What does a Head of Department do?

This is a generic job description based on several Head of Department job specifications. If you’re the Head of Computing or Education Technology, you may also have a responsibility for the use and possibly even the co-ordination of the use of technology across the whole school. Personally I think that’s a different job, requiring a different skill set, but such “double jobs” do exist.

The following job description is based on several job descriptions from a range of subjects.

Teaching

•   Be an excellent teacher.

•   Have excellent subject knowledge.

•   Maintain good discipline, and be proficient at class management.

•   Keep up-to-date with developments in your subject in particular, and education in general.    

•   Be able to self-evaluate effectively.

•   Have high expectations and help pupils to achieve their full potential.    

•   Assess and monitor all student progress, giving constructive feedback and deciding on examination entry as appropriate.

Personal

•   Be proficient in the use of information technology.

•   Have excellent organisational skills and be able to meet deadlines.

•   Be willing to contribute to the life of the department and the school in general.

•   Adhere to and promote the school’s Safeguarding policy.

Leading and management

•   Develop schemes of work and resources for, and be able to teach, Years 7 to 11 at all levels of ability.

•   Organise and deliver professional development raining for colleagues.  

•   Lead and take charge of the teachers and resources of the department, including managing the departmental budget efficiently and ensuring excellent value for money.

•   Ensure all members of the department assess and monitor pupils effectively..

•   Observe and evaluate lessons.

•   Be able to lead a team effectively.

•   Be able to delegate effectively.

Interpersonal

•   Represent the department and the school at senior leadership meetings, and at local authority or Academy Trust meetings.

•   Write and present periodic updates for the Headteacher and Governors or Trustees.

•   Communicate well with parents, through reports and parents’ evenings.

•   Work effectively with support staff.

•   Work well with all colleagues.

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