Head of Learning Area - English
This is a 6 month fixed term, full-time position commencing as soon as possible, with possible extension (12 months) and/or permanency
Hedland SHS, located in the Pilbara, is an Independent Public-School catering for students from Year 7 to Year 12. Our school prides itself on the staff's commitment to a system of positive behaviour supports which focus on care, courtesy, respect, and responsibility. These values underpin our philosophy at Hedland SHS. All staff strive to maintain a school culture which encourages a high standard of behaviour and performance. We have an inclusive and explicit approach that supports all students and staff to achieve success.
The school has worked hard to build a positive reputation to offer excellent educational opportunities to students. Our exceptional support for staff development and professional growth facilitates high standards of achievement while empowering young people from diverse backgrounds to be successful.
Find out more about our school by visiting hedlandshs.wa.edu.au or Schools Online.
The Role
We are seeking a dynamic, highly competent and enthusiastic Head of Learning Area – English (HoLA). Your excellent interpersonal and organisational skills will ideally enable you to provide effective and distributed leadership within your learning area. You should be committed to promoting and fostering academic aspiration and engagement, in an environment where achievement is celebrated. This position provides a unique opportunity to continue to build and develop the English team, and we are therefore seeking applicants that possess the personal qualities to foster a collaborative and positive culture.
Ideally, as HoLA you should model innovative, solutions-focused, and evidence-based thinking and have an excellent understanding of data analysis to improve learning for all students. Working collaboratively with your team you would have an opportunity to implement whole school policies, processes, and procedures, embedding a culture of professional leadership, trust, and ongoing improvement for all our students and staff.
As HoLA you will ideally show evidence of your high standards of professionalism and embrace opportunities for collaboration within the school community and across networks. You will support the development of modern classroom practices and provide leadership to staff, utilising technology to provide authentic and relevant learning experiences for students. You should also possess a thorough understanding of the Western Australian Curriculum, assessment and reporting requirements for Years 7 to 12 and have the ability to lead a dynamic team in the planning, development and delivery to meet school and system requirements.
The successful applicant will ideally be committed to setting standards of excellence in teaching and instil a culture of self-reflection which fosters professional growth and results in outcomes focussed teams. Through the provision of regular and effective feedback, you should review and implement professional learning opportunities that are aligned with learning area planning and school priorities. This will support staff to create learning environments that maximise the opportunities for students to achieve personal success.
The successful applicant will be an integral member of the school leadership team and should share a commitment towards whole school planning and review processes that positively impact on the school’s directions.
Professional Benefits
Working for the Department of Education comes with a wide range of benefits designed to support both your professional and personal well-being. These benefits include competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, extensive training and career development opportunities, and attractive leave provisions. Here are some of the key benefits you will enjoy:
- Attractive Country Teaching Program Allowance of $10 210 per year
- Attraction and Retention Incentive of $4 000 see info below
- District allowance of $9 299 per year
- Free relocation
- 12 percent employer contributions to superannuation
- 12 weeks’ vacation leave (school holidays)
- More than 20 days of other leave, including sick leave and carers’ leave
- Subsidised accommodation where applicable
- Air conditioning subsidy
- Travel concessions
Teachers and School Administrators employed at Hedland SHS in 2026 are eligible to receive an Attraction and Retention Incentive of $4 000 (pa, gross – to be adjusted pro rata for FTE and tenure). Eligible staff will receive a percentage of this payment on commencement at the school, with the remainder paid at the end of the school year. Staff must remain employed in the location until the end of the school year to be eligible to receive the second payment.
The temporary ARI payment is in addition to other incentives that may apply in this school.
Find out more about the benefits by visiting professional and personal benefits.
For additional information to all allowances and housing please contact Housing and Transport at housing.transport@education.wa.edu.au or on (08) 9264 5154.
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 Laura Frncis, Deputy Principal on 0499 792 569or emailing laura.francis@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/SA1060649
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: 4.00pm (AWST) on Wednesday, 5 August 2026