Head of I&S - Aug 2026
Status
Actively Hiring
Date Listed20 January 2026
ContractPermanent
PlatformW5_SYNC
About This Role
At GEMS International School, Al Khail (GIS), we strive to cultivate confident, inquisitive, and compassionate global citizens. As an officially recognized IB World School, we provide the full IB continuum, promoting a spirit of innovation, academic excellence, and international awareness.
Our teaching staff is part of a vibrant and progressive team that appreciates creativity, teamwork, and ongoing personal development. Together, we motivate students to lead with intention and positively influence the world around them.
We invite applications from seasoned educators for the position of Head of Individuals & Societies, with a start date in August 2026.
• Guide, develop, and motivate the Individuals & Societies department to offer high-quality, inquiry-driven education that nurtures curiosity, critical thinking, and a genuine passion for mathematics.
• Supervise the planning and execution of a cohesive I&S curriculum that aligns vertically and horizontally, adhering to IB philosophy and assessment criteria.
• Establish and maintain a supportive, inclusive departmental culture that promotes high expectations, teamwork, and continuous enhancement.
• Mentor and support teachers within the department through coaching, lesson observations, and professional discussions to improve teaching and learning outcomes.
• Ensure effective differentiation and inclusive practices within the department, catering to the diverse needs of all learners, including EAL students, the gifted, and those requiring additional support.
• Lead the strategic use of assessment data to track progress, inform intervention strategies, and enhance student achievement.
• Advocate for the meaningful integration of technology and innovative teaching methodologies to boost engagement and deepen understanding of mathematics.
• Collaborate with senior leadership and cross-curricular teams to back school-wide initiatives, curriculum development, and strategic goals.
• Actively engage with parents and the wider community regarding curriculum matters, student progress, and departmental initiatives.
• Contribute to the broader school environment through co-curricular activities, events, and academic enrichment opportunities.
• Exemplify and promote GEMS values and the IB Learner Profile, encouraging professional development, reflective practices, and a culture of lifelong learning.
The ideal candidate will possess:
• An accredited professional teaching qualification at the degree level, such as B.Ed, PGCE, PGDE, or an equivalent qualification specializing in Individuals & Societies.
• At least 3-5 years of successful Secondary I&S teaching experience, demonstrating strong student performance and effective classroom practices.
• Proven experience in or readiness to transition into curriculum and departmental leadership, including assisting colleagues, participating in curriculum planning, and driving improvement.
• Experience teaching within an IB framework (MYP and/or DP) is preferred, although strong candidates from other international or national curricula will also be considered.
• A clear enthusiasm for high-quality, inquiry-based I&S instruction, with the capability to inspire both students and staff.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead collaboratively and build positive relationships throughout the school community.
• The vision, energy, and dedication to contribute to the ongoing success of a prominent GEMS school, maintaining high standards and supporting a diverse international student population.
• A commitment to continuous professional development, reflective practice, and contributing to a progressive, collaborative school culture.
All positions come with an attractive remuneration package that includes a competitive tax-free salary, fully furnished accommodation, free schooling for one child, private medical insurance, annual flights to your home country, and end-of-service gratuity.
GEMS teachers also enjoy complimentary access to our loyalty app, GEMS Rewards, which offers substantial savings on everyday expenses in the UAE. This app provides thousands of discounts and 2-for-1 deals on a wide range of services, including flights, hotels, dining, and retail, helping your salary stretch further while working abroad.
Next steps:
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next phase. Those who progress will be invited to an interview, which may be conducted either in person or online for positions starting in August 2026.
We appreciate the interest of all applicants; however, only those selected for the next stage will be contacted. Please note that attendance for the interview is by invitation only.
Join us in transforming education at GEMS International School. Together, we can create a lasting impact on our students’ lives and empower them to become world-class, world-ready individuals.
GEMS Education is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of all its students and staff. A UK-enhanced DBS or equivalent police check is required for all appointments.
Our teaching staff is part of a vibrant and progressive team that appreciates creativity, teamwork, and ongoing personal development. Together, we motivate students to lead with intention and positively influence the world around them.
We invite applications from seasoned educators for the position of Head of Individuals & Societies, with a start date in August 2026.
Key Responsibilities
• Guide, develop, and motivate the Individuals & Societies department to offer high-quality, inquiry-driven education that nurtures curiosity, critical thinking, and a genuine passion for mathematics.
• Supervise the planning and execution of a cohesive I&S curriculum that aligns vertically and horizontally, adhering to IB philosophy and assessment criteria.
• Establish and maintain a supportive, inclusive departmental culture that promotes high expectations, teamwork, and continuous enhancement.
• Mentor and support teachers within the department through coaching, lesson observations, and professional discussions to improve teaching and learning outcomes.
• Ensure effective differentiation and inclusive practices within the department, catering to the diverse needs of all learners, including EAL students, the gifted, and those requiring additional support.
• Lead the strategic use of assessment data to track progress, inform intervention strategies, and enhance student achievement.
• Advocate for the meaningful integration of technology and innovative teaching methodologies to boost engagement and deepen understanding of mathematics.
• Collaborate with senior leadership and cross-curricular teams to back school-wide initiatives, curriculum development, and strategic goals.
• Actively engage with parents and the wider community regarding curriculum matters, student progress, and departmental initiatives.
• Contribute to the broader school environment through co-curricular activities, events, and academic enrichment opportunities.
• Exemplify and promote GEMS values and the IB Learner Profile, encouraging professional development, reflective practices, and a culture of lifelong learning.
The ideal candidate will possess:
• An accredited professional teaching qualification at the degree level, such as B.Ed, PGCE, PGDE, or an equivalent qualification specializing in Individuals & Societies.
• At least 3-5 years of successful Secondary I&S teaching experience, demonstrating strong student performance and effective classroom practices.
• Proven experience in or readiness to transition into curriculum and departmental leadership, including assisting colleagues, participating in curriculum planning, and driving improvement.
• Experience teaching within an IB framework (MYP and/or DP) is preferred, although strong candidates from other international or national curricula will also be considered.
• A clear enthusiasm for high-quality, inquiry-based I&S instruction, with the capability to inspire both students and staff.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead collaboratively and build positive relationships throughout the school community.
• The vision, energy, and dedication to contribute to the ongoing success of a prominent GEMS school, maintaining high standards and supporting a diverse international student population.
• A commitment to continuous professional development, reflective practice, and contributing to a progressive, collaborative school culture.
What we offer
All positions come with an attractive remuneration package that includes a competitive tax-free salary, fully furnished accommodation, free schooling for one child, private medical insurance, annual flights to your home country, and end-of-service gratuity.
GEMS teachers also enjoy complimentary access to our loyalty app, GEMS Rewards, which offers substantial savings on everyday expenses in the UAE. This app provides thousands of discounts and 2-for-1 deals on a wide range of services, including flights, hotels, dining, and retail, helping your salary stretch further while working abroad.
Next steps:
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next phase. Those who progress will be invited to an interview, which may be conducted either in person or online for positions starting in August 2026.
We appreciate the interest of all applicants; however, only those selected for the next stage will be contacted. Please note that attendance for the interview is by invitation only.
Join us in transforming education at GEMS International School. Together, we can create a lasting impact on our students’ lives and empower them to become world-class, world-ready individuals.
GEMS Education is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of all its students and staff. A UK-enhanced DBS or equivalent police check is required for all appointments.