Head of Art

Fettes College is one of the UK’s foremost independent co-educational boarding and day schools. Situated in Edinburgh, a city rich in history, learning and culture, Fettes College is a centre of educational excellence, a reputation it has held for one hundred and fifty years.

Fettes College Guangzhou (FCG), opened in September 2020, as the first overseas campus of Fettes College. The new school is closely linked to Fettes College and shares its ethos and vision: to provide the highest quality holistic, and broad-based education that will stretch and challenge its students, equipping them with the qualifications, skills and personal qualities that enable them to flourish and succeed at school and beyond.

Fettes College Guangzhou is located on a spacious, world-class campus in Zengcheng, bordered by forests and hills, and yet is within one hour’s drive of Guangzhou city centre and Baiyun International Airport. The campus has been designed with flair and imagination to capture the unique character and features of Fettes’ Edinburgh campus.

The role

The individual who oversees and leads the visual arts department. This person is responsible for managing and coordinating various aspects of the visual arts, including painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, ceramics, printmaking, and other related disciplines.

1. Designing and implementing a comprehensive visual arts curriculum that aligns with educational standards and goals.The Head of Arts ensures that the arts curriculum aligns with the requirements and guidelines of the IGCSE and A-Level examination boards; Stay updated on any changes in the syllabi, assessment criteria, and grading systems and make necessary adjustments to the curriculum accordingly.Hiring, supervising, and evaluating visual arts teachers, instructors, and support staff.

2. Allocating and managing financial resources for the visual arts department, including funding for art supplies, equipment, exhibitions, and events.

3. Providing guidance and support to students interested in pursuing visual arts, including mentoring, advising, and facilitating opportunities for growth and development.

4.Hiring, supervising, and evaluating visual arts teachers, instructors, and support staff.The Head of Arts coordinates with the arts faculty to plan and implement effective strategies for preparing students for IGCSE and A-Level examinations; facilitate exam-focused workshops, provide guidance on exam techniques, and monitor students' progress through mock exams and assessments. Collaborating with other departments, faculty, and community organizations to promote interdisciplinary projects, partnerships, and exhibitions.Managing and maintaining visual arts facilities, equipment, and resources, ensuring they are safe, functional, and accessible.

5. Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the visual arts program through assessments and student artwork. Assessment and grading processes within the arts department; Ensure that assessment tasks and criteria align with the examination board's requirements and standards. They may also moderate student work to maintain consistency and fairness in grading.Support teachers in delivering high-quality instruction, ensuring that students develop the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their exams.

6.Provides guidance to students pursuing arts-related pathways beyond secondary education; Assist students in selecting appropriate A-Level subjects, preparing portfolios or audition materials for university applications, and exploring career opportunities in the arts.

7. Promotes professional growth among arts teachers by organizing CPD opportunities specific to the IGCSE and A-Level programs. Facilitate workshops, invite external experts, or encourage teachers to pursue further qualifications to enhance their teaching practice.

8. Establishes and maintains connections with external organizations, such as art galleries, theaters, and music institutions, to provide enriching experiences for students; Organize field trips, guest artist visits, or collaborative projects to broaden students' exposure to the arts beyond the classroom.

The head of visual art also works closely with administrators and parents to advocate for the importance of visual arts education and to ensure the program's success.

Application Process

All applications must consist of the following completed documents:

• Letter of application (maximum one and a half sides, Garamond 12) addressed to hr@fettes.cn . Please state clearly in your letter your teaching experience, together with details of your co-curricular strengths and contributions. This should be attached to your electronic application.

• CV (maximum four sides) naming two referees, one of whom must be your current or most recent employer. This should be attached to your electronic application.

Please note: Incomplete applications will not be considered and Fettes College Guangzhou reserves the right to make an appointment at any stage of the recruitment process.

Please contact us if you have any questions about the process: hr@fettes.cn

Applications will be considered upon receipt and selected candidates will be invited to interview in the coming weeks.

Requirements:

Interviews

Candidates selected for interview will be invited to interview with the Head of College or other senior leaders to discuss their experience and interest in the role. Depending on your location, interviews will be conducted in the following cities or via video conference:

• Guangzhou, China

Safeguarding

Fettes College Guangzhou is committed to Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all the students in our care and expects all applicants to share this commitment. We follow safe recruitment practice, and all appointments are subject to an interview, satisfactory references as well as identity and criminal record checks.

We look forward to receiving your application.