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ESCO occupation

secondary school head teacher

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Secondary school head teachers are responsible for meeting curriculum standards, which facilitate academic development for the students. They manage staff, working closely with the different department heads, and evaluate the subject teachers in a timely manner in order to secure optimal class performance. They also ensure the school meets the national education requirements set by law and cooperate with local communities and governments. They may also work in vocational schools.

1345.1.8 ISCO 1345 ESCO source
Competences
53
Groups
4
Essential
25
Optional
28

Competences and skills

53 ESCO relations
Essential knowledge 7 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

2 competences
instructional strategies

The techniques that instructors use to deliver lessons. The aim of these strategies is to make students become more involved in the learning process.

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project management

The discipline of project management, the activities which comprise this area and the variables implied in it, such as time, resources, requirements, deadlines, and responding to unexpected events.

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Cross-sector

5 competences
curriculum objectives

The goals identified in curricula and defined learning outcomes.

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curriculum standards

The governmental policies concerning educational curricula and the approved curricula from specific educational institutions.

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education law

The area of law and legislation that concerns education policies and the people working in the sector in an (inter)national context, such as teachers, students, and administrators.

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pedagogy

The discipline that concerns the theory and practice of education including the various instructional methods for educating individuals or groups.

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secondary school procedures

The inner workings of a secondary school, such as the structure of the relevant education support and management, the policies, and the regulations.

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Essential skills and competences 18 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

4 competences
liaise with board members

Report to the management, boards of directors and committees of an organisation.

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manage enrolment

Decide on the number of available places and select pupils or students on the basis of set criteria and according to national legislation.

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manage school budget

Conduct cost estimates and budget planning from an educational institution or school. Monitor the school budget, as well as costs and expenses. Report on the budget.

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supervise educational staff

Monitor and evaluate the actions of the educational staff such as teaching or research assistants and teachers and their methods. Mentor, train, and give advice to them if necessary.

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Cross-sector

14 competences
analyse staff capacity

Evaluate and identify staffing gaps in quantity, skills, performance revenue and surpluses.

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apply for government funding

Gather information on and apply for subsidies, grants, and other financing programmes provided by the government to small- and large-scale projects or organisations in various fields.

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assess students

Evaluate the students' (academic) progress, achievements, course knowledge and skills through assignments, tests, and examinations. Diagnose their needs and track their progress, strengths, and weaknesses. Formulate a summative statement of the goals the student achieved.

Scope note
The skill applies to all educational levels such as primary, secondary, post-secondary and tertiary education.
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assist in the organisation of school events

Provide assistance in the planning and organisation of school events, such as the school's open house day, a sports game or a talent show.

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cooperate with education professionals

Communicate with teachers or other professionals working in education in order to identify needs and areas of improvement in education systems, and to establish a collaborative relationship.

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develop organisational policies

Develop and supervise the implementation of policies aimed at documenting and detailing the procedures for the operations of the organisation in the lights of its strategic planning.

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guarantee students' safety

Ensure all students falling under an instructor or other person’s supervision are safe and accounted for. Follow safety precautions in the learning situation.

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liaise with educational staff

Communicate with the school staff such as teachers, teaching assistants, academic advisors, and the principal on issues relating to students' well-being. In the context of a university, liaise with the technical and research staff to discuss research projects and courses-related matters.

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maintain students' discipline

Make sure students follow the rules and code of behaviour established in the school and take the appropriate measures in case of violation or misbehaviour.

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manage staff

Manage employees and subordinates, working in a team or individually, to maximise their performance and contribution. Schedule their work and activities, give instructions, motivate and direct the workers to meet the company objectives. Monitor and measure how an employee undertakes their responsibilities and how well these activities are executed. Identify areas for improvement and make suggestions to achieve this. Lead a group of people to help them achieve goals and maintain an effective working relationship among staff.

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monitor educational developments

Monitor the changes in educational policies, methodologies and research by reviewing relevant literature and liaising with education officials and institutions.

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present reports

Display results, statistics and conclusions to an audience in a transparent and straightforward way.

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represent the organisation

Act as representative of the institution, company or organisation to the outside world.

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write work-related reports

Compose work-related reports that support effective relationship management and a high standard of documentation and record keeping. Write and present results and conclusions in a clear and intelligible way so they are comprehensible to a non-expert audience.

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Optional knowledge 8 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

1 competence
learning technologies

The technologies and channels, including digital, to enhance learning.

digital
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Cross-sector

7 competences
adolescent socialisation behaviour

The social dynamics through which young adults live amongst each other, expressing their likes and dislikes and the rules of communication between generations.

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assessment processes

Various evaluation techniques, theories, and tools applicable in the assessment of students, participants in a programme, and employees. Different assessment strategies such as initial, formative, summative and self- assessment are used for varying purposes.

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contract law

The field of legal principles that govern written agreements between parties concerning the exchange of goods or services, including contractual obligations and termination.

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funding methods

The financial possibilities for funding projects such as the traditional ones, namely loans, venture capital, public or private grants up to alternative methods such as crowdfunding.

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labour legislation

Legislation, on a national or international level, that governs labour conditions in various fields between labour parties such as the government, employees, employers, and trade unions.

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learning difficulties

The learning disorders some students face in an academic context, especially Specific Learning Difficulties such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, and concentration deficit disorders.

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trade union regulations

The compilation of legal agreements and practices for operations of trade unions. Legal scope of trade unions in their quest of protecting the rights and minimum working standards of workers.

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Optional skills and competences 20 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

4 competences
administer exams

Set the dates and policies for the exam session and make sure all materials are provided.

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create a financial report

Finalise project accounting. Prepare an actual budget, compare the discrepancy between the planned and actual budget, and draw final conclusions.

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lead board meetings

Set the date, prepare the agenda, make sure the required materials are provided and preside over the meetings of the decision-making body of an organization.

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manage space utilisation

Oversee the design and development of a plan for space and facility allocation that is based on user's needs and priorities.

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Cross-sector

16 competences
advise on teaching methods

Advise education professionals on the proper adaptation of curricula in lesson plans, classroom management, professional conduct as a teacher, and other activities and methods related to teaching.

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arrange parent teacher meeting

Set up joined and individual meetings with students' parents to discuss their child's academic progress and general well-being.

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assess employees' capability levels

Evaluate the capabilities of employees by creating criteria and systematic testing methods for measuring expertise of individuals within an organisation.

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develop professional network

Reach out to and meet up with people in a professional context. Find common ground and use your contacts for mutual benefit. Keep track of the people in your personal professional network and stay up to date on their activities.

Scope note
This includes the development of social relationships with patients and customers.
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escort students on a field trip

Accompany students on an educational trip outside the school environment and ensure their safety and cooperation.

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evaluate education programmes

Evaluate ongoing training programmes and advise on potential optimisation.

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identify education needs

Identify the needs of students, organisations and companies in terms of provision of education in order to aid in the development of curricula and education policies.

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lead inspections

Lead inspections and the protocol involved, such as introducing the inspection team, explaining the purpose of the inspection, performing the inspection, requesting documents and asking appropriate questions.

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maintain relations with children's parents

Inform children`s parents of the activities planned, program`s expectations and children`s individual progress.

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manage contracts

Negotiate the terms, conditions, costs and other specifications of a contract while making sure they comply with legal requirements and are legally enforceable. Oversee the execution of the contract, agree on and document any changes in line with any legal limitations.

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manage government-funded programmes

Implement and monitor the development of projects subsidized by regional, national or European authorities.

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manage maintenance operations

Oversee maintenance activities, making sure that staff is following procedures and ensuring routine and periodic refurbishment and maintenance activities.

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prepare youths for adulthood

Work with children and young people to identify the skills and abilities they will need for their transition to become independent and self-sufficient adults.

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promote education programmes

Promote ongoing research into education and the development of new education programmes and policies in order to obtain support and funds, and to raise awareness.

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provide feedback to teachers

Communicate with the teacher in order to provide them with detailed feedback on their teaching performance, class management and curriculum adherence.

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recruit employees

Hire new employees by scoping the job role, advertising, performing interviews and selecting staff in line with company policy and legislation.

Scope note
It may include recruiting volunteers.
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