Head of Department (Science)

About the company

St Francis Methodist School (International) is looking for a passionate and dedicated teaching professional to join our dynamic academic team. Located at Hillview.

Your tasks

The Head of Science drives the design, planning and implementation of departmental work plans, processes and targets to achieve the school's strategic outcomes in alignment with the school's values. The Head ensures the educational and operational success of the Science Department. The Head also optimizes the use of human, physical, time and financial resources for the Science Department to attain the best possible outcome for the school collectively as a whole.

Organisational Excellence

• Aligns department plans and goals to the school's strategic plans
• Develops, drives and monitors work plans based on practical and realistic assessment of resources, timeframes etc.
• Ensures systematic organization and management of information in the department for efficiency and effectiveness.
• Assist in the assessment, evaluation, identification of benchmarks and best practices of the schools' systems, processes and procedures via the Organizational Excellence Framework, EduTrust GD4 for:

o Measurement of Student and Graduate Outcomes

• Manages the timely collection, verification, recording and consolidation of Science assessment results and student progress data; ensures the accuracy, completeness, confidentiality and controlled access of departmental records.
• Oversees the implementation of school policies on curriculum delivery, assessment and academic honesty within the Science Department.

Curriculum Leadership

• Leads the design of curriculum and programmes aligned to the goals and objectives of the school, based on the students' learning styles and developmental needs. This is to be reviewed for the whole department of the school to ensure relevance, progression, breadth, depth, coherence etc.
• Responsible for setting and vetting examination papers to ensure full compliance with curriculum and assessment requirements.
• Keeps abreast of changes in Science curricula, syllabuses and examination formats, and ensures that teachers implement the applicable requirements across the Science programmes offered by the school.
• Coordinates Science schemes of work and teaching plans with school leaders and other Academic Heads to ensure appropriate progression, syllabus coverage and consistency across classes.
• Leads the development of scientific inquiry, conceptual understanding and practical skills through effective classroom teaching, investigations and laboratory activities.
• Organises internal Science assessments, including practical assessments where applicable, and oversees marking standardisation and moderation to ensure fair and consistent assessment.
• Analyses Science results by subject, level, class and cohort to identify trends, learning gaps and areas for improvement; evaluates performance against departmental targets and relevant benchmarks, and coordinates remedial support, differentiated teaching and enrichment.
• Prepares and presents timely reports on Science results, key findings and recommended actions to the Vice Principal and relevant school leaders; communicates findings to Science teachers, follows up on agreed improvement plans and reports on their impact on student outcomes.
• Reviews teaching, student work and feedback to improve Science curriculum delivery and student outcomes, including support for students who need help with scientific language.

Laboratory Safety and Resource Management

• Develops and manages the Science Department budget, and prioritises the procurement of teaching resources, laboratory equipment and consumables in accordance with school approval procedures.
• Oversees laboratory safety procedures and risk assessments for practical activities, working with Science teachers and laboratory support staff, where appointed, to ensure appropriate supervision and safe working practices.
• Ensures that laboratory users receive appropriate safety instruction, and that procedures for emergencies and the reporting of accidents, hazards and equipment defects are understood and followed.
• Oversees the proper inventory, labelling, storage, use and disposal of chemicals and other laboratory materials in accordance with school procedures and applicable safety requirements.
• Coordinates the inspection, maintenance and replacement of laboratory equipment, and ensures that required resources and facilities are ready for practical lessons and assessments.
• Oversees and ensures the timely uploading, organisation, updating and management of departmental teaching and learning resources on the school’s designated shared platform. Coordinates contributions from Science teachers, including schemes of work, lesson plans, teaching slides, worksheets, practical activity guides, assessment papers, marking guides and digital learning materials, to support collaborative planning and consistent curriculum delivery.
• Maintains a clear folder structure, consistent file naming, version control and appropriate access permissions for departmental resources. Regularly reviews resources for accuracy, relevance and syllabus alignment, archives superseded materials and ensures that current approved resources are readily accessible to authorised staff. Keeps laboratory documentation, resource inventories and procurement and maintenance records up to date.

People Development and Partnerships

• Leads the department in developing strategies to establish and sustain purposeful partnerships internally and externally, establishing a department culture of Professional Collaboration.
• Mentors and develops each team member through recognition of strengths, skill requirements and facilitates learning opportunities to enhance performance. Coaches team members to help develop their skills and personal effectiveness and leverages on their strengths to create synergies.
• Acts as a role model to raise the professional capability of colleagues and build professional capacity in the areas of subject content, pedagogy and assessment.
• Inducts new Science teachers on the relevant syllabuses, assessment requirements, school policies and laboratory safety procedures, and identifies and coordinates appropriate professional development.
• Maintains regular communication with parents and relevant stakeholders on student progress and support needs, working with teachers to address concerns in a timely manner.
• Supports school outreach and liaison activities by communicating the Science programmes and learning opportunities accurately to prospective students and parents.

General duties of a Teacher

• Prepare Scheme of Work according to the syllabus.
• Ability to engage and motivate students in a learning environment.

• Keeping up to date attendance records.
• Setting examination papers.

• Invigilation of tests and examinations.
• Marking assignments and examination scripts.

• Communicating to students and fellow staff.
• Provide academic counselling to students.

• Disciplining and counselling students.
• Guide and support peers and / or junior teachers.

• Include CARE Teacher duties if assigned.
• Attend meet the parents’ session, on average 3 times a year.

• Other duties as assigned by the Vice Principal.

Requirements

• A recognized Bachelor's Degree in Science or a relevant discipline and professional teaching qualification are essential.
• At least 5 years in a middle management position in a school environment.
• Sound knowledge of Science curriculum and assessment requirements, practical teaching and laboratory safety, with relevant teaching experience in the Science programmes offered by the school.
• Excellent leadership and people skills.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and time management abilities.
• A dynamic and highly driven individual with strong communication and analytical skills.
• Ability to utilise strategic systems thinking.
• Understanding of the principles of complex organisational culture and behaviors, including team dynamics and operational leadership.