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. About 70% of our students have parents who are permanent residents of Hong Kong.

ESF is proud of the high academic and wider achievements of our students. In 2020, 22 ESF students achieved the perfect score of 45 points in the IB Diploma examinations; more than 95% go on to leading universities worldwide.

www.esf.edu.hk

ABOUT THE TEAM

West Island School is a world class co-educational IB World School with a leading reputation in Hong Kong. Our school motto “Strength from Diversity” reflects that the school caters for students from over 40 nationalities. The school has a strong focus on developing responsible global citizenship teaching through the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Courage, compassion and service beyond the classroom define our students. We have a reputation for academic excellence and the vast majority of students graduate to a range of leading worldwide universities after completing the IBDP or IBCP programme. In 2020, our average score for the IB Diploma was 37, and 29% of students achieved 40 points or more. Extracurricular activities are offered termly through an extensive CAS programme (Community, Activity and Service). We have a strong focus on pastoral care to support the whole development of young people.

http://www.wis.edu.hk

JOB DESCRIPTION

West Island School is seeking a Teacher of Chinese for a maternity cover from October 2024 until March 2025. This will be a full-time temporary position as a Maternity cover.

We are looking for a passionate, inspirational and adaptable teacher who is able to teach both Chinese Language and Literature for students aged between 11-18. Experience in teaching Chinese Literature would be an advantage. You will teach a range of students from Foreign Language learners to students with Chinese as their native language. We offer different pathways at IBMYP, IGCSE and IBDP Standard and Higher Level.

You will join a department of six specialist teaching colleagues and two Educational Assistants. The Chinese team collaborates in the creation of new learning resources so your enthusiasm and teamwork will be highly valued by us. We regularly monitor student progress using a departmental markbook, so providing informed feedback to students is essential. You will be expected to take part in our scheduled Parents Evenings which take place on Zoom. We have an excellent suite of classrooms that have been refurbished over the last five years and are well-resourced.

Our learners are well-motivated and enjoy their life at West Island School. From 11-14, Chinese is taught as part of our IB Middle Years Programme and you will be able to contribute to developing lesson plans for our MYP learning units. From 14-16, the majority of our students will choose Chinese as part of their IGCSE options. In post-16, learners choose a variety of Chinese courses as part of their IBDP programme. Applications are welcome from those with experience in equivalent programmes such as A-level or Senior Secondary Curriculum.

All teachers at West Island School are tutors to a group of approximately 15 students within a particular year group and you should be able to demonstrate a commitment to the holistic development of young people through pastoral work.

Finally, there are a range of extra-curricular events and activities to which every teacher is expected to contribute. The department actively promotes Chinese culture and heritage with a range of extra-curricular activities which we hope you will be able to support by sharing your experience and skills. Many activities are based on the teacher's own interests or in support of students who are leading activities. It is essential that you are willing and able to contribute to the wider life of our school.

In return for your passion and delivering quality education, we offer a highly competitive pay. Our strength as part of the English Schools Foundation means that we offer security and the opportunities that are inherent in an established organization of our size.

Please refer to the ESF recruitment website as well as our own school-based website for further information. If we have missed anything in the details that follow, don’t hesitate to contact us for further information about the school or living in Hong Kong.

Principal - Vicki Hallatt [email redacted, apply via Company website]

Head of Chinese - Julia Zhu [email redacted, apply via Company website]

See ESF Terms and Conditions for further details of the conditions of service.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Education, or Bachelor's Degree in the subject with PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate of Education), or equivalent Experience of teaching a range of students across the full age and ability range up to and including Year 13.

High proficiency in the Chinese language and ability to teach Chinese literature an advantage

Innovative and student-centred pedagogy

A committed team player with the ability to contribute to the work of the department

Willingness to embrace change

Sound understanding of how to teach students with different learning needs

Our international school is taught in the medium of English for other areas of the curriculum and good writing and speaking skills in English are essential

As this is a temporary maternity post, applicants must be Permanent Hong Kong residents or possess a valid visa to work in Hong Kong.

For inquiries, please direct to Rathi Nandakumar - 852- 28191962

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 opportunity. 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.

Aligned with the recommendations of the International Task Force on Child Protection, we hold ourselves to a high standard of effective recruiting practices with specific attention to child protection.

Full-time