LEADERSHIP ROLES DESCRIPTION
This page explains the responsibilities of ISHCMC’s leadership roles. It’s designed to help parents understand who does what across the school, from Grade Level Leaders to Principals and beyond.
HEAD OF SCHOOL
The Head of School serves as the instructional and operational leader of ISHCMC, responsible for providing strategic vision, academic excellence, and effective management across all areas of the school. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, Cognita Asia, the Head of School oversees curriculum development, faculty leadership, student achievement, admissions, budgeting, and community relations, ensuring alignment with the school’s mission and Cognita standards. This role involves guiding a positive school culture, fostering strong relationships with parents, staff, and students, and representing the school to external organizations and accrediting bodies. The Head of School leads faculty recruitment, development, and evaluation, ensures high standards in teaching and learning, and maintains compliance with safeguarding and governance requirements. Through strong leadership, communication, and strategic management, the Head of School ensures the continued growth, excellence, and well-being of the ISHCMC community.
DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL LEARNING AND INNOVATION
The Director of Digital Learning and Innovation leads ISHCMC’s strategic vision for integrating technology into teaching and learning, serving as the key link between pedagogical goals and IT systems. This role drives innovation, ensuring digital tools enhance High-Quality Teaching and Learning across all programs. Working closely with leadership, teachers, and Digital Learning Coaches (DLCs), the Director develops and implements technology strategies, policies, and professional learning programs that promote equitable, effective, and responsible use of educational technologies. They oversee digital learning platforms, guide curriculum integration, analyze data to inform decisions, and cultivate a culture of digital citizenship and innovation among students, staff, and parents. Through collaboration, coaching, and thought leadership, the Director empowers the ISHCMC community to embrace technology as a transformative force in learning and engagement.
DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL LEARNING AND INNOVATION
The Director of Digital Learning and Innovation leads ISHCMC’s strategic vision for integrating technology into teaching and learning, serving as the key link between pedagogical goals and IT systems. This role drives innovation, ensuring digital tools enhance High-Quality Teaching and Learning across all programs. Working closely with leadership, teachers, and Digital Learning Coaches (DLCs), the Director develops and implements technology strategies, policies, and professional learning programs that promote equitable, effective, and responsible use of educational technologies. They oversee digital learning platforms, guide curriculum integration, analyze data to inform decisions, and cultivate a culture of digital citizenship and innovation among students, staff, and parents. Through collaboration, coaching, and thought leadership, the Director empowers the ISHCMC community to embrace technology as a transformative force in learning and engagement.
IB PYP COORDINATOR
The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) Coordinator is a key member of ISHCMC’s middle management team, responsible for leading the design, implementation, and ongoing development of the PYP across the Primary School. Reporting to the Primary Principal, the Coordinator supports curriculum alignment, teacher collaboration, and student learning in accordance with IB standards. This includes guiding curriculum planning, assessment, and professional development, ensuring that inquiry-based learning and international-mindedness are embedded in all classrooms. The role involves facilitating communication between ISHCMC and the International Baccalaureate Organization, leading PYP staff meetings and training, supporting parent engagement and community events, and maintaining strong administrative and organizational practices. Through instructional leadership and a commitment to continuous improvement, the PYP Coordinator ensures that the program reflects ISHCMC’s mission and Cognita’s safeguarding standards while fostering a nurturing and globally minded learning environment.
MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
The Middle School Principal serves as the instructional and cultural leader of ISHCMC’s Middle School, guiding over 350 students and 30 staff members toward academic excellence, social-emotional growth, and a strong sense of community. Reporting to the Head and Deputy Head of School, the Principal oversees all aspects of middle school operations, curriculum, and pastoral care in alignment with the IB Middle Years Programme and AERO standards. This role champions a culture of collaboration, inclusion, and innovation—fostering high-quality teaching, professional development, and student voice. The Principal ensures effective communication with staff, students, and families, builds community partnerships, and represents the Middle School within and beyond ISHCMC. As a visible, empathetic, and forward-thinking leader, the Principal inspires a learning environment where every student is challenged, supported, and empowered to thrive academically and personally within ISHCMC’s mission and values.
HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
The High School Principal is a key leadership position at ISHCMC, responsible for shaping the educational vision and overseeing all academic, pastoral, and operational aspects of Grades 9–12. Reporting directly to the Head of School, the Principal leads a team of educators to deliver excellence through the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and potentially Advanced Placement (AP) pathways. This role ensures rigorous academics, strong university outcomes, and a vibrant culture of care and inclusion. The Principal provides strategic direction, manages faculty development, supervises curriculum and assessment, and champions student well-being, leadership, and engagement. As the ambassador of the High School, the Principal actively promotes ISHCMC’s mission within the community, strengthens partnerships with universities, and fosters collaboration across divisions.
SECONDARY LEADER OF LEARNING
The Leader of Learning (LoL) serves as the academic and administrative head of a subject area, responsible for driving high standards of teaching and learning in alignment with ISHCMC’s guiding statements and definition of High-Quality Teaching and Learning. Reporting to the Secondary Principal and IB Coordinators, the LL provides instructional leadership, manages departmental operations, and supports teacher growth through coaching, mentoring, and professional development. They oversee curriculum design, assessment consistency, and data-informed improvement, ensuring programs meet IB and school standards. The LL also leads departmental meetings, fosters collaboration, supports new staff induction, and promotes staff well-being. With oversight of budgets, resources, and policy implementation, the LL plays a central role in maintaining excellence, coherence, and innovation within their subject area while cultivating a positive, professional, and student-centered learning culture.
SECONDARY GRADE LEVEL LEADER
The Grade Level Leader (GLL) serves as the pastoral head for a designated grade, leading the culture of care and student well-being under the guidance of the school’s leadership team. Focused on fostering a supportive, inclusive, and positive environment, the GLL oversees advisory programs, the POSISH curriculum, and student behavior, ensuring alignment with ISHCMC’s Culture of Care. They mentor and support advisory teachers, facilitate communication among staff, students, and parents, and coordinate interventions to promote student growth and connection. The GLL also leads grade-level events, camps, and transition programs, collaborates in safeguarding and welfare processes, and plays an active role in building community engagement. Through empathy, leadership, and consistent follow-up, the GLL ensures every student in their grade feels known, supported, and empowered to thrive both academically and personally.
IB MYP COORDINATOR
The IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) Coordinator plays a key leadership role within ISHCMC’s middle management team, responsible for guiding the implementation, development, and evaluation of the IB MYP across the school. Reporting to the Secondary Principal, the Coordinator balances teaching with administrative duties, ensuring curriculum alignment, assessment integrity, and adherence to IB standards. They support faculty through training, collaboration, and professional development, while fostering international-mindedness and student-centered learning. The role also involves coordinating the Personal Project, facilitating parent communication and community engagement, managing IB evaluations and documentation, and maintaining strong links with the International Baccalaureate Organization. Through effective leadership, communication, and organization, the MYP Coordinator ensures the program continues to provide a coherent, challenging, and supportive learning experience aligned with ISHCMC’s mission and Cognita’s safeguarding principles.
IB DP COORDINATOR
The IB Diploma Programme (DP) Coordinator is a key member of ISHCMC’s middle management team, responsible for leading and overseeing all aspects of the IB DP. Reporting to the Secondary Principal, the Coordinator ensures curriculum alignment, assessment integrity, and student success through effective leadership, communication, and collaboration with staff, students, and parents. They manage curriculum implementation, faculty professional development, and coordination of CAS, TOK, and Extended Essay components. The role also includes overseeing examinations and IB evaluation visits, maintaining communication with the IB Organization, and fostering international-mindedness across the school. Additionally, the Coordinator supports faculty appraisal, student orientation, and parent engagement, ensuring the smooth operation and continuous improvement of the IB DP in alignment with ISHCMC’s mission and Cognita safeguarding standards.