Primary School Teachers at ICS are responsible for creating a rich, inquiry-based environment for our younger students, who are learning to thrive away from family in a nurturing school community.  The preschool follows the IB PYP programme and is inspired by Reggio Emilia's practices. Learning through experience and personal growth through friendships and social connections are crucial in those early years. At ICS, we provide inclusive learning based on individual developmental needs and our teachers need to have a good understanding of various learning challenges. The Teacher creates a supportive classroom community and designs learning activities to develop the understanding, skills, attitudes, and knowledge identified in the curriculum. 

Job Summary

The Pre-school Homeroom Teacher is responsible for creating a rich, inquiry-based learning environment that promotes student learning and optimum personal growth, based on individual developmental needs. He or she establishes an effective classroom community and designs learning activities to develop the understanding, skills, attitudes and knowledge identified in the curriculum. The Pre-school Homeroom Teacher establishes good relationships with parents and works closely with colleagues to develop an efficient academic and pastoral team.

Learning and Teaching

• Prepare a dynamic and stimulating classroom and provide learning engagements aligned with the curriculum and individual needs of each child including
  Planning for the development of children’s personal/social and language abilities
• Supporting the development of children’s basic gross and fine motor skills
• Facilitating the development of subject learning through a blend of play based and inquiry
• Stimulating childrens’ inquiries through careful consideration of their interests, needs and readiness
• Provide pastoral care and support to children and provide them with a secure and stimulating learning environment during all activities both inside and outside the school
• Research, develop, source and adapt learning materials to promote student self-direction, curiosity and learning
• Monitor, assess and document each child’s learning to assess progress and set appropriate goals
• Plan for authentic transdisciplinary inquiry-based learning experiences which include; play, problem-based learning, collaboration, experimentation, and explicit teaching
• Celebrate the cultural diversity of the school population and explore possible links with home countries through the Internet and other activities
• Support effective collaboration by planning and reflecting on co-designed units with the teaching team, participating in meaningful dialogues, and setting team goals in line with the ICS strategic plan
• Identify individual needs around learning, social and emotional development and collaborate where necessary with the Counsellor/Learning Support
• Identify any students who may need additional support for learning and provide this with differentiation or collaboration with support teacher

Learning Community

• Support the ‘Culture of Care’ by developing a positive prosocial learning environment where all students feel welcomed, significant and emotionally safe
• Implement strategies to ensure the development of children’s cognitive, emotional and social needs
• Recognise student's strengths and interests, seeking appropriate support from the Student Support Team to respond to student needs
• Develop strong collegial relationships within the teaching team, including Specialists, Teaching Assistants and Homeroom teachers, to build a team environment that supports students’ learning
• Develop and maintain positive partnerships with families
• Be up to date with Safeguarding processes and procedures
• Contribute to the extracurricular programme
• Plan and organise field trip programmes
• Supervise and instruct the Teaching Assistant and ensure effective deployment of support in the classroom
• Liaise with Pre-school team and the PYP coordinator to ensure that programme requirements are met
• Inform the Deputy Principal or Principal about issues of concern related to student welfare, achievement and behaviour
• Attend Parent/Teacher and Student-led conferences and inform parents about their child’s progress

• Current classroom teacher qualification and or advanced training in Preschool Education
• BA / BSc or equivalent university degree
• Native English speaker is an advantage
• Strong listening skills and respect for children’s thinking
• Initiative, patience and a good sense of humour
  Must have recent teaching experience of at least 2 years
• Experience in an International School environment advantageous
• PYP knowledge preferred
• Understanding of the principles of the Reggio Emilia approach to Early Childhood education advantageous
• Experience in teaching learners with diverse needs
• Experience in Outdoor Education or Forest School Training preferred
• Strong Classroom Management Skills
• Strong organisational skills
• The ability to use technology thoughtfully to enrich learning
• The applicant must demonstrate knowledge of the developmental needs of children of 4-6 years
  Empathy and social skills
• Documented record of excellence in teaching
• Collaboration, teamwork and active participation in school life

Soft Skills

• Adaptive
• Imaginative
• Ambitious
• Collaborative
• Student-centred
• Motivated
• Research focused
• Confident Communicator
• Resilient
• Empathetic
• Mission-driven

The initial contract is for three years and is renewable. The generous salary and range of benefits will be commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate, with the overall package reflecting the importance of the position.

Interested candidates should apply via our website with a full letter of application addressed to Ms. Lucy M. Gowdie, Head of School, a statement of personal educational philosophy, a detailed resume/curriculum vitae, and a list of three referees (name & email address). The Head of School reserves the right to apply directly to the writers of open testimonials for confidential statements.

Applications should be addressed in  PDF format  to:

Ms. Lucy Gowdie,
Head of School

We are looking forward to receiving your online application