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 is the school of choice in Suzhou for parents who wish their children to gain the skills and education necessary for them to be successful in non-Chinese universities. The major destinations for all of our students are the USA and the UK. Our school is home to almost 700 students who study IGCSE and A levels. Our students ask for excellence in teaching and they work hard to achieve offers from their universities of choice. 

Our Teaching Profile

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 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

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

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 here 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 CompetenciesPassion
• Vision
• Collaboration
• Execution Excellence