Head of Language Acquisition

Job Description
We at GEMS International School, Al Khail are looking for experienced Head of Language Acquisition to join our Secondary team for the Academic Year commencing August 2025.
The successful candidate will be an experienced educational leader who is excited to join our world-class school and is driven to provide education at an exceptional level. GEMS teachers enjoy an outstanding school environment in which to deliver a dynamic and creative curriculum to motivated students. At GIS our teachers are supported by highly qualified staff in world-class facilities. Our diverse international community is encouraged to develop intercultural understanding and respect. Our aim is to be a world-class IB school that maximizes every student’s learning and character to enable them to choose their own successful path and positively contribute to the local and global society.

Job Description includes but not limited to:

1. Embrace and encourage the ethos and standards of excellence as defined in the GEMS Core Values.
2. Organise and manage the department in line with the aims and objectives of the school.
3. Responsible for ensuring high standards of teaching and learning in the relevant subject area including overseeing the professional development of staff and keeping abreast of recent developments in the subject.
4. Evaluate the effectiveness of teaching and learning and provide support and guidance to staff where appropriate. Set priorities and targets for the department.
5. Make effective use of departmental resources and take responsibility for ordering new resources including textbooks, stationary etc.
6. Assist in staff appraisals and with the recruitment of teachers for the department. Ensure that new staff are appropriately inducted into the department.
7. Compile, and review where appropriate, the Departmental Handbook.
8. Delegate specific responsibilities to other members of the department as appropriate.
9. Convene and chair departmental meetings to ensure effective communication within the department.
10. Set appropriate subject entry tests for applicants to the school.
11. Act as the first point of contact for teaching staff in the department who are experiencing difficulties with pupil behavior, standards of work etc.
12. Carry out all professional duties of a teacher (approximate 70% of a full weekly teaching timetable).
13. Ensure the GEMS policies, procedures, and codes of conduct are followed at all times.
14. Initiate effort and energy beyond the typical work day, where the tasks require additional commitment.
15. Attend staff meetings and serve on committees as required.
16. Perform other duties as requested by direct & dotted reporting line managers / supervisors.

The ideal candidate will have:

1. A certified professional teaching qualification at degree level, such as B.Ed, PGCE, PGDE or equivalent with specialism in Modern Foreign Languages.
2. A minimum of 3 years of solid and demonstrable experience within a similar role, ideally within an IB Curriculum School, however this is not mandatory.
3. Leadership experience is preferred but not necessary.
4. Team and resource management, strategic planning and decision-making.
5. Ability to motivate a team and command respect.
6. The experience, personality and educational philosophy to drive further, the education agenda at this flagship GEMS school with an international student body.
7. The desire to provide outstanding teaching and learning.
8. Aspiration to work in a world class school with real prospects for enhancing their career.