Upper School Head of Computing

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

Job Summary

The Upper School Head of Computing is responsible for promoting, evaluating, coordinating, and developing the aims and standards of the Computer Science department at Harrow Beijing. This role ensures that students are supported in their learning journey, setting high aspirations for achievement while maintaining outstanding academic standards. The Head of Computing is accountable for leading curriculum development, enhancing teaching and learning within the department, and contributing to the professional development of the teaching staff.

Key Responsibilities

General Responsibilities

• Actively promote and develop the ethos of Harrow Beijing.
• Lead by example in professional conduct, ensuring students adhere to standards regarding 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 in Action activities as agreed with the Head of Upper School.
• Share responsibilities fairly among colleagues and take active responsibility for a House tutor group under the guidance of House Leaders.
• Engage fully in House activities and participate in retreats and expeditions as required.

Leadership

• Serve as an outstanding role model, setting high personal expectations for subject teaching, professionalism, and administrative duties.
• Provide the department with clear goals and targets that align with Harrow Beijing’s mission, school-wide development targets, and curriculum requirements.
• Identify priorities for improvement and implement plans in conjunction with the Director of Studies.
• Foster a positive culture within the department that encourages all students to value and excel in computing.

Curriculum Development

• Strive for outstanding learning and teaching in all lessons offered by the Computing department.
• Monitor progress across classes to ensure that coursework is engaging, relevant, and completed on time.
• Manage departmental resources effectively, ensuring that teachers have the necessary materials to support student learning.
• Collaborate with leadership to select appropriate external examination syllabuses that align with the school’s mission and objectives.
• Maintain and regularly review Programmes of Study and Schemes of Work for all courses, ensuring they meet current educational practices.
• Provide students with essential course information and promote student independence and leadership within the department.
• Stay current with pedagogical and curricular developments, offering recommendations for professional development.

Assessment

• Monitor student progress against Personal Target Grades (PTGs) and ensure effective differentiation in lessons.
• Coordinate examination entries and advise students on resits and remarks for external examinations.
• Analyze examination data and prepare annual departmental analyses as directed by the Director of Studies.
• Establish a comprehensive assessment calendar for all year groups, ensuring compliance with internal and external examination standards.

Resources and Budget Management

• Conduct annual stock takes of textbooks and equipment, managing departmental budgets effectively.
• Order necessary resources within budget constraints and ensure safety in departmental lessons.

Personnel Management

• Foster a culture of collaboration within the department and actively seek to develop your team.
• Conduct yearly appraisals and personal development reviews (PDRs) for departmental members.
• Chair regular departmental meetings and induct new teachers, providing ongoing support.

Subject Promotion

• Raise the profile of Computing within the school through various initiatives, including displays, newsletters, and extracurricular events.
• Contribute to curriculum information for A-Level and GCSE Option Booklets and any other relevant materials.

Welfare and Discipline

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

Extra-Curricular Activities

• Take a leading role in developing extracurricular provisions in Computing, ensuring students have access to a range of programs that enhance the curriculum and raise the department’s profile.

Professional Development

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

Collegiality

• Attend meetings to ensure 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 Head of Upper School, Director of Studies, Heads of Year, Academic Support Team, and Heads of Departments.
• External: Maintain communication with parents and other educational providers as necessary.

Person Specification

Essential Skills and Experience

• At least 3 years of teaching experience in a similar role, demonstrating high-quality teaching.
• Experience in designing and delivering engaging and personalized lessons.
• Proven leadership experience within a department or educational setting.

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 Computer Science and evidence of relevant CPD participation.

Additional Information

This position requires a highly motivated, self-driven individual committed to maintaining high academic standards and fostering a positive learning environment. The post-holder will work closely with senior leadership to ensure the 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.