Lead curriculum excellence at Cairns State Special School by driving high‐quality, inclusive curriculum planning and instructional practice that meets the highly individualised curriculum needs of every student.
About the Role
As the Head of Department – Curriculum, you will provide curriculum leadership across Prep‐Year 12 to ensure high‐quality, highly individualised teaching and learning aligned to the Australian Curriculum Version 9 and departmental priorities. You will lead collaborative planning, capability building, and evidence‐informed practice to support students with intellectual disability, autism, complex communication needs and additional health or sensory needs.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the design, implementation and monitoring of a highly individualised curriculum aligned to ACV9, school priorities and inclusive education practices.
* Facilitate collaborative planning, moderation and data‐informed decision making across teaching teams.
* Build teacher capability in literacy, communication, AAC integration, and the teaching of reading.
* Support high‐quality implementation of Individual Curriculum Plans (ICPs) and personalised learning pathways.
* Promote schoolwide consistency in UDL, engagement frameworks, positive behaviour approaches and trauma‐informed practice.
* Work collaboratively with the leadership team to deliver key school priorities and improvement initiatives.
The Perfect Fit
* Demonstrated capability in coaching, modelling and building teacher capability.
* Knowledge and experience in supporting students with disability, including AAC, early communication development and differentiated curriculum.
* Strong interpersonal, communication and relationship‐building skills.
* Experience in a special school or inclusive education setting.
* Knowledge of QCIA pathway planning, NCCD requirements and cross‐agency collaboration.
* Understanding of UDL, trauma‐informed practice, Berry Street Education Model, ROCC or equivalent engagement frameworks.
* Experience working with therapists, medical staff or allied health professionals to support holistic student learning.
What We Are Looking For
* Strong instructional leadership and the ability to work collaboratively with teaching teams.
* A commitment to inclusive, communication‐rich and engaging learning environments.
* High‐level organisational skills and the ability to lead whole‐school improvement work.
* A student‐first mindset, grounded in evidence‐informed practice and professional integrity.
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