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Director
International School Dhaka (Bangladesh)

 

 

  Director

               

 

Overview

International School, Dhaka (ISD) is an international and co- educational day school, founded in 1999, owned by STS Capital Ltd., that was built to accommodate students from Playgroup to Grade 12. The school provides a high-quality international education for both the local and the international community. ISD strives to maintain a high quality of teaching and learning, as well as set the highest standards in all aspects. ISD is an International Baccalaureate World School offering a well-established, successful and an internationally recognized curriculum for children aged 2-19. This includes the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) and IB Diploma Programme (DP). ISD is the only IB World School in Bangladesh offering all three programmes from the International Baccalaureate Organization.

The school is recognized by the Bangladesh Ministry of Education,and is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). ISD is authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO).

The present Director of ISD is leaving the school on completion of his contract and the Board of Directors are looking for someone of equal stature and capability to replace him in the role.

Report

Reports to the CEO of the K-12 educational sector of STS Capital LTD.

Duties & Responsibilities

The Director has overall responsibility for all aspects of the school’s functioning including delivery of the academic curriculum and extra-curricular activities, providing leadership to the teachers, students’ welfare, admissions and school administration among others.

The Director is responsible for managing the internal stakeholder’s viz. students, teachers and staff as well as the external stakeholders such as the Board of Directors, alumni, parents, Ministry of Education, other government bodies, local authorities and the public in general. The Director has the key responsibility for keeping the school on the path defined by the vision and mission ensuring the integrity of the school’s reputation.

Academic Program:

• Overall responsibility for setting and administering the academic curriculum ensuring that this is in keeping with changing needs and the accreditation requirements.
• Responsibility for ensuring excellence in academic standards and overall development of students through extra-curricular activities.
• Providing innovative leadership in the area of teaching as well as introduction of newer innovative teaching methods.
• Recruiting, mentoring and leading the teaching staff is a key responsibility.
• Planning, Budgeting, Revenue & Cost Management
• Administration / Operations
• Public Relations

Skills, Experience, & Attributes Sought

Leadership Competencies

• Visionary Leadership
• Previous experience as head of school preferred
• Communicate a clear & compelling view for the future of the school
• Create buy-in among internal & external stakeholders by building commitment & excitement for new initiatives
• Ability to get things done, driving & achieving extraordinary results
• Decisiveness & decision making
• Previous head of school experience preferred
• Ideally has experience working for a school group and/or schools with a proprietary ownership structure
• Should have significant international school experience in diverse regions, such as Asia, Africa, Latin America, etc.
• A proven interest in taking part in school co-curricular activities
• Should be culturally adaptable
• Has demonstrated a range of leadership responsibilities
• Highly developed interpersonal and behavioral management skills
• Business acumen including marketing, human resource development and financial management

Personal Characteristics

•  Ethical
• Collegial
• Reflective
• Disciplined
• Organized
• Fun-loving with Sense of Humor

Academic & Professional Qualifications

The ideal candidate for the role of Director would be someone who has exemplary academic credentials and have had a leadership role in a reputed IB/international school. She/He would be a person who has achieved a position of stature in her/his present occupation. More specifically, the ideal candidate would have the following profile:

• A strong passion for education
• Education: A Master’s degree, ideally in educational leadership, or equivalent from a well-known college/university is a must.
• A deep knowledge and understanding of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, ideally including PYP, MYP and DP.
• Strong administrative & leadership capabilities.
• Demonstrated ability in managing multiple stakeholders in the school environment.
• A broad range of interests and skills outside the academic arena.
• Fluent in English.

Salary & Benefits

The salary and benefits package is competitive and will be commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.

 

Application Procedure

International School of Dhaka has appointed Search Associates to act as their consultant in the search for the new Head of School, with Rajiv Bhat and Jeremy Lewis serving as their Senior Consultants.

The deadline for applications for the position is JANUARY 13, 2023. Candidates are asked to submit a letter of interest and the requested materials listed below as early as possible as the Search Committee reserves the right to accelerate the selection process if the right candidate is identified

Candidates should send the information listed below as a single pdf file attached to an email:

• A letter of application, not to exceed one page, explaining your strengths as a candidate and why you are interested in the Head of School position at International School of Dhaka.
• A statement describing your educational and leadership philosophy, not to exceed two pages.
• A current résumé not to exceed two pages.
• A one-page list of references who have served as immediate supervisors with current telephone numbers and email addresses.
• A maximum of three letters of reference (scanned at low resolution) that may already be in your possession (optional).

Total document size should be kept to less than four (4) MB if possible. Applications should be sent to: rbhat@searchassociates.com and jlewis@searchassociates.com

The review of applications will begin as soon as applications are received. Qualified candidates will be interviewed and potentially forwarded to the International School of Dhaka for further review. Finalist candidates (with spouses, if applicable) will be invited to Dhaka to visit the campus if mutually agreed and if travel conditions allow. If not, the finalists will be engaged in a virtual visit to the campus. The new Director will be selected at the end of the site visit, finalist interviews, and reference checks and will assume his/her professional responsibilities in August 2023.

Candidates are encouraged to refer to the school website  www.isdbd.org for further information. It is important to note that the International School of Dhaka search committee reserves the right to appoint a candidate prior to the application deadline. Candidates are therefore, encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

International School of Dhaka is committed to providing a safe and happy environment for all employees and in which all students can thrive and learn. They are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all employees and students. All employees are subject to background checks and appropriate vetting procedures including satisfactory criminal record checks.

Thank you for your interest in this opportunity.

Overview

 

ISD Mission Statement

 

ISD Definition of Learning

 ISD embraces inquiry and collaboration which empowers learners to develop skills, knowledge and understanding that inspires positive change. 

 

ISD Definition of International Mindedness

 

 

 

Core Values

• The ISD learning environment nurtures holistic well-being
• At ISD there is a high-quality inclusive education
• ISD challenges our community to be responsible and internationally-minded learners
• Learning at ISD is enriched by interactions and partnerships with our community

 

Accreditation

The school is recognized by the Bangladesh Ministry of Education and is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). ISD is authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO).

Curriculum

ISD is an International Baccalaureate World School offering a well-established, successful and an internationally recognized curriculum for children aged 2-19. This includes the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) and IB Diploma Programme (DP).  The broad and balanced international curriculum reflects the importance of understanding academic discipline, community service, the performing arts and good health.

Learning Support

Learning Support services, along with English as an Additional Language (EAL), fall under the Advancement Center at International School Dhaka (ISD). EAL services are specified further in the ISD language policy. At ISD, we believe that the Advancement Center (AC) should address the individual needs of our students, enabling them to achieve their potential in a caring, empathetic and tolerant environment focusing on the holistic needs of each student. Inclusion Policy: International School Dhaka (Reviewed: Dec 2020) 4 Specially designed instructional programs, support services and resources are provided for the students to enable them to achieve their potential. Students requiring support can exhibit a range of needs in their cognitive, physical, sensory, intellectual, social or emotional development. This policy defines the procedures, structures and strategies in place for students with different needs at ISD, meeting the requirements of the International Baccalaureate Standards and Practices pertaining to diversity.

Arts

A positive outlet for creative expression, the performing and visual arts weave vital threads through the fabric of a holistic education at ISD.

When students participate in the arts, they develop awareness. With greater awareness comes improved comprehension — a useful ability to bring to any subject whether in the curriculum or outside of school.

By studying theory and practical skills to engage with the arts, learners reinforce their knowledge across all academic subjects. They develop their fine motor skills and their ability to work in teams. Students enhance their creativity and aesthetic awareness, sharpening their senses of sight, sound, and touch.

Students learn a variety of techniques in different mediums and then channel their creative energy through our dance, drama, music, and visual arts programs.

The performing and visual arts are represented in the curriculum as subjects in the PYP (Primary Years Programme), MYP (Middle Years Programme), and DP (Diploma Programme) as well as through various CCP (Co-Curricular Programme) offerings in illustration and ceramics.

Grade 12 students crown their learning across two years in the Diploma Programme with the DP Art Exhibition. Students develop a project from a kernel of an idea to a finished, exhibited piece. It is also an opportunity to showcase their creations to the school and community. Work can include photography, painting, drawing, sculpture, projections, mixed media — almost anything our students can imagine!

Athletics

Vital to the students' wellbeing, ISD’s athletics program contributes toward their physical, social, personal, emotional, and academic development.

Students participate in sports and physical fitness activities to build dexterity and resilience, hone their communication and cooperation skills, and develop a sense of responsibility for themselves and others. As well, physical exertion is a constructive outlet for stress and an effective counter to obesity.

When students learn to move their bodies in purposeful, coordinated ways they are prepping their minds for learning. An active body triggers the brain to release endorphins, which elevate mood. An elevated mood increases a student's ability to concentrate and boosts their confidence — "I can do it!" — advantageous for learning inside and outside the classroom.  ISD wants to introduce and encourage physical fitness habits and attitudes that stay with students long after they leave the school.

Athletics at ISD includes co-curricular sports along with physical and health education subjects and components that are part of the IB (International Baccalaureate) curriculum. Students have opportunities to play competitive and recreational sports, both at the team and individual level. And the annual Swimming Gala and Sports Day are fun ways for students to participate in aquatics and track and field, with events like swim races, high jump, and shot put.

 

After School Activities

Rise and Shine is an afterschool arts program that offers local children a creative outlet through painting and drawing. It began as a continuation of a long-established service project called English School.

Amra Achi, a football (soccer) program for disadvantaged youth in Dhaka, was established by ISD High School seniors. Students established this service organization to give children in their community the chance to play football in a student-run league. Coaching and games happen at the ISD field.

Week Without Walls is a full week of experiential learning and service for grades 6, 8 and 10.  All of the trips involve the students in real world learning situations and builds on each individuals social and emotional skills.  Students also undertake summative assessments as a direct result of the learning that occurs during the week.

 

Early Years

Learning happens inside and outside the classroom. Classes are guided by a foreign-trained teacher, a Bangla/English teaching partner, and a childcare assistant.

Beginning in Nursery, children are introduced to specialized classes in Music and Drama. From Pre-Kindergarten, Physical Education, Drama, Visual Arts and Bangla are taught in addition to core subjects.

ISD stokes children's curiosity through play. Games are based on learning and guided inquiry activities. This process helps children build a meaningful foundation of learning that is ever-evolving through a series of steps and connections. Learning is expressed through art, drama, music, language, and by making things. Hands-on experiences give children the opportunity to explore, experiment, and question the world around them. They learn to share, communicate, take turns, and cooperate with their classmates while developing their individuality.

The IB PYP framework guides planning, learning, and assessment of each child's learning journey. Children thrive through age-appropriate experiences, a key component of the Early Years Programme. They develop crucial skills in thinking, socializing, and communicating. They build their imagination, knowledge, and independence to kickstart their own learning.

 

Elementary Years Programme

For Nursery through Grade 5 students, the PYP Elementary Programme builds on the foundation laid by the Early Years syllabus.

Students are empowered to take charge of their own teaching and learning. They are encouraged to play, explore, experiment, wonder, inquire, practice, invent, create, collaborate, and imagine. Students are engaged, hands on, with the world in their journey as lifelong learners. They spend most of their school day with a homeroom teacher and teaching assistant.

Learning to communicate, play creatively, and interact and care for others is crucial to students’ social development and participation in the PYP Elementary Programme. Fostering these abilities is given high priority in our classrooms. Students and their teachers reflect on the teaching and learning, and action is taken. Assessment is ongoing, shared with parents, and used by teachers to improve and grow the curriculum.

Middle Years Programme

Middle school is a period of tremendous physical and mental changes. A child’s social, intellectual, and physical needs are constantly changing, and a sense of individuality develops. The MYP is designed to meet these needs, providing a broad and balanced program of learning aimed at the 21st century learner needs. The MYP is designed to be accessible to all learners.

A hallmark of the MYP is its inquiry based and concept driven approach which enables students to inquire into broad and transferable ideas which are embedded in real world contexts. This makes learning meaningful and enables students to link what they learn to real life and the world around them. Thus, the MYP, aims to develop life-long learners who develop knowledge, skills and concepts and a passion for learning.

Diploma Programme

The Post-16 Programme is for Grades 11 and 12 (ages 16+). It gives students the opportunity to specialize in specific areas of interest, preparing them for university and college entrance as well as future careers. Students learn how to do academic research, in the process becoming self-aware critical thinkers and time managers.

ISD’s goal is to develop empathic, internationally minded learners that contribute positively to society. Students achieve above world average results. Graduates consistently place in major universities in North America, Australia, Asia, the UK, and Europe.

 

Paths of Study

Path 1 — ISD High School Diploma and IB Courses

Students study a combination of IB Diploma Programme subjects leading to the ISD High School Diploma with the potential to qualify for certificates in some IB Diploma courses. Students are not required to study TOK (Theory of Knowledge) or complete the Extended Essay, but successful participation in CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) is compulsory.

Post-secondary options include:

• United States: 4-year universities and colleges and 2/3-Year Community Colleges
• Bangladesh: universities and colleges
• Canada: 2/3-year colleges
• UK, Australia, and Asia: Foundation Programmes as pathways to future university study

 

Path 2 — ISD High School Diploma and IB Diploma

The most demanding path in terms of commitment and application. Students study a combination of IB Diploma Programme subjects with the potential to qualify for the full IB Diploma and the ISD High School Diploma. Students write a 4,000-word Extended Essay and complete courses in TOK (Theory of Knowledge) and CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service).

Post-secondary options include:

• 4-year undergraduate programs
• United States and Canada: 4-year undergraduate degree programs
• UK, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Australia: 3-year undergraduate degree programs
• Asia (incl. China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Thailand): 3/4-year undergraduate degree programmes

  

ISD is proud to have over 70 credentialed international teachers or staff from some 20 different countries, and over 100 Bangladeshi support staff or teaching professionals. The most highly represented countries of origin are the United States, England and Canada.

Child Protection & Student Well-being

International School Dhaka recognizes our responsibilities regarding child protection, and the safety and welfare of all of our students is the top priority of the ISD community. ISD strives to create a safe, secure, and supportive learning environment for our students. We believe that all students have a right to be protected from neglect as well as physical, sexual and emotional abuse.

ISD's Child Protection and Safeguarding Handbook guides ISD’s faculty, staff, volunteers, and families in child protection and safeguarding matters. It was created in conjunction with our Code of Conduct and is based on the safeguarding standards of the International Taskforce on Child Protection. The school expects all employees, partners, parents and volunteers to be committed to and support the ISD Child Protection Policies and Code of Conduct of the school.

 

 

         

  

Facilities & Premises

ISD has a spacious 5.5-acre campus with:

Purpose-built, centrally air-conditioned buildings and classrooms 360-seat auditorium Specialist teaching rooms including science laboratories, art, music and drama studios, a design and technology workshop Sports gymnasium and a fitness room

Large sports field Tennis/basketball courts Modern Early Years specialized play area Swimming pool (25 meters with 6 lanes) Gardens and green space throughout campus

Location

Plot 80, Block E, Bashundhara R/A, Dhaka-1229, Bangladesh

Phone: (88 02) 8431101 to 7, 55038878

Mob: +8801819231100

Fax: (88 02) 8431622

Email:info@isdbd.org