Dance in Melbourne

Taylors Lakes Secondary College commenced classes in 1992. The 2027 enrolment is expected to be at approximately 1300 students across years 7-12. The College is single campus and is situated on approximately 8 hectares, adjacent to Taylors Lakes Primary School and the Taylors Lakes Recreation Club. The school is located approximately 22 km north-west of Melbourne G.P.O. The College is part of a multi‐cultural community.

During 2025, we completed our School Review. Our Strategic Plan for the period 2026 -2029 has been developed, focusing on student achievement, engagement, connectedness, health and wellbeing. Curriculum and assessment development, together with effective instruction and feedback, is crucial to drive improvement. The College has begun implementing a whole school model to support these strategies, including a major focus on differentiation and student voice and agency.

Our TLSC Learner Model highlights our commitment to developing life‐long learners, incorporating the e5 Model, wellbeing, and essential skills such as character, communication, citizenship, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking. We value learning and growth for all students and staff.

In 2024, we commenced a greater focus on three pillars: Reading and English, Numeracy and Maths, and VCE Improvement. The leadership team supports all staff to improve their classroom instruction in these areas, leading to significant growth in student outcomes. The College has several curriculum‐based programs to support students and enhance engagement in their learning.

The College's Learning Enhancement and Advancement Program (LEAP) is now operating in its tenth year. There is a strong instrumental music and dance program that utilises the Performing Arts facility, as well as a strong Football Academy incorporating both AFL and Soccer.

We continue to emphasise student connectedness to school, particularly looking at attendance, development of student management procedures, and providing a broad range of student wellbeing and pathways options. Digital (BYOD) learning is embedded across the college using netbook computers, with an expectation that teachers will use ICT to enhance teaching and student learning.

The College is committed to a common documented curriculum, based on teachers planning and evaluating together. There is a history of curriculum innovation and a strong culture of promoting professional learning to enhance student outcomes. Professional Learning Teams support building staff capacity, and teacher coaches work alongside other teachers.

Our assessment and reporting policy is consistent across all learning areas. A continuous reporting model is utilised whereby parents receive progress reports every 6 weeks, along with an end of semester report. A Learning Support Program targets students experiencing literacy and numeracy deficits, operating at both individual and group levels. There is a strongly supported Inclusive Program for students with disabilities and access to psychologists and social workers.

The co‐curricular program is strong across the College, with many camps operating at different levels. Interschool sport is diverse and comprehensive. An extensive student leadership program operates at all levels, along with a school production and a large lunchtime activities program. Applied learning programs have commenced and will continue to be a focus over the next few years. Afterschool homework clubs attract high participation.

Teachers are central to providing high‐quality education. Good quality teaching programs are supported by quality education support staff. The school recognises its responsibility to induct, support, motivate, and resource staff at a high level, maintaining a strong commitment to professional development.

Staff who teach at Taylors Lakes Secondary College are required to participate in the performance development process set by the department, committing to further develop teaching strategies for improved student learning outcomes. All staff are expected to be computer literate and enhance learning technology in their teaching.

Teachers are expected to support the BYOD learning program, use their notebooks within classrooms, and commit to ongoing professional learning. All staff will use the school nominated fully integrated electronic communication and management package (Compass).

The College has completed a range of building projects over the last 10 years, including upgrades to administration areas, staff facilities, and computer service centres. Our Performing Arts area has expanded with additional instrumental music teaching and facilities, as well as upgrades to food technology and library areas. Our school grounds continue to be developed with landscaping, student seating, shade areas, and upgrades to toilets and change rooms.

Selection Criteria:

• Demonstrate a high level of ability to work as a supportive member of the Performing Arts team.
• Demonstrate high-level interpersonal skills when relating to students, parents, and staff.
• Demonstrate thorough technical knowledge in dance specialisation and the capacity to teach within the performing arts curriculum.
• Use appropriate assessment methods to monitor and record student learning progress.
• Demonstrate a commitment to professional learning and growth for self and others.

Role:

• Provide dance tuition to students electing to be part of the program.
• Contribute to the performance program across a wide range of performances.
• Support the development of a performing arts culture within the school.
• Monitor, evaluate, and report on student progress.
• Maintain records of class attendance and a high standard of student tuition.

Who May Apply:

Individuals with the aptitude, experience, and/or qualifications to fulfill the specific requirements of the position.

Diversity and Inclusion:

The department is committed to diversity and inclusion, valuing diversity in all forms. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. The Department promotes flexible work and diversity across all schools.

Child Safe Standards:

Victorian government schools are child safe environments, actively promoting the safety and wellbeing of all students.

Conditions of Employment:

All staff employed by the Department have access to a broad range of employment conditions. Appointment of successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory pre-employment conditions check.