Head of Art

About Role
We are looking for a skillful, caring and innovative Head of Art who will support this already very strong team to further elevate all aspects of the student experience. Academics are important, and impressive exam grades are a non-negotiable, however visual art at DHSZ is about so much more than this. The successful candidate will be a good communicator and collaborator, who is able to engage students with widely ranging previous experiences to discover and nurture their artistic talents, whilst developing essential skills such as communication, collaboration, and confidence.

We strongly believe in nurturing student’s creative ideas and interests by providing a safe learning environment where every student can develop and grow with the support of a dedicated specialist teacher. Our values are hinged around the pursuit of excellence through kindness, respect and patience. We currently follow the A Level and IGCSE programs for graphic communication and fine art as well as a collaboration with Marquette University. Therefore, we are looking for an adaptable educator who values professional development and is willing to broaden their own skill set, and support colleagues to do likewise.

The postholder will expertly develop the curriculum and the team so that students have the skills, understandings, and knowledge to apply their learning outside of the classroom and be well-prepared for success at university at beyond. Currently about 20-25 students each year progress from our school to leading Arts colleges around the world, such as RISD, UAL and Parsons. As a school, we seek to embrace emerging technologies to support innovation of learning and we always ensure that students are at the centre of our decision-making processes.

Position Start Date: August 2025

Our School
Dulwich International High School Programme Suzhou was the sixth school to join the Dulwich College International family of schools in 2012. We are made up of over 700 students from ages 14 to 19. Although our student body is predominantly Chinese, we are open to all nationalities and have a particularly diverse faculty from over 20 countries. We provide students an academically rigorous, challenging and rewarding international curriculum, designed to offer the very best preparation for entry to universities and colleges worldwide. Cambridge and Pearson IGCSE and A Level courses are taught across three and four year programmes alongside internally-designed programmes and a co-curricular offering of over 80 clubs, societies, and teams.

Our faculty embrace collaboration and innovation, share a pioneering spirit, have a strong work ethic whilst also having fun, and share an enthusiasm for their continued development as educators and leaders. If this sounds like you then we would love to hear from you.

Through being part of the Education in Motion group, Dulwich schools benefit from reciprocal exchange opportunities, a common ethos, and similar high standards. The group is committed to developing responsible WorldWise citizens, as exemplified by the recent incorporation of Green School into the family. Each and every member of support staff and faculty share our vision of developing, knowing, and caring for each individual, thus enabling our students to thrive at university and beyond, so that they make a positive difference in the world.

Our vibrant school continues to evolve and develop, and is within an expanding family of innovative schools. As a result, there are regular opportunities for staff to take part in exchanges of practice, lead and partake in cross-school projects, and explore opportunities for greater responsibilities whilst gaining valuable experience.

Our school is on the shared campus with our sister school, Dulwich College Suzhou, in Suzhou Industrial Park, providing our students and faculty with an excellent environment for learning and access to a wide range of educational resources. Each room is equipped with smart technology, as well as central air and filtration systems. The 56 classrooms include custom designed science labs, a library, a black box theatre, music practice rooms, sport fields, a roof garden and a medical centre. We have a coffee shop, bread bar, fitness room, dance studio, dining room with a la carte Chinese and Western options, and plenty of social space around the school.

Our Teaching Profile (International High School)
TEACH WORLDWISE

At Dulwich International High School Programme Suzhou, students come first. And because teachers play an extraordinary role in nurturing our students to become confident, curious and knowledgeable global citizens, we look to recruit the very best practitioners in international education who are passionate about unlocking the potential of our students.

Our teachers nurture and inspire their students today to make a positive difference in the world – living fully, living responsibly, and living sustainably. We empower our Teachers to Live Worldwise.

Our Vision For Teachers

Worldwise Teachers:

• Put students first in all they do
• Display a positive attitude, adaptability and open-mindedness
• Show professional initiative and perseverance
• Are truly collaborative and display highly developed communication skills
• Are committed to internationalism and equity
• Are committed to sustainability and global citizenship

Worldwise teachers believe in:

• The right of every student to be safe, supported and nurtured
• Evidence-based and innovative pedagogy
• Personalised and differentiated student learning
• Setting high expectations for every student
• Empowering students to reach their own goals
• High levels of student motivation and engagement

A Worldwise Teacher’s Learning Principles::

Learning is effective when it:
• is relational
• has a clear purpose
• is adapted and applied
• is personalised

Leadership Capabilities
This leadership capability framework describes what ‘good’ leadership looks like in our schools. It articulates what capabilities we are looking for in order to deliver on College/School's key priorities.

Our Leadership Capabilities include:

Leads Teaching and Learning
Leads with Vision and Inspiration
Leads by building and sustaining high trust relationships
Leads Inclusively
Leads Strategic Thinking and Planning
Leads the learning culture and professional learning community
Leads the management of the school
Leads Highly Effective Teams
Leads Well-being

Post-holder Qualifications, Experience
THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE
DHSZ is a well-resourced school with highly motivated and academically successful students. Successful applicants will be enthusiastic about the ethos and values of Dulwich International. An attractive and competitive remuneration package will be offered to the chosen candidate.

The successful candidate must be

• Passionate about Art and be able to inspire students to study their subject further
• Capable of delivering Art knowledge to the depth required at the A2 level
• Successful in showing student progress so that students are fully prepared for external examinations at IGCSE and A level stages
• Experienced (or willing to learn) in using formative assessment in order to advance student learning
• Actively engaged in furthering their own pedagogical knowledge
• Willing to collaborate with a diverse range of teachers in order to create an engaging classroom
• Able to differentiate in order to meet the needs of all students, especially within an EAL environment
• Willing to engage in the student’s own culture (Chinese) in order to fully know your students
• Knowledgeable in the latest safeguarding systems in order to ensure student wellbeing
• Eager to fully engage with the students in their Co-curricular activities
• Adaptable in the classroom in order to make full use of educational technology to meet student needs
• Able to demonstrate that they hold the highest expectations of the students and themselves.

How to Apply
To apply for this position you will need to include:

- an application letter

- your CV

- a statement of educational philosophy

- details of three referees from your current and previous employer

Applications should be submitted through our on-line application system at: https://www.dulwich.org/careers/find-your-career?code=dihsz

For further information please see our website at https://suzhou-high-school.dulwich.org/

The closing date for applications is 31st January 2025.

Interviews will take place as soon as applications are received, therefore early application is encouraged.

Safeguarding Statement
Our College/School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all the students in our care and expects all applicants to share this commitment. We follow safe recruitment practices, which are aligned to the recommendations of the International Task Force on Child Protection. We hold ourselves to a high standard of effective recruiting practices with specific attention to child protection. All appointments are subject to an interview, identity checks, criminal record checks, successful references, as well as due visa and work permit process as required by Chinese law.
All appointments are subject to an interview, identity checks, criminal record checks, successful references, as well as due visa and work permit process as required by Chinese law.

Click https://suzhou-high-school.dulwich.org/our-school/safeguarding for the full safeguarding policy.

Equity Diversity Inclusion Statement
EiM is committed to diversity within its team, organisational practices, policies and culture. It recognises that people with different backgrounds, skills, attitudes and experiences bring fresh ideas and perceptions, and it encourages and leverages these differences to make its work more relevant and approachable. EiM will not discriminate or tolerate discriminatory behaviour on any grounds such as, but not limited to, race, gender, disability, nationality, national or ethnic origin, religion or belief, marital/partnership or family status, sexual orientation, age or socioeconomic background. EiM strives to be an inclusive workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging, has a voice, can raise concerns, and feels comfortable and confident. It expects everyone who works with it to share this commitment and to act accordingly, as it aspires to best serve the EiM mission and its community.

Competencies
Core Competencies
Passion
Vision
Collaboration
Execution Excellence

Number of Contract Days

annual 189 contact days (181 classroom days plus induction, professional learning etc.)

Starting Salary Range

Annual USD54,000 to USD75,000 (2022 levels)

Taxes

average 15%

Accommodation

School provide generous housing allowance to the teachers, annual USD10,000 to 15,000

Flights/Transport

School provide generous annual airfare allowance to the teacher and eligible dependents

Utilities

School provide monthly meals and laundry allowance

Moving Allowance

School provide shipping allowance to and from PRC at the beginning and end of the contract, or within China for candidates already in country.

Dependent Opportunities

100% tuition waiver for up to two eligible dependents from reception year and above (age 4/5 and upwards) (where a Dulwich College is within accessible distance and where classes of relevant age ranges are provided) subject to the children satisfying the full entry requirements of the nearest College

Medical

school provide excellent worldwide health insurance

Bonus

Professional development and career opportunities in the group, staff bus and lunch allowance in the dining hall