Are you an experienced educational leader passionate about supporting secondary students and strengthening teaching and learning? As Head of Department, you will play an important leadership role in shaping curriculum priorities, developing staff capability and contributing to a positive, inclusive school culture.

You will work collaboratively with teachers, students and the wider school community to promote high expectations, quality educational practice and positive learning outcomes. This is an opportunity to lead meaningful improvement while supporting staff and students to achieve their potential.

If you are ready to bring your leadership capability, educational expertise and commitment to student success to this role, we encourage you to apply. This is a temporary full-time role offered until 09 December 2027 unless otherwise determined.

Job details

About us:

We are an Independent Public School which has developed a strong reputation for the provision of high quality educational opportunities across academic, sporting, cultural and citizenship areas. Our vision is for all of our students to reach their true potential, achieving their individual goals and making a positive contribution to their communities.

Set in a beautiful bushland setting just 12 kilometres from the centre of Brisbane city, the school is recognised for its strong traditional values which are embedded in a caring and supportive environment. With a student population reaching nearly 2000, our school is large enough to offer significant diversity and something for everyone, while ensuring that every student is valued as an individual who is encouraged and supported to 'Always Aim High'.

Your opportunity:

Ferny Grove State High School's Instrumental and Choral Music program is a large and established learning community, involving around 300 students across 23 ensembles and sustained by strong relationships between students, staff, families, alumni and the wider community. 
 
Therefore, the ideal applicant for Head of Department - Music, should have substantial experience as an instrumental music teacher, with experience in leading an extensive choral music program. The ability to lead and teach percussion would be advantageous, but not essential.  
 
As Head of Department - Music, the ideal applicant will understand that music-making at Ferny Grove SHS is understood as more than performance: it is a shared practice through which students learn to listen, contribute, lead, respond, belong and take responsibility for something larger than themselves. This culture is perhaps most visibly expressed through experiences such as Big Choir, where more than 150 young people come together across year levels and musical backgrounds, demonstrating the extraordinary sense of collective identity and participation that has grown around the program. 
 
The Head of Department - Music therefore has an important stewardship role: to recognise and honour what already lives within this community, while providing the musical, relational and strategic leadership needed to sustain and strengthen classroom music and help the Instrumental and Choral Music program continue to evolve into its next life.

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' or 'Competencies' 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.

• MNR703553_26T - Role Description (PDF, 271KB)
  Role Description
  
  Application Information Package (PDF, 285KB)
  Information Package for Applicants