Head of Department English

🏢 GEMS Education
📍 Dubai, United Arab EmiratesFull-timeOn-site
📅 Posted: 1w ago🔄 Updated: 1w ago
CV%
✨ AI Summary
GEMS Education is seeking a Head of Department – English for its School of Research and Innovation in Dubai. This role involves providing strategic leadership to deliver a dynamic curriculum that blends literary studies with contemporary communication skills, focusing on literature analysis, writing, and critical thinking, while also embracing modern storytelling mediums. The Head of Department will foster a deep appreciation for language, develop relevant professional and creative skills in students, lead innovative teaching practices, oversee writing workshops and literary projects, and support the English team to enhance student engagement and curriculum excellence. Key requirements include a BEd or Bachelor's degree with PGCE/PGDE (Master's preferred), substantial experience teaching English at KS4/KS5 or equivalent with a proven track record of excellent outcomes, and clear evidence of leadership capability. The ideal candidate will be committed to fostering a collaborative departmental culture, possess a growth mindset, and bring creativity and enthusiasm to curriculum design and teaching. Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills are essential for building strong relationships with staff, students, and parents, and demonstrating confident, inspirational leadership.
Required Skills
Other
English literature analysisacademic writingjournalisminterpersonal skills
Design, Content & Media
Content Writing
Soft Skills & Professional Competencies
Critical ThinkingLeadershipCommunication
Business, Sales & Management
Digital Marketing
🎁 Benefits & Perks
competitive tax-free salary, individual fully furnished accommodation, free schooling, private medical insurance, annual airfares to country of residence, end of service gratuity, discounts on flights, hotels, restaurants, and retail outlets.
Requirements
Candidates must hold a BEd or Bachelor's degree with PGCE/PGDE, with a Master's degree strongly preferred. Substantial experience teaching English at KS4/KS5 or equivalent is required, along with proven leadership capabilities in curriculum development, staff coaching, and school improvement. The role demands a growth mindset, creativity, exceptional communication skills, and a commitment to fostering a collaborative departmental culture and the wider life of the school.
Description
Job description / Role Job Type Full Time Job Location Dubai, UAE Nationality Any Nationality Salary Not Specified Gender Not Specified Arabic Fluency Not Specified Job Function Education & Teaching Company Industry Education & Training Job description With a 65-year legacy of excellence and a global reputation as one of the largest and most awarded private education providers, GEMS Education integrates cutting-edge advancements through its extensive networks and high-level partnerships. Join the GEMS School of Research and Innovation, where significant investments in AI, robotics, and state-of-the-art facilities drive exceptional student outcomes in academics and well-being. As a leader in educational innovation, we offer a forward-thinking environment focused on personalised learning, holistic development, and the opportunity to shape the future of education. At GEMS School of Research and Innovation, we provide a seamless educational journey from Pre-Prep + Prep to Sixth Form, enhanced by cutting-edge technology and a forward-thinking curriculum. In the Pre-Prep + Prep stages, we prioritise personalized learning through gamification and advanced technologies, alongside a strong emphasis on science, computing, reading, writing, and the arts. Our facilities include an innovation lab, specialist IT equipment, and programs in sports such as gymnastics, martial arts, basketball, and cricket. Emerging technologies like robotics, AI, machine learning, and VR/AR are integrated to enhance learning, including advanced Arabic provision. In Secondary and Sixth Form, students benefit from tailored pathways with a wide range of GCSEs, A-levels in subjects like sciences, business, and fine arts, supported by university-linked lectures and industry placements. Advanced tools such as Web3/blockchain, drones, autonomous vehicles, and esports labs prepare students for future careers. Sixth Form further bridges school, university, and industry through global partnerships and cutting-edge technology, ensuring students excel academically while acquiring real-world skills. The Head of Department – English will provide strategic leadership in delivering a dynamic and forward-thinking curriculum that balances traditional literary studies with contemporary communication skills. The program places strong emphasis on literature analysis, creative and academic writing, and critical thinking, while also embracing modern storytelling mediums such as digital media and journalism. With access to extensive literary resources and strong industry partnerships, the Head of Department will foster a deep appreciation for language and ensure students develop skills relevant to evolving professional and creative fields. Responsibilities include leading the development of innovative teaching practices, overseeing writing workshops and literary projects, and supporting the English team to enhance student engagement, achievement, and curriculum excellence. Skills description Person specifications: Hold a BEd or a Bachelor’s degree with PGCE/PGDE (or equivalent teaching qualification). A Master’s degree or equivalent postgraduate qualification is strongly preferred, reflecting the academic rigour expected of a departmental leader. Demonstrate substantial and successful experience teaching English at KS4/KS5 or equivalent, with a proven track record of securing excellent outcomes and driving high standards across a team. Show clear evidence of leadership capability, including curriculum development, staff coaching and mentoring, and contributing to whole-school improvement initiatives. Be committed to fostering a collaborative departmental culture, sharing outstanding practice, and guiding colleagues toward continuous pedagogical excellence. Possess a growth mindset—reflective, strategic, and solution-focused, with the ability to analyse data, identify priorities, and implement effective improvement strategies. Bring creativity, enthusiasm, and innovation to curriculum design, teaching, and departmental projects, ensuring the English curriculum remains engaging, contemporary, and academically rigorous. Have exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, enabling strong relationships with staff, students, and parents, and demonstrating confident, inspirational leadership. Have a distinguished record of delivering outstanding teaching and learning, with the ability to model best practice and elevate standards across the department. Demonstrate ambition and professional drive, seeking to lead within a world-class school environment and contribute to a culture of high expectations and continuous growth. Be committed to the wider life of the school, taking an active role in extracurricular programmes, community events, and initiatives that enrich student experience and strengthen school culture. All positions attract an excellent remuneration package including: competitive tax-free salary, individual fully furnished accommodation, free schooling, private medical insurance, annual airfares to country of residence and end of service gratuity. GEMS teachers also have free access to a loyalty app which provides significant savings on day-to-day life in the UAE. The app offers thousands of discounts and 2 for 1 offers on everything from flights, hotels, restaurants, and retail outlets, making your salary go further and enhancing the opportunity to save whilst working overseas. About the Company GEMS Education is a pioneering education company with an international network of award winning K-12 schools. Over the past 55 years GEMS has grown from one school to being a truly global company with one incredible mission – to make quality education available to every student. Over 20,000 education professionals unlock the potential of over 250,000 students across 14 countries each and every day, preparing children of all ages for real world success. Apply Now
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🎯 Overalli74%
⚡ Skillsi85%
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Ontology Match: 85.0
Matched:✓ Requirements Matching✓ Ontology Skills Mapping
📜 Eligibilityi49%
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Local: 19600%
🏗️ Career Fiti91%
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Seniority: 91.0
📋 Requirementsi67%
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Domain: 67.0
🔥 Motivationi78%
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Title Fit: 78.00