Head of Psychology, TLR3 (1-Year Finite, Starting Aug 2025) – South Island School

South Island School seeks to appoint an outstanding Head of Psychology for the 2025-26 academic year to cover a one-year sabbatical for the current teacher of the subject. The position holder with experience delivering the IB Diploma Psychology course and the (I)GCSE Psychology course is highly desirable. There could also be opportunities to teach other subjects, including but not limited to IGCSE Global Citizenship and the MYP Individuals and Societies integrated course (subject to expertise and demand). Previous experience with these curricula would be an advantage.

Responsibilities

As Head of Psychology, you will be a member of the Academic Leadership Team (ALT), a role which involves ensuring that the Psychology Department is at the forefront of new initiatives at SIS, and is represented appropriately in collaborative academic decisions. You will report to the Head of Individuals and Societies.

The successful applicant will be a highly skilled teacher, with the ability to motivate, inspire and engage with students in creative and innovative ways, both within and outside the classroom. You will be a skilled manager and leader, as you work with the faculty towards our overall goal of ensuring excellent educational outcomes for all of our students. Like all staff, you will additionally be a tutor within our Pastoral Learning Curriculum (PLC), and will be expected to contribute effectively to our Making a Difference, Values in Action and Expanding Horizons extra-curricular programmes.

The position will be for a one-year fixed-term contract from August 2025 to August 2026. The post comes with a TLR 3 allowance (as per the ESF Terms and Conditions). Support with obtaining Hong Kong residence will be provided if necessary. 

The Head of Psychology at SIS is expected to be committed and flexible. Regular duties include:

• Leading the Psychology Department strategically, to develop and sustain high standards and a culture of collaboration and learning;
• Managing colleagues who teach Psychology, to facilitate high achievement and efficiency across all facets of the department;
• Representing the department within the Academic Leadership Team (ALT), attending meetings and leading whole school initiatives as required;
• Overseeing the planning, development and evaluation of Psychology schemes of learning for all courses to maximise positive outcomes;
• Maintaining a learning climate that is inclusive and safe, yet challenging and innovative, ensuring appropriate differentiation to meet the needs of students with all learning profiles;
• Leading and managing the development of learning and teaching strategies within the department, ensuring staff develop innovative and effective pedagogical expertise, facilitating appropriate development opportunities for colleagues as necessary;
• Ensuring that resources are managed effectively within the department, in compliance with school-wide and foundation-wide requirements relating to budgets, procurement processes and facilities management; 
• Ensuring appropriate assessment practices across the Psychology department, to support student progress and attainment;
• Ensuring regular celebration of achievements within the department, in liaison with the communications team;
• Working as a tutor for a group of students, within the Pastoral Learning Curriculum;
• Engaging actively with the Making a Difference, Values in Action and Expanding Horizons extra-curricular programmes, ensuring that Psychology-related activities are represented appropriately within these curricula.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education or a relevant subject, with a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate of Education) or equivalent
• A strong commitment to taking an inclusive approach to meet the needs of all students
• The ability to lead and inspire others and to manage a team effectively, showing excellent leadership, management and administrative skills
• The ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with teachers and other relevant professionals, parents and students
• An understanding of current developments in teaching
• Experience of a range of assessment strategies for identifying students’ needs and supporting learning
• A commitment to pastoral care within the school
• A commitment to developing students’ skills through extra-curricular opportunities

Teaching in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a premier destination for expatriate and local teachers! ESF Teachers enjoy an extremely lucrative salary package and a very high standard of living overall, in an exciting and vibrant world city. The teaching profession is highly respected, student motivation and outcomes are excellent, and all teachers receive considerable support from ESF and SIS with settling into Hong Kong, as well as with their professional development. Please feel free to contact us in advance about life in Hong Kong if you feel a conversation on this topic would be helpful.

Further Information

Further information can be found in the following locations:

• South Island School website: https://www.sis.edu.hk
• English Schools Foundation website: https://www.esf.edu.hk/

Please email the Principal’s PA, Ms Zin Mogg, if you have any questions: zmogg@sis.edu.hk 

Thank you again for your interest in this role.

Closing Date: By 8am Hong Kong Time on Monday 11th November 2024

We will be interviewing strong applicants prior to the closing date and reserve the right to make an early appointment ahead of the deadline. Therefore, an early application is strongly advised.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and offers may be extended prior to the job closing date.

By applying for this position, your application may be considered for other opportunities (senior-level roles, head of department, etc.) within ESF.

ESF is an Equal Opportunities Employer

The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is fully committed to providing equal employment opportunities. ESF will not discriminate on the basis of age, race, colour, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, religion, veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, creed, citizenship or any other status protected by local laws or regulations.

Personal data provided by job applicants will be used strictly in accordance with the ESF's Personal Data Policy, a copy of which will be provided upon request.

Aligned with 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.

About Us

The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is the largest English-medium international school organisation in Hong Kong. Our 22 schools and comprehensive programme of extra-curricular activities bring out the best in every student through a personalised approach to learning and by inspiring curious minds.

www.esf.edu.hk