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Original poster

Newly appointed hod responsibilities?

7 replies

LivelyGoldPombear · 08/03/2025 23:43

Got the role as a hod after interview. What advice do you all have for me? I actually already know one of the girls in SLT she did warn me that the team isn’t great at the moment and 2 are already u happy and have sporadic periods of absence I know what’s waiting for me.

I took it because I do feel I wanted to push my career forward but I just need some advice on what I should do to be a good hod?

OP posts:
MrsHamlet · 09/03/2025 13:50

When do you start?

MN2025 · 09/03/2025 16:47

I’m sorry - you got the job but you don’t know what makes a good HoD? You’re clearly the wrong candidate for the role.

I would suggest speaking to HoDs in your current school before you leave IF you really need the advice…. I do think OP you are going to be out of your depth it seems….

Smeegall · 09/03/2025 17:21

Uhh what????

Is this a joke?

I was a HoD for 6 years and I only became good at it by the end - please don't listen to this OP!

Of course you don't really know how to be a HoD before you've actually been a HoD. I've got an awful HoD at the moment - it's their first job and their second year in the job, and they haven't seen a GCSE group through yet.

I think your priorities need to be as a HoD.

  • the Curriculum - making sure it's all written and staff know what they're supposed to teach (and are doing it.)
  • year 11 - what interventions are you running etc.
There are obviously other things - but to me those are the main things.
Original poster
LivelyGoldPombear · 09/03/2025 17:23

MN2025 · 09/03/2025 16:47

I’m sorry - you got the job but you don’t know what makes a good HoD? You’re clearly the wrong candidate for the role.

I would suggest speaking to HoDs in your current school before you leave IF you really need the advice…. I do think OP you are going to be out of your depth it seems….

I think that’s a broad assumption. I’ve been teaching for a long while now. It’s not about job description, it’s about the things in between. If I wasn’t good enough. I wouldn’t have been offered the position against the 5 other candidates at interview. I know my stuff. I’m asking what makes a good head of department. I.e how should I begin to navigate a department when I begin. There’s no need to make it more convoluted than necessary.

OP posts:
Original poster
LivelyGoldPombear · 09/03/2025 17:24

Smeegall · 09/03/2025 17:21

Uhh what????

Is this a joke?

I was a HoD for 6 years and I only became good at it by the end - please don't listen to this OP!

Of course you don't really know how to be a HoD before you've actually been a HoD. I've got an awful HoD at the moment - it's their first job and their second year in the job, and they haven't seen a GCSE group through yet.

I think your priorities need to be as a HoD.

  • the Curriculum - making sure it's all written and staff know what they're supposed to teach (and are doing it.)
  • year 11 - what interventions are you running etc.
There are obviously other things - but to me those are the main things.

Thanks. I was mainly just seeking this type of a response. Can we DM please I would appreciate some more advice.

OP posts:
Original poster
LivelyGoldPombear · 09/03/2025 17:24

MrsHamlet · 09/03/2025 13:50

When do you start?

April.

OP posts:
MrsHamlet · 09/03/2025 17:26

Then the priority has to be exam groups. Where are they now? What do they need? What do their teachers need from you?

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