Job Description

SingaporeAcademic Leadership - Whole School /Full Time /On-siteAbout GESSAs one of the leading international schools in Singapore, GESS is home to students from over 70 nations worldwide. We are for many families the home away from home and we are very happy that they are part of our school community which is based on mutual support and solidarity. With our language programme, we support our students to nurture this part of their identity and want to preserve the opportunity that they can grow up with multiple languages to be best prepared for an international environment. With the German International Abitur or the IB Programme they are perfectly prepared for their career after school. Our students enjoy lifelong learning and we take pride in our GESS values of respect, openness and diversity which our students will nurture in their life after school.We were awarded with the xe2x80x9cDeutsche Schulpreisxe2x80x9d (German school prize) 2022, which was given to us for our extraordinary concept according to their motto xe2x80x9cMake teaching betterxe2x80x9d. We stand out as the only German school abroad nominated for this award.Head of Creative Arts (with additional responsibility for the Music department)Commencing: 01 August 2025The Head of Creative Arts is tasked with leading the development and implementation of GESS's whole-school programmes in music, visual art, and drama, inspiring creativity and engagement across all age groups. A central aspect of the role is fostering greater student participation by promoting the arts as a core pillar of the GESS community experience.This position involves coordinating events and productions in collaboration with key stakeholders, including the BeyondClassroom, CCA, and Marketing departments. The Head of Creative Arts also ensures the smooth operation of the department, working closely with facilities to maintain the auditorium and other creative spaces.By providing clear direction, a focused vision, and a comprehensive development plan, the Head of Creative Arts ensures that staff feel well-supported and challenged in their roles. This leadership fosters an environment where students thrive, enjoy their creative learning experiences, and achieve excellent progress in the arts.Key AccountabilitiesStrategic developmentxc2xb7 Supporting strategic direction and development of the Creative Arts Department.xc2xb7 Promote creative arts events and programs to engage the GESS community and gain greater student interest and involvement.Leadershipxc2xb7 Provide leadership that motivates, supports, and challenges staff at all levels to drive continuous improvement.xc2xb7 Model and promote respectful, trustworthy, and fair conduct across the department.xc2xb7 Plan, lead, and document purposeful and efficient meetings.xc2xb7 Direct and oversee extra-curricular visual art, music, and drama ensembles.xc2xb7 Ensure high-quality teaching and learning within the department.xc2xb7 Foster a culture of professional development and dialogue focused on improving teaching and learning.xc2xb7 Line manage designated staff members and provide support for all department members.xc2xb7 Develop and maintain clear and effective department policies.xc2xb7 Create and implement a department development plan aligned with the school's vision.xc2xb7 Regularly review and enhance the department curriculum to ensure relevance and effectiveness.xc2xb7 Plan and manage department budgets or oversee budget management by department heads where applicable.xc2xb7 Establish and monitor department tracking systems to support and improve student progress.xc2xb7 Maintain and uphold high standards of behaviour for learning across the department.xc2xb7 Provide guidance and leadership to Subject Leads within the department to achieve shared priorities.Community engagementxc2xb7 Build and maintain strong partnerships with teachers, parents and external providers to support student achievement.xc2xb7 Facilitate effective communication between teachers and parents, especially in complex or challenging situations.xc2xb7 Support investigations into cases of serious student misbehaviour.xc2xb7 Act as a liaison between leadership, parents, students, and community members as required.Organisation and Communicationsxc2xb7 Oversee the daily operations of the Creative Arts department to ensure efficiency.xc2xb7 Provide teachers with the necessary information to perform their roles effectively.xc2xb7 Organise and implement performances and exhibitions for internal and external events.xc2xb7 Coordinate whole-school assemblies, including agenda setting, communication, and event planning.xc2xb7 Liaise with the auditorium technical team to address issues and resolve challenges.xc2xb7 Collaborate with the events manager on school-wide events.Student well-beingxc2xb7 Communicate and uphold agreed behavioural standards, including the Student Code of Conduct, among students and teachers.xc2xb7 Maintain good order and discipline during the school day and at all authorised school activities, both on and off the premises.Recruitment and retention of quality staffxc2xb7 Promote staff well-being by recognising and appreciating their efforts.xc2xb7 Support the recruitment and selection of high-quality teachers and staff.xc2xb7 Identify professional development needs and facilitate training or mentorship opportunities.xc2xb7 Conduct staff appraisals in accordance with the school's appraisal policies and procedures.Policiesxc2xb7 Contributing to new policies and updating of existing ones.Facilities, health and safetyxc2xb7 Coordinating with the facilities department for maintenance and development of the school facilities and grounds, ensuring that any lack of maintenance is promptly reported and resolved.Additional responsibilitiesxc2xb7 All other responsibilities and tasks as deemed appropriate by SLT and the Line Manager.Knowledge and ExperienceAn experienced leader with the following key areas of knowledge and expertise:xc2xb7 Educated to Degree Level, Masters (or equivalent) preferred, with Qualified Teacher status with a minimum of 10 years of teaching experience.xc2xb7 Proven leadership experience in a senior educational leadership role of minimum 5 years.xc2xb7 Proven ability to develop opportunities for parental involvement.xc2xb7 High understanding of educational quality management.xc2xb7 Proven understanding of effective teaching and learning theory and practice.xc2xb7 A good understanding of the curriculum.xc2xb7 An excellent understanding of contemporary international educational policies and best practices.Fair Recruitment and Safeguarding: We are committed to fair recruitment practices and safeguarding the welfare of all students. We ensure that our hiring processes are free from discrimination and bias on the basis of age, nationality, gender, marital status, pregnancy status, caregiving responsibilities, race, religion, language, disability or mental health conditions. As part of our commitment to safeguarding, we conduct thorough background checks on all candidates which include criminal background checks in all countries lived and worked in for the last ten years, as well as reference checks. Any offer is subject to the satisfactory completion of such checks. Our school prioritises the safety and well-being of our students, and we expect all staff members to uphold these values.

GESS