Head of Department (Curriculum) - Cairns State Special School

Queensland Department of Education – Cairns QLD

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. This role provides strategic leadership, coaching, and collaboration toguide teachers in delivering personalised, evidence-informed learning pathways and achieving outstanding outcomes for all learners.

Knowledge and experience in developing curriculum plans for HIC, DYLP and QCIA is essential. If this sounds like you, we'd love to hearfrom you!

About us:

Cairns State Special School is a growing Prep-Year 12 setting in Far North Queensland, providing high-quality, individualised education for students with intellectual disability, complex communication needs and multiple disabilities. The school prioritises communication, engagement, inclusion and functional learning, supported by highly skilled staff, strong multidisciplinary partnerships, and a positive, collaborative culture.

- Supportive, student-centred leadership team with clear priorities and collaborative decision-making.
- Strong emphasis on quality curriculum, AAC, communication, and consistent whole-school pedagogy.
- A culture of capability building, reflective practice and shared responsibility for student success.
- Opportunities to contribute to developing innovative, inclusive and future-focused practices.

Your opportunity:





As the Head of Department - Curriculum at Cairns State Special School, 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 cooperative 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.

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.

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📌 Head of Department (Curriculum) - Cairns State Special School (Cairns North)
🏢 Queensland Department of Education
📍 Cairns North