Head of Department

The Rockhampton Grammar School is seeking a passionate and dynamic Head of Department (Science) to lead our team starting in 2026.

Experience / expertise / interest in STEM would be highly regarded.

The Rockhampton Grammar School was founded in 1881 and is an independent co-educational day and boarding school, educating and caring for students from Prep to Year 12, as well as the Early Learning Years. The School is the largest independent boarding school in Queensland and the second largest co-educational boarding school in Australia. It is a leading school in regional Queensland and one of the foremost schools in regional Australia. The Rockhampton Grammar School has achieved great success in the academic, cultural, sporting and vocational fields over the past 144 years. The School has a total enrolment of over 1,500 (Prep to Year 12) students who are exposed to our broad curriculum, giving effect to our commitment of Grow in Character and Scholarship.

As part of our teaching team, we provide a supportive, flexible working environment where care for all our staff is an important part of our ethos. We employ motivated people who want to work together to produce excellent outcomes for our staff and students. Our staff are recognised as being central to achieving our mission.

The School values co-curricular involvement and provide a wide variety of opportunities for staff in this regard.

POSITION TITLE:  Head of Department (Science)

DEPARTMENT:  Secondary

CLASSIFICATION: Full-Time (5-year tenure)

REPORTS TO:  Head of Secondary School (Academics)

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

As the department leader, you are responsible for all aspects of learning, teaching, assessment and monitoring of the curriculum and be a mentor to other teachers. You will manage the School's curriculum-based technologies facilities and resources.

In addition to the expected role of all teachers (below), you will:

• Communicate a vision for the Department that aligns with the School's ethos, values and vision;
• Be a curriculum and pedagogy leader and manager of the Department;
• Contribute to and assist with the direction of the pastoral responsibilities of teachers in the department;
• Manage staff: participate in recruitment, encouragement, appraisal, guidance, provision of feedback, professional development and discipline;
• Administer all aspects of the department including budgeting; setting, communicating and meeting school-wide and departmental timelines and deadlines; QCAA and other curriculum requirements; and assessment and reporting requirements;
• Contribute to the profession, for example pre-service teacher training and publication of articles that promote excellence;
• Be committed to self-enrichment and professional growth;
• Contribute to the wider life of the School.

Teachers are expected to:

• Design and implement curriculum programmes which  embrace the School's learning focus and requirements ;
• Create a positive classroom environment that enhances student learning;
• Establish and review students' learning goals/outcomes and modify curriculum programmes accordingly;
• Continuously reflect on teaching practices and fully participate in the School's Personal Learning Programme;
• Build relationships and share teaching insights with colleagues;
• Communicate with parents;
• Demonstrate professionalism and a commitment to professional development;
• Contribute to the School and wider community through involvement in co-curricular activities;
• Maintain accurate records and meet deadlines.

N.B This position description contains the most important duties and tasks regarding the job to be done. It is not an exclusive/exhaustive list.

REQUIRED SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE

• Effective verbal and written communication;
• Strong classroom behaviour management techniques;
• Ability to influence others positively;
• Ability to react quickly and effectively in challenging situations;
• Ability to relate and build relationships easily.

REQUIRED LICENCES/CERTIFICATES

• Registration with Queensland College of Teachers;
• Safeguarding Children Online Training Certificate.

SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

The School takes child protection seriously, and as a staff member or volunteer of The Rockhampton Grammar School, you are required to meet the behaviour standards outlined in our Practice and Behaviour Guidelines. You will receive a copy of these guidelines as part of the induction process.

Therefore, as a part of your duties and responsibilities, you are also required to:

• Provide a welcoming and safe environment for children and young people;
• Promote the safety and wellbeing of children and young people to whom we provide services;
• Ensure that your interactions with children and young people are positive and safe;
• Provide adequate care and supervision of children and young people in your charge;
• Act as a positive role model for children and young people;
• Report any suspicions, concerns, allegations or disclosures of alleged abuse to management;
• Maintain valid "working with children" documentation;
• Undergo periodic "national criminal history record" checks;
• Report to management any criminal charges or convictions you receive during the course of your employment that may indicate a possible risk to children and young people.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

The successful applicant will be subject to a "Working with Children Check and Criminal Records Check" where applicable. The School undertakes several screening processes to ensure the appropriate protection of children and young people in its care. This includes reference checks, identity checks, qualification check and professional registration checks.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply for this position - please 'apply now' by emailing

Please submit the following compulsory items:

• Cover Letter, indicating why you are applying for this position and detailing your teaching experience;
• Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae with the contact details of two work related referees;
• RGS Application for Employment Form.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received however should be submitted no later than 4:00pm Monday 3 November 2025.

Enquiries should be directed to Reniece Carter - Head of Secondary School (Academics) on

*Note: only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

*Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

*The Rockhampton Grammar School reserves the right to amend this Position Description at its discretion in accordance with any Safeguarding of Children, legislative and/or operational requirements