Head of Early Years – required for 1 August 2020

Discovery Bay International School (DBIS) is seeking an experienced and dynamic individual to lead the Early Years  (age 3 - 7) into the next phase of its exciting development. The successful candidate will have a proven track record of successful senior leadership and creating an environment for academic success for all. The candidate will also have experience of leading teaching teams, creative curriculum development and a clear commitment to inclusive education. 

The Head of Early Years will work closely with the Head of School and the whole school Senior Leadership Team in order to successfully achieve the school’s strategic vision and mission.

About Discovery Bay International School

Centred in the community of Discovery Bay on the island of Lantau, the school derives much strength from its tranquil location and its surrounding active community. Establishing and maintaining strong, caring, respectful and supportive personal relationships is key to the DBIS ethos. Our approach allows DBIS’ outstanding teachers to work in tandem with supportive and aspirational parents in focusing upon the individual. It also allows students to concentrate on the challenging task of learning, growing and developing as individuals.

Our students enjoy a broad international curriculum with British characteristics and a distinctive learning journey that begins in Early Years (age 3-7), progresses to the Primary School (age 8-11) and culminates in the Secondary School (age 12-18). The DBIS student experience is characterised by a highly personalised learning environment, small class sizes, creative approaches to teaching and learning and a broad range of extracurricular activities.

The school has developed in tandem with the community it serves. Established in 1981 with an initial cohort of 3 students and 3 staff, the school now comprises 40 different nationalities, 1150 students and over 200 staff located on three very well resourced campuses.  There are currently 350 students in the Secondary School with numbers continuing to grow every year. 

The role 

The Head of Early Years works collaboratively with the Deputy Head of Early Years and other senior leaders to achieve the highest possible standards, securing improvements and success for the school. As such the post holder has responsibility for learning and teaching and the pastoral welfare of all students from Nursery to Early Years 2. The post holder will also be on the School Leadership Team. The Early Years phase of the school is split over two sites and an important part of this role is to ensure the cohesion of the two campuses. 

Personal Specifications: 

• A degree and a professional teaching qualification with a recognised ECE (Early Childhood Education) specialism is essential.
• A degree and a professional teaching qualification with recognised ECE (Early Childhood Education) status already recognised here in Hong Kong is desirable.
• Minimum of 3 years experience at a senior leadership level, ideally in an international environment. 
• Minimum of 3 years EYFS and KS1 teaching experience.
• Experience of successful pedagogical leadership and curriculum development. 
• A clear vision for learning and teaching. 
• Awareness of international best practices in education - Reggio Emilia, Woodwork, Beach Schools and Forest approach in particular. 
• A significant understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum and the Primary National Curriculum for England (Key Stage 1).
• Committed to fostering an inclusive approach to education. 
• A desire to contribute to a challenging and rewarding environment. 
• A creative and innovative thinker. 
• A highly visible and approachable leader who is able to inspire a strong sense of trust and partnership. 
• Rich knowledge of student wellbeing and personal and social education. 
• Fluency in English and excellent communication skills. 
• Experience with Child Protection and Safeguarding practices. 

Contract

The successful candidate will receive a competitive compensation package; the post includes cash, housing and professional development allowances, remuneration of school fees, a gratuity of 18.75%, and full medical and dental insurance for the employee.

Closing date for applications: 20 April 2020

The school reserves the right to appoint prior to the deadline if a suitable candidate is found. 

A detailed job specification can be found at this LINK .

Applicants are requested to email their letter of application, curriculum vitae and details of three professional referees to Mrs Connie Ting at recruitment@dbis.edu.hk .

SAFEGUARDING

Discovery Bay International School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to respect this commitment.  In accordance with the recommendations of the International Task Force on Child Protection, all posts at the school are subject to rigorous and appropriate background checks.