Head of Outdoor Education

About the role

GESS, an international school in Singapore with students from over 70 nations, is recruiting a Head of Outdoor Education, commencing August 2027. This is a teaching and leadership post that leads the design, delivery and development of a whole-school Outdoor Education programme for Grades 1 to 12, aligned to the IB PYP, MYP and DP and the school's mission. The post holder owns the curriculum and the outdoor safety management system, lines manages the Outdoor Education Coaches, manages the department budget and equipment, and reports to the Senior Leadership Team and the Board of Governors.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, develop and support the Outdoor Education team, and line-manage the Coaches while building in-house capacity
• Design the whole-school progression framework (Grades 1-12) and publish the annual calendar of outdoor learning units, day experiences, residentials and expeditions
• Teach outdoor learning and lead the High School expedition and leadership strand linked to CAS
• Embed outdoor learning in the written curriculum with Heads of School, Programme Coordinators and class teachers
• Own the safety management system: policies, risk assessments, emergency plans, vetting of providers and transport, staff-to-student ratios, insurance and safeguarding
• Manage the department budget, equipment inventory and contracts with venues and providers
• Contribute to school development, professional development and admissions communications, and work flexible hours including evenings, weekends and overnight trips

Required profile

• Recognised teaching qualification and a degree; a postgraduate qualification in outdoor/adventure education is an advantage
• Significant experience teaching in the IB PYP, MYP or DP, and proven experience designing and running outdoor or expedition programmes, including multi-day and overseas expeditions
• Outdoor leadership awards in at least one land-based and one water-based discipline (e.g. Mountain Leader, climbing, paddlesport or sailing)
• Current wilderness or outdoor first aid qualification (minimum 16 hours) and willingness to maintain it
• Experience of line management, budget management and working with external providers

Required skills

• Working knowledge of outdoor safety management systems such as the Singapore Standard for Outdoor Adventure Education
• Strong understanding of current pedagogy, excellent risk judgement and calm under pressure
• Able to inspire staff, coach colleagues and communicate sensitively with students, parents and providers
• Physically fit, able to lead activities at height, on water and in remote environments