Head of Department

The Principal of Cape York Australian Aboriginal Academy (CYAAA) is seeking applications for a Head of Department - Curriculum for Hope Vale Campus. This is a temporary full-time position until 4 December 2026, unless otherwise determined.

Welcome to Cape York Aboriginal Australian Academy

The Cape York Aboriginal Australian Academy (CYAAA) is a partnership between the Queensland Department of Education and Good to Great Schools Australia (GGSA). The school delivers a Direct Instruction and explicit teaching model, providing a structured and evidence-based approach to ensure high-quality learning outcomes for all students.

Our vision is for our students to achieve their full potential, talent and creativity, and have the confidence and capacity for hard work so they can orbit between two worlds and enjoy the best of both.

Our education model is driven by a focus on the child and a belief that successful outcomes can be achieved for every child. It has two priority areas:

• Effective teaching, which relates to quality teaching program supported with school team professional learning and a strong commitment to continuous school improvement; and
• Social and emotional wellbeing of students delivered through the Every Child is Special program that is evidence-based and has strong family and community engagement.

The Academy campuses have transformed on their improvement journey from 'Poor to Fair' and are now on the 'Fair to Good' journey. For the first time children in these campuses have access to a quality 'best of both worlds' education.

About the Role:

You will have access to our Mastery Teaching Pathway (MTP), a unique professional learning platform that provides certified school improvement training and coaching to school leaders, coaches, teachers and teaching assistants. It links to the Australian National Leadership and Teaching Professional (AITSL) leadership and teaching standards. The learning you do will enable you to practice effective teaching and coaching that you can apply to any pedagogy, curriculum or education program in any classroom in any Australian school. This enables effective teaching, which in turn leads to improved educational outcomes for students.

Responsibilities include, but not limited to;

• Provide visionary leadership to build and sustain a shared commitment to quality learning outcomes for all students.
• Promote equity and inclusion by embedding socially just practices and setting high expectations for staff and student performance.
• Model professional growth through active engagement in lifelong learning and continuous improvement.
• Foster strong partnerships with students, parents, community groups, and government agencies to enhance educational outcomes.
• Lead strategic and effective management of people, policies, resources, and planning to achieve departmental goals and ensure compliance with legislation.

About living in Hopevale

Set in a picturesque valley, Hopevale is a discrete Aboriginal community situated approximately 370km north of Cairns and just under 50km north-west of Cooktown. The community has a population of around 1,500 people, with its own school, hospital, church, supermarket and service station.

Please refer to the attached role description for any mandatory requirements for this position.

How to apply:

• Please submit a brief resume including contact details for 2 referees (referees should have an understanding of your relevant previous work history); and
• A 2-pg response to the How you will be Assessed section of the attached role description.

We welcome all applicants to share any support needed to ensure our recruitment process is inclusive.

Applications remain current for 12 months from the closing date and may be considered for appointment to identical or similar vacancies within the Department.

Applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted.