The Principals of Yorkeys Knob State School and Lockhart State School are seeking Expressions of Interest from experienced, passionate educators for the role of Head of Department - Curriculum (Reading).
As part of the Partnership Initiative, this role has the responsibility of leading high-impact literacy practices aligned with the Australian Curriculum.
The role will play a central part in strengthening whole school reading instruction, supporting teachers through coaching and collaborative planning, enhancing outcomes for students in a remote Indigenous community.
The successful applicant will have the option of being based at Yorkeys Knob State School, travelling to Lockhart State School a minimum of twice per term OR of being based at Lockhart River. The position is temporary, full-time, until the end of term 4, 2026.
About The Department Of Education
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The Schools
Lockhart State School is comprised of 150 students from Kindy to year 12. Located in the discrete Aboriginal community of Lockhart River on the east coast of Cape York Peninsula, the area has considerable cultural diversity and traditions which are embedded in the curriculum.
There are six traditional family (language) groups living in Lockhart River. The community's strong cultural identity - as expressed through its dancers and also internationally-renowned Lockhart River Art Gang - makes Lockhart River a natural place to come together to celebrate the proud cultural heritage of Cape York.
At Lockhart State School, we strive every day to uphold our school values of growing strong, smart, respectful learners for life. Our students are all eager learners, active and enthusiastic.
Yorkeys Knob State School is located in the lush tropical northern suburbs of Cairns where the rainforest meets the ocean.
Our experienced and passionate staff are committed to delivering a safe, supportive and inclusive learning environment that provides challenging opportunities for our diverse cohorts of students.
With more than 330 students across Prep-Year 6, learning is at the centre of everything we do at YKSS, and as such, we have strong academic outcomes. Students are catered for according to their diverse needs and are supported in environments conducive to learning.
Your opportunity
Reporting to the school Principals, as a Head of Department (Curriculum), you will assist the Principals in contributing to the continuous improvement in educational outcomes for school students at both Yorkeys Knob and Lockhart with a focus on the Science of Reading, literacy and numeracy.
You will work with the Principals of both schools to successfully implement Departmental priorities in curriculum, and teaching and learning.
Your Role
As the Head of Department - Curriculum (Reading) your responsibilities include (but are not limited to):
- Lead the development and implementation of daily literacy routines aligned to the Australian Curriculum
- Support teachers in delivering evidence-based reading routines grounded in reading through the Australian Curriculum
- Facilitate collaborative planning processes across year levels
- Provide instructional coaching, modelling, and feedback to build staff capability
- Analyse and monitor reading data to support targeted teaching and school-wide improvement
- Uphold culturally responsive and community-centred approaches to teaching and learning
- Work in partnership with families and community to strengthen student engagement and success
Please view the role description for a full list of responsibilities.
About You
You will have:
- Strong knowledge of reading through the Australian Curriculum and structured literacy
- Demonstrated capacity to coach and mentor teachers
- Experience leading collaborative planning and curriculum alignment
- A commitment to improving reading outcomes for diverse learners
- The ability to work respectfully within a remote Indigenous context
- Strong communication, teamwork, and relationship-building skills
Submit Your Application
- Attach a brief resume including contact details for 2 referees (referees should have an understanding of your relevant work history)
- Attach a 2-page response to the How you will be assessed section of the attached role description.
- Attach a copy of your mandatory qualifications/registration outlined in the attached role description
We welcome all applicants to share any support needed to ensure our recruitment process is inclusive.
Applications remain current for 12 months from the closing date and may be considered for appointment to identical or similar vacancies within the Department.
Applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted.
Occupational group Education & Training
