Head of Nature-Based Education

Good Dharma International School
Start Date: ASAP
Position Type: Full-Time

Role Overview

The Head of Nature-Based Education at Good Dharma leads and coordinates outdoor and nature-integrated learning across all classes, ensuring alignment with the school’s philosophy. Working closely with the Head of School, this role connects the nature-based approach with the Oxford International Curriculum and actively supports all class teachers with lesson planning to ensure creative, nature-based learning experiences are consistently delivered.

In collaboration with the Head Gardener, the role develops seasonal programmes, manages outdoor spaces, and embeds sustainability practices. It also includes mentoring staff, ensuring safety and risk awareness, and fostering a culture of curiosity, respect, and environmental stewardship throughout the school.

Key Responsibilities

Curriculum & Programme Development

• Integrate the nature-based philosophy across all age groups in alignment with the Oxford International Curriculum

• Design and implement seasonal, inquiry-driven outdoor learning programmes

• Align nature-based programmes with term themes, school calendar, and whole-school events

• Ensure consistency and quality of nature-based learning experiences across all classes

Teacher Support & Lesson Planning

• Support all class teachers with planning and delivering creative, nature-based lessons

• Collaborate with teachers to embed outdoor learning into weekly and term plans

• Provide guidance, inspiration, and practical tools to enhance teaching practices

Assessment & Documentation

• Guide teachers in assessing and documenting student learning through nature-based experiences, ensuring alignment with Oxford International Curriculum assessment practices

• Support observational and portfolio-based assessment methods

• Ensure evidence of learning and student progress is consistently recorded

Collaboration & Leadership

• Report directly to the Head of School and contribute to weekly leadership meetings

• Work closely with the Head of School to align strategy, curriculum, and implementation

• Act as cover teacher and step in when short staffed

• Collaborate with the Head Gardener to utilise outdoor spaces as learning environments

• Mentor and support teaching staff in developing confidence in outdoor education

Outdoor Environment & Sustainability

• Oversee the development and maintenance of outdoor learning spaces

• Ensure sustainable practices are implemented and followed consistently across the school

• Embed sustainability, environmental awareness, and care for nature into daily school life

• Develop systems and routines that support a sustainable school environment

Friendship School Programme

• Support and contribute to the development of the Friendship School Programme

• Assist in delivering nature-based teacher training for partner schools

• Develop and share sustainability guidelines and best practices within the programme

Health, Safety & Risk Awareness

• Maintain and regularly review outdoor risk assessments and safety procedures

• Ensure safe practices in all outdoor learning activities

• Support staff in confidently managing outdoor environments

Training & Professional Development

• Lead internal workshops and training sessions on nature-based education

• Support onboarding of new teachers into the school’s philosophy and practices

Parent Communication & Community Engagement

• Support communication of the school’s nature-based approach to parents

• Contribute to newsletters and documentation of learning journeys

Marketing & Social Media

• Support the documentation and promotion of nature-based learning activities

• Collaborate with the marketing team to create content (photos, videos, stories) for social media and school communications

• Help showcase the school’s philosophy and daily practices externally

Budget & Resources

• Manage and propose budgets for nature-based materials, tools, and outdoor space development

• Ensure cost-effective and sustainable use of resources

Operational Support

• Work as a cover teacher for class teachers when required to ensure continuity of learning

• Provide hands-on classroom support when needed

Candidate Profile

• Experience working with nature-based and experiential education

• Strong understanding of curriculum frameworks (experience with Oxford International Curriculum is an advantage)

• Experience in early years and/or primary education

• Ability to inspire, mentor, and collaborate with teaching teams

• Strong organisational and leadership skills with a proactive, independent approach

• Comfortable contributing to communication, marketing, and community engagement