FRENCH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLOF HONG KONG/

LYCÉE FRANÇAIS INTERNATIONALDE HONG KONGHong Kong, China

HEAD OF SCHOOLStart Date: July 2022

fis.edu.hk

OVERVIEW

As one of Hong Kong’s largest international schools, comprising 2,700 students on four campuses, the French International School (FIS) aims to provide a nurturing, culturally diverse community, which inspires young people to realise their true potential in becoming confident, responsible and independent learners, who as global citizens, espouse humanistic values and integrity.

With bilingualism at the heart of the learning program, FIS is one school with two streams, offering an excellent education in both its French and International streams. The French Stream is linked with AEFE and follows the French National Education curriculum, leading to the Diplôme National du Brevet and the French Baccalauréat. The International Stream students follow IEYC, IPC, and IMYC programs based on the English National Curriculum, leading to IGCSE and rounded off by the IBDP. Students benefit from a multi-lingual education with French, international and local perspectives. For holistic development, FIS offers a rich and varied selection of extra-curricular activities designed for students’ personal growth. Students graduate from FIS entering highly recognised colleges and universities in Europe, the United States and around the world.

Now in its sixth decade, FIS is looking to the future and embarking upon a process of transformation in order to best serve a wide constituency. Having previously received its leadership from the Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE), the Board recently signed a partnership agreement in favour of a school model led by a Head of School reporting to its Board of Directors. In this time of transition, the FIS Board seeks a leader who can embrace both the traditions of the school, as well as the vision of its future, to unify the school with a shared sense of purpose, identity and direction. This is a significant career opportunity for a highly qualified candidate aspiring to lead one of the world’s leading bilingual schools.

MissionAt FIS, we are a multicultural school, offering diverse curricula built upon values of global mindedness, critical thinking and personal development.

Our mission is to energise young minds, prepare independent and compassionate life-long learners and inspire our students to achieve their full potential.

We reach our goals by providing a collaborative and stimulating bilingual learning environment where all members of our community are valued and respected.

CARNEYSANDOE.COM 2

GOVERNANCE

The French International School of Hong Kong is a not-for-profit, private enterprise under Hong Kong law, managed by a Board of Directors. The Board consists of 13 volunteer members, 12 of whom are parents elected for three-year terms, plus the Consul General of France.

THE SCHOOL

Founded in 1963, FIS has a proven legacy spanning over half a century. It became the first IB World School authorised in Hong Kong in 1988. Today, FIS is one of the largest international schools in Hong Kong and gives its students and their parents the opportunity to be part of a large, diverse and warm community. Welcoming students from 3 to 18 years of age, enables them to benefit from both a consistent environment and curriculum. Every year, FIS students achieve excellent results in all four major exams—IBDP, French Baccalauréat, IGCSE and Diplôme National du Brevet.

Students at FIS are energetic and confident. The community as a whole, is committed to interacting with respect and care for each other, in alignment with its code of conduct. It’s not unusual for parents to express, ‘The kids are so happy at the school.’ Many events are hosted during the school year to celebrate and inspire FIS students and bring the community together, as well as to show appreciation of the school’s host city. FIS also recognises that positive and supportive parental involvement contributes to the success of students, and a wide range of volunteer opportunities are accessible to parents.

CARNEYSANDOE.COM 3

Fast FactsTotal students: 2,700Student nationalities represented: 40+Total faculty: 240Faculty nationalities represented: 16Faculty with advanced degrees: 35%Student/teacher ratio: 11:1Financial aid awarded: HK $15MStudents receiving aid: 27%

Faculty and staff have the shared goal of encouraging student success by taking into consideration each learner’s individuality and needs. Teachers are recruited as role models and for their expertise, being dedicated to elevating each student’s learning process with empathy and support. FIS offers continuous professional development to ensure the pedagogical team is apprised of latest learning trends, encouraging the sharing of best practices among teachers from both the French and the International streams. As one teacher commented, ‘We want to be better than we were yesterday. There’s trust to…begin to think about how to do things better. We are allowed to innovate and try new things.’

FIS is an important part of the Hong Kong landscape. For the past 50 years, the school and its community have been heavily involved in the economic, social and cultural life of the territory. Opening in 2018, the school’s latest Tseung Kwan O campus, is a testament to how FIS is at its very core, a part of Hong Kong’s future fabric.

ACADEMICS

FIS offers a unique multicultural learning experience. Since its establishment, language learning has been at the heart of its educational vision. The school’s two streams provide an exceptional mix, and immerse students in a unique multicultural environment, with more than 40 nationalities represented. The objective is for all students to complete their schooling with full fluency in at least English and French. Within the French and International streams, trilingualism is not uncommon. Mandarin lessons are offered to primary students, either as part of the school curriculum or during extra-curricular activities. In the Secondary, Mandarin is taught at different levels in order to adapt to the variety of student backgrounds. In addition, secondary school students have the option of studying Spanish, German and Latin. In order to provide a positive and stimulating academic environment, FIS offers a wide range of projects for students in the arts, sports, computing and sustainable development.

CARNEYSANDOE.COM 4

Offering personalised attention to each student is paramount at FIS. The Student Services Team works to meet the educational, physical and socio-emotional needs of all students. The Team assists students with their daily activities, acting as an interface between students, teachers and parents. From the end of Lower Secondary, FIS provides individualised coaching to prepare students for higher education worldwide. The FIS University Guidance department gives both students and parents advice on tertiary possibilities and the application process to universities.

The French StreamLinked by FIS’s Partnership School status with the AEFE, the French Stream follows the French National Education curriculum as set by the French Education Ministry, which leads to the Diplôme National du Brevet (DNB) and the French Baccalauréat. While instruction is in French, students from Moyenne Section (MS) to Terminale also focus on mastering English, as well as learning other European languages and Mandarin.

At the primary level, FIS offers three language pathways depending on the class, campus and child’s level of English. From Lower Primary to Upper Secondary, FIS offers an introduction to the local culture and language, as well as teaching skills to acquire independence. The school promotes the idea of ‘living together,’ and focuses on developing digital learning skills.

As a PK-12 school, the curriculum for each subject has been developed to provide continuity for students. Enrichment projects allow a perfect fit for students and the French education system. Generally, subjects include French, English, mathematics, computing, social sciences (geography, history), experimental sciences, art and music, physical education and Mandarin (secondary students also have the option of studying Spanish, German and Latin). Many educational visits and field trips are organised throughout the year for all levels. Supplementing the curriculum, these trips are an integral component of learning.

CARNEYSANDOE.COM 5

In the 2019-2020 school year, the Baccalauréat exam was terminated in the French curriculum, and students now customise their program among nine specialty courses offered at FIS. A highlight for FIS students at this level, is a one-week work experience at an organisation of the student’s choosing, to learn and experience a profession of interest.

With the school’s link to the AEFE network, which comprises 500 schools under the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs; parents can be confident of a French Stream which follows the French National Education curriculum. As one parent expressed, ‘The fact that French people living in Hong Kong can give their children a French curriculum is most important because many of them are meant to go back to France someday. The children absolutely need to have the background to help them fit back into the French system.’

The International StreamThe International Stream affords students a holistic education unique in Hong Kong. From Reception to Year 13, students are primarily taught in English and follow IEYC, IPC, IMYC, programs based on the English National Curriculum, which is enhanced for FIS’s international setting, and rounded off by the International Baccaleaurate Diploma (IBDP) for senior Secondary students.

In the early years, students are provided with the highest quality play-led learning experiences, created to foster their intellectual independence. The curriculum is organised with themes from the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC) and International Primary Curriculum (IPC), which interconnect through the years. The program is mapped against the UK National Curriculum, and is developed to promote global citizenship and international mindedness. Subjects include English, mathematics, sciences, humanities, French, IT, music, Mandarin and physical education.

At the Secondary level, a broad and balanced International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC) leads to senior years, where during Year 9, students select their International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) options, before embarking on the two-year IGCSE course. Subjects studied are art and

CARNEYSANDOE.COM 6

design, drama, English, French, mathematics, foreign languages (Latin, Mandarin or Spanish), geography, history, information tech, music, physical education and sciences. The International Stream learning experience culminates in the two-year IBDP. For IBDP, students are required to study six subjects with at least three studied at Higher Level and the remainder studied at Standard Level. Students must also select two languages.

Field trips and activities designed to enhance student learning, take place throughout the year. At the end of the school year, all International Stream Secondary students take part in CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) Week. Collaboratively, they explore, learn and help support issues locally and overseas. In addition, the International Stream has developed a comprehensive Personal Social and Health Education (PSHE) program to help nurture happy, healthy and confident young people.

As a parent in the school commented, ‘The International stream has rigorous academics in a fun environment. The teachers challenge the students as well as celebrate the playful way learning happens naturally through non-traditional means. I am most proud of how my child is able to enjoy school and is still academically challenged. I value most, the international aspect of the learning materials that fall in line with the “global citizen” objective of the school.’

CARNEYSANDOE.COM 7

The University Guidance Department’s mission, is to enable each student to develop career objectives, and to be fully aware of the requirements of higher education and job prospects. Each year, students join the best universities and schools, both in France and around the world. France is the most popular destination, followed by the United Kingdom, the United States and Hong Kong.

FranceSciences Po ParisInstitut National des Sciences Appliquées de Lyon (INSA)Université de DauphineEcole Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs

United KingdomUniversity of OxfordUniversity of CambridgeUniversity College London (UCL)Central St Martins College of Art and Design

United StatesUniversity of PennsylvaniaDuke UniversityUniversity of South CaliforniaUniversity of Chicago

Hong KongHong Kong UniversityHong Kong University of Science & TechnologyChinese University of Hong KongSavannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)

University Placement

ARTS AND SPORTS

Sports and the arts play a very important role at FIS, whether as part of school curricula or outside the classroom.

Sports at FIS help students adopt a healthy and active lifestyle from an early age. Students participate in competitions organised by the Hong Kong sports leagues, as well as local and international tournaments. FIS also organises a number of sports events each year, including ‘Sports Days’ during which students and teachers, take part in different sports (relay races, hurdles, sprints, javelin or discus throwing) and the ‘Swimathon,’ charity event. During the popular ‘Interhouse Competition’, the school’s four ‘Houses’ (Phoenix, Snakes, Pandas and Dragons) compete in football, badminton, table tennis and athletics events, amongst others.

The arts are well represented at FIS through visual arts, drama, music, writing and more. Students have many opportunities to take part in creative and performing arts activities, either during or after class, as well as many end-of-year shows, Christmas concerts, orchestra and choir, theatrical performances and festivals and the eagerly anticipated ‘Couture’ annual fashion show. Every year, the campuses are transformed into a magnificent art gallery, where the works created by students are exhibited at different events. In the IBDP and French Baccalaureate arts courses, students are encouraged to go even further in their personal creative processes.

CARNEYSANDOE.COM 8

SCHOOL LIFE

FIS recognises the importance of student wellbeing and personal development, in complementing the formal education of students. With this in mind, many activities and services are provided for students. FIS encourages students to excel, work together, and express themselves through a large range of activities such as sports days, various student clubs or sustainable development projects.

Extra-curricular activities (ECA) are aimed at students of all ages, and led by certified professional coaches in French and/or English. Options include a variety of sports, arts and educational activities, such as gymnastics, yoga, sewing, origami, chess and robotics.

FIS is a green and community-conscious school, which actively promotes sustainable development.This commitment being visible through the employment of dedicated staff, as well as through various adaptations to facilities, along with numerous initiatives and activities aimed at the FIS community. The yearly agenda involves multiple teacher-led activities aimed at raising the importance of environmental awareness among students. The school has gradually introduced environmental concepts into the curriculum and provides diverse activities aimed at students taking responsibility for the sustainability of the planet.

CAMPUSESFIS has four purpose-built, state-of-the-art campuses across Hong Kong.

Jardine’s Lookout, located in a mountain and residential area on Hong Kong Island, serves students enrolled both in the French Stream and the International Stream, in the Early Years and Primary

CARNEYSANDOE.COM 9

(Reception to Year 6/MS to CE1). With around 710 students and 103 teachers, the campus features an arts room, auditorium, basketball court, gymnasium, library and swimming pool.

The Blue Pool Road campus in Happy Valley, also on Hong Kong Island, is home to some 830 students in Secondary School (both the French Stream and the International Stream) plus 109 teachers. Highlights of the campus include a gymnasium, multipurpose room, basketball court, canteen, library, along with an arts room and music room.

The school’s third campus on Hong Kong Island, Chai Wan, located on the eastern end of the island, houses the Primary students of the French Stream (CE2 to CM2). Around 245 students and 31 teachers enjoy facilities which include an arts room, basketball court, canteen, library and multipurpose room.

Finally, the newest Tseung Kwan O campus, located in the New Territories region, serves Early Years, Primary and Lower Secondary students in the French Stream plus Reception to Year 4 students in the International Stream, and will include Years 5 and 6 by 2022. This campus of 910 students and 100 teachers, has an arts room, auditorium, basketball court, canteen, gymnasium, library, multipurpose room and swimming pool. Opening in September 2018, the campus has been optimised to decrease energy consumption. The architecture allows natural ventilation to prevail, reducing heat gain and the need for air conditioning. Hundreds of ceramic sun breakers cover the campus’s facade, to softly diffuse light, reducing the need for artificial light.

HONG KONG, CHINA

Hong Kong is located south of Guangdong and faces the South China Sea to the east, west and south. Although one of the most densely populated areas in the world—with seven million people inhabiting

CARNEYSANDOE.COM 10

CARNEYSANDOE.COM 11

1,108 sq. kms (428 sq. mi.) of land—three quarters of Hong Kong is natural countryside. Known as a global hub where ‘East meets West’, Hong Kong is Asia’s ‘World City’—a melting pot of cultures and traditions. In spite of its size and visibility, Hong Kong possesses an authentic sense of community and security, that is unlike other large metropolises. FIS students benefit from exposure to the broad economic and ethnic diversity of the area.

Hong Kong began as a trading port and became a dependent territory of the United Kingdom in 1842, remained so, until the transfer of sovereignty to the People’s Republic of China in 1997. Along with Macau, Hong Kong is one of the two Special Administrative Regions (SAR) of China, operating under the ‘one country, two systems’ policy.

Renowned for its expansive skyline and natural setting, Hong Kong is one of the world’s leading financial capitals. A major business and cultural hub, it maintains a highly developed free market economy, and cosmopolitan identity, as reflected in its cuisine, cinema, music and traditions. Although the population is predominantly Chinese, residents and expatriates of other ethnicities form a significant segment of its society. It is a ‘westernised’ city next to the fastest growing economy in the world.

While a world-class centre for commerce and trade, it is also very much a family-friendly city. Hong Kong has that special energy which is a hallmark of big city living, but its hilly and mountainous terrain offers the charm of expansive countryside dotted with small villages as well as access to plentiful country parks, trails and reserves. Hong Kong’s Mass Transit Railway (MTR) is one of the best underground metro systems in the world—safe, clean, fast and easy to use. Residents also use taxis, buses and trams to navigate the city. The heart of the city bustles with activity until late hours, as patrons enjoy the many boutiques and world class shopping, as well as an ample array of culinary options from fine dining to street stalls. From its vibrant cityscape, to the ease of travel to other parts of Asia, Hong Kong has a great deal to offer its residents.

CARNEYSANDOE.COM 12

OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES Opportunities for the next Head of School include:

• Affirming and building on the strengths and long history of an established and well regarded school, truly unique in its offering and setting

• Being supported by dedicated and motivated staff and a highly valued and engaged student population, which genuinely enjoys being at the school

• Immense social capital and genuine community support• Highly visible and impactful change management opportunity to drive continued transition and

transformation• Pronounced ambassadorial responsibilities, both internally and externally

Challenges for the next Head of School include:

• Managing change and transformation—articulating, driving and nurturing school improvement plans, teaching methods, and philosophies within the realms of accreditation criteria (homologation)

• Resetting a student focus—reinforcing student needs to the very centre of the school’s operation and focus - delivering clearly defined and impactful wellbeing support structures

• Honouring, affirming, and balancing the French identity and international culture of the school, to strengthen a one-school ethos, and develop a strong and clear sense of community, shared identity and understanding of ‘who and what’ the school is

• Managing cultural change and leveraging enhanced collaboration and exchange between the streams, to drive best practices in school administration, teaching, and learning

• Working with the Board to refine a clear vision for the future, adopting the required governance and leadership structures to fulfil it

• Continuing to drive campus development and improvement—providing the necessary infrastructure, facilities, and resources to fully support the program of each campus

CARNEYSANDOE.COM 13

• Navigating the changing political and regulatory expectations and requirements of Hong Kong• Being the face and champion of the school• Working with a broad school community, and wider community of local affiliated organisations and

government bodies, to promote and safeguard the school’s best interests and future

DESIRED QUALITIES AND QUALIFICATIONS

• An effective listener, learner and influencer with highly developed communication skills in both written and spoken French and English, with Chinese considered highly advantageous

• Kind, fair and consistent leadership style, which is invested and immersed in school life and the healthy development of students and staff

• A visible, warm and approachable interpersonal style with a good humoured disposition to inspire and elicit communication, collaboration and confidence in the school community, ensuring all members are provided with nurturing and attentive care and due consideration

• Education expertise in Éducation Nationale and International (non-French) English based curricula and cultures

• High expectations of self and others, demonstrating a readiness to challenge and remedy underperformance or behaviours inconsistent with the school’s policies

• Proven ability in managing comprehensive professional development and formative assessment of staff

• Transformation experience in improving operational, administrative and pedagogical practices, and driving service excellence both internally and externally

• Visionary and long-term committed leader, with proven strategic acumen and well honed problem solving skills, in managing a large, complex school

• Inspired participation and leadership of school community and projects, special events, promotion and fundraising

TO APPLY

Interested and qualified candidates are encouraged to speak with one of the consultants below in confidence. All applicants will be expected to submit (preferably in separate PDFs) the following materials:

• A cover letter expressing their interest in this particular position;• A current résumé;• A one-page statement of leadership philosophy and practice;• A list of five professional references with name, relationship, phone number, and email address of

each (references will not be contacted without the candidate’s permission) to:

John ChandlerSenior Consultantjohn.chandler@carneysandoe.com

Art CharlesManaging Associate, International Schools Practiceart.charles@carneysandoe.com

Ralph DavisonSenior Consultantralph.davison@carneysandoe.com

Deb WelchSenior Consultantdeb.welch@carneysandoe.com