Head of Department - English

This is a permanent full-time position commencing Term 1, 2027

Rockingham Senior High School (SHS) provides excellent academic programs in an exemplary caring environment, for secondary students.

The school's vision for teaching and learning is to ensure that our students are provided with every opportunity to learn and grow in a positive and united school culture, while contributing and adding value to the broader school community.

Rockingham SHS is a dynamic and inclusive secondary school that provides a broad range of academic, vocational and specialist pathways. The school is recognised for its Academic Curriculum Extension (ACE) Program, which provides high-achieving students with a rigorous and challenging academic pathway, and its highly regarded Specialist Maritime Training Program, which develops students' knowledge, skills and aspirations through authentic maritime and industry-based learning experiences. These programs, together with a strong focus on student wellbeing, create diverse opportunities for students to achieve excellence and realise their individual potential.

Find out more about our school by visiting Rockingham Senior High School or Schools Online.

The Role

As a member of the School Leadership Team, the successful applicant contributes to the implementation of the school's Business Plan through collaborative decision-making, strategic leadership and a shared commitment to improving outcomes for every student. The successful applicant should show the ability to lead change through evidence-informed decision-making, using student achievement and engagement data to identify priorities, drive improvement and implement innovative practices within the English Learning Area. The successful applicant should be a collaborative and solutions-focused leader committed to building a culture of professional growth and collective efficacy. As Head of Learning Area – English, you would inspire and support staff to continually improve their practice through reflective dialogue, coaching and professional learning.

A strong understanding of contemporary teaching and learning practices is highly regarded. The successful applicant should display the capacity to lead teachers in building their capability in High Impact Teaching Strategies (HITS), supporting the consistent implementation of evidence-based instructional practices that maximise student learning growth. Knowledge and understanding of the AVID philosophy and framework are also highly desirable, together with the capacity to support staff in implementing strategies that promote student agency, academic rigour, organisation, and pathways to future success. The successful applicant would lead a team of flexible and adaptive teachers who effectively utilise differentiated instruction and explicit teaching to meet the diverse learning needs of students across all year levels. Through the development of a professional learning community, they promote consistent instructional practices that enhance student engagement, literacy development and academic achievement.

The Head of Learning Area – English facilitates performance development processes and professional growth through coaching, mentoring, feedback and reflective practice. This may include fostering an environment in which staff engage in ongoing self-reflection, classroom observation, data analysis, moderation and the evaluation of formative and summative assessment practices. The successful applicant should model highly effective teaching and leadership practices and supports colleagues to refine their professional practice.

The successful applicant should have a thorough understanding of the Western Australian Curriculum, Senior Secondary WACE pathways and EAL/D programs. Experience in the planning, development and delivery of English ATAR and General courses is highly desirable, along with the capacity to lead curriculum planning, assessment design and moderation processes that contribute to improved student outcomes across Years 7 to 12.

Professional Benefits

Working for the Department of Education you will enjoy a range of benefits including competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, training and career development opportunities and attractive leave provisions. Find out more about the benefits by visiting professional and personal benefits.

Want to know more?

Full details of the role, selection criteria and training requirements are listed in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).

Equity and Diversity

We are committed to an inclusive and culturally responsive workforce reflecting the diversity in our schools and the Western Australian community. We welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, young people, people of diverse sexualities and genders, people with disability, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Explore our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Plan 2021-2025 for more details.

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Donna McDonald, Principal on (08) 9527 0300 or emailing Donna.Mcdonald@education.wa.edu.au.

During the school holidays, please contact Donna McDonald on Donna.Mcdonald@education.wa.edu.au or 0411 284 069.

Eligibility

• be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent resident or have a valid visa with relevant work rights for the term of the appointment.
• hold registration with the Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia
• obtain a valid Working With Children Check before you start; and
• consent to a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and obtain a current Screening Clearance Number issued by the Department of Education’s Screening Unit before you start.

More information about employment eligibility can be found on our website or in the attached application package.

Additional eligibility and training requirements are outlined in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).

Advertised Vacancy Number: IPS/SA1064051

Suitable applicants may be considered for similar vacancies arising within the next 12 months following this selection process. This may include circumstances where the successful applicant declines or vacates the position. The Department applies a four (4) day breach period to this selection process.

Applications close:

4.30pm (AWST) on Friday, 9 October 2026

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