Head of Creative Arts, TLR1 (Starting Aug 2026) West Island School

West Island School is a premier international school in Hong Kong dedicated to providing a high-quality education that fosters inquiry collaboration and personal growth. With a diverse team of about 160 full-time staff representing over 16 nationalities our community is proactive passionate and supportive making it an exciting place to live and work.

West Island School is currently seeking to appoint a Head of Creative Arts to start in August 2026 on a full-time 2-year renewable contract by mutual agreement. This position comes with a point 1 of the Teaching and Learning Responsibility Award (TLR). West Island School is seeking an enthusiastic creative and innovative leader to lead our Creative Arts Faculty. This pivotal role involves overseeing Music Dance Drama Visual Arts Media and Film ensuring a stimulating learning environment that fosters exploration and discovery. The ideal candidate will possess a genuine passion for the Creative Arts demonstrate a commitment to engaging students and have the expertise to teach music across the curriculum. Furthermore a significant emphasis is placed on the willingness and ability to think innovatively about how Creative Arts is taught in school especially in an increasingly STEM focused society.

Responsibilities

Leadership and Curriculum Development

• Provide strategic leadership and management for the Creative Arts Faculty (Music Dance Drama Visual Arts Media Film).
• Work collaboratively with faculty staff to contribute to the ongoing development of the Creative Arts curriculum and pedagogy including MYP IGCSE and IB Standard and Higher Level programs.
• Primarily deliver engaging and effective lessons in music across Years 7-13 within the Creative Arts subject.
• Reimagine how Creative Arts plays a role in Secondary school.
• Utilize a variety of teaching strategies focused on inquiry-based learning to enhance student engagement across all Creative Arts disciplines.
• Commit to continuous professional development particularly in integrating digital skills into teaching and learning.

Teaching and Learning Standards

• Monitor and evaluate teaching quality and student performance to maintain high standards.
• Utilize assessment data to identify areas for improvement particularly among diverse learners including those with specific needs.
• Develop and implement effective schemes of work ensuring adherence to relevant educational regulations.

Professional Development

• Support the professional growth of department members through mentoring and training opportunities focused on Creative Arts.
• Foster a culture of professional dialogue and collaboration among staff to share best practices and innovative teaching approaches.

Curriculum Development & Student Support

• Design and manage the annual department development plan aligned with school priorities in the Creative Arts.
• Analyze and report on student performance outcomes in Creative Arts to inform future teaching strategies.
• Assist students in exploring potential pathways in Creative Arts-related university courses and careers.

Contribution to the School Community

• Serve as a role model for students and staff demonstrating a commitment to the holistic development of young people through pastoral care and mentorship.
• Lead and encourage participation in extra-curricular Creative Arts-related activities and initiatives fostering a lifelong appreciation of the arts.
• Engage with parents and the wider community to highlight the importance of Creative Arts education and celebrate student achievements.

Pastoral Care

• Serve as a form tutor/home room teacher to a group of approximately 30 students supporting their holistic development through pastoral work.

Extra-Curricular Contributions

• Actively participate in lead and support extra-curricular events and activities related to the Creative Arts (e.g. performances exhibitions).
• Promote experiential learning with an emphasis on leading performance and production opportunities.

Expectations

• Demonstrate a commitment to collaboration and continuous learning within the teaching team.
• Foster a positive and inclusive classroom environment that encourages student participation and growth.
• Be a proactive adaptable and passionate team player.
• Show a keen interest in cross-curricular collaboration.
• Utilise the exceptional resources and facilities available to maximize student potential
• Maintain high standards of student conduct and support adherence to school rules and values

Educational Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree in a relevant Creative Arts field with a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate of Education) or equivalent or a Bachelors Degree in Education.
• Experience teaching Music and at least one Creative Arts subject across age and ability range (Years 7-13).
• Proven track record as an excellent classroom teacher.
• Proven leadership skills with experience in managing Creative Arts departments and developing engaging curricula or a strong willingness to take on the role of Head of Faculty as needed.
• Demonstrated experience in implementing innovative teaching strategies tailored to the arts including inquiry-based and experiential learning approaches that enhance creativity and student engagement.

Professional Skills and Abilities

• A proactive adaptable and passionate team player.
• Commitment to inclusion and fostering a supportive learning environment.
• Proven experience leading or contributing to extra-curricular programmes.
• Ability to work collaboratively in developing curriculum and pedagogy.
• Commitment to ongoing personal and professional development including participation in relevant workshops conferences or leadership training

For more information please refer to theESF Terms and Conditions.

If you have any questions feel free to contact us HR Manager: Rathi NandaKumar

Learn More About Us

To get a deeper insight into teaching at West Island School and our vibrant community watch our introductory videoTeaching at West Island School

Please read this document about our incredible school a lot happens at West Island School! Please have a read and think if this is the type of school you would like to work at and be part of its community.West Island School at a Glance

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and offers may be extended prior to the job closing date. We strongly recommend early applications as we reserve the right to appoint candidates earlier than the closing date.

By applying for this position your application may be considered for other opportunities (senior-level roles head of department etc.) within ESF.

ESF is an Equal Opportunities Employer

The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is fully committed to providing equal employment opportunity. ESF will not discriminate on the basis of age race colour gender marital status sexual orientation gender identity pregnancy national origin religion veteran status physical or mental disability genetic information creed citizenship or any other status protected by local laws or regulations.

Personal data provided by job applicants will be used strictly in accordance with the ESFs Personal Data Policy a copy of which will be provided upon request.

ESF is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of all students in our care and expects all applicants to uphold this commitment. We adhere to rigorous recruitment practices with all appointments contingent upon an interview identity verification criminal background checks (including ICPC SCRC and other international background checks as appropriate) assessment of social media presence and positive references.

In accordance with the Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2025 guidelines ESF may perform online checks for all shortlisted candidates prior to the interview.

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