Head of Department - Teacher of Food Technology

Main purpose of job

This is a draft job description and the areas of responsibility will be developed throughout the year to reflect the strengths of the post holder, their areas for development and aspirations.

To provide professional leadership, direction and management for the Department in order to secure high quality teaching, the effective use of resources and improved standards of learning and achievement for all students.

To lead the development of excellent teaching and learning of the subject area/s.

To support the daily work of the department, including supporting the management of the subject/s in the curriculum, the implementation of policy decision, and the organisation of appropriate lessons.

Main accountabilities

The duties outlined in this job description are in addition to those covered by the latest School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Document.

Accountability

• Secure continuous improvement and development in every area of the department including Learning and Teaching, raising standards and producing the highest levels of student achievement to ensure student targets are met or exceeded.

• Manage the departmental budget and resources effectively and efficiently.

• Effectively lead, manage and deploy teaching to ensure the highest student outcomes.

• Continuously raise standards of student attainment through a rigorous schedule of assessment and tracking so that underachievement is identified early and redressed through precise, effective intervention within lessons.

• Contribute to, and drive forward, the school’s vision, values, aims and policies as a Leader and ensure that they are translated into action across the department and the school.

Liaison

• Leadership Team and Governing Body

• Special Educational Needs Team

• Pastoral Leaders

• Students

• Parents

• Other Teaching and Support Staff

Main duties and core accountabilities

Learning and Teaching

• To consistently deliver excellent lessons and support others to do the same.

• To secure and sustain a positive climate of students’ learning and behaviour in the department.

• To ensure that detailed schemes of work and lesson planning procedures are in place which meet the requirements of the curriculum, provide appropriate challenge and are differentiated to meet the needs of all students.

• To provide guidance on the choice of appropriate learning and teaching strategies to meet the needs of all students.

• To evaluate the teaching within the curriculum area, identify effective practice and areas for improvement and take appropriate action to further improve the quality of teaching.

• To work with the department to implement a clear set of principles to ensure there is accurate monitoring and reporting of student progress and highly effective feedback provided to all students.

• To prepare students for public examinations and to participate in all necessary routines associated with them, whether authorised by the school or the examination boards.

Leadership

• To create a climate within the department and the wider school which enables staff to develop, challenge and support each other, resulting in improved learning and teaching.

• To lead the professional development of staff in the department and liaise with appropriate colleagues to co-ordinate the provision of high quality professional development.

• To delegate tasks and devolve responsibilities as appropriate, evaluating practice and developing a shared sense of accountability.

• To conduct appraisals in accordance with the school Teacher Appraisal Policy and use the process to develop their professional effectiveness.

Other duties and responsibilities

• To be aware of and comply with all school policies and procedures including but not limited to safeguarding, health, safety and security, confidentiality, and data protection.

• To contribute to the review of school policies as appropriate.

• To provide support for students’ emotional and social needs by encouraging and modelling positive behaviour in line with the School’s Behaviour Policy and demonstrating high expectations of work and behaviour.

• To undertake any other duties as may be reasonably requested by the Headteacher.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

Essential

• Leadership skills – the potential to lead and manage people to work towards common goals and using appropriate leadership styles in different situations.

• Communication skills (both oral and in writing) – the ability to make points clearly and understand the views of others.

• Ability to develop new ideas.

• Personal impact and presence.

• Energy, determination and perseverance.

• Self confidence.

• Enthusiasm and commitment.

• Ability to work as part of team as well as using own initiative.

• Reliability and integrity.

Desirable

• Decision making skills – the ability to investigate, solve problems and make decisions.

Professional knowledge and understanding, skills and attributes

Essential

• Specific evidence of successful classroom teaching.

• A commitment and thorough understanding of how their subject specialism should be taught.

• An understanding of the National Curriculum – content and assessment.

• The ability to achieve challenging professional targets/objectives. The ability to develop and implement policy and practice which reflects the schools’ commitment to high achievement.

• The ability to set standards and provide a role model for pupils and other staff in teaching and learning within their subject specialism and across the school.

• The ability to analyse, understand and interpret data and information.

• The ability to promote the ethos aims and objectives of the school to the wider community.

• The ability to prioritise own time, work under pressure and to deadlines with a sense of balance and perspective.

• The use of ICT to enhance and support teaching, learning and management.

• Sound ICT skills including the use of spreadsheets to track, monitor, collate and analyse data.

Desirable

• An understanding of the characteristics of an effective school.

Qualification/Training

Essential

• Qualified teacher status.

• Degree or equivalent.

Desirable

• Experience in more than one school.

• Proven evidence of other further professional development.

Note - The duties required of all teachers under Pay and Conditions legislation are a necessary part of this job description. This job description is not necessarily a comprehensive definition of the post. It will be during the first year and will be subject to modification and amendment after consultation with the post holder.

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. The post holder will be subject to enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks prior to commencing employment.