Upper School Head of English

Job Title: Upper School Head of English
Department: English
Reports To: Upper School Director of Studies

Job Summary

The Upper School Head of English is responsible for promoting, evaluating, coordinating, and developing the aims and standards of the English 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 English leads curriculum development, enhances learning and teaching, and contributes to the professional development of the teaching staff.

Key Responsibilities

General Responsibilities

• Actively promote and develop the ethos of the school.
• Lead by example in professional conduct, ensuring students adhere to standards regarding dress, punctuality, and attendance.
• Build and maintain strong 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 the Head of Year.
• 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 aligned with Harrow Beijing’s mission, school-wide development targets, and curriculum requirements.
• Identify priorities for improvement and implement plans to achieve these in collaboration with the Director of Studies.
• Foster a positive culture within the department that encourages all students to value and excel in English.

Curriculum Development

• Strive for outstanding learning and teaching in all lessons offered by the English department.
• Monitor class progress to ensure that coursework is engaging, relevant, and completed on time.
• Manage departmental resources, ensuring teachers have access to the necessary materials to support student learning effectively.
• Select appropriate external examination syllabuses in consultation with the Director of Studies, Head of Upper School, and Head of Harrow Beijing.
• 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 developments and provide recommendations for professional development.

Assessment

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

• Conduct formal observations of staff and foster a culture of collaboration within the department.
• 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 English 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 both on and off school premises.

Extra-Curricular Activities

• Supervise and coach students in Leadership and Service Activities (LSA) and extracurricular sports and performing arts programs.
• Organize logistics for these activities, including transport and accommodation.

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 Director of Studies, Director of Student Wellbeing, Head of Year, Head of Upper School, and Academic Support 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, 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 English 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.