Head of Learning & Teaching: ELC – Year 6

Location: Masada College, 9-15 Link Road, St Ives, NSW 2075

Terms:

Permanent, Full Time

Reports to:

Head of Junior School and College Principal

Key Stakeholders:

College Principal, Head of Junior School, Head of Academic Care & Wellbeing ELC to Year 6, Head of Learning & Teaching Year 7 - Y12, Heads of Learning Areas Year K - Y12, College Head of Jewish Life, ELC Director, Junior School Leadership Team, ELC & Junior School Teaching staff, Students and families.

About Masada College

Masada College is a leading Jewish educational institution that integrates a premium academic program with a strong commitment to inclusivity. We welcome Jewish children from every denomination as well as non-Jewish students, fostering a diverse and supportive community. With a focus on academic excellence, resilience, hard work, community, and collaboration, grounded in Jewish values, students are equipped to achieve their full potential.

Masada encourages students to excel not only academically but also personally, developing the skills and character needed to thrive. Guided by the belief that "Goodness Makes Greatness," the College instils values of respect, kindness, and responsibility, empowering students to make a positive impact on the world.

Additional Benefits of Working at Masada College

- Complimentary on-site parking.
- Access to novated leasing arrangements.
- Additional leave provided for Jewish holidays.
- Exemption from Saturday sport commitments.
- Supportive professional environment with a strong focus on learning, collaboration and student growth.
- Access to Fitness Passport.

Role Summary The Head of Learning & Teaching – ELC to Year 6 is a key educational leadership position responsible for the quality, coherence and continuous improvement of learning and teaching across the Early Learning Centre and Junior School. The role leads the development and implementation of high-quality curriculum, pedagogy, assessment and professional learning that enables every student to achieve their potential.

The Head of Learning & Teaching promotes a culture of high expectations, professional reflection, evidence-informed practice and continuous improvement. The role ensures that learning experiences are engaging, purposeful, appropriately challenging and responsive to the diverse needs of students.

A key responsibility is to ensure strong curriculum and pedagogical continuity from the ELC through to Year 6 and effective transition into the Senior School.

Masada College has a long and proud tradition of Cultures of Thinking. This role will lead the next phase of the College's pedagogical journey, sustaining and honouring Cultures of Thinking while thoughtfully re-examining assessment, expectations and what it means to prepare students for a rapidly changing world.

Key Accountabilities

Educational Leadership, Pedagogy and Innovation

- Provide strategic leadership for the quality and continuous improvement of learning and teaching across ELC–Year 6.
- Lead the development and implementation of effective and evidence-informed classroom practice across ELC–Year 6.
- Lead the next phase of the College's pedagogical evolution, deepening our established Culture of Thinking while critically re-examining assessment practices and learning expectations to ensure they remain purposeful and future-focused.
- Champion Masada College's Culture of Thinking and support its consistent and authentic implementation across ELC–Year 6.
- Model high-quality teaching practice and maintain a strong connection to classroom teaching and student learning.
- Promote a culture of professional reflection, collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement.
- Champion the development of deep, future-focused technological understanding from the earliest years, so that students in the ELC and Junior School build strong foundations in areas such as computational thinking and robotics.




- Support teachers to integrate technology purposefully and meaningfully into their own professional practice, including the responsible use of emerging tools such as Artificial Intelligence to enhance planning, teaching and assessment.
- Keep abreast of current educational research, curriculum developments and effective practice.

Curriculum, Assessment and Student Outcomes

- Lead the development, implementation and review of a coherent and rigorous curriculum across ELC–Year 6.
- Oversee the planning, administration and review of internal and external assessments (e.g. PAT, ICAS and NAPLAN), ensuring assessment and reporting practices effectively monitor student growth, inform teaching and support improved student outcomes.
- Analyse student achievement and assessment data to identify trends, areas for improvement and opportunities for intervention and extension.
- Ensure teaching programs are responsive to the diverse learning needs of students.
- Establish processes for monitoring student progress and supporting early identification of students requiring additional support or challenge.
- Use evidence of student learning to evaluate teaching effectiveness and identify priorities for improvement.
- Work with the Head of Academic Care & Learning Support to ensure learning needs, adjustments and interventions are appropriately addressed.

People Leadership and Professional Learning

- Develop, inspire and support a highly effective and collaborative teaching team across ELC–Year 6.
- Lead a coherent professional learning program aligned with College priorities, student needs and identified areas for improvement.
- Build teacher capability through coaching, mentoring, professional dialogue, observation and feedback.
- Support teachers to establish professional goals and reflect on the impact of their practice.
- Facilitate the sharing of effective practice across year levels, learning areas and the wider College.
- Support the induction and ongoing development of new teaching staff.
- Provide professional leadership and support for teachers undertaking NESA accreditation.
- Work with the Head of Junior School in relation to teacher performance, professional growth and accountability.

Student Learning, Inclusion and Wellbeing

- Promote a learning environment in which all students are appropriately challenged, supported and encouraged to achieve their potential.
- Support teachers to implement effective differentiation, extension, intervention and reasonable adjustments within classroom programs.
- Work collaboratively with the Head of Learning Support & Academic Care to support students with diverse learning needs.
- Ensure teaching practices recognise and respond to the academic, social and emotional needs of students.
- Promote student agency, independence, critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and a positive disposition towards learning.
- Contribute to a culture that prioritises student safety, wellbeing, inclusion and belonging.

Strategic Planning, Collaboration and Resources

- Contribute to the strategic development of learning and teaching priorities across the Junior School and College.
- Work collaboratively with the Head of Learning & Teaching Years 7–12 to develop a coherent College-wide approach to learning and teaching.
- Support curriculum and pedagogical continuity from the ELC through Kindergarten and Year 6 into Year 7.
- Collaborate with the ELC Director and relevant College leaders to strengthen continuity of learning and teaching practices.
- Ensure relevant curriculum documentation, assessment processes and NESA requirements are appropriately maintained.




- Manage learning and teaching resources and allocated budgets responsibly and in accordance with College procedures.
- Contribute to whole-College educational initiatives, professional learning and strategic planning.
- As a member of the Junior School Leadership Team, work collaboratively and flexibly to support the smooth running and ongoing development of the Junior School, contributing to priorities, initiatives and responsibilities that may arise beyond the specific scope of this role.
- Deputise for the Head of Junior School when required.

Teaching Requirements The Head of Learning & Teaching – ELC to Year 6 will maintain a teaching allocation determined annually by the College Principal. The teaching component will enable the Head of Learning & Teaching to remain connected to students and classroom practice and to model high-quality teaching.

Key Attributes

- Leadership & Vision: Strategic thinker, inspirational leader, change agent, collaborative leader, visionary, results-driven.
- Pedagogical Expertise: Deep understanding of pedagogy, curriculum development expertise, assessment literacy, data analysis & interpretation skills, commitment to innovation, outcomes-focused, performance management skills. Future-focused orientation, interest in emerging technologies and their thoughtful application to learning.
- Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent communicator, strong interpersonal skills, active listener, effective presenter, negotiation & conflict resolution skills.
- Organisational & Management Skills: Strong organisational skills, time management, attention to detail, problem-solving skills, resource management.
- Personal Attributes: Passion for education, resilience, integrity & professionalism, growth mindset, empathy & understanding.

Special Requirements

Variable Duties/Hours:

The nature of the position is such that the Head of Learning & Teaching is required to be available outside the ‘normal’ School hours, to participate fully in the life of the College, to attend meetings and make presentations whenever necessary, and to represent the Head of Junior School on occasions, in some forums.

Qualifications

- Relevant teaching qualifications with postgraduate qualifications desired.
- Significant junior school teaching experience with proven middle or senior leadership experience.
- Experience in curriculum development and review.
- A commitment to ongoing professional learning and a deep understanding of contemporary educational practices.
- Experience in designing and delivering qualified learning for teaching staff.
- Experience with data analysis to inform practice.
- Demonstrated success in improving academic outcomes.
- Strong track record of leading high-performing teaching teams.
- A demonstrated background or genuine interest in future-focused education and emerging technologies, such as robotics, computational thinking and the evolving role of Artificial Intelligence in learning, is strongly preferred.

How to Apply Applications must be submitted via the Masada College Careers page or via Seek. Provide a cover letter outlining why you are suitable for the role, along with an up-to-date copy of your resume detailing your previous experience as it relates to this role and full academic transcripts. To apply for this position, you will need to be an Australian Citizen/Resident or have a current Australian work visa.

All applicants must have and submit a NSW Working With Children Check Number.

Applications will be reviewed and interviews scheduled on a rolling basis as they are received. Early application is encouraged.

Masada College provides a dynamic working environment where staff are valued and students are committed to learning. All appointments will be based on merit selection without reference to the religion of applicants. Candidates of all backgrounds are welcome to apply. We ask only that all staff bring genuine respect for Jewish people, faith, and culture, and a willingness to engage with the values and traditions that are central to the life of our school.

📌 Head of Learning & Teaching: ELC – Year 6 (St Ives)
🏢 Masada College
📍 St Ives