Head of Languages

Newington College; Sydney; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Newington College in Sydney seeks a permanent Head of Languages to commence in Term 1, 2027, leading innovative language programs for students. The role oversees Chinese, French, Latin, and other offerings, including HSC/IB paths, and supports heritage and community language initiatives.

The successful candidate will differentiate instruction, lead a diverse team, and integrate evidence-based practices with the College Learning Framework, BYOD, and safeguarding policies.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership experience directing language departments or teams.
• Ability to differentiate instruction to suit diverse learners across Years 7–12.
• Strong understanding of assessment, feedback, and cycle of learning.
• Commitment to ongoing professional growth and collaboration within a school community.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Languages Department to develop innovative language learning programs.
• Oversee curriculum delivery for Chinese, French, Latin, and other language offerings in Years 7–12.
• Support and develop teaching staff, including conversation support from native-speaking teachers.
• Ensure safeguarding policies and co-curricular engagement are integrated into the curriculum.

Skills

Leadership

Differentiated instruction

Team collaboration

Education

Teaching qualification

Tools

ICT skills

Job description

About the Role

Newington College is seeking to appoint a permanent Head of Languages to commence in Term 1, January 2027 to develop and implement innovative and engaging language learning programs for students.

The Languages Department is responsible for the imagining, developing and implementing of a curriculum across Years 7-12 at the College. Comprised of a diverse team of staff, at this time the department delivers:

• Chinese, French and Latin (mandatory and elective in Stages 4 and 5)
• Transdisciplinary language-learning electives in Stage 5
• HSC French, Chinese and Latin (Continuers), and Extension
• IB French B, Chinese B, Latin B, Italian ab initio and Spanish ab initio
• Support for students completing heritage or community languages through the NSW School of Languages, Saturday School of Community Languages and the IBO Pamoja platform.

The Department is seeking to develop and implement strategies to engage language learners across the breadth of experience, seeking to effectively differentiate learning and assessment. All academic departments use evidence-based practices in informing curriculum development and embed the College’s BYOD technology strategy and research-based Learning Framework.

The Languages Department is located in the Le Couteur Building, following a redevelopment four years ago, with a variety of bespoke teaching spaces. The Department is well resourced and includes access to specialist native-speaking conversation teachers to support boys’ learning.

Further details about this position can be obtained by contacting Dr Michael Marokakis, Deputy Academic (K-12)**********@newington.nsw.edu.au

About You

We have deliberately not provided set and narrow selection criteria. However, it would be expected that the successful candidate will:

• haveappropriate teachingand tertiary qualifications relevant to the position
• ability to differentiate instruction andcaterfor a range of learning abilities and needs
• have demonstrated experience and success leading teams
• have a thorough understanding of the learning process, including the role of assessment and feedback
• work effectively as a member of a team
• be personally committed to learning and professional growth
• have a strong work ethic
• possess strong ICT competencies
• show a genuine appreciation and commitment to pastoral care
• participate in the College’s co-curricular program
• understand and adhere to the College’s Child Safeguarding policies and practices
• contribute to the continuous improvement of Child SafeguardingatNewington.

It is recommended that you use this information, the information containedon the College website and yourown initiative to present a curriculum vitae that reflects you, your career to date and your priorities.

Short listed applicantsmaybe requiredto undertake a demonstration lesson as part of the selection process.

About Newington College

Newington College is a primary and secondary school bustling with opportunity and rigour. We aim to teach students to think critically, develop a love of learning and approach life with curiosity and open-mindedness. That also applies to everyone who works here – from teachers and grounds staff to the finance and admissions teams.

Teaching staff are highly skilled, dedicated to bringing out the best in each student – and each other. They instil a breadth of knowledge in their students and an understanding of how to think and question, both inside the classroom and out, as they help prepare them for life in a rapidly changing world. Newington has a committed and inspired community of educators who take their vocation seriously, are dedicated, supportive of each other and highly respected by their peers and students. We ensure the resources and professional development pathways are available to make the most of every opportunity.

Founded in 1863 by the Uniting Church, Newington College is an ELC to Year 12 school located in Sydney’s humming inner west and the north shore. From 2026, the College will begin our exciting transition to co-education, welcoming girls into Kindergarten and Year 5. The College has more than two thousand students across five vibrant campuses and is a member of the GPS Association of NSW. Our mission is to empower students to develop Great Hearts, Inspired Minds and Strong Wings, ready to make a positive contribution to society and the future.

What else sets us apart? We strive to create a culture underpinned by our diverse and inclusive community – students, parents, carers, staff, alumni and our neighbours. The College is supported by a strong sense of integrity, respect, honesty, fairness and responsibility. Collaboration and support are also key to ensure all staff have the resources available to make the most of every opportunity.

If our approach appeals to you – and if you think you could help us achieve our goals – we’d like to hear from you.

Further information about the College, its programs and its strategic plans are available on the College website: www.newington.nsw.edu.au

Newington's Commitment to Child Protection

Newington College is a ‘Child Safe Organisation' committed to ensuring the safety, welfare and wellbeing of all children and young people at the College. All students who come to Newington have a right to feel safe, and the College is dedicated to protecting them from abuse and harm.

Successful applicants will be subject to employment screening processes with the Office of the Children’s Guardian and will be required to provide a current Working with Children registration number. In addition, teaching staff will be expected to possess a current First Aid qualification.

Application Deadline

Applications close on Monday, 2 November 2026