Head of English

Northholm Grammar School; Sydney; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Northholm Grammar School in Arcadia, NSW, seeks an experienced English educator to lead the English Department. The Head of English will shape the curriculum, teaching practices and assessment across the department, ensuring high standards in reading, writing, language and literature and alignment with NESA and HSC requirements.

Applicants should demonstrate a strong record of classroom excellence, leadership in curriculum development, and the ability to coach staff.

Qualifications

• Strong record as an exemplary English teacher and leader.
• Deep knowledge of English curriculum, literature, language and writing instruction.
• Experience aligning English programs with NESA syllabus and HSC requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provide educational and professional leadership for the English Department.
• Lead development and review of English programs, texts and learning experiences.
• Ensure compliance with NESA syllabus, assessment and HSC requirements.
• Promote rigorous teaching of reading, writing, language, literature, analysis and argument.
• Oversee assessment design, moderation and reporting with data-driven improvement.
• Coach and develop English staff and foster a collaborative culture.
• Collaborate with literacy and oracy development to strengthen reading and writing across the School.

Skills

Curriculum leadership

English pedagogy

Data-driven instruction

Staff coaching

Education

NESA accreditation

Teaching qualification in English

Job description

Northholm Grammar is an independent K-12 co-educational school situated in a beautiful and inspiring semi-rural environment at Arcadia in the north-west of Sydney. The School has a strong commitment to delivering a rigorous academic program based on 'learning through scholarship' combined with a focus on 'pastoral attentiveness' in the character development of our students. Northholm Grammar offers a diverse co-curricular program and opportunities for leadership and service.

We are seeking an experienced and intellectually engaged English educator to lead the English Department at Northholm Grammar. This is an opportunity for an outstanding classroom practitioner and middle leader to shape a rigorous, ambitious English program and build a strong professional culture focused on excellent teaching and student achievement.

The Head of English will lead curriculum, teaching, assessment and staff development across the Department, promoting high expectations in reading, writing, language, literature, interpretation and argument. The role will work closely with the Head of Literacy and Oracy Development while retaining clear responsibility for English curriculum, teaching practice and student outcomes.

Key Responsibilities include:

Providing clear educational and professional leadership for the English Department.

Leading the development, implementation and review of English programs, text selections, teaching resources and learning experiences.

Ensuring compliance with relevant NESA syllabus, assessment and HSC requirements.

Promoting intellectually rigorous and explicit teaching of reading, writing, language, literature, analysis, interpretation and argument.

Overseeing assessment design, moderation, feedback, reporting and the use of student achievement data to drive improvement.

Coaching, mentoring and developing English staff and fostering a collaborative, accountable and intellectually engaged Department culture.

Working with the Head of Literacy and Oracy Development to strengthen writing, reading, speaking and reasoning across the School.

Managing Department operations, resources, budget and curriculum enrichment opportunities, including author events, theatre visits and workshops where appropriate.

Applicants should possess the following:

A strong record as an exemplary English teacher and demonstrated capacity to lead, support and inspire a teaching team.

Deep knowledge of English curriculum, literature, language and writing instruction.

Strong knowledge of relevant NESA English syllabus, assessment, text and HSC requirements.

Demonstrated ability to lead curriculum improvement and promote rigorous reading, writing, interpretation and discussion.

Capacity to analyse student writing and achievement data and translate evidence into practical actions that improve outcomes.

Demonstrated skill in coaching, mentoring, moderation, feedback and staff development.

Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills and sound professional judgement.

Current NESA teacher accreditation and a valid Working with Children Check, or eligibility to obtain and maintain these requirements.

A commitment to Northholm Grammar's culture of academic excellence, pastoral care and child safety.

Why work at Northholm?

Northholm offers a collegial K-12 environment on its beautiful semi-rural Arcadia campus, where staff can know students well and contribute meaningfully to the life of the School. The School is also investing in the growth of outstanding teachers and leaders through the Northholm Institute for Cultivating Excellence, connecting evidence-informed teaching, professional learning, leadership development and educational research.

Access to professional learning, coaching and leadership development through the Northholm Institute for Cultivating Excellence.

No compulsory weekend sport commitments for teaching staff.

Access to the School's Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Access to Fitness Passport.

Salary sacrificing options.

For further information about this position and the School, please see www.northholm.nsw.edu.au/employment

Applicants must satisfy Child Protection Legislation and will be subject to employment screening. All staff are required to actively support the ethos of the School. The successful applicant will be required to obtain and maintain a valid Working with Children Check and current teacher accreditation.