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

Ashdale Secondary College (SC) is a distinctive, world-class educational community where all students are supported to strive for their best and realise their full potential in a values-rich environment. Founded on the values of Respect, Cooperation and Independence, the College takes a whole-school approach to student engagement and wellbeing — and looks to its leaders to model and embed these values across their teams. The College measures its effectiveness through the achievement and character of its students and the role it plays within the broader community.

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

The Role

Ashdale SC is ideally seeking an accomplished educational leader to drive high standards of student achievement across our Science Learning Area. The successful applicant would lead the analysis of student performance data, direct the development of performance and improvement plans, and champion an evidence-based approach to lifting outcomes across the Learning Area.

The Science Learning Area is a high-functioning team of committed teachers delivering innovative programs from Year 7 through to a full suite of Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) and General Senior School courses. We are looking for a Head of Learning Area (HOLA) who can lead this team with confidence, driving the quality of teaching, learning, and assessment programs, while also teaching WACE courses. The successful applicant will ideally bring strong strategic understanding of the College-wide approach to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, and will take a lead role in guiding the Science team's contribution to the Primary STEM initiative, a key component of the Ashdale Cluster and directing the development of the Science components within the Information Communication Technology Specialist Program's STEM pathway curriculum.

This is a role for someone who leads by example. The successful applicant will ideally display outstanding organisational and interpersonal skills, sound judgement, and the ability to influence and motivate others toward a shared vision for student learning.

Joining an innovative leadership team, the HOLA Science would help shape a distinctive, world-class educational environment, working within Ashdale SC's Teaching and Learning Framework to set the standard for high-quality teaching across the College. Central to this role is the capacity to build the professional capability of others: mentoring and developing staff, modelling exemplary practice, and working collaboratively with students, colleagues, and the community to lift outcomes for all. This is a genuine opportunity for an aspiring or experienced leader to shape the direction of a high-performing Learning Area.

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 Joshua Popp, Deputy Principal, on (08) 6207 1300 or Joshua.Popp@education.wa.edu.au

During the school holidays, please contact Joshua Popp on 0460 027 986 or Joshua.popp@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 five (5) pages outlining your employment history and professional learning summary relevant to this position

• A three (3) page statement addressing the following selection criteria as outlined in the attached JDF
  1. Demonstrated capacity to provide effective leadership in a diverse range of educational settings.
  2. High level of interpersonal and public relations skills that demonstrate the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships to achieve planned outcomes.
  3. 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).
  4. 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/SA1065958

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, 26 October 2026