Entrepreneurship in the territories: is it the right time?
German European School Singapore (GESS) is a world class, not for profit International School in Singapore that offers both the German Curriculum stream and the IB Curriculum stream.
Currently, more than 1850 students are learning at our international school supported by more than 400 full time and part time academic and administrative staff members.
Our Preschool
We are both a German School Abroad and an International School. In our Preschool, we live and learn by our school values of Respect, Openness and Diversity.
Our Preschool approach is inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy of education, and built on the International Baccalaureate, Primary Years Programme, which provides a framework of core skills, knowledge, concepts and opportunities for children to take action based on their learning.
We believe that all children are curious and have an innate desire to know about their world. They are powerful, unique and capable learners who develop their own understanding in many different ways. Our children join us from as young as 2 years old, and leave us at 6 years old, and we acknowledge and understand the research that supports play and inquiry as powerful learning tools for children.
Our learning environments are intentionally prepared, and rich with opportunities for children to play, discover, experiment and explore. We very much believe in the classroom as the third teacher - and this extends to our pods, playground, corridors, and multidisciplinary rooms.
We are guided by a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) approach to student support, and endeavour to ensure that all children have access to the support that they need to grow and thrive here at GESS Preschool. Our approach is proactive, incorporating universal strategies, targeted support, and individualised interventions as needed.
Child protection and safeguarding is an underpinning principle of the work we do here at GESS Preschool and we have a strong commitment to safeguarding the children in our care.
We are a diverse community, with many nationalities, cultures and languages represented among our staff. This diversity is one of our strengths. No matter where you come from or what you believe, we are stronger together when we, as a community, put children first and live out our values and beliefs.
Director of Preschool
Start Date: 1st January 2025
The role of the Director of Preschool is to provide leadership through a clearly articulated vision for continuous improvement of teaching and learning whilst supporting student wellbeing. They are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Preschool and achieving and maintaining high-quality education and standards of learning for all students. The Director of Preschool safeguards community involvement, engagement and well-being of students, parents, and teachers.
Strategic development and vision
· Contribute to and implement the strategic development of the school in accordance with GESS’ accrediting bodies and decisions made by the Senior Leadership Team and Senior Management Team.
· Ensure all aspects of school performance are monitored and evaluated in a robust, cyclical manner.
· Develop and implement school policies and procedures.
· Contribute to innovation and change to improve wellbeing, teaching and learning practices across the school.
Student pastoral care and well-being
· Ensure the Preschool environment is a support and caring place where children feel safe and a sense of belonging.
· Oversee training and support for teachers to promote positive behaviours for children.
· Work with Preschool families in order to promote student wellbeing at home and at school.
· Support and lead initiatives that promote positive behaviour and support student well-being.
· Oversee the Multi-Tiered System or Support (MTSS) to address children’s needs at tier 1, 2 and 3.
Curriculum and pedagogy
General
· Communicate and implement a clear vision for high-quality educational standards in accordance with school policies and procedures.
· Ensure play and inquiry are the tools of learning for our children.
· Plan, lead, and document purposeful and efficient team meetings.
· Ensure excellent wellbeing, curriculum and pedagogical practices are implemented in every classroom.
Pedagogy
· In consensus with Pedagogical Leadership Team, plan effective professional learning opportunities for every staff member to improve their teaching practice and build a culture of growth.
· In consensus with Pedagogical Leadership Team, plan and implement key pedagogy developments (e.g., differentiation, documentation) to ensure the improvement and standardisation of effective, research based, teaching and learning practices.
Curriculum
· Ensure curriculum is developed and followed by teachers through the phases of planning, teaching, and assessment.
· Ensure appropriate student assessment and relevant data is tracked, recorded, analysed, communicated, and acted upon to enhance student learning.
Operational
General
· Ensure the effective day to day operations.
· Ensure all teachers are fulfilling their roles and responsibilities effectively.
· Deploy and manage all teaching staff and allocate duties according to their conditions of employment.
· Work closely with the Director of Marketing & Admissions to review and assess applications within agreed timeframes and in line with the admissions policy.
Staff
· Manage the appraisal, recruitment and retention of staff in accordance with school policy.
· Ensure that teachers receive the information they need to carry out their professional duties effectively.
· Support leadership of the school to build capacity, recognize existing talents and encourage delegation.
· Ensure all Junior Level and Middle Level leadership positions are fulfilling their roles and responsibilities effectively.
· Challenge underperformance at all levels and put in place effective procedures to deal with underperforming staff in accordance with the school’s appraisal system.
Budget
· Submit any request as per GESS process and policy and according to academic operational budgets.
· With the Vice Principal and the Director of HR ensure staffing plans and recruitment remains on budget.
· With the Vice Principal ensure Professional Development plans are implemented and remain on budget.
Communication
· Ensure effective and timely communication with all members of the GESS community in accordance with policies, procedures and the Principal’s expectations.
Additional responsibilities
· All other responsibilities and tasks as deemed appropriate by Senior Leadership Team and the Line Manager.
We offer an exciting working environment in an international and collaborative team. Interested candidates should apply as soon as possible; as screening will begin after receiving applications and should submit the following:
· A letter of application explaining your strengths as a candidate and why you are interested in the German European School Singapore (GESS) and the position.
· A current resume.
· A statement of educational philosophy.
Candidates should have the relevant Early Childhood qualifications (Master’s degree is preferable).
Candidates must have a minimum of 6 years of teaching experience in Early Childhood Education and Leadership Experience.
Candidates must have excellent interpersonal and intrapersonal skills, and communication skills.
Applications will close by: 20 September 2024
Keen to collaborate and share your specialist expertise, you will be a fitting ambassador for the school. You will communicate with confidence across diverse audiences and situations, using your expertise to build strong relationships across the GESS community.
Our School
The German European School Singapore (GESS) is a multi-lingual, not-for-profit, German international school in Singapore with a distinct European flavour. As an accredited ‘Excellent German School Abroad’, the German Section of GESS offers all major German school leaving certificates.
Our European Section offers tuition in English for students from grade 1 - 12 across all three IB programmes (the PYP, the MYP and the IB Diploma Programme) as an authorised IB World School.
Children aged 2 years onwards can enroll in our Preschool where children are following the PYP programme in German-speaking, English-speaking or bilingual groups. In addition to an outstanding academic education, GESS strives to teach students community values such as respect, openness and diversity.
To Apply
We offer an exciting working environment in an international and cooperative team. Your application should include a letter of application and your complete resume. Please indicate your reasons for applying for the position.
Our Selection Process
At GESS we adhere to fair employment practices that consist of hiring practices that are fair, merit-based and non-discriminatory.
We are committed to providing a world class, safe, happy environment in which children and young people are able to thrive and learn. We are committed to safeguarding and child protection as we promote the welfare of all our pupils irrespective of race, ability, religion, gender or culture.
All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures including satisfactory reference and background checks and the offer of employment will be subject to the completion of these. In addition, the visa entry requirements for Singapore are subject to certain requirements being met. This includes but is not limited to, mandatory diphtheria and measles vaccination requirements for children attending school in Singapore will need to be in place prior to arriving in Singapore in order for the criteria for a child Dependent Pass to be met and the visa granted. Further information on this will be shared at interview stage if applicable.
Please note, that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.
Safeguarding Commitment
GESS is committed to our responsibilities for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of all children and young people. We actively recruit candidates who share our commitment to safeguarding and, therefore, apply robust and comprehensive recruitment and selection procedures. We expect all appointed staff to adhere to and ensure compliance with the relevant GESS Safeguarding Policy and Procedures. If the job holder identifies any instance that a child may be harmed or are at risk of harm (physically or emotionally) in any environment, they must report any concerns to the School’s Designated Safeguarding Lead or a member of the Safeguarding Team.
CPE registration number: S72SS0010G Registration period: 22 June, 2023 – 21 June, 2029
