Wycombe Abbey – Rowing Coach
Wycombe Abbey rowing opportunities are offered at Dorney Lake (the London Olympic Games 2012 venue) and in land-based Ergometer sessions at School.
Coaching is available for all abilities, from beginners to those wishing to develop their skills for competition. As a British Rowing Affiliated Club, Wycombe Abbey Rowing Club competes in races on the water and at the National Indoor Rowing Championships. Pupils in recent years have completed testing for the British Rowing Talent Identification and Development programme for the GB Rowing Team, with some then being selected to join our local club, Marlow, to develop their talent further.
We are looking to appoint an enthusiastic and flexible Rowing Coach Wycombe Abbey to work across the school’s full age range to coach our rowing team and deliver training sessions between a flexible time window of 5:30pm – 8:30pm on weekdays and 12:00pm – 4:00pm on weekends.
Aims: The Rowing Coach will work closely with the Director of Sport in order to promote the subject within which pupils can enjoy an active pursuit of Physical Education at all levels.
Responsible to: Director of Sport.
Key Areas of Responsibility
- Coach pupils, ranging from complete beginners to those of a high standard, offering encouragement, support and guidance as necessary.
- Prepare pupils for competitions/races (as appropriate) and encourage pupils to take up opportunities to develop their rowing.
- Provide leadership and guidance while organising and managing the crew or crews throughout the rowing season, whilst ensuring ongoing feedback, support and encouragement to all rowers.
- Develop and implement a training plan, tailored to the pupil’s development.
- Lead weekly on-site land based sessions and weekly off-site water based sessions.
- Attend races or other competitions, as agreed with the Director of Sport.
- Maintain an on-going commitment to Continuous Professional Development (CPD) and remain abreast of the latest developments in Junior Rowing.
- Follow guidelines and procedures as set out for Visiting Staff in the Staff Handbook.
- Assess, record and report as required on the development, progress and attainment of pupils.
- Promote the general progress and wellbeing of any pupil assigned to her/him.
- Act in a professional manner, maintaining good order and discipline among pupils and safeguarding their health and safety, both when they are on the School premises and when they are engaged in authorised School activities elsewhere.
- Any other reasonable duties to support rowing at Wycombe Abbey, by agreement with the Director of Sport.
- Assist in the set-up of rowing equipment in line with health and safety rules and regulations.
- Have a willingness to contribute to the wider objectives of the Department (e.g. through the sharing of teaching materials, the writing of schemes of work, organising and attending departmental enrichment events).
- Have an appreciation of the aims and ethos of Wycombe Abbey.
Person Specification
Specialist Skills and Experience
- Possess a solid understanding of water safety issues and the ability to instil their importance in young people is essential.
- The following would be highly desirable, although not essential:
o A British Rowing L2 Club Coach / Session Coach qualification (or equivalent).
o A RYA Powerboat Level 2.
o Valid First Aid Certificate.
If the successful applicant does not have these qualifications, training may be provided and therefore a willingness to complete the above qualifications is essential.
Team Working
- Team working skills and the ability to motivate and inspire others.
- A proven ability to build a positive and collaborative rapport with pupils and staff alike.
Using Initiative
- Ability to work unsupervised and to take responsibility for own actions with good attention to detail.
- Willingness to lead by example and a ‘hands-on’ attitude.
Communication
- The highest level of communication skills for dealing with pupils, parents and staff.
Organisation
- Ability to organise time effectively, to create work schedules, to prioritise workload and to meet deadlines.
Flexibility
- A flexible, imaginative and innovative approach to work.
- To adapt successfully to changing demands and conditions.
Resilience
- Calm disposition and the ability to work effectively under pressure.
- Proactive problem-solver.
Special Conditions
- Appointment is subject to an enhanced Disclosure & Barring check (formerly Criminal Records check).
Salary: Wycombe Abbey has its own pay scale which compares favourably with other independent schools and is well above that of the maintained sector.
Type: Part-time, flexible contract. The first six months will be a probationary period.
Application Dates: From Friday 25th April 2025 to Monday 5th May 2025
