Educational Assistant (French)

West Island School is seeking an Educational Assistant (French) on an hourly basis to start from August 2026. This position is for Term-time only and will be Hourly based.

We are a very dynamic and deeply supportive department that prioritises collaboration and growth. We believe in creating regular, meaningful opportunities to learn together, pushing the boundaries of language education while ensuring every student and team member feels valued and inspired. If you want to work in an environment where your ideas are welcomed and your professional development is nurtured, this is the place for you.

Employment Terms:

• Five-day working week (Monday to Friday)
• Maximum of 24 working hours per week (excludes snack and lunch breaks)
• Term-time only - All school term breaks and holidays are unpaid.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

The primary nature of this role is to provide direct language and literacy support to students within the classroom, alongside general administrative and resource support for the French department as needed.

Teaching and Learning (Direct Student Support):

The French EA's primary duty is to help students learn by working directly with students and teachers in the classroom. As directed by the Head of French, the French EA shall be able:

• To help students for effective learning, e.g., clarifying instructions, answering questions, helping with equipment, and motivating students.
• To take small group activities focused on oral practice, pronunciation, conversational confidence, guided reading, and group tasks as directed by the teacher.
• To provide individual language assistance to students who need extra help with specific grammar points or skills, utilizing targeted practice packs provided by the teacher.
• To aid students understand exam expectations during oral or written practice by guiding them through mark schemes and criteria provided by the department.
• To become familiar with the French curriculum context (IB MYP, IGCSE, and IB Diploma level), basic methods of oral assessment, and the school's daily routine.

Lesson Preparation, Administrative and Resource Support:

• Assist teachers by pointing students toward existing exam-focused digital resources, vocabulary lists, conversational themes and practice materials curated by the department.
• Assist teachers with practical classroom preparation, such as organizing physical learning materials or setting up oral practice resources.
• Support the department with routine preparation tasks such as photocopying, laminating, and organizing physical worksheets, flashcards, or classroom props.
• Assist with checking that resource links and files on the department's existing online learning platforms function correctly.
• Help with the physical setup, updating, or layout of French classroom bulletin boards, word walls, and corridor displays.

Communication and Collaboration:

• The French EA is responsible to the Principal of the school through the Head of French and the Head of Languages.
• Work collaboratively with teachers and the Head of Department, demonstrating a willingness to share ideas, offer help and participate in essential team briefings within their contracted hours
• Communicate with colleagues and students courteously to maintain a positive working relationship and help promote the school mission.
• Assist in the organization and management of physical classroom resources.
• Provide operational support for French cultural activities and events if they occur during scheduled working hours.

Qualifications, Competence and Skills:

• The French EA should possess native or near-native competence in the French language, with accurate pronunciation, and functional English.
• Experience in working with children or in an educational setting is desirable.
• Formal teaching qualifications, either completed or being completed, are a welcome advantage but not required.
• Basic skills in using learning technology to support classroom activities are essential.
• An understanding of the role and responsibilities of an Educational Assistant in the classroom including Child Protection practices in the school ( this information will be provided)
• A flexible approach with difficult students and the ability to foster positive relationships and trust with students being supported.
• Willingness to collaborate with faculty teachers and other EAs as relevant.
• Willingness to participate in professional development on designated CPD days: internal (at WIS) and external (ESF).

For enquiries, please contact Rathi Nandakumar @ 28191962 or Email: [email protected]

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and offers may be extended prior to the job closing date. We strongly recommend early applications as we reserve the right to appoint candidates earlier than the closing date.

By applying for this position, your application may be considered for other opportunities (senior-level roles, head of department, etc.) within ESF.

ESF is an Equal Opportunities Employer

The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is fully committed to providing equal employment opportunities. ESF will not discriminate on the basis of age, race, colour, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, religion, veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, creed, citizenship or any other status protected by local laws or regulations.

Personal data provided by job applicants will be used strictly in accordance with the ESF's Personal Data Policy, a copy of which will be provided upon request.

ESF is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of all students in our care and expects all applicants to uphold this commitment. We adhere to rigorous recruitment practices, with all appointments contingent upon an interview, identity verification, criminal background checks (including ICPC, SCRC, and other international background checks as appropriate), assessment of social media presence, and positive references.

In accordance with the Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2025 guidelines, ESF may perform online checks for all shortlisted candidates prior to the interview.

About Us

The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is the largest English-medium international school organisation in Hong Kong. Our 22 schools and comprehensive programme of extra-curricular activities bring out the best in every student through a personalised approach to learning and by inspiring curious minds.

There are over 18,000 students from 75 different nationalities in ESF kindergartens, primary, secondary and all-through schools.
www.esf.edu.hk

About the Team

West Island School is a world class co-educational IB World School with a leading reputation in Hong Kong. Our school motto "Strength from Diversity" reflects that the school caters for students from over 40 nationalities. The school has a strong focus on developing responsible global citizenship teaching through the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Courage, compassion and service beyond the classroom define our students. We have a reputation for academic excellence and the vast majority of students graduate to a range of leading worldwide universities after completing the IBDP or IBCP programme. In 2020, our average score for the IB Diploma was 37, and 29% of students achieved 40 points or more. Extracurricular activities are offered termly through an extensive CAS programme (Community, Activity and Service). We have a strong focus on pastoral care to support the whole development of young people.

https://wis.esf.edu.hk