Director of Humanities- August 2025

AAESS is seeking an experienced and dynamic Director of Humanities to lead curriculum development, drive excellence in teaching and learning, and inspire both students and staff. This leadership role involves overseeing staff development, quality assurance, and innovation in the Humanities Department while fostering a forward-thinking and engaging learning environment.

About Cognita:

Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 100+ schools in 16 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East - serving more than 85,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, ‘Thrive in a rapidly evolving world’. 

At Cognita, we know every student is unique. We nurture their distinct personalities and strengths. We support them academically, socially, and emotionally, wherever they are in the world, wherever they’re starting from. We protect what’s special about them, while offering them rich knowledge, opportunities, and best practices. And they get to be part of something bigger; ensuring they get an education that’s, quite literally, world class. 

About AAESS:

Al Ain English Speaking School is one of the oldest schools in Al Ain with a reputation that goes beyond the city boundaries. It sits in the ‘Garden City’ renowned for being an oasis in the desert. AAESS is an all through school with over 2200 children from 3 to 19, and continually growing. The campus is spacious and welcoming and prides itself with good facilities such as our fantastic indoor swimming pool; floodlit tennis courts; 566 seat auditorium; food prep and nutrition kitchen; automotive garage; TV & radio production studio and two Apple Mac suites. We deliver the British Curriculum and offer iGCSE, AS and A Levels, with our 6th Form students securing places in prestigious universities all over the world.

Al Ain English Speaking School is the first school in Al Ain to hold the British Schools Overseas Award, where we are endorsed by the British Government and quality assured by Ofsted. Additionally, the school holds the prestigious Silver Carnegie Mental Health Award, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence and the mental well-being of its students and staff.

Al Ain English Speaking School is a caring and multicultural community that enables all individuals to realise their potential in a dynamic and innovative learning environment. We value enquiry, perseverance and reflection, treating one another with respect and integrity, while learning together to become responsible and enterprising global citizens.

Role Overview:

The Director of Humanities is a strategic leader responsible for leading and developing an innovative, high-achieving department. This strategic role involves shaping curriculum, driving excellence in teaching and learning, fostering staff development, and ensuring an engaging and forward-thinking educational experience for all students.

Responsibilities: 

1. Strategic Leadership & Curriculum Development

• Implement and oversee an engaging, balanced, and innovative Humanities curriculum.
• Lead teaching and learning initiatives to inspire students and staff.
• Stay updated with educational research and integrate best practices.
• Develop and maintain a department handbook and schemes of work.
• Ensure appropriate student support and intervention strategies.
• Manage the Humanities Department budget effectively.

2. Staff Leadership & Development

• Inspire, motivate, and develop staff, promoting teamwork and high expectations.
• Identify staff strengths and areas for growth, utilizing their skills effectively.
• Conduct regular quality assurance and monitor teaching standards.
• Provide professional development and share best practices.

3. Teaching & Learning Excellence

• Serve as the lead teacher, modeling high standards in planning, assessment, and instruction.
• Ensure curriculum differentiation to meet student needs.
• Utilize data to track student progress and implement support measures.

4. School Engagement & Administration

• Attend meetings, support school events, and contribute to the wider school community.
• Fulfill additional duties as assigned by the Principal, including health and safety compliance.

Personal Specification and Experience:

• Hold a Bachelor of Education, PGCE, or an internationally recognized equivalent qualification.
• Be a qualified teacher with a degree in one of the Creative Arts.
• Have minimum of 2 years experience.
• Be a first-rate classroom teacher and role model;
• Have an active commitment to the safeguarding and welfare of children;
• Have strong interpersonal skills that inspire confidence;
• Be an effective communicator with pupils, parents and colleagues alike;
• Have a love of Humanities;
• Good knowledge of Common Entrance requirements;
• The ability to work collaboratively and supportively;
• Commitment to the protection and safeguarding of children;
• Have good IT skills and be prepared to embrace technological innovations;
• Effective classroom management skills;
• Commitment to ongoing professional development;
• Enthusiasm for teaching, empathy with young people and a sense of humor. 

Benefits include: 

• An attractive and competitive tax free salary.
• High quality furnished accommodation.
• Generous medical insurance.
• Return annual flights to your home country.
• Visa costs and end of service gratuity.
• Year-round sunshine.

Benefits of living in Al Ain & the UAE:

Living in Al Ain City, offers teachers extremely affordable living in an exceptionally friendly and cosmopolitan environment. Staff enjoy an excellent lifestyle, with plentiful leisure facilities (E.g. Rugby, Golf, Swimming, discounted hotel memberships) and fascinating tourist attractions (E.g. Al Ain Zoo, Wadi Adventure, Jebel Hafeet).With the thrill and bright lights of Dubai and Abu Dhabi on our doorstep, staff have extensive opportunities for travel around the Gulf region and further afield. 

The position is a full-time, permanent role and offers a highly competitive salary. Applications can be submitted via the TES online application form, only fully completed application will be processed. To support your application, please include your up-to-date CV. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

The school reserves the right to interview and appoint strong candidates before the official closing date, and therefore we would encourage candidates to apply early in the process. UK based shortlisted candidates will be invited to a face to face interview in Manchester in March.

Al Ain English Speaking School and Cognita are committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects the same from its employees. All new staff will be subject to detailed and enhanced pre-employment clearance, including identity checks, criminal background checks for all countries lived in, qualification checks, employment checks to include an exploration of any gaps in employment, and satisfactory reference checks for all employment in the last 10 years.