This is a twelve (12) month fixed term, full-time position commencing Term 1, 2027, with possible extension and/or permanency

Canning College has been preparing students to achieve entry into Australia’s leading universities since 1982. As a specialist international education institution, it has established a strong reputation for providing overseas students with the personal and academic development and pathways required to succeed in tertiary studies, including through the College’s signature programs.

In the five years from 2019, the College’s expert staff focused exclusively on providing pathway-to-university programs for international students. Flexible entry points into Canning College’s academic pathway programs allow international students to start studying in January, April, Mid-year and October, which gives them the opportunity to enter university degree courses sooner. In 2024, while continuing its focus on international students, the College reinstated the enrolment of domestic students into Year 10, Year 11 and Year 12. The College’s domestic students seek entry to university primarily through the signature Western Australian Universities’ Foundation Program (WAUFP) and Western Australian Certificate of Education ATAR courses.

Local and international students may enrol in Canning College’s Year 10 program, and Year 11 and Year 12 WACE/ATAR programs. A WACE General course is also available to domestic (local) students. International students and eligible local students can also seek to complete the Certificate IV in University Access Program or WAUFP. College staff are experienced in providing care, support and academic guidance to all students to help them prepare for the rigours of tertiary studies.

While Canning College has a special relationship with the universities of Perth, college graduates can enrol at universities across Australia and at many universities across the world. Canning graduates have studied at universities in Australia, England, Ireland, America, Canada, Germany, New Zealand, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Thailand, Korea and Singapore. Canning College students pursue a wide range of degree courses including engineering, medicine, physiotherapy, education, law, pharmacy, nursing and computing.

Find out more about our school by visiting canningcollege.wa.edu.au or Schools Online.

The Role

Canning College is seeking to appoint a Head of Department - Science who can inspire excellence and lead a high-performing team committed to the success of international and domestic students studying the College’s university pathway programs.

As Head of Department - Science, the successful candidate will be a key member of the College leadership team. In collaboration with the Principal and fellow team members, they will actively develop and champion Canning College’s vision and strategic direction in the College and wider College community.

The successful candidate will ideally demonstrate the instructional leadership, professional knowledge and interpersonal skills to ensure the Science department continues to deliver high quality university pathway programs for international and domestic students, including the College’s signature programs. They should have a thorough knowledge and understanding of WACE ATAR Science requirements and courses, especially in relation to Physics and Chemistry courses. They will ideally display the ability to work collaboratively with Science teachers to build on teaching and learning programs that engage adult learners and motivate them to succeed with their studies toward university entry. Importantly, they should display the ability to problem solve, innovate and implement strategies and programs that expand and enrich the student experience at Canning College.

This Head of Department – Science role is ideal for a leader with the experience, drive and commitment required to support Canning College’s goal for all students to achieve success in their university pathway programs. This will require highly effective communication skills and the ability to build and maintain productive partnerships with stakeholders including staff and adult learners from a broad range of nationalities and cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

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 Leila Bothams, Principal on (08) 9278 3500 or emailing leila.bothams@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 four (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/SA1063110

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 Monday, 7 September 2026