Job Description

Position Title: Head of Department (Secondary)

Period of Appointment: Two Years

Line Management: Secondary Principal or designate from SSLT

Rationale
The position of Secondary Head of Department (HOD) is part of a College-wide management structure to
ensure that students are at the centre of the department’s aims and objectives as well as its practices and
procedures. The HOD ensures that MYP and DP curricula are implemented with fidelity, that learning
resources are managed efficiently and effectively, and that performance management within the department
is carried out according to College policies and procedures. The HOD is an academic leader within his/her
department, assisting teachers to develop their own teaching and other professional skills. The HOD is
instrumental to the continued development and maturation of the College as a whole, advising the senior
leadership teams from time to time as requested, promoting whole school aims and implementing school
policies through the work of the department.

Job Specifications
TEACHING AND LEARNING CURRICULUM
• leading the department in developing and improving teaching and learning;
• establishing priorities and goals for the department that integrate with and support the RCHK
Mission and Vision, the College Objectives, and the College Development Plan;
• planning curriculum including developing and maintaining schemes of work in consultation with
colleagues within the department and across the whole school (vertical and horizontal planning)
and in line with the requirements of the MYP and DP policies and procedures;
• maintaining and developing assessment practices including oral assessment, standardization and
moderation strategies in line with the MYP and DP policies and procedures as well as RCHK
policies and procedures;
• analyzing and evaluating examination and other student performance data and reporting results
to the Secondary School Leadership Team (SSLT);
• monitoring and evaluating teaching and learning within the department in line with school policy
and those of the International Baccalaureate guidelines for MYP and DP;
• liaising with colleagues in the relevant ESF curriculum group and in partner schools and
representing the department at ESF curriculum committee meetings and other groups as
necessary;
• recommending appropriate professional development for department teachers within the subject
area.

STAFF
• planning and implementing the induction of new teachers within the department;
• supporting and guiding departmental colleagues in their interactions with students, parents and
other colleagues;
• identifying staffing needs in consultation with the SSLT and advising as requested by the Head of
Secondary and/or College Principal on the selection of new staff;
• conducting performance management of teachers within the department by lesson observations,
personal interviews and other practices as developed by the College;

MANAGEMENT & ADMINISTRATION

• chair periodic department meetings, providing agendas and minutes of these meetings to the
Teachers’ Shared folder accessible to all staff;
• liaising with MYP and DP Coordinators with regard to examination entries and related matters;
• liaising with the member of staff responsible for timetabling with regard to the deployment of
staff;
 • managing departmental budget and resources, including up-dating of departmental inventories,
textbooks and other student learning resources;
• contributing to various College publications, including periodicals, handbooks and website
informing parents and students of departmental programmes;
• maintaining teaching and display areas in the department hub or other teaching spaces;
• assisting with the management of cover work for absent colleagues in the department;
• liaising and collaborating with other Heads of Department as appropriate;

STUDENTS
• overseeing students' academic progress within the department;
• setting up, operating, monitoring and standardizing departmental marking and assessment
procedures, within the framework of the IB and school policies and procedures;
• coordinating the production of department reports;
• establishing a common approach to homework adhering to the school policies and procedures;

NOTE: The jobs specifications listed above are in addition to all school duties outlined in the job
description for Renaissance College teachers. As the lead teacher within the department, it is expected
that the Head of Department would be a role model in carring out the regular duties of an RCHK teacher.

In addition, the post holder will perform other duties which may be reasonably assigned from time
to time by the Head of Secondary or College Principal.

Person Specifications
The successful applicant is expected to have the following skills, abilities, knowledge and
experience. Personal Skills and Abilities
• excellent record-keeping skills;
• excellent interpersonal and communication skills with staff, students and parents;
• committment to supporting and developing a holistic approach to student well-being.
Knowledge and Experience
• a sound practical knowledge of the IB MYP and DP;
• no previous experience in this specific area necessary although previous demonstrated
leadership skills will be an asset;

Working Relationships: Staff, Students, Community

College Principal Students Parents

Head of Secondary

Secondary Vice
Principal

MYP and DP
Coordinators
Database Administrator Teachers