Head of Department - The Arts

Division: Independent Public School - South Metropolitan Education Region

Salary: Level 3, $137,428 - $150,385 per annum (pro-rata) (SEA GA 2023)

This is a permanent full-time position commencing Term 1, 2026

Byford Secondary College (SC) is an Independent Public School catering for students from Years 7 to 12. Our vision is to create a vibrant and successful educational community in the heart of Byford, reflected in a culture of success and a comprehensive curriculum for the students who attend.

Byford SC provides a contemporary facility with modern spaces designed to enhance student learning. The college offers pathways leading to Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR), Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications, or future employment, delivered in new design and technology workshops, science laboratories, education support facilities and other state-of-the-art learning areas across the campus.

Byford SC is seeking to appoint a highly motivated and proactive Learning Area Leader - The Arts, with the experience and drive to develop a culture of excellence in teaching and learning in the Arts Learning Area.

The successful applicant should have a focus on instructional leadership, be a creative thinker, and be willing to lead change. The role includes building and maintaining an effective team, strong communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to contribute to the school's strategic and operational plans through leadership and professional knowledge.

The successful applicant will ideally have the experience to lead staff and curriculum development across all Arts disciplines, oversee the Languages program (German), and model high-impact classroom teaching methods. Byford SC supports students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Education Support, valuing inclusive education.

Leading improvements in student outcomes and engagement through innovative strategic direction is a key aspect of this position. Networking with local PS Networks and community initiatives is important. Experience or knowledge of Fogarty Edvance and Western Australia Positive Behaviour Support (WA PBS) is highly desirable.

• Lead instructional practice and curriculum development across The Arts disciplines and oversee the Languages program (German).
• Build, lead and develop a high-performing team; foster collaboration and professional learning.
• Contribute to the school's strategic and operational plans through effective leadership and professional knowledge.
• Model and promote high-impact classroom teaching strategies to improve student learning outcomes.
• Support inclusive education and SEN/Education Support programs.
• Establish partnerships with local networks and community initiatives to enhance student engagement and learning opportunities.
• Assist in the development and implementation of engaging curricula and assessment practices.

• Experience and professional knowledge to lead staff and curriculum development across The Arts and oversight of the German program.
• Strong instructional leadership, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to motivate staff, manage change, and contribute to school-wide strategic planning.
• Experience or knowledge of Fogarty Edvance and WA PBS is highly desirable.
• Commitment to inclusive education and supporting diverse learners.

Working for the Department of Education includes competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, training and career development opportunities, and attractive leave provisions. Find out more about the benefits by visiting the professional and personal benefits page.

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 Leisa Hanson, Associate Principal, on or emailing .

We are committed to an inclusive and culturally responsive workforce reflecting the diversity of our schools and the Western Australian community. We welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, people of diverse genders and sexualities, people with disabilities, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Explore our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Plan for more details.

To work with us, you must:

• 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.

Additional eligibility and training requirements are outlined in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).

Apply online in two steps:

Step 1: Select Apply for Job

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 three (3) 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
• Demonstrated capacity to manage staff, physical and financial resources

It is recommended you have 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 for assistance.

Advertised Vacancy Number: IPS/SA972417

Suitable applicants may be considered for similar vacancies arising within the next 12 months following this selection process. This may include circumstances where the successful applicant declines or vacates the position.

The Department applies a four (4) day breach period to this selection process.

Applications close: 4.30pm (AWST) on Monday, 27 October 2025