Head of Learning Area - Science
This is a 12-month fixed term, full-time position commencing Term 1, 2027 with possible extension and/or permanency
Hedland Senior High School (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 take an approach that is inclusive, explicit and supports all students and staff to achieve success.
The school has worked hard to build a positive reputation for the excellent educational opportunities it offers students, the exceptional support for staff development and professional growth, and for its high standards of achievement.
Find out more about our school by visiting hedlandshs.wa.edu.au or viewing the video below.
The Role
Hedland SHS is ideally seeking an accomplished and highly motivated educational leader to drive excellence in teaching, learning, and student achievement across our Science Learning Area.
As Head of Learning Area - Science, you will provide strategic and operational leadership to a high-performing team of dedicated teachers delivering innovative and engaging programs from Years 7 to 12, including a comprehensive suite of Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) and General courses. You will lead the analysis and use of student achievement data to inform planning, monitor progress, and develop targeted improvement strategies that enhance outcomes for all students.
The successful applicant will ideally champion evidence-based practice and work collaboratively with staff to strengthen curriculum delivery, assessment design, moderation processes, and instructional effectiveness. A key responsibility will be leading the development, implementation, and evaluation of Learning Area performance and improvement plans aligned with the Hedland SHS Business Plan and broader school priorities.
The ideal candidate will ideally display experience as a school leader who can build positive partnerships with staff, students, families, and the wider school community. They will foster a culture of high expectations, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement while ensuring a supportive, inclusive, and academically rigorous learning environment.
The successful applicant will ideally display a proven ability to coach, mentor, and build the capacity of teachers at all stages of their careers. They will possess highly developed knowledge of the Western Australian Curriculum and Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) requirements, together with expertise in curriculum leadership, professional learning, performance development, and school operations.
Outstanding communication, organisational, and interpersonal skills are essential, as is the ability to lead change with confidence, resilience, and professionalism. The successful applicant will be an exemplary classroom practitioner capable of teaching WACE Science courses and inspiring both staff and students to achieve excellence.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic leadership team and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement that supports every student to achieve success.
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:
- Country Teaching Program Allowance of $10 210 a year
- District Allowance of $9 299 a year
- Temporary Attraction and Retention Incentive of $3 000 see info below
- 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
- Free relocation
- Additional travel concession
- Air conditioning subsidy
Teachers and school administrators employed at Hedland SHS in 2027 are eligible to receive a temporary Attraction and Retention Incentive of $3 000 (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.
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 Francis, Principal, on (08) 9158 1900 or 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/SA1073349
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 Thursday, 26 November 2026