Head of Department, Design Technology

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

Leadership in High-Quality Teaching and Learning

• Spearhead the delivery of outstanding teaching and learning experiences within the designated curriculum areas;

• Oversee the professional growth and development of staff within the assigned curriculum fields;

• Ensure teaching practices are in line with recognized best practices;

• Organize professional learning opportunities relevant to the curriculum area;

• Facilitate the implementation of differentiated instructional strategies;

• Maintain an engaging and dynamic learning environment, particularly through displays in Art, DT, and ICT throughout the campus;

• Assess and celebrate student achievements;

• Direct the curriculum planning process to ensure thorough documentation that supports exemplary teaching and learning;

• Regularly evaluate and reflect on curriculum units;

• Ensure vertical alignment across the curriculum;

• Promote horizontal alignment of the curriculum, encouraging collaboration with other departments;

• Supervise the creation of subject rubrics that support vertical alignment;

• Develop and manage resources for the curriculum area, ensuring accessibility on a shared drive and regular updates;

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

• Lead and facilitate academic enrichment activities and subject competitions;

Leadership in High-Quality Assessment for Learning, ensuring effective student progress

• Ensure that subject rubrics assist students in understanding their progress pathways;

• Collaborate in organizing student-led progress conferences with parents;

• Ensure timely and high-quality reporting;

• Direct formative assessment practices within the curriculum area;

• Verify that assessments are valid, reliable, and aligned with the learning objectives of the unit;

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

• Ensure that teachers have access to and utilize Cat 4 and other relevant data; provide clear evidence of data usage to the line manager/SLT as necessary;

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

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records on pupil progress;

• Compile and analyze examination data;

Administration and Organization of the Curriculum Area

• Work alongside the Exams Officer to guarantee accurate and timely submission of external exam entries;

• Complete administrative responsibilities for the curriculum area;

• Lead the formulation of development plans for the curriculum area;

• Manage the budget effectively, ensuring proper resource allocation;

Specific Qualities for This Role Include:

• Relevant qualifications and experience suited to the position;

• Comprehensive understanding of the curriculum and exemplary teaching methodologies;

• Commitment to professional development and staying updated on current educational research;

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

• Ability to create a positive and cooperative working environment;

• Strong leadership skills, including the capacity to provide effective and empathetic support and mentorship to staff;

• Proficient in conflict resolution;

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written;

• Exceptional organizational and administrative competencies;

• An enthusiastic, self-motivated, and adaptable approach;

• Initiative-taking capabilities;

• Strategic thinking and planning abilities, with the capacity to lead and manage change;

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

• Awareness and sensitivity to local cultures;

• Understanding and sensitivity to 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 additional reasonable tasks as assigned by the Principal through mutual agreement.