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;
• Aware and sensitive 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;

Apply via the WhatSchool platform.