Head of History and Religious Education

Full Time Ongoing Position

Start Date: Term 1, 2021

Closing Date:  30 September 2020

MLC School is looking for an inspirational and passionate Head of History and Religious Education.

Who is MLC School?

Founded in 1886 MLC School is an Australian Independent Girls’ School of the Uniting Church in Australia. MLC School’s mission is to educate and inspire young women to be fearless thinkers with moral courage and compassion to be agents of change in their own lives and the lives of others.

Our academic, co-curricular and pastoral care programs are responsive to the changing needs of these complex times and encourage girls to take measured risks, embrace innovation and adapt to change.

About the position:

The Head of History and Religious Education is responsible for leading and coordinating the development and delivery of innovative teaching programs aligned to the strategic goals and priorities of the School. This newly merged department requires an accomplished leader with a diverse depth and breadth of knowledge as a Historian with experience as a Religious Education classroom practitioner an advantage.

As a pedagogical leader at MLC School, the Head of History and Religious Education encourages and inspires the development of a strong, effective and innovative teaching team that operates ethically, with a clear focus on providing opportunities for every girl to reach her full potential. This includes analysis of data from a range of sources to enable tracking of individual student progress, and mentoring of staff to achieve academic excellence within their discipline. They support the members of the History and Religious Education department in the development of professional learning plans that are aligned to the strategic goals and priorities of the School.  Building the capacity of the members of their team to meet these is a key function of this role.

In this context, the Head of History and Religious Education is responsible for building a culture within which the wellbeing, academic progress and spiritual development of each girl go hand in hand.  They are a key contributor to leading learning within the academic team and promoting the importance of educating the ‘whole’ girl and promote the importance of partnering with parents. Responding to parent communication in a timely manner and being proactive in initiating this when required is an essential aspect of the relationship with the parent body.

Key Role Specific Responsibilities:

• Lead and oversee the development and implementation of the Department’s teaching programs, ensuring that they cater for the learning needs and wellbeing of all students.
• Implement a regular revision and review cycle for all aspects of the teaching programs so that they remain responsive to current research in pedagogical practice.
• As a content area specialist and pedagogical leader within the School, the Head of History and Religious Education must model exceptional practice at all times the standards expected by the School in their own teaching practice.
• As a content area specialist, impart expert knowledge, skills and advice in the relevant subject/s and course/s allocated in the annual timetable.  In fulfilling this obligation, develop professional expertise in accordance with the requirements of the negotiated Professional Development Plan developed annually in consultation with the Head of Learning and Teaching.
• Engage collaboratively with other leaders of the Learning and Teaching team, teachers and other learning specialists across the school to inform the development and implementation of teaching strategies that cater for individual learning styles and ability levels.

Essential Skills, Experience and Knowledge required:

• Secondary School Teacher qualification approved by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA)
• Ability to teach NSW Syllabuses for the Australian Curriculum for History and Religious Education Years 7-12, including Extension History. Ability to teach Studies of Religion I and II an advantage.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with colleagues to shape and deliver the School based Religious Education program in Years 7-10
• Experience, or an interest, in teaching the IB Diploma Programme.
• Demonstrated capacity to grow and support a diverse faculty in the development of History and Religious Education programs, quality assessment and innovative pedagogies focused on the NESA and IB curriculums to increase engagement and maximise learning outcomes for all students.
• The ability to work effectively and cohesively within the History and Religious Education faculty and the broader Learning and Teaching team.  
• Ability to plan and manage resources effectively and equitably to support teaching and learning.
• Working with Children Check clearance number must be provided as part of this application.

The successful candidate will be rewarded with a number of exciting benefits including:

• Excellent remuneration package
• Professional learning opportunities
• Salary packaging
• Discounted School fees
• Onsite parking
• Access to the School’s gym and indoor Aquatic Centre    

How to Apply:

Please click click HERE to view the position description and complete the application form on our website.

Applications close on 30 September 2020.