Secondary School, Head of Humanities Department Lusaka International Community School

Based in Lusaka, Zambia, Lusaka International Community School (LICS) is a co-educational, secular, fee-paying, non-profit school, which provides an internationally recognised education to a culturally diverse, globally-minded student body in a caring and supportive learning environment. LICS holds in high esteem its vision statement which is to “maximise the potential of future world citizens”.

LICS is a leading independent Pre-Primary, Primary, and Secondary School based in the leafy suburb of Roma in Lusaka, Zambia, and is a member of CIS, AISA, and ISAZ.

The school currently has an opening and is looking for a suitably qualified individual to join the LICS community as a Secondary School Head of Humanities Department effective 1st August 2024.

1. Requirements

• Be current with the Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) – KS3, IGCSE and A-Level curriculum.
• Previous Middle Leadership (minimum 2 years) is essential

2. Qualities

• Leadership skills, knowledge, values, attributes, and understanding
• Professional relationships in leadership
• Leading teaching and learning
• Leading innovation and improvement
• Community engagement
• Be a dynamic, driven person with a desire for educational excellence.
• Be willing to be part of a successful team at a school with a well-established academic record.
• Have a good sense of humour, and be a great team player

3. Qualifications

• Possess a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Education (Humanities), with at least 3 years of relevant teaching experience.
• Additional qualifications relevant to the role.

4. Key Responsibilities/Accountabilities

4.1 Teaching and Learning

• Teaching Humanities (History /Geography)
• Set and uphold high standards of teaching and learning across diverse age and ability levels.
• Review, develop, and refine schemes of work aligned with KS3, Key Stage 4 & 5 specifications, fostering cross-curricular connections.
• Lead, review, and develop Department policies and strategies in alignment with school objectives.
• Spearhead curriculum development for the entire Department.
• Stay updated on teaching practices and subject-specific advancements.
• Ensure appropriate work is provided for supply or cover staff during staff absence.
• Develop literacy and numeracy skills relevant to the subject(s) in collaboration with school staff.
• Manage and create teaching resources tailored to curriculum needs and student abilities while optimizing budget utilization.
• Improve teaching practices through self-evaluation strategies and the implementation of school and Department T&L Plans.
• Maintain a conducive learning environment within the Department, including classroom upkeep, student displays, and behavior management.
• Support teachers in the Department by managing their allocated teaching time and facilitating professional development.
• Collaborate with the Senior Leadership Team to address professional development needs and support the induction of new Department teachers.

4.2 Recording, Reporting, and Assessment

• Ensure accountability for student progress and development within the Department through leadership and facilitation of assessment arrangements, adhering to department and school policies.
• Lead, develop, coordinate, and monitor strategies to enhance student achievement, aligning with the school’s ‘Assessment for Learning’ targets and utilizing assessment information effectively.
• Review long-term and short-term planning to ensure comprehensive coverage, provision of diverse learning experiences, and continuity for all students, in line with school targets and assessment data.
• Collaborate closely with Key-Stage Leaders to ensure continuity and progression across the Key Stage.
• Ensure timely completion of Department reports on students to a high professional standard, adhering to school reporting guidelines.
• Fulfil Department evaluations as directed by the Principal.

4.3 Leadership

• Foster positive relationships and provide leadership to departmental staff.
• Lead curriculum development within the department.
• Manage resources effectively to maximize support and productivity.
• Uphold school values through policy adherence.
• Develop an annual Department Improvement Plan for student achievement.
• Track progress and report to the principal regularly.
• Organize departmental meetings and support staff motivation.
• Contribute to school-wide policy decisions
• Implement Teaching and Learning strategies at the departmental level..

4.4 Standards and Quality Assurance

• Ensure that the Department’s quality procedures meet the requirements of the school’s evaluation strategy and the Improvement plan.
• Developing as necessary a suitable department strategic development plan agreed upon by all members of the department.
• Attending and participating in open/parent evenings.
• Attending team and staff meetings.
• Ensure that health and safety practices are observed by the Department.

5. Remuneration

Competitive package.