ZIS Head of School Candidate Brief

BACK GROUND

Zhuhai International School is an IB World School in Guangdong, China educating roughly 250 students from over 20 countries around the world. Providing a genuinely progressive education with a focus on well-being, Zhuhai International School is a leader in inclusion in southern China.

Acknowleding the bright future for the city and the Greater Bay Area, Zhuhai International School was founded in 2007 with the vision of leading the region in education quality . Initially, ZIS served primary students before quickly adding grades to serve middle school and high school students. In 2012 ZIS became a certified IB World School offering the Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programmes. ZIS maintains its communityfirst approach as it serves students from all corners of the globe as well as those who live nearby.

ZIS is dedicatedits to a number of signature programs that allow students to grow academically while developing 21st century skills. These include Outdoor Pursuits, Service Learning, and Design Thinking. Students are further challenged through special events such as Model United Nations, ASDAN Business Simulations and World Scholars Cup.

As a member of the Pearl River Delta, ZIS students are actively engaging with schools in the city and beyond in a variety of sporting events. With a combination of teachers and external coaches, students are able to become adept soccer, tennis, martial arts, and long distance athletes. www.zischina.com

The school has recently completed the revision of their guiding statements, setting a strong vision for excellence in education and in 2022 completed their IB Evaluation and CIS Accreditation processes setting the school up for continued success.

Driving the school's decision-making, actions and approach to caring for children, the ZIS Mission Statement informs all practice:

We strive to develop dynamic and principled global citizens who have the skills and attitudes to enable them to become compassionate life-long learners who will contribute positively to the future of our world.

ZIS is able to meet this mission through high academic standards and the celebration of the cultural, linguistic, and learning diversity that makes ZIS a truly caring learning environment in which children can thrive.

ZIS nurtures individual talents and embraces a shared passion for learning through an inquirybased international education. With a flexible, holistic approach, ZIS fosters creativity, student agency, and a sense of belonging. Going beyond academic life, service learning is celebrated and cultural awareness, international mindedness, and care for the community is nurtured in each child.

ACADEMIC

With its established and well developed IB programming, ZIS stands on a strong academic foundation. From our Early Years Programming, inspired by the De Jager model of development through our Primary Years, Middle Years, and Diploma Programmes, each section of the school offers our young people a world-class education in a beautiful, natural environment. With our excellent staff to student ratio, the school is designed to provide individualized care and ensure that all classrooms are safe, secure learning spaces.

The school's commitment to excellence in teaching and learning forms how it approaches all learning engagements. These ensure students are challenged, engaged, empowered, and equipped to face their world. Students are encouraged to be creative, reflective, critical thinkers who approach learning with an open mind and reflective attitude.

FACILITIES

Situated on 4 acres of land, the ZIS campus is surrounded by the trees that populate the island. At the centre, students find the shade of the banyan tree, a symbol of growth and protection. With a 200 m running track, turf soccer pitch, full basket ball court and many outdoor playing spaces, the site takes full advantage of thenatural surroundings.

Early Years enjoys a space specifically designed around the needs of the youngest learners. Within their own building, they engage in their learning in a private play area where students have a safe space in which to connect with each other and the nature nearby.

The ZIS Library occupies a prominent place in the school and in teaching and learning. From this hub, the team inspires literacy, instils attitudes of integrity, and manages ample physical and digital resources. Two fully equipped Science Labs support student investigations into their world.

Without a doubt, the school's special location on Qi'ao Island enriches the daily learning experiences. Within a few minutes bus ride, students have access to protected mangroves, beekeeping, beaches, and the special village community of Qi'ao itself. Located a short walk from campus, the White Dolphin Conservation Office is an outstanding partner for learning about the natural world and sustainability issues. Just 15 minutes from campus on the mainland is Zhuhai's Hi-Tech Zone, a quickly expanding assembly of innovative start ups arriving to advance their industry alongside the established robotics, communications, and design companies.

EARLY YEARS

At the age of 3 years, children begin their ZIS journey. Expert Early Childhood educators ensure the youngest students explore their world, build their curiosity, and build the many skills they will use through their PYP journey. With a focus on a love of learning, children develop social, physical, creative and academic skills through play in a warm, friendly atmosphere.

PRIMARY SCHOOL

In the Primary School, students from 6 to 11 years of age continue their journey through the Primary Years Programme. This inquiry-based program focuses on developing the whole child through learning engagements that allow each of them to access the curriculum in a manner that meets their needs in a specialised, progressive approach working around the Common Core.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

The Middle Years Programme is an academically rigorous, inquiry based and interdisciplinary programme taught by dedicated and talented teachers. In addition to completing the Personal Project, Middle School students can become involved in Model United Nations, World Scholars Cup and ASDAN Business Simulations. Students are encouraged to stretch themselves and be engaged in their local community.

HIGH SCHOOL

During their last two years, ZIS students follow the IB Diploma Programme, a widely recognized, rigorous curriculum that opens doors to top universities around the world.

Guided by our college counsellor, students are supported in the college and university application process.

THE ROLE

At ZIS, children come first. The Head of School reflects the very attributes defined in the IB Learner Profile. In this way, the Head can embody the school's definition of global citizenship and excellence in teaching and learning.

The Head should lead with a positive attitude and maintain strong communication links with all members of the community. The successful candidate will uphold the highest degree of quality in staff and focus on best hiring practice and retention. The Head will develop a sense of well-being amongst the students and uphold high standards of ethics and morals at all times.

TEACHING & LEARNING

A Head of school needs to:

Be an educator who understands how to connect with children.

Provide professional leadership to all staff.

Provide opportunity for professional development to all staff.

Improve the quality of education and ensure ZIS maintains a high standard of teaching and learning

Be informed of the best practice and ensure that the school is at the forefront of education.

Build and foster relationships

STRATEGIC DIRECTION & DEVELOPMENT

Lead by example, provide inspiration and motivation for the pupils, staff and parents.

Embody the vision, purpose and leadership of the school.

Create an ethos and provide cross site educational vision.

Together with the Board create and implement a strategic plan.

Work towards the highest level of pupil achievement, individually challenging, support and morale.

Ensure that all members of the school community are committed to and motivated to achieve its aims.

Ensure that all policies and procedures are up to date, commonly known and followed.

Ensure the health and safety of the school community

LEADERSHIP & ADMINISTRATION

Ensure inspiring leadership and general management that meets the set educational standards agreed with the Governing Board.

Have clear and effective communication upholding the school values and principles at all times, celebrating individual and collective achievements of all members of the school community. Have effective leadership with all staff and ensure growth opportunities to all.

Manage agreed budget and expenses together with the Board Representative ensuring consistent financial health.

Ascertain all implementation of legal programs, together with the Board Representative.

Together with the Chinese Principal, prepare yearly reports for the Board. Ensure the School’s organisational structure is constantly under review and that roles and responsibilities are clear.

STAKEHOLDERS

Maintain an open dialogue with the Governing Board that is strategic and informative.

Recruit and retain high quality staff and encourage a culture of professional development and opportunity.

Ensure a trusting relationship with current and prospective parents through clarity and collaboration.

Maintain and develop the partnership with the Friends of ZIS parent association.

Foster growth in the community through the development of outreach and partnerships.

To students, be seen as a principled caring leader who is approachable and well-humoured.

www.zischina.com

YOU, THE CANDIDATE

The successful candidate must be an inspirational and progressive leader who can secure the full engagement of staff and other stakeholders in the delivery of the School’s overall objectives.

They will show leadership and moral values through action and example in their day-today conduct. They will engage positively with the community, be a respected ambassador for ZIS, motivate others, and achieve excellent academic results within a holistic, inclusive environment.

QUALIFICATIONS

University educated and recognised teaching qualification. Masters (or postgraduate) degree in Education, Administration, or related field.

Understanding and knowledge of:

Assessment of learning and for learning, use of data, tracking and monitoring. Current educational issues and up-to-date curriculum developments. Teaching strategies and pedagogy that both engage pupils and achieve highest outcomes

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

Appropriate leadership position in a similar school.

Experience in an English-speaking school in an international setting. Proven ability to support, motivate, lead and manage staff. The ability to represent the school positively to its student and parent community. Organisational and administrative skills with experience in resource management.

QUALITIES

Passion for learning.

Positive attitude towards responsibility. A good listener and communicator. Team player and willing to work with all stakeholders. Fair and respectful with a strong sense of duty.

Collaborative with a willingness to draw upon the expertise of the surrounding team. Willing to learn and immerse oneself in the local culture.

HOW TO APPLY

Zhuhai International School is looking for applications directly and through Search Associates and other recruitment agencies.

The closing date for applications is November 18, 2022.

Following a long list meeting of the Selection Committee, successful candidates will be invited for an initial interview with the Chinese Principal and Board Representative. Shortlist interviews with the Selection Committee on will commence in December followed by briefing visits and final interviews before the new year.

In order to apply, please submit a twopage CV along with a cover letter outlining your interest in the role and ZIS. Please provide descriptions of your experience relevant to the criteria provided here within. We ask for the names and addresses of three referees. Referees will not be approached until the final stages and not without prior permission from candidates.

PERSONAL INFORMATION

In line with CIS Safeguarding Guidelines, we ask that you NOT send us any documentation that can identify children or any of your Sensitive Personal Data (racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, health or sexual orientation or biometric data) in your CV and application documentation.

Following this notice, any inclusion of your Sensitive Personal Data in your CV/ application documentation will be understood by us as your expressed consent to process this information going forward. Please also remember to not mention anyone’s information or details (e.g. referees) who have not previously agreed to their inclusion.

ZIS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. A background check, including criminal records check and/or police clearance, will be conducted on all successful applicants.