Head of Department for Language and Literature - English and German

The Head of Department is responsible for the leadership of teaching, learning and relevant resources for International Baccalaureate Language A  (Language and Literature) in the Secondary school. ICS teaches two languages in this subject - English and German. The Head of Department leads and oversees the learning and progress for all students within this subject. The Head of Department also leads the professional growth and development of a team of teachers for Language A. The Head Of Department is a member of the Secondary Head of Department Team and is, accordingly, responsible for positively supporting school change as outlined in the school’s strategic plan.

A Head of Department in the Secondary School needs to demonstrate a strong commitment to the school’s shared cultural competencies, such as maintaining a collaborative ethos within the school. In addition he/she needs to embody an understanding of the social and emotional dimensions of learning as evidenced through their practice.

Responsibilities

• Supporting the development and maintenance of a learner-centred approach to Language A (Language and Literature) for English and German.
• Initiating and overseeing curriculum development within the Language A Team and keeping up-to-date with current theory and best practice in relation to studies in Language and Literature  
• Working with teachers, IB Coordinators and the Secondary Principal to implement a whole school philosophy and vision for Language and Literature.
• Modelling best practice in teaching and learning, and a highly collaborative approach to team-planning.
• Assisting members of the Language A team in promoting positive student behaviours.
• Involving all team members in the school’s strategic plan and the team’s associated priorities.
• Ensuring that all Language A students experience common curriculum plans and common assessment frameworks as appropriate.
• Leading departmental meetings.
• Mentoring teachers in their professional development.
• Supporting teachers in communications with parents and students.
• Attending and contributing to Head of Department meetings and developing concepts from these meetings with teachers in his/her team.
• Coordinating and attending parent workshops as needed.
• Planning and overseeing the Language A Department budget.
• Monitoring assessment across Grade Levels for accuracy, consistency and appropriate connections to the written and taught curriculum.

Requirements

• Experience of the effective leadership of a curriculum-based team of teachers and of successfully leading the learning of Language A (Language and Literature) within a school.
• Bachelor’s degree.
• Current classroom teacher qualification to teach English or German Language and Literature at Secondary School level.
• Minimum 4 years recent and relevant Secondary School classroom experience.
• Excellent English communication skills.
• Competence in using technology for both learning and information management purposes.
• Strong organisational skills.
• A specialist, up-to-date knowledge of pedagogy.
• A thorough understanding of IB Middle Years and IB Diploma programmes.
• A comprehensive understanding of effective teaching and assessment strategies.
• Practical knowledge of contemporary leadership practice.

Terms and conditions

The generous salary and range of benefits will be commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate, with the overall package reflecting the importance of the position.

Next steps

Interested candidates should email a full letter of application, a statement of personal educational philosophy, a detailed resume/curriculum vitae, and three referees. The Head of School reserves the right to apply directly to the writers of open testimonials for confidential statements.

Applications should be addressed to:

Ms. Mary-Lyn Campbell

Head of School

We are looking forward to receiving your online application.