Lead Teacher of English

Overview

The Perse School, Singapore, is seeking an innovative and adaptable Lead Teacher of English to join our expanding team as we grow from the Junior School which opened in January 2025 through to a Senior School opening in August 2025. The successful candidate will initially require the flexibility to teach across age range from Years 6 to Year 10 and play a pivotal role in shaping the delivery of the Cambridge International English Curriculum. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to establishing the teaching of English in the Senior School, building upon the successful foundations of our Junior School. The role provides leadership opportunities developing the curriculum and establishing a department from its inception.

From August 2025, the post holder will also prepare Year 10 students for public examinations in IGCSE English Language and Literature in May/June 2027, establishing a rigorous and engaging two-year course. The role will involve ensuring that students are well-prepared for the demands of these assessments while fostering a lifelong appreciation for English.

In addition to teaching responsibilities, the successful candidate will take on the role of a Form Tutor, ensuring the pastoral well-being of students in their care. They will also actively contribute to the school’s extracurricular life by running lunchtime clubs, societies, and after-school activities (ECAs) that enrich the students’ educational experience.

The post holder will collaborate with English specialists teaching across Years 5 and 6 in the Junior School to ensure a seamless and high-quality learning experience for all students.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver engaging English lessons for students, ensuring progress and achievement for all learners.
• Plan and teach an IGCSE English Language and Literature course, ensuring students are fully prepared for public examinations in Year 11.
• Collaborate on shaping and implementing the Cambridge International English Curriculum in the Senior School, aligning with the schools ethos and values.
• Take responsibility as a Form Tutor, providing guidance, support, and pastoral care for a group of students, fostering their well-being and personal development.
• Build strong relationships with parents, keeping them informed of their child’s progress and addressing any concerns.
• Create a stimulating, inclusive, and safe learning environment that inspires curiosity and critical thinking.
• Plan, prepare, and assess students’ progress, using formative and summative methods effectively to meet individual needs.
• Work closely with Junior School English specialists to ensure curriculum continuity and progression from Year 6 to Year 7.
• Incorporate technology to enhance teaching, learning, and assessment.
• Contribute to the school’s extracurricular programme by leading lunchtime clubs, societies, and after-school ECAs, enriching students’ experiences beyond the classroom.
• Engage in ongoing professional development to stay current with best practices and innovations in English education.

Person Specification

Essential Skills and Attributes

• Strong understanding of English language acquisition and effective strategies for supporting EAL learners.
• Ability to differentiate teaching to meet the diverse needs of learners.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with students, staff, and parents.
• Cultural sensitivity and awareness, with the ability to work effectively in a diverse, international school environment.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage time effectively, balancing teaching and administrative responsibilities.
• Proficiency in using technology to enhance language learning, including online resources, multimedia tools, and educational platforms.
• A collaborative approach to working with colleagues and a commitment to ongoing professional development.

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Experience working with younger students using devices for creative work.
• Ability to foster collaboration among students, encouraging both independent and group learning.
• Experience in developing curriculum materials and frameworks.
• Familiarity with concept-based learning approaches.
• Previous experience in an international school setting.
• Experience teaching higher levels of English, such as IGCSE or equivalent.

Key Attributes

• The capacity to inspire pupils of all abilities and enhance pupil learning.
• High level of literacy, attention to detail, and ability to use initiative.
• High-order administrative skills, effectively managing commitments and deadlines.
• Motivation to work with children and young people, forming appropriate relationships and maintaining professional boundaries.
• Emotional resilience when working with challenging behaviours.
• Empathy for pupils, parents, staff, and the broader community.
• A reflective and innovative educator, committed to continuous improvement.
• Enthusiasm for contributing to the broader life of the school, including clubs, societies, and extracurricular activities.
• Commitment to promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young people.

Safeguarding and Review

The Perse School (Singapore) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All candidates will be subject to rigorous safeguarding checks, including reference checks, an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, and verification of qualifications and employment history.

As part of our commitment to safeguarding, all staff are required to uphold the school’s safeguarding policies, attend regular training, and promote a safe and inclusive environment for all students. Any gaps in employment must be explained, and candidates should be prepared to discuss their approach to safeguarding in education as part of the recruitment process.

This job description will be reviewed biennially as part of the professional development cycle. Any changes will be made in consultation with the Principal and Senior Leadership Team.