Head of Department - Humanities and Social Sciences
This is a twelve (12) month fixed term, full-time position commencing Term 1, 2027 with possible extension (12 months) and/or permanency
Rossmoyne Senior High School (SHS) outstanding academic results are only one part of the rich experience delivered for every student in the school. Successful students from Rossmoyne SHS are not only academically able, they are also strong team members who care for others and give back to the community.
Rossmoyne has created a culture where students obtain real-world knowledge and understanding as well as social skills and emotional intelligence. Our staff feel a sense of belonging and support each other, collaborating, sharing and supporting students to achieve positive outcomes.
Find out more about our school by visiting www.rossmoyne.wa.edu.au or Schools Online
The Role
We are seeking to appoint an energetic, inspiring and dynamic leader to take up the position of Head of Department (HOD) – Humanities and Social Sciences. This is an exciting opportunity for an instructional leader to demonstrate the vision, experience, professional knowledge and skills required to lead staff and students in the state’s largest public school. As HOD, you will work collaboratively with the School Leadership Team and wider school community, providing educational leadership through developing and promoting the school’s vision and strategic directions.
The successful applicant will be responsible for leading and managing a large and diverse team. You will demonstrate a strong understanding of the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) standards for teachers and middle leaders, using these to guide reflection, professional growth and improvement for yourself and others. Outstanding knowledge of the Western Australian Curriculum and innovative practice in the teaching of Humanities and Social Sciences would be essential. You will lead the department in monitoring and tracking student progress, evaluating the effectiveness of teaching practices, and developing responsive teaching and learning programs that extend beyond curriculum delivery to include authentic learning experiences and deep engagement with learner capabilities.
As HOD, you will implement collaborative practices that support positive futures for students and contribute to the achievement of targets outlined in the school’s Business Plan. You should embrace the school’s values of integrity, connection, aspiration, respect and excellence (iCARE), as well as its pedagogical processes, including the development of key learning capabilities, ongoing performance development, quality teaching strategies and peer observation. As a Quality Teaching Strategy Lead School, you should be familiar with the Teaching for Impact Framework and understand what effective teachers believe, know and do to support student success.
The role will also include a teaching component.
A strong commitment to pastoral care, student wellbeing and positive relationships with students and colleagues is expected. You will support staff to work collaboratively across the campus and maintain high standards of communication and teamwork, including effective engagement with parents to support student learning and ensure clear communication regarding student progress. Your leadership should foster a culture where staff feel supported to reflect on and improve their practice while maintaining a strong focus on student outcomes.
Our current Business Plan is centred on the vision to “honour the culture, embrace opportunity and shape the future”. The successful applicant should contribute to this vision by ensuring students are equipped with the skills, capabilities and understandings to live and work successfully both now and into the future. Applicants are strongly encouraged to familiarise themselves with the Business Plan to understand the context of the role and the school’s strategic priorities.
Our business plan can be found here.
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).
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Kellee Randall, HR Officer on (08) 9235 1617 or kellee.randall@education.wa.edu.au
During the school holidays, please contact Kellee Randall on 0419 935 991 or kellee.randall@education.wa.edu.au
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.
Eligibility
To work with us, you must:
- 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).
Application Instructions
Apply online in two easy steps:
Step 1: Select Apply for Job
Complete the online application form, including details of two (2) work related referees, preferably one (1) being your current line manager.
Step 2: Attach your documents
Your application should include:
- A CV of up to three (3) pages outlining your employment history and professional learning summary relevant to this position
- A foud (4) page statement addressing the following selection criteria as outlined in the attached JDF
- Demonstrated capacity to provide effective leadership in a diverse range of educational settings.
- High level of interpersonal and public relations skills that demonstrate the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships to achieve planned outcomes.
- Demonstrated professional knowledge and the ability to apply this knowledge to ensure a high level of educational outcomes for all students, (e.g., Aboriginal students, students from diverse ethnic backgrounds and students with special needs).
- Demonstrated capacity to manage staff, physical and financial resources.
It is recommended you have your attachments ready before selecting Apply for Job.
Your application must be received before the closing date and time. Late applications will not be accepted.
For technical support submitting your application, you can call the Department of Education’s Recruitment team on (08) 9264 4127 for assistance.
Advertised Vacancy Number: IPS/SA1065601
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 Wednesday, 21 October 2026