St Albans High School

Job Description

Head of Department

Heads of Department are responsible for the strategic leadership of their subject and staff. They model the core school value of scholarship; keep abreast of developments within their discipline; and challenge, support and inspire their staff to be excellent teachers. They are accountable for the quality of curricular and co-curricular provision, teaching, learning and pupil attainment within their subject. Heads of Departments may be required to take a tutoring role, as part of their contribution to the wider life of the community.

Strategic Planning  Write and evaluate the annual departmental improvement plan and implementation strategies based on rigorous analyses of pupil and staff performance and needs  As part of above, prepare an annual departmental budget and track spend across the year  Work collaboratively within the HoD Forum to develop the curriculum offer across the school

Curriculum Development  Develop and deliver with colleagues stimulating, challenging and relevant schemes of work  Develop and deliver with colleagues subject enrichment opportunities which stretch learners  Coordinate and ensure the delivery of stimulating, challenging and relevant lessons which promote scholarship and independence of mind  Coordinate the planning and delivery of a comprehensive fieldwork programme to support and enhance the curriculum  Coordinate accommodation, equipment & resources to ensure the delivery of above

HE Preparation 2

 Develop and deliver with colleagues a rigorous and imaginative programme of support  Keep abreast of HE developments relevant to their subject  Work closely with the Head of HE and Careers to review and update provision

June 2017 3

Staff Leadership & Development  Work with the Headmistress to recruit & appoint talented staff  Induct colleagues new to the profession, working with the Director of Professional Development (Teaching)  Assure the quality of departmental teaching and assessment through the performance management process, lesson observations, work scrutiny and pupil feedback  Support the professional development of teachers within and beyond school  Keep the department abreast of developments in the subject and in pedagogies  Chair consultative department meetings, and represent departmental views in other fora

Co-curricular  Provide a stimulating and enriching programme of co-curricular activities  Make links with the library and other departments to support the same

Partnership Working  Liaise with subject coordinator at the Prep School, other Heads of Department and with organisations beyond the school to enhance learning and teaching

June 2017 4

June 2017