Head of Department - Mathematics

Job Description

Department: DIS Secondary School
Reports to: Senior Leadership Team

Role Purpose

The Head of Department Mathematics, directly influences the quality of learning and teaching throughout the school. The position is one that requires leadership in relation to curriculum initiatives, the learning and teaching process and co-ordination of a range of classes in the overseeing of Years 7-12 Mathematics curriculum. The Head of Department Mathematics will facilitate student learning with the department in order to enable all students to achieve to their fullest potential.

Overall Responsibilities

1. General Operations and Future Development of the Mathematics Department
Develop an approach to the operations of the department that includes innovative subject/curriculum area policies, future plans and targets within the context of the school’s strategic plan.

Develop a strategic plan for the expansion of mathematics provision to drive improvement across the School in standards, achievement and attainment.

2. Teaching and Learning
Ensure effective teaching and assessment processes within the Mathematics department, evaluate the quality of teaching and learning, the achievement of all students and set targets for improvement.

3. Leading and managing staff
Provide active leadership for all those involved in teaching or supporting the mathematics department. This will include mentoring, collaborating and the sharing of information so that staff motivation is at an optimum level to encourage continuous improvement in the quality of teaching and learning.
Manage all allocated teaching and support staff including assisting with recruitment, managing performance and meeting agreed targets.
Create effective teams by inspiring and motivating students and staff. Be a positive role model for other staff and students by taking responsibility for the continuous improvement of the team within the context of the School.

4. Efficient and effective deployment of staff and resources
Identify appropriate resources for the department and ensure that they are used efficiently, effectively and safely.

5. Strengthening Community
Work collaboratively at both strategic and operational levels with other Heads of Department, parents and students.

Duties:
The duties outlined in this job description are in addition to those covered in the Teacher job description and the employment contract. It may be modified by the Principal, upon mutual agreement, to reflect or anticipate changes in the job, commensurate with the salary and job title.

Professional Duties and Role Accountability

The Head of Department of Mathematics will carry out the following essential duties and responsibilities:

• Leading and managing the mathematics department including, modelling best practice in mathematics teaching, implementation of curriculum (Years 7-12), monitoring achievement of students and effectiveness of teachers, dealing with all operational, budgeting and record keeping requirements and ensuring fair and effective assessment procedures. 
• Ensuring continued innovation in the teaching of mathematics. Providing opportunities for enrichment for gifted students and oversee all out of hours mathematics related learning. 
• Encouraging the use of ICT in all appropriate areas of mathematics learning. 
• Actively working with members of the mathematics department in planning a pathway for the professional learning needs of the faculty. 
• Looking for ways of engaging the priority parish primary schools in experiences of mathematics in the secondary school 
• Attending and contributing to Curriculum Team meetings on behalf of the faculty. 
• Holding regular faculty meetings with published agendas with subject teachers. Minutes of the meetings should be recorded. 
• Other duties as required by the Principal

Appointment

The Head of Department is appointed as Position of Leadership.

Appraisal/Review Conditions

The appointee to this position will be required to undergo a yearly Professional Review with a member of the Senior Leadership Team.

Variable Duties/Hours

The Head of Department participates fully in the total life of the School.

The nature of the position is such that the Head of Department may be required to be available outside “normal” school hours.

Please note that this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the job requirements.  However there may be changes to the job description as the role develops over a period of time. Management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and to assign duties as necessary.

DIS is committed to safeguarding children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

To apply for this position email your CV to Gemma.Holloway-External@alfuttaim.com.