Parramatta Marist High School, Westmead

Introduction

Parramatta Marist High School is a leading educational institution in Australia. Founded in 1820 and a Marist school since 1875 the school has developed an outstanding reputation combined with a proud tradition of boys’ education.

We are seeking to appoint anExam Supervisor and Presiding Officer for both our internal examinationsthroughout the year and the HSC exams in October-November 2013.

The Position

The Presiding Officer will report to the Principal or his delegate and will be responsible for ensuring that the School’s examinations are conducted efficiently, for upholding the School’s academic credibility and for implementing the relevant NSW Board of Studies’ policies and regulations.

The Presiding Officer coordinates a large group of Supervisors and Supervising Officers, drawing up work rosters to cover the actual examination periods.

For other examinations, the Presiding Officer is employed directly by the School; in the lead up to the HSC and during the month-long examination period itself, the Presiding Officer is employed by the Office of the Board of Studies on the recommendation of the Principal and works closely with the Principal and his delegate to ensure that the examinations are conducted in accordance with the Board’s rules.

Role and Responsibilities

Presiding Officers are responsible directly to the Office of the Board of Studies for the effective conduct of the examinations.

The responsibilities of this position include:

  • Liaison with the Principal or delegate on all matters concerning the set-up and conduct of the examinations
  • Following all directions which have been given by the Board of Studies in regard to security and administrative procedures
  • Briefing of the supervisors/supervising officers (and the test supervisor when applicable) before each examination session to ensure they are aware of their duties and of any special arrangements which apply to the particular examination session
  • Collecting the examination papers from the security centre and keeping them secure until the commencement of the examination (the Presiding Officer must have access to private transport)
  • Overseeing the conduct of the supervisors/supervising officers (and the test supervisor when applicable) during the examinations and during the packing session at the conclusion of the examinations/tests
  • Ensuring the Board of Studies’ policies and procedures regarding Special Examination Provisions and illness/misadventure are followed
  • Being familiar with the policy and procedures regarding Child Protection and emergency evacuation and ensuring all supervisors are also familiar with these policies and procedures.

Skills and Experience

The successful candidate will have experience in the conduct of examination sessions or skills that indicate ability in that area. He or she will:

  • Know how to organise a large operation
  • Observe very strict deadlines
  • Develop a strong, supportive and mutually respectful relationship with the Principal and his delegate
  • Have or develop a thorough knowledge of the Board’s rules (professional development will be offered through training films or courses)
  • Be well organised
  • Have good attention to detail
  • Be able to control large numbers of students
  • Be able to manage staff (Supervisors and Supervising Officers)
  • Be competent in the construction of rosters of work
  • Be capable of working independently with minimal supervision but willing to consult thoroughly with the Principal and his delegate and follow their direction

Personal Qualities

The successful candidate will possess the following qualities:

  • Mature inter-personal skills
  • Strong communication skills
  • Patience
  • Empathy with teenage boys and young adult males
  • The capacity to reduce anxiety and excitement in a situation which some examinees feel stressful
  • Engaging personality
  • “presence” when speaking from the stage to a large group
  • Honesty and integrity of the very highest order

Restrictions on Eligibility for Employment

  1. A person who has a child or near relative (including siblings, grandchildren, nieces, nephews or first cousins) sitting for the 2013 HSC examinations at any examination centre cannot be appointed as Presiding Officer.
  2. Clerical staff, casual, relief, part-time or permanent teachers employed at Parramatta Marist High School cannot be appointed as Presiding Officer to our examination centre.
  3. Presiding Officers or their drivers must have a fully comprehensive motor vehicle insurance policy.

Salary

The position will attract a salary to be determined by the Board of Studies. It is paid at an hourly rate for the hours actually worked, both in preparation and in carrying out the duties. The 2013 rate was $25.76 per hour.

In General

Police Check

In keeping with legislative requirements covering the School’s policy on child protection employment screening, any offer of employment is subject to the applicant’s providing a satisfactory police criminal record check prior to commencing employment and to this check confirming no record of criminal activity.

Applicants Please Note:

Applications should be submitted on plain paper (no plastic folders), addressed to:

The Principal

Parramatta Marist High School,

2 Darcy Road

Westmead NSW 2145

or emailed to

Photocopies of qualifications, university testamurs, etc should be included, and the originals brought to any interview. The names and contact details of three referees must be included. The closing date is ???????

Enquiries

Mr Gavin Hays, Assistant Principal, Curriculum phone: (02) 9635 7066, or email: