Individuals & Societies Head of Department

Individuals & Societies Head of Department

The Individuals & Societies Head of Department (HOD) will be held for a 3-year term. The Individuals & Societies HOD holds the responsibility for supporting Individuals & Societies course integration in the MYP and DP programmes, assisting teachers to ensure they understand and collaborate on academic programmes, and adhering to the following academic policies and regulations:

• Provincial requirements
• School policies (Language, Assessment, Academic Integrity, Learning Support and Inclusion, etc.)
• IB Programme specific Policies and Procedures, Best Practices, etc.

• In collaboration with the Senior School Vice-Principal, assist in planning the Individuals & Societies departmental budget process.
• Approve and organize resource orders.
• Ensure the Individuals & Societies HOD budget is adhered to.

• Undertake an inventory of common resources for the Individuals & Societies department every June.
• Maintain a library of teaching resources for teacher and student use.
• Ensure these resources are made known and available for new teachers.

• Attend all Individuals & Societies HOD related meetings.
• Facilitate regular curricular area meetings and forward minutes to the respect Vice-Principal(s) and Principal(s).
• Meet with the Senior School Vice-Principals regularly.
• Attend weekly HOD/Curriculum Leader meetings, led by the Principal(s) and/or Vice-Principal(s).

• Endorse the school’s mission, vision, and values.
• Work with the Senior School Principal, Senior School Vice-Principal(s), and other relevant staff to create Individuals & Societies content to support Senior School students’ community building, wellbeing and healthy living, learning skills development, and social-emotional learning.
• Lead on the creation of community time activities for the grades each week.
• Assist faculty with finding professional development opportunities that are appropriate and aligned with curricular and school goals and needs.
• Maintain relevant understanding of and be active in using relevant and effective technology to enhance the Individuals & Societies program and activities.
• Coordinate with the facilities team as needed to support the implementation of Individuals & Societies activities.

• Contribute to continuum committees and school initiatives.
• Provide leadership beyond the school by participating in and sharing best practices in affiliated organizations (ISABC, CAIS, FISA, IBO, Ministry of Education).

• Develop and record a scope and sequence of the Individuals & Societies activities in each grade through the year and identify any themes.
• Organize the facilities allocation and support the team in facilities management.

• Communicate upcoming activities with the Marketing and Advancement departments.
• Communicate news of events and student achievements with the Marketing and Advancement departments.

• A valid BC Certification of Teaching.
• Completion of a Bachelor of Education degree.
• Knowledge and understanding of the International Baccalaureate programmes.
• Experience and adept understanding of teaching MYP, and/or DP Individuals & Societies, and/or BC Social Studies or Humanities courses in a Senior School setting is an asset.
• Knowledge of the MYP and DP curriculum framework is considered an asset.

• A motivated, adaptable, and enthusiastic team player.
• Commitment to inclusion and fostering a supportive learning environment.
• Proven experience leading or contributing to co-curricular and/or outdoor education programs is an asset.
• Dynamic ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Demonstrate and pursue excellence in practice and professional growth.
• Strong organizational, administrative, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Positive attitude, growth mindset, and strong emotional intelligence (EQ).
• Proficient in providing support for diverse learning needs.

This role will require working hours outside of school office hours: often…