Job title
Head of Drama
Location
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Salary range and package details
AED 10,000–14,000 per month, depending on experience and qualifications, plus an attractive international teaching package including:
- Additional compensation for positions of responsibility
- Housing allowance
- Annual return flights
- Medical insurance
- International employment benefits
Start date
January 2027
About the school
The school is an inclusive, community-focused school offering a high-quality British education from Foundation Stage to Sixth Form within the multicultural UAE environment.
It follows a bespoke British curriculum based on the National Curriculums of England and Wales, adapted to reflect UAE culture and traditions, with GCSE, A-level and BTEC pathways.
Drama is an important part of the creative arts provision, developing students’ confidence, creativity, communication and performance skills. Drama is offered at GCSE, alongside a broad range of academic and creative subjects, while the school promotes confident, collaborative and independent learning.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to lead and develop an engaging Drama provision in a school that values creativity, communication and student participation.
Who Might Thrive Here
This school would suit an ambitious, energetic and collaborative teacher who enjoys working within a diverse international community and is passionate about creating memorable learning experiences.
Teachers who thrive here are likely to be enthusiastic practitioners who are confident in their subject knowledge, committed to high standards and keen to contribute beyond the classroom. The school would particularly appeal to a Drama specialist who enjoys developing performance opportunities, nurturing student confidence and inspiring young people to discover their creative potential.
An individual who is adaptable, culturally aware, positive and willing to embrace life in Dubai would be particularly well suited to this opportunity.
About Dubai
Dubai is one of the world’s most dynamic international cities and offers an exciting combination of modern infrastructure, cultural diversity, excellent leisure facilities and year-round sunshine.
Home to a large expatriate community, Dubai provides an easy transition for international teachers, with a wide range of international schools, restaurants, sporting facilities, shopping destinations and cultural attractions. The city is also well connected internationally, making travel to destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East convenient.
For teachers relocating with families, Dubai offers a broad range of residential communities, international schools and family-friendly activities. Outside the classroom, there are opportunities to enjoy beaches, desert excursions, water sports, arts and cultural events, as well as the city’s extensive dining and entertainment scene.
Required qualifications
- A recognised teaching qualification/licence such as PGCE, QTS or a US teaching licence
- A degree relevant to Drama, Theatre or a closely related subject
- Experience teaching Drama within a British or international school environment
- Experience of teaching Drama across the relevant secondary age range
- Experience preparing students for GCSE and/or equivalent qualifications would be highly advantageous
- Previous international teaching experience is desirable but not essential
- A strong understanding of the expectations of the English/British curriculum
Essential skills
- Excellent subject knowledge and a genuine passion for Drama and the performing arts
- Strong classroom management and student engagement skills
- The ability to inspire students of different ages, abilities and cultural backgrounds
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Excellent organisational skills and the ability to lead a successful Drama department
- The ability to develop an engaging, ambitious and inclusive Drama curriculum
- Confidence in directing and producing performances and extracurricular activities
- A commitment to high academic and creative standards
- The ability to work collaboratively with colleagues across the wider school
- Creativity, enthusiasm, resilience and adaptability
- A willingness to contribute positively to the wider life of the school
Safeguarding skills and qualities required for international teachers
The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
International teachers applying for this position should be able to demonstrate:
- A clear understanding of professional safeguarding responsibilities
- Strong awareness of appropriate professional boundaries when working with children
- The ability to recognise and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns
- A commitment to creating a safe, inclusive and respectful learning environment
- An understanding of the importance of reporting concerns through the appropriate safeguarding procedures
- Professional integrity, sound judgement and discretion
- A child-centred approach to teaching and pastoral care
- Respect for cultural differences and the ability to work sensitively within an international school community
- A willingness to follow school policies, local regulations and international best practice relating to child protection
Who we are – chk Education
chk Education is a specialist international education recruitment agency supporting teachers and education professionals in securing rewarding positions with schools around the world.
We work closely with our client schools to understand their individual requirements and match them with high-quality teaching professionals who are looking for their next international opportunity.
Our team provides guidance throughout the recruitment process and can support candidates with identifying suitable opportunities based on their experience, qualifications, preferred locations and career aspirations.
Interested candidates should email:
rachael@chkeducation.com
If this role isn’t quite right for you, but you are looking to secure an international teaching position, please reach out to Rachael with your preferences and she will be able to explore other opportunities with you.
Due to the number of applications we receive, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
In some of the countries where our client schools operate, there are upper age restrictions related to the issuance of visas and work permits, so if you have any questions regarding this, please don’t hesitate to ask.
chk Education utilises safer recruitment procedures to ensure compliance with child protection requirements in all employment processes. The policies for safer recruitment are aligned with best practice and the International Taskforce for Child Protection. We hold ourselves to a high standard of effective practices in relation to child protection and we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We expect all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment.
Successful applicants will be subject, but not limited to, various background and security checks, including receipt of satisfactory references, proof of qualifications, identification and police checks, including overseas checks.
