DIRECTOR OF STUDIES Full Time

HOW TO APPLY

To apply for this position, fill the Language in Action application form you find on our website or go to the link via Apply button below and fill the Language in Action application form.

Please note: applications will be considered only after the Language in Action application form is completed. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Language in Action is passionate about helping our students put their language skills to good use, by giving them unique learning experiences at our schools in the UK.

We put students in situations where they actively use their knowledge and their communication skills in real-life situations, and it’s rewarding to see them using language inaction. With our programmes, students gain so much more than classroom learning. Our students gain life experience, and a deeper understanding of the culture of the UK.

As part of Malvern International, Language in Action is perfectly placed to offer exciting and dynamic study experiences inside and outside the classroom. Our mission is to provide international students with essential academic and English language skills, cultural experiences and the support they need to thrive in their academic studies, daily life and career development.

Language in Action offers a challenging, fun, and flexible environment in which to work. We work hard to ensure that staff return year after year by offering a competitive salary and taking care to encourage and facilitate professional development.

Language in Action is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its students aged under 18 and expects all stakeholders and members of staff to share this commitment.

Job description Director of Studies – Language in Action:

Line Manager:
Centre Manager

Line Manager Reports to:
Academic Manager/Director

All academic aspects of the centre including managing the teaching team, organising placement tests, streaming of classes, teaching when necessary, implementing the academic programme and administration relating to exams/tests when required. Responsible for welfare and safeguarding of all students in classroom and any other activity if necessary.

To lead the team of teachers at the centre and ensure that they produce a language learning experience that meets the expectations of the participants and clients. In addition, to understand the importance of quickly putting a system in place, and a team together for a short-term contract. The Director of Studies will work closely, not only with the teaching staff, but with the Centre Manager,Activity Manager/Welfare Officer and Activity Leaders to produce the best possible course for our students. An understanding of the, sometimes, conflicting needs of both student-facing sides of a centre (teaching and activities) is essential. Cover for Director of Studies is Senior Teacher and, if necessary, Academic Manager.

Act in a professional and appropriate manner with all of LiA/Malvern Internationals agents, clients, students, host campus staff, and LiA staff; furthermore, not to engage in any activity which may bringLiA/Malvern International or the designated host campus into disrepute.

Undergo online training for Prevent and Advanced Safeguarding Training (Level 2) before the commencement of employment (provided prior to the start of employment).

Read, be fully conversant with, and act in accordance with the staff handbook, company policies, relevant Child Protection documents and all risk assessments prior to the start of the period of employment (documents supplied prior to the start of employment). Remaining vigilant in all matters of student welfare and reporting issues or concerns to an appropriate member of staff.

At all times, act in accordance with the company policies outlined in the staff handbook, maintaining an approachable, but professional and appropriate attitude towards all students, group leaders and staff.

Ensure that the company’s health and safety guidelines are followed on and around campus.

Ensure that teachers and students adhere to the code of conduct laid down by the company, report any incidents of misbehaviour to the appropriate member/s of staff.

Be involved in any activity necessary for the smooth running of the centre and to improve students experience.

Responsibilities and Tasks
Attend a training day, or days, before the start of the course, and thereafter attend any staff meetings considered necessary by the management team.

Prepare and conduct daily staff meetings in the morning to check in with teachers and give any notices.

Organise placement tests for students on arrival, the marking of tests and the efficient streaming of students into classes based on test results. Please be aware this may well involve evening work.

Prepare registers, class lists and timetables, records of work, and all paperwork required by teaching staff to comply with British Council requirements.

Assign teachers to classes and classrooms, ensuring that teachers are teamed in such a way that every class has a different teacher for the second teaching session.

Recruit teachers in case of need according to Academic Manager and Summer Operations Manager guidelines.

Be available to teaching staff during lesson times and, for an agreed and reasonable period, before and after lessons.

Coordinate with the Centre Manager and Activity Manager on matters of timetabling, to ensure the correspondence of group schedules, contracted teaching hours and activity programmes.Additionally, to cooperate fully in the compilation of staff rotas, and remain in clear and open communication.

Take an active role in Group Leader welcome meetings as the company’s on-site academic representative and remain available to Group Leaders.

Monitor teachers’ timekeeping and appearance, and to take appropriate action when necessary.

Monitor teachers’ performance, through classroom observation and informal discussion and feedback. Give guidance and advice when necessary.

Ensure that all lessons are covered by an appropriate member of the teaching staff, and if necessary, depending on staff levels and student numbers, teach or arrange cover teaching when required.

Maintain accurate records of the hours worked by teachers and pass this information to the Centre Manager/Academic Manager on a weekly basis so that accurate and timely payment to teachers can be made.

Ensure stock control of book supplies and all teaching materials is carried out weekly by the SeniorTeacher. Ensure that, while teachers have access to all reasonable materials, they are used in a cost-effective manner. Order or arrange purchase of teaching materials when needed.

When necessary, liaise with the Academic Manager/Director over exam/tests entries. In conjunction with the Senior Teacher and the teaching team, ensure students are entered at the appropriate level, arranging preparation classes prior to the exam where appropriate.

Ensure the academic element of LiA notice boards and signs around the centre is prepared and updated by the Senior Teacher to ensure students, leaders and staff are kept informed of the academic programme and that a LiA academic presence is visible on campus.

Monitor student numbers so that teachers are deployed in an efficient manner, and, in the event of contract extensions, take decisions on staffing after the expiry of teachers’ initial contracts.

To work out a profitable timetabling for this centre maximizing the number of students in line with British Council regulations and Language in Action standards.

Ensure that teachers are aware of activity programmes and use any excursion preparation material available before students go on excursions.

Take part in social activities and events and motivate all Academic team to join LiA events.

Respect and implement all Safeguarding and Prevent policies and regulations for best practice.Report any concerns to the Designated Person (DP) at the centre.

Fulfilment of all the duties and responsibilities of Fire Warden and Health and Safety Officer.

Induct Teachers on Safeguarding and Health & Safety policies.

Liaise with Centre Manger on Fire drills to be conducted at school premises and make sure all safety rules are respected and clear to all students.

Make sure students are supervised and corridors are patrolled during lessons and during breaks, cover for teachers if necessary.

Work in accordance with Safeguarding policy and apply it to all activities.

Liaise with teachers to make sure all students are present in class and report to CM any absence, according to absence procedure.

Make sure each student is put in the correct class and liaise daily with teacher for any issue.

Fulfilment of all the duties and responsibilities of DSL and Welfare Officer.

Short-term language courses, by their very nature, require a degree of flexibility. The list of duties in the job description should not be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive. There will be other duties and requirements associated with your job and, in addition, as a term of your employment you may be required to undertake various other duties as may reasonably be required.
Your duties will be as set out in the above job description but please note that the company has the right to update your job description, from time to time, to reflect changes in, or to your job.
You will be consulted about any proposed changes.

To apply for this position, fill up the application form you find on our
website.

Language in Action operates a strict safer recruitment according to our safer recruitment policy and all staff will have checks made on their suitability to work with children.
All applicants will be required to supply an up-to-date CV and the contact details of 2 suitable references(including former employers) which will be checked prior to employment. The referees will be asked specifically about your suitability to work with children.
All employees will be required to undergo an Enhanced DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) check unless they provide details of their DBS Update Service subscription. Appropriate local police checks will be required from applicants living overseas. If applicants lived for more than 3 months in different countries within the previous 5 years, they will be required to provide a police check from each different Police country Department.
All employees will be expected to provide proof of identity and all relevant qualifications (Originals only) photocopies will be taken for our records. All employees will be required to sign a Children Act declaration to state that they are not barred from working with minors.