Taipei European School welcomes applicants for a Deputy Head to commence in the French Primary Section of Taipei European School in August 2023. The French Primary Section is committed to the organisational vision, that all flourish! 

Primary Purpose:

The Deputy Head of the French Primary Section (FS) supports the FS with all aspects of the Section’s day-to-day operations of the European Primary Campus (EPC), reporting directly to the Head of FS, as well as contributing to the development of the FS and TES as a whole. The Deputy Head's specific areas of responsibilities include: curriculum development and consolidation; ensuring high quality teaching and learning; developing programmes of continuing professional development for staff; performance management of staff; and safeguarding. As a senior member of the FS Senior Leadership Team, the Deputy Head is expected to: contribute to strategic planning; lead designated focus areas, some of which will be linked to accreditation standards and goals; and assist with policy development within the FS and TES as a whole.

The Deputy Head will be required to lead and manage Section initiatives and reviews as assigned by the Head. The Deputy Head is expected to work closely with other TES campus SLT members and staff to achieve school priorities. The Deputy Head will work with staff from the British Primary and German Sections in order to create a harmonious, collaborative approach to students’ learning and activities at the EPC. The Deputy Head will also be aware of developments and practices in the Middle Years and Secondary High School Sections and support the transition of students from Primary.

All members at FS will support and promote the mission, vision and values of the Taipei European School (TES) at all times, articulating and reinforcing the aim of “One School with Common Aims” within an ethos of European culture and values.

In summary, the Deputy Head of FS will be an outstanding practitioner providing leadership, management and support to the FS within the whole school framework of TES.

Application Procedure and Timeline

If you are excited by this opportunity, please complete our application form online and where you will also be asked to upload your CV and a Covering Letter in which you share your experience and enthusiasm for the role.

Your application should consist of:

1) A completed application form and supporting statement.

2) A covering letter and CV.

As an employer committed to safeguarding the welfare of children, it is necessary that when completing your application form there are no gaps shown in your career history. Any breaks of service must be accounted for. 

Application deadline: (CST) 4.00 p.m. on Friday 03 February 2023. 

Leadership and Supervisory Responsibilities:

The Deputy Head of FS will lead by example and adopt ethical and principled educational leadership within the Section guided by the School’s Mission, Vision and Community Values. The Deputy Head of FS will work with the Head and FS Leadership Team to strive to create an effective, productive and caring atmosphere where all students and staff have the opportunity to learn and flourish.

In addition to supporting and deputising for the Head of FS, the Deputy Head is expected to directly lead certain aspects of the FS, as detailed below, and to display initiative, responsibility and accountability. The Deputy will be a good communicator and confident presenter to staff, students and parents  and will adopt a range of leadership styles, from consultative and inclusive to directive, where appropriate. 

Although the Deputy Head will play a key leadership role within the FS, there is an expectation to seek collaborative projects and activities with the British Primary and German Primary Sections, as well as establishing authentic links with the Middle, Secondary and High School Years.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

A)    Teaching and Learning 
The Deputy Head of FS will:

• Take a lead and have an overview of curriculum initiatives within FS and TES as a whole;
• Be the Assessment Leader of the FS, overseeing the assessment, recording and reporting cycles, including moderation;
• Promote effective and high quality teaching and learning through a Mastery Led-Learning pedagogy;
• Lead specific curriculum areas of the school, as designated by the Head.

B)    Pastoral Leadership 
The Deputy Head of FS will:

• Play a full role in the provision of pastoral care, supporting Assistant Heads and class teachers in the FS and act as the Deputy Safeguarding Lead;
• Work with the Head of FS to ensure policies, practices and parental communications are established and maintained to support the well-being and the physical, emotional and social development of students;
• Oversee or take a lead regarding concerns or investigations into behavioural issues and potential bullying, and ensuring clear and up-to-date records;
• Report to and consult with the Head of FS, where appropriate, regarding student and staff pastoral matters.

C)    Management & Administration 
The Deputy Head of FS will:

• Take full responsibility for the running of the FS in the absence of the Head;
• Work with the Head of FS and other TES leaders to ensure the protection of all students and staff through effective health, safety and security policies and procedures. Contribute to the operation and review of regular practices of emergency drills and procedures. Participate in the campus Incident Management Team (EPC IMT);
• Lead certain organisational elements of Section, such as: school events; parent workshops; field trips; and Co-Curricular Activities (CCA’s);
• Work closely with all relevant members of TES staff to oversee the shared use of facilities and coordination of events, publishing timetables and booking details in advance, as required;
• Meet regularly with senior members of the FS, British Primary and German Sections to discuss and coordinate management issues at the EPC, for example through the Primary Campus Leadership Team (PCLT);
• Act as the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Coordinator for the FS, developing varied and appropriate opportunities for in-service training through direct liaison with external providers and school networks, such as AEFE, as well as utilising internal expertise;
• Encourage and supervise, where appropriate, specific training programmes for staff, such as NPQH and iPGCE, liaising with the awarding body or institution;
• Devise and administer the induction programme for newly appointed members of staff;
• Be actively involved in, and assist the Head in overseeing, the Section’s Performance Management system for teaching staff;
• Assist the Head of FS in the interviewing and hiring of new staff, as required;
• Support the Head of FS in promoting staff involvement in all aspects of school life;
• Lead, motivate and inspire a wide range of middle leaders within the FS;
• Arrange Staff Meetings and Inset Day Meetings as required, and ensure they are as efficient, useful and productive as possible;
• Liaise and work with parent groups, such as the French Parent Association (FPA), as required;
• Work with the Admissions Department to determine recommendations arising from student applications;
• Assist with the review and updating of Section publications and materials, such as handbooks, policy and procedural documents.

Qualification
• A professional teaching qualification and higher-level degree(s)
• Evidence of training and qualifications in school leadership and management

Experience
• Experience of middle and senior leadership, ideally in an international school environment.
• Knowledge of international and French education systems and curricula, their delivery, and assessment
• Understanding of the principles of organisational culture and behaviour
• Evidence of success in leading and developing teams and individuals
• Knowledge and experience of performance management procedures and supporting staff to develop and improve
• Awareness of the current issues and trends in education
• Experience of managing delegated budgets
• Track record of successfully engaging with others in a diverse community, building positive and productive working relationships
• Knowledge and training in safeguarding ad child protection procedures and experience of dealing with these issues.

Personal Qualities
• A passion for education
• An effective communicator, able to: inspire trust; counsel and mediate
• Excellent interpersonal skills; able to relate well with parents, students, and staff
• A high degree of personal and professional integrity
• Ability to form strong and trusting relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders
• Ability to prioritise and manage many issues while modelling clarity and transparency of process and communication
• Adaptability to change and ability to embrace innovation and creativity
• Enthusiasm for taking on a leadership role in a fast-paced, growing, changing school environment
• Excellent administrative, organisational and ICT skills
• A global citizen with high levels of cultural sensitivity and emotional intelligence
• A lifelong learner
• A leader who displays deep commitment to the TES core values, and clearly demonstrates the skills and qualities expected of a TES community member
• A sense of humour!