Deputy Principal

**Position Information**:
Hunter School of the Performing Arts is the only fully selective performing arts public school in NSW. Around 1150 students are enrolled across Years 3-12 including 48 Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students. Students from across the Hunter, Central Coast and Port Stephens are enrolled through an audition process. The school caters for a wide range of student abilities, with a strong emphasis on the performing arts and developing high potential of students in dance, music and drama. In addition, we have high expectations of academic success. Students at the school are supported by a staff of 80 teachers and 20 support and administrative officers.

The key initiatives and programs in the school focus on student wellbeing and values education. Quality teaching and learning and excellence in the performing arts are supported through staff professional learning.

Extra curricular activities include extensive drama, dance, music ensembles. Opportunities are provided through extension and immersion programs in the performing arts, STEM, theatre, film and audio technology. Sporting teams and competitions enable our students to excel through a range of different experiences. In supporting the learning of our students, staff and community we have fostered strong partnerships with the Mulloobinbah AECG and links with The University of Newcastle, the National Institute of Dramatic Art, Conservatorium of Music and Civic Theatre Newcastle. Our dance students are supported to meet their goals through a future focused dance program incorporating student placement with local dance studios and flexibility in attendance. The school culture is one of connectedness, inclusion and belonging with students, staff, parents and the wider community working together to promote school excellence and students ‘performing at their best’.

**Selection Criteria**:
In addition to the general selection criteria: A highly intrapersonal leader with skills as a reflective practitioner with a growth focus who can work collaboratively with the senior executive team to drive continuous improvement and transforming practice. A creative thinker who can innovatively design, lead and strategically manage the implementation of new pedagogies, with the ability to manage the full range of challenges that arise within a selective Performing Arts education setting. A highly visible and proactive leader who can lead transforming practices, to lead, review, design, implement and evaluate teaching and learning processes and programs, including those for teacher professional learning. An ethical leader, with demonstrated high levels of expertise and interpersonal skills in developing and managing the performance of individuals and teams, with a strong working understanding of school improvement. A culturally competent leader that maintains and promotes a school culture of understanding and commitment to deliver on the opportunities that the performing arts have to broaden and deepen the school and its community’s knowledge, understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal history and culture.

**General Selection Criteria**:
1. Successful teaching experience with capacity to initiate improvement in teaching, learning and classroom practice

2. Knowledge of curriculum, assessment and student welfare with the ability to lead and design quality, inclusive teaching and learning programs

3. Educational leadership skills to build the capacity and manage the performance of individuals and teams

4. Well developed communication and interpersonal skills with the capacity to build relationships and engage students, staff and parents

5. Ability to plan and manage resources effectively and equitably to support teaching and learning

6. Knowledge of and commitment to the Department's Aboriginal education policies

**Conditions**:
**Special Notes**:
**About the NSW Department of Education