globally-leading school with a world-wide reputation for excellence in the provision of holistic, valuesbased education.
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Key responsibilities The Heads will guide their respective campuses with integrity, vision and purpose, and with the Head of College will fulfill their responsibilities to the wider College community. More specifically, the key responsibilities of the Heads of Dover and East are: Leadership
Relationships
To help maintain the College’s reputation for excellence, and cherishing its special culture while, at the same time, ensuring that it continues to grow and evolve as a dynamic learning environment. This includes:
• Maintaining effective relationships and excellent communications with the various constituent groups which make up the College community – the students, staff, parents, and the local community.
• Supporting the Head of College in articulating, sustaining and enhancing UWCSEA’s educational aims, ensuring that the campus is providing an exceptional experience for the students, and that the balance between the five elements of the UWCSEA Learning Programme—academic, activities, outdoor education, personal and social education and service—is supported and maintained.
• Working closely with the Chair of the Parents’ Association to ensure that, where possible, parental needs are met. Regular communications with parents, both in writing and College forums are essential.
• Working in partnership with the Head of College and other members of the OLT and LLT in the development and implementation of the College Strategic Plan. • Chairing regular meetings of the campus leadership team and attending College Scholarship Committee meetings. • Encouraging innovation amongst the staff and students at the campus. • Creating an environment where all are encouraged to participate, assume leadership roles, and contribute to maintaining the highest standards throughout the campus. Education • Ensuring that UWCSEA is a world leader in international education under the aegis of the mission, ethos and values of the UWC movement.
• Leading people and managing finances. People and financial management • Overseeing and participating in the selection process, performance evaluation and professional development of all staff. • Leading the teaching staff and overseeing the implementation of the Professional Learning Programme. • Assisting in the preparation of the College budget and managing its delivery as it pertains to the ethos and fiscal parameters of UWCSEA. • Deploying staff efficiently and effectively to ensure the maximum benefit for the students within the agreed budget. • Playing an active role in the development of both College policies and Campus practices and ensuring that agreed policies, practices and procedures are implemented in accordance with College strategy.
• Ensuring continuity and progression across the five elements of the Learning Programme in the different sections (Primary, Middle, High) that constitute the campuses.
College-wide
• Overseeing the development of mission aligned teaching and learning at the Campuses.
• Working closely with members of the OLT to ensure the campus operates in an efficient manner.
• Attending and contributing to the Board of Governors Education Committee.
• Fostering a culture of co-operation between the two campuses that will ensure a healthy relationship exists between all staff and students.
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Person specification The next Heads of Dover and East will be leaders of exceptional calibre. They possess the following qualifications and demonstrate the experience, skills, knowledge and personal attributes outlined below.
Qualifications
Leadership style and personal attributes
A good degree and a professional teaching qualification.
• A highly visible leadership style with the charisma, energy and ambition to inspire and motivate colleagues and students across the diverse UWCSEA community.
Experience • A track record of highly successful school leadership experience. • Demonstrable success in managing strong relationships with a range of different stakeholders. • Proven experience of leading, developing and motivating high calibre teams with a clear commitment to the continuing professional development of all colleagues.
Skills and knowledge • Exceptional strategic abilities with the capacity to guide and shape UWCSEA’s evolution as a truly world-class school.
• High levels of cultural sensitivity, an awareness of the complexities of multi-lingual environment and a demonstrable passion for international education. • Emotional intelligence, self-awareness, resilience and a high degree of personal and professional integrity. • A deep commitment to the UWCSEA aims and ethos and an ability to clearly demonstrate the skills and qualities described in the UWCSEA community member profile. As senior leaders within the UWCSEA community, the Heads of Dover and East are expected to operate at a high level in the following key areas:
• Sound knowledge of international curricula, their delivery and assessment.
Vision and strategy – supporting the mission and values of UWCSEA, planning and goal setting
• An understanding of the rapidly changing international education landscape and the key issues and trends.
• Displays strong organisational and operational leadership.
• An appetite for innovation and a broad understanding of cutting edge practice in different settings. • A thorough grasp of the business aspects of school leadership and familiarity with the budgetary process. • An appreciation of and interest in the role of technology in a school environment. • First-class written and verbal communication skills in English. • Outstanding interpersonal skills and the relationship building abilities to operate effectively in a collaborative environment.
• Contributes to the formulation of the Strategic Plan for the College. • Establishes strategic priorities for the campus within the framework of the College’s Strategic Plan. • Ensures effective succession planning on the campus. Supporting the learning community – resourcing, motivating and monitoring • Drives and displays innovative approaches to curriculum planning where required. • Demonstrates effective but sympathetic approaches to performance management and professional development. • Allocates resources fairly and effectively within given financial constraints. Collaboration – empowering others, coaching for success, leading others • Develops individuals within the campus leadership teams. • Engages all members of the community. • Leads by influence rather than authority where possible. • Fosters an environment where creativity flourishes. • Sets clear boundaries and expectations. Communication – ensuring sensitivity and building consensus • Articulates policy, purpose and priorities to the community and externally. • Creates an environment conducive to effective communication. • Proactively addresses issues.
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About Singapore Singapore is an efficient, clean, modern city state situated on an island at the tip of the Malaysian peninsula measuring 40 by 25 kilometres. The airport, public housing and transport, educational provision, medical facilities and shopping and dining opportunities are amongst the best in the world. Crime is low and English is widely spoken. Singapore has a cultural identity which blends the flavours and scents of Asia, the echoes of colonialism and the bright new world of globalisation. The climate is equatorial and the daytime temperature ranges from 24 to 34 degrees Celsius. The humidity is relatively high during most of the year, but the heat is not oppressive and widespread air conditioning brings relief to those who need it.
Appointment process and how to apply An executive search exercise is being undertaken by Perrett Laver for the post. Perrett Laver will support the Selection Committee in the discharge of its duties both to assist in the assessment of candidates against the requirements of the role, and to identify a wide field of candidates. Applications should consist of a current CV and a personal covering letter addressed to
Chris Edwards, Head of College.
Completed applications should be uploaded at www.perrettlaver.com/candidates quoting reference 2863. The deadline for applications is 7pm Singapore time on Friday, 17 February 2017. Longlisted candidates will be invited to interview with Perrett Laver during the weekend commencing 24 February and the weeks commencing 27 February and 6 March. The shortlist of candidates will be selected during the week commencing 13 March and finalist candidates will be invited to speak to the Head of College via video call during the week commencing 20 March. The final shortlist of candidates will be invited to visit the schools early week commencing 27 March. An excellent remuneration package commensurate with the importance of the roles and the experience of the successful candidate will be offered. UWCSEA is seeking Head candidates for both UWCSEA Dover and UWCSEA East. Candidates wishing to apply should do so for a Head position knowing that both the Head of Dover and Head of East are available.
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UWCSEA Dover 1207 Dover Road Singapore 139654 UWCSEA East 1 Tampines Street 73 Singapore 528704 078COM-1617