Subjects Lead

Role Overview

Ensures subject-specific teaching quality, curriculum delivery, and team performance within the department. Acts as the bridge between the Head of Academic's standards and classroom practice. Leads moderation, coaching, and departmental operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and maintain Schemes of Work, unit plans, and assessments aligned to Cambridge standards
• Conduct peer observations, book looks, and moderation within the department
• Run departmental PPMs and track progress of subgroups
• Manage department resources, inventory, and procurement
• Induct new staff, coordinate cover, and manage performance
• Organise subject-related events, clubs, competitions, and enrichment

Processes

HS01 — Curriculum Planning & SoW Development

Frequency: termly (pre-term) Approval: Head of Academic Tools: SoW template / shared drive Coordinates with: Subject Teachers, KS Coordinator

1. Review and update Schemes of Work, unit plans, and assessment blueprints
2. Ensure alignment to Cambridge syllabus, progression across year groups, and inclusion
3. Prepare assessment plan with marking schemes for the term
4. Submit to Head of Academic for QA and approval
5. Distribute approved plans and resources to Subject Teachers
6. Ensure consistent lesson planning formats across the department
7. Upload finalised documents to shared drive with version control

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HS02 — Teaching Quality & Peer Observation

Frequency: termly Approval: Subjects Lead Tools: observation form / coaching log Coordinates with: Subject Teachers, Head of Academic

1. Schedule peer observations and book looks within the department
2. Conduct learning walks at Weeks 3, 6, and 9
3. Use department rubric aligned to Head of Academic's framework
4. Provide feedback within 48 hours with coaching goals
5. Run instructional clinics or share best practice sessions
6. Follow up on coaching goals within 2–3 weeks
7. Escalate persistent concerns to Head of Academic

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HS03 — Assessment, Moderation & Data

Frequency: per data cycle Approval: Subjects Lead Tools: assessment tracker / moderation form / SIS Coordinates with: Subject Teachers, Head of Academic

1. Prepare common assessments and marking schemes
2. Administer assessments on published windows
3. Coordinate intra-department moderation within 5 working days
4. Ensure data entry within 48 hours after moderation
5. Run question-level analysis to identify strengths and gaps
6. Lead departmental PPM with subject teachers
7. Draft intervention plans for underperforming students and subgroups (EAL, SEN)
8. Submit PPM outcomes and actions to Head of Academic

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HS04 — Department Operations & Resources

Frequency: ongoing Approval: Head of Academic (for procurement) Tools: inventory list / procurement form Coordinates with: Subject Teachers, Finance, Operations

1. Maintain department inventory (textbooks, equipment, materials)
2. Submit procurement requests with justification to Head of Academic
3. Oversee labs, art rooms, or ICT spaces for safety compliance
4. Ensure exam entries accuracy and coursework integrity (where applicable)
5. Manage department budget within approved allocation
6. Report resource needs or issues at HoD line management meetings

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HS05 — Department Meetings

Frequency: biweekly Approval: Subjects Lead Tools: agenda template / minutes Coordinates with: Subject Teachers

1. Set agenda covering curriculum, assessment, data, PD, and operational items
2. Share updates from Head of Academic and SLT
3. Discuss teaching strategies, resource sharing, and best practices
4. Review student data and intervention progress
5. Assign actions with owners and deadlines
6. Circulate minutes within 24 hours

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HS06 — Staff Induction & Cover

Frequency: as needed Approval: Subjects Lead Tools: induction checklist / cover plan Coordinates with: HR, Head of Academic

1. Induct new staff with department handbook, SoWs, and expectations
2. Assign a buddy or mentor within the department
3. Schedule introductory lesson observations within first 2 weeks
4. Maintain cover plan and duties rota for the department
5. Coordinate cover arrangements for absent staff
6. Support new staff through probation period with regular check-ins

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HS07 — Enrichment & Community

Frequency: termly / as needed Approval: Subjects Lead, Head of Pastoral (for events) Tools: event proposal / risk assessment Coordinates with: Subject Teachers, CCA Coordinator, Head of Pastoral

1. Identify enrichment opportunities: clubs, competitions, trips, fairs, showcases
2. Submit event proposals with objectives and logistics
3. Coordinate risk assessments with Head of Pastoral
4. Organise and deliver subject-related events
5. Celebrate student achievements within the department
6. Report enrichment participation and outcomes termly