Director of Curriculum and Instruction

Fettes College is one of the UK’s foremost independent co-educational boarding and day schools. Situated in Edinburgh, a city rich in history, learning and culture, Fettes College is a centre of educational excellence, a reputation it has held for one hundred and fifty years.

Fettes College Guangzhou (FCG), opened in September 2020, as the first overseas campus of Fettes College. The new school is closely linked to Fettes College and shares its ethos and vision: to provide the highest quality holistic, and broad-based education that will stretch and challenge its students, equipping them with the qualifications, skills and personal qualities that enable them to flourish and succeed at school and beyond.

Fettes College Guangzhou is located on a spacious, world-class campus in Zengcheng, bordered by forests and hills, and yet is within one hour’s drive of Guangzhou city centre and Baiyun International Airport. The campus has been designed with flair and imagination to capture the unique character and features of Fettes’ Edinburgh campus.

Job Description

Fettes College Guangzhou is a vibrant and innovative educational institution located in Guangzhou, China, committed to providing an outstanding international education that prepares students not just for university success but for meaningful lives. We serve an international student body with a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures, fostering a global perspective and an environment of academic excellence.

Employment Status

This is a full-time, exempt, at-will position. The Director of Curriculum and Instruction (DCI) reports directly to the Head of College.

Position Overview

The DCI at Fettes College Guangzhou plays a critical role in shaping the educational experience, ensuring that the curriculum is engaging, relevant, and aligned with the highest standards of international education. As a key member of the school’s leadership team, the DCI will work collaboratively to set strategic academic goals and implement innovative instructional practices.

Responsibilities:

1. Academic Leadership and Curriculum Development:

• Serve as the EY, Primary and Secondary instructional leader, shaping the academic vision in collaboration with the Head of College and Heads of School.
• Drive curriculum development with a focus on international-mindedness and inquiry-based learning.
• Lead professional development initiatives and foster a culture of continuous learning among teaching staff.
• Coordinate with department heads to ensure a cohesive and comprehensive educational program.
• Oversee student assessment strategies, including internal and external examinations.
• Lead student progress meetings with Heads of School.
• Analyze assessment data college wide.
• Work with EAC/AEN coordinator to ensure quality of EAC program.

2. Teacher Supervision and Professional Growth:

• Conduct regular classroom observations, providing feedback and strategies for instructional improvement.
• Mentor teaching staff through individual coaching sessions and support their professional development goals.
• Evaluate academic staff performance and contribute to the recruitment and retention of high-quality educators.
• Promote a collaborative working environment that encourages innovation and reflective practice.

3. Student Success and Support:

• Develop academic support programs to address the diverse learning needs of students.
• Lead the implementation of a robust Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) framework.
• Advocate for the needs of all students, including those with gifts and talents, ensuring they receive appropriate challenges and support.

4. Community Engagement and Communication:

• Foster strong relationships with students, parents, and the wider school community.
• Communicate effectively about student progress, curriculum initiatives, and educational outcomes.
• Embrace a holistic approach to education, taking into account the social, emotional, and physical well-being of students.

5. Inclusive Excellence and Restorative Practices:

• Commit to inclusive excellence by engaging in meaningful dialogue around equity and inclusivity.
• Utilize restorative justice approaches to resolve conflicts and build a positive school culture.

6. Boarding and Prep Support

• Work with Heads of School and Head of Boarding to provide support with boarding and evening prep duty on a regular basis.

7. Oversee accreditation progresses with SLT members (COBIS, PYP, MYP, Apple Distinguished School.)

Skills/qualifications:

• A minimum of five years of experience in a leadership role within an international or highly diverse educational setting.
• A Master’s degree in education or a related field is preferred.
• Proven track record of improving student outcomes and advancing curriculum innovation.
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and empower others.
• Excellent communication skills and proficiency in educational technology.
• Significant Secondary Leadership required. 

Possession of relevant education certifications or teaching qualifications such as PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) and QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) certificates.

Cross-cultural teaching experience and adaptability to establish positive relationships with students and parents from diverse cultural backgrounds, fostering cultural exchange and understanding.

Application Process

All applications must consist of the following completed documents:

• Letter of application (maximum one and a half sides, Garamond 12) addressed to hr@fettes.cn . Please state clearly in your letter your teaching experience, together with details of your co-curricular strengths and contributions. This should be attached to your electronic application.

• CV (maximum four sides) naming two referees, one of whom must be your current or most recent employer. This should be attached to your electronic application.

Please note: Incomplete applications will not be considered and Fettes College Guangzhou reserves the right to make an appointment at any stage of the recruitment process.

Please contact us if you have any questions about the process: hr@fettes.cn

Applications will be considered upon receipt and selected candidates will be invited to interview in the coming weeks.

Interviews

Candidates selected for interview will be invited to interview with the Head of College or other senior leaders to discuss their experience and interest in the role. Depending on your location, interviews will be conducted in the following cities or via video conference:

• Guangzhou, China

Safeguarding

Fettes College Guangzhou is committed to Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all the students in our care and expects all applicants to share this commitment. We follow safe recruitment practice, and all appointments are subject to an interview, satisfactory references as well as identity and criminal record checks.

We look forward to receiving your application.