Head of languages - Leading IB School

Position Overview:

The Head of Languages is a key leadership position within the school, responsible for overseeing and leading the Languages Department, ensuring that the department delivers a high standard of teaching and learning aligned with the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. The role involves driving the strategic development of language learning across the school, including the management of language programs, fostering a love for languages, and promoting global citizenship and intercultural understanding among students.

As the Head of Languages, you will lead a team of passionate educators, guide and inspire students in their linguistic journey, and ensure the departments goals align with the broader vision and mission of the school.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Leadership and Management of the Languages Department

• Lead and manage the Languages Department, ensuring effective delivery of language programs from primary through to the IB Diploma level.
• Inspire and motivate the language teaching team, fostering a culture of collaboration, high standards, and professional growth.
• Develop and implement a departmental vision and strategic plan that aligns with the school’s overall educational philosophy and the IB program framework.
• Manage the recruitment, induction, and professional development of language teachers and ensure high-quality performance management.
• Oversee the creation and review of curriculum documents, syllabi, and assessment strategies that reflect IB standards and ensure coherence within the department.

2. Curriculum Development and Delivery

• Ensure the development and delivery of a rigorous and inclusive language curriculum that challenges students and nurtures their linguistic abilities.
• Lead the development and review of the IB language programs, including Language A and Language B, ensuring alignment with IB principles and the needs of all learners.
• Ensure that language offerings reflect the diverse linguistic needs of students, supporting multilingualism and cultural awareness.
• Collaborate with other subject leaders to ensure cross-curricular integration, particularly in global themes and cultural contexts.
• Lead the implementation of innovative teaching strategies to support diverse learners, including those with additional learning needs.

3. Promoting Language Acquisition and International Mindedness

• Foster a school-wide culture of language learning, encouraging students to engage with multiple languages and cultures.
• Support the development of students’ proficiency in both their native language(s) and additional languages, encouraging multilingualism as a gateway to global citizenship.
• Design and implement initiatives that promote language acquisition both in and outside the classroom, including extracurricular activities such as language clubs, cultural exchanges, and language immersion opportunities.
• Develop strong partnerships with other international schools and institutions to support language learning and global awareness.

4. Assessment and Reporting

• Ensure that language assessments are fair, consistent, and aligned with the IB framework and school standards.
• Lead the development of formative and summative assessments, ensuring that feedback is constructive, timely, and aligned with IB assessment criteria.
• Monitor student progress through data analysis, identifying areas of improvement and implementing strategies to support student achievement.
• Regularly report on student progress to the Senior Leadership Team, parents, and the school community, and lead parent-teacher conferences as necessary.

5. Staff Development and Support

• Provide ongoing support, mentorship, and professional development opportunities for all language teachers.
• Encourage participation in relevant workshops, conferences, and training programs to stay updated with the latest language teaching methodologies.
• Facilitate regular departmental meetings to review curriculum, teaching practices, and student outcomes.
• Promote collaboration and sharing of best practices across the department and with other teaching teams within the school.

6. Collaboration with Parents and the Wider Community

• Build and maintain strong relationships with parents and caregivers, ensuring they are well-informed and engaged in their child’s language learning journey.
• Organize events such as language fairs, cultural evenings, or workshops to celebrate language learning and promote intercultural understanding.
• Represent the Languages Department at school-wide events and serve as a liaison between the school and external language-related organizations.

7. Safeguarding and Well-being

• Ensure that the department adheres to all safeguarding protocols and that students’ emotional and academic well-being is supported in the language classroom.
• Maintain a safe and inclusive learning environment where every student feels valued and respected, promoting positive behavior and emotional growth.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Education:
  A Bachelor’s degree in a language-related field (e.g., Linguistics, Modern Languages, Education) is required. A Master’s degree or teaching qualification is preferred.
  IB certification or experience in an IB school setting is highly desirable.
• Experience:
  A minimum of 5 years of teaching experience in a language-related field, with at least 2 years in a leadership or department head role.
  Significant experience in teaching within the IB framework, particularly in Language A and/or Language B courses.