Advertised Vacancy Number: IPS/SA848114

This is a permanent full-time position commencing Term 4, 2023 

Governor Stirling Senior High School (SHS) is seeking to appoint a dynamic and innovative Head of Learning Area (HOLA) – Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS) and Languages to join our leadership team. The successful applicant should display a commitment to leading teaching and learning through a positive, student-centred approach.

As part of the leadership team at Governor Stirling SHS, the HOLA for HASS/Languages should lead high quality teaching, fostering a positive learning environment across the whole school, not limited to only HASS and Languages. Our Instructional Framework underpins our relentless drive for high-quality teaching and learning, and the successful applicant should take a lead role in reflecting and assessing the effectiveness of our teaching practice. Our new HOLA for HASS/Languages will ideally promote an environment of active and positive learning and provide educational opportunities and activities which enable all students to achieve to their potential. With outstanding interpersonal skills, the successful applicant will ideally effectively lead colleagues and work collaboratively with the school community to achieve the best educational outcomes for all students. The HOLA has an integral role in modelling exemplary practice and building the capacity of their team to ensure high standards for all students.

Although this position has a focus on HASS and Languages, we are looking for an outstanding leader to drive our focus on high quality teaching and learning across the entire school and, as such, we value your leadership qualities and your ability to establish outstanding relationships with staff, students, and the wider school community. Aspirational candidates from other learning areas with outstanding leadership are encouraged to apply.

Governor Stirling SHS, situated on the banks of the Swan River in Woodbridge, was re-opened in 2013 with state-of-the-art facilities, catering for students of varying abilities and offering the Department of Education Gifted and Talented Academic Program, a range of academic and Vocational Education Training (VET) programs and Approved Specialist Programs in Engineering, Arts Media, and AFL Football. Governor Stirling SHS prepares students for life after high school with many options for academic and vocational pathways. Governor Stirling SHS promotes a positive classroom environment and encourages students to progress to their potential by embedding our values of Respect, Honesty, Responsibility, Tolerance and Personal Excellence.

This selection process will initially be used to fill the above vacancy. Applicants assessed as suitable during this selection process may be considered for other similar vacancies that occur throughout our school for up to 12 months following this initial appointment. This includes circumstances where this position becomes subsequently vacant should the successful applicant decline or vacate the advertised position. 

To be suitable for this role, you will need to demonstrate the following work related requirements:

• 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;
• 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);
• Capacity to manage staff, physical and financial resources.

Applications will be assessed against the work related requirements of the position. The business needs of the school may also be considered. It is therefore recommended that you consider all information contained in the advertisement and any other related information before applying for the vacancy.

The Department is an equal opportunity employer and encourages people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and persons from culturally diverse backgrounds to apply.

Further information about Governor Stirling Senior High School can be found by visiting govo.wa.edu.au or Schools Online

For further job related information:

Please contact Ashti Mullen, Deputy Principal by telephoning (08) 6274 0300 or emailing ashti.mullen@education.wa.edu.au   

During the school holiday period, please contact Ashti Mullen on 0425 867 738

Application Instructions

All applications are submitted online. Select “Apply for Job”, at either the top or bottom of this screen and follow the instructions on your screen.

Your application should include:

• A four (4) page statement addressing the Work Related Requirements in context of the role and business needs of the branch
• A CV of up to three (3) pages outlining your employment history and professional learning summary relevant to this position
• The contact details for two (2) work related referees who can attest to the claims made in your written application, preferably one being your current line manager.

It is recommended you have these documents completed and ready to attach before selecting “Apply for Job”.

You are asked to complete an online application form and attach your documentation, please allow enough time to complete this process as applications cannot be accepted after the closing date and time.

After you have submitted your application online, you will receive an email confirming lodgement. If you do not receive a confirmation email, please telephone (08) 9264 4127.

If you are having difficulty submitting your online application, please telephone (08) 9264 8666 for assistance.

Eligibility and training requirements

Employees will be required to:

• provide evidence of eligibility to work in Australia for the term of the vacancy;
• hold a recognised qualification in teaching and be currently registered or eligible for registration to teach in Western Australia;
• obtain a current Department of Education Criminal Record Clearance prior to commencement of employment;
• obtain or hold a current Working with Children Check;
• complete the Department’s induction program within three months of commencement;
• complete the Department’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural awareness online course within 3 months of commencement;
• complete any training specific to this role required by Departmental policy; and
• complete the Department’s training in Accountability and Ethical Decision-Making within six months of appointment.

The Department applies a four (4) day breach period to this selection process.

Applications must be submitted before 4.30pm (WST) on Friday, 29 September 2023

APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED ONLINE

PROFORMA, FAXED, HAND DELIVERED, POSTED, EMAILED AND LATE APPLICATIONS ARE NOT ACCEPTED