HEAD OF COMPUTING (Teaching Allowance 3)
The Head of Department is accountable to the Principal through the
Vice Principal (Curriculum) for the effective leadership and management of the
Department.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Wallace High School is a co-educational, voluntary grammar school
founded in 1880. The annual intake of
pupils into Year 8 is 170 and there are some 300 pupils in the Sixth Form. The school draws its pupils from Lisburn and
the surrounding area. The Computing
Department consists of three full-time computing specialists and a number of
other interested members of staff.
The Computing at Wallace High School delivers the following curriculum
subjects:
?
Key Stage 3 Computing
?
GCSE Digital Technology and Business
Communications,
?
A’Level Software Systems Development and
Digital Technology.
RESPONSIBILITY
Under the direction of the Principal and Vice Principal (Curriculum),
the Head of Computing is responsible for the leadership, organisation and
efficient running of the Department in accordance with school policies and
practice, and in pursuit of high standards of pupil achievement.
PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION
The school seeks to appoint a successful and effective teacher who
shows energy, enthusiasm, commitment and adaptability to change.
The newly appointed Head of Department will have expertise in the
teaching of Computing and be able to demonstrate the following skills essential
to the role:
? The
ability to lead, manage and motivate people to work towards common goals
? The
ability to solve problems and make decisions, seeking advice as appropriate
? The
ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
? The
ability to plan time effectively and organise oneself well
The main duties and responsibilities of the post are:
TEACHING AND LEARNING
1 To be responsible for the effective
management of teaching and learning of Computing throughout the school, key
stage 3 through to A’Level.
2 To keep teaching methods and subject
specifications under constant review, and to produce and submit annual schemes
of work to the Vice Principal.
3 To evolve and
administer appropriate systems to monitor the progress of pupils:
(a) through
supervising the departmental homework timetable
(b) through
a programme of on-going assessment
(c) to ensure that pupils are prepared and
entered for external examinations at the appropriate level
4 To set, monitor and evaluate
expectations and targets for improvement in keeping with the school development
plan.
5 To monitor, evaluate and report
departmental examination results using school data as it is made available by
the Principal.
6 To encourage and
monitor the appropriate use of ICT in teaching and learning.
LEADING AND MANAGING STAFF
7 To actively promote
staff development through:
(a) setting high individual standards and
encouraging others to do the same by discussion of good practice both at
Departmental meetings and with individuals as the occasion demands
(b) allocation of classes which takes
account of each teacher’s experience and responsibilities and the needs of
the Department
(c) involving staff in decision-making
within the Department
(d) sending representatives to suitable
courses
(e) dissemination of information from
courses attended
8 To develop constructive working
relationships, teamwork and mutual support amongst colleagues within the
Department.
9 By means of regular meetings to
supervise closely the work of inexperienced and, in particular beginning
teachers, and to report their progress to the appropriate member of the
Leadership Team.
10 To review staff performance as required
by school policy, and recommend and arrange staff development as appropriate.
11 To advise the Principal
on the appointment of staff for the Department.
12 To liaise with Heads of Year, the
Learning Support Teachers and Careers Staff as necessary.
EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE
DEPLOYMENT OF RESOURCES
13 To manage the resources allocated to the
Department in an efficient and effective manner.
14 To ensure that the rooms and facilities
used by the Department are kept in good condition, reporting any maintenance
issues to the Head of Premises.
15 To ensure the
implementation of health and safety regulations as appropriate.
16 To use the Department’s accommodation to
create an effective and stimulating environment.
DIRECTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF
COMPUTING
17 To attend the meetings
of Heads of Department.
18 To take part in
curriculum development and review as required.
19 To hold regular Departmental meetings
with agenda and recorded minutes which should be submitted to the Principal and
Vice Principal.
20 To work with the ICT-Coordinator in
supporting whole school ICT initiatives and projects.
21 In keeping with the ethos and aims of
the school to be responsible for the delivery and promotion of Computing and
other related areas through the school’s website and social media presence.
NOTES:
1 The above responsibilities are subject
to the general duties and responsibilities contained in the statement of
conditions of employment.
2 This job definition is not necessarily
a comprehensive definition of the post.
It will be reviewed regularly and may be subject to modification or
amendment at any time after due consideration.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
ESSENTIAL
CRITERIA: Applicants must (as of 1 September 2025)
?
have
a good honours degree (2:2 minimum) in which Computing or Digital Technology is a major component.
?
be
a qualified teacher recognised by the Department of Education.
?
have
experience of teaching Software Systems Development / Digital
Technology to A2 level or a related level 3
qualification.
DESIRABLE
CRITERIA: Preference may be given to applicants who (as of 1 September 2025)
- have
experience of leading a department or managing a team of staff
- show
evidence of management development and training relevant to this post.
- demonstrate
a contribution to the extra or co-curricular life of a school in which they are
currently employed.
- possess
a coaching qualification in rugby or hockey.
- have
experience of coaching a school or club rugby or hockey team.
- demonstrate
a firm commitment to coaching a rugby or hockey team.
- have
a Master’s Degree or other Level 7+ qualification in Computing or related area relevant to
GCSE, AS and A2 Computing.
- have a Master's Degree or other level 7+ qualification relating to management and/or leadership.
The Board of Governors reserves the right to enhance the above
criteria at shortlisting.
APPLICATIONS
It is preferred that application forms are emailed in Word format to
the Principal’s Personal Assistant, Mrs McDowell at . An
acknowledgement will be sent by return of email. Applicants should ensure that they indicate
clearly on their application form how they meet the criteria.
The closing date for receipt of application forms is Wednesday, 26 March 2025 at 12 midday.
It is anticipated that interviews will take place week beginning 7
April 2025.
In order to comply with DE guidelines on Child Protection shortlisted
applicants should bring an original birth certificate and/or marriage
certificate (if appropriate) plus photographic ID to their interview.
NB: It is an offence for an
individual who is on either of the Department’s Lists (UP List and/or List 99),
or who is the subject of a disqualification order from the courts, to apply
for, or offer to do any work, paid or unpaid, in a regulated position.