Head of Learning Diversity - Discovery College

Job Description

Job Summary

The Head of Learning Diversity leads the Learning Diversity Team across both Primary and Secondary, and is responsible for Learning Diversity education from Years 1 - 13. Along with senior leaders across the College, the Head of Learning Diversity plays a key role in determining the strategic direction of Learning Diversity policy and provision. They assume day-to-day responsibility for the provision of an inclusive model of support for identified students, working collaboratively with Learning Diversity Teachers, Educational Assistants, Classroom Teachers, Parents, colleagues across the English Schools Foundation, and partner agencies. 

The Head of Learning Diversity also provides professional guidance to colleagues across the College with the aim of securing high quality teaching and inclusive practices. Along with other members of the Learning Diversity Team, they seek to develop effective ways of overcoming barriers to learning and sustaining effective teaching through the analysis and assessment of students’ needs, by monitoring learning and standards of students’ achievements and by setting targets for improvement. 

Main Accountabilities

Strategic Direction/Development 

• Ensure a coherent approach to Learning Diversity education across Years 1 - 13
• Coordinate the collaborative development and implementation of Learning Diversity policies, plans, timetables, targets and practices 
• Review and implement inclusive policies and practices for Learning Diversity (in conjunction with ESF policy) which reflect the highest standards of teaching and learning 
• Support the team to use evidence effectively to identify strengths and areas of improvement in Learning Diversity provision, and create and implement improvement plans accordingly
• Create a collaborative climate which enables other staff to develop and maintain positive attitudes and confidence towards teaching students with identified needs 

Teaching and Learning (including Monitoring & Evaluation) 

• Work other colleagues to monitor students’ progress and achievement, and set targets for improvement
• Lead the work of the Learning Diversity Team, supporting teachers in working with identified students, implementing effective teaching strategies, and adopting appropriate modifications to assessment and other aspects of learning design
• Ensure that identified students are supported through ongoing dialogue between school and home, including through a cycle of formal review meetings for students with higher levels of curriculum adjustment 
• Ensure that comprehensive documentation, including Individual Education Plans, is created, maintained, disseminated, understood and used effectively to support student learning 
• Ensure that information about students’ learning in previous classes and schools is used effectively to ensure continued progress, and is incorporated appropriately in documentation 
• Support liaison between teachers and parents to facilitate and support learning for identified students 
• Liaise with external parties including other schools, educational psychological services, BML/EAL/G&T/SEN professionals, health and voluntary bodies
• Contribute actively to programmes of parent education in relevant areas 
• Contribute to school-wide programme development from PYP to DP/CP 

Other Leadership and Management Responsibilities 

• Be the pedagogical leader for the Learning Diversity Team
• Establish clear expectations and constructive working relationships among staff, managing the performance of each team member according to need 
• Chair team meetings and facilitate team development 
• Attend, contribute to, and support, Head of Department Meetings, decisions and initiatives 
• Sustain own motivation and enjoyment, maintaining an up-to-date knowledge of developments and research findings in relevant fields 
• Lead and support the Professional Reflection and Development (PRD) process for members of the Learning Diversity Team
• Participate in recruitment as appropriate 
• Utilise Quality Assurance to ensure the highest standards of professional practice and student outcomes across your team / area 
• Manage a departmental budget, ensuring appropriate and efficient resourcing within allocated parameters
• Provide guidance as part of the Admissions Process, in relation to students who may have additional support requirements 
• Contribute to decisions about referral for the ESF Assessment and Review Process (ARP) in cases where students’ required level of curriculum adjustment may exceed the provision available in a mainstream setting 

 Other duties

• Performing other duties and accountabilities as apparent or as delegated by the Principal or her/his representative, including mutually agreed-upon objectives

Minimum Typical Education

Bachelor Degree in Education, or Bachelor Degree in a general subject plus PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate of Education) or similar, leading to qualification as a teacher. Specific qualifications (e.g. postgraduate degree) in Special Educational Needs or other relevant fields are an advantage

Minimum Typical Experience

• 5 years of post qualification teaching experience. 
• An understanding of the IB and the key underpinnings of the curriculum frameworks is essential

Click here for more details about the role 

For enquiries, please contact Joyce Kwok at joyce.kwok@dc.edu.hk .

Teaching in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a premier destination for expatriate and local teacher. ESF Teachers enjoy a lucrative salary package and a high standard of living overall, in an exciting and vibrant world city. The teaching profession is highly respected, student motivation and outcomes are excellent, and all teachers receive considerable support from ESF with settling into Hong Kong, as well as with their professional development. Please feel free to contact us in advance about life in Hong Kong if you feel a conversation on this topic would be helpful.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and offers may be extended prior to the job closing date.

By applying for this position, your application may be considered for other opportunities within ESF. 

ESF is an Equal Opportunities Employer

Personal data provided by job applicants will be used strictly in accordance with the ESF's Personal Data Policy, a copy of which will be provided upon request.

Aligned with the recommendations of the International Task Force on Child Protection, we hold ourselves to a high standard of effective recruiting practices with specific attention to child protection.

www.esf.edu.hk 

www.discovery.edu.hk