Head Of English Department - Reputed International School

Role Overview:

The Head of English Department will provide visionary leadership for the department, ensuring the delivery of a challenging, inclusive, and culturally sensitive English curriculum. The role involves fostering a passion for literature, language, and communication, while supporting the academic and personal growth of students in a boarding school context. The HOD will be responsible for aligning departmental goals with the schools mission, values, and academic priorities.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership and Vision:

• Provide strategic leadership for the English department, ensuring alignment with the school’s mission, values, and long-term academic goals.
• Develop and implement an innovative academic strategy for the department that promotes academic rigor while considering the specific needs of both day and boarding students.
• Balance academic challenges with student support, ensuring students' well-being is at the forefront of the curriculum design, especially in the unique context of a boarding school.
• Foster a positive and motivating environment within the English department, setting clear goals and expectations for both staff and students.

Curriculum Development and Management:

• Oversee the design, development, and delivery of an engaging and challenging English curriculum, ensuring that it meets international standards and reflects the diverse cultural backgrounds of the students.
• Regularly review and adapt the curriculum to stay current with emerging educational trends, technological advancements, and the needs of students.
• Adapt the curriculum for both day and boarding students, incorporating appropriate safeguarding measures and catering to diverse needs within the school community.
• Ensure the English department curriculum promotes critical thinking, communication skills, and a passion for literature and language.

Faculty Leadership and Development:

• Recruit, mentor, and provide ongoing support to faculty members within the English department.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations, offering constructive feedback and supporting staff professional development with a focus on academic excellence, teaching strategies, and student safety.
• Coordinate department-wide professional development opportunities that align with school-wide academic goals and best practices in safeguarding, child protection, and pastoral care.

Student Performance and Assessment:

• Monitor and assess student academic performance in English, ensuring all students, including boarders, receive the necessary support to achieve their potential.
• Develop and implement strategies for personalized academic support for students, especially for boarding students who may face unique challenges.
• Ensure assessments are consistent, fair, and transparent, in alignment with school policies and safeguarding principles.
• Collaborate with pastoral teams to support the emotional and academic development of students, using data to track progress and identify areas for support.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Foster strong communication and collaboration within the English department, as well as with other academic departments, pastoral teams, and boarding staff.
• Ensure clear communication with parents and guardians regarding student progress and development, maintaining strong relationships to support students' academic and personal growth.
• Collaborate with the Deputy Head (Academic) and other school leadership teams to ensure academic policies and practices are clearly communicated and consistently applied.

School-wide Academic Leadership:

• Contribute to the broader academic strategic planning of the school, ensuring the English department’s goals align with the school’s overall vision.
• Collaborate with department heads and leadership teams to maintain high academic standards and safeguarding protocols across all subjects.
• Participate in the development and implementation of school-wide policies, ensuring they reflect academic excellence, safeguarding practices, and student well-being.

Boarding Student Support and Well-being:

• Work closely with the Head of Boarding and pastoral staff to ensure the academic and personal needs of boarding students are met effectively.
• Provide guidance on academic support programs for boarding students, including mentoring and tutoring where necessary, to ensure a balanced and supportive learning environment.
• Regularly monitor boarding students’ academic progress, offering personalized support to help them balance academic demands with extracurricular activities.

Resource Management:

• Oversee the department’s budget, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently and effectively to meet students' educational needs and departmental goals.
• Manage teaching resources, including textbooks, digital tools, and learning materials, ensuring they are up-to-date and accessible to all students, including those in boarding.

International Perspective and Innovation:

• Encourage an international outlook within the department, embracing the diversity of students' cultural backgrounds and fostering an inclusive learning environment.
• Support innovation in teaching, integrating technology and modern pedagogical techniques to enhance the learning experience for all students, both in the classroom and within the boarding context.

Qualifications and Experience:

Education:

• A Master’s degree in Education, English, Educational Leadership, or a relevant subject area. Additional certifications in international education or leadership are an advantage.

Experience:

• At least 5 years of experience in an academic leadership role, preferably within an international or boarding school environment.
• Experience with safeguarding and child protection practices in a residential school setting is essential.
• In-depth knowledge of international curricula (e.g., IB, British, American) and an understanding of pedagogical approaches for diverse learning needs.

Skills and Attributes:

• Proven leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate both students and staff in a boarding school context.
• Strong understanding of child protection and safeguarding principles, particularly in a residential setting.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to develop meaningful relationships with students, staff, and parents.
• Ability to foster a culture of academic excellence, encouraging innovation and the adoption of new teaching methods.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage resources effectively.

Personal Qualities:

• A passion for student-centered learning and a commitment to supporting the academic success and well-being of all students.
• Professional, caring, and compassionate approach when working with students, particularly in a boarding school environment.
• Enthusiasm for co-curricular involvement and a willingness to engage in the wider life of the school.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team.

Pastoral and Co-Curricular Duties:

• Actively contribute to the school’s co-curricular programs.
• Carry out the duties of a tutor, supporting students’ personal and academic development.
• Demonstrate commitment to the well-being and development of students both in and out of the classroom.

Suitability to Work with Children:

Shrewsbury International School India is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The postholder must comply with the School’s Safeguarding & Child Protection policy at all times and undergo safeguarding and child protection training as directed by their Line Manager.

The successful candidate must submit a completed Police Verification check prior to joining.

This role offers the opportunity to lead a dynamic department, shape the academic journey of students, and contribute to a holistic educational experience in a global boarding school setting.