Job Overview

Highlands College are seeking an enthusiastic motivated Head of Department for our English and Maths department.  The successful candidate will lead the English, Maths and ESOL teams who motivate, inspire, and support our learners through their English, ESOL and Maths programme. The appointed Head of department will need to have experience co-ordinating or line managing a busy department working with young people.

Further information on the role will be available please contact Heather Audoire, Assistant Principal, on 01534 608575 or heather.audoire@highlands.ac.uk

Job Purpose

This job description is in addition to the role of lecturer and there is an expectation that the post holder will have a teaching load commensurate with the role of a Head of Department.

Job Accountabilities - Role Specific

To provide outstanding leadership for sixth form attendance, to deliver an outstanding service.

To engage all teaching staff in the continuous improvement of teaching and learning.

To develop and maintain positive relationships between senior management, staff and students.

To undertake systematic attendance and punctuality checking and provide regular reports.

To effectively manage developments and changes within the area.

To have a high profile input to induction, tutorial processes and department events relating to attendance and punctuality management.

Identify 'at risk' students and closely monitor their attendance and punctuality, providing guidance for improvement in partnership with heads of department and personal tutors.

Identify 'at risk' groups and target further support and interventions such as student life, learning support and careers guidance.

To work closely with Heads of Department, personal tutors and teaching staff to ensure there is the necessary interchange of information and consistency of systems and procedures to ensure that each student feels supported in a coherent way which is compatible with individual needs and with respective course of study and learning goals.

To work closely with other Heads of Departments to devise and implement effective punctuality and attendance strategies.

To engage effectively providing coaching to individual students and student groups to promote positive ethos and high expectations.

To keep senior management team informed about student attendance and punctuality data.

To ensure efficient database management as well as register monitoring and maintenance to carry out the job function effectively, to ensure that student records are maintained in accordance with College requirements.

Lead the attendance rewards strategy for improving and 100% attendance.

Job Accountabilities - Generic

To be a key member of the college management team representing the interests of the curriculum, staff and students.

To enthuse and motivate departmental colleagues through clear and consistent communication.

To interpret and analyse data about the performance of students and staff

To encourage and monitor equality, diversity and inclusion.

To be responsible for, and manage, annual budget and spending.

The effectively manage a large team of staff, including recruitment and performance management.

Quality aspects and Relationships

To contribute to and participate in, where appropriate, Progression Boards and Quality Assurance processes, providing relevant reports as required.

To assist the department in providing information concerning issues of student behaviour, be involved as appropriate in the disciplinary processes.

To carry out regular checks on the quality of feedback to learners via IEPs, etc.

To ensure that teaching teams are supporting learners with additional needs to access learning.

To ensure that stakeholder satisfaction surveys, or similar, are carried out promptly and effectively as a measure of improvement.

To carry out appraisals of teaching and support staff and take part in lesson observations as required by the College.

Ensure curriculum is fit for purpose, current and varied 

Review and develop new curriculum from one’s own initiative or as directed by the senior leadership team  

To manage effectively the relationship between academic and support staff.

To work effectively with all college Heads and be willing to share expertise and resources.

To maintain and develop links with local employers, for example, supporting them to include students with additional needs on work placements.

To build strong relationships with parents and carers and/or employers.

Qualifications

Educated to degree level

A teaching qualification and qualified teacher or lecturer status

Knowledge

Knowledge and understanding of technical and vocational pedagogy.

General skills / attributes

Track record of regular continuous professional development

Good level of people management skills

Good communication skills with individuals and groups

Able to work independently and manage own time effectively.

Experience

Recent teaching experience

Relevant experience in secondary or F.E

Experience in managing teaching, learning and students.

Experience of managing resources efficiently and effectively, including staff.

Experience and ability to work in a team.