Head of Department - Teaching and Learning - Mackay State High School

Queensland Department of Education; Mackay Regional; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Queensland Department of Education – Mackay QLD is seeking an inspirational Head of Department to lead Teaching and Learning at Mackay State High School. The role focuses on senior and junior pathways, data-informed improvement, and strong stakeholder engagement.

You will oversee curriculum and pathway evaluation, support staff, and coordinate assessments, certifications and transitions, ensuring high achievement and clear destinations for students across Years 7–12.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in a school setting.
• Experience shaping curriculum and learning programs across year levels.
• Ability to analyze student achievement data to drive improvements.

Responsibilities

• Lead the enactment of the school’s curriculum framework and pathways.
• Monitor and improve student achievement across Years 7–12 with a focus on pathways and transitions.
• Coordinate assessment, certification and transition processes and supervise key staff.

Skills

Leadership

Curriculum development

Data analysis

VET coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Education or equivalent

Job description

Head of Department - Teaching and Learning - Mackay State High School

Queensland Department of Education – Mackay QLD

Mackay State High School is seeking an instructional leader to lead our Learning and Pathways portfolio, strengthening academic achievement and supporting students to transition successfully from primary to secondary school, through Years 7-12 and into further education, training or employment.

This position combines responsibility for Senior Schooling and Junior Secondary, with approximately 70% of the role focused on Senior Schooling and 30% on Junior Secondary. It connects early academic success and aspiration with purposeful senior pathways and positive student destinations.

We are looking for a leader who builds strong relationships, uses evidence to improve learning and translates school priorities into clear, coordinated action.

About the Department of Education:

Working for the Queensland Department of Education means joining an organisation that values its people and promotes leadership and innovation. Be part of an environment that respects professionalism and diversity, offers training and development opportunities and embraces flexible careers and work-life balance. Find out more about working with us.

About us:

Mackay State High School is a diverse learning community grounded in the values of Respect, Responsibility and Resilience.

We are committed to educational achievement, student belonging and meaningful opportunities for every learner.

Your opportunity:

As Head of Department - Learning and Pathways, you will work collaboratively with Deputy Principals, curriculum Heads of Department, House teams, Guidance Officers and student support and administration staff to improve achievement, engagement and pathway readiness.

You will directly lead academic progress reviews, curriculum and pathway evaluation, and the coordination of key assessment, certification and transition processes. You will line manage the Industry Liaison Officer, Youth Support Coordinator, and Data Administration Officer, establishing clear expectations, reviewing progress and ensuring agreed actions are completed.

Curriculum Heads of Department retain responsibility for subject‑specific curriculum, teaching, assessment and moderation. The Learning and Pathways HOD coordinates whole‑school processes, reviews outcomes and works with relevant leaders to address gaps.

The balance of responsibilities will be managed across the school year to accommodate key assessment and transition periods.

Key responsibilities:

1. Curriculum and instructional leadership

• Lead the enactment of the K-12 CARF and Mackay SHS Whole School Curriculum Framework, in collaboration with Deputy Principals and curriculum Heads of Department.
• Use achievement, participation, student voice and destination data to evaluate curriculum offerings and recommend future subjects, courses and pathways, including VET.
• Work with curriculum Heads of Department to strengthen teaching practices, transitions and enrichment opportunities that respond to Junior Secondary learners' needs and support their engagement and achievement.

2. Academic achievement and assessment

• Lead the monitoring of academic achievement across Years 7-12, including JCE and QCE eligibility, qualification completion and progress towards intended pathways.
• Oversee the accuracy and currency of TrackEd data, ensuring it informs intervention, qualification tracking and reporting to school leaders.
• Coordinate NAPLAN testing and the analysis of results
• Coordinate QCAA processes and timelines, including endorsement, confirmation and results reporting, with curriculum Heads of Department.
• Coordinate senior internal and external examination arrangements and Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments processes with relevant staff.
• Lead the management of school RTO including school‑based VET courses; and drive the strategic development and implementation of VET courses at Mackay State High School.
• Work collaboratively with curriculum Heads of Department to oversee VET compliance, including delivery, assessment, documentation and quality assurance processes.

We welcome all applicants to share any support needed to ensure our recruitment process is inclusive.

Applications remain current for 12 months from the closing date and may be considered for appointment to identical or similar vacancies within the Department.

Applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted.