Head of Department History - August 2026

Safeguarding Statement

Taaleem is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. At Taaleem, we hold ourselves to a high standard of effective practices in relation to child protection and we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We expect all staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be subject to various background checks including, receipt of high quality references, proof of relevant qualifications, identification and police checks, including overseas checks.

Job Purpose:

Responsible to the Head of Secondary and ultimately the Principal for the management and leadership of the History department, ensuring high-quality teaching and learning, curriculum development, and resource management. This includes quality assurance, raising standards, and tracking each teacher’s planning and delivery of the curriculum, with a focus on fostering critical thinking, historical inquiry, and an appreciation of the past.

Key Relationships (Internal and External):

Head of School, Principal, History Department, Wider Teaching Staff, Students, Parents, Senior Leadership Team

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, implement, and review the History curriculum in alignment with the school’s strategic aims and objectives, ensuring it remains engaging, rigorous, and relevant.
• Oversee teaching within the department through the development and implementation of detailed schemes of work that incorporate historical inquiry, critical analysis, and diverse perspectives.
• Ensure lessons effectively integrate historical research methods, primary and secondary sources, and historiographical debates to prepare students for further education and career opportunities.
• Monitor and analyse student performance data, using it to develop action plans for improving student outcomes (progress, attainment, and learning skills).
• Ensure that students’ work is regularly assessed, recorded, and standardised across the department.
• Manage the ordering, storage, and use of materials, books, and resources, ensuring a rich and stimulating learning environment.
• Supervise and support the work of teaching staff, contributing to their professional development and performance management.
• Ensure adherence to school-wide assessment schedules and data reporting requirements
• Attend Heads of Department meetings, contributing to whole-school academic planning and initiatives.
• Chair departmental meetings, ensuring minutes are taken and action points are effectively communicated and followed up.
• Collaborate with the timetabler regarding the allocation of curriculum time and staff assignments within the department.
• Ensure the History teaching environment is well-maintained, intellectually stimulating, and equipped with necessary resources.
• Supervise the use and maintenance of all History-related teaching spaces, including adherence to safety and ethical considerations in handling sensitive historical topics.
• Ensure all department members effectively use school management software for curriculum planning, assessment, and resource sharing.
• Plan and deliver subject-specific professional development (INSET) for department staff.
• Support the induction of new teachers within the department.
• Conduct lesson observations and book scrutiny to monitor the quality of teaching and learning in History.
• Lead on the selection and implementation of emerging trends in historical education, such as digital archives, historical simulations, and interdisciplinary approaches.
• Plan and oversee extracurricular activities related to History, including historical field trips, research projects, guest lectures, and Model United Nations or debate clubs.
• Maintain and update department policies, ensuring alignment with school-wide expectations regarding planning, marking, and assessment.
• Participate in the recruitment and appointment process for new staff. Ensure the department meets regulatory standards and accreditation expectations, preparing evidence-based reports and action plans as required.

Standards:

1. Lead by example in delivering outstanding History teaching.
2. Stay up to date with curriculum developments, historiographical debates, and best practices in History education, particularly in an international school context.
3. Ensure students receive the best possible preparation for internal and external assessments.

Each Head of Department (HOD) will develop a SMART Improvement plan for their department, identifying strengths and areas for improvement. HODs must provide evidence of, or action plans designed to achieve, the standards outlined by the Regulator and any applicable Inspection and Accreditation Bodies. They will also provide qualitative and quantitative evidence to evaluate relevant inspection or accreditation frameworks applicable to their department.

Position Requirements:

Education: A Bachelor’s degree in History or a related subject, along with a recognised teaching qualification or license.

Experience: Minimum five years of teaching experience, with prior leadership or Head of Department experience preferred.

Competencies: Strong understanding of historical curriculum design, leadership and mentoring skills, and expertise in historical research and inquiry-based learning.

This role provides an exciting opportunity to lead a dynamic History Department, fostering a deep understanding of the past while equipping students with critical thinking skills to navigate the future. By integrating Dubai’s global outlook and rich cultural heritage, the department will inspire students to engage with history in meaningful and thought-provoking ways."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yngvF4SF4LY