compassion learning to live with wisdom.

Position Title Head of Department - Science

Appointed by Principal

Responsible to Director Of Academics (7-12)

Key working relationships Deputy Principal Learning and Teaching, Head of Studies , Heads of Department, Head
of Daily Operations, Head of Diverse Learning, Coordinator of Learning Technologies,
Science department

Last reviewed June 2026

Position Overview The Head of Science will have responsibility for teaching and learning, achievement
and attainment within the Science department Years 7 - 12.

He/she will inspire departmental colleagues and all students with a love for learning,
leading teachers and students to explore and value learning for their whole life.

The Head of Science will develop the discipline-specific expertise and pedagogical
capacity of staff, ensuring high-quality scientific inquiry is delivered alongside the
whole-school learning framework: Building Learning Power, and targeted literacy and
numeracy development.

The Head of Science is expected to be a key leader within the school and uphold the
College’s Christian Vision, Mission and Values.

Preamble Nowra Anglican College seeks to appoint Christian staff members who are energetic,
innovative and committed to the ethos of independent Christian education in the
Anglican tradition and are actively involved in their local church.

Who are we, and what do
we commit to?

Our Vision
To be a community of learners living and serving in Christ’s world
Our Mission
To provide a high quality Christian education within a welcoming community where
all individuals are valued and belong. As a community of learners we strive for
excellence, unlocking the potential of each individual, developing confident, active
learners who improve their world.
Our Values
Respect Compassion Wisdom

Involvement in the Life of
the School

• Attendance at Staff Devotions.
• Attendance at other staff meetings and committee meetings when required.
• All Senior School staff are involved in the Pastoral program in the Senior

School

• All staff are required to run a co-curricular activity such as a music ensemble,

• Performing other duties that are deemed appropriate by and in negotiation

Duties - Learning and
Teaching

Know students and how they learn Lead colleagues to select and develop teaching strategies to improve student

learning using knowledge of the physical, social and intellectual development
and characteristics of students.

• Lead processes to evaluate the effectiveness of teaching programs using

• Evaluate and revise school learning and teaching programs, using expert and

• Lead colleagues to evaluate the effectiveness of learning and teaching

• Use relevant school, local and national data to inform targets for

• Lead colleagues in developing, implementing and evaluating the College’s

• Have an enthusiasm for the learning of students which motivates and

Know the content and how to teach it Develop staff to deliver differentiated instruction to improve the literacy and

content and teaching strategies and demonstrate exemplary teaching of
subjects using effective, research-based learning and teaching programs.

• Lead colleagues to develop learning and teaching programs using

• Lead and support colleagues within the school to select and use ICT with

Plan for and implement effective teaching and learning Demonstrate exemplary practice and high expectations and lead colleagues

to encourage students to pursue challenging goals in all aspects of their
education.

• Implement policies and practices which reflect the College’s commitment to

• Facilitate a thorough review of each teacher’s program and provide written

• Demonstrate and lead by example inclusive verbal and non-verbal

Create and maintain supportive and safe learning environments Initiate strategies and lead colleagues to implement effective classroom

of Studies and Head of Diverse Learning to devise

strategies, interventions and programs to improve the literacy and numeracy
achievements of all students in all KLA’s.

• Guide colleagues in creating flexible learning spaces that complement the

• Assist the Diverse Learning team with the collection of NCCD data.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of student wellbeing policies and safe working

practices, using current school curriculum and legislative requirements,
and assist colleagues to update their practices.

Assess, provide feedback and report on student learning Evaluate school assessment policies and strategies to support colleagues

with: using assessment data to diagnose learning needs, complying with
school assessment requirements and using a range of assessment strategies.

• Build teacher capacity to identify the learning needs of students in our

• Promote a shared sense of responsibility and accountability for the learning

• Assist staff within Science to write informative and accurate reports on

Engage professionally with colleagues, parents/carers and the community Work collaboratively with the College Executive to promote improvement in

teaching and pedagogy particularly within Science in line with the College’s
Building Learning Power Learning and Teaching framework.

• Attend and contribute to Senior School Leadership meetings. The Head of

• Attend and assist as required to promote Nowra Anglican College and the

• Lead regular learning-focused meetings, keeping staff up-to-date with

• Provide regular feedback to teaching staff about learning and teaching which

• Assist in the completion of review, reflection or teacher accreditation

• Liaise with the Deputy Principal Learning & Teaching in monitoring and

• Advise and assist staff, as necessary, in relation to their professional

• Identify, initiate and build on opportunities that engage parents/carers in the

• Create and maintain a professional culture within your Department, and

Engage in professional learning Plan for professional learning by accessing and critiquing relevant research

professional development amongst all Science staff

• Model life-long learning to staff and students and continuous improvement

Resource Management Liaise with the Deputy Principal Learning and Teaching and Business Manager

to maintain efficient and effective management and organisation of learning
resources, by developing or identifying new resources.

• Ensure that the teaching area allocated to the Science department is kept in

Student well-being and behaviour management

• Heads of Department are to work with classroom teachers, the Pastoral Care

• The Heads of Department will consult with the Head of Pastoral Care for

Duties - WHS Lead and maintain a rigorous culture of safety and regulatory compliance across
Years 7–12 Science, ensuring strict adherence to the CSIS (Chemical Safety in
Schools) guidelines for the procurement, storage, and disposal of all hazardous or
biological substances. The Head of Science will formally supervise the Laboratory
Technician(s) to ensure up-to-date Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and equipment audits
are maintained, oversee the mandatory completion of comprehensive RiskAssess
profiles for all practical lessons and excursions, and ensure all teaching staff are
thoroughly inducted in lab-specific emergency protocols, standard operating
procedures, and the use of safety infrastructure.

Duties - Corporate Contribute to and maintain the College’s reputation, ethos and values with
colleagues, students and the wider community:

• Encourage students to know and live the College values in all aspects of their

• Encourage students to wear the College uniform correctly and with pride
• Model and uphold a high standard of professional behaviour

Selection criteria
(Please address these in
your cover letter)

• Degree plus recognised teaching qualifications. For example Bachelor

• Eligible to be accredited with the NSW Educational Standards Authority

• A Working With Children Check (WWCC)
• Proven successful experience in leading the improvement of learning

professional learning that has enhanced teacher capacity in improving
literacy and numeracy outcomes for students

• Demonstrated capacity to work alongside teachers to both model and

• Outstanding communication skills with the demonstrated capacity to

Additional Details The Head of Science, as a member of the senior teaching team, is expected to
commence at 8:00am in the morning and finish from 3:45pm in the
afternoon. He/she will also attend a fortnightly leadership meeting, as well as
a weekly staff meeting. These will comprise two afternoons per week
(Tuesdays and Thursdays) until 5:00pm.

• The Head of Science position will attract a .8 teaching allocation and a

• This position will commence Term 1, 2027, or earlier by negotiation. This is a

• This job description may be modified by the Principal, with the postholder’s