An exciting job opportunity with Australia’s premier performance-centred school

The McDonald College is an independent, non-denominational, co-educational K – 12 school located in North Strathfield.

We specialise in performing arts and elite sports, with an equal focus on academic rigour. Performance streams include Acting, Classical Ballet, Dance, Music, Musical Theatre, Technical Production and Elite Tennis.

Staff at The McDonald College are a small and dedicated team with a strong sense of community. Students are at the heart of everything we do, and we share in their passion for performance – whether that is on-stage, on a court or in the classroom.

Head of English

Permanent Full-Time role

Reporting to the Principal, delegated to the Deputy Principal and Director of Curriculum

Start date: Term 1 2027

Applications close at 4 pm on Friday 13 November 2026

An exciting opportunity exists for a NESA qualified teacher to be employed as our Head of English, and to lead the delivery of teaching and learning in this department from Year 7 to 12 with passion and commitment, creating an effective and challenging learning environment with high expectations of students and staff.

We are looking for an experienced educator to join our dynamic and caring team. The successful applicant will possess outstanding leadership skills to inspire an exemplary team of English teachers.

Key Responsibilities

- Lead the development of innovative teaching and learning with their comprehensive pedagogical knowledge applied to NESA curriculum and reporting requirements.
- Supervise the programming and maintenance of registers for all NESA syllabi covered by this Department




- Liaise with the Director of Curriculum to establish assessment procedures within the guidelines of NESA.
- Excellent interpersonal qualities and skills necessary to inspire staff and students, working closely with all members of the College community.
- Proven ability to work energetically in a dynamic learning environment.
- Demonstrated excellence in current and emerging educational developments in English, incorporating technology to enhance engagement in the learning environment.
- Encourage and support a departmental culture of professional development, seeking new skills and methods in course delivery. The aim should be to encourage staff and student motivation and engagement.
- Be proactive and show initiative to lead the development of best practice strategies in an effective departmental team.
- Encourage and enable students to experience and achieve over and above that offered through official NESA courses – e.g. through extension programs or challenge days
- Ensure effective communication and collaboration within the department.
- Contribute to maintaining academic standards and student behaviour as set out in College policies and expectations of teaching staff.
- Ensure that programs and registers are maintained for all courses taught within the department and are documented in a timely manner.
- Contribute to the College magazine and newsletters in a timely manner.




- Induct and mentor new staff in accordance with the College’s Induction and Mentoring program.

Teaching and Learning

- Plan and implement creative and well sequenced teaching and learning programs that engage and challenge students, promote learning and have high expectations of staff and students.
- Use a range of teaching strategies to deliver quality teaching that engages and challenges students.
- Be responsive to student learning styles by differentiating teaching and learning delivery.
- Demonstrate a passion for and experience in assisting students to achieve learning outcomes to the best of their ability.
- Use continuous assessment and constructive feedback to inform teaching practices personally and within the department.
- Work collaboratively within the faculty and across all support systems in the College for the benefit of student learning.
- Engage in constructive, positive, meaningful and opportune communication with parents / carers in a timely manner.
- Oversee and prepare regular and meaningful feedback to students within the department and write constructive, positive student reports that reflect a deep understanding of the student and their learning continuum.
- Share knowledge and resources to ensure best practice within the department and across the College’s professional learning community.
- Foster a team-oriented and positive organisational culture that supports staff suggestions and improvements.
- Attend all mandatory College functions such as but not limited to Speech Night, Sports Carnivals, Parent / Teacher / Student Conferences and after-hours Information Sessions.
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📌 Head of English (Sydney)
🏢 The Mcdonald College
📍 Sydney