IBDP Coordinator
Think International Schools Group (China/Hong Kong)

IBDP Coordinator – from August 2018

The Board of Directors of Think International Schools Group in Hong Kong is seeking a IBDP Coordinator to start in August 2018. The Board is looking for an accomplished and dynamic educational leader to take the school forward in a new phase of its development.

1.   The School

Think International offers an internationally recognized, co-educational kindergarten (age 3) through secondary school (up to age 18) education. We provide every child with every opportunity to achieve their potential through an innovative curriculum, excellent staff, outstanding facilities, partnership with our committed parents, and an involved community.  The student body consists of approximately 350 students from 20 nations.

The school’s vision of excellence in education and exceptional care for every child is provided through a safe and caring learning environment. THINK students are challenged to achieve academic success and personal growth to become socially responsible and active global citizens. 

Graduating students earn the IGCSE Diploma. They also have the opportunity to enroll in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program, which offers a rigorous curriculum and opportunities for advanced education in Year 12 and 13.  The IB is recognized globally and prepares students for success at a higher education level, including at the best universities around the world. Think is an IGCSE test center and incorporates much of this curriculum within its main educational program.

As an international school, THINK gives Modern Language study a high priority. Being the door into China, English is the medium of Instruction with 3-5 hours of Chinese as a second/First language.  Students who take Chinese as a First Language will take the Advanced Chinese course at IGCSE. In addition, Spanish and French are further languages students can opt for at  IGCSE level. The THINK library is well stocked with reading material in Chinese and English.  About 20% of the collection of about 20,000 books are in Chinese.

Community service is a very important component of the educational program for all THINK students, from Kindergarten to Year 13, and is modelled by the entire THINK community.  This service takes many forms: from cleaning litter in the students’ own classroom to helping to maintain the Discovery Bay Beach, a public beach area in Hong Kong. Our students also dedicate their time and effort locally through organized service experiences to Hong Kong charities (like Save the Children Cancer Foundation) as well as contributing to disaster relief in other countries such as China (the Szechuan Earth quake), Philippines (the Haiyan Typhoon) and Pakistan (the earth quake).

THINK’s mission is to create a better world through education, therefore we take equal pride in our academic and service programs.  Class sizes average between 18-22 students. We believe that students should learn experientially, and so offer various student-run clubs and outdoor adventure opportunities.  Our Middle and High School students have the opportunity to travel outside Hong Kong to participate in athletics, vocal or instrumental music competitions.  High School students are also encourage to  gain international experiences from grade level curriculum-related or community service commitments, Model United Nations events, and modern language immersion trips.

An extensive After-School Activities program offers students a range of sports and other activities.   One of the advantages of being a ‘boutique school’ is that students get to participate in a wide range of activities.   Every student is welcome in every activity.

The THINK teaching faculty is comprised of 50 teachers and is one of our best assets. As true professionals they are constantly reviewing their practice in the quest for excellence. In past years, IGCSEs, the Edinburgh and the After-School Care programs were introduced in addition to reviews of the marking system and timetable being carried out.   THINK is always looking to improve and aims to be at the forefront of pedagogical innovation.

At THINK we are a family. Our students, parents, teachers and staff are all partners in delivering the best possible educational experiences. Our teachers are highly motivated professionals who pride themselves on going the extra mile. There is an active Parent Teacher Association that is supportive in building a friendly nurturing environment where everybody can take pride in his or her achievements.

THINK’s campus is located over three sites, all in the middle of Kowloon Peninsula of Hong Kong within 10 minutes’ drive from each other. The Primary and Kindergarten are one street across from each other. The Kindergarten (3-4 years) is located in a separate location suitable for early years. Facilities in the secondary school include a main school building characterized by a spacious entrance foyer, a Library, a Media Centre, a 300-seat multipurpose room, well-equipped general use classrooms, science and computer labs, performing arts rooms (band, choir, and drama), specialist EAL and Learning Support rooms, one art room.

Hong Kong is an international Finance center and a gateway into China. As such, the city is diverse with multinationalism in both food and entertainment.  The water front is beautiful, the beaches are amongst the best in the region and hiking trails are plentiful for active people. It is also the hub of travel, north to China, Korea, Japan and Taiwan,  south to the Philippines, Singapore, and Malaysia all within 2 hours by plane. The School’s website at www.think.edu.hk provides further detailed information on many aspects of its educational program and the opportunities available for interested students and parents.

 Our current education program offers:

2.    The Specific Duties of the IBDP Coordinator

Reports to: Head of School.

Main Responsibilities

Preparing the school for IB authorization.

Ensuring that the IB Diploma Program is operated in accordance with IBO requirements by coordinating the work of the HS HODs.  Managing all aspects of the taking of the IB examination papers and the completion of other assessable items as well as all communications with and submissions to the IBO, including examination entries.  

Tasks

The IB Diploma Program Coordinator has the following duties:

a)          Organization of Examinations:

• Ensure that all students are entered for the correct examination subjects.
• Organize the timetable for the year 12 examinations.
• Ensure Year 13  mock examinations are a very close approximation to the actual external exam experience. (HODs are responsible for setting and running the mocks and internal exams.)
• Check the IB examination papers on receipt and to ensure their safe storage until time of use.
• Ensure the proper administration of Split-Session entries.
• Ensure the correct administration of the external examinations set by I.B. with the exception of invigilation arrangements.
• Report to the IBO any adverse circumstances that may affect a candidate’s performance.
• Convey examination results to candidates.

b)          Management of Coursework:

•  Supervise the Extended Essay process by introducing the subject to students, coordinating the allocation of supervision and making all necessary IB criteria available to both students and supervisors.  (In conjunction with HODs.)
• Ensure that all extended essays are collected and sent to examiners for marking.
• Set deadlines for departments for the completion of coursework and submission.
• Collect and submit to the I.B. all internal assessment scores.
• Collect, check and dispatch all coursework samples required by the I.B. (In conjunction with HODs.)
• Ensure the transfer of all coursework materials for students changing schools.
• Set internal deadlines and establish procedures for the submission of various I.B. forms and marksheets; CAS; TOK and Extended Essays; special requests, legalization, inquiries upon results etc.
• Ensure that HODs and supervisors comply with the Vade Mecum requirements and meet the above deadlines. Assist Heads of Grade and Tutors if necessary to ensure students meet their deadlines.

c)           General Administration:

•  Ensure that subject and personal details for all I.B. students are checked and corrected where necessary.
• Ensure the proper administration of Special Request subjects.
• Ensure (in conjunction with HOGs) that student subject packages meet the IB regulations.
• Ensure that students are made aware of regulations and requirements for external examinations, award of Diploma, extended essays, rights of appeal etc.
• Communicate advice on these matters via section or directly to students (assemblies, tutor group visits, or personal interviews).
• Ensure that departments are properly informed of new developments within the I.B. such as curriculum content and assessment practices and that departments are kept informed of IB Workshops.
• Answer, or obtain answers for, all department questions relating to the I.B.
• Ensure that departments have access to relevant IBO publications.
• Coordinate the ordering of IB materials from the publications department.
• Conduct the school element of the 5-year program review.
• Arrange for the forwarding of results to universities on request.
• Arrange for the legalisation of diplomas on request.
• Ensure calculation and payment of the I.B. related fees in association with finance.

d)          Ensure that the colleagues listed below fulfill the following responsibilities:

•  Extended essays are completed on time by students and meet general and specific criteria (EE Supervisors / EE Coordinator)
• Students follow an appropriate CAS program (CAS coordinator).
• Students follow an appropriate TOK program (TOK Coordinator)
• Complete marksheets and other subject-specific forms (HODs/TOK Coordinator/EE Supervisors/ EE Coordinator).
• Select and submit all coursework related materials (text, video tape, audio tape, photographs, artifacts) that have to be dispatched to IBCA (HODs).

e)          Other:

•  Act as a channel of communication between the school and the IBO.
• Attend the Annual Regional Conference and to report back on its proceedings.
• Liaise with the coordinators of other IB schools where necessary.
• Liaise with visitors from other schools.
• Liaise with the IBAP regional office where necessary.
• Answer IB-specific questions from parents, prospective parents and other interested parties.
• Provide information and support to TIS staff in matters regarding the IB.
• Support and assist TIS in matters relating to cases of malpractice.
• Be available to students for consultation on matters pertaining to IB and IB schools.
• Publicise IB World to students and staff.
• Negotiate with the IBO on behalf of students with recognised learning difficulties or medical problems.

3.   Terms and conditions of the appointment

The contract will be for an initial term of 2 years, renewable thereafter by mutual agreement of the IBDP Coordinator and the Head of School. The successful candidate will be offered a highly competitive employment package commensurate with his/her experience and skills.

4.    Application Procedure

Suitably qualified candidates should send to Barry Drake at Search Associates – bdrake@searchassociates.com - all the items below collated together in a single pdf as an email attachment (to arrive as soon as possible, and no later than 15th December 2017)

• a letter of application (no more than one page), outlining why the candidate wishes to apply for this position and what specific skills, qualities and experience he/she can offer
• a CV (no more than two pages)
• a statement of educational and leadership philosophy (no more than one page)
• the names and full contact details of at least three professional referees (one of which should if possible be the leader of the applicant’s current organization)
• a good recent head-and-shoulders photo

Interviews are scheduled to take place during late December/ early January

Closing date: 15th December 2017

 Applications to:  bdrake@searchassociates.com

Think International reserves the right to make an appointment before the published deadline date for applications should the right candidate be located earlier.