Head of Department (Curriculum)

Are you an experienced educational leader passionate about strengthening curriculum, teaching and learning? As Head of Department (Curriculum), you will play a key role in leading curriculum priorities, supporting high-quality teaching practice and contributing to a shared vision for positive student outcomes. Working collaboratively with staff, students and the wider school community, you will help foster a culture of high expectations, professional growth, inclusion and continuous improvement. If you are ready to lead meaningful curriculum initiatives and contribute to whole-school improvement, we encourage you to apply for this full-time permanent opportunity at Mackay District Special School.

About Us

Mackay District Special School in partnership with parents, carers and the community aims to provide students with the skills to interact with others as independently as possible. The school focuses on maximising students' opportunities to achieve sound educational outcomes. Our trained staff of teachers and therapists, supported by dedicated teacher aides and non-teaching staff, provide a caring, stimulating, safe and secure learning environment. We cater for students who have an intellectual impairment, and who may also have either autism, physical, visual, hearing and multiple impairments. Students are encouraged to learn and grow in confidence and self-esteem. Classes with low student numbers ensure that highly individualised programs based on a developmental curriculum meet the specific learning needs of every student. Well maintained and modern facilities, together with exciting outdoor learning environments, all go towards making Mackay District Special School a very supportive and positive place for students and their families.

Your Opportunity

As Head of Department (Curriculum), you will provide leadership across relevant curriculum areas or whole-school programs, working with staff and the wider school community to develop, articulate and deliver a shared educational vision focused on quality learning outcomes for all students. You will lead curriculum priorities aligned with school and departmental directions, support the ongoing development of teaching and learning practices, and set high standards for student and staff performance. You will promote lifelong learning and professional development, encouraging staff to continually strengthen their practice and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement. A key focus of the role will be embedding inclusive and socially just practices in daily school life, supporting an environment where all students are valued, engaged and provided with opportunities to achieve. You will also build and maintain effective partnerships with students, parents, colleagues, government agencies and community groups. Through these relationships, you will strengthen collaboration, support student engagement and contribute to positive outcomes across the school community. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to curriculum leadership, staff development and school improvement while helping shape a positive and inclusive learning environment for students and staff.

Please see the attached Role Description for a full list of responsibilities. 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.