Head of Art & Design - Junior School

TANGLIN TRUST SCHOOL LIMITED; Singapore; On-site; SGD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in Singapore is seeking a Head of Art & Design for the Junior School. The successful candidate will lead and manage the Art & Design curriculum, ensuring high teaching standards and fostering creativity. Responsibilities include strategic planning, staff management, and developing enriching opportunities in collaboration with the arts community. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a degree in Fine Art or a related field, and significant teaching experience in an educational setting. A commitment to upholding values of respect and inclusivity is essential.

Qualifications

• Strong leadership skills to inspire students and staff.
• Proven track record of outstanding teaching in Art & Design.
• Experience in developing and leading art initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Art & Design curriculum for the Junior School.
• Build partnerships with the wider arts community.
• Monitor and evaluate teaching standards across the department.

Skills

Leadership

Curriculum development

Artistic expertise

Teaching experience

Education

Degree in Fine Art or related discipline

QTS or equivalent teaching qualification

Job description

The role

The Head of Art & Design - Junior School is responsible for leading and managing the Art & Design curriculum at the Junior School, ensuring high standards of teaching and learning across a broad range of artistic disciplines. The role involves strategic planning, curriculum development, and fostering creativity through enrichment opportunities, exhibitions, and partnerships with the wider arts community. Key duties include line management of staff, resource allocation, monitoring and evaluation of teaching standards, and promoting cross‑curricular connections.

The position requires strong leadership, subject expertise, and the ability to inspire students and colleagues, while upholding the school’s values of Respect, Responsibility, and Purpose within a safe, inclusive, and stimulating environment.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• Degree in Fine Art, Art & Design, or a closely related discipline.
• QTS or equivalent teaching qualification.
• Excellent subject knowledge across a broad range of artistic disciplines and media.
• Significant successful teaching experience in Art & Design within a school setting, ideally across the 7–13 age range.
• A strong track record of outstanding teaching and positive pupil outcomes.
• Experience of designing and leading talented pathways for those requiring enrichment.
• Experience of leading initiatives, curriculum development, or contributing to departmental improvement.

Desirable

• Experience developing drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, mixed media, ceramics, digital media, photography and design within the curriculum.
• Experience in staff management or leading a team.

Key Responsibilities

1. Leadership

• Act as a passionate advocate for the arts and their role in child development.
• Build partnerships with galleries, visiting artists, and the wider creative community.
• Design long, medium, and short term plans for the Junior School Art & Design programme and monitor their impact.
• Ensure that the department offers a wide range of CCA and production opportunities for all Junior School students.
• Line manage the Technical Art Executive: including designing and reviewing role scopes, providing guidance and structure, conducting appraisal, and supporting professional development.
• Support, train and develop colleagues involved in teaching art and design across the Junior School.
• Organise and deliver initiatives (including presentations and exhibitions) when the subject features in whole‑school curriculum priorities.
• Ensure high‑quality art and design displays in communal areas, central spaces, screens and art studios.

2. Planning and development

• Remain up to date with developments in art and design education.
• Consider curriculum developments through the lens of the school’s educational philosophy.
• Liaise with Heads of Year and other Departments to promote meaningful cross‑curricular connections.
• Work closely with the Head of Art and Head of Design & Technology in the Senior School to ensure continuity, progression, and a rich, sequential curriculum that builds skills year on year.
• Coordinate calendar, timetable and facility planning alongside the Junior Arts team (Music, Art, Drama & Dance) and with the Heads of Art and Design & Technology in the Infant and Senior Schools.
• Plan and provide a wide range of enriching art and design opportunities for students of all ages and abilities.
• Organise displays, exhibitions and showcases of pupils’ work; contribute to the school’s creative and cultural environment; and engage parents and the wider community in celebrating students’ achievements.

3. Teaching and Learning

• Promote independent learning through metacognitive strategies that develop students’ competence, confidence, and creativity.
• Ensure consistently high standards of teaching and learning in art and design through effective planning and assessment.
• Develop and maintain systems for assessment, record keeping, and reporting.
• Lead higher‑level art opportunities for high‑ability students within the Personal Pathways programme, including Academy: Art.
• Provide enrichment opportunities beyond the curriculum and co‑curricular programme, including visiting artists and participation in local arts events and festivals.

4. Monitoring and Evaluation

• Set expectations and targets for those teaching art and design to ensure high standards of practice.
• Analyse and interpret relevant school data to inform policies, teaching methods and departmental priorities.
• Monitor teaching standards within the subject and use findings to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
• Ensure students’ work is regularly assessed and that assessment information is used effectively to support progress.
• Oversee the use of assessment, recording and reporting processes to drive improvement in pupil achievement, including contributions to Parent‑Teacher Conferences and End‑of‑Year Reports.

5. Management of resources

• Manage resources within an allocated budget, including ordering, checking, controlling and distributing materials; maintaining stock inventories; and ensuring equipment is cared for and maintained.
• Assess and prioritise needs relating to departmental accommodation and resources.
• Recruit support staff within the department where appropriate.
• Liaise with the TTS Foundation to secure grants for visiting artists and special projects.

6. Specific Responsibilities

• Report any concerns regarding child welfare to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• Uphold and promote the School’s commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive environment.
• Support the CPD Leader (Deputy Headteacher) in leading and managing the continuous professional development of staff, reflecting both individual needs and whole‑school priorities.
• Ensure all Health and Safety requirements are met in the planning and delivery of Art & Design.
• Lead and develop departmental policies and risk assessments.