Head of Languages (P-12)

An exceptional opportunity to shape how a whole school learns languages, from Pre-School to the IB Diploma and HSC.

The Opportunity - Languages at Redlands

Redlands is an independent Anglican coeducational school of around 1,800 students in Cremorne, Sydney. Following a comprehensive P-12 Languages Review, we are appointing our first Head of Languages (P-12): one leader, one faculty, one story, from a student's first Spanish words in Pre-School to the IB Diploma and HSC examination halls.

Languages at Redlands will follow a single progression: Foundation in the early years (P-4), where the quality of language input matters more than the quantity of content; Choice in the middle years (Yrs 5-8), where every student studies a language and finds the one they want to keep; Commitment in Yrs 9-10, where depth and purpose sustain engagement; and Mastery in the senior years, with the IB Diploma as the visible summit. The Review was clear about how to deepen engagement and learning in Languages at Redlands this appointment exists to enable that vision.

There is a defined pedagogy to build on: fluency treated as a discipline, with deliberate, spaced, low-stakes practice that builds automaticity, paired with communicative, task-based learning in which students use the language for real purposes in every lesson. Redlands is a Round Square school, and Languages sits at the centre of what that membership makes possible: exchange, immersion, overseas tours and genuine international partnerships.

As an academic leader, the Head of Languages (P-12) will take part in Catalyst, the School's academic leadership program developed with the Independent Schools NSW, this is a deliberate investment in their growth as a leader of learning

This is a change leadership role for an exceptional leader who can grow a thriving, progressive faculty across two campuses, transform student engagement and make Languages one of the most visible, loved and academically respected faculties in the School. If you are an exceptional educator ready to lead, innovate and inspire, we would love to hear from you!

What success will look like

• One P-12 faculty with a shared signature pedagogy, a common language for progress and staff who plan, share practice and celebrate together across both campuses
• Elective retention rising year on year from the end of Yr 8 into senior pathways, with healthy IB Diploma and HSC Languages cohorts
• A Foundation program (P-4) recognised for the quality, frequency and richness of its language input rather than the volume of its content
• A thriving cocurricular program, beginning with a Chinese heritage speakers program built in partnership with our families and community, and heritage pathways that recognise what students already bring
• Students using their language beyond the classroom through exchange, immersion, overseas tours and Round Square partnerships
• Languages visibly celebrated at every open day, tour and showcase, with the Head of Languages as its confident public voice
• Parents who can name where their child sits on the progression from Foundation to Choice to Commitment to Mastery, and why it matters

Teaching Load: The role will attract 0.5 FTE teaching load, alongside the leadership role, with the teaching load to be confirmed with the scope of cocurricular oversight

Who you are

• You may be a Head of Languages ready for a larger canvas. You may equally be an EAL/D or English leader with deep expertise in language acquisition, or an experienced senior leader drawn back to the work that matters most. We are appointing on leadership first.
• A proven leader of teachers, with experience leading a faculty, program or school through significant change
• A curriculum thinker who understands how students acquire language, the adolescent engagement dip and the IB and HSC as end points
• Credible with specialist teachers in both primary and secondary settings, with exemplary classroom practice of your own
• A genuinely engaging presenter and storyteller, at home in front of students, staff, parents and prospective families
• Connected and outward-looking, with networks across NSW, Australia or internationally and an eye for innovative practice
• Relevant tertiary and teaching qualifications, with NESA accreditation or clear eligibility to obtain accreditation to teach in NSW
• Experience teaching HSC and/or IB Languages is highly regarded, as is proficiency in one or more of the languages taught at the School and experience across national and international curriculum contexts. None is a prerequisite for an outstanding leader.

How to Apply

We are recruiting nationally and internationally for this role with sponsorship a consideration for the right candidate

• Please apply via the Redlands website with a curriculum vitae, a cover letter of no more than two pages responding to this advertisement, and the names of three referees.
• Applications will be reviewed as they are received and the position may close prior to the advertised closing date should a suitable candidate be identified. We encourage interested applicants to apply ASAP!

Applications close: 5:00pm, 11 September 2026

Redlands

Cremorne, NSW

Website: https://www.redlands.nsw.edu.au/
Principal: Sean Corcoran
Affiliation: Anglican
Teaching Level: Not applicable
Gender: Coed

1700 Students
168 Teaching Staff
122 Non-Teaching Staff

Redlands is a dynamic, leading Sydney independent school, providing a diverse, co-educational P-12 learning environment with an innovative, flexible and research-based teaching practice. We aim to inspire students to achieve life-readiness and to let their light shine, through the provision of a world recognised, contemporary education. The School is founded in the Anglican tradition, based upon established Christian values.