Head of Department Humanities

Job description / Role

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 personalised 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 – Humanities provides strategic leadership for the Humanities team and oversees the delivery of an interdisciplinary, research-driven curriculum across Geography, History, Economics, and Global Perspectives. The role promotes critical thinking, inquiry skills, and global awareness, ensuring a coherent and ambitious approach to teaching and learning across the department.

Through effective curriculum design, the use of specialist resources, and the development of industry and academic partnerships, the Head of Department creates a dynamic learning environment that supports high-quality teaching. By embedding real-world applications, sustainability studies, and ethical, political, and economic analysis, this leadership role prepares students to engage with complex global issues, make informed decisions, and become active, responsible global citizens.

Skills

Person specifications:

• Hold a BEd or Bachelors degree with PGCE / PGDE or equivalent
• A master's degree or equivalent qualification is preferred
• Have proven experience leading a team of high performing educators
• Have a willingness to collaborate and share their outstanding practice
• Have a growth mindset, whereby they are reflective and solution focussed
• Be creative and enthusiastic in their approach
• Possess excellent interpersonal skills to work closely with colleagues, students and parents
• Have a proven track record of providing outstanding learning and teaching
• Have aspiration to work in a world-class school with real prospects for enhancing their career
• Be willing to make a positive contribution to our school community and culture through active engagement in our extra-curricular programme and community-based events

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. We offer 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.

GEMS Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all of its students and staff. A UK-enhanced DBS or equivalent police check is a pre-requisite for all appointments.

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.