HEAD OF PRINCE ALFRED COLLEGE - APPOINTMENT OF THE SEPTEMBER 2021 - Odgers Berndtson
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APPOINTMENT OF THE
HEAD OF PRINCE ALFRED COLLEGE
SEPTEMBER 2021
Our son loves going to school each day.
He is thriving in his learning and has
embraced new opportunities and
experiences with confidence.
As parents, we couldn’t be happier.
– Current Parent
2
INVITATION FROM THE CHAIR
In the 152 years since its foundation, Prince Alfred College has had
only eleven headmasters. With the impending retirement of Bradley
Fenner in the middle of next year, after seven years of outstanding
leadership, the Prince Alfred College Council seeks to appoint the
College’s twelfth Head.
Prince Alfred College has always excelled in developing young men
of character and purpose, exemplified by our hallmark ‘Princes Man’
journey program. In recent years, there has been a renewed focus
on learning that has enhanced academic and wellbeing outcomes.
The investment in our new boarding house, which opened in 2019,
reinforced the place of boarding at the heart of the College and our
connection with regional and rural families across Australia, as well as
those in Adelaide. With strong enrolments and a healthy endowment,
the College is flourishing. We are inclusive and welcoming of all, and
respectful of our Uniting Church affiliation.
Our next Head will respect the rich traditions of the College and
engage widely with our broader community, including our Old
Collegians, while bringing a contemporary lens to the needs of our
boys as we prepare them for their lives and for the contribution they
will make to society. As a non-selective school, we value and nurture
every boy and seek for him to realise his individual potential.
For all the school’s successes, we believe there is always more to be
done. Council looks forward to working with our next Head to realise
our aspirations for the next era for Prince Alfred College.
I warmly encourage you to consider joining Prince Alfred College as
our twelfth Head.
Richard Hockney
Chair, Prince Alfred College Council
3
CONTENTS
INVITATION FROM THE CHAIR 3
ABOUT PRINCE ALFRED COLLEGE 5
GOVERNANCE 6
STRATEGY AND PURPOSE 7
OUR SCHOOLS 8
LEARNING 10
WELLBEING 12
CO-CURRICULAR 13
BOARDING 15
OUR CAMPUSES 16
COMMUNITY 17
THE ROLE 18
SELECTION CRITERIA 19
HOW TO APPLY 20
CONTACT INFORMATION
Jane Harlen or Andrea Ripani Odgers Berndtson Australia
on +61 428 806 805 Level 2 | 2 Bulletin Place
Sydney NSW 2000
www.odgersberndtson.com
4
ABOUT PRINCE ALFRED COLLEGE
In the mid 1860’s a group of people with a vision for a Methodist church school for boys met to progress their
dream. The foundation stone of the Main Building was laid by HRH Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, second son of
Queen Victoria, during his 1867 visit to South Australia. The Prince agreed to the request to name the College in his
honour. The first students commenced at Prince Alfred College in 1869.
Prince Alfred College continues to realise the dream of its Founders. Countless thousands of boys have been
educated under the guidance of eleven headmasters and gone on to achieve in their chosen fields. The College
has a long history of providing a high calibre, all-round education for boys, with programs and approaches that
are tailored to their specific needs. Quality teaching and a commitment to academic excellence are central to the
educational experience. A curriculum that blends traditional academic pursuits with creative thinking and critical
exploration helps to foster a love of learning, while embedded pastoral care enables the unique qualities of each
boy to be supported and nurtured.
A diverse co-curricular program, encompassing performing arts, sport, outdoor experiences/adventure programs,
tours and excursions and community service, provides opportunities for each boy to discover and develop their
skills and interests, broaden their experiences and embrace challenges.
Prince Alfred College has a valued tradition of boarding that has welcomed rural, interstate and international
families for over 150 years. Today the College has enrolments of 1140 students and over 150 boarders.
5
GOVERNANCE
At Prince Alfred College, we practice ethical management in line with our Christian principles. The Prince Alfred
College Council manages governance under the Prince Alfred College Incorporation Act 1878.
The Prince Alfred College Council’s work is led by:
■ the College Constitution
■ the strategic plan
■ the activities and needs of the College
■ the expectations of our community.
The College Council:
■ oversees governance and strategic development
■ monitors operations, finance and building works
■ reviews risk and compliance obligations.
College Council sub-committees:
■ Finance and Audit
■ Infrastructure
■ Risk and Compliance.
PRINCE ALFRED COLLEGE COUNCIL MEMBERS
Mr Richard Hockney Chair
Mr David McGown Deputy Chair
Mr David Sanders Treasurer
Professor Nigel Bean Council member
Ms Amanda McIlroy Council member
Mr Peter Myhill Council member
Dr Janet Young Council member
Mr David Henchcliffe Council member
6
STRATEGY AND PURPOSE
OUR PURPOSE
We nurture each boy to develop into young men of character and purpose, who contribute positively to society.
OUR BELIEFS
At Prince Alfred College, we nurture and develop Princes Men.
Men who are enterprising, know what they stand for and value their roles
and contributions.
Men with compassion, who care and support others.
Men with empathy and humility who value diversity, spirituality and the
beliefs of others.
Men who form strong and enduring relationships.
Men with a sense of duty, honour and integrity.
Fac fortia et patere.
Do brave deeds Men with courage and emotional strength.
and endure.
Men with a good sense of humour, confidence and self-reliance.
Men with purpose who will make a positive contribution to society.
A copy of our strategic plan can be found here.
7
OUR SCHOOLS
EARLY LEARNING CENTRE
Prince Alfred College Early Learning Centre is a place of adventure, growth and learning for girls and boys from two
years of age. Our educational philosophy is inspired by Reggio Emilia principles, which model a partnership with
children, teachers and parents.
Through a range of play-based activities, as well as more formal methods of learning, children’s natural curiosity,
eagerness to learn, and their love of communication with others are nurtured and supported.
PREPARATORY SCHOOL
The Prince Alfred College Prep School provides a caring and supportive environment for boys in Reception to
Year 6, where the unique qualities of each boy are nurtured to build a strong educational foundation.
With a focus on academic excellence, co-curricular enhancement and deeply embedded pastoral care, we are
guided by our mantra of ‘Work Hard, Be Kind’ to give our boys the best start to their learning journey.
8
MIDDLE SCHOOL
In Years 7 to 9 at Prince Alfred College, our boys continue to explore their place in the world through an education
emphasising intellectual, emotional, social, and physical growth. With a focus on academic excellence, co-curricular
enhancement and deeply embedded pastoral care, our boys become young men of confidence and character,
ready to excel in their senior years.
Year 9’s participate in an extended 5-week stay program known as ‘Wambana’, meaning knowledge and wisdom
in the local Narungga language. The Wambana Experience is designed to equip each boy with the skills and
character to better manage the transition to adulthood through immersion in programs covering scientific research,
adventure activities, health and wellbeing, leadership, independent living and community service.
SENIOR SCHOOL
At Prince Alfred College Senior School, our boys work hard to achieve their personal best through their final
schooling years as we prepare them to make important decisions about their future. With a focus on academic
excellence, wide-ranging co-curricular offerings and personalised pastoral care, we strive for our boys to become
young men of character, ready to flourish in the world.
In the Senior School, we offer flexible curriculum options allowing each boy to tailor his best path to success. Boys
can choose to study the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) or the South Australian Certificate
of Education (SACE), including incorporating some vocational education and training as part of their SACE, should
they wish.
9
LEARNING
HIGH-QUALITY TEACHERS
We understand the best school must have the best teachers. We proactively pursue world-class educators who
bring inspiration, experience and subject matter expertise to our faculty. Many of our teachers have postgraduate
qualifications, have published academic papers or have spoken at world-leading educational conferences. Above
all, every teacher at Prince Alfred College cares deeply for our students and is committed to guiding their success.
AN ENGAGING CURRICULUM
We offer a range of inspirational subjects taught by excellent teachers who encourage our boys to learn through
discovery, exploration and creative problem-solving.
Our curriculum includes:
■ The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) in the Preparatory School
■ The Australian Curriculum in the Middle School
■ The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) or the South Australian Certificate of Education
(SACE) in the Senior School.
Through an engaging and inquiry-based curriculum, our boys enjoy an educational journey that inspires a lifetime
love of learning.
10EXCELLENT ACADEMIC RESULTS
We celebrate the achievements of our boys and support them to do their best in their academic pursuits. In the
senior years, our boys consistently achieve globally outstanding results through the IBDP as well as steadily strong
results in the SACE, including many boys who achieve an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) above 95. With
their Princes education, our boys open a world of possibilities for tertiary studies and career opportunities, with
many taking up places at top universities in Australia and around the world.
OUTDOOR EDUCATION
The outdoor education journey at Prince Alfred College is an essential part of developing our boys’ social, physical
and mental strength and wellbeing. For Princes Men, the journey starts in the Preparatory School and continues
throughout their secondary years.
Through a range of overnight experiences, the boys develop character, competence, community-mindedness and
leadership skills, and have fun together as they strengthen friendships and explore the outdoors.
At the same time, they are also challenged to take responsibility for themselves, to learn and grow through
community service and environmental action.
SUSTAINABILITY
As a school, we seek to develop students’ knowledge and understanding of their role in caring for the world around
us, and to minimise our environmental footprint.
11WELLBEING
We are committed to providing education which focuses on the development of the whole child. Quality pastoral
care is embedded in all that we do at Prince Alfred College and our dedicated pastoral teams work together to
provide a safe and supportive place of belonging, where each boy can flourish.
Central to our approach to pastoral care in the Preparatory School is the development of positive relationships
where each boy feels cared for, respected and valued. All staff, especially class teachers, closely monitor the boys to
ensure they are thriving. In the Middle and Senior Schools, each boy has a dedicated tutor who works with him, his
parents, and College staff to ensure he receives the academic and wellbeing support he needs, and that any early
worries are quickly spotted and addressed.
‘Work Hard, Be Kind’ guides the actions in the Preparatory School, while our older students examine the virtues of
courage, gratitude, wisdom and integrity through our embedded pastoral care program, the Princes Man Journey.
Through a thematic approach, students enjoy a breadth of experiences (from our regular reading program, to
house competition and community activities), which help them discover and develop their talents and passions,
celebrate the achievements of others, and give back to their community.
Parent-teacher relationships are viewed as being two-way where parents and teachers work with and support each
other, to support the boys. Parents are critically important in supporting wellbeing through sharing information,
as well as building understanding and support around their son. We offer parent masterclasses to enhance the
partnership between the school and parents.
We seek first to develop boys of good character and our wellbeing curriculum occurs at the whole class, small
group and individual levels. Our aim is to develop a boy’s social skills, emotional skills and responsible decision-
making abilities.
12CO-CURRICULAR
We believe that boys learn as much, if not more, beyond the classroom. Through a wide range of co-curricular
activities, including sport, performing arts, clubs and activities, service learning, tours and excursions, our boys
discover and develop their interests and sense of purpose as they master new skills, embrace challenges, build
connections and become a part of something bigger than themselves.
Whether pursuing a co-curricular activity to an elite level or simply taking part for fun, participation in co-curricular
activities is a deeply embedded part of the all-round education offered at Prince Alfred College. All students are
encouraged to take advantage of the rich opportunities on offer.
We tailor programs to boys’ interests and needs, and provide expert coaching, instruction and mentoring specific to
each co-curricular stream.
SPORT
Sport at Prince Alfred College is an essential part of our co-curricular offering. Our extensive sports program allows
our boys to face challenges, build team spirit, strengthen their bodies and achieve individual and team goals.
From Reception to Year 12, each boy has the chance to learn sporting skills and discover which game best suits
them. Our Reception to Year 3 boys enjoy a series of sports sampling afternoons, exposing them to new skills and
sporting experiences. In Years 4 to 12, our boys are encouraged to take on a summer and winter sport where they
can master their techniques, build friendships on the sporting field and experience both the joy of victory and the
graciousness of defeat. For some boys, their experience of sports at Prince Alfred College is the start of an elite
sporting career.
Winter Intercollegiate sporting fixtures between Prince Alfred College and St Peter’s College are a landmark in
the school calendar. This year’s events see the special occasion of the 150th anniversary of the first Intercollegiate
football game in 1871, making this the longest-running annual football fixture in this state, and one of the longest-
running in any football code in the world.
13PERFORMING ARTS
Our extensive music program allows our boys to develop skills in a wide variety of musical settings. Whether they
are new to music or musical prodigies, we offer a range of ensembles and tuition programs for our boys, including
regular rehearsals and performances.
Drama is a dynamic learning experience for our boys, where they learn to express emotions and work
collaboratively toward a shared goal. Every year, the Princes Players Theatre Company presents a play or musical
stage production. Our players come from across the entire College, as well as local sister schools, to rehearse and
present an entertaining performance for our PAC community. Our boys can also explore their dramatic talents by
participating in Theatresports, where they train under professional improvisation artists and compete against other
Adelaide schools.
Through our film and media program (‘Bleed Red’), boys work as a team to develop a range of quality audio-visual
productions. The program teaches our boys a variety of technical skills using professional-level AV equipment and
software. They also learn essential narrative and storytelling skills as they put together a variety of short films.
SERVICE LEARNING
We teach our Princes Men to work hard and be kind in the pursuit of achieving the very best, not only for
themselves but more importantly for others. Our commitment to service is an essential part of developing our boys
into young men of character. We expect all boys from Reception to Year 12 to be part of our community service
programs where they develop a deep understanding of their responsibilities to make a positive contribution to
others and to the world around them.
14BOARDING
At Prince Alfred College, we provide a welcoming and supportive place for boys to live and learn. Boarding is an
integral part of the school and provides a much richer breadth of cultural experiences for all our students. Our
boarders are part of a tradition that has welcomed rural, interstate and international families for over 150 years.
Opened in June 2019, our purpose-built Boarding House provides a home away from home for 150 boys. The
state-of-the-art facility offers a combination of twin-share and single rooms, with ensuite bathrooms. Shared
spaces include tutorial meeting rooms, break out areas, music practice studios, and a large common area with fully
equipped kitchen for snacks and light meals, which opens out to one of two open area courtyards.
With 150 boys living together in our Boarding House, we know how important it is that each boy feels cared for
and supported both during, and after, school hours.
Beyond schoolwork and study, boarding at Prince Alfred College offers an enriching and rewarding experience
for boys. On the weekend, boys enjoy a variety of recreational opportunities to balance their academic pursuits,
including social events, adventure sports, sporting events and special interest classes.
15OUR CAMPUSES
Across the College’s three campuses, a number of measures are being put in place to address our strategic
objective of pursuing best practice in sustainability - from renewable energy, responsible waste management and
water saving measures, to productive spaces and habitat. New buildings are being designed with sustainability in
mind, while existing buildings are being retrofitted with sustainable features.
KENT TOWN CAMPUS
Prince Alfred College’s main campus is set on 9.8 hectares of spacious grounds, just 2.5 km from the centre of
Adelaide, on the edge of the eastern parklands in Kent Town. This is the main campus for all children from the Early
Learning Centre through to Year 12.
SCOTTS CREEK
Located near Morgan on the Murray River, Scotts Creek Outdoor Centre plays host to a range of adventure and
aquatic activities. Here, our boys learn about risk-taking and working in teams through a variety of environmental,
adventure, camping and personal development challenges.
WAMBANA
Wambana is our purpose-built outdoor education campus at Point Turton on the Yorke Peninsula. Located on
six acres of coastal land, Wambana is dedicated to helping our boys move into adulthood through a range of
community, academic, spiritual and outdoor activities.
16COMMUNITY
For over 150 years of the College’s life, a wonderful sense of community has flourished. Boys who have been
educated here are affectionately known as ‘Old Reds’ and are welcome at functions around the world.
Today’s community is sustained by the boys themselves, their families, staff, old scholars, past parents, grandparents
and the Prince Alfred Old Collegians’ Association. Support for educational programs, sporting events, cultural
activities, special presentations and ongoing philanthropy through the Prince Alfred College Foundation define our
community. It is one of mutual recognition, respect and support.
Active roles are carried out by the Friends of PAC (FoPAC), Prince Alfred Old Collegians’ Association, Prince Alfred
College Foundation and various parent support groups.
17THE ROLE
The Head of Prince Alfred College will be responsible to the College Council for the educational leadership and
overall management of the School.
Character education for boys defines Prince Alfred College. The Head will continue to position the College as a
leading school for boys’ education, being a compelling voice on boys’ schooling and developmental needs in
the wider educational community. The College has strong traditions and a deep sense of community, alongside a
commitment to providing our boys with the best possible learning environment to meet their needs. We draw on
and integrate contemporary best practice to enable continual enhancement and improvement across all facets of
College life.
The Head will be highly visible and engaged with the whole school community, including staff, boys, their families
and old scholars, as well as being a powerful advocate for the school in Adelaide, South Australia and when
appropriate nationally and internationally. The Head will ensure excellent and timely communication between the
school and stakeholders.
The College purpose is to nurture each boy, developing young men of character and purpose, who contribute
positively to society. The Head will support the holistic development of the boys across academic, wellbeing
and co-curricular programs, preparing them for their future lives and enabling them to fulfill their potential. The
College is non-selective, and seeks to meet the needs of every boy, whatever his strengths and abilities. The Head
will continue the College focus on academic excellence within that context. Decision making will be informed by
evidence-based research.
We are ‘one College’ and the Head will ensure a continuum of quality teaching and learning for students across the
Early Learning Centre, Preparatory School, Middle School and Senior School.
Any school is only as good as its staff. The Head will ensure that the College continues to attract, develop and retain
high calibre staff, encouraging an inclusive culture of collaboration and high performance.
Boarding has always been at the centre of Prince Alfred College and the Head will support a high-quality boarding
experience at the school, actively engaging with the boarders and their families.
Working collaboratively with Council, the Head will contribute to the refinement of the current strategic plan and to
the development of its successor. The Head will lead the effective operational execution of the strategy, including
overseeing the refurbishment and building of the new learning spaces and facilities set out in the strategic plan and
master plan.
As the leader of a substantial enterprise, the Head will exercise commercial acumen and sound business judgement,
ensuring its long-term sustainability by careful financial stewardship; marketing the school; providing appropriate
risk and compliance management, and ensuring a safe environment for all members of the school community.
Efficient systems and technology will underpin school operations.
Adelaide is a competitive market for independent schools and the Head will ensure that there is a strong enrolment
pipeline, and the College brand is known and respected.
Prince Alfred College has an excellent endowment provision, and the Head will personally work with the Foundation
to lead future fundraising initiatives to support scholarships and major capital works projects.
The Head will have an open and productive working relationship with the Chair and Council, providing appropriate
reporting.
The Head will model the values of the school and support the Christian ethos that comes from our affiliation with
the Uniting Church.
18SELECTION CRITERIA
LEADERSHIP AND STRATEGY
■ An inspiring leader and excellent communicator, capable of building strong relationships with all stakeholder
groups within the College community (particularly staff, students, parents and old scholars) and, where
appropriate, more widely nationally and internationally.
■ Able to further develop and implement the College strategy, marrying respect for tradition and heritage with
the capacity to innovate in response to contemporary needs and an increasingly connected world.
EDUCATIONAL
■ Capable of clearly articulating the educational vision for the school in relation to boys’ holistic developmental
and educational needs across all ages and abilities.
■ Effective at conceiving and embedding research-informed strategies which enable each child to fulfil their
academic potential and to develop their character through excellent wellbeing and co-curricular programs.
Experience in boarding is advantageous.
■ Having a track record of supporting and developing staff and leading high performing teams.
BUSINESS AND OPERATIONS
■ Capable of sustainably leading a substantial enterprise, including management of finance, risk, compliance,
facilities, technology, marketing, enrolments, and people.
■ Able to lead the effective operations of the school, with delivery to time and to budget of major initiatives
and projects.
PERSONAL
■ Energetic, resilient, grounded, demonstrating good judgement, being a role model for boys and staff, and
embracing the Christian ethos of the College and its Uniting Church affiliation.
19HOW TO APPLY
For a confidential conversation please contact:
Jane Harlen on +61 2 8905 3711 | Jane.Harlen@odgersberndtson.com or
Andrea Ripani on +61 428 806 805 | Andrea.Ripani@odgersberndtson.com
Applications for the role should include the following information:
1. CANDIDATE STATEMENT
A brief Statement of Application (no more than three pages) outlining what you feel you would bring to this role,
what you would expect to accomplish and reflecting on your past experience in the context of the selection criteria
on page 19.
2. CURRICULUM VITAE
A maximum of five pages covering:
■ Full name, home address, confidential email address and mobile contact details
■ Nationality and citizenship or confirmation of right to work in Australia
■ Positions held, dates, scope of responsibilities and key achievements
■ Details of education and qualifications
■ Any other relevant information, such as involvement in professional and community activities.
3. REFEREES AND DATE OF COMMENCEMENT
■ Full contact details of three referees whom the consultant may contact. Referees will be contacted only after
prior consultation with you
■ An indication of when you would be available to start the role at Prince Alfred College.
The preferred method of application is online at www.odgers.com/83203 All applications will receive an
automated response.
Should you be unable to submit your application online, please email it to: Andrea.Ripani@odgersberndtson.com
The closing date is Thursday 30 September.
The successful applicant will be expected to satisfy child protection screening and adhere to the school’s Child Protection Policy. He or she may
also be asked to undertake leadership and psychometric assessments in the final stage of the process.
Prince Alfred College reserves the right to appoint by invitation.
2023 DequettevilleTerrace
KentTown SA 5067
www.pac.edu.au
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