Head of Art

Dipont KCS Chengdu seeks to appoint an inspirational, accomplished and talented Head of Art to contribute to the development of a new school that aspires to become one of the leading schools of Asia. The post-holder will promote excellence in teaching, learning and achievement, and will develop and grow a deep-rooted culture of enjoyment of Art at all levels.

About the School

Dipont KCS Chengdu was established in September 2021 with the largest ever opening roll of any new bilingual or international school in Chengdu. It was formed through partnership between the prestigious King’s College School, Wimbledon, one of the most academically successful schools in the world, and the highly successful Chinese education group, Dipont Education. At capacity, the school will serve over 2,100 3-18 year olds across its school sections.

Representing a new standard of bilingual education in China, the school provides for both local and international pupils via an innovative model that combines Chinese and western approaches to learning and academic excellence, culminating in IGCSE and A-level examinations, and features first-rate pastoral support and opportunities to excel outside the classroom. Our goal is to produce confident, articulate young people with a broad set of life skills who will go on to attend universities across the world.

The facilities at KCS are outstanding and include a 600-seat theatre, 130-seat black box theatre, dance studio, first-class laboratories, sports fields and basketball courts, a 400m running track, an Olympic 50m indoor pool, and a fitness and weight training suite. Our iconic new campus is located to the northeast of the city centre, with open green spaces surrounding it. The district is being developed for high-end residential projects and as an area for leisure and tourism.

About Chengdu

Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan Province, in South West China, and is famous for its rich history, fascinating culture, spicy cuisine and relaxed lifestyle. It has been named as one of the happiest cities in China on 12 consecutive occasions by Oriental Outlook magazine and is also home to the Giant Panda research and breeding centre, a wonderful facility that welcomes millions of visitors each year. With an urban population of over 10 million, Chengdu’s economy has grown substantially in the last decade and its international airport has direct flights to a wide range of domestic and international destinations.

About the Role

The Head of Art will provide inspiring leadership of the Art Department, retaining responsibility for the planning and teaching of the subject. S/he will also be expected to work closely with the Director of School Systems to maintain a compelling co-curricular programme for art.

S/he will be an outstanding educator, technically knowledgeable, with a strong understanding of best practice and a passion for promoting and delivering the school-wide participation in Art that is a hallmark of leading independent schools.

In this crucial role, the Head of Art will demonstrate strong but consultative leadership, offering members of the department the opportunity to contribute to planning and policymaking, share ideas and resources. S/he will also promote active involvement from the school’s classroom teaching staff in supporting Art activities and events. Strong communication skills will be essential as the post-holder seeks to develop the interest and involvement of pupils, parents and colleagues in the ever-evolving Art culture of the school.

In short, this exciting post will offer the successful candidate a unique opportunity to set an innovative course for the teaching of Art that will reap the benefit of best-in-class facilities and the collective ambition of the school to aspire to world-class standards. S/he should thus be receptive to new ideas and challenges, culturally aware and willing to contribute fully to all areas of a premium independent school.

The post will be suitable for candidates with:

• Outstanding credentials as a teacher of Art
• The drive to promote excellence in teaching, learning and achievement
• Experience in successfully coordinating art exhibitions
• A willingness to work across the varying age groups and demonstrate a flexibility of approach
• A high level of organisation and the ability to demonstrate initiative

This exciting and challenging role commands a very attractive salary and benefits package, and will commence in August 2022, allowing the successful candidate to participate in a comprehensive process of induction before the new academic year commences in September.

In addition to a highly competitive salary, benefits will include high quality housing, bonus scheme, annual return airfare and medical insurance for the employee plus dependents. Full tuition support will be provided for a successful applicant with school age children. The position will be offered on an initial three-year contract term with the opportunity to renew thereafter.

Early application preferred. To submit an application, please click here   

For further information please email a copy of your CV to oliver.knapman@dipont.com