Head of Learning Area

Overview

Head of Learning Area - Humanities and Social Sciences is a permanent full-time position commencing Term 1, 2026. The Department of Education, Western Australia, invites applications for the HoLA - HASS at Eastern Hills Senior High School (SHS). This role supports the school's vision for academic excellence, staff development, and a culture of care, pride and growth. It is a lead role for delivering high-quality, inclusive, and future-focused learning programs aligned with the Western Australian Curriculum and the school's strategic direction as outlined in the Eastern Hills SHS Business Plan. The school's curriculum supports pathways leading to ATAR, Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications or future employment.

Our vision is to offer students a caring, progressive and meaningful learning environment that enhances their self-confidence, and promotes an interest in life-long learning and achievement.

We have a proud history of offering young people a high quality, comprehensive education suited to their strengths and passions. We provide comprehensive education pathways leading to the attainment of an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR), Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications or future employment. This broad curriculum sees our students graduate and go on to lead successful careers.

Our teachers are experienced at getting the best out of all their students. We respect the individual needs of each student and believe that with the right guidance and direction, they will not only succeed but achieve their highest expectations.

The Role

The Head of Learning Area - Humanities and Social Sciences (HoLA - HASS) at Eastern Hills Senior High School (SHS) is a key leadership role that supports the school's vision for academic excellence, staff development, and a culture of care, pride and growth. This position would suit a passionate and knowledgeable educator who can lead a dynamic team of teachers in delivering high-quality, inclusive, and future-focused learning programs aligned with the Western Australian Curriculum and the school's strategic direction as outlined in the Eastern Hills SHS Business Plan.

Central to this role is the ability to foster a strong, positive and professional learning culture within the HASS learning area. The HoLA should lead by example, cultivating respectful and supportive relationships with staff and students, and promoting a shared commitment to high expectations and continual improvement. Through collaborative leadership, mentoring and targeted professional learning, the successful applicant supports staff in delivering engaging and differentiated programs that meet the needs of all learners. This leadership is grounded in the school's core values - showing Care for each individual, taking Pride in our work and environment, and striving for continuous Growth in both student outcomes and staff development.

A key aspect of this role is the effective use of student data to drive decision-making and inform classroom practice. The HoLA leads the collection, analysis and interpretation of achievement data across the HASS learning area, using this information to inform planning, evaluate program effectiveness, and implement targeted interventions. Supporting staff in developing their own data literacy is highly desirable to ensure that evidence-based strategies are embedded in daily teaching and that all students are supported to reach their potential.

Curriculum leadership is a core responsibility, with familiarity with the Western Australian Curriculum and SCSA requirements, including ATAR, General, and VET pathways. The HoLA should ensure programs are well-sequenced, compliant, inclusive, and responsive to student and community needs. They will ideally work collaboratively to align curriculum delivery with whole-school priorities, including those outlined in the Business Plan, such as improved academic outcomes, student engagement, and the development of transferable skills for post-school success.

Operationally, the HoLA will oversee the effective functioning of the HASS department, including assessment and reporting processes, resource management, budgeting, and staff coordination. They will work closely with the leadership team to contribute to whole-school planning, policy implementation and improvement initiatives.

The successful applicant will ideally be a visible and active contributor to the school's leadership team, displaying a commitment to the school's strategic goals and modelling its values in every aspect of their leadership. This role offers the opportunity to lead meaningful change, build staff capability, and positively impact the learning experience of all students within the HASS learning area.

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.

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, 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

• 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:

1. Step 1: Select Apply for Job. Complete the online application form, including details of two referees, preferably one being your current line manager.
2. Step 2: Attach your documents. Your application should include:
   • A CV of up to four (4) 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.
3. It is recommended you have your attachments ready before selecting Apply for Job.
4. Your application must be received before the closing date and time. Late applications will not be accepted.
5. For technical support submitting your application, you can call the Department of Education's Recruitment team on (08) 9264 4127 for assistance.
6. Advertised Vacancy Number: IPS/SA990120
7. 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.
8. The Department applies a four (4) day breach period to this selection process.
9. Applications close: 4:30 pm (AWST) on Monday, 8 September 2025.

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