A Head of Department: English (Years 7-9) role is currently available at Ripley Valley State Secondary College.

This unique position will allow the successful applicant to define and shape the culture, curriculum and pedagogical practices across the College with a distinct focus on the English curriculum across years 7 - 9.

This opportunity requires the successful candidate to have strong knowledge of the Australian Curriculum in the English curriculum area, along with demonstrated flexibility, independence, leadership, and communication skills.

The successful applicant would ideally commence duties during term 4 of the 2026 school year.

Job details

About the Department of Education:

Working for the Queensland Department of Education means joining an organisation that values its people and promotes leadership and innovation. Be part of an environment that respects professionalism and diversity, offers training and development opportunities and embraces flexible careers and work-life balance. Find out more about working with us.

About us:

Ripley Valley State Secondary College opened in 2020 and currently caters for approximately 1500 students in Years 7 to 12 in 2026.  

The College is in a rapid growth area and will accommodate approximately 2000 students when at full capacity.

The College has established a strong reputation for high expectations, innovation, inclusion and connection to community.  

Leaders joining the College must have exceptional relational skills, be driven to build a positive, welcoming and supportive learning culture, demonstrate deep understanding of pedagogical practices in order to implement evidence-based practice, and be willing and able to commit to the college's development and growth. 

Your opportunity:

Working closely with the HOD English (Years 10-12) and wider Executive and Leadership team the successful candidate will enhance the capacity of our College to meet the growing needs of our diverse learners and promote effective literacy practices across the whole school community.  

As the Head of Department for English (Year 7-9), you will play a vital role in:

• Leading the English department in line with school expectations and initiatives
• Participating in delivering the vision of Brighter Futures
• Developing the quality of teaching and learning
• Nurturing positive relationships between students, teachers and stakeholders.

The successful Head of Department will be an agile leader with a record of success in providing quality learning outcomes for all students and leading school improvement.

As an instructional leader, you will be focused on developing students who are problem-solvers with decision-making agility and risk-taking skills who can move into the future with confidence and resilience.

This full-time, temporary position is for 12 months commencing in November, 2026, with the possibility of extension.

About you:

• The ideal applicant should have a strong working knowledge of the Australian Curriculum in the English learning area.
• The preferred applicant will have experience in moderation, assessment and reporting guidelines and practices, particularly as they relate to the implementation of the 7-9 Australian Curriculum.
• The successful applicant will be required to case manage student behaviour and learning as part of the College's unique Multi-Tiered System of Support.  
• The applicant should have experience in case management of student behaviour and learning to improve student outcomes.

Interested? To Apply: 

• Attach a brief resume including contact details for 2 referees (referees should have an understanding of your relevant work history)
• Attach a 2-page response to the 'How you will be assessed' section of the attached role description. 
• Attach a copy of your mandatory qualifications/registration 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.

• Applicant Information Package (PDF, 286KB)
  Information Package for Applicants
  
  MSR705158_26T Role Description (PDF, 273KB)
  Role Description