Head Of Department Mathematics

Role Overview:

The Head of Mathematics Department will provide visionary leadership for the department, ensuring the delivery of an innovative and rigorous mathematics curriculum. The role requires a strategic approach to fostering a passion for mathematics while ensuring all students, including boarders, receive the academic and personal support they need to succeed. The HOD will work to align the department's goals with the school's mission, academic priorities, and long-term objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership and Vision:

• Provide strategic leadership for the Mathematics department, ensuring alignment with the schools mission, values, and long-term academic goals.
• Develop and implement an academic strategy for the Mathematics department that ensures academic rigor while considering the specific needs of day and boarding students.
• Foster a positive, supportive, and academically challenging environment within the Mathematics department.
• Set clear academic expectations for both staff and students, cultivating a culture of high academic standards and student well-being.

Curriculum Development and Management:

• Oversee the design, development, and delivery of a challenging and innovative Mathematics curriculum that meets international standards and is adapted to the diverse cultural backgrounds of the students.
• Regularly review and update the Mathematics curriculum to ensure it remains relevant, incorporates emerging educational trends, and leverages technology.
• Ensure the curriculum caters to both day and boarding students and integrates appropriate safeguarding measures.
• Promote mathematical thinking, problem-solving, and critical reasoning through the curriculum design.

Faculty Leadership and Development:

• Recruit, mentor, and support faculty members in the Mathematics department, ensuring their commitment to the academic and personal welfare of students.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations for teaching staff, providing constructive feedback and supporting their professional development.
• Organize professional development opportunities aligned with both the academic vision of the school and best practices in safeguarding, child protection, and pastoral care.

Student Performance and Assessment:

• Monitor and assess student academic performance in Mathematics, ensuring all students, including boarders, receive the necessary support to achieve their academic potential.
• Develop personalized academic support strategies, especially for boarding students who may face unique challenges.
• Ensure assessments are consistent, fair, and transparent, aligning with school policies and safeguarding principles.
• Work collaboratively with pastoral teams to provide comprehensive support for students academic and emotional development.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Foster effective communication and collaboration between the Mathematics department and other academic departments, as well as with boarding and pastoral teams.
• Maintain open and effective communication with parents and guardians regarding student progress, supporting strong relationships with both academic and pastoral care.
• Ensure clear and consistent communication of academic policies and practices across the school community, contributing to a cohesive approach to student welfare.

School-wide Academic Leadership:

• Contribute to the strategic academic planning of the school, ensuring the Mathematics department’s goals align with the overall school vision and mission.
• Collaborate with other department heads and leadership teams to maintain high academic standards and safeguarding protocols across the school.

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.
• Guide and oversee academic support programs for boarding students, ensuring they have access to tutoring, mentorship, and emotional support.
• Regularly monitor and offer support to boarding students, helping them balance academic demands with extracurricular activities and social integration.

Resource Management:

• Manage the department’s budget, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to support the educational needs of students.
• Ensure teaching resources, including textbooks, digital tools, and learning materials, are effectively managed and regularly updated to meet the needs of the curriculum.

International Perspective and Innovation:

• Promote an international perspective within the Mathematics department, supporting a global outlook and fostering an inclusive environment for students from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Encourage innovation in teaching methods, integrating modern technology and pedagogical techniques to enhance student learning experiences both in and out of the classroom.

Qualifications and Experience:

Education:

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

Experience:

• At least 5 years of experience in a leadership role within an academic setting, preferably in an international or boarding school environment.
• Strong knowledge of international curricula (e.g., IB, British, American) and safeguarding procedures in a residential school setting is essential.
• Previous experience in curriculum development, instructional design, and assessment management.

Skills and Attributes:

• Proven leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate staff and students in a boarding school context.
• Excellent understanding of child protection and safeguarding principles in a residential school environment.
• Ability to foster a culture of academic excellence, promoting a passion for mathematics and analytical thinking.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage resources effectively.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build strong relationships with students, staff, and parents.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to provide practical solutions to challenges faced by boarding students.

Personal Qualities:

• A passion for student-centered learning and a commitment to academic and personal development.
• Professional, compassionate, and caring approach to student welfare, particularly in a boarding environment.
• Enthusiasm for engaging with the co-curricular life of the school and contributing to the broader educational experience.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, with a strong team-oriented mindset.

Pastoral and Co-Curricular Duties:

• Contribute actively to the school’s co-curricular programs, supporting the development of students outside the classroom.
• Serve as a tutor, supporting students’ personal growth and academic progress.
• Demonstrate a commitment to the well-being and overall development of students.

Suitability to Work with Children:

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

The successful candidate will need to submit a completed Police Verification check before joining.

This role offers a unique opportunity to lead a dedicated team of Mathematics educators, shape the academic journey of students, and contribute to a well-rounded educational experience in a global boarding school setting.