Upper School Director of Science

Job Title: Upper School Director of Science
Department: Science
Reports To: Upper School Director of Studies

Job Summary

The Upper School Director of Science is responsible for leading the science faculty at Harrow Beijing, managing Heads of Department (HoDs) within the faculty. This role involves promoting, evaluating, coordinating, and developing the aims and standards of the science curriculum while ensuring that students are supported throughout their learning journey. The Director is accountable for maintaining high academic standards, leading curriculum development, and contributing to the professional development of the faculty staff.

Key Responsibilities

General Responsibilities

• Actively promote and develop the strategic aims of the school.
• Serve as a role model in all professional matters, ensuring students observe standards of dress, punctuality, and attendance.
• Establish and maintain good relationships with parents and visitors to the school.
• Attend and support all major school events, maintaining a teaching load appropriate for the position, including participation in Leadership and Service Activities as directed by the Head of Upper School.
• Take a fair and appropriate share of duties and participate in House activities as directed by the Head of Upper School.
• Engage in retreats and expeditions as required.

Leadership

• Set high expectations for Heads of Department and subject teaching, professionalism, and administrative duties.
• Provide clear goals and targets for the faculty that align with Harrow Beijing’s values and educational objectives.
• Identify priorities for improvement and implement plans in collaboration with the Director of Studies.
• Foster a positive culture within the faculty, ensuring students are challenged and value their science education.
• Attend regular HoD meetings and work closely with the Director of Studies to review curriculum matters.

Curriculum Development

• Strive for outstanding learning and teaching across all lessons offered by the science faculty.
• Ensure HoDs have the necessary resources to support effective student learning.
• Collaborate with the Director of Studies and Head of Upper School to select appropriate external examination syllabuses.
• Maintain and update Programmes of Study and Schemes of Work, ensuring alignment with current educational practices.
• Promote student independence and leadership within the faculty and provide comprehensive course information to students.

Assessment

• Monitor student progress against Personal Target Grades (PTGs) and ensure differentiation in lessons based on assessments.
• Coordinate examination entries and provide advice on resits and remarks for external examinations.
• Analyze examination data and prepare annual departmental analyses as directed by the Director of Studies.
• Establish an assessment calendar for all year groups and ensure internal examinations comply with external standards.

Resources and Budget Management

• Ensure safety in science lessons and collaborate with senior leaders on health and safety matters.
• Conduct annual stock takes of textbooks and equipment, managing the faculty budget effectively.
• Order necessary resources within budget constraints.

Personnel Management

• Conduct regular learning walks to identify staff strengths and areas for development.
• Foster a culture of collaboration within the faculty and conduct yearly appraisals for HoDs and other staff.
• Induct new teachers in the faculty and provide ongoing professional support.

Subject Promotion

• Raise the profile of science within the school through displays, newsletters, and extracurricular events.
• Provide information for A-Level and GCSE Option Booklets and promote a rigorous super-curriculum across the sciences.

Welfare and Discipline

• Monitor student work and provide guidance and support, maintaining detailed records for individual student files.
• Lead Personal Development (PD) tutorial sessions and uphold high standards of student behavior and uniform.
• Follow Harrow Beijing policies regarding student health and safety during school hours and activities.

Extra-Curricular Activities

• Supervise and coach students in Leadership and Service Activities (LSA) and the extra-curricular sports and performing arts programs.
• Organize logistics for these activities, ensuring access to a range of programs that enhance the curriculum.

Professional Development

• Engage in annual performance reviews and participate in school-wide CPD initiatives.
• Seek professional development opportunities for further qualifications and training.

Collegiality

• Attend meetings to facilitate smooth school operations and effective program delivery.
• Mentor new teachers and supervise students during non-period times as required.

Safeguarding

• Take responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, ensuring adequate support for students at risk of harm.

Relationships

• Internal: Collaborate with the Heads of Department, Director of Studies, Heads of Year, Academic Support Team, and Upper School Senior Leadership Team.
• External: Maintain communication with parents and other educational providers as necessary.

Person Specification

Essential Skills and Experience

• At least 3 years of experience in a similar role within an educational setting.
• Experience in designing and delivering engaging and challenging lessons.
• Proven leadership experience within a department or faculty.

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Experience teaching in an international school and familiarity with the British education system.
• Evidence of involvement in transformational changes within a department and leading extracurricular activities.

Qualifications

• Qualified teacher status through a PGCE, GTP, or other international equivalent.
• A specialism in a relevant scientific discipline and evidence of participation in relevant CPD.

Additional Information

This position requires a highly motivated and collaborative individual committed to maintaining high academic standards and fostering a positive learning environment. The post-holder will work closely with senior leadership to ensure effective implementation of the school’s strategic plan and contribute to the overall vision of Harrow Beijing. The job description may be amended following discussions between the line manager and the staff member and will be reviewed annually during the appraisal process.