Head of Music, TLR 3 (Starting Aug 2025) - Sha Tin College

Sha Tin College is seeking to appoint a Head of Department - Music to ensure that students are at the centre of the department’s aims and objectives as well as its practices and procedures. The HOD is instrumental to the continued development of the College and, in partnership with the Head of Faculty, will be responsible for the vision, leadership and management of the Department in line with the College's Purpose, Values and Priorities. The HOD is a key leader within the Faculty, assisting teachers in developing their own teaching and other professional skills and advocating for students in their subject areas.  

Responsibilities

Teaching, Learning & Curriculum:

• Curriculum planning and implementation Years 7 – 13
• Curriculum review, development and updating unit plans to reflect best practice
• Lead the department in developing and improving teaching and learning
• Monitor and evaluate teaching and learning in line IB/IGCSE & College policy and procedures
• Encourage teachers to reflect on their practice and share their successes
• Oversee the learning environment and ensure all resources needed are available
• Enable appropriate cross-phase and cross-curricular liaison
• Develop, encourage and evaluate trans/inter-disciplinary projects
• Support and encourage appropriate technology use
• Work in conjunction with the Learning Support department to develop appropriate pathways for all students
• Focus on the ‘Approaches to Learning’ throughout the curriculum
• Responsible for student’s progress and welfare within the department
• Maintain and develop assessment, recording and reporting practices including oral assessment, standardisation and moderation strategies in line with IB/IGCSE and College policies and procedures
• Analyse and evaluate examination and student performance data to inform strategies for success

Leading The Team:

• Create an atmosphere of mutual trust where collaboration, discussion, debate and innovation are promoted and can flourish
• Chair department meetings, provide an agenda and make minutes accessible
• Initiate and lead department discussions
• Induct, support and provide guidance to new staff
• Support and provide guidance to current teaching staff
• Promote CPD, encouraging professional development and representation on appropriate working parties and delegating responsibilities to provide appropriate professional experience
• Set department priorities in consultation with members of the department/faculty
• Establish effective communication with other departments, Heads of Year, Tutors, Learning Support staff, Librarian and Senior staff 
• Ensure the department is well represented in regard to Experiential Learning opportunities, in particular, the Activities Programme
• Identify staffing needs, confer with the Head of Faculty and work with the Principal to recruit new staff

Management & Administration:

• Maintenance of departmental records
• Preparation for assessment and/or examinations (internal and external) and liaison with staff responsible for their organisation
• Liaison with the Head of Faculty/SLT member responsible for the timetable and the allocation of staff
• Management of the departmental budget and resources
• Liaison with partner primary schools, PTSA, School Council, and other ESF Heads of Department, as appropriate
• Liaising with and attending ESF meetings and supporting the curriculum chair in the development of appropriate CPD

Requirements

The successful applicant should have the following skills, abilities, knowledge, and experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education, or
• Bachelor’s Degree, as well as a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate of Education) or equivalent

Personal Skills And Abilities:

• Excellent negotiation, collaboration and problem-solving skills with a solution-focused attitude
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with staff, students and parents with a view to empowering others
• Commitment to supporting and developing a holistic approach to student development and well-being 
• Excellent organisational skills and timely follow-up.

Knowledge And Experience:

• A sound practical knowledge of curriculum development
• Pedagogical expertise
• Solid ICT skills

Closing Date: 26th Nov, 2024 

For enquiries, please contact Jamie Chan at pa_principal@stconline.edu.hk 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and offers may be extended prior to the job 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.

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