HOD English & Languages

Head of Department Job Description

1. Teaching
HODs typically instruct 16-18 periods of 55 minutes each. Their teaching responsibilities will primarily involve senior classes (Grade 11 & 12) within the international stream, which includes both overseas students and PNG students who are paying the International course fee. These learners may be enrolled in either the ACT program alone or a combination of the ACTIB program. Additionally, PNG citizens will be taking their PNG exams. The curriculum for grades 11 and 12 is centered around the IBDP English A1 (Literature). HODs may also teach grades 9 and 10, where students are engaged in the IGCSE English program. Extra periods for senior and IB classes may be required after school or on Saturdays.

2. Assessment
The HOD is tasked with ensuring that all assessment items conform to the standards set by external providers. Both the ACT and PNG systems implement continuous internal assessments, making the quality of assessment items crucial. Additionally, marks from various strands must be consolidated; for instance, PNG students enrolled in the International Programme must have their internal marks combined with those of students following the PNG-only pathway, ensuring fairness and equity. The HOD will maintain records of assessments and student marks and will analyze student performance data.

3. Staff
In most departments, up to 90% of the staff will be from PNG. A significant aspect of this role involves supervising, monitoring, and nurturing these educators. The HOD will oversee a Performance Management system for their team. Professional Development is highly valued, and HODs are expected to be actively engaged both within their department and across the entire school. Recent pedagogical focuses for the school have included formative assessment, differentiation, and literacy. The HOD will also work to foster a cohesive department team, which can be challenging due to differences in teaching loads; HODs typically teach in the international streams with smaller classes, while PNG staff teach larger classes in the PNG-only strand, leading to varied content and teaching experiences.

4. HOD English & Languages
a. The HOD of EAL currently teaches senior English classes in grades 11 & 12, which typically consist of fewer than 20 students. These students follow the ACT Literature course, designed around the IB English A Literature curriculum. The HOD will also instruct IGCSE English.
b. The EAL Department at POMIS includes nine other English teachers and one French teacher. In grades 7 and 8, all students engage with the Cambridge 1 Lower Secondary Syllabus, as well as the PNG Certificate of Basic Education examination. From grades 9 to 12, all Papua New Guinean students undertake the PNG Lower (Grade 10) and Upper (Grade 12) Secondary School certificate examinations. Overseas students and Papua New Guineans paying an additional fee will study IGCSE English in grades 9 & 10 and the ACT English course in grades 11 & 12, with some also participating in the IB program. The department also includes a French teacher who teaches IGCSE – IB French.

International School Port Moresby is a premier educational institution based in Oceania, Papua New Guinea, dedicated to delivering high-quality education through the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) curriculum for high/secondary school students.

Position: Head of Department - English & Languages
Contract Type: Fixed Term
Minimum Qualification: Bachelor Degree
Minimum Experience: 5 years

Skills and Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Education or a related field
- At least 5 years of teaching experience in English and Literature
- Prior experience in a leadership role within an educational environment is preferred
- Familiarity with the IB DP curriculum is highly desirable
- Strong communication and interpersonal capabilities
- Exceptional organizational and time management skills

Values and Attitudes:
As part of our educational community, we seek individuals who exhibit:
- A passion for education and student growth
- A dedication to creating a positive learning atmosphere
- A collaborative spirit when working with colleagues, students, and parents
- Flexibility and a readiness to tackle new challenges

If you fulfill the above requirements and are enthusiastic about leading the English & Languages department at our school, we invite you to apply for this fulfilling opportunity.

Starting Date - Although we have indicated January 2026, if the ideal candidate is not available until April, the current incumbent is willing to remain in the position until then.