Head of Department, Design Technology

Key responsibilities and duties:

Leadership of High-Quality Teaching and Learning

• Lead the delivery of exceptional teaching and learning within the assigned curriculum areas;

• Oversee the professional development of staff in the designated curriculum fields;

• Ensure that teaching methodologies align with established best practices;

• Facilitate professional learning opportunities within the curriculum area;

• Guide the implementation of differentiated instruction in teaching and learning;

• Maintain a vibrant and engaging learning environment, particularly through Art/DT/ICT displays around the campus;

• Assess and celebrate students' achievements;

• Direct the planning of the curriculum to ensure comprehensive documentation that supports high-quality teaching and learning;

• Regularly review and reflect on curriculum units;

• Guarantee vertical alignment within the curriculum;

• Ensure horizontal alignment of the curriculum, promoting collaboration with other departments;

• Supervise the development of subject rubrics that support the vertical alignment of the curriculum;

• Create and manage resources for the curriculum area, ensuring all materials are accessible on a shared drive and regularly updated;

• Foster collaboration among teachers in the curriculum area for resource development;

• Lead and facilitate subject competitions and academic enrichment activities;

Leadership of High-Quality Assessment for Learning, ensuring all students progress effectively

• Ensure that subject rubrics help students understand their paths toward progress;

• Collaborate to create student-led progress conferences with parents;

• Guarantee timely and high-quality reporting;

• Direct formative assessment practices within the curriculum area;

• Ensure assessments are valid, reliable, and aligned with the unit's learning objectives;

• Lead moderation of assessments in the subject area to ensure accuracy and representativeness of results;

• Ensure the availability and utilization of Cat 4 and other data by teachers; provide clear evidence of data usage to line manager/SLT as needed;

• Oversee pupil progress monitoring in partnership with tutors, subject teachers, and the Head of Secondary;

• Maintain precise and current data on pupil progress;

• Compile and analyze examination data;

Administration and Organisation of the Curriculum Area

• Collaborate with the Exams Officer to ensure accurate and timely submission of external exam entries;

• Complete administrative tasks for the curriculum area;

• Lead the development of curriculum area development plans;

• Manage the budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources;

Specific qualities for this role include:

• Relevant qualifications and experience pertinent to the position;

• In-depth understanding of the curriculum and exemplary teaching practices;

• Dedication to professional learning and staying informed on current pedagogical and curriculum research;

• Strong collaborator who fosters trust and openness within the team;

• Capability to cultivate a positive and cooperative work atmosphere;

• Strong leadership abilities, including effective and sensitive support and mentorship of staff;

• Competency in conflict resolution;

• Exceptional communication skills, both oral and written;

• Superior organizational and administrative skills;

• An enthusiastic, self-driven, and adaptable mindset;

• Initiative-taking capabilities;

• Strategic thinking and planning skills, with the ability to lead and manage change;

• Creative problem-solving skills and foresight in anticipating potential issues;

• Awareness and sensitivity to local cultures;

• Understanding and sensitivity toward the diverse learning needs of students;

• Ability to motivate, inspire, and challenge both staff and students;

• Alignment with the mission, vision, and values of UCSI International School, KL;

• Any other reasonable tasks as assigned by the Principal through mutual agreement.