Head of Visual Arts

ROLE SUMMARY:

ABOUT ST. JOHN’S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

Located in Waterloo, just outside Brussels, St. John’s International School is the number one International Baccalaureate school in Belgium. Founded in 1964, we offer the full International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum, with a strong reputation for academic rigour, creativity, and global citizenship.

At the Secondary level, we offer the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the IB Diploma Programme (DP), with students from a diverse range of cultural backgrounds. Our thriving Art department supports students in developing creative expression, technical skill, and critical thinking through a broad and engaging curriculum.

We are seeking an experienced and inspiring Head of Art to lead the MYP and IBDP Art programmes from Grades 6 to 12. This is a teaching and middle leadership role focused purely on Visual Arts, with responsibility for curriculum planning, classroom instruction, student engagement, and the strategic direction of the Art department in the Middle and High School (MHS).

You will play a key role in shaping the student experience of Art through a contemporary and inquiry-based approach aligned with the IB ethos. This position is ideal for a skilled teacher who brings subject expertise, creativity, and a commitment to high standards and student-centred learning.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Lead the teaching and learning of Art in Grades 6–12, delivering a rich and engaging curriculum in line with IB MYP and IBDP frameworks.

· Plan and deliver differentiated lessons that support creativity, technical development, and critical reflection.

· Monitor and assess student progress using both formative and summative methods aligned with IB assessment criteria.

· Manage departmental planning, including unit development, assessment design, and internal standardisation processes.

· Provide support, encouragement, and challenge to all students, fostering a classroom culture of respect, collaboration, and creative exploration.

· Organise and promote student exhibitions, gallery visits, and other opportunities for showcasing student work and connecting learning to real-world contexts.

· Liaise with the MYP and DP coordinators to ensure vertical alignment, rigour, and programme compliance.

· Contribute to the wider life of the school through active participation in school events, interdisciplinary projects, and co-curricular activities as appropriate.

· Take responsibility for departmental resources, materials, and studio spaces, ensuring a safe, inspiring, and well-managed working environment.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE:

· A recognised teaching qualification (e.g. PGCE, QTS, or equivalent) and a degree in Visual Arts or a related discipline.

· A strong track record of teaching Art at Secondary level, ideally in an international and/or IB MYP and IBDP context.

· Excellent knowledge of contemporary and traditional art practices and the ability to inspire creativity in students of varying abilities.

· Proven experience designing and assessing MYP and/or IBDP Art units and assignments.

· A commitment to student-centred, inquiry-based learning and the holistic development of young people.

· Strong classroom management, organisational, and planning skills.

· The ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and contribute to whole-school goals.

· Excellent communication skills and a commitment to building positive relationships with students and parents.

· Fluency in English (the language of instruction); the ability to speak French would be an advantage.

· Previous international or intercultural teaching experience is desirable.

SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT

Inspired Education Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practices and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.