Head of Department - Mathematics

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The Asia Pacific Schools, in partnership with The International Schools Partnership (ISP), equips students for local and global success by delivering Amazing Learning and offers both the international and Malaysian National curricula in the Klang Valley, Malaysia.

The Asia Pacific Schools promotes equality and is an equal opportunity employer that prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to diversity and inclusion, as well as providing employees with a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment.

A culture of engagement and trust, where staff contributions are recognised and valued.

A passionate and motivated team of professionals who put children at the heart of decision-making.

An embedded commitment to professional development and employee well‑being.

Access to expertise, best practice sharing and learning opportunities across countries and cultures.

Competitive remuneration.

School fee discount for children of employees.

Medical outpatient and insurance benefits.

ASIA PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

We are seeking to hire a Head of Department : Mathematics with experience of working in an International School for commencement Feb 2026.

Purpose of Role : To provide Amazing Learning opportunities so that students continually get better through the delivery of high‑quality teaching and the creation of effective resources.

Begin with our children and students. Our children and students are at the heart of what we do. Simply, their success is our success. Wellbeing and safety are both essential for learners and learning. Therefore, we are consistent in identifying potential safeguarding issues and acting and following up on all concerns appropriately.

Treat everyone with care and respect . We look after one another, embrace similarities and differences and promote the well‑being of self and others.

Operate effectively. We focus relentlessly on the things that are most important and will make the most difference. We apply school policies and procedures and embody the shared ideas of our community.

Learn continuously . Getting better is what drives us. We positively engage with personal and professional development and school improvement.

Key Responsibilities :

To lead the Mathematics team with enthusiasm, developing the pedagogical practice of all colleagues, sharing good practice through coaching and mentoring, and building on strengths while addressing areas for improvement.

To promote, monitor, and support professional development within the department to ensure students are fully engaged in the learning process.

To ensure departmental priorities and action plans align with the School Learning Improvement Plan , contributing actively to whole‑school development initiatives and improvement targets.

To lead the department’s self‑evaluation, identifying strengths and areas for development, and report findings to SLT to inform strategic planning.

To regularly review and improve departmental policies and procedures (including staff absence, reporting, meetings, and target setting) in line with the school’s aims, values, and current international good practice.

To work collaboratively with programme coordinators to remain updated on curriculum and assessment requirements, and to disseminate relevant information to the team.

Working alongside the School Leadership Team support link, to ensure all colleagues, including new staff, are regularly monitored, supported, and appraised in line with school policy.

To lead on the effective use of data, enabling all colleagues to identify and provide appropriate intervention for underachieving students and suitable challenge for more able learners.

To manage departmental resources and budget in line with school policy, ensuring value for money and a stimulating teaching environment.

To foster positive relationships with parents and carers, ensuring clear communication about curriculum, assessment, progress, and departmental priorities.

To promote enrichment opportunities in mathematics (such as clubs, competitions, and cross‑curricular projects) to enhance student engagement and achievement.

To support the well‑being and workload of department colleagues, ensuring effective delegation and sustainable working practices.

Key Performance Indicators

Manage the departmental budget and ensure timely ordering of educational materials in line with curriculum needs.

Lead the mapping, design, delivery, and review of the department curriculum.

Moderate assessments across the department in line with the school’s assessment policy.

Work with colleagues towards school and departmental targets for IGCSE and other external examinations.

Identify underachieving pupils using data and ensure appropriate intervention and monitoring, with effective communication to parents.

Attend and contribute to Heads of Department meetings.

Engage in professional development to improve leadership and subject expertise.

Lead regular department meetings focused on pedagogy, curriculum, and student outcomes.

Lead departmental appraisals, including the promotion of peer coaching.

Conduct “looking for learning” visits for all staff, with targeted support for new staff.

Assist the cover team in preparing cover for emergency, heavy load, or long‑term absence.

Manage the department’s physical environment, including classrooms and noticeboards, to celebrate student learning.

Support SLT with departmental behaviour concerns and inclusion strategies, in line with the school’s positive behaviour policy.

Work with SEN and EAL teams to support students with additional learning needs or English language difficulties.

Manage the department’s reporting process in line with school policy.

Promote safeguarding and well‑being protocols, reporting concerns as appropriate.

Support the induction and mentoring of new staff, ensuring they are fully integrated into departmental practice.

Other Duties

Fully and positively participate in the school’s performance appraisal scheme to enhance personal and departmental performance.

Undertake any other reasonable duties assigned by SLT or the line manager, particularly with regard to the school’s wider administrative function.

Follow all school policies and procedures at all times.

Skills, Qualifications and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in mathematics is essential, and many schools prefer or require a postgraduate teaching qualification, such as a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). A master’s in education or a related field can also be a significant advantage.

Minimum 5‑8 years of teaching experience. This should include a proven track record of teaching mathematics across a range of ages and abilities, particularly at the IGCSE and A‑Level.

Minimum 2 years of experience in an academic or departmental leadership capacity. This could be as a Head of a key stage, a subject coordinator, or a similar middle management position.

Computer literate with good interpersonal communication skills.

Fluency in written and spoken English and Bahasa Malaysia.

Person specification

Patient, responsible, and passionate about teaching.

A team player and flexible to meet the needs of the department.

Must be responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young people they are responsible for or come into contact with.

You consistently demonstrate and role‑model the ISP Leadership Competencies in all that you do.

Collaboration. Takes an active part in leading their school or region; is cooperative and a genuine team player, developing positive, supportive relationships with colleagues to solve problems and maximise opportunities.

Learning & Getting Better. Continually demonstrates personal commitment and passion for learning and getting better using evidence and feedback; supporting others in their continual learning, development and growth.

Innovation Leadership. Is good at creating an environment where ideas for learning initiatives and services are generated and is able to motivate and inspire others through the process of creation through to completion.

Outcome driven. Can be counted on to find solutions. Is consistently looking to exceed goals and is focused on KPIs.

Resilience. Can deal with setbacks and challenges calmly and effectively.

Community Focus. Is committed to meeting and exceeding the needs and expectations of our students and their families.

Integrity & Ethical Management. Has the ability to work ethically and with integrity; helps others feel valued; upholds and models the ISP Vision, Purpose and Principles.

Leading & Inspiring Others. Supports, encourages and inspires students, colleagues and teams so that they give their best.

Understanding People. Is a very good judge of talent, can objectively articulate the strengths and motivations of people inside or outside the organization.

Influencing & Communication. Consistently informs, influences and inspires students, parents and colleagues through timely and effective communication.

Agile. Responds and adapts to changing circumstances; manages and solves problems by providing solutions in a climate of ambiguity.

Strategic, Commercial & Financial Awareness. Has the ability to apply understanding of the business and industry to improve effectiveness and profitability.

Planning & Decision Making. Makes decisions on the best course of action and then plans, organises, prioritises and balances resources to achieve the desired outcome.

Diversity & Equity. Has the sensitivity, awareness and skill to understand the values, behaviours, attitudes and practices across cultures that supports all children and adults to learn and work effectively.

ISP Commitment to Safeguarding Principles

ISP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All postholders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures, including an online due diligence search, references and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years of employment history.

ISP Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

ISP is committed to strengthening our inclusive culture by identifying, hiring, developing, and retaining high‑performing teammates regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender expression, age, disability status, neurodivergence, socio‑economic background or other demographic characteristics. Candidates who share our vision and principles and are interested in contributing to the success of ISP through this role are strongly encouraged to apply.

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