Head Teacher Special Education - Riverstone High School

EducationHQ; Sydney; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Riverstone High School invites applications for a Head Teacher Special Education to lead inclusive practice and support students with diverse learning needs. The role focuses on high expectations, program quality and student welfare within a dynamic coeducational setting.

The successful candidate will oversee the Inclusive Education Unit, develop individualized education plans, and work with families, staff, and external partners to promote access, achievement and wellbeing across Years 7–12.

Qualifications

• Approval to teach special education required.
• Experience leading a faculty to meet diverse needs.
• Ability to design inclusive teaching programs.
• Strong communication with families and external partners.
• Knowledge of the Department's Aboriginal education policy.
• Vaccination status in line with Department requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Inclusive Education Unit to support students with disabilities.
• Drive curriculum planning for Years 7–12 and senior courses.
• Collaborate with Nirimba Collegiate, families and external agencies.

Skills

Educational leadership

Communication

Curriculum knowledge

Inclusion focus

Education

Approved to teach special education

NSW DoE teaching approval

Job description

Head Teacher Special Education - Riverstone High School

Riverstone High School (RHS) is a vibrant and inclusive co-educational school located on Dharug land, deeply connected to the rich history of the Riverstone area. The school serves a culturally and linguistically diverse community of approximately 800 students, with 45% from a language background other than English, 25% requiring support for EAL/D (English as an Additional Language or Dialect), and 11% identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. This diversity enriches the learning environment and fosters a culture of respect, understanding, and global awareness.

The school prides itself on delivering a broad and dynamic curriculum from Years 7 to 12, designed to prepare students for the future world. Innovative learning spaces and contemporary teaching practices equip students with the skills needed to thrive in an evolving, complex society. Stage 6 students benefit from a wide range of subjects, including Vocational Education pathways, as well as access to programs through Nirimba Collegiate, which expand their academic and career opportunities.

Riverstone High School offers a well-balanced, holistic curriculum alongside a strong commitment to inclusive education through its Inclusive Education Unit, which comprises seven specialised classes: five Multi-Categorical (MC) classes and two classes supporting students with mild intellectual disability. The unit provides a personalised, student-centred approach that responds to diverse learning needs, while creating opportunities for students to participate in mainstream electives and senior courses. This approach promotes inclusion, fosters independence and supports students to achieve their individual learning goals.

With a dedicated team of approximately 90 staff members, RHS is experiencing exciting growth, reflecting the expanding residential developments in the North West Growth Area. The school community is committed to fostering a connected environment that nurtures high aspirations and future-focused opportunities for all students.

About this job

Position Information

Riverstone High School (RHS) is a vibrant and inclusive co-educational school located on Dharug land, deeply connected to the rich history of the Riverstone area. The school serves a culturally and linguistically diverse community of approximately 800 students, with 45% from a language background other than English, 25% requiring support for EAL/D (English as an Additional Language or Dialect), and 11% identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. This diversity enriches the learning environment and fosters a culture of respect, understanding, and global awareness.

The school prides itself on delivering a broad and dynamic curriculum from Years 7 to 12, designed to prepare students for the future world. Innovative learning spaces and contemporary teaching practices equip students with the skills needed to thrive in an evolving, complex society. Stage 6 students benefit from a wide range of subjects, including Vocational Education pathways, as well as access to programs through Nirimba Collegiate, which expand their academic and career opportunities.

Riverstone High School offers a well-balanced, holistic curriculum alongside a strong commitment to inclusive education through its Inclusive Education Unit, which comprises seven specialised classes: five Multi-Categorical (MC) classes and two classes supporting students with mild intellectual disability. The unit provides a personalised, student-centred approach that responds to diverse learning needs, while creating opportunities for students to participate in mainstream electives and senior courses. This approach promotes inclusion, fosters independence and supports students to achieve their individual learning goals.

With a dedicated team of approximately 90 staff members, RHS is experiencing exciting growth, reflecting the expanding residential developments in the North West Growth Area. The school community is committed to fostering a connected environment that nurtures high aspirations and future-focused opportunities for all students.

General Selection Criteria

1. Successful teaching experience with capacity to initiate improvement in teaching, learning and classroom practice

2. Knowledge of curriculum, assessment and student welfare with the ability to lead and design quality, inclusive teaching and learning programs

3. Educational leadership skills to build the capacity and manage the performance of individuals and teams

4. Well developed communication and interpersonal skills with the capacity to build relationships and engage students, staff and parents

5. Ability to plan and manage resources effectively and equitably to support teaching and learning

6. Knowledge of and commitment to the Department's Aboriginal education policy

Specific Selection Criteria

• Approval to teach special education and/or experienceand expertise in leading a faculty that effectively meets student needs, including intellectual disabilities, autism and complex communication and behaviour needs.
• Proven experience in the development, implementation and review of individualised education plans, behaviour and risk management plans and transition programs that promote inclusive learning environments that are age appropriate and meet the diverse learning, wellbeing and support needs of students with disability.
• Demonstrated ability to be a highly visible, approachable and collaborative leader with the capacity to develop inclusive, trusting relationships with the students, families, external agencies and the wider community.

Conditions

An unconditional full approval to teach is a requirement. If you do not hold a full approval to teach with the NSW Department of Education, you are required to commence the application process at the same time as you apply for this teaching opportunity.

All Department of Education employees working in an SSP are required to be vaccinated as outlined at Vaccination requirements for school sites (nsw.gov.au). The successful candidate for this position will be required to confirm vaccination status prior to the department finalising their appointment and entry on duty. Find the department’s latest advice on COVID-19 (coronavirus) at https://education.nsw.gov.au/covid-19.

Special Notes

The Eligibility Requirements for Head Teacher Positions in NSW Government Schools are located here.

Applicants are to include details of their WWCC clearance number as part of this application.

About the NSW Department of Education

The Department of Education is the largest provider of public education in Australia with responsibility for delivering high-quality public education to two-thirds of the NSW student population. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including but not limited to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, people of any age or gender, people from culturally and linguistically diverse groups and/or from the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, refugees, people with disability, people with sensory differences, and neurodiverse people. If we can make some adjustments to our recruitment/interview process to better help you shine, please reach out to the contact person for this recruitment, details listed above. For more information, visit the NSW Department of Education’s Diversity, equity and inclusion webpage.