FIRBANK GRAMMAR SCHOOL

POSITION DESCRIPTION: HEAD OF DEPARTMENT - HUMANITIES

VISION STATEMENT: The vision of Firbank Grammar School is to provide all students with an exceptional education where they feel free to aspire and achieve School Values ; The School’s values of Integrity, curiosity, respect, courage, and compassion permeate the School’s operational functions and are pertinent to all members of the School community

FACULTY/POSITION:

LOCATION (CAMPUS): Brighton Campus

RESPONSIBLE TO: Principal

FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITY TO: Director of Curriculum

POSITION PURPOSE: The Head of Department is responsible for the implementation of the curriculum in accordance with the Aims and Objectives of the School and the Australian Curriculum. The Head of Department has the responsibility of leading the development of learning within their faculty. They will liaise with the curriculum leaders of the Junior Schools to ensure continuity and sequential learning programs. Models, coaches and promotes classroom strategies that maximise student learning.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS:

INTERNAL EXTERNAL

• Director of Curriculum • Faculty Networks • Faculty Members • Subject Associations • Staff

KEY RESULT AREAS KEY RESPONSIBILITIES KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

1. CURRICULUM POLICY AND PLANNING

Making informed contributions to general curriculum policy and planning Contributions to general curriculum policy and planning

Develops , implements and reviews short and long term academic goals and promotes professional attitudes among the staff

Short and long term academic departmental goals set

Keeping the department up-to-date with current educational trends Department up-to-date with current educational trends Expect high quality teaching methods of faculty members High quality teaching methods Regular review and evaluation of the curriculum Reviews conducted regularly Effective communication of the curriculum and achievements of the department to staff, parents and students

Effective communication

Presenting curriculum as a sequential and integrated program at the appropriate levels of the Senior School

Curriculum is a sequential and integrated program at the appropriate levels of the Senior School

Recognising the connections of curriculum at transition points such as primary to secondary levels and Year 10 to the VCE

Transition points successful

Attending required meetings and contributing to School policy planning and implementation

Meetings attended

2. CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION

Provides documentation of the detailed content of all courses in the department and maintains the Atlas Rubicon platform which houses all curriculum syllabi

Appropriate documentation available

Monitoring the staff in the implementation of this curriculum Staff monitored Student assessment and reporting in an orderly, considerate and consistent way and in accordance with the policy of the School

Timely and accurate

Liaising with other Heads of Department so content is presented in an integrated way and duplication is avoided.

No duplication of content across departments

Oversight of the planning of extension activities and excursions to ensure a proper balance in the faculty and the general curriculum and planning arrangements of the School.

Appropriate planning

Identification of special needs of individual students or groups of students and implementation of programs to meet these needs

Students with special needs identified

The implementation of school policies and programs within the faculty. School policies implemented

2. STAFF MANAGEMENT

Provide a climate of co-operation and trust which is supportive of staff Staff feel supported Ensure that all staff are properly briefed in the workings of the department. Induct all incoming staff

Staff are appropriately briefed

Encourage the professional development of staff in the department through provision of current publications, regular department meetings and in-service participation in order to acquire knowledge of new skills and methods where appropriate

Staff undertake professional development

Operate the department so that all staff have opportunities to contribute to curriculum planning and other activities.

Staff contribute to planning and development

KEY RESULT AREAS KEY RESPONSIBILITIES KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS Recommend placement of staff within teaching areas of the department in the timetabling and allotment process of the School

Staff appropriately placed

Advise the Principal in the selection and appointment of new staff Advice given, as requested Oversee the mentoring of new staff New staff are mentored Appraise all members of the faculty according to the guidelines of the School’s appraisal process

Appraisals are timely and accurate

Ensure that all faculty members set and review goals annually Faculty members’ goals are set and reviewed

3. RESOURCES

Planning of resource needs of the department and the production of recurrent and capital budgets for all department purchases

Appropriate resources available

Approval of all purchases made within the department and for maintaining department expenditure within budget limits

Correct procedures followed for budgeting

The proper care of all materials and equipment purchased by the department and any other equipment provided by the School for the use of the department.

All materials and equipment well maintained

4. CHILD SAFETY

Responsible for understanding and applying Firbank’s Child Safety Policies and procedures

Has read and observes policies and procedures

Identifying and addressing Child Safety Risks, Child abuse indicators, Management of disclosure and Reporting including Mandatory Reporting

Has completed relevant training and observes policies and procedures

Complying with School Staff/student boundaries Acts according to Child Safety Code of Conduct Awareness of issues relating to Aboriginal, cultural and linguistic diversity or disability, amongst students with whom you will have direct contact, in addressing child protections teaching and disclosures

Understands school’s values and policies and meets expectations

Takes all practicable measures to protect students where a risk to their safety has been identified whilst under your care.

Considers and manages the safety of students with in the school environment (eg. camps/excursions, online environment, competitions, other events etc.)

5. HEALTH AND SAFETY Follow all Health and Safety policies and procedures Observes Health and Safety Policy Report all known or observed hazards to Health and Safety Staff representatives

Reports hazards when observed

SELECTION CRITERIA QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE • As determined by the School

KEY COMPETENCIES • Knowledge of subject and pedagogy, recent trends in education in general and the specific subject area. The skills and understandings are required to implement the curriculum,

drive change when necessary and support teachers in providing the best possible learning experiences for all students

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES • Flexibility • Strong communication, organisational and interpersonal skills