Head of Diverse Learning - Frensham

Reporting to the Director of Studies, the Head of Diverse Learning (7-12) leads a team of remarkable educators and teacher aides, to ensure that all students can engage with their learning and meet their academic potential. The Head of Diverse Learning supports and contributes to the educational strategy and vision of Frensham, through their expertise in diverse education.

Our Diverse Learning Team plays an integral role in the education of many students; students with disabilities or learning difficulties, those who are neurodiverse and students who are gifted or twice exceptional. This is a team which actively develops, implements and supports diverse educational practices, across the whole school, to meet the needs of our diverse student population. 

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a team of Diverse Learning Teachers and Teaching Assistants.
• Collaborate with Heads of Department, Heads of House, Year Coordinators, Form Tutors, class teachers and specialist support staff to plan and deliver programs to students diagnosed with additional learning needs so that they can reach their academic potential.
• Coordinate the development of Individual Education Plans in consultation with relevant staff, parents and students and ensure the communication of these to the necessary stakeholders.
• Maintain an effective and up-to-date database for students with additional learning needs.
• Establish and sustain effective communication channels with key stakeholders across the School including students, staff, parents, external practitioners and experts.
• Collaborate with the Junior School (Gib Gate Campus) staff to ensure the effective transfer of individual student information and communication to relevant staff.
• Conduct analysis of internal and external student data, in conjunction with relevant members of the School Executive, to determine areas for student development, strategies for growth, value added results, tracking of individual students in relation to their Individual Education Plans.
• Maintain appropriate resources and support materials to assist teachers in developing differentiated programs for students with additional learning needs.
• Model effective administration practices within the Diverse Learning team and when working with various stakeholders.
• Oversee disability provisions, in collaboration with relevant members of the staff.
• Provide leadership in Diverse Learning through the development and provision of professional learning, in collaboration with the Director of Studies.
• Keep up-to-date with research and developments in the areas of learning enrichment and high potential/gifted education.
• Respond to special requests from the Head, Deputy Head or Director of Studies.
• Coordinate opportunities for high potential learners including acceleration and external studies.

Requirements for the Role 

• Possess appropriate teaching and tertiary qualifications relevant to the position. 
• Dynamic and effective classroom practitioner.
• Ability to differentiate instruction and cater for a range of learning abilities and needs.
• Thorough understanding of the learning process, including the role of assessment and feedback.
• Keenness to share responsibilities associated with leadership from a whole school perspective.

Personal Capabilities and Characteristics 

• Commitment to the values and ethos of Frensham Schools. 
• Flexibility and enthusiasm for working as part of a highly professional and motivated team.
• Willingness to contribute to the full life of the School, through involvement in Boarding and co-curricular activities.
• Possesses the ability to integrate and utilise technology to enhance teaching and learning.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development.
• Open-minded, collaborative, enthusiastic and optimistic.
• Personal integrity, honesty and fairness.

Please note: The provision of accommodation on campus may be available to a suitable candidate.

Commencement: Term 2, 2024 (or by negotiation)

Applications: Applications [addressed to Mr Geoff Marsh, Head of Frensham Schools] must include a statement of educational philosophy, curriculum vitae, university transcripts and the contact details of three referees.

Please email applications to: **@frensham.nsw.edu.au 

Please do not apply through Seek.

Closing date for applications: Sunday, 3 March 2024. 

Further information: Call Victoria Hindmarch, +61 2 4860 2000.

FRENSHAM

Located in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales on a magnificent 300-acre rural campus, Frensham is an outward-looking and forward-thinking boarding school that provides a rigorous and personalised academic programme, in a spectacular living and learning environment. With a reputation as one of Australia’s leading independent girls’ schools, Frensham is focused on ‘next practice’ – preparing students to be skilled and willing to make a positive difference in the world, beyond school. Frensham is also a school of choice for outstanding educators, delivering best-practice teaching through professional learning, alongside leading researchers and practitioners from around the world. By prioritising the recruitment and retention of highly professional staff, Frensham acknowledges that truly great schools are underpinned by outstanding teachers.

All staff at Frensham Schools take an active role in ensuring our Child Protection programs, policies and processes are at the forefront of all that we do. A Working with Children Check Clearance Number must be provided to the School prior to confirmation of the appointment.

The successful applicant will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or other diseases (as advised by the School) and provide the School with evidence it considers satisfactory regarding vaccination. Being fully vaccinated may include additional doses and booster injections.