Head of Learning Area

Head of Learning Area - Health and Physical Education This is a permanent full‑time position commencing Term 1, 2026. Harrisdale Senior High School (SHS) is one of the largest schools in Western Australia, attracting students from diverse geographic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds. With a student population of over 2300, approximately 180 teaching staff, and 70 support staff, the school offers an inclusive and comprehensive education for Years 7 to 12. It is the school of choice for many local and international families. Our commitment to the intellectual, creative, and social development of students is evident through our stimulating and relevant programmes, high‑impact teaching strategies, and classroom practices. We place a strong emphasis on pastoral care and academic achievement, supported by robust community involvement and parental support. As one of the state’s newest secondary schools, Harrisdale SHS is already recognised for its outstanding achievements and results. We offer a comprehensive Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) programme and place a high emphasis on the quality and delivery of General and Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses to provide a holistic education. Our specialist programmes cater to a variety of student needs and interests, including a Gifted and Talented programme, specialised music and sports programmes (such as Cricket, Netball, and Volleyball), numerous after‑school clubs, sporting teams, and a developing language programme in French and Japanese. We pride ourselves on the ethos that all students will achieve success through excellence in teaching and learning. Harrisdale SHS has a strong, positive culture where teachers play a key role in ensuring our school values of Care, Respect, Responsibility, and Excellence are upheld and reflected in all actions. The Role Harrisdale SHS is seeking an experienced and dynamic educator to lead our Health and Physical Education (HPE) Head of Learning Area (HoLA). The successful applicant should be a strategic, research‑based, data‑informed and people‑focused leader who can inspire staff, innovate curriculum, and strengthen programmes that support both physical development and academic achievement. The HoLA – HPE will: Lead curriculum development and improvement across Years 7–12. Drive the success of ATAR and General HPE Studies. Oversee VET pathways including Certificate II in Sport Coaching and Sport and Recreation. Manage specialist sports programmes and extracurricular clubs. Coordinate inter‑school competitions and enrichment activities. Provide leadership in the development of Outdoor Education and Sport Science programmes. Ensure robust risk management for excursions, events, and off‑site activities. Support staff through performance development, mentoring, and classroom observation. Manage the HPE Learning Area’s operational plan, budget, and resources. Professional Benefits Working for the Department of Education you will enjoy a range of benefits including competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, training and career development opportunities and attractive leave provisions. Find out more about the benefits by visiting professional and personal benefits. Want to know more? Full details of the role, selection criteria and training requirements are listed in the attached Job Description Form (JDF). For more information about this opportunity, please contact Everal Eaton, Principal, by telephoning (08) 9397 8000 or emailing Equity and Diversity We are committed to an inclusive and culturally responsive workforce reflecting the diversity in our schools and the Western Australian community. We welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, young people, people of diverse sexualities and genders, people with disability, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Explore our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Plan 2021‑2025 for more details. Eligibility Be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent resident or have a valid visa with relevant work rights for the term of the appointment. Hold registration with the Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia. Obtain a valid Working With Children Check before you start. Consent to a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and obtain a current Screening Clearance Number issued by the Department of Education’s Screening Unit before you start. Application Instructions Step 1: Select Apply for Job Complete the online application form, including details of two (2) work‑related referees, preferably one being your current line manager. Step 2: Attach your documents Your application should include: A CV of up to three (3) pages outlining your employment history and professional learning summary relevant to this position. A four (4) page statement addressing the following selection criteria as outlined in the attached JDF: Demonstrated capacity to provide effective leadership in a diverse range of educational settings. High level of interpersonal and public relations skills that demonstrate the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships to achieve planned outcomes. Demonstrated professional knowledge and the ability to apply this knowledge to ensure a high level of educational outcomes for all students (e.g. Aboriginal students, students from diverse ethnic backgrounds and students with special needs). Demonstrated capacity to manage physical and financial resources. It is recommended you have your attachments ready before selecting Apply for Job. Your application must be received before the closing date and time. Late applications will not be accepted. For technical support submitting your application, you can call the Department of Education’s Recruitment team on (08) 9264 4127 for assistance. Advertised Vacancy Number: IPS/SA Applications close: 4.30 pm (AWST) on Monday, 24 November 2025. Seniority level Director Employment type Full‑time Job function Human Resources Industries Education Administration Programs #J-18808-Ljbffr