Housemaster/Housemistress – experienced in supporting second language learners

Employer:
Wycombe Abbey School Changzhou

Location:
Job Location
China

The Housemaster/mistress (HSM) is responsible to the Deputy Head (Pastoral), and then to the Head of

Upper School, for managing efficiently the resources, organisation and administration of the House in

order that the safety, good discipline and well-being of all students in the House are fully provided for.

The work of the HSM is key to the School’s success.
Specific Tasks

• To offer the highest quality of pastoral care to all the students in the House;

• To identify the individual circumstances, needs, strengths and weaknesses of each student;

• To ensure that the relevant background circumstances of students are known by and discussed

with teaching staff as needed, so that individual opportunities, talents and potential are

developed and maximised;

• To be aware of, in particular, the academic strengths and weaknesses of students;

• To assist with the orchestration of online learning, if required, facilitating an easier process for all

students and Tutors;

• To counsel students concerning any emotional, academic, social or behavioural problems they

may have, and to work in tandem with the School Counsellor/Learning Support if required;

• To fulfil the requirements of the School’s Child Protection Policy;

• To complete all required training for CPD purposes;

• To ensure that family incidents and problems are brought to the attention of those who need to

know;

• To implement the School’s Behaviour Policy and, by encouragement, apply a clearly understood

and fair system of rewards & sanctions, fostering an acceptance of the core values of the House

and the School;

• To liaise with the Deputy Head (Pastoral) on relevant School rotas and boarding duties;

• To liaise with the Deputy Head (Pastoral) on Trip matters and House weekend duties (and Public

Holiday responsibilities);

• To report to the Deputy Head (Pastoral) and/or Head of Upper School cases of bullying, substance

misuse, sexual misconduct and other serious disciplinary matters.

• To liaise with the Nurse Station and appropriate members of staff to ensure that students’ medical

requirements are properly catered for;

• To encourage students to adopt a healthy lifestyle;

• To develop in students a collective responsibility for being aware of the difficulties or problems of

others and for offering such support and help for others as is appropriate. In essence, HSMs need

to uphold the core aims and ethos of the School;

• To ensure that students treat the belongings of others, and the fabric and furnishings of the house,

with respect;

• To encourage students to take the greatest possible advantage of the full and varied programme

of extra-curricular activities that is available at the School; to oversee each student’s entry and

participation in the Enrichment & Extension programme;

• To ensure that registration is conducted properly in the House every morning and afternoon, or

by such process as determined by the Deputy Head (Pastoral);

• To enter attendance details directly into the School’s management information system (Engage);

• To monitor the registration of late arrivals, updating the attendance register as necessary;

• To provide, in conjunction with the Heads of Grades, support for students and advice at

appropriate stages on planning and decisions for IGCSE and A-level subject options and Higher

Education choices;

• To act as the first point of contact for parents of students in the House; to communicate as

necessary and maintain contact with parents;

• To ensure that parents are fully informed about their child’s progress and welfare;
• To handle complaints made by parents and to record the progress and outcome of any related

enquiries;

• To maintain suitable records of students’ progress, welfare, health, emotional problems,

achievements and misconduct;

• To liaise with the relevant members of staff, in particular the Admissions Department, concerning

the admission and settling in of students to the House;

• To be involved, if asked by the Head of Upper School/Deputy Head (Pastoral), in the process of

appointing AHSM and Resident Tutor positions;

• To ensure that Tutors and all other members of the House team (including the House Liaison

Officer, other domestic staff, Gap students (if applicable), as well as senior students as appropriate)

are familiar with the School’s policies and procedures for child protection, countering bullying,

substance misuse and health and safety, and are aware of the appropriate response needed in

these areas;

• To liaise with the Bursar/Facilities staff on matters of maintenance of the fabric of the House;

• To take prompt action where the health and safety of students and staff, or security, could be

compromised;

• To oversee routine fire evacuation drills;

• To attend and contribute to all HSM meetings;

• To ensure that parents and students understand the aims and objectives of boarding in the House,

and the principles on which community life in the House is based;

• To be aware of the implications of the UK Government’s National Minimum Standards for

Boarding Schools for welfare and pastoral care in the House;

• To liaise with the Resident Tutor to ensure that students’ clothes and personal belongings can be

looked after and stored tidily, and that rooms/studies are used appropriately and cleaned

regularly;

• To ensure that the conditions and supervision in evening prep are conducive to effective academic

progress;

• Additional duties and responsibilities that apply only to an HSM;

• To perform any other key tasks that the Head of Upper School/Headmaster may reasonably

require.

Desirable personal attributes for an HSM:

• Flexible

• Reliable

• Approachable

• Consistent

• Team player

• Energy/Stamina

• Patience

• Genuine interest in pastoral development

• Confident talking to parents

• Cool head in crisis

• Sense of humour

• A measured approach, balancing reflective practice with sound judgement

Wycombe Abbey School Changzhou

Job Location
China

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