Primary School Music Teacher

Job description / Role

About the role

Swiss International School in Qatar is seeking a passionate and forward-thinking primary school music teacher (PYP) for academic year 2026-2027. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a thriving IB World School and nurture a love of music and creativity across the Primary Years Programme (PYP). This position reports to the primary school principal.

Core responsibilities

It is a mandatory requirement that all SISQ staff adhere to the student safeguarding and child protection policy.

The primary school music teacher (PYP) will foster creativity, musical appreciation, and confidence in performance among students, supporting their development as inquirers, communicators, and risk-takers through the arts.

General responsibilities

As the primary school music teacher (PYP) you will be required to:

Teaching and learning

• Plan and deliver engaging, inquiry-based music lessons aligned with the IB PYP framework and SISQ curriculum for all grade levels in primary.
• Develop students’ understanding of rhythm, melody, harmony, composition, and performance through singing, instruments, and movement.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners and support inclusion.
• Integrate music with units of inquiry, collaborating with homeroom and specialist teachers.
• Encourage self-expression and confidence through assemblies, performances, and school productions.
• Use varied assessment methods to inform planning and report on student progress.
• Ensure accurate record-keeping and timely communication with parents.

Professional management of self, planning and reflection

• Participate actively in collaborative planning and weekly team meetings.
• Contribute to whole-school and PYP events, assemblies, concerts, and celebrations of learning.
• Demonstrate professionalism, reflection, and commitment to SISQ’s vision and mission.
• Respond promptly and positively to parent communication and feedback.

Professional development

• Engage in ongoing IB and school-based professional learning.
• Share best practices and support colleagues in integrating the arts within the PYP.

Resources

• Maintain a stimulating and well-organised music classroom with accessible instruments and learning materials.
• Develop and manage school-wide music resources, ensuring proper care and usage.
• Use technology creatively to enhance learning (e.g., digital composition tools, performance recordings).

Pastoral care

• Promote positive relationships and emotional well-being through music.
• Celebrate student achievements regularly and encourage perseverance and teamwork.
• Support supervision duties (drop-off, lunch, breaks) and contribute to a caring environment.

Whole school

• Play an active role in school concerts, assemblies, and community events.
• Collaborate with colleagues across divisions to develop arts-based interdisciplinary projects.
• Support parent engagement through performances and open-class events.

About you

The successful candidate will have the following essential qualities:

• Demonstrated experience teaching music in a primary or PYP context.
• Strong musicianship and instrumental/vocal skills.
• Fluent in the English language.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Collaborative, reflective, and enthusiastic teaching approach.
• A commitment to continuous improvement.
• A commitment to student learning, wellbeing and safeguarding.

The following qualities would be an advantage:

• Experience with IB PYP or other inquiry-based curricula.
• Experience within an international school setting.
• Ability to lead or assist with school musical productions and assemblies.
• Familiarity with digital tools for music learning (e.g., GarageBand, Chrome Music Lab).

In line with the Ministry of Education's Circular 13 requirements for this position, the candidate must possess the following:

• A bachelor’s degree in music.
• A teaching qualification (PGCE / QTS / Teaching Licence).
• No more than 49 years of age in August 2026 (at the point of joining the school).

Child safeguarding is taken extremely seriously in SISQ and remains the first priority throughout our recruitment activities. All staff are subject to rigorous background checks, including those who participate in our interview processes. Background checks shall include, but are not limited to: employment verification, qualification check, criminal checks and three professional references (verbal and written).