Head of Learning Area

Join to apply for the Head of Learning Area - Humanities and Social Sciences role at Department of Education, Western Australia.

This is a twelve (12) months fixed term full-time position commencing Term 1, 2026.

Bob Hawke College opened in February 2020 to more than 250 Year 7 students and is the first high density public secondary college in Western Australia. Our pastoral care approach has been specifically designed to support young adults. Specialist staff provide students with individual support, as well as delivering social and emotional learning through CREW – our pastoral care program. Our staff excel in their profession and inspire and motivate students, encouraging them to take responsibility for themselves, for others and for the world around them.

Student achievement and endeavour are at the heart of Bob Hawke College. We encourage our students to challenge themselves across all areas of learning, to extend themselves to achieve their personal best and excel in areas of interest. We understand that student achievement is inextricably linked to well-being and strive to provide a high standard of care for all students.

The successful applicant with the following attributes will be highly desirable: the ability to display care; to be curious about learning and about learners; to be invested in the College and the community; to have a sense of humour; and to be reflective of themselves and their practice.

Bob Hawke College offers a diverse curriculum of traditional and contemporary courses, which combine with our college values to form the basis for students to become internationally minded and able to contribute to global endeavours. Our students benefit from cutting-edge technology, in state-of-the-art surroundings and world class facilities. Our buildings and workspaces are designed to reflect the historical and cultural context of the College, and its place in the developing community of Subiaco. Our Gifted and Talented Academic Program caters for the learning needs of academically gifted students, and we provide two annual scholarships for this program through our Bob Hawke Regional Academic Scholarship program.

Find out more about our school by visiting or Schools Online.

The Role

As a key member of the Executive team, you will work closely with the Principal, Associate Principals and other Heads of Learning Area to provide educational leadership both within the school and the broader community. Your primary focus would be on developing and promoting the school's vision, encouraging active participation from school staff, community volunteers, and other stakeholders, all within the context of the Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS) Learning Area. The successful applicant should display the ability to provide direction and purpose to staff, build team capacity and cohesion and promote an environment of positive quality learning experiences for all students.

In your capacity as a curriculum leader, you would play a crucial role in providing professional guidance to HASS teachers, ensuring that they stay informed on relevant curriculum issues within your designated area. Ideally, you will be instrumental in facilitating teaching and learning outcomes, employing effective performance management strategies, and promoting a culture of continuous improvement among the school's academic community.

The successful applicant will ideally display an excellent understanding of the Western Australian Curriculum with a view to continuing to build and improve practice around the inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait histories and culture, and Culturally Responsive Classrooms. This knowledge, combined with pedagogical skills, should enable the development of programs differentiated for the specific learning needs of all students across a full range of abilities, aligned with the school's focus on Inclusive programming, assessment and classrooms. In addition, you will ideally use high level data literacy and monitoring processes to support all students, including those who are not performing to their full potential.

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 Carlee Ingleson, Associate Principal, on or by emailing

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 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 National Criminal History Check with the Department's Screening Unit.

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

1. 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.
2. Step 2: Attach your documents. Your application should include:
   • A CV of up to two (2) pages outlining your employment history and professional learning summary relevant to this position
   • A three (3) 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.
• Demonstrated 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 for assistance.

Advertised Vacancy Number: IPS/SA986746

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 Thursday, 11 September 2025