Head of Department - History

ABOUT US

Knox Grammar School is an independent, multi-campus Kindergarten to Year 12 day and boarding school for boys, located at Wahroonga on Sydney’s North Shore. In addition to the single-sex campuses, Knox also operates Wahroonga Preparatory School, a co-educational campus for students from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 6.

A leading Uniting Church School, Knox aims to develop students of Faith, Wisdom, Integrity, Compassion and Courage within a caring Christian environment.

Why History at Knox?

History is a vibrant and highly valued discipline at Knox, empowering students to explore the complexities of the human experience through inquiry, debate and critical analysis. From ancient civilisations to contemporary global events, students are encouraged to question, investigate and engage deeply with the people, ideas and forces that have shaped our world.

How You'll Make an Impact

Knox Grammar School is seeking an exceptional educator and leader to join our academic leadership team as Head of Department – History. This is a permanent full-time position, commencing by negotiation. The successful candidate will join a highly collaborative academic leadership team and play a key role in advancing the School's commitment to educational excellence, innovation and student achievement.

Reporting to the Deputy Headmaster – Academics 7–12, the Head of Department is responsible for providing strategic, curriculum and instructional leadership that drives excellence in teaching and learning across the History faculty. As a member of the Heads of Department Team, the successful candidate will lead a passionate team of educators, shape a future-focused History program, and foster a culture of intellectual curiosity, academic rigour, collaboration and continuous improvement.

The successful candidate will be committed to historical scholarship, evidence-informed practice and creating learning experiences that challenge students to think deeply, question thoughtfully and engage meaningfully with the world around them.

The Head of Department receives a 0.4 teaching release in line with School guidelines.

THE ROLE

The Head of Department will:

• Provide purposeful and effective leadership of the History faculty, fostering a culture of collegiality, accountability, professional growth and high performance.
• Lead a rich and intellectually challenging History program that inspires students to investigate the past, evaluate evidence, engage with diverse perspectives and understand their role in shaping the future.
• Lead the development, implementation and review of curriculum and assessment programs across Years 7–12
• Lead faculty engagement with the Knox Teaching and Learning Framework and support evidence-informed teaching practice.
• Champion excellence in historical inquiry, fostering advanced research skills, critical source analysis, academic writing and thoughtful debate across all History courses.
• Promote opportunities for enrichment, extension and academic scholarship, including competitions, excursions and experiences that deepen students' engagement with History.
• Develop the leadership capacity of team members through mentoring, delegation and professional growth opportunities.
• Monitor and maintain high academic standards across all History courses and year groups.
• Ensure compliance with NESA requirements and School policies relating to curriculum, assessment and reporting.

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate the following:

• Relevant tertiary qualifications, teaching credentials, and accreditation with the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA).
• Proven experience leading high-performing teams and fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrated expertise in History education across Years 7–12, including curriculum leadership, assessment design, historical scholarship and a commitment to academic excellence and inquiry-based learning.
• The ability to inspire a love of History through engaging storytelling, historical inquiry, critical analysis and authentic connections between the past and the contemporary world.
• Experience leading curriculum development, assessment design and the implementation of effective, evidence-informed teaching and learning practices.
• Demonstrated success in coaching, mentoring and developing staff to enhance professional practice and improve student outcomes.
• Expertise in analysing and using student achievement data to inform teaching, monitor progress and drive continuous improvement.
• Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills, together with a commitment to the values and ethos of Knox Grammar School and the holistic education of boys.

OUR OFFER

• Competitive salary and conditions.
• Professional development and leadership growth opportunities.
• Staff wellbeing committee and wellbeing initiatives including fitness and wellbeing programs.
• Staff awards and recognition programs.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and annual flu vaccinations.
• Teacher accreditation mentoring and support.
• Daily morning tea provided and access to an onsite café.

HOW TO APPLY

Please apply via the Knox Careers Page.

Knox offers outstanding long-term career opportunities, is values driven and an equal opportunity employer. Knox encourages all qualified applicants to apply.

Before applying, please read the comprehensive role description found on our website: https://www.knox.nsw.edu.au/employment/

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS

4.00pm Monday 10 August 2026

Please note that applications will be assessed as they are received, and interviews may be conducted prior to the closing date.

Knox Grammar School is committed to the safety, protection and wellbeing of all our students and children involved in activities at Knox. The School actively promotes a culture of child safety and requires all prospective staff to be suitable and committed to protecting students from abuse or harm in the school environment.