We are seeking an enthusiastic and highly capable Head of Department - Science to lead the development and delivery of a high-quality, engaging and inclusive Science program across the school. As Head of Department -Science, you will provide strategic and instructional leadership, build teacher capability, and foster a culture of high expectations, collaboration and continuous improvement to enhance student achievement and engagement in Science. Working closely with staff, students, families and the wider school community, you will oversee curriculum planning, assessment and pedagogical practice, support the effective use of data and evidence to inform teaching. This is a temporary full-time position commencing 21 January 2027 until 10 December 2027, unless otherwise determined.

Job details

About Us

Brisbane State High School students are surrounded by possibility and opportunity in many diverse areas of academia, sport, culture, international experience and community responsibility. This environment, coupled with high performance expectations and personalised attention, has led to an unparalleled record of success by our students. The school has a strong direction underpinned by four core values—learning, excellence, respect and public education.

Our great strength is the partnerships we forge between students, staff, parents and the wider community. These partnerships enable us to build on the strengths of tradition and performance and to live out our values and our commitment to providing a world-class education for every student.

About the Role

As the Head of Department - Science, you will be responsible for working with the Leadership and Management Team to enact the school's ongoing improvement agenda - Visible Learning, Visible Expertise and Visible Progress. The successful applicant will significantly contribute to a high expectations school culture that is focused on continuous improvement to maximise each teacher and student's performance and potential. A key component of this role is building positive and productive partnerships to ensure that students experience curriculum and learning experiences that allow them to reach their personal best. 

The successful applicant will have responsibility for:

• Leading the Senior Science curriculum area to develop, articulate and commit to a shared educational vision focused on providing quality learning outcomes for all students.
• Actively participating in learning, research and ongoing professional development that enable you to improve both as a leader and a classroom teacher.
• Setting and maintaining high standards for student performance by leading your faculty to uphold the spirit of State High with a specific focus on improving learning outcomes and fostering a growth mindset.
• Leading calibration and moderation practices that build strong alignment between curriculum, pedagogy and assessment.
• Maintaining and developing productive and positive partnerships with parents, all staff, other government agencies and community groups to maximise each student's performance and potential.
• Leading the development of quality differentiated learning practices aligned to our school vision, values and pedagogical framework.

Highly desirable skills and experience

This role will be suited to an energetic and strengths-focused individual who has the ability to lead both strategically and operationally towards shared goals.

• An understanding of current educational research
• A commitment to continual learning and development
• An ability to work collaboratively
• Outstanding teaching and leadership skills

Please refer to the attached role description for any mandatory requirements for this position. 

How to apply

• Please submit a brief resume including contact details for 2 referees (referees should have an understanding of your relevant work history); and
• A 2-page written statement in response to 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.

• MSR702511_26T - Role Description (PDF, 270KB)
  Role Description
  
  Application Information Package (PDF, 285KB)
  Information Package for Applicants