| Job Type: | permanent | Duration: | |
| Category: | Education / Training / Instruction | Recruiter Reference: | schooltalent/TP/105/912 |
| URL for Applications: | Apply Here | Salary: | £41204 - £43839 |
George Watson’s College wishes to appoint an Adventure Learning Manager. To lead the Adventure Learning Programme for the Senior School and the offer to pupils in conjunction with the team of Adventure Learning Professionals and staff with responsibility for the DofE programme.
To be responsible for leading aspects of the Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) programme and supporting all elements of the programme using their skill and experience.
The Adventure Learning programme in the Senior School includes all aspects of adventure and outdoor learning that contribute to the development of Senior School pupils. Discrete elements include the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, S3 Projects, S1 Orientation, the Adventure Club and the Rock Climbing Club. Many other aspects of Adventure Learning will emerge in conjunction with other programmes, including nurture programmes offered by the Pupil Development Department.
APPLICATION PROCESS
To apply, please click the Apply for this Job button. Please include a letter of application of not more than 800 words giving us more information about you and why you would like the role, addressed to Mr Gordon Boyd, Head of Senior School.
Any specific questions relating to the advertised post can be emailed to vacancies@gwc.org.uk
If you require more information about the School, please visit our school website.
Closing date: 11:59pm on Wednesday 10 April 2024
Interview date: Wednesday 24 April 2024
Package DescriptionLocation: George Watson’s College, Edinburgh
Contract Type: Full time, Permanent
Hours of Work: Full time working pattern with flexibility required due to the nature of the role
Salary: £41,204 - £43,839 per annum
Benefits: Automatic enrolment in the contributory support staff defined contribution pension scheme, reduced school fees at George Watson’s College for children of staff, Membership of the Galleon Club (the school’s fitness club)
Main ResponsibilitiesCurriculum
To lead and develop the vision and strategy to deliver a coherent programme of adventure Learning, in line with the curriculum vision including activities such as climbing, orienteering, watersports and hillwalking sessions. Working with the Director of Sport to include these as part of the Senior School Games and Enrichment programme.
To develop the strategy and deliver an adventure-based educational pathway for Senior School pupils providing them with formal qualifications and National Governing Body (NGB) awards (where appropriate) in their chosen activities.
To support the development of Learning for Sustainability within the Senior School in line with Scottish Government Guidance.
Working alongside the careers department to signpost pupils to appropriate NGB awards, work and further study and learning within Adventure Education.
To create and lead a vision and pathway to embed and deliver Adventure Learning through the Senior school.
Adventure Club
To lead and develop the strategy for the delivery of Adventure Learning through the Adventure club as an enrichment activity, including the opportunity to develop pupil agency as a key component of this work.
To diversify the Adventure Learning offer to pupils to include a variety of adventurous activities to act both as a taster for pupils and to extend their skills. To develop a strategy of pathways for pupils to develop the skills to attain National awards or local or National representation in their chosen Adventure discipline.
To lead and manage the expanding Adventure Club programme including:
Oversight and delivery of activities on day trips and extended expeditions; weekly climbing sessions at EICA, Eden Rock and local Outdoor Crags.
Delivery of a range of adventurous activities and training including skills courses, Mountain Days, and residential opportunities for pupils and staff.
Administer and deal with all bookings, consent forms and Extra payments for Adventure Club trips. To use existing school systems for trips to ensure that expeditions and outdoor education opportunities are safely and appropriately managed.
Liaise with pupils, parents and staff over opportunities and communicate to them on how to access these opportunities.
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme
Development of the overall strategy for the Duke of Edinburgh’s programme in conjunction with the DHT Enrichmment, including increasing the range and scope of the Expedition programme to ensure greater pupil agency. Responsibility for ensuring that GWC standards for the delivery of the Duke of Edinburgh Award are consistent and meet the criteria of the scheme.
Oversight of training for pupils including expeditions, arrangements for parents’ information night, dealing with parental queries regarding the programme by phone and email, and ensuring pupil groups are organised for each expedition.
To effectively use eDofE systems to manage and support pupils through the Duke of Edinburgh awards.
To organise expeditions including route planning and allocation of assessors, organising kit issue and collection, sorting food money, assessor money, booking and driving minibuses, and organising pupil transport.
To book accommodation well in advance (about 1 year) including Youth Hostels, campsites, and contacting landowners where necessary.
To use existing school systems for trips to ensure that expeditions and outdoor education opportunities are safely and appropriately managed.
To effectively manage the DofE budget (approx £30,000) to maximise the cost-effectiveness of funds for resources and provide the best overall experience.
To support the DofE team of assessors and adventure learning professionals by supporting training sessions in school and attending expeditions as an assessor, supervisor and trainer.
Nurture
Working alongside the Head of Pupil Development to develop the strategy to manage and deliver outdoor-based nurture sessions for children with additional needs in the Senior School to increase confidence, self-esteem and develop positive behaviour and social skills.
In conjunction with the Community and Education Partnerships Manager liaise with state schools in the area to provide access to outdoor educational opportunities such as Nurture, DofE Expeditions and the wider adventure programme.
S3 Projects and S1 Orientation
Working with the Deputy Head Enrichment and the Adventure Learning team to develop the strategy to ensure the continued success of S3 Projects as a cornerstone of the Adventure and Enrichment experiences.
To support teaching staff on projects by delivering activities and providing technical support throughout.
To support, lead and develop the strategy for the S1 orientation residential experience as a gateway to Adventure activity and nurture.
To Support teaching staff on S1 Orientation by advising on activities and providing technical support throughout.
Adventure Learning Development
To lead the development of protocols and systems necessary to ensure compliance with HSE directives on Adventure Activities.
To explore the benefits of pursuing an award of an AALA licence for adventure activities.
Staff Training
To lead and develop a programme of training and development which raises staff skill and confidence in the outdoors and in turn increases participation in DofE, Projects and other adventurous activities at GWC.
The Ideal CandidateEssential:
Previous successful experience of working as an Outdoor Education or Adventure Learning professional in a secondary school or Outdoor Education Centre
Current Scottish or National Governing Body (SGB or NGB) award(s) in land-based mountaineering type activities e.g. Mountain Leader, Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor awards (ML, MCI, MICW etc), Single Pitch Award, Winter Mountain Leader, or similar
Current First Aid certificate
Full clean driving licence
Evidence of flexibility and imagination in developing their practice and keeping abreast of the latest developments in Outdoor Education and Adventure Learning.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the proven ability to work with parents, volunteers and colleagues from different disciplines across both Junior and Senior Schools
Previous understanding and knowledge of the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme
Demonstrable personal commitment to Outdoor Education
Prepared to make a significant contribution to the extra-curricular life of the school
Desirable:
Current water-based Scottish or National Governing Body (SGB or NGB) awards would be an advantage (e.g. canoeing, kayaking, or paddle sports instructor qualification)
Full clean driving with D1 entitlement
NB: D1 training and further NGB training is available for the successful applicant.
About the school/organisationGeorge Watson's College sits in the heart of Scotland's capital city, Edinburgh, providing a world-class education for children and young people from Preschool to Senior 6.
We encourage our pupils to develop a love of learning through an inspiring curriculum and an extensive and inclusive enrichment programme, which are underpinned by the four values we live by: aim high, be kind, join in and respect all.
Our school is a place where pupils have the freedom to thrive, succeed, explore, perform, and grow, giving them the opportunity to discover their own limitless potential.
Preschool, junior and senior pupils all learn and play on the same 52-acre campus, where our sports facilities, music school, art department, technology building and drama studios are within walking distance.
We offer our pupils one of the widest extra-curricular programmes you will find anywhere, plus the opportunity to travel internationally during their time with us, and a broad range of learning experiences outside the classroom.
Digital technology supports and enhances learning, with every pupil encouraged to use their device where it adds real value to developing skills and critical thinking.
Our school has an enviable reputation for the breadth of opportunities pupils have to get active, with around 25 different sports available to both girls and boys. Participation, excellence, professionalism and equality are the four cornerstones of our physical education and sport department here at Watson's.
When it comes to music and drama, our pupils are given the opportunity to co-produce stunning shows, delivering memorable performances that live long beyond school days.
Most importantly, the wellbeing of our pupils matters to us more than anything else. There are various ways we support pupils to proactively manage their mental health, while a range of peer-led programmes has created a culture in which we can all play our part.
All this means that when the sun shines we celebrate the happy moments, and when it doesn't we're there to protect and support, just as our motto says: ex corde caritas - love from the heart. www.gwc.org.uk