Head of English and Modern Languages

About Role

We are looking for a skilful, caring and innovative Head of English and Modern Languages who can 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 Languages at DHSZ are about so much more than this.

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. 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.

Care for each student, collaboration and continued professional development are key elements of the department. We are looking for a strong linguist whose vision is to see all students develop a passion for language and also understand its place as an applied subject in the world around them.  English programmes range from EAL Support to Honours-level Literature, Chinese is a key component of the curriculum for all students, and some choose Spanish as an elective.

We are looking for candidates with existing proven leadership experience who are keen to develop further in our school.

Our School

Dulwich International High School, Suzhou is the school of choice in Suzhou for Chinese 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 is 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 offering is largely academic concentrating on STEAM subjects with an outstanding visual arts component which is becoming more popular as it gains in recognition.  Because we believe in developing the whole child, we also have a thriving co-curricular programme in which all students and all teachers participate.

Suzhou is known as the “Venice of the East”.  It has a long and colourful history based around the waterways in the province. Much of Suzhou is designed around the lakes and canal system and it makes for wonderful walking, cycling and exercising opportunities.  Suzhou is a vibrant city that with an enriching arts and performing culture that also offers many scenic areas of peace and tranquillity.  Public transport is cheap and easy to use.  The city is also one of the most multi-cultural in China and offers food and drink from all around the world.

Our Teaching Profile (International High School)

TEACH WORLDWISE

At Dulwich International High School, 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

Worldwise teacher’s practice:

•    Maximises every student’s opportunity learn
•    Promotes student agency, reflection and a love of learning
•    Delivers academic rigour and holistic learning
•    Reveals the complex and inter-disciplinary nature of learning content
•    Creates a supportive and dynamic learning environment
•    Develops students’ higher-order thinking

Post-holder Qualifications, Experience

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 15th October 2022.
Interviews will take place as soon as applications are received, therefore early application is encouraged.

Safeguarding Statement

Dulwich College International 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.

Competencies