Head of Department - Science

This is a permanent full-time position commencing Term 4, 2026

Southern River College (SRC) is seeking to appoint a dedicated and highly motivated Head of Department (HoD) – Science.

SRC is committed to appointing staff who are engaging and reflective practitioners for our school and community. With a school population of approximately 1200 and a diverse demographic with a strong multicultural influence. We have a strong commitment to delivering high quality teaching and learning experiences.

SRC seeks to create opportunities for all students progressing through their educational journey. With our ATAR pathway, general education and vocational programs we offer the scope for success for every child. Our Inspire programs in Lower School enables students to follow their passion with our Academic, Netball, Music, Soccer and Volleyball programs. Our STEM enrichment program is achieving noteworthy success with competitions both locally and interstate offering challenging, engaging and innovative technologies.

Our River Way is a pedagogical framework that ensures staff utilise Visible Learning and embed the DoE’s Teach for Impact resource. Our culturally responsive approach enables a safe, inclusive and supported learning environment that creates a sense of belonging. The Wellbeing Centre uses a growth mindset to support all students and where student voice is valued and affirmed.

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

The Role

In collaboration with the school leadership team, the HoD - Science would be an instructional leader providing educational leadership, building staff capacity with teaching and learning and committed to improving outcomes for all students. 

The successful applicant should possess highly effective interpersonal skills, strong leadership skills and have the ability to work collaboratively with an enthusiastic team of teachers to support best practice. You should have the ability to teach to an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) level and across all levels 7 to 12 and lead with the following skills:

• a deep knowledge of the Year 7 to 12 Science curriculum
• outstanding application of assessment and reporting practices, which include a high level of data analysis skills to monitor the progress of students and classes
• experience in planning and delivering programs for a range of student’s capabilities.
• actively supporting the school commitment to Explicit Instruction (EI), will be central to the position and the ability to differentiate curriculum delivery.
• Understanding of Visible Learning principles.

As the successful applicant, you will ideally be highly motivated; student and relationship focused. You should utilise innovative initiatives and be able to work effectively and develop your dynamic team. This may involve you reflecting and assessing the effectiveness of teaching practice and cultivating a safe learning environment. You should utilise evidence based teaching practices whilst employing a range of assessment and reporting methods. With effective interpersonal skills, you will ideally work closely with students, teachers and the community to instil rigour, resilience and pride, allowing students to achieve to their full potential.

Our RIVER WAY informs our vision and ethos. We use research and data to inform our practice so we can learn and grow together. High impact teaching strategies support our focus on excellence in teaching and learning. Visible learning enhances our capacity to understand our effectiveness and our progress. We engage our community to create real opportunities for our students.

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 would need to display 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.

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 Frank Di Filippo, Deputy Principal on (08) 9391 65***or emailing ***************@education.wa.edu.au.

Agency Referrals: Public sector agencies seeking to refer surplus employees should contact Recruitment at ***************@education.wa.edu.au during the advertising period.

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 three (3) 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 41***for assistance.

Advertised Vacancy Number: IPS/SA1061702

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, 28 August 2026