Head of Department

Overview

Girton Grammar School is seeking an experienced and enthusiastic academic leader to join our school community as the Head of Department - English in January 2026.

This is a three-year fixed-term position and is supported by an ongoing underlying teaching position.

About the Position

The Head of the English Department at Girton Grammar School plays a pivotal role in shaping and driving the school's teaching and learning strategies, with a particular commitment to the principles of direct explicit instruction and the science of learning. Informed by robust educational research, this leadership position is essential in ensuring the school's strategic priority of providing diverse teaching and learning pathways, maintaining high standards, and achieving exceptional outcomes within the educational context.

The Head of Department is responsible for implementing the school’s pedagogical model—anchored in evidence-based practice and a knowledge-rich curriculum—across the department to the highest standard, ensuring that all students are afforded the opportunities and support necessary to thrive academically and personally. By maintaining high standards of teaching and learning, and by fostering an environment of inclusivity and excellence, the Head of English applies the latest findings in cognitive science and instructional design to help students navigate their educational journey and access their preferred future at Girton Grammar School.

Why Join Us?

At Girton Grammar, you’ll be part of a vibrant school community committed to educational excellence. We provide our teachers with opportunities for professional development, equipping them to become leaders in the education sector. Our strong culture of optimism and respect fosters both personal growth and academic achievement in staff and students alike.

Benefits include:

- Work-Life Balance, 38 weeks of term time per year with flexible arrangements based on operational requirements.
- Professional Growth, access to leadership mentoring and development programs.
- Supportive Environment, paid parental leave for eligible staff, emergent leave, and an Employee Assistance Program.
- Benefits & Wellness, salary packaging, free vaccinations, and an active staff association.
- Community Focus, be part of a close-knit team dedicated to staff and student wellbeing.

Essential Qualifications and Key Selection Criteria

Education and teaching:

- A bachelor’s degree in education and current registration with the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT).
- A passion for and demonstrated curriculum knowledge of applicable subject areas and the creative and effective delivery of teaching and learning programs.
- Strong skills in information and communication technologies (ICT), especially as they relate to teaching and learning.
- Commitment to co-curricular activities.
- A basic understanding of the principles of the science of learning and explicit instruction.

Leadership Skills:

- Demonstrated ability to lead a team of educational professionals, provide feedback on performance expectations and outcomes, and identify and provision of professional development opportunities.

Analytical Skills:

- The ability to use and understand educational data and outcomes to enhance educational programmes and teaching practices.

Communication Skills:

- Excellent written and verbal communication skills to liaise with stakeholders, including teachers, administrators, and parents. The ability to convey information and concepts to staff in a clear and understandable manner.

Organisational Skills:

- Well-developed organisational skills to manage multiple people, tasks and programmes concurrently.

Adaptability:

- Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities, unexpected challenges, and last-minute adjustments in scheduling of programmes and activities.

Time Management:

- Efficient time management skills including the ability to manage complex processes within deadlines and to prioritise competing demands while maintaining a high standard of work.

Collaboration:

- Team-oriented mindset with the ability to collaborate effectively with academic and administrative staff.

Continuous Improvement:

- Commitment to staying informed about relevant educational best practices and a willingness to implement improvements for ongoing process enhancement.

Child Safety:

- A commitment to student wellbeing and child safety, demonstrating an understanding of appropriate behaviours.

How to Apply

To be eligible to apply you must hold existing work rights to work in Australia. If you are interested in applying for this position, please provide a resume and cover letter addressing the key selection criteria. Click Apply Now to submit your application.

Applications close on Friday, 19 September 2025

Interviews will commence as applications are received. Girton Grammar School reserves the right to commence the recruitment process and appoint the position before the applications close date.

All applicants must be eligible to work in Australia.

Girton Grammar School is committed to child safety. Candidates applying for teaching appointments must be registered with the Victorian Institute of Teaching. All other staff are required to provide a Working with Children Check (WWCC). Referee checks will be undertaken prior to employment. Girton Grammar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applications will be treated with strictest confidence.

Position Description - Head of Department English

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