LSC Education: recruiting outstanding leaders in education Call us: +44 (0)12 5686 2840

PRINCIPAL (SECONDARY)MINISTRY OF EDUCATION BRUNEI DARUSSALAM

for April 2016

APPLICATION PACK FOR THE POST OF

APPLICATION PACK FOR THE POST OF

PRINCIPAL (SECONDARY)MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, BRUNEI DARUSSALAM

LSC Education: recruiting outstanding leaders in education

2

The Ministry of Education in Brunei Darussalam operates over 150 primary and secondary schools nationwide and has embarked on a mission to improve the quality of education on offer to its young people. In 2007, His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei launched the new education system, named ‘The National Education System for the 21st Century’ (Sistem Pendidikan Negara Abad ke-21 or SPN21) and the Government formulated a long-term development framework, the National Vision 2035. As part of this, the national strategy outlined eight strategic policy directions;

● Investing in early childhood education;

● Adopting international best practices in teaching and learning;

● Having first class secondary and tertiary education including vocational schools, that produce experts, professionals and technicians required in commerce and industry;

● Strengthening the competency in info-communication technology (ICT) for students, teachers and educational administrators including integration of ICT in school curriculum;

● Devising programs that promote life-long learning and widen access to higher education;

● Promoting research, development and innovation both in government-funded institutions and through public-private and international partnerships;

● Adopting cost-effective methods of educating Brunei’s people through the use of technology; and

● Improving the management of all its educational institutions.

Brunei’s primary and secondary schools are improving, but it is recognised that further impetus is needed. Local school leaders and teachers across the country need support and guidance in improving school performance. Teaching and learning in many schools is inadequate and public examination results have not shown satisfactory improvement over recent years.

The Ministry of Education has decided to appoint a small number of highly experienced and successful international Principals to lead a select group of specially chosen schools around Brunei. The expectation is that these Principals will have the capability to not only create substantial change and improvement to the schools that they will lead, but also, working closely with the Ministry, they will mentor, coach and professionally develop other school leaders and teachers nationally to improve educational standards throughout Brunei.

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The schools selected typically range between 500 to 1,000 students and the vast majority of teachers are local Bruneians. The schools follow the Bruneian curriculum model, the SPN21, which is designed to provide learners with broad, balanced, relevant and differentiated learning experiences, taking into account each learner’s needs whilst making provision for progression and continuity. The SPN21 curriculum ensures that within broad learning areas, learners will develop knowledge and understanding, and essential skills with the attitudes and values to ensure holistic development within the context of the 21st century. The key learning areas are: Islamic Religious Education; Nationhood Education; Languages; Mathematics; Science; Physical and Health Education; Social Sciences and Humanities; Technology; and Arts and Culture.

The successful candidates for these posts will be well-qualified and highly experienced school leaders who can demonstrate their success in bringing about substantial change to institutions they have led. They will have a deep understanding of best practice in teaching and learning, and will have experienced working with a range of different pedagogical approaches and curricula. Due to the fact that the roles will have a nationwide influence, they will need to be truly collaborative leaders, with mentoring and coaching skills. Brunei is a country with a deeply ingrained and respectful culture, and as such the successful candidates will need to have outstanding interpersonal skills and a sincere respect for, and interest in, cultural differences and diversity.

The Bruneian academic year runs from January to December and therefore the Ministry of Education would ideally intend the appointed candidates to commence as soon as possible, but are prepared to wait until April 2016, or later if necessary, for the preferred candidates.

For an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Edward Clark on +44(0)1256 862840 or +44 (0)7718 588616, or email at edward@lsceducation.com. To apply for the post, please visit www.lsceducation.com quoting code MES.

Closing date: 20 November 2015 Longlist interviews: w/c 23 November 2015 Shortlist Interviews: w/c 18 January 2016 (in Brunei)

The Ministry of Education, Brunei Darussalam is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undergo relevant background checks.

Ministry of Education website: www.moe.gov.bn Brunei Tourism website: www.bruneitourism.travel

APPLICATION PACK FOR THE POST OF

PRINCIPAL (SECONDARY)MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, BRUNEI DARUSSALAM

LSC Education: recruiting outstanding leaders in education

4

Roles and responsibilities summary1. Leading an inspiring and ambitious school through

strategic visioning, leading improvement, innovation and change.

2. Excellence in the administration of the school through effective leadership and management, as well as developing the organisation's systems and processes.

3. Creating a learning community for all, through a culture of professional relationships and self-development

4. Developing teachers’ and students’ competencies through leadership of their teaching and learning, to ensure students’ success.

5. Building partnerships for improvement by engaging the community and stakeholders as well as strengthening support in facing challenges.

Additional requirementsPrincipals are also required to:

1. Constantly be aware and keep up-to-date on National Education Policy, Ministry of Education’s policies and regulations and development in education.

2. Possess knowledge and understanding of the General Order 1962 and the Financial Regulation 1972, the Educational Act and other Acts related to education and student welfare.

3. Be an Advisor, a Resource-person, a Chairperson, a Leader or a member of committees or programs if required.

4. Carry out tasks and responsibilities as directed by the Department of Schools and Ministry of Education.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Terms of reference1. Responsible to the Ministry of Education and Department

of Schools in implementing National Education policies in line with National Education System for the 21st Century (SPN21) and Malay Islamic Monarchy concept (MIB).

2. Lead, manage and administer school, curriculum, co-curriculum, students, teachers and support staff’s welfare and well-being.

3. Provide knowledge and expert support in assisting Ministry of Education and Department of Schools towards enhancing instructional leadership as well as added value programs that will help schools in Negara Brunei Darussalam to achieve high quality academic performance and attainment.

4. Conduct programs through sharing sessions, knowledge transfer, expertise and best practice in an organised and systematic way, to achieve outstanding local school leaders who can develop quality teachers and successful students, as stipulated in the Brunei Leadership Standards.

5. Act as a role model, leading a culture of being outstanding, innovative and competitive, with the ability to face the challenges of global education in the 21st century.

6. Support in the improvement of relationships between the Ministry of Education, school communities and other stakeholders involved in the teaching and learning of students and development of teachers.

7. Carry out any other tasks and responsibilities as and when required by the Director of Schools or the Ministry of Education.

Call us: +44 (0)12 5686 2840

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PERSON SPECIFICATIONQualifications and Experience

Applicants must possess the following minimum requirements;

● A Master’s Degree in Educational Management/Administration or any other related field accredited by the Government of Brunei Darussalam

● A teaching/education certificate

● At least ten (10) years of successful teaching experience and five (5) years of successful school leadership experience

● An excellent track record and broad experience in leading schools through periods of change and improvement

● Excellent communication and written skills in English

● Medically fit and able to obtain a medical certificate from a certified medical practitioner in Brunei Darussalam.

Remuneration packageA highly competitive salary and package will be offered, which will include:

● Attractive tax-free salary

● Annual bonus of one month’s salary paid at end of year

● End of contract gratuity (25% of total annual salary)

● Accommodation, fully furnished if required

● School fees allowance for dependents (may attend private or international school)

● Airfare for candidate, spouse and dependents (beginning and end of contract)

● Free national medical healthcare

 

APPLICATION PACK FOR THE POST OF

PRINCIPAL (SECONDARY)MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, BRUNEI DARUSSALAM

LSC Education: recruiting outstanding leaders in education

6

About Brunei DarussalamThe sultanate of Brunei Darussalam is a small nation on the island of Borneo, in two distinct sections surrounded by Malaysia and the South China Sea. Brunei is a vibrant, yet peaceful country. It is both modern and timeless, and presents a fusion of majestic opulence with traditional respect. The country is known for its beaches and biodiverse rainforest, much of it protected within reserves. For instance, the Ulu Temburong National Park, accessed by longboat, affords canopy walks, glimpses of traditional longhouse culture and endemic fauna and flora, such as the proboscis monkey.

Brunei has the largest oilfields in Southeast Asia, and because of the wealth that this generates, the country supports its population very well, with particularly generous welfare, health and education systems. Brunei's small, wealthy economy is a mixture of foreign and domestic entrepreneurship, government regulation, welfare measures, and village tradition. Crude oil and natural gas production account for about 90% of its GDP.

Brunei is a country with a deep sense of history, culture and tradition. Its people are warm, welcoming and friendly. Islam is the official religion of Brunei, representing two-thirds of the population, including the majority of Bruneian Malays and Bruneian Chinese. The country has many wonderful landmarks,

museums and other displays of its Islamic culture. Other faiths are practised, predominantly Buddhism and Christianity.

The country holds many festivals and celebrations throughout the year to celebrate religion, art, music and culture, and enjoys a local cuisine which is exotic and delicious. For expats, the lifestyle in Brunei is a very comfortable and happy existence. It is not a place for those who seek a lively nightlife, but offers much in the way of a safe, peaceful and exciting way of life for those who enjoy culture, nature, the outdoors, great food and a healthy lifestyle. In many ways, it is the perfect place to raise children.

Education is of significant importance to the country and is offered free to all Bruneian children right up to postgraduate level study. As well as government schools, Brunei has many private schools as well as some excellent international schools. Jerudong International School, one of the country’s most famous schools, enjoys world-class facilities and boasts the largest campus of any international school globally.

To find out more about Brunei, you might like to visit the Brunei Tourism website. To see a short video about Brunei click here.

Call us: +44 (0)12 5686 2840

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APPLYING FOR THIS POSTClosing date: 20 November 2015 Longlist interviews: w/c 23 November 2015 Shortlist Interviews: w/c 18 January 2016 (in Brunei)

If you would like to have an informal discussion about this post, the Ministry of Education, or the schools in Brunei, please contact Edward Clark on +44 (0)7718 588616 or email at edward@lsceducation.com.

If you are keen to apply for the post:

● Visit the LSC Education website at www.lsceducation.com.

● Click in the Vacancies section.

● Click into the posting relevant to this job.

● At the bottom of the page click on ‘Apply Now’.

● Complete the brief Job Application Form and attach your CV and Letter of Application, including contact details of your referees within your CV.

● Click on ‘Submit’.

● We will be in contact with you shortly after your application has been reviewed.

● If you encounter any problems with this process, please contact edward@lsceducation.com.

ReferencesPlease include within your CV the names, job titles, email addresses and telephone numbers of three referees. These preferably need to include your current and past employers and line managers.

We will need to collect full references before final interviews but if you have a specific preference that we do not contact one or more of your referees, please notify us of this. Please rest assured that no referees will be contacted until LSC Education has received your specific consent to do so.

Qualifications, Identification, Health and Background Checks Please note that you will be required to provide certified documentation at longlist interview stage providing proof of your identity, qualifications and that you are medically fit. You may also be required, within the final appointment process, to undergo a health check in Brunei and relevant background checks as part of the Ministry of Education’s recruitment and safeguarding procedures.

LSC EducationLSC Education supports schools and education organisations, globally, to attract and recruit outstanding leaders. Our search and selection service includes complete creation and management of the recruitment process and we aim to provide an excellent service to our clients and candidates.

For further information about LSC Education, please visit our website at www.lsceducation.com