Head of English & Deputy Principal

THE OPPORTUNITY

HD Qingdao School seeks to appoint an outstanding educator to join the Leadership Team within its secondary school. Whilst the initial requirement would be to lead the delivery of English, an opportunity also exists for a suitably qualified and experienced person to join the Senior Leadership Team as Deputy Principal, working with and reporting to the National School Principal to shape a wide range of curricular and co-curricular options and play a key role in further progressing the direction of the School at this key and exciting stage in its development.

THE SCHOOL

HD Qingdao opened in August 2018 with the launch of the Primary School and the Secondary School followed in August 2020. Located on Xingguang Island, in the West Coast area of the City; the School is part of the Wanda Oriental Movie Metropolis and offers an outstanding international education that blends the best of British and Chinese curricula on a beautiful campus. The architectural design of the campus is based on the British boarding style, with red brick as its predominant feature. It occupies a substantial site and, as it continues to grow, will eventually accommodate up to 2,000 students.

Part of Hurtwood House China (known within China as HD Schools), the first campus opened in August 2014 in the city of Ningbo. We now also have schools in Shanghai, Beijing, Qingdao and, most recently, a sister school in Nanjing. Our story will not stop here. Our existing schools will continue to grow rapidly, and plans are already afoot to open new schools in other Chinese cities. 

The development of Hurtwood House China can be seen as an extension of Hurtwood House UK’s commitment to quality and its spirit of ingenuity, which has seen it break new ground educationally for well over half a century. Amongst international brand transfers, Hurtwood House China is a pioneer - the first UK brand to introduce a dual immersion curriculum, enabling Chinese passport holders to benefit from a unique educational offering. We are leading the way in what we believe to be one of the most exciting educational projects of our time – namely the education of Chinese nationals, in a Chinese context, but with a bilingual vision.

ROLE DETAILS

The successful candidate will lead a small but growing department of 8 educators, responsible for teaching English to the secondary school’s student body; currently 110 students and expected to grow to 200 students in August 2022. 

Building on the excellent work of the primary school, the Secondary Head of English will be responsible for continuing existing links and, alongside the Primary Head of English, ensuring a smooth transition for students as they move between the different sections of our school.

In addition to this, successful candidates taking on a Deputy Principal role shall manage several more international colleagues in other subject areas across the school. The successful candidate will work alongside international leaders in other parts of the school to present a united and consistent vision of the international educational practices of Hurtwood House Qingdao. As a senior leader, they will  build on the work that has already taken place and drive forward the highest standards of academic and pastoral practice and cooperation between the national and international sections of the school.

HOW TO APPLY

As per the profile of language learners within the School, we would welcome applications from first language English specialists with experience in/empathy towards the Teaching of English as a Second Language, or Teaching English as a Second Language specialists with experience in/empathy towards first language curricula and qualifications. Both current Heads of English and leaders who are English specialists or experienced and motivated teachers of English who aspire to school leadership are invited to apply.

For full information about the role, HD Qindgao School and Hurtwood House China, please download the candidate information pack. You may also wish to view our video, ‘An Introduction to Hurtwood House China’ available on the following link: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_fsJVazTmI

To apply please complete the application form, including a CV and supporting statement that sets out your interest in the position, how you meet the requirements or the role and your ambitions for the school.

Completed applications, CVs and cover letters should be uploaded via the TES or sent to fryzicka.monika@elitek12.com

Closing date: Monday 20th December 2021

Interviews will be held on an ongoing basis and therefore early application is encouraged. Hurtwood House China reserves the right to appoint before the closing date. For an informal and confidential conversation about this role or any other opportunities within the Hutwood House China group please contact our Senior Recruiter, Monika Fryzicka on the email address above.

HD Qingdao is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff the respect this commitment. This post, and any other post within our group, is subject to an appropriate criminal background check and satisfactory references.