Learning Leader: Science

Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools Ltd; Russell (MO); On-site; USD 77,000 - 97,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional growth

Coaching & mentoring

Onsite parking

Gym access

Catholic education context

Job summary

MacKillop College invites applications for an experienced Learning Leader – Science to drive curriculum, pedagogy and assessment across Years 7–12, aligning with VCAA requirements and regulatory frameworks.

The role oversees laboratory operations, supports laboratory staff, ensuring safety, timetabling of practicals and SAC development, and leads professional learning to raise student scientific literacy, curiosity and outcomes.

Qualifications

• Expertise in contemporary Science education across Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Earth Sciences.
• Experience mentoring educators and leading professional learning.
• Ability to manage laboratory operations, safety, and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead science curriculum development and ensure alignment with standards.
• Oversee laboratory operations, staff, timetabling and safety procedures.
• Coordinate SAC development and use student data to inform planning.
• Collaborate with teachers to strengthen pedagogy and assessment practices.

Skills

Science education leadership

Mentor science educators

Professional learning facilitation

Curriculum planning & assessment

Data-informed instruction

Laboratory leadership

WHS compliance & safety

Education

Teaching qualification

Science education degree

Job description

Role Description/Criteria

About MacKillop College

MacKillop is a Catholic co-educational College in the Josephite tradition, inspired by the vision of St. Mary of the Cross MacKillop. We are committed to nurturing lifelong learners who engage authentically, embrace diversity, and strive for personal excellence in all aspects of life. As an innovative and future-focused College, MacKillop offers contemporary facilities, a dynamic curriculum, and comprehensive wellbeing programs designed to meet the diverse needs of approximately 1,820 students across Years 7–12.

About the role

MacKillop College is seeking an experienced Science educator to provide instructional leadership and pedagogical support to the educators leading our rigorous and engaging Science program. Central to the success of this role will be the leadership of the science curriculum that supports and develops students’ scientific literacy, curiosity and critical thinking. The Learning Leader will work collaboratively with teachers to strengthen curriculum, pedagogy and assessment, ensuring science is engaging, relevant and responsive to the needs of contemporary learners. The Learning Leader will build teacher capacity through collaboration and reflective practice, fostering a shared commitment to promoting evidence-informed teaching and the effective use of student assessment data to identify opportunities for improvement and enhance student outcomes. The Learning Leader will oversee laboratory operations, ensuring that practical learning is conducted safely and effectively. This includes oversight of laboratory staff, timetabling of practical experiments, equipment, chemical management, risk assessments, WHS compliance, procurement, storage and maintenance. The role will work closely with and oversee our laboratory technicians to coordinate weekly practical programs and ensure appropriate safety procedures and resources are in place. The Learning Leader will ensure that all Science subjects satisfy and are aligned to VCAA requirements, curriculum standards and regulatory frameworks, including the oversight and development of School-Assessed Coursework (SACs).

Leadership at MacKillop College

At MacKillop, our leaders play an important role in connecting the academic, pastoral and relational aspects of school life. They work alongside teachers to support effective practice, engage with students and families, respond to challenges and opportunities, and contribute to a consistent and positive experience for students, staff and families.

As MacKillop College enters the final year of its current Position of Leadership cycle, this position is offered for a one-year period, providing an opportunity to make a significant contribution while developing and extending your leadership practice. The successful candidate will be offered permanent, position commencing in Term 1, 2027, with a Position of Leadership (POL 3) until January 2028.

Candidate Profiles

• expertise in contemporary Science education including Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Earth Sciences, with excellent knowledge of curriculum, pedagogy and assessment
• demonstrated capacity to mentor science educators, lead professional learning, foster collaboration and build a culture of continuous improvement
• experience with laboratory operations and safety, including risk assessments, WHS compliance, chemical management, PPE, equipment and maintenance
• demonstrated capacity to use student learning data, assessment evidence and teacher feedback to inform curriculum planning, identify areas for improvement and enhance student learning outcomes.
• the capacity to lead and build respectful, authentic and purposeful relationships with students, staff and families, and to foster a positive and inclusive learning environment.
• a commitment to Catholic education and the Josephite tradition, with the capacity to build respectful and purposeful relationships and contribute positively to an inclusive, collaborative and faith-filled learning community.
• the capacity to lead and build respectful, authentic and purposeful relationships with students, staff and families, and to foster a positive and inclusive learning environment.

Benefits

• our welcoming and supportive culture based on Gospel Values and the Josephite tradition
• opportunity to shape the future for Catholic education in the community
• professional growth and career development within MacKillop College and Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools
• empathetic staff wellbeing programs, including access to emotional support and counselling/debriefing
• contemporary learning facilities, across three campuses
• structured professional collaboration, including regular reflection on pedagogical practice
• access to a team of dedicated instructional coaches and teacher mentors
• free onsite parking, access to an onsite gym and discounted College fees

MacKillop College promotes the safety, wellbeing, and inclusion of all students