Job Title: Upper School Head of Mathematics
Department: Mathematics
Reports To: Upper School Director of Studies
Job Summary
The Upper School Head of Mathematics is responsible for promoting, evaluating, coordinating, and developing the aims and standards of the Mathematics department at Harrow Beijing. This role ensures that students receive comprehensive support in their learning journey while setting high aspirations for academic achievement. The Head of Mathematics 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 the school, serving as a role model in professional conduct.
- Ensure that students adhere to standards regarding uniform, punctuality, and attendance.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with parents and visitors to the school.
- Support and attend 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.
- Take an equitable share of duties and actively manage a House tutor group under the guidance of House Leaders.
- Engage fully in House activities and participate in retreats and expeditions as required.
Leadership
- Set high personal expectations for subject teaching, professionalism, and administrative duties.
- Provide clear goals and targets for the department that align with Harrow Beijing’s mission and educational excellence standards.
- Identify priorities for improvement and implement plans in conjunction with the Director of Studies.
- Foster a positive departmental culture that encourages all students to excel in Mathematics.
- Attend Head of Department meetings and regular meetings with the Director of Studies to review curriculum matters.
Curriculum Development
- Strive for outstanding learning and teaching within the department, ensuring lessons are engaging and challenging for all students.
- Monitor progress across classes, ensuring coursework is relevant and completed on time.
- Manage departmental resources and ensure that all teachers have the necessary materials to support student learning effectively.
- In collaboration with leadership, 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 comprehensive course outlines and promote student independence and leadership within the department.
- Stay current with pedagogical and curricular developments and provide recommendations for professional development.
Assessment
- Monitor student progress against school Personal Target Grades (PTGs) and ensure effective differentiation in lessons based on assessments.
- Coordinate examination entries and advise students regarding resits and remarks in 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 that internal examinations adhere to external 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.
- Develop and maintain central resources accessible to all staff through a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
Personnel Management
- Carry out observations and foster a culture of collaboration within the department.
- Conduct yearly appraisals for departmental members and contribute to their professional development.
- Chair regular departmental meetings and induct new teachers, providing ongoing support.
Subject Promotion
- Raise the profile of Mathematics 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, including pathways to higher 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 Mathematics 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.
COVID-19 & China border updates
Borders in China reopened to foreigners in Summer 2020. However, with increased COVID-19 cases in Mainland China, the number of visas issued has decreased and schools are having great difficulty hiring outside of China. There are only a very limited number of schools who can obtain a PU letter and get a work visa. Contact us to see if you are applicable.
If you are already in China, your start date could be as soon as a few weeks. Salaries for teachers inside China are highly competitive so contact us for the best-paid teaching jobs in China.
If you are outside of China, your earliest start will around Summer 2021, however much will depend on the constant evolving situation. Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date.