Job Purpose:
As the Head of Department at ALA, you will lead your department in fulfilling the academy's mission and vision. You will set a strategic direction for your department, collaborate with other heads of department, and lead a team of faculty to design, develop, and continuously improve the curriculum and educational outcomes programming within your discipline. Your role will involve providing leadership and management within your department, ensuring alignment with the academy's educational objectives, and fostering a culture of excellence in teaching and learning.
ALA aims to cultivate a community where faculty members can continuously learn, grow, and develop professionally. As a head of department, you will champion the learning needs of your faculty, supporting their growth and development to enhance the quality of teaching and learning in your department year after year.
As a Head of Department, you will be committed to collaborating with other heads of department and the broader community to create a vibrant and inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and empowers every individual to reach their full potential. Together, we uphold the values of integrity, excellence, compassion, curiosity, diversity, and humility, fostering an environment where each student feels valued, supported, and inspired to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond. As an Instructional Leader, we will look to you to model and champion this ethos in the department and in the community.
As the Head of Department for Science at ALA, you will lead the Science & Technology department in fulfilling ALA's mission to prepare Africa’s future scientists, engineers, and innovators. You will be responsible for setting a vision for Science education, collaborating with other Heads of Department, and leading a team of faculty to design, develop, and continuously improve the Science & Technology curriculum, and outcomes programming at the Academy. As Head, you will provide leadership and management of the science department, assume responsibility for the Department’s outcomes and drive learning opportunities beyond the classroom, including some key science learning programmes hosted by the Academy.
Key tasks and responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership
• Set a Vision for Science Education: Define a clear and aspirational vision for arts education that aligns with the mission and values of the Academy, promoting creativity, excellence, and holistic development among students.
• Collaborate Across Departments: Work collaboratively with other Heads of Department to engage in interdisciplinary research, articulate the Academy’s pedagogical approach, and share best practices that enhance teaching and learning across all disciplines.
• Foster a Culture of Continuous Improvement: Cultivate a pedagogy and learning culture within the department that prioritizes continuous improvement, innovation, and reflection, aiming to enhance the quality of learning experiences and outcomes for students.
• Enhance Student Outcomes: Implement strategies and initiatives aimed at improving student outcomes, including academic achievement, engagement, and personal growth, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
• Promote Professional Development: Provide opportunities for professional development and growth for faculty members, supporting their ongoing learning and skill development to enhance teaching effectiveness and promote excellence in education.
• Advocate for Student Success: Advocate for the success and well-being of students, ensuring that their individual needs, aspirations, and talents are recognized, supported, and celebrated within the department and the broader Academy community.
Financial Management
• Work with the Director of Teaching and Learning to develop and manage the departmental budget effectively, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently to support teaching, learning, research, and other departmental activities.
• Estimate expenses for supplies, equipment, and materials needed for departmental activities.
• Monitor spending against approved budgets, ensuring financial accountability and adherence to constraints.
• Review and approve purchase requests, reimbursements, and invoices, ensuring accuracy and compliance with policies.
• Regularly analyze financial reports to identify cost-saving opportunities and inform budget adjustments.
Departmental Management
• Coordinate departmental affairs and ensure progress towards objectives through regular meetings.
• Analyze assessment data and student feedback to identify areas for improvement and adjust teaching practices accordingly.
• Cultivate a culture of innovation and ongoing enhancement within the department.
• Proactively refine systems and processes to optimize departmental effectiveness.
• Offer direction and support to teaching staff, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment.
• Conduct performance evaluations, setting clear expectations and goals aligned with departmental objectives.
• Work with the Director of Teaching and Learning to develop and manage the departmental budget effectively, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently to support teaching, learning, research, and other departmental activities and initiatives.
Teaching and Learning
• Tailor instruction to meet student's educational needs, including personalized planning and marking of assignments according to school policy.
• Establish appropriate, realistic yet challenging expectations for student learning, taking into account their prior knowledge and achievements.
• Assess, record, and report on student attendance, progress, and development, including writing letters of recommendation as required by the school.
• Ensure a high-quality learning experience that meets both internal and external quality standards.
• Utilize a variety of delivery methods to stimulate learning appropriate to student needs and syllabus demands.
• Monitoring Progress: Track student progress and utilize data and evidence of best practices to inform teaching and learning strategies.
• Maintain discipline according to school procedures and promote good practices regarding punctuality, behaviour, appearance, and work standards.
Advisory
• Conduct engaging and constructive weekly advisory lessons and lunch sessions, fostering a supportive and inclusive advisory culture. Perform weekly advisory check-ins to monitor advisees' academic and personal growth. Effectively participate in COP meetings, demonstrating empathy and proactive support for advisees. Write comprehensive advisory comments and provide prompt assistance in cases of disciplinary concern.
• Guide and support students in the development of their thesis projects, and rigorously evaluate and grade thesis presentations.
Science Learning Initiatives
• Coordinate with the Head of Short Programmes to ensure successful planning and delivery of the Chevron Engineering Camp.
• Identify and manage key science learning opportunities for students and the department.
Person Specification:
Essential
Behaviours
• Demonstrating strong leadership skills to inspire and motivate a team while fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment that upholds the values and ethos of the school.
• Bringing innovative ideas and creative solutions to advance departmental goals while promoting an emotionally secure, warm, and stimulating environment conducive to learning.
• Exhibiting professionalism and consideration for the well-being of students, with a commitment to safeguarding and promoting their welfare.
• Showing respect for all members of the community, irrespective of position, gender, age, ethnicity, or sexual orientation.
Skills and Knowledge
• Proficient in curriculum development and alignment with educational standards.
• Proficient in instructional leadership and the ability to support teacher development through observation, feedback and other relevant means.
• Ability to manage a team, setting and monitoring objectives and facilitating the administrative process to ensure the effective functioning of the department.
• Skilled in instructional design and development of engaging teaching materials.
• Capable of creating a positive and inclusive learning environment.
• Mastery of disciplinary and scientific knowledge.
• A sound understanding of the science of learning and best practices in science education.
• Familiar with integrating educational technology to enhance learning outcomes.
Qualifications and Experience
• Fully qualified with an Bachelors’ Degree in Science
• Five years of teaching experience, including experience leading teams.
• Experience in a school delivering the Cambridge curriculum or equivalent.
• Evidence of relevant and challenging continuing professional development.
• Experience in curriculum development, assessment, and instructional leadership.
Desirable
• Exhibiting resilience and perseverance in the face of setbacks or obstacles, while maintaining a positive attitude and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Embracing diversity and cultural differences, and demonstrating sensitivity and awareness towards students from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
• Applying strategic thinking and long-term planning to advance the goals and objectives of the Department while anticipating future trends and opportunities.
• Proficient in project management for effective planning and execution.
- Skilled in data analysis to inform instructional decision-making.
- Knowledgeable in differentiated instruction to meet diverse student needs.
- Capable of conducting research and incorporating evidence-based practices into teaching.
• Knowledge of the digital culture of schools, able to use new technologies through innovative, future-focused methodologies.
• Knowledge of the rapidly changing sector internationally.
• Master's degree or higher in Education or Science-related field, Leadership Training.
• Previous experience as a Head of Department.
• Experience teaching in an international or multicultural setting.
• Experience with student-centred and inquiry-based teaching methodologies.
• Previous experience working with students for whom English is not their first language.
Start Date: August 2024
