Head of Department Art and Design at Safa Community School

POST: Head of Department Art and Design at Safa Community School, Dubai

Safa Community School - a beacon of excellence. In 2024, we were honoured with the ‘Happiest School in the UAE’ title, a testament to our commitment towards student well-being. In addition, we were proud recipients of the ‘Value Add, Leaving No Child Behind Award’, reflecting our dedication to academic progress. This was further underscored by our 2024 GCSE VA score of +2.2. Our high staff retention rates and inclusion in the top 15 Schools in the UAE by the Schoolscompared.com survey are a source of pride for us all.

At Safa Community School, we are more than just a school-we are a community. With a parent body comprising Expats, including around 35% from the UK, we have fostered a reputation for being a friendly, warm, and community-oriented school. Our positive relationships among staff, parents, and students are a testament to our inclusive approach, making everyone feel welcomed and part of a larger family. This sense of belonging sets us apart and should make you feel at home in our school.

Safa Community School is not just another school but an award-winning all-through UK curriculum school, from FS1 to Year 13, with 2,570. Follow our school Instagram channel for a glimpse into our vibrant community showcasing student achievements, community events, and much more at safa_scs. Discover how we nurture talent, foster creativity, and build a thriving environment for every student.

Currently, we are in search of a dynamic and passionate Head of Department Art and Design Teacher (secondary school) to lead our highly accomplished secondary department. The successful candidate would be expected to teach across the age and ability range, GCSE and A-Level.

What can SCS offer?  

•  the ability to develop and grow within the Secondary School;  
• the opportunity to be innovative and to develop new educational procedures and student experiences;  
• the ability to develop a significantly broad portfolio;  
• an exciting, challenging and stimulating place to work in a friendly and welcoming environment.

Who/what is SCS looking for?  

• Will hold relevant qualifications.
• Must have vast experience teaching in British Curriculum schools especially at GCSE and A-Levels.
• Excellent leadership potential, strong management and communication skills are demonstrable through your present role.  
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Creating and delivering departmental improvement plans.
• Experience in working with and analysing data.
• The ability to communicate a clear vision for improving standards within the department;  
• A capacity for hard work and resilience; and a belief that this is at the core of success;  
• A creative thinker with the ability and determination to secure high-quality outcomes for all students;  
• An exceptional and innovative classroom practitioner;  
• Demonstrable ability to lead, inspire and motivate others;  
• Readiness for meeting the high expectations in Dubai with enthusiasm;  
• A leader who places the well-being of all students first.  

Note: 

• This job description will be reviewed regularly and may be subject to modification and amendment.

Application Process

Closing date for applications is Monday, 6th January 2025 at 10h00 UAE time.

Dear Candidate

The application process is: 

• All applications must be submitted on the TES Portal. Only applications submitted through the Portal will be considered.
• Only applications with experience teaching GCSE's and A-Levels will be considered.
• Submit an up to date, full resume / CV.   
• Submit a covering letter of no more than two A4 pages.   
• Provide at least three referees’ names, telephone numbers (with international dialling codes), and email addresses. One must be a current employer.   
• The closing date for all applications is Monday, 6th January 2025 at 10h00 UAE time.
• Applications will be assessed in order of receipt and interviews may occur at any stage after applications are received. We reserve the right to appoint before the closing date and therefore invite interested candidates to apply as soon as possible.   
• Once initial interviews are concluded, arrangements will be made individually with those candidates who will proceed to the second round of interviews.
• A demonstration lesson will be required.

Upon request, feedback will only be provided to candidates who progress to the interview stages.

At Safa Community School we hold ourselves to a high standard of effective practices in relation to child protection and we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We expect all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. Successful applicants will be subject to various background checks including, receipt of satisfactory references, proof of relevant qualifications, identification and police checks, including overseas checks.