Head of Drama - Performing Arts

Gems Education UAE; Dubai; On-site; AED 167,400 - 279,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Access to high-quality CPD programmes

Career development opportunities

Supportive environment for teachers

Job summary

Gems Education UAE in Dubai is seeking a Head of Drama to lead the delivery of drama education across the school. This position involves mentoring teachers, delivering high-quality lessons, and fostering student engagement in the performing arts.

The ideal candidate will hold a degree in Drama and possess proven teaching experience. The role offers opportunities for professional development and the chance to work within a dynamic education environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience teaching Drama in a school environment.
• Ability to lead, mentor, and support a team of Drama teachers.
• Strong subject knowledge across performance, theatre studies, improvisation, script work, stagecraft, and classroom instruction.
• Proven track record of outstanding learning and teaching.
• Creative and enthusiastic approach to Drama education both inside and outside the classroom.
• Reflective and solution-focused mindset with willingness to collaborate and share outstanding practice.
• Excellent interpersonal skills for working with students, parents, colleagues, and school leadership.
• Aspiration to grow within a world-class school and wider international education network.
• Commitment to safeguarding, student wellbeing, inclusion, and professional excellence.

Responsibilities

• Lead Drama teaching and learning across the school, ensuring high-quality curriculum delivery and strong student engagement.
• Mentor and support Drama teachers by sharing effective classroom practice, creative teaching strategies, and assessment methods.
• Deliver engaging Drama lessons that develop performance skills, voice, movement, confidence, collaboration, and creative expression.
• Plan and support drama productions, performances, assemblies, showcases, and school community events.
• Monitor student progress through practical work, performance tasks, reflection, feedback, and assessment evidence.
• Support curriculum planning, resource development, and consistent teaching standards within the Drama department.
• Encourage students to explore character, storytelling, improvisation, stagecraft, and performance techniques.
• Work closely with colleagues, parents, and school leaders to support student achievement, wellbeing, and creative growth.
• Contribute to extra-curricular programmes and strengthen the school's wider performing arts provision.
• Role-model the school vision of Grow, Flourish, and Succeed through professional leadership and daily conduct.
• Maintain safeguarding standards and follow GEMS policies, procedures, and codes of conduct at all times.

Skills

Drama department leadership

Drama curriculum delivery

Theatre and performance coaching

Script work and improvisation

Stagecraft and production support

Student performance assessment

Teacher mentoring

Lesson planning

Classroom management

Creative arts enrichment

Parent communication

Extra-curricular programme support

Safeguarding awareness

Education

BEd or Bachelor's degree in Drama with PGCE, PGDE, or equivalent

Job description

Head of Drama - Performing Arts

Location: Dubai, UAE | Industry: Education Management | Function: Classroom Teaching | Experience: Drama teaching and subject leadership in a school environment | Job Type: Full-time.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Drama teaching and learning across the school, ensuring high‑quality curriculum delivery and strong student engagement.
• Mentor and support Drama teachers by sharing effective classroom practice, creative teaching strategies, and assessment methods.
• Deliver engaging Drama lessons that develop performance skills, voice, movement, confidence, collaboration, and creative expression.
• Plan and support drama productions, performances, assemblies, showcases, and school community events.
• Monitor student progress through practical work, performance tasks, reflection, feedback, and assessment evidence.
• Support curriculum planning, resource development, and consistent teaching standards within the Drama department.
• Encourage students to explore character, storytelling, improvisation, stagecraft, and performance techniques.
• Work closely with colleagues, parents, and school leaders to support student achievement, wellbeing, and creative growth.
• Contribute to extra‑curricular programmes and strengthen the school's wider performing arts provision.
• Role‑model the school vision of Grow, Flourish, and Succeed through professional leadership and daily conduct.
• Maintain safeguarding standards and follow GEMS policies, procedures, and codes of conduct at all times.

Ideal Profile

• BEd or Bachelor's degree in Drama with PGCE, PGDE, or equivalent teaching qualification.
• Proven experience teaching Drama in a school environment.
• Ability to lead, mentor, and support a team of Drama teachers.
• Strong subject knowledge across performance, theatre studies, improvisation, script work, stagecraft, and classroom instruction.
• Proven track record of outstanding learning and teaching.
• Creative and enthusiastic approach to Drama education both inside and outside the classroom.
• Reflective and solution‑focused mindset with willingness to collaborate and share outstanding practice.
• Excellent interpersonal skills for working with students, parents, colleagues, and school leadership.
• Aspiration to grow within a world‑class school and wider international education network.
• Commitment to safeguarding, student wellbeing, inclusion, and professional excellence.

Skills Set

• Drama department leadership
• Drama curriculum delivery
• Theatre and performance coaching
• Script work and improvisation
• Stagecraft and production support
• Student performance assessment
• Teacher mentoring
• Lesson planning
• Classroom management
• Creative arts enrichment
• Parent communication
• Extra‑curricular programme support
• Safeguarding awareness

Why Join Us

• Join a British Schools Overseas accredited school in Dubai with outstanding standards and a strong professional culture.
• Lead Drama within a school community that values creativity, confidence, collaboration, and student expression.
• Access high‑quality CPD programmes and career development opportunities across the GEMS school network.
• Support students through performances, creative learning, productions, and wider enrichment opportunities.
• Build a long‑term teaching leadership career with one of the region's most recognized education groups.
• Be part of a school environment where teachers are encouraged to grow, flourish, and succeed.