Mackay State High School is seeking an exceptional educational leader to take on the role of Head of Department - Junior Secondary. This crucial position will oversee curriculum design, pedagogy, and enrichment across Years 7-10, ensuring high-quality teaching, rigorous assessment, and fostering a culture of academic excellence and engagement in the junior phase. The successful applicant will lead the implementation of systematic curriculum, assessment, and reporting practices, drive effective pedagogy with a focus on explicit instruction, and prioritise reading and learning support as foundational elements. Additionally, they will champion enrichment and extension opportunities to help every student reach their full potential.

Apply now to make a lasting impact on the educational journey of young learners at Mackay State High School.

Job details

Why Join Mackay State High School

Be part of an innovative leadership team driving the implementation of our Vertical House System and lead a House that embodies community, belonging and student pride. 

Mackay State High School is a large and diverse school community. Our mission is to provide educational excellence and diverse pathways for students, built on a culture of inclusion, high expectations and pride. Our committed and caring staff focus on developing each student to reach their full potential in academic, sporting, cultural and arts fields.

In preparing students to become tomorrow's citizens, our curriculum and co-curricular programs are designed to meet individual learning needs and career aspirations. We believe this is best achieved when teachers, students, parents and the wider community work together to build positive and supportive relationships.

At the heart of the school are the core values of Respect, Responsibility and Resilience. These three R's guide all practices and expectations for student engagement and support. We are proud of the work we do for our students and the community, which is reflected in our vision: “We Believe … We Achieve, Mackay High Pride!”

Your Opportunity

As a Head of Department - Junior Secondary, you will:

• Lead the design, delivery, and evaluation of curriculum and pedagogy across Years 7-10.
• Drive the school's Reading Strategy, embedding literacy as a general capability across all subject areas.
• Oversee the Learning Support team and ensure targeted intervention and curriculum adjustments are embedded to support diverse learners.
• Develop enrichment opportunities, including extension programs, academic excellence initiatives, and leadership development.
• Build teacher capability through mentoring, coaching, and support of beginning and early career teachers.
• Partner with Heads of House and Student Support Services to strengthen case management and transitions for junior students.
• Contribute to whole-school planning, reporting, &culture-building as an active member of the leadership team.

Key Responsibilities

As the Head of Department - Junior Secondary, your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:  

• Provide curriculum leadership in Junior Secondary, ensuring alignment to the Australian Curriculum and the P–12 CARF.
• Lead systematic curriculum delivery including three levels of planning, before/after moderation, and high-quality assessment practices.
• Drive effective pedagogical practices, embedding explicit instruction, differentiation, and high-yield strategies.
• Lead the whole-school Reading Strategy in Years 7–10: oversee screening (including DIBELS), diagnostics, and targeted intervention.
• Line manage Learning Support: coordinate case management, intervention programs, and adjustments for diverse learners.
• Mentor and coach teachers to build capability, with a strong focus on beginning teachers.
• Analyse student data (attendance, behaviour, literacy/numeracy, achievement) to identify trends and priorities.
• Lead academic goal setting, assessment calendars, reporting, and NAPLAN/PISA readiness in Years 7–10.
• Coordinate subject selection (Years 7–9) and class composition processes.
• Lead enrichment opportunities such as Academic Excellence Academy, STEM, debating, public speaking, Optiminds, QMEA, and Lions Youth of the Year.
• Coordinate year level parades (Years 7–9) and celebration parades (Years 7–12), including Gold, Silver, Bronze awards. 

Interested? To Apply 

• A brief resume (Maximum 3 page) resume including contact details for 2 referees (referees should have an understanding of your relevant previous work history)
• Attach a written statement (2-page maximum) addressing Key Capabilities 1-4 as per Role Description "How you will be assessed" section. 
• Attach a copy of the mandatory requirements outlined in the attached role description  

We welcome all applicants to share any support needed to ensure our recruitment process is inclusive. 

Applications remain current for 12 months from the closing date and may be considered for appointment to identical or similar vacancies within the Department. 

Applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted. 

Further information

We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.

For a full list of the position responsibilities and mandatory requirements, please ensure you download the attached Role Description and Applicant Information Package and follow the instructions.

Documents

Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.

• CQR661031_25T - Role Description (PDF, 179KB)
  Role Description
  
  Applicant Information Package (PDF, 245KB)
  Information Package for Applicants