HOD-Computer Science & Digital Design

Job Title

Head of Department (HOD) Computer Sciences & Digital Design (IB Curriculum)

Job Purpose

The Head of Department Computer Sciences & Digital Design provides academic and strategic leadership for the planning, delivery, and evaluation of IB Computer Science and Digital Design programmes . The role ensures high-quality teaching and learning aligned with IB philosophy, learner profile, assessment practices, and digital innovation , while integrating IB-specific platforms and tools to support teaching, learning, and assessment.

Key Responsibilities

1. IB Curriculum Leadership & Development

• Lead the design, implementation, and review of IB MYP and DP Computer Science and Digital Design curricula in alignment with IB subject guides and standards.
• Ensure effective use of concept-driven, inquiry-based, and project-based learning approaches.
• Oversee vertical and horizontal curriculum alignment across grade levels.
• Integrate Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills and global contexts into unit planning.
• Lead interdisciplinary units aligned with the IB MYP and DP frameworks.

2. Teaching & Learning

• Teach IB Computer Science and/or Digital Design courses as required.
• Model best practices in IB pedagogy, differentiation, and assessment for learning.
• Promote ethical technology use, academic integrity, and digital citizenship.
• Support students in developing computational thinking, algorithmic thinking, and design thinking skills.

3. IB Assessment & Moderation

• Oversee planning, delivery, and standardization of IB internal and external assessments.
• Lead the administration and quality assurance of:
• IB DP Internal Assessments (IA) Computer Science
• IB MYP eAssessments
• MYP Personal Project and DP Extended Essay supervision
• Ensure accurate application of IB assessment criteria and descriptors.
• Coordinate internal moderation and external moderation submissions via IB systems.

4. IB-Specific Software & Digital Platforms (Essential Knowledge)

The HOD is expected to demonstrate proficiency and leadership in the use of IB-related digital tools, including but not limited to:

IB Platforms

• MyIB curriculum resources, programme documentation, PD, and authorization/evaluation processes
• IBIS (IB Information System) registration, IA uploads, moderation, and examination processes
• ManageBac curriculum planning, unit mapping, assessment tracking, ATL documentation, and reporting
• IB eCoursework submission and moderation of digital coursework

Teaching & Learning Tools (IB-Aligned)

• Google Workspace for Education / Microsoft 365 collaboration, documentation, and assessment
• Learning Management Systems (LMS) such as ManageBac, Canvas, or Google Classroom
• Turnitin academic integrity and plagiarism checking

Computer Science Tools

• Programming languages and environments aligned with IB DP CS (e.g., Python, Java, JavaScript)
• Algorithm and logic tools (e.g., Flowcharting software, pseudocode tools)
• Version control basics (e.g., Git/GitHub)

Digital Design Tools

• CAD and prototyping software (e.g., Tinkercad, Fusion 360, SketchUp)
• Digital design and media tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Cloud, Figma)
• Physical computing tools (e.g., Arduino, Micro:bit)
• Emerging technologies (AI tools, UX/UI platforms, web design tools)

5. Department Leadership & Management

• Lead, mentor, and appraise Computer Science and Digital Design teachers.
• Facilitate collaborative planning, lesson observations, and professional feedback.
• Manage departmental budgets, software licenses, hardware, and lab resources.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and digital safeguarding policies.

6. IB Compliance & Professional Development

• Ensure departmental readiness for IB authorization, evaluation, and verification visits.
• Lead departmental self-study and action planning aligned with IB standards and practices.
• Participate in and lead IB-approved professional development workshops.
• Stay informed about IB curriculum updates and emerging educational technologies.

7. Innovation, Enrichment & School Contribution

• Promote innovation through coding clubs, robotics teams, digital design showcases, and hackathons.
• Support student participation in technology competitions and exhibitions.
• Contribute to whole-school strategic planning and digital transformation initiatives.
• Build pathways for students into STEM, computer science, digital media, and design careers.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Computer Science, Digital Design, Engineering, or a related field.
• Recognized teaching qualification.
• Minimum 10 to15 years of teaching experience, preferably in an IB School .
• Experience teaching IB MYP and/or DP Computer Science or Design.
• Demonstrated leadership or departmental coordination experience.

Desirable

• IB Examiner, Moderator, or Workshop Leader experience.
• Experience leading IB authorization or evaluation processes.
• Strong background in curriculum design and assessment standardization.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong instructional and curriculum leadership
• Advanced digital literacy and IB system proficiency
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Data-driven decision making
• High level of organization and adaptability
• Commitment to the IB Learner Profile and international-mindedness