Head of English

Provide coaching and instructional leadership to identify and implement initiatives that improve student learning and achievement. The Head of English leads their teaching team to design and embed highly effective teaching and learning practices, including high-quality curriculum development and rigorous, meaningful feedback and assessment processes......

Oran Park Anglican College is a vibrant learning community in one of the fastest growing areas of Southwest Sydney. Catering for over 1300 students Prep – Year 12 in modern purpose-built facilities the College has established its reputation as providing a respectful, joyous and collaborative learning environment with strong pastoral support. We value academic rigour, comprehensive and inclusive pastoral care, service-learning opportunities, thriving sporting programs and excellence in the creative and performing arts.

We are seeking to appoint a highly effective and experienced educator to lead the English Faculty. The successful candidate will demonstrate a passion for English education, a commitment to improving student learning, and the capacity to teach a range of Stage 6 courses.

Position Summary

The Head of English, working collaboratively with the Senior School Academic Leadership team, provides coaching and instructional leadership to identify and implement initiatives that improve student learning and achievement. The Head of English leads their teaching team to design and embed highly effective teaching and learning practices, including high-quality curriculum development and rigorous, meaningful feedback and assessment processes.

Reports to: Deputy Head of Senior School – Teaching and Learning

Status and Hours: Full Time, Permanent positionOffice Hours are 8 am – 3.30 pm, although an understanding is required that the role will require greater hours than this.
The position requires the successful applicant to be accessible during non-term time during College open hours

Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0

Leadership level: Level 2 Leadership

Positions who report to this role: English Teachers

Commencement Date: Term 1 2027

Dress Code: Oran Park Anglican College requires staff to dress in a professional manner, fitting of an independent school

Major Responsibilities

The Head of English is responsible for leading a high-performing faculty to deliver outstanding teaching and learning, and to improve student achievement across the Senior School. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Provide clear instructional leadership through coaching, mentoring and modelling highly effective classroom practice.
• Lead and develop the teaching team as a collaborative, high-performing professional community committed to continuous improvement.
• Embed the College’s teaching and learning framework through targeted professional learning, feedback and support.
• Lead the development, implementation and refinement of high-quality teaching and learning programs aligned with NESA requirements and College expectations.
• Oversee assessment and reporting practices, ensuring the consistent use of high-quality diagnostic, formative and summative assessment.
• Drive innovation in pedagogy, curriculum design and assessment to maximise student engagement and achievement.
• Monitor and analyse student learning data at individual, cohort and whole-school levels to inform teaching practice and improve student outcomes.
• Support teachers to use data effectively to identify learning needs and implement targeted strategies.
• Lead a differentiated approach to student learning, supporting teachers to meet the needs of all learners, including extension and learning support students, in collaboration with the Diverse Learning team.
• Promote high expectations for student engagement, achievement and conduct within a restorative wellbeing framework.
• Oversee the induction and ongoing development of teachers, including program support, lesson observation, feedback and professional growth.
• Foster a culture of reflective practice, professional dialogue and continuous learning within the faculty.
• Contribute actively to whole-school improvement initiatives and the work of the Senior School Academic Leadership team.
• Lead the effective operation of the English faculty, ensuring organisation, communication and processes are efficient and aligned to College priorities.
• Actively contribute to the co-curricular life of the College.
  Model a clear Christian example in all aspects of leadership, teaching and relationships.
• Support the spiritual development and wellbeing of students.
• Work collaboratively with staff to promote and embed the College’s values of courage, curiosity, craftsmanship, collaboration and compassion.

Professional and Personal Attributes

The Head of English must demonstrate the capacity to lead a team of teachers in delivering innovative, high-quality teaching and learning. Essential personal and professional attributes include:

• A committed Christian, actively involved in a church community, with a desire to contribute to the Christ-centred mission and life of the College.
• Appropriate tertiary qualifications and NESA accreditation, with the capacity to teach across a range of Stage 6 English courses.
• A strong understanding of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers, with the capacity to lead their implementation and alignment within the faculty.
• Deep knowledge of NSW curriculum and assessment, with the ability to lead the design, delivery and evaluation of high-quality teaching and learning.
• Demonstrated excellence in classroom practice, with the capacity to coach, mentor and develop colleagues to continually improve teaching and learning.
• A commitment to championing the College’s Learning Power Approach as a framework for developing students’ knowledge, understanding and skills.
• Highly developed interpersonal and leadership skills, with the capacity to inspire, mentor and develop teachers across a range of experience levels, recognising and leveraging individual strengths.
• The ability to build trust and lead a collaborative, high-performing team committed to continuous improvement in teaching practice and student outcomes through purposeful feedback, coaching and professional dialogue.
• Strong organisational skills, enabling excellence in classroom practice and the efficient, effective operation of the faculty.
• Demonstrated commitment to whole-school improvement, including leadership of curriculum initiatives, contribution to College priorities and engagement in ongoing professional learning.
• A clear understanding of, and commitment to, student wellbeing within a restorative practices framework.
• A willingness to actively contribute to the co-curricular life of the College.
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills.
• A reflective and growth-oriented mindset, with a strong commitment to professional learning and leadership development.

Additional Information

References: Provide three (3) referees one of whom should be the Minister of the Christian community you serve within, who can support your application.

Salary: In accordance with the Independent Schools (Teachers) Cooperative Multi-Enterprise Agreement 2025 or future approved agreement.

Child Safety: Oran Park Anglican College is committed to child safety. All members of staff are required to comply with applicable child protection legislation and are responsible for ensuring that the College’s Child Safe policies, procedures and programs are at the forefront of all we do. As such, all members of staff are expected to satisfy child protection screening and adhere to the College’s Child Safe Policy and Code of Conduct.

WHS: Oran Park Anglican College acknowledges that the health, safety and wellbeing of people and the provision of a safe working and learning environment are central to the values of the College. All members of staff undertake annual WHS training. The successful applicant will be provided with their WHS responsibilities at the time of appointment.

Diversity and Inclusion: Oran Park Anglican College provides inclusive, culturally safe and child-friendly services for all students. The successful applicant will be required to comply with policy and training requirements.

Note: All positions evolve over time and as such, the position description should be viewed as a guide with the full expectation that other duties as required will be a natural part of the role. The role will continue to evolve in consultation with the Principal.

The Application Process

Applicants are required to:

• Download and complete the “Application for employment – Teaching” Form
• Provide a 1-2 page cover letter which details your experience and demonstrates your ability to meet the essential criteria for this position, including a statement of personal Christian faith.
• Curriculum Vitae of no more than 4 pages

Please forward your application marked “Private and Confidential” to:

Mrs Naomi Wilkins
Principal
Oran Park Anglican College

via the 'Apply to this Job' button below.

Applications will close on Friday 24 July or when the position is filled.

Vision
We strive to be a vibrant learning community that impacts every member for Jesus, through life-changing, caring, quality Christian education.

Mission
We do this by growing a strong and sustainable College community that nurtures Christ-shaped values of courage, curiosity, craftsmanship, collaboration and compassion.