System Lead Curriculum & Pedagogy - Secondary - Newcastle West

St Nicholas Early Education; Newcastle; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fitness Passport

Employee assistance program

Paid parental leave

Long service leave after five years

Job summary

Catholic Schools Office, Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle seeks a System Lead Curriculum & Pedagogy - Secondary (7-12) in Newcastle West. This two-year fixed-term role leads curriculum policy, pedagogy, and assessment across diocesan secondary schools and drives evidence-based practices to raise student achievement.

You will collaborate with principals and educators to implement innovative, student-centred strategies and oversee professional development, curriculum compliance, and validation across

Qualifications

• Catholic education commitment and leadership in curriculum.
• Experience leading curriculum development at system level.
• Proven ability to drive teaching excellence and change.
• Familiarity with secondary curriculum frameworks and HSC strategy.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership in curriculum, assessment and teaching excellence across 7–12.
• Lead development and implementation of curriculum initiatives and professional learning.
• Oversee HSC strategy and school-based networks across the diocese.
• Collaborate with school leaders to ensure high-quality learning experiences.

Skills

Curriculum leadership

Strategic planning

Professional learning

Educational leadership

Data-driven improvement

Team leadership

Education

Four-year trained teacher

Postgraduate leadership

Active NESA Accreditation

WWCC clearance

Job description

Are you a current employeeof the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, including the Catholic Schools Office? Go to the Careers Portal to search and apply for your next role.

System Lead Curriculum & Pedagogy - Secondary - Newcastle West

Posted: 13/10/2026

Closing Date: 08/11/2026

Job Type: Temporary

Location: Newcastle West

Job Category: Education, Childcare & Training

System Lead Curriculum & Pedagogy - Secondary (7-12)
Two-Year Fixed Term Opportunity | Commencing January 2027

Shape the future of secondary education across the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle. As the System Lead Curriculum & Pedagogy - Secondary (7-12), you will provide strategic leadership in curriculum, assessment, and teaching excellence across our secondary schools, driving innovative, evidence-based practices that enhance student learning and achievement.

Working collaboratively with principals, school leaders, and educators, you will lead the development and implementation of curriculum initiatives, oversee HSC strategy, facilitate professional learning, and support schools to deliver engaging, high-quality learning experiences. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced and visionary educational leader who is passionate about curriculum innovation, educational excellence, and the mission of Catholic education.

Commencing in January 2027, this two-year fixed-term role offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact on teaching and learning, supporting the development of engaged, reflective, and future-ready learners across the Diocese.

The role is based in Newcastle West with requirement to travel to secondary schools throughout the Diocese to support professional learning initiatives.

As the System Lead Curriculum & Pedagogy - Secondary (7-12), you will provide leadership in the development and implementation of innovative and student-centred pedagogical practices, in alignment with the values, mission, and strategic goals of Catholic education. This role will lead the direction of curriculum and pedagogy for all secondary schools within the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle. With direct responsibility for secondary curriculum assessment, HSC strategy and school-based networks, the role will also be required to collaborate with all CS teams to ensure holistic learning experiences across all key learning areas (KLAs), integrating contemporary educational research, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement in teaching and learning.

You will work collaboratively with school leaders and educators across the diocesan network, offering expert curriculum policy advice, leading professional learning initiatives, and curating high-quality teaching and learning resources. You will support curriculum compliance and validation while overseeing schools’effective curriculum delivery to help improve student educational outcomes. Your leadership will drive effective delivery of curriculum strategies that support the formation of engaged, reflective, and future-ready learners in the Diocesan secondary schools.

Desired Skills and Experience

EXPERIENCE/CRITERIA

• Ability to articulate a clear understanding of and a personal commitment to Catholic education and the mission of the Church through Catholic schools.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage teams in a complex educational setting, ideally in Catholic or faith-based education environments. Experience in providing strategic leadership for curriculum development and driving educational change at a school or system level.
• Evidence of developing and implementing strategic plans that align with both school and system priorities. Experience in guiding curriculum initiatives that promote academic excellence, student engagement, and the holistic development of students.
• Extensive experience in designing, developing, and implementing high-quality curriculum for secondaryeducation (7-12), with a deep understanding of current educational research, pedagogical approaches, and evidence-based practices. Familiarity with state and national curriculum frameworks is essential.
• Evidence of reinforcing culture which demonstrates quality internal assurance processes at all levels.
• Ability to lead the development of innovative teaching and learning strategies that align with evidencebased practices.
• Knowledge of contemporary pedagogies, including differentiated instruction, inquiry-based learning, and the integration of technology into the curriculum.
• Proven experience in leading, designing and delivering impactful professional development (PD) programs for educators, with a focus on curriculum, pedagogy, and data use to foster teacher growth and enhance classroom practices.
• Demonstrated ability in developing systems for measuring the impact of curriculum initiatives, professional learning, and teaching strategies. Ability to track outcomes and adjust strategies to ensure continual improvement in student achievement.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Qualifications as a four-year trained teacher
• Postgraduate qualifications (Category E) in Educational Leadership or an equivalent combination of experience, training, and achievement
• Active NESA Accreditation
• Current paid NSW Working with Children Check (WWCC) number

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Catholic Schools Office, Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle Employees Enterprise Agreement 2024

• Work in quality schools where students are nurtured, challenged and encouraged to excel and grow
• A corporate fitness program through Fitness Passport (T&C's apply)
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Training and staff development programs
• Paid parental leave for eligible employees
• Access to long service leave after just five years for eligible employees.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Contact Patricia Humble, Head of School Improvement & Learning on Tel: [phone] or via email:[e-mail]

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and this position may close prior to the advertised closing date if a suitable candidate is identified. Early applications are encouraged.

Please note, not adequately addressing the selection criteria may result in your application not being shortlisted.

Applications for this position will only be considered if submitted through the following platforms: our careers page on our website, mnpeople, Indeed, Seek, or LinkedIn.

Applications close: Sunday 8th November 2026 at 11.59pm

Additional information

The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable persons and preventing those in our care from suffering abuse or neglect. It is committed to implementing and maintaining compliance with the NSW Child Safe Standards and the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards and takes a zero-tolerance approach to abuse of children or vulnerable persons. All who work in the name of the Diocese must comply with the Diocesan Safeguarding Framework Policy and act in accordance with the Diocese's Code of Conduct which includes the Diocese's Safeguarding Commitment Statement.Employees are required to undergo a National Police Check and retain a valid NSW Working with Children Check where necessary, in accordance with legislation.