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

Queensland Government; Mackay Regional; In loco; AUD 120.000 - 160.000; Tempo pieno

Descrizione del lavoro

Mackay State High School, part of the Queensland Department of Education, invites applications for Head of Department - Learning and Pathways. Lead across Years 7–12, shaping senior pathways and ensuring smooth transitions from junior to senior phases.

You will oversee curriculum alignment, assessment coordination, and VET programs, while line-managing key staff and driving improvements using data and evidence to boost student outcomes.

Competenze

• Master's degree in Education Leadership or equivalent.
• Proven experience in school leadership or administration.
• Strong data literacy and ability to use evidence to improve learning.

Mansioni

• Lead Curriculum and Learning & Pathways initiatives across Years 7–12.
• Coordinate assessment, certification, and transition processes.
• Line manage support staff including Industry Liaison and Data Administration.
• Collaborate with Deputy Principals and Heads of Department to address gaps.
• Monitor academic progress and ensure effective VET offerings.

Conoscenze

Instructional leadership

Data-driven decision making

Stakeholder engagement

Team leadership

Formazione

Master's degree in Education Leadership

Strumenti

TrackEd

QCAA processes

Descrizione del lavoro

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

• 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.
• Academic achievement and assessment
• Lead the monitoring of academic achievement across Years 7-12, including JCE and QCE eligibility, qualification completion and progress toward 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.

Occupational group

Education & Training