Head of Department - International School (K12)

This position works with the Head of School, Principal of the school. The HOD also reports to the Academic Board or its representative.  HOD will have full responsibility for the leadership and operations of their department including both the regular academic programme and any subject related -extracurricular activities.

They will play a vital role in leading a professional team of teachers, who will deliver a bespoke curriculum, excellent teaching and learning, and an outstanding holistic education to Invictus students.

Heads of Department will thus assist the Deputy Principal(s) in establishing and maintaining a vibrant and thriving school that reflects our Core values, driving forward a high-quality educational programme in a safe, positive and healthy learning environment.

A highly collaborative nature and strong communication skills will be essential, allowing the development of supportive relationships with staff, students, and parents, as well as a strong departmental team. 

1. Leadership – School Development 

·      Assist the Principal in developing the education aims and objectives of the school and devising strategies to achieve them. 

·      Assist the Principal in coordinating the school plan and policies for approval by the Academic Board, Examination Board and Board of Management. 

·      Nurture the school staff and guide them in achieving the aims, objectives and plans of the school.  

2. Teaching & Learning 

·      Develop a school environment which is supportive of learning and high achievement among the students. 

·      Develop and provide appropriate learning and curriculum programmes and methods of instruction that meet the needs of all students in the school and timetabling to support them. 

·      Promote effective teaching and learning practices across the school. 

·      Assist in the development of the school curriculum and assessment policies. 

·      Implement systems for recording individual pupils’ progress and ensure that parents are informed regularly of the progress of their children at the school. 

·      Assist the Principal in supporting the monitoring and evaluation of teaching and learning across the school and the development of improvement plans. 

3. Management – People & Teams 

·      Develop a good working relationship with the Principal, fellow colleagues, parents and other stakeholders. 

·      Assist the Principal in staff development in-service and in the identification of the staffing and training needs of the school – i.e. teaching and support staff. 

·      To lead, develop and evaluate teachers to ensure teaching effectiveness, learning and learning outcome.

·      To develop a set of comprehensive policies and procedures for the 3-core aspect of the subject(s), namely Curriculum, Assessment and Pedagogy 

·      Develop, implement, improve teaching and learning process as an integrated and high-performing system

4. Communication 

·      Maintain effective communication systems with pupils, staff, parents and colleagues. 

·      Implement all school policies with an understanding of their rationale. 

5. Organisational and Administrative Management 

·      Assist the Principal in the day-to-day management of the school, including the planning and overseeing of the daily time tabling of classes. 

·      Assist the Principal in matters of student discipline, in the promotion of good order and general supervision between classes. 

·      Be responsible for the roster of absent teachers and the implementation of and monitoring of relief teaching staff. 

·      Assist the Principal with break time and lunch time supervision. 

·      Assist the Principal with morning supervision prior to school opening. 

·      Assist at open days and nights and award nights. 

·      Assist with the enrolment/assessment of the First Year Cohort. 

·      Assist in ensuring the security of the school building and safe keeping of property. 

·      Conduct the ordinary activities of correspondence, making reports and returns of information as required by the Board of Management. 

6. Self-Awareness and Self-Management 

·      Appreciate the importance of the Principal/Deputy Principal relationship, the relationship with other members of the school community and the importance and overall impact of effective working relationships. 

·      Set a good standard of professional interactions and ensure professional relationship boundaries are in place. 

·      Be aware of his/her skill set and be willing to seek help and advice when required. 

·      Always uphold professional integrity, e.g. discretion, confidentiality, loyalty and trust.