Teacher of Psychology - Island School

Job Description

Island School is a highly successful IB school located in the heart of Hong Kong. 1200 students aged 11 to 18 study an innovative and exciting curriculum combining our self-designed courses, the MYP, IGCSE, IBCP, IBDP and BTEC programs. Currently based in temporary facilities in Sha Tin until August 2022, we will be returning to a brand new campus in the middle of the Hong Kong Central Business District. Here, facilities will include a world-class sports centre, maker spaces, open classrooms and a black box theatre.

We are looking to appoint a full time Teacher of Psychology to start in August 2022 at our brand new, contemporary 8-storey campus back at Borrett Road on Hong Kong Island. Responsibilities will be tailored to match the experience, expertise and interests of the successful candidates. 

A full-time teacher of Psychology is required to join a successful and continually expanding department within the Individuals & Societies Faculty. We teach Psychology as part of the I.B. Diploma, taking Social and Dysfunctional Psychology as our options. However, the successful applicant will be free to adjust the curriculum as is appropriate in consultation with the Head of Department.

The position will involve teaching IBDP Psychology to both Years 12 and 13 and work in collaboration with the Head of Department to develop the subject. As such the post holder will be responsible for planning lessons, developing schemes of work, and aligning their work with the subject, faculty, and school development plans. The position may also involve teaching other related faculty subjects and courses such as MYP Integrated Humanities, MYP Interdisciplinary Units, Lifeskills/Explorations, and may also involve being a pastoral form tutor as part of the school house system.

The department comprises two members of staff and enjoys a very positive working environment and excellent examination results. The ethos is one of teamwork, mutual support, flexibility and continuous improvement. The department is well equipped with a wide range of up to date resources.

Key responsibilities

• Leading the ongoing development of the Psychology curriculum.
• Keeping fully aware of IB Psychology curriculum development and subject pedagogy and communicating this effectively to Psychology teachers and the wider faculty.
• Understand the development of IB assessment requirements and communicate effectively to teachers. This includes working closely with the exams office and IB Coordinators.
• Maintaining standards of planning of the written curriculum in line with IBDP coordinator and faculty expectations to ensure student progress, including horizontal and vertical planning of ATL skills, subject content and concepts.
• Monitoring/evaluating the development of teaching and learning in the programme and the standards of achievement in Psychology.
• Supporting staff teaching Psychology and planning their professional development with them.
• Planning and managing resources. Efficiently managing delegated spending according to school policies.
• Designing and maintaining online curriculum resources for the department including course information and resources on the school website and internal department pages.
• Running effective meetings and providing agendas and minutes of these meetings.
• Attending whole school, phase team, faculty, and subject meetings as required.
• Creating and reviewing subject development plans and targets to ensure alignment of department with faculty and school development plans.
• Implementing all agreed school policies and actively promoting a whole school vision.

Key accountabilities

• High quality teaching and learning consistently achieved in Psychology.
• All I.B. Diploma prescribed requirements.
• Resources for learning match needs of the students.
• Achievement of all students relative to their ability.
• Contributes actively to other subject areas, including the MYP and Futures Curriculums.
• All staff are performing at a high level and/or underperformance is addressed.
• Contributing to the Foundation wide Subject Coordinator groups.
• Accountable to the Principal, IBDP Curriculum Coordinator, and Head of Faculty.

Person Specification

The successful candidate should have:

• a degree in psychology and a postgraduate teaching qualification
• a commitment to inclusion of all students from across the ability range
• the ability to teach the subject to I.B. Diploma
• Enthusiasm to teach at least two other humanities subjects including an integrated humanities program in Year 7 &8
• a drive and enthusiasm for the subject
• a conscientious teamplayer with the ability to adapt to new situations and work flexibly
• an awareness of current educational developments in psychology education
• a commitment to pastoral care within the school
• a commitment to extracurricular activities.

Job Description of the Main Scale Secondary School Teacher is available HERE.  Please visit OUR WEBSITE to learn more about the Island School.

Terms and conditions of an ESF primary / secondary teacher for the 2021-22 school year are here. 

Closing Date: 30 June 2022

To apply, please click here.

For enquiries, please contact Hilary HU at +852 2524 7135 or school@online.island.edu.hk 

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 within ESF. 

ESF is an Equal Opportunities Employer

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.

There are over 18,000 students from 75 different nationalities in ESF kindergartens, primary, secondary and all-through schools. About 70% of our students have parents who are permanent residents of Hong Kong.

ESF is proud of the high academic and wider achievements of our students. In 2020, 22 ESF students achieved the perfect score of 45 points in the IB Diploma examinations; more than 95% go on to leading universities worldwide.

www.esf.edu.hk