Head Of Humanities - Muna British Academy - AY27 28

Muna British Academy is seeking an outstanding teacher and inspirational Head of Humanities to join us for the 2027/28 academic year, leading Geography and History through an exciting phase of secondary expansion. We are looking for an ambitious leader who can inspire curiosity about the world, deepen students’ understanding of the past, and develop their confidence to question, investigate and construct informed arguments.

With Year 10 opening in 2027/28, this role offers an exceptional opportunity to shape the development of Humanities from our current Key Stage 3 provision into IGCSE and subsequent A-Level pathways. You will build a rigorous, carefully sequenced curriculum that preserves the distinctive knowledge and disciplinary skills of Geography and History while making meaningful connections between people, places, societies and environments. A Geography specialism, with experience of teaching Geography at IGCSE and A Level, is desirable, alongside the expertise and commitment to lead excellent provision across both subjects.

As an outstanding classroom practitioner and leader, you will model exceptional teaching, develop colleagues through coaching and purposeful professional learning, and use assessment intelligently to strengthen attainment and progress. Your high expectations will be matched by skilful adaptation, ensuring that every student is supported and challenged to develop secure understanding, geographical enquiry, historical source evaluation, and extended analytical writing. You will establish a collaborative departmental culture in which professional dialogue, shared responsibility, and continual improvement underpin success.

Beyond the classroom, you will enrich students’ learning through geographical fieldwork, historical visits, competitions, and community partnerships. Drawing on the UAE’s heritage, diverse communities and ambitions for a sustainable future, you will help students connect their learning with the world around them. Your leadership will embody our values of Ambition, Responsibility and Respect, encouraging students to consider different perspectives, engage thoughtfully with evidence and recognise their responsibilities as informed global citizens.

If you have the subject expertise, leadership ambition and commitment to inspire young geographers and historians while shaping a growing Humanities department, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Responsibilities

Main Duties

Strategic direction and development of the department

• Lead the strategic direction of Secondary Humanities, ensuring alignment with the school’s vision, values and improvement priorities.
• Develop, implement and regularly review departmental policies and practices to ensure high standards of teaching, learning and student achievement across Humanities.
• Produce and monitor short, medium and long-term development plans for Secondary Humanities, using data and self-evaluation to drive improvement.
• Lead preparation for the introduction of Key Stage 4 in 2027/28 and subsequent A Level provision in Geography and History, aligning curriculum planning, resources and staff expertise with the school’s agreed pathways.
• Analyse attainment and progress data to identify trends, underachievement and gaps between groups; implement targeted interventions to support all learners.
• Use internal and external data, research and inspection frameworks to inform curriculum design, teaching approaches and departmental targets.
• Ensure schemes of work for Geography and History are coherent, progressive and inclusive across Key Stages 3, 4 and 5 as provision expands, including appropriate provision for SEND, EAL and high-attaining students.
• Support the development of geographical and historical knowledge, enquiry, analysis, source evaluation and evidence-based argument to prepare students for Key Stages 4 and 5.
• Support the Head of Year 6 and relevant primary subject leads with the development of geographical and historical knowledge and enquiry skills to prepare students for transition from Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 3.

Teaching and learning

• Ensure high-quality teaching and learning across Humanities through coaching, monitoring and professional development.
• Model outstanding classroom practice through teaching within the Humanities curriculum and, where appropriate, delivering the postholder’s specialist subject at Key Stages 4 and 5 as provision develops.
• Establish clear expectations for teaching, learning, behaviour and assessment within Humanities.
• Ensure curriculum coverage, continuity and progression from Year 7 towards Year 13 as provision expands, maintaining the distinct knowledge, concepts and skills of Geography and History.
• Lead the development of assessment, recording and reporting systems that accurately track student progress and inform teaching.
• Ensure assessment and moderation in Geography and History meet the relevant IGCSE and A Level specification requirements.
• Monitor the quality of teaching through lesson observations, learning walks, work scrutiny and student voice.
• Support staff to implement effective differentiation, challenge and inclusive practice.
• Promote effective pedagogy in Humanities including modelling, questioning, retrieval practice and AfL.
• Develop subject-specific teaching approaches that strengthen geographical enquiry, map and data interpretation, historical source evaluation, understanding of different interpretations and extended analytical writing.
• Ensure students are well prepared for transition from Key Stage 3 into IGCSE and subsequently A Level Geography and History, in line with the school’s planned expansion.

Leading and managing staff

• Line manage and performance manage members of the Humanities team in line with school policy.
• Build a collaborative and high-performing team culture with clear expectations, accountability and professional support.
• Lead regular department meetings focused on student outcomes, teaching quality and curriculum development.
• Identify professional development needs and support staff through coaching and CPD opportunities.
• Support recruitment, induction and development of new staff within the Humanities department where required.

Managing resources

• Manage departmental resources effectively to ensure best value and impact on student outcomes.
• Oversee the organisation, maintenance and effective use of Humanities resources and teaching materials.
• Ensure the learning environment is safe, inclusive and stimulating.
• Support the use of appropriate digital platforms and resources to enhance the teaching and learning of Humanities.

Other duties and responsibilities

• Promote enrichment opportunities in Humanities including geographical fieldwork, historical visits, competitions, clubs and events.
• Oversee the planning and safe delivery of geographical fieldwork and Humanities visits in line with school procedures and relevant examination requirements.
• Contribute to whole-school events, cross-curricular initiatives and community engagement opportunities.
• Support intervention programmes for students requiring additional support or challenge in Humanities.
• Contribute to whole-school duties such as supervision, cover and examination invigilation as required.
• Undertake any additional duties as directed by the Principal.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor’s Degree in the related subject with PGCE or other teacher qualification.

Minimum Experience

• Minimum of 4 years teaching English National Curriculum

• Previous experience working with students whom English is not their first language

Job Specific Knowledge & Skill

• Passion for teaching and commitment to educating the whole child
• A high level of professionalism and consideration of the well- being of children
• Recent and consistent involvement in extracurricular activities
• Respect for all members of a school community, irrespective of position, gender, age and ethnic background
• A positive and solution-focused attitude to working life
• A clean enhanced Disclosure and Barring Services check or police check

What we offer: 

Aldar Education is a family of world-class, child centered, and innovative schools based in the UAE. We educate over 25,000 students across our group of owned and managed schools and as we grow so does our need for highly skilled, inspirational, and dedicated school leaders. We offer an attractive remuneration package including medical cover, flights, housing, and free child school places. Our future-focused learning model includes both students and staff and so we place a special emphasis on professional development, coaching and training.

Successful candidates will have access to a wide network of professionals and opportunities to both lead and contribute to training others as well as developing themselves.

Aldar Education is keen to hear from like-minded, forward thinking school leaders who would welcome the challenge and opportunities that we have to offer.

This job description is not all inclusive. Aldar Education reserves the right to amend this job description at any time. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. We are also mindful of our national development strategy and encourage UAE Nationals in their application at our company.

Aldar Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Offers of appointment are subject to satisfactory references and police clearance.