Head Teacher Science

**Position Information**:
The role of head teacher Science at Ashcroft High School [AHS] requires a preparedness and passionate desire to be part of a senior team leading a unique innovative research-based learning environment. AHS has a growing enrolment - 45% over five years - of over 700, including 70% LBOTE and 15% students of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background. The school receives equity funding to assist considerable economic and social disadvantage [the lowest median income in NSW]. The school provides a range of innovative integrated structures to effectively support students' comprehensive development within a school community context. AHS has at its core a well-developed sense of vision and purpose, from which the _Whole Person _is_ _at the centre supported by various interconnecting layers [the School Plan]. This_ _focus means all aspects of human development are equally acknowledged and developed in order to assist comprehensive educational outcomes. The school is working on a research-based early-years to post-years community learning continuum that also includes a health-learning profile. High-level teaching and learning - the NSW Quality Teaching framework - is embedded in practice since 2004, and connects to all school programs. Cross-faculty teams support each other in this work.

High level, interconnected practice includes in-class (NSW) Quality Teaching and related data, student learning focus groups, all teacher reflective learning journals, social-emotional wellbeing and physical health impacts to inform practice over time; together with a high-functioning Student Leadership Council [four portfolios]. The school promotes and develops its own research-based practice including an Ashcroft Research Centre (ARC) for staff and students. Research also includes a more substantive understanding of our community - past, present and future and through the notion of _place and space _inclusive of all students learning and working together. AHS integrate a large _School Health_ faculty [including its own peer-reviewed papers] within the learning context together with a Student Support Services faculty and Learning Centre [student analysis and support]. This work forms an integral part of the School's Plan and Directions, and teacher leaders are required to be cognisant of its purpose and intent.

**Selection Criteria**:
Applicants must satisfy the teacher training and academic qualification requirements for this position, In addition to the general selection criteria,
- Preparedness to be part of an executive team leading learning innovation that is school research-based, and links to a comprehensive holistic approach to human development [the whole person].
- Preparedness to be part of an executive team supporting a wide-range of student learning capacities, and faculty staff to engender excitement and confidence regarding their teaching and learning to achieve comprehensive educational outcomes.
- Preparedness to see learning as an integrated whole. Science is connected to all parts of the school's direction including, e.g., literacy skills and within the broader community
- Preparedness to be part of an executive team and staff that embrace the NSW Quality Teaching model as an integrated part its pedagogical practice

**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**:
The Eligibility Requirements for Head Teacher Positions in NSW Government Schools are located here.

**About the NSW Department of Education