Co-Head of Division

Preamble – This role requires leadership and coordination, with all tasks necessitating collaboration among colleagues, division members, fellow Division Heads, and the Co-Principals. The Faculty Leaders and Division Heads form the Leadership Team that works alongside the Co-Principals and Vice Principal. The Senior Academic Leadership Team consists of the Co-Principals, Division Heads, and Vice Principal.

This job description is not exhaustive, and Division Heads may be asked by the Co-Principals to undertake reasonable additional responsibilities not outlined herein.

The Co-Head of Division position entails both academic and pastoral duties, with a two-year term starting at the beginning of the academic year. Renewal interviews will be held biennially, providing current Heads of Division and interested applicants the opportunity to apply.

Each Division (ECE, Primary, Secondary, and Senior Studies) will have two Co-Heads, who will jointly plan an efficient and fair allocation of responsibilities. To promote efficiency, especially within the Secondary and Senior Studies teams, certain tasks may be more effectively managed by a single Co-Head. Duties may include organizing coverage for absent staff and developing a professional development calendar that minimizes staff absence on any given day. Each Co-Head will be accountable for a specific area on behalf of the team.

Academic

1. Administration
(a) Create and manage a comprehensive administrative framework to oversee all aspects of the Co-Head of Division’s responsibilities.
(b) Gain or deepen an understanding of the school's management information systems platform (MIS), such as PowerSchool and GMIS, and use the MIS to streamline administrative operations within the school while keeping staff informed of updates (practical applications).
(c) Coordinate routine and emergency cover arrangements, ensuring the quality of substitute teachers.
(d) Collaborate with the SLT in developing the School calendar.

2. Curriculum policy, planning, and development
(a) Assist in defining a clear curricular policy within the Division, ensuring alignment with school policy.
(b) Take overall responsibility for the quality of teaching and curriculum implementation within the Division as part of the school development plan, working closely with SLT and Faculty leaders.
(c) Organize and lead regular meetings, including Faculty gatherings, to promote curriculum development and discuss curricular issues.
(d) Work with the ECA coordinator on cross/curricular/ECA initiatives relevant to their Division.
(e) Oversee and promote the use of ICT within Departments, encouraging initiatives that enhance educational interactive technology.
(f) Provide staff with updates on changes and developments in the broader educational landscape that may impact the curriculum, such as alterations to IGCSE or A-level structures.
(g) Design programs for students remaining at school during trips, including CCP, WCP, and KH.

3. Curriculum delivery, assessment, standards, and monitoring
(a) Review the performance of Heads of Faculty and individual staff to ensure effective curriculum delivery for all students, advising SLT on necessary corrective measures. Serve as a professional mentor when required.
(b) Monitor and assess standards through the analysis of assessment results and tracking individual and group progress to gain a comprehensive understanding of the Division's academic profile. Ensure all teachers weekly update the Gradebook with assessment data, maintaining consistency across classes and educators. Verify that formative assessments occur with the necessary frequency and variety. Consistency and rigor in assessment information are crucial for communicating student progress to parents monthly. Any significant discrepancies should first be addressed with Faculty leaders and then with the staff member directly if no improvement is observed. SLT should be informed of any specific concerns and the actions taken.
(c) Prepare reports for SLT regarding the analysis of school data, including exam performance (IGCSE & A-level), student-referenced analysis, and target setting based on ALIS (A-level) and CEM; assess relative progress and performance among various student groups, such as G&T, EAL, and SEN. Inform teaching staff of data analysis processes and outcomes.
(d) Coordinate the provision of information to SLT related to classroom teaching matters.
(e) Enforce the school’s policy for recording and reporting student progress based on regular assessments and reports.
(f) Regularly sample student work and conduct student surveys to evaluate the performance of individual colleagues and Departments as part of a 'work scrutiny' program. Assess the quality of marking and feedback within the Division.
(g) Enhance provisions for Gifted and Talented students.
(h) Publish setting arrangements for parents and staff as necessary.
(i) Organize all testing arrangements, including CEM and WIDA, as needed.
(j) Ensure the effective implementation of subject policies and schemes of work.

4. Academic liaison
(a) Collaborate with the Examinations Officer regarding the logistics of internal and external examinations, coordinating and resourcing school exams (including the assessment of exam paper quality) and producing exam schedules and invigilation rosters.
(b) Work with the Learning Development Department to optimize support for children with additional educational needs and communicate any curricular changes.
(c) Build effective communication with external agencies that provide information and support related to the curriculum, including CIS and external examining bodies.
(d) Gather and distribute curriculum-related materials from these and other external agencies to the appropriate staff.

5. Staff Appraisal and Development
(a) Alongside an SLT member, oversee the identification of staff professional development needs and coordinate relevant training while maintaining a log of professional development activities.
(b) Partner with SLT to implement an annual appraisal process to assess the performance of academic staff, including target setting and progress monitoring.

6. Homework
(a) Develop an annual homework timetable in line with school policy.
(b) Work with Heads of Faculty to monitor the assignment and effective management of homework, ensuring it is appropriately challenging.
(c) Conduct regular audits of homework quality, consistently reviewing marks and following up with students who frequently fail to complete homework.

7. Curriculum Electives
(a) When students must select options within the curriculum, clearly communicate available options to parents and students and provide appropriate guidance.
(b) Coordinate the collection of electives from parents and students and generate relevant lists for staff distribution.
(c) Collaborate with Faculty leaders regarding option choices available to students.
(d) Manage the administration of all option/set/timetable changes.

8. Pastoral
1. Oversee discipline, rewards, and sanctions within the respective Division in accordance with school policies.
2. Implement the CDE education framework for students in the Division.
3. Supervise academic monitoring based on target and baseline assessment grades across the Year group, ensuring performance targets are achieved.
4. Organize and lead Divisional assemblies.
5. Plan the provision of trips and outings for individual year groups within the Division.
6. Communicate specific information regarding individual learning, health, and welfare needs to relevant staff.
7. Direct Divisional induction and transitions for pupils and staff.
8. Coordinate suitable social events for students.
9. Cultivate strong relationships with parents, ensuring effective, professional, and appropriate communication from all staff.
10. Plan and oversee the effective utilization of form time within the Division through the development of a pastoral curriculum.
11. Manage reporting and recording within the respective Division and contribute to monitoring the quality of reports and grades.
12. Collaborate with form teachers to establish and monitor termly personal performance targets (PPTs) relevant to the age group (Secondary).
13. Ensure pupil information for the Division is accurately recorded and maintained in PowerSchool.
14. Liaise with the Head of Dorm regarding any boarders from the Division.
15. Meet regularly with year Home Room teachers throughout the term.
16. Be present from 7:45 am to welcome Divisional students, during lunchtime, and after school to facilitate student involvement in extracurricular activities and study.

The Co-Head of Division is expected to actively engage with the academic and pastoral welfare of all Division members, specifically:

Students
• Enhance standards of student attainment and achievement across all curriculum areas.
• Monitor the performance of all students, including those at risk and those requiring extension.
• Oversee the implementation of curriculum plans, behavior plans, and divisional objectives.
• Ensure that all learning plans and exam specifications are fully supported and reinforced by all teachers, with centralized storage for teacher access.
• Collaborate with the school counselor to address the mental health needs of all students.
• Ensure that all students adhere to the code of conduct and exhibit appropriate behavior.
• Coordinate the celebration of student achievements.
• Organize weekly assemblies (Primary & Secondary).
• Assist with decision-making regarding the admission of new students (e.g., trial classes, interviews) when requested.

Teachers
• Improve the teaching practices of all staff within your Division through the staff appraisal system (e.g., classroom observations, goal setting at the start of the year), learning walks, and student pursuits (shadowing a class or student for part of a day).
• Ensure that all teachers understand and comply with the department and building crisis plans.
• Support teachers in adapting the CHERI curriculum to meet the needs of students at YW-GZ.
• Regularly discuss ways to integrate Character Education themes into all planning.
• Ensure all staff complete necessary documents (annual plans, semester plans, behavior plans, and weekly lesson plans) and submit them as requested (check PowerSchool, Gradebook, and server weekly).
• Attend various curriculum planning meetings consistently to provide guidance and insights to teachers.
• Ensure teachers differentiate their planning and instruction to cater to individual student needs.
• Be informed of and approve all parent communications made by teachers in the division.
• Oversee assessment and reporting processes within the division, including the completion of school reports and preparation for parent/teacher interviews. Ensure teaching staff are well-equipped for parent-teacher consultations with ample data and evidence to support progress and attainment measures.
• Conduct regular discussions with staff.