JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: Head of Technology, Design, and Construction
REPORTS TO: Principal
The following are the key areas of responsibility of a Head of Department:
Strategic Direction and Development of the Subject
* To support efficient and effective teaching and learning as a whole school strategy in order to contribute to whole school improvement and standards
* To contribute to the self‑evaluative and reflective school process including completing a departmental self‑evaluation on a yearly basis as required by the Principal
* To be responsible for devising, monitoring and evaluating appropriate department action plans to support the School Development Plan in achieving whole school improvement. This will involve establishing, with colleagues, agreed aims and objectives for the department which will be consistent with the aims and objectives of the school.
* To analyse internal and external examination results, identify areas for development and report these annually to the Principal and Vice Principal and recommend to the department and Senior Team strategies for dealing with any areas for improvement and for promoting further the strengths of the department
* To contribute to the target setting process with regard to Public Service Agreement and EA targets by establishing agreed and appropriate predicted grades/targets for pupils and staff both within the department and by regular discussion with the Vice Principals and Principal
* To keep the Departmental Handbook under review and ensure that an up to date copy is available for all staff in the department as well as for senior staff at the start of each academic year
* To communicate and cooperate with other departments, including the sharing good practice
* To establish departmental policies in line with School Policies. To monitor the implementation of these policies and review them regularly
* To monitor and review the appropriateness of the curriculum for each pupil and to ensure that there are strategies in place to provide additional support for pupils with special educational needs.
* To ensure that a range of courses, suited to the needs of the pupils is offered and that the curriculum offer is reviewed regularly.
* To draw up, with colleagues, schemes of work which make clear the content of the courses, the learning objectives and the assessment procedures to be followed.
* To ensure that relevant schemes of work are reviewed annually, followed by all members of the department and made available to the Vice Principal (Curriculum)
* To ensure that there is consistency and internal standardisation of key assessment tasks within the department
* To prepare and circulate agendas for department meetings in conjunction with the Principal and Vice Principals.
* To chair regular department meetings and to act as a channel of communication and consultation on department and curricular matters between the Principal and Leadership Team and other members of the department
* To ensure that department meetings are accurately minuted and the Principal and your line manager is provided with minutes
* To represent the department at Head of Department meetings and to provide feedback to department colleagues. HOD meetings will be twice termly and will be held for 1 hour outside of normal directed time.
* To play a full part in decision making relating to whole school issues
* To keep abreast of current developments in the curriculum and in examination specifications by attendance at relevant in‑service courses, encouraging departmental colleagues to do likewise and to ensure that there is an efficient and agreed system of reporting back
* To liaise and develop creative links and constructive working relationships with other subject departments and with other schools and external agencies as appropriate
* To inform the school’s Examinations Officer of all entries (and any changes) for the public examinations in the subject(s)
* To be a member of relevant ad hoc working parties in which whole school policy is developed, monitored and reviewed and guidelines for good practice are established
* To develop effective links and constructive working relationships with the Pastoral team which includes the Vice Principal (Care and Support), SENCO and the Heads of Year
* To ensure that relevant subject material is posted on the school’s website/VLE and any future ICT platforms
Teaching and Learning
* To ensure curriculum delivery and that appropriate teaching and learning strategies are employed at all levels of the school to challenge all pupils to achieve as much as possible including appropriate levels of differentiation.
* To lead colleagues in the process of regular evaluation of the work of the department in terms of teaching, learning and standards of achievement and thus identifying areas for improvement
* To monitor pupil attainment, teaching standards and teaching methods within the department using all relevant pupil data available
* To promote the skills of literacy, ICT and numeracy within the department in line with the whole school approach through close collaboration with the area coordinators.
* To ensure and monitor in the department, effective development of pupils’ individual and collaborative skills to enable them to become independent, creative and critical thinkers
* To ensure that subject specific support is available for any pupils requiring additional assistance and liaise when appropriate with SENCO or other key personnel
* To advise pupils at certain times of option choices and at any other times when help is needed for university applications and/or careers guidance
* To set standards and act as a role model for pupils and other staff in the teaching and learning of the subject
* To ensure that assessment of pupils’ work (classwork, homework, coursework, tests, examinations) is undertaken regularly, that the assessment is valid, moderated and used to inform, develop and enhance teaching and learning in line with school policies
* To be responsible for the oversight of setting, marking, assessing and moderating the department’s internal assessments and any elements of external examinations as may be necessary
* To ensure that learning in the subject is enhanced where possible by development of extra‑curricular activities, clubs, special events or projects connected with the work of the department including field‑trips.
Leading and managing staff
* To promote the professional development of staff within the department
* Undertake appropriate professional development to develop personal effectiveness as a Head of department
* To support effectively all those on Initial Teacher Training, working as a Beginning Teacher or at the Early Professional Development Stage of their career
* To assume responsibility for the induction, supervision and support of ancillary staff where this is appropriate
* To encourage innovative and imaginative curriculum work within the department
* To oversee the writing of reports and other communications within the department, as appropriate and as required
* To arrange the department contribution to any prospective pupil occasions eg Open Night, Devenish Day and contributions required for any school literature eg curriculum booklets and prospectus
* To show support and concern for the welfare and wellbeing of staff in the department
* To build and further develop the team of subject teachers
* To observe, on a regular basis, members of the department at work in the classroom, to provide relevant feedback on effective practice and to take action to improve further the quality of teaching
* To support members of the department with disciplinary problems eg general behavioural problems, work, homework, coursework
* To monitor and evaluate devolved responsibilities and delegated tasks
* To participate in, according to the guidelines approved by the Board of Governors, the agreed Professional Review and Staff Development process, including acting as a Reviewer, for members of the department
* To encourage appropriate access for members of the department to in‑service training opportunities both within school and outside school that will enhance teaching and learning and allow development of an increasing awareness of whole school issues and to ensure that all members of the department receive appropriate feedback from colleagues who have attended INSET
* To work closely with other Heads of department to share good practice to improve the quality of teaching and learning and pupil outcomes.
* To liaise with Principal and line manager as appropriate
Efficient and effective deployment of staff and resources
* To advise the Principal on human resource needs in the department
* To assist the Board of Governors in the selection of new members of staff for the department as required
* To identify timetable and staffing requirements in consultation with the Vice Principal (Curriculum), to liaise with the Vice‑Principal (Curriculum) and Principal to deploy staff to ensure the best use of subject expertise and to support the professional development of colleagues
* To conduct an audit of resource needs within the context of the overall School Budget and the department’s Development Plan and present to the Principal annually an analysis of departmental needs
* To ensure that rooms, furniture, equipment, wall displays etc are maintained to a high standard in order to create an effective and stimulating environment for the teaching and learning of the subject
* To work with office and technician staff to keep an inventory of equipment which should be updated annually
* To ensure that resources are stored securely
* To ensure that the work of the department is effectively displayed in appropriate public areas of the school
* To develop/implement a department Health and Safety policy consistent with the school Health and Safety policy which is kept under constant review. This is particularly relevant to those departments who have practical elements to their learning and teaching
* To aim to ensure that there is a safe working and learning environment in which risks are properly assessed through a risk assessments developed in conjunction with the Vice Principal (Care and Support)
* To provide careful stewardship of accommodation and equipment used by the department by ensuring prudent management and expenditure of resources at all times
Technology and Design Specific roles
Develop links with other departments in school by taking a lead role in the organisation of STEAM activities and projects.
Ensure the implementation of appropriate health and safety procedures and risk assessments are carried out with specific reference to practical work, safe workshop practice and the handling of dangerous substances.
Assume a line manager responsibility for the work of the TD technician.
This job description is not prescriptive. It is subject to change as determined by the curricular needs of the school and/or requirements stipulated by the Principal.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
NOTES TO JOB APPLICANTS
1. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how, and to what extent you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria, where relevant.
2. You must demonstrate how you meet the criteria by the closing date for applications, unless the criteria state otherwise.
3. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is outlined in the table below.
4. Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below, using the information provided by you on your application form.
5. Please note that the Selection Panel reserves the right to shortlist only those applicants that it believes most strongly meet the criteria for the role.
6. In the event of an excessive number of applications, the Selection Panel also reserves the right to apply any desirable criteria as outlined in Section 3 at shortlisting, in which case these will be applied in the order listed. It is important therefore that you also clearly demonstrate on your application form how you meet any desirable criteria.
SECTION 1 - ESSENTIAL CRITERIA
Factor
Essential Criteria
Method of Assessment
Qualifications/ Professional Membership
Qualification must be obtained by the time of taking up appointment:
Hold a teaching qualification which meets the requirements for recognition to teach in grant‑aided schools in Northern Ireland
Hold an Honours Degree (2:2 minimum) or equivalent Level 6 qualification which has prepared the applicant to teach Technology and Design as his/her main subject.
Hold a BEd, qualifying the candidate to teach Technology in a workshop environment in Northern Ireland, OR Hold relevant qualifications relating to Workshop practice as recognised by DENI to meet Health and Safety Requirements or equivalent.
Shortlisting by Application Form
Experience
Minimum of 3 years’ demonstrable experience of teaching Technology and Design and/or Constructionat Key Stage 4 to achieve positive learning outcomes.
Minimum of 1 years’ demonstrable experience of teaching A Level Technology and Design and/or Level 3 BTEC Engineering or Construction to achieve positive learning outcomes.
Demonstrable experience of using a range of effective classroom approaches to provide support and challenge children and young people of all abilities, including those with Special Educational Needs.
Demonstrable experience of using digital media/technology to enhance teaching and learning
Candidates must be able to demonstrate effective leadership qualities including excellent organisation, administration, problem‑solving and communication skills.
Demonstrable experience of monitoring pupil progress, performance, target setting and intervention
Shortlisting by Application Form
Other
Be registered with the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland (GTCNI) before taking up post
Pre‑employment Check
SECTION 2 - ESSENTIAL CRITERIA
Factor
Essential Criteria
Method of Assessment
Knowledge
Knowledge of Northern Ireland Curriculum
Knowledge and understanding of Safeguarding and Child Protection policy/practice
Knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice
Knowledge of a range of teaching strategies to met the learning needs of pupils
Knowledge of Information Technology systems such as digital classroom tools/media and the use of tablets/mobile technologies
Knowledge of current assessment methods to inform teaching
Interview
Skills / Abilities
Effective teaching and classroom management skills to inspire and challenge pupils to raise achievement
Proven ability to provide a supportive, inclusive learning environment
Ability to work collaboratively to promote positive relationships with pupils, colleagues, parents and the wider community
Ability to work as an effective member of a team, and to motivate self and others
Interview
Values Orientation / Identification with School Ethos
Evidence of how your experience and approach to work reflect the School’s Values/ethos. You will find information about our Values/ethos on the school’s website
Interview
SECTION 3 - DESIRABLE CRITERIA
Some or all of the desirable criteria may be applied by the Selection Panel in order to determine a manageable pool of candidates. Desirable criteria will be applied in the order listed. You should make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet the desirable criteria, as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.
Factor
Desirable Criteria
Method of Assessment
Qualifications and Experience
Minimum of 3 years’ demonstrable experience of teaching A Level Technology and Design and/or Level 3 BTEC Engineering or Construction to achieve positive learning outcomes.
Demonstrable experience of making a positive extra‑curricular contribution to the Technology and Design Department to promote and advance the subject.
Experience as a Head of Technology and Design.
Shortlisting by Application Form
DISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL BACKGROUND
The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines working directly with children or young people or in specified places as ‘regulated activity’.
In the event that you are recommended for appointed to a post that involves ‘regulated activity’, the Education Authority will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background. PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU WILL BE EXPECTED TO MEET THE COST OF AN ENHANCED DISCLOSURE CERTIFICATE. DETAILS OF HOW TO MAKE PAYMENT WILL BE SENT TO YOU AT THE PRE‑EMPLOYMENT STAGE.
Further information can be accessed at NI Direct or the Department of Justice.
APPLICANT GUIDANCE NOTES
To view the applicant guidance notes, please click here.
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The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer
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