This is a 6 month fixed term full-time position commencing Term 3, 2026 with possible extension and/or permanency
At John Curtin College of the Arts (JCCA), we nurture students' creative potential, fostering critical thinking and purposeful growth. Guided by our values of Curiosity, Courage and Connection, our inclusive and culturally responsive community empowers students to transform their passions into meaningful change.
JCCA is home to 1800 students across Years 7 to 12. We believe every student is an individual with unique strengths and learning needs, and our programs reflect this. Through our Gifted and Talented Secondary Selective Entrance Arts Programs in Ballet, Contemporary Dance, Drama, Media Arts, Music, Music Theatre and Visual Arts, our Academic Excellence Program, and our Specialist Football Program, we offer learning experiences that motivate, challenge, and extend students academically, artistically, socially, and emotionally.
The Arts persist by illuminating shared experiences, challenging perspectives, and inspiring us to envision a better world. At JCCA, the Arts are not a strand of education — they are woven through every aspect of college life. Our environment nurtures artistic passion alongside academic rigour, where students find community and purpose, and where creativity is the engine of both personal and intellectual growth.
Find out more about our school by visiting www.jc.wa.edu.au or Schools Online.
The Role
JCCA is seeking an exceptional and innovative Head of Department – Health and Physical Education (HPE) to lead a high-performing learning area within Western Australia’s only fully selective arts college.
Working within a Gifted and Talented arts environment, the successful applicant will lead the development and delivery of a comprehensive HPE program that supports student achievement, physical performance, and wellbeing. Students at the College balance rigorous academic study with the Arts, requiring a HPE program that is responsive, flexible and aligned to their unique needs.
The HPE learning area includes ATAR, General and VET pathways, alongside the Specialist Football Program and a broad range of co-curricular opportunities. The successful applicant will ensure these programs are strategically aligned and contribute to high levels of student participation and achievement.
The successful applicant will be accountable for the leadership, management and performance of the learning area. They will lead the alignment of the College Business Plan into a clear operational plan, alongside the Department of Education priorities and policies. They will lead programs that support the learning, wellbeing and performance demands of students engaged in intensive arts training.
The role requires the capacity to lead and manage staff delivering a range of courses and programs, ensuring consistent curriculum delivery, quality teaching practice, and improved student outcomes. This includes leading performance management and development processes in accordance with Departmental policy.
The successful applicant will also oversee the Specialist Football Program, providing strategic leadership and ensuring alignment with the HPE learning area and College priorities. This includes working closely with the program’s Director and specialist coaching staff, maintaining accountability for program quality, student outcomes, and compliance within the broader HPE framework.
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 Fiona Tholet, Principal on (08) 9435 0700 or emailing Fiona.Tholet@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
- Compete the online application, 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 outlining your employment history and professional learning summary relevant to this position
- A 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 you start your application.
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/SA1043863
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, 5 June 2026
