Head of Learning Area

Job Overview Permanent full‑time position commencing Term 1, 2026. The Role The School of Isolated and Distance Education (SIDE) is seeking a dedicated, strategic thinker who is culturally responsive and committed to achieving the best educational outcomes for all students, as Head of Learning Area (HOLA) – The Arts. SIDE currently offers a range of Australian Tertiary Entrance Rank (ATAR), General and Preliminary Visual Arts and Media Arts courses to senior secondary students, and lower secondary Visual Arts and Media Arts courses for students in Years 7 to 10. This year, SIDE is trialling lower secondary Music courses with selected regional schools. SIDE is keen to explore introducing additional performing arts courses to our offerings, and applicants with experience across The Arts are encouraged to apply. To be suitable for this role, you will ideally have relevant experience and qualifications to teach one or more Arts subjects and have a thorough understanding of both the Western Australian Curriculum and WACE syllabus requirements in The Arts. The successful applicant may be required to take on an appropriate teaching load. As a high performing instructional and curriculum leader, you should display the ability to foster continual improvement in staff performance and lead your diverse team in supporting the strategic directions of the school. The ability to build partnerships and engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders across a range of contexts will be highly regarded in this role. About SIDE SIDE has a critical role within the Western Australian education system, supporting system needs and priorities. Our vision is to enhance and expand learning opportunities for Western Australian students, regardless of their circumstances, through high quality, inclusive and culturally responsive educational programmes in a blended learning environment, guided by our values of Connection, Courage, Equity, Creativity and Compassion. SIDE works with approximately 4000 students from diverse communities across Western Australia, including students based in over 270 partner schools. Our external students are predominantly in regional and remote schools and have a range of diverse cultural backgrounds. As a leader at SIDE, you will have the unique opportunity to lead the development and delivery of high‑quality, student‑focused programmes in a broad range of contexts. As a recognised leader in blended education in Australia, SIDE models exemplary practice in the use of both synchronous (Webex) and asynchronous (Moodle) platforms of instruction. SIDE has a dedicated training and support programme for staff who join our school. Our practice is contemporary and constantly evolving, making SIDE an exciting and dynamic place to work. All teaching staff and members of the Leadership team are expected to participate in our regional travel programme to meet the needs of students and partner schools. Visits are planned in negotiation with staff, and at times may include short‑term stays in regional and remote locations. SIDE has a main campus in Leederville and teaching facilities at Canning College, Clarkson Community High School, Northlake Senior Campus and Eaton Community College. By negotiation, you may be placed across any of these or future venues. 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. 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. More information about employment eligibility can be found on our website or in the attached application package. Additional eligibility and training requirements are outlined in the attached Job Description Form (JDF). Application Instructions Step 1: Select Apply for Job – Complete the online application form, including details of two (2) work‑related referees, preferably one (1) being your current line manager. Step 2: Attach your documents – Your application should include: A CV outlining your employment history and professional learning summary relevant to this position. A 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 staff, 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. Applications Close 4.30 pm (AWST) on Monday, 1 December 2025. Contact Information For more information about this opportunity, please contact Rachael Macfarlane, Deputy Principal on 0428 735 702 or Find out more about our school by visiting or Schools Online. #J-18808-Ljbffr