Description
We are looking for somone to provide the professional leadership, strategic oversight, and educational direction for Outdoor Education in a school
Ministry details
The Outdoor Education Lead provides the professional leadership, strategic oversight, and educational direction for Outdoor Education across the school. The role combines leadership, administration and programme delivery.
The Lead oversees curriculum, safety and programme quality, and provides professional guidance and support to staff. The Lead is actively involved in programme and camp delivery, whilst also facilitating and empowering the Outdoor Education Team and teaching staff to take increasing ownership of the same.
The Lead brings genuine personal passion for outdoor education and is responsible for experiences through which students can develop Lighthouse core values, character and worldview, and environmental stewardship.
1. Leadership
-Ensure Outdoor Education supports the school's mission, educational philosophy, and ethos.
-Promote leadership, resilience, service, stewardship, teamwork, and spiritual growth through outdoor learning.
-In consultation with the Executive Leadership Team, develop the annual programme objectives and long-term development plans.
-Establish standards for programme quality, safety, and educational impact.
-Build a culture of professionalism, safety, service, and continuous improvement.
-Mentor, coach, and support OE staff development and supervise trip leaders and volunteers.
-Build a team culture reflecting values of integrity, service, and care.
-Lead staff briefings and planning meetings.
Programme Development - Secondary School
-Further develop, implement, and review a progressive Outdoor Education curriculum for Grades 7 to 13, including Outdoor Education days for Grades 7-9, annual, 5-day residential camps and the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
-Develop learning outcomes that promote leadership, teamwork, resilience, environmental awareness, and personal growth.
-Develop age-appropriate progression pathways in navigation, campcraft, expedition skills, water safety, leadership, and outdoor living skills.
-Continue to cultivate student leadership opportunities .
-Design reflection, devotional, and character-development components, .
-Develop environmental stewardship and sustainability initiatives.
-Regularly review and fine tune Create curriculum documentation including .
-Write lesson plans, and units of work .
-Develop teaching resources and activity guides.
2. Safety Management
-Develop risk management systems, documentation, frameworks, and safety systems.
-Take overall responsibility for health, safety, safeguarding, and risk management across Outdoor Education programmes.
-Develop emergency response procedures.
-Ensure compliance with school policies, safeguarding requirements, legal obligations, and industry standards.
-Verify staff qualifications including first aid and safeguarding.
-Manage incidents, accidents, emergencies, and near misses.
3. Resources, Partnerships & Quality Assurance
Research equipment and resource requirements.
-Obtain quotations and compare suppliers.
Manage supplier relationships.
-Inspect, maintain, repair, and replace equipment.
-Manage Outdoor Education facilities, storage areas, and activity spaces.
-Build relationships with external activity providers, instructors, and venues.
-Build relationships with environmental organisations and community groups.
-Represent the school within outdoor education networks and professional forums.
4. Duke of Edinburgh(DofE) Lead
-Lead the ongoing growth and development of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award programme, ensuring compliance with Award requirements and standards.
-Lead DofE adventurous journeys at Bronze, Silver and Gold levels.
-Manage participant registration, enrolment, progress and completion requirements.
-Verify Award sections and participant records.
Organise Adventurous Journey training programmes.
-Coordinate practice and qualifying expeditions.
-Liaise with Award offices and programme representatives.
-Support participants, parents, assessors, and supervisors throughout the Award process.
Qualifications, Skills & Training Required
-3+ years experience delivering Outdoor Education curriculum. Leadership in Outdoor Education -preferred.
-Relevant qualifications in Outdoor Leadership and Adventurous Activities (e.g. Mountain Leader, Paddlesport Leader etc.).
-First Aid Certification (preferred - this can be arranged by the school)
-Experience in a multi-cultural environment and/or international school
-Strong organisational skills and ability to juggle multiple priorities simultaneously
-Good verbal and written communication skills in English (French and/or Creole helpful)
-Fluent in use of Google Suite applications
-Ability to handle confidential matters with discretion
-Good analytical/critical thinking
Working Days/Hours
-The Outdoor Education Lead is a full-time, on-site role. Normal work hours are 07:20 - 15:20. The role involves substantial time away from home, off-site and often in challenging conditions. Time spent on residential camps will be compensated with time off in lieu, in coordination with the Secondary School Principal.
A willingness to be available out of normal working hours is expected, particularly for information evenings and similar events.