Head of Learning Area - Arts

This is a permanent full-time position commencing Term 1, 2027

Piara Waters Senior High School is situated in the beautifully landscaped suburb of Piara Waters, approximately 25kms south of Perth. The school is surrounded by luscious greenery and forms part of the vibrant, multicultural community of Piara Waters. The school commenced with Year 7 students in 2023, and presently has Year 7, 8, 9 and 10 cohorts. Each year the school adds to its growing cohort, until it reaches Year 12 in 2028.

Find out more about our school by visiting Piara Waters Senior High School or Schools Online.

The Role

We are seeking a motivated, committed and enthusiastic strategic leader to join our leadership team as Head of Learning Area (HoLA) - Arts. The successful applicant would have the professional knowledge and experience to lead staff and curriculum development across all Arts disciplines. Our new Performing Arts Centre is a state-of-the-art facility and includes specialist music practice rooms and classrooms, visual arts studios, a ceramics workshop, a printmaking studio, media recording studios, dance and drama studios, an art gallery and additional purpose-built facilities.

High level interpersonal and communication skills, the ability to lead with a forward thinking and innovative approach to curriculum and high-quality instruction, are highly desirable. The ability to lead strategic planning, performance and development of staff and data informed decision making, will be valued. Effective organisational and event management skills to ensure smooth delivery of programs is a component of the role. The role also includes the responsibility to promote and support extra and co-curricular programs that celebrate student achievement in the Arts, enhance community connection and contribute to a vibrant and inclusive school culture.

A key focus of the role is leadership and support of future specialist programs as the school grows and develops. A deep understanding of the Western Australian Curriculum, including Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR), General and Vocational Education and Training (VET) pathways, and a commitment to inclusive and differentiated learning. In your capacity as a curriculum leader, you would play a crucial role in providing professional guidance to Arts teachers, ensuring that they stay informed on relevant curriculum issues within your designated area. You would be instrumental in facilitating teaching and learning outcomes that lead to the achievement of positive student outcomes.

As a key member of the administrative team, you will work closely with the Principal and members of the leadership team, to provide educational leadership both within the school and the broader community. Your primary focus will be on developing and promoting the school's vision, encouraging active participation from school staff, community volunteers, and other stakeholders, all within the context of the Arts 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 Carol Daniels, Principal on (08) 6174 27***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 four (4) 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 41***for assistance.

Advertised Vacancy Number: IPS/SA1062703

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 7 September 2026