Job Title: Head of Art
Line Manager: Head of Faculty (Creative and Performing Arts)
Department: Upper School
Location: Hangzhou, China
School Type: Well-known K12 British-style school
Start Date: August 2026

Role Summary
The Head of Art leads the Art department across all school phases (K12), with experience and focus on drawing and painting. The role includes managing the Art curriculum, staff, budget, and resources, and ensuring delivery of IGCSE and A Level Art. The post holder works with the Chinese Principal’s team on the Chinese National Curriculum and integrated curriculum.

General Responsibilities

Lead, coordinate, and allocate work within the Art department, fostering a positive team culture.

Manage teaching and support staff, including performance management and professional development.

Set and oversee the departmental budget.

Ensure proper maintenance of equipment and resources.

Develop and implement the Art curriculum across all school phases.

Monitor student discipline and ensure compliance with health and safety procedures.

Keep updated on developments in Art education and curriculum trends.

Support the marketing department in promoting academic achievements and initiatives.

Teach a reduced timetable, including IGCSE and A Level Art.

Act as a tutor and participate in boarding duties and school events (evenings and weekends as needed).

Subject Knowledge

Strong knowledge and experience in IGCSE and A Level Art, with a focus on drawing and painting.

Familiarity with the Chinese National Curriculum attainment targets and examination frameworks.

High standard of specialist knowledge and practice in Art.

Commitment to continuous professional development in the subject area.

Subject Application

Plan, prepare, and review schemes of work and lessons.

Set challenging expectations and use differentiation strategies.

Employ varied teaching strategies appropriate to age, ability, and level.

Use suitable resources, including IT.

Set and mark homework according to school policy.

Support EAL students in language and communication development.

Ensure progress in Chinese National Curriculum and Integrated Curriculum for Grades 7–9.

Oversee long-term plans, timelines, and schemes of work.

Take full responsibility for IGCSE and A Level Art examination results.

Classroom Management

Maintain a purposeful and orderly learning environment.

Safeguard student health and safety.

Use appropriate groupings (whole class, pairs, small groups, individual).

Apply rewards and sanctions in line with school policy.

Sustain student interest and motivation.

Ensure respect for classroom facilities and equipment.

Maintain vibrant displays in shared areas.

Order and manage teaching resources within budget.

Assessment and Recording

Identify individual student attainment levels.

Assess student performance against age-related expectations and take remedial action as needed.

Systematically assess and record student progress.

Mark work and provide formative feedback.

Use assessment as a core part of teaching.

Prepare students for public examinations.

Plan, prepare, and review assessments annually.

Tutoring

Promote student progress and well-being.

Provide guidance on educational, social, and career matters.

Record and report on student personal and social needs.

Communicate with parents.

Act as a mentor to tutor group students.

Provide performance updates to parents through conferences.

Performance Management

Participate in self and peer performance appraisal.

Regularly reflect on teaching methods.

Engage in further training and professional development.

Working Time

Attend curriculum, administration, and pastoral meetings, including morning briefings.

Undertake boarding duties as a member of the academic staff.

Curriculum Extension

Contribute to extracurricular and sports programmes.

Participate in the extended life of the school.

During gained time, develop curriculum materials, assist in team teaching, provide learning support, or plan activities for new students.

Other Responsibilities

Organise and participate in visits, excursions, and enrichment activities.

Contribute to school community events.

Carry out other reasonable duties as assigned by the line manager or headteacher.

Department Administration – Academic

Formulate, monitor, and revise courses for all Upper School stages and abilities.

Implement whole-school policies within the Art department.

Set, monitor, and review departmental targets.

Arrange departmental INSET in coordination with school leadership.

Support, guide, and assess probationary teachers.

Organise internal examinations and handle public examination paperwork.

Liaise with external assessors and moderators.

Implement learning support strategies for students with difficulties.

Identify and nurture able students.

Coordinate UCAS subject references for Art.

Liaise with Lower School teachers on curriculum continuity and resource sharing.

Arrange cover for absent department members.

Maintain and update the Department Handbook and accurate records.

Department Administration – Fabric and Appearance

Report repair and maintenance needs to the Operations department.

Enhance classroom appearance using appropriate display materials.

Administrative

Keep accurate records as required by school policies.

Safeguarding

Ensure student well-being is paramount.

Liaise with the Designated Safeguarding Lead as needed.

Meetings

Attend Head of Department meetings and contribute to academic welfare discussions.

Hold and record regular departmental meetings.

Attend other relevant committees as required.

Coordinate departmental input on exam results, assessment, reporting, and subject choices.

Prepare Art department staff for Parent–Tutor Conferences.

Candidate Profile

Demonstrates integrity, clear communication, high standards, and understanding of pupil, parent, and staff needs.

Acts as an ambassador for the school.

Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Builds positive relationships with students, staff, and parents.

Analytical problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

Adaptable and able to turn vision into practice.

Committed to quality and sharing best practices in teaching and learning.

Understands academic best practice in a cross-cultural secondary school context.

Knowledge of departmental planning and reporting.

Proficient in using ICT to enhance teaching and learning.

Interested in and willing to engage with contemporary Chinese culture.

Works well under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

Optimistic, resilient, with a good sense of balance and humour.

Currently residing in China.

PGCE/QTS strongly preferred.

Child Safeguarding

Attend in-house safeguarding programmes.

Promote and safeguard student welfare.

Report any concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Maintain professional relationships with students.

Seek advice on safeguarding issues from line manager or DSL.

Ensure visitors and vendors follow safeguarding guidelines.


Compensation & Benefits
Base Salary: commensurate with experience and qualifications

House allowance

Work visa support

Health insurance

Paid winter and summer holidays (according to school calendar)

Chinese public holidays & Christmas

Travel allowance

Free schooling for dependents