International Pupil Coordinator
Overall Purpose
Many of our pupils are international, travel from overseas, hold non-British nationality and are multilingual. These pupils are not necessarily British expatriates but maybe foreign national pupils who may not be accustomed to British culture; may not have lived in Britain before; may not have experienced a British education; who may not consider English to be their first language. Some may need tuition in English as an Additional language, some may not. International pupils are not seen as a separate group from other pupils and are viewed as individuals. All staff, including housemasters and housemistresses, tutors, teachers and matrons, share responsibility for international pupils in all aspects of their time at Canford, both pastorally and academically. We welcome pupils who do not speak English as their main language. However, a lack of ability to understand the English language and to communicate in it may create barriers to prevent a pupil from accessing aspects of school life to the full.
This role encompasses responsibility for all International pupils while also leading on the delivery of English as an additional language (EAL).
Duties
The International Pupil Coordinator will also act as Head of English as an Additional Language / English for Academic Purposes and has a responsibility to:
- Support the Admissions Department in assessing the EAL levels of pupils applying to the school and provide appropriate advice concerning the level of their written English and advising on appropriate testing.
- Assess all EAL pupils on arrival and facilitate ongoing progress tests.
- Oversee the timetabled EAL/EAP lesson programme, small group and 1-1 tuition programmes to include the management of staff and resources. Timetabling lessons as necessary.
- Prepare Shells lessons following schemes of work and organise, and purchase resources as needed, and 4th Form and 5th Form lessons (if needed) using a mixture of recommended CEFR C1 resources and creating bespoke materials and lessons to cater to individual needs, particularly in English Language and Literature and other essay-based subjects.
- Set and mark work for pupils as required and in accordance with departmental guidelines and assessment framework
- Inform the Exams Office about the Shells and 4th Form end of year exams arrangements and provide the necessary exam papers.
- Write internal and external assessments and reports as required
- Offer support and expertise to the Senior Leadership Team, Academic Head of Lower School, Housemasters or Housemistresses, Tutors, Teachers, the Exams Department, individual pupils, their parents and guardians.
- Maintain accurate records of achievement and attendance of pupils and set clear targets and outcome measures for EAL/EAP learners, monitoring and reporting on progress.
- Assist pupils needing to take an IELTS test
- Manage and support any other Teachers of EAL/EAP. Manage the departmental budget and the billing of private lesson charges to parents
- Attend INSET meetings and staff meetings as required
- Liaise with subject teachers of those EAL/EAP pupils to monitor overall academic progress and whether their academic English is hindering progress in that subject. Advise these teachers accordingly about possible subject-specific language support which they could offer.
International Pupil Co-ordinator responsibilities
- Provide additional support to international pupils, in academic, co-curricular and pastoral aspects, especially pre arrival, on arrival, and as they settle into the school. While our main intake is into Year 9 (Shells) and Sixth Form, on occasion, their arrival may be Year 10 or mid-year.
- Provide additional support to families and guardians in order to help them support their child(ren) through their time at the school.
- Organise and host an induction programme for new international pupils shortly before the start of the academic year. Provide additional advice on aspects that may be unfamiliar to them.
- Take an ongoing interest in all international pupils throughout their time at Canford, monitoring their progress and liaising with their tutor and HSM as necessary.
- Have a good working knowledge of the school Guardianship Policy and keep up to date with any amendments.
- Understand & keep abreast of the particular safeguarding issues relevant to international pupils.
- Liaise with and advise staff on the best interests of international pupils, in pastoral, academic and co-curricular areas. Raise awareness of particular issues that may affect international pupils.
- Encourage appreciation of international culture amongst the Canford community.
- Work closely with the Admissions Department in their communication with international pupils and their families pre-arrival and supporting them with any immigration or safeguarding compliance matters that pertain to international pupils as required.
- Develop, in conjunction with HSM’s an international pupil buddy system.
- Develop a programme of activities and trips (within the existing weekend activity framework) to enrich the experience of international pupils during their time at the school.
- Liaise with the Marketing Department in the promotion of the school’s international aspects e.g. on the website and other publications.
The job holder may be required to contribute to the tutoring programme.
Knowledge / Experience
- Educated to degree level of equivalent
- Experience in a multi-tasking administrative role
- Experience of working in a professional environment
- Knowledge of the independent schools sector
- Excellent working knowledge of UKVI legislation
- Experience of working with international students
- Excellent administration and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work to tight deadlines and to a high level of accuracy
- Ability to deal with a wide range of people
- Approachable and calm under pressure with the ability to prioritise effectively and manage conflicting demands
- Ability to work unsupervised organising and managing a busy workload
- Excellent written and spoken English
- Ability to work as part of a small, busy team
- Excellent IT skills with experience of working with databases in addition to Windows based MS Office systems
- Friendly and professional approach with a good sense of humour
- Discreet and tactful in all matters where sensitivity and confidentiality is essential
- Organised, proactive, flexible and a good team player
- Sympathetic with the aims, objectives and values of an independent school
- A flexible approach to working hours when required
Canford School is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in all areas of our Community and encourages applications from all suitably qualified candidates.
Canford School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
The successful applicant will be required to undergo child protection screening.