Head of Learning Area - Health and Physical Education

Head of Learning Area - Health and Physical Education

Branch: Harrisdale Senior High School

Division: Independent Public School - South Metropolitan Education Region

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

Work Type: Permanent - Full Time

FTE: 1.0

Location: Harrisdale

Closing Date: 2025-11-24 4:30 PM

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 programs, 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) program 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 programs cater to a variety of student needs and interests, including a Gifted and Talented program, specialised music and sports programs (such as Cricket, Netball, and Volleyball), numerous after-school clubs, sporting teams, and a developing language program 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.

Find out more about our school by visiting harrisdaleshs.wa.edu.au or Schools Online.

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 programs that support both physical development and academic achievement.

The HoLA - HPE will lead curriculum delivery and improvement across Years 7–12, including both General and ATAR Health Studies and PE Studies pathways. The role also oversees the continued growth of VET offerings, including Certificate II in Sport Coaching and Certificate II in Sport and Recreation, ensuring students have access to diverse and meaningful post-school pathways.

In addition, the HoLA - HPE will manage the school’s specialist sports programs in Cricket, Volleyball, and Netball, while coordinating a range of extracurricular opportunities such as interschool competitions and student clubs including Badminton, Volleyball, the Fitness Centre, Soccer, and Study and Revision sessions. The position also provides leadership in the development of the Outdoor Education and Sport Science programs as part of the broader HPE curriculum.

Key responsibilities may include:

• Leading curriculum development and improvement across Years 7–12.
• Driving the success of ATAR and General HPE Studies.
• Overseeing VET pathways including Certificate II in Sport Coaching and Sport and Recreation.
• Managing specialist sports programs and extracurricular clubs.
• Coordinating interschool competitions and enrichment activities.
• Providing leadership in the development of Outdoor Education and Sport Science programs.
• Ensuring robust risk management for excursions, events, and off-site activities.
• Supporting staff through performance development, mentoring, and classroom observation.
• Managing the HPE Learning Area’s operational plan, budget, and resources.

The successful applicant should display strong leadership skills, the ability to foster a collaborative and supportive team culture, and a commitment to continuous professional learning. With a focus on excellence in teaching and student engagement, the HoLA - HPE will ideally inspire staff and students alike, ensuring the learning area remains at the forefront of innovation and success at Harrisdale SHS.

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 Everal.Eaton@education.wa.edu.au.

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

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; and
• 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

Apply online in two easy steps:

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/SA989714

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, 24 November 2025