Head of Learning Area - Humanities and Social Sciences - Languages
Head of Learning Area - Humanities and Social Sciences - Languages
This is a 12 month fixed term, full-time position commencing Term 4, 2026 with possible extension (12 months) and/or permanency
Como Secondary College (SC) builds promising futures for our students through providing an excellent education and a rich range of curricula and extra-curricular opportunities. Central to the students’ experience at Como is a school culture that promotes learning. The school is driven by the deep belief that every student is capable of successful learning and that it is the responsibility of every teacher to ensure that all students progress. At Como every student matters. As a school and as teachers we don’t give up on students – we constantly explore new ways to engage students who are not making progress. The personal and familial attributes and circumstances relating to a student are not viewed as excuses for a student’s lack of academic and/or social progress. Instead, they are viewed as challenges to be overcome.
Como SC caters for Years 7 to12, students can follow Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR), General or Vocational Education and Training (VET) pathways, preparing for university entry, Technical and Further Education (TAFE) or the workplace. The strong academic program is complemented by a specialist learning program supporting students in Years 7 to 9 who are at risk in literacy and numeracy, and a flexible learning program students in Years 11 and 12 allowing them to make an effective transition from school to work or other training.
Find out more about our school by visiting como.wa.edu.au or Schools Online
The Role
Como SC is seeking an educational leader with the skills, knowledge and drive to continue to develop and maintain an outstanding Humanities and Social Sciences Learning Area as well as line manage Languages. The successful applicant will ideally have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain the enthusiasm and commitment of the teachers in their charge. Familiarity with Compass or similar as a learning management system will be desirable. The successful applicant is ideally familiar with high level of data gathering and analysis skills to monitor the individual and collective progress of students in each class in the Learning Area, and to evaluate the effectiveness of teaching practice and team performance.
The successful applicant will ideally maximise the effectiveness and efficiency of the learning area by continuing to develop a calm, productive atmosphere and a culture of cooperation and disciplined collaboration. Robust professional discussion and dialogue will be fostered and encouraged in a respectful way. The ideal applicant will role model exemplary practice as a teacher and as a leader and support their teachers in all aspects of their work including behaviour management, assessment, parent contact and management and strategic planning.
The Head of Learning Area will ideally have the skills to translate the priorities of the school’s Business Plan and our Strategic Directions into a learning area operational plan that provides clear direction for their staff. They will support staff in their development both individually and as a team, also holding them accountable for day-to-day work, and for the implementation of the plan and achievement of the learning area’s goals. The successful applicant will ideally manage their resilience and have the skills to conduct clear conversations when necessary. An ideal aspect of the position will be the ability to understand the wider school context and constructively work with other heads of learning area and the administration team to achieve broader school objectives.
The successful applicant will ideally have a growth mindset and be committed to the school’s Instructional Model and will support the learning area’s participation in our Instructional Coaching program.
The successful applicant will ideally have a deep knowledge of the Year 7 to 12 curriculum including compliance, assessment and reporting practices. Applicants with a background in Business, History, Geography, Career and Employability and Modern History are highly desired. A good working knowledge of Vocational education and training (VET) Pathways, Certificate Courses, University Preparation Courses and a school-wide approach to a Careers Education would be highly valued by the college.
Professional Benefits
Working for the Department of Education you will enjoy a range of benefits including competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, training and career development opportunities and attractive leave provisions. Find out more about the benefits by visiting professional and personal benefits.
Want to know more?
Full details of the role, selection criteria and training requirements are listed in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Alen Kursar, Principal, on (08) 9365 2000 or emailing Alen.Kursar@education.wa.edu.au.
Equity and Diversity
We are committed to an inclusive and culturally responsive workforce reflecting the diversity in our schools and the Western Australian community. We welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, young people, people of diverse sexualities and genders, people with disability, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Explore our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Plan 2021-2025 for more details.
Eligibility
To work with us, you must:
- be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent resident or have a valid visa with relevant work rights for the term of the appointment.
- hold registration with the Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia
- obtain a valid Working With Children Check before you start; and
- consent to a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and obtain a current Screening Clearance Number issued by the Department of Education’s Screening Unit before you start.
More information about employment eligibility can be found on our website or in the attached application package.
Additional eligibility and training requirements are outlined in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).
Application Instructions
Apply online in two easy steps:
Step 1: Select Apply for Job
Complete the online application form, including details of two (2) work related referees, preferably one (1) being your current line manager.
Step 2: Attach your documents
Your application should include:
- A CV of up to three (3) pages outlining your employment history and professional learning summary relevant to this position
- A four (4) page statement addressing the following selection criteria as outlined in the attached JDF
- Demonstrated capacity to provide effective leadership in a diverse range of educational settings.
- High level of interpersonal and public relations skills that demonstrate the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships to achieve planned outcomes.
- Demonstrated professional knowledge and the ability to apply this knowledge to ensure a high level of educational outcomes for all students, (e.g., Aboriginal students, students from diverse ethnic backgrounds and students with special needs).
- Demonstrated capacity to manage staff, physical and financial resources.
It is recommended you have your attachments ready before selecting Apply for Job.
Your application must be received before the closing date and time. Late applications will not be accepted.
For technical support submitting your application, you can call the Department of Education’s Recruitment team on (08) 9264 4127 for assistance.
Advertised Vacancy Number: IPS/SA1044796
Suitable applicants may be considered for similar vacancies arising within the next 12 months following this selection process. This may include circumstances where the successful applicant declines or vacates the position.
The Department applies a four (4) day breach period to this selection process.
Applications close: 4.30pm (AWST) on Monday, 22 June 2026