Kew House School – Lead Senior Boys’ Rowing Coach

Kew House School was established in the conviction that there exists an opportunity for a different kind of independent secondary school in London – academically demanding but with a forward-thinking approach to selection criteria, the flexibility of the curriculum, the shape of the school day, and recognition of creativity and talent. A character-selective school, we pride ourselves on the support and care we extend to our 600 pupils whilst striving to add value to their success in all fields of academia, sport, and creativity. Kew House has successfully grown over ten years since its foundation and was recently awarded the ISI “Excellent” grading.

Facilities

Kew House School works in partnership with Quintin Boat Club, located on the tidal Thames next to Chiswick Bridge. KHSBC now has a competitive fleet for J14 – J18 rowers, which continues to expand alongside our growing junior rowing programme. Kew House School has also recently opened its doors to a new gym facility, located at Pier House next to Kew Bridge.

Curriculum

Kew House School students participate in rowing during games and extra-curricular club sessions throughout the term. KHSBC also carries out domestic and international camps throughout the rowing season, with our junior rowers aiming for all key rowing events throughout the season. This includes National Schools’ Regatta, Henley Women’s Regatta, and Henley Royal Regatta.

Job Description

This position at Kew House School Boat Club provides an exciting opportunity for the successful candidate to implement their own mark on a new, competitive, and ambitious school boat club. KHSBC now races and competes successfully at regional and national events.

All staff are expected to have a clear understanding of the aims, objectives, and ethos of the school, and an awareness of its role in the community. It is essential that the academic and pastoral frameworks in the school are seen as inter-related.

The successful candidate will:

• Have a broad knowledge and understanding of the British rowing season for junior rowers
• Promote a love of rowing for every pupil by engaging in all KHSBC sessions, regattas, and events
• Liaise with host club (Quintin Boat Club) regarding usage of facilities and other relevant KHSBC facilities
• Coach training sessions when required (on occasion) across J14 – J18 age groups
• Work alongside our Lead Senior Girls’ Coach and Head of Rowing
• Produce and deliver a periodised training programme on/off water in line with KHSBC’s objective
• Have excellent communication skills with students, staff, and parents
• Demonstrate an outstanding rapport with young individuals
• Have oversight or senior boys’ health and well-being
• Clearly communicate KHSBC’s culture and expectations
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with athletes
• Act as a strong role model, providing mentorship and pastoral care
• Coach/mentor athletes throughout the season on/off water (Rowing/Ergo/S&C/Cross training, etc.)
• Document training and result data for feedback to athletes and coaching staff
• Lead boat selection in the run-up to critical events
• Administer tasks including termly reports, race entries, licences, etc.
• Be a main point of contact for parents and teachers/support staff

Desirable Qualities & Experience:

• Excellent understanding of coaching junior rowers with the practical experience to back that up
• Passion for the sport of rowing
• Tideway coaching experience
• Level 2 Powerboat Licence
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work as a team
• Experience working in a junior rowing programme
• Excellent organisational and planning abilities
• Success coaching at a junior level

Candidates should demonstrate how they meet these selection criteria in their application form, supporting statement, and interview, including supporting tasks.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact our Head of Rowing, Mr Patrick Graham, at [email protected].

Start Date: September 2023

Responsible for: Management of Senior Boys’ Squad

Responsible to: Head of Rowing

Salary: Competitive, commensurate with experience

Type: Permanent, Full Time

Application Dates: From Monday 19th June 2023 to Friday 7th July 2023