Head of Department (HOD), Science at a Leading International Boarding School

A leading International Boarding School located in Lagos State, requires the services of suaitably qualified candidates for immediate employment in the capacity below:

Job Title: Head of Department (HOD), Science

Location: Ibeju, Lagos
Employment Type: Full-time

Job Summary

• The Head of Science is responsible for providing the strategic direction and development of the subject, leading, and managing staff, the effective, safe and efficient deployment of resources and securing and sustaining high quality teaching and learning in the subject, all leading to aspirational and successful outcomes for Students.

Specific Responsibilities
The Head of Science will:

• Line manage and carry out the performance management of the Biology, Chemistry and Physics subject leaders and, by extension, act as overall line manager for the department
• Oversee the work of the Science technicians, to ensure effective technical support for learning in science.
• Lead the successful delivery of Science across the School.
• Inspire and enthuse members of the team, with a clear vision for the future direction of the Science Department.
• Develop an innovative and progressive curriculum in science.
• Undertake regular audits and quality assurance checks within science to ensure that the highest standards are being achieved in all aspects of the department’s work.
• Safeguard young people by ensuring that all aspects of Health and Safety are adhered to in lessons and preparation areas.
• Lead the development of differentiated schemes of work at all levels so that every young person makes progress in their learning.
• Keep up-to-date about subject development and to take part in relevant CPD for this purpose, disseminating to other staff where appropriate.
• Lead the department’s strategic planning and self-evaluation processes.
• Provide regular reports on student performance based on internal assessment data as well as externally verified examination results and to plan effective interventions as appropriate.
• Promote and lead on the delivery of all co-curricular activities in science.
• Act as a role model to others, demonstrating high standards of professionalism in all aspects of leadership.

Other Key Leadership Responsibilities

• Have knowledge and understanding of relevant subject area(s) and the most recent developments in curriculum, assessment and pedagogy and plan for their implementation as appropriate.
• Ensure the effective, consistent use of school systems and data for target setting, tracking, interventions, reporting and communicating with colleagues, parents and other key stakeholders.
• Monitor the progress made in achieving department plans and targets, evaluate the effects on teaching and learning, and use this analysis to guide further improvement.
• Ensure that teaching and learning methods are impactful, based on evidence and are appropriate to the subject.
• Ensure the effective development of students’ literacy and numeracy through the subject.
• Make sure that the department makes an active contribution to subject enrichment, beyond the confines of the prescribed curriculum.
• Establish clear expectations and constructive working relationships among staff, including through team working and mutual support; devolving responsibilities and delegating tasks, demonstrating good evaluative practice, and embracing accountability and mature professional dialogue.
• Lead professional development through example and support, and co-ordinate the provision of high quality professional development by methods such as coaching, drawing on other sources of expertise as necessary such as regional and local cluster groups, higher education, and subject associations.
• Establish staff and resource needs and advise the Heads of Schools and senior managers of likely priorities for expenditure, allocating available resources with maximum efficiency to meet the objectives of the school and subject plans and achieve value for money.
• Communicate regularly with the pastoral teams, sharing information to support student success.
• Supporting the Vice Principal (Academic) and the School in developing and sustaining strong and effective business links and partnerships at local, national and international levels which enrich curriculum provision and enhance learning.

Teaching and Learning:

• Securing and sustaining effective learning of high quality in their subject area so that high standards of achievement and attainment are realised through structured monitoring and evaluation of all aspects of teaching and learning and active participation in the School’s monitoring evaluation and review (MER) cycle through classroom observations, feedback to teaching staff, work sampling, student interviews and written reports to the Principal and Leadership Team as necessary
• Ensure colleagues use and share best pedagogical practice and actively engage with whole-school developments, thereby developing their own practice
• Promoting students’ self-confidence and learner independence
• Ensuring appropriate, challenging and differentiated Programmes of Study and Schemes of Work are in place for the curriculum area’s teaching groups and related subjects
• Ensuring teaching and learning objectives are clear to all members of the department team
• Implementing differentiated instructional techniques for both teachers and learners. Planning and implementing a variety of extended opportunities for student learning.
• Ensuring effective development of students’ literacy, numeracy, team working, creative, problem solving, leadership and ICT skills within the subject
• Ensuring coverage of all curriculum requirements and that Individual Education Plan (IEP) targets are systematically addressed and met
• Contributing to the teaching of topics in other subject areas outside the department. For example, the PHSE programme
• Developing the curriculum to meet the needs of all students; introducing, planning and implementing new courses of study to meet curriculum initiatives at Junior and Secondary School levels
• Ensure safe practice across the department in line with published guidelines
• Mapping progress of students regularly against prior attainment and identify students at risk of underachieving.

Leading and Managing the Staff who teach in the Curriculum Area:

• Line managing all members of the Curriculum team and where applicable attached associate staff, providing effective support, challenge, information and professional development for all staff within the subject area as necessary
• Acting as a positive professional role model for students and other staff and establishing clear expectations and high standards of professionalism and collaboration across the department
• Taking an active role as a Team Leader within the School’s Performance Management policy to develop the professional effectiveness of colleagues
• Promoting a culture where colleagues are supported yet accountable for their performance
• Leading formal performance management processes for staff in the department
• Frequently conducting classroom observations and other Quality Assurance processes to review the effects of your provision on student learning, progress and enjoyment
• Motivating colleagues and promote enthusiasm
• Leading the team, developing performance and collegiality
• Celebrating the success of students and colleagues in the department
• Creating regular opportunities for discussion and debate within the department
• Providing structured support and assessment for new teachers to enable them to meet the relevant professional standards
• Ensuring examination, assessment, data recording and other administrative procedures are completed accurately and promptly
• Ensuring resource management and staffing procedures are followed accurately and promptly.

Efficient and Effective Deployment of Staff and Resources within the Curriculum Area:

• Creating and maintaining learning resources, displays and appropriate use of ICT
• Using appropriate resources, in consultation with the Director of Studies and Vice Principal Academic, for effective, efficient and safe teaching and learning within the subject area; accommodation, staff, time, courses, development opportunities, ICT equipment
• Creating an effective and stimulating learning environment for teaching and learning
• Deploying accommodation to effectively meet the teaching and learning needs of the subject
• Managing staff and establishing clear expectations and professional working relationships and giving clear guidance on strategies for raising achievement
• Involving staff in planning, recording and running activities, giving guidance and support as required
• Ensuring a safe working and learning environment through application of appropriate risk assessments.

Teaching Commitment

• The post holder will be expected to teach in line with the School’s generic teacher’s job specification. Designated non-contact time for leadership and management responsibilities will be made available.
• All teachers will take an active role in the School’s care and guidance of students and the post holder may be expected to fulfil other roles in the School.
• The school is an equal opportunities school and is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects the same from its employees.

Qualifications, Experience, Skills, and Competencies

• A Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry or other related fields of study. Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma in Education will be an added advantage.
• Teaching experience in Chemistry or any Science related subjects.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the delivery of IGCSE Science and WASSCE. IGCSE Assessment Specialist status will be an added advantage.
• At least six years of successful full-time experience as a classroom teacher and at least three years in the HOD position.
• Knowledge of child policy regulation and its implementation
• Quality exposure to British and Nigerian curricula.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Application Closing Date
20th July, 2022.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their Applications to: [email protected] using the Job Title as the subject of the email.