Discovery College is searching for a Head of Performing Arts (TLR2)/Teacher of MYP/DP Theatre, you will lead a newly configured multi-disciplinary Performing Arts department within the Secondary school.

As Secondary Head of Department - Head of Performing Arts (TLR2)/Teacher of MYP/DP Theatre, you will lead a newly configured multi-disciplinary Performing Arts department within the Secondary school. Moving from a Whole College model to a Secondary focus, this role centers on driving teaching and learning excellence, fostering a collaborative professional culture, and managing day-to-day operations of your department. Recognizing that the department encompasses distinct specialist disciplines, the Head of Performing Arts is not expected to be an expert in every subject area, but rather to align vision, facilitate pedagogical growth, and leverage the collective expertise of the team to maximize student learning and outcomes.

The successful candidate will also teach MYP and DP Theatre, with a reduction of one class allocated to the TLR 2 role.

Main Accountabilities

Mission and Values

Embody and promote Discovery College’s mission, Grow, Discover, Dream, alongside the values of the IB Learner Profile across all aspects of school life.
Put the student at the centre of decision-making, supporting each learner in being the best they can be.

Departmental Leadership

Foster a strong culture of collaboration, professional dialogue, and continuous reflection across all disciplines within the department in order to co-design units, map curricula, and moderate student work.
Lead pedagogical innovation and curriculum development within the department, developing department goals in line with our School Enhancement objectives, in order to enhance student learning.
Oversee departmental financial management, including budget allocation, tracking, and operational planning.
Manage department inventory, specialized equipment, physical learning spaces, and safety compliance.
Lead the operational logistics, coordination, and execution for department events, exhibitions, performances, and other showcases both within Discovery College, and across ESF.
Align departmental strategy, planning, and documentation with Secondary priorities, College strategic goals, and ESF policies.
Work alongside other Secondary Middle Leaders and the Senior Leadership Team to ensure consistency and coherence across the curriculum.
Collaborate with Senior and Middle Leaders and the PYP Coordinator to ensure clear curriculum pathways and student transitions into Secondary.
Line manage and support department staff, fostering their professional growth and promoting team cohesion.

Curriculum & Instructional Design

Design and deliver intentional, concept-based, and inquiry-led learning experiences aligned with IB standards and practices and school-wide curriculum frameworks.
Implement a balanced range assessment strategies that provide timely, actionable, meaningful feedback to drive continuous student progress.
Craft authentic learning opportunities that connect academic concepts to real-world applications, local Hong Kong contexts, and global issues.
Integrate digital technologies, with consideration and purposeful intent, to extend, personalise, and elevate student learning experiences.

Student Wellbeing

Act as an empathetic and proactive pastoral guide, supporting each student's social-emotional wellbeing, mental health, and personal growth.
Apply restorative practices to classroom management that foster mutual respect, responsibility, and emotional maturity.
Cultivate intercultural understanding, international-mindedness, and environmental stewardship within a multicultural through-train setting.

Personalisation, Inclusion & Belonging

Establish an inclusive, equity-minded classroom environment where a deep sense of belonging and psychological safety is at the centre of all practice.
Personalise learning pathways by using data to reflect on gaps and opportunities, flexibly differentiating content, process, and product to accommodate diverse learning styles, readiness levels, and linguistic backgrounds and improve student outcomes.
Actively champion student agency by providing intentional opportunities for student choice, voice, reflection, and inquiry.
Collaborate closely with Learning Diversity specialists to co-plan, implement, and monitor tailored support strategies for all learners, in line with the ESF Inclusion Policy.

Collaborative Professionalism

Engage in continuous reflective practice, using evidence of student learning to systematically evaluate and refine pedagogical approaches.
Model a commitment to lifelong learning through continuous professional learning, including a yearly Professional Review and Development (PRD) process, aligned with School Enhancement goals.

Engaging the Wider School Community

Actively participate in the school’s co-curricular program (CCA), No Boundaries experiential learning trips, and community-wide events.
Foster seamless curriculum and pastoral transitions across the Primary and Secondary sectors.
Maintain clear, empathetic, and regular communication with parents and guardians regarding student achievement, growth, and wellbeing.
Be an advocate for our school, promoting Discovery College in our wider community.
Uphold and enforce all school and ESF policies regarding child protection, safeguarding, health, and student safety at all times.

Reporting relationship

Deputy Head of Secondary/MYPC/DPC -> Head of Secondary -> Principal

Notes:

Tenure: Two (2) Year renewable teaching contract, with an additional One (1) Year renewable TLR2 role.

Eligibility - Applications process:

Applicants will be required to submit a CV and Cover letter that includes:

Their motivation to apply for such a position
The skills they would bring to the position

For enquiries, please contact Mandy Kwok @ 39691000 or Email: [email protected].

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 opportunities. 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 ESF's 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.

About Us

The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is the largest English-medium international school organisation in Hong Kong. Our 22 schools and comprehensive programme of extra-curricular activities bring out the best in every student through a personalised approach to learning and by inspiring curious minds.

There are over 18,000 students from 75 different nationalities in ESF kindergartens, primary, secondary and all-through schools.
www.esf.edu.hk

About the Team

Grow. Discover. Dream. This vision statement, created by the College community when the school was founded in 2007, recognizes Discovery College’s belief that students should be independent, critical and creative thinkers equipped with the skills, attitudes and values to contribute positively in this complex world in which we live.
The College strongly supports all subject areas with a robust academic curriculum, including the performing and creative arts, design and ICT. Technology is embedded across the curriculum, supported by a number of digital literacy staff and a 1:1 laptop programme from Year 6 onwards.
The College’s facilities are second to none, with an award-winning design that incorporates an exceptional performing arts centre, gymnasium spaces, 25m rooftop heated swimming pool, library, science labs and design technology rooms.
https://discovery.esf.edu.hk