Head of Department (Social Sciences) in Sydney

• Tara Anglican School for Girls – North Parramatta NSW
• Tara Anglican School for Girls | North Parramatta
• Permanent Full-Time | A Rare Leadership Opportunity

For the first time in 28 years, Tara Anglican School for Girls is seeking an exceptional educator and leader to establish and lead our newly created

Head of Department (Social Sciences) position.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future direction of Social Sciences within a highly regarded independent girls' school, leading a department that plays a vital role in developing informed, engaged and globally-minded young women.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to influence curriculum innovation, strengthen teaching excellence, mentor and develop staff, and contribute meaningfully to the strategic direction of the School.

As an

International Baccalaureate (IB) World School committed to academic excellence across all stages of learning, Tara seeks an educator who is excited by the possibilities of contemporary education and who is committed to fostering curiosity, critical thinking and a deep understanding of the world around us.

About the Role

The Head of Department is a key middle leadership position responsible for leading the strategic direction, academic performance, and day-to-day operations of the Social Sciences learning area within the Senior School.

Reporting to the Director of Teaching & Learning (7-12), the role provides leadership and support to teaching staff, fosters a culture of professional growth and collaboration, and ensures the delivery of outstanding teaching and learning programs that promote student achievement, engagement and wellbeing.

The successful applicant will work closely with students, staff and school leaders to drive continuous improvement, curriculum excellence and innovation aligned with the School's vision, values and strategic priorities.

The role includes a teaching load and requires an individual who leads through both strategic influence and exemplary classroom practice.

About You

You are an accomplished educator and inspiring leader with a genuine passion for the Social Sciences and a commitment to developing young women who are intellectually curious, informed and empowered to make a positive contribution to society.

You bring demonstrated success in secondary teaching, strong curriculum expertise, and the ability to build a high-performing and collaborative team culture.

You are recognised for your ability to mentor and support colleagues, champion evidence-informed practice, and foster a learning environment where both staff and students can thrive.

Most importantly, you are excited by the opportunity to shape a department's future, establish a shared vision for excellence, and leave a lasting legacy within a school community that values innovation, scholarship and meaningful relationships.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership of the Social Sciences department.
• Lead curriculum planning, implementation, review and innovation.
• Foster excellence in teaching, learning and assessment practices.
• Mentor, support and develop teaching staff.
• Monitor student achievement and use data to drive improvement.
• Promote high expectations for student learning, engagement and wellbeing.
• Lead departmental professional learning initiatives.
• Manage departmental resources and budgets.
• Contribute to whole-school strategic priorities and initiatives.
• Promote co-curricular, enrichment and community engagement opportunities.
• Maintain strong relationships with students, families and colleagues.
• Model outstanding professional practice and leadership.
• Appropriate teaching qualifications and current NESA accreditation.
• Demonstrated success teaching in a secondary school setting.
• Experience teaching senior secondary courses.
• Strong curriculum, assessment and pedagogical expertise.
• Proven leadership capability and experience developing others.
• Strong understanding of contemporary teaching and learning practices.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and organisational skills.
• Ability to analyse student data and drive continuous improvement.
• Confidence integrating technology to enhance learning outcomes.
• Commitment to professional growth and the values of Tara Anglican School for Girls.
• Previous experience in a middle leadership or Head of Department position.
• Knowledge of, experience with, or willingness to learn the International Baccalaureate framework.
• Experience leading curriculum innovation and improvement initiatives.
• Engagement in professional associations and educational networks.
• Experience in curriculum development, educational review or external assessment processes.
• Experience leading co-curricular, enrichment or community engagement programs.

Why Join Tara?

At Tara Anglican School for Girls, we are committed to empowering young women through academic excellence, innovation, faith and community.

Staff are supported through a culture of collaboration, professional growth and genuine care for wellbeing.

This leadership opportunity offers the chance to shape a department, influence educational practice, and contribute to the next chapter of Tara's history.

Closing date for Applications: 29 October 2026

Tara may conduct interviews on receipt of applications of interest and appoint suitable candidates prior to the closing date.

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