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- Tasks: Lead and inspire the Science faculty for Years 7–13, enhancing student learning.
- Company: Opihi College, a supportive secondary school in Temuka with a strong community focus.
- Benefits: Leadership growth opportunities, collegial environment, and a lifestyle in beautiful South Canterbury.
- Why this job: Join us to shape future scientists and make a real impact on student success.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for teaching science, especially physics.
- Other info: Exciting time to join as we modernise facilities and implement new curriculum initiatives.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Opihi College is seeking a motivated and forward-thinking Head of Department – Science to lead our Years 7–13 Science faculty from Term 2, 2026. We are a small, well-connected secondary school in Temuka with a strong sense of community and a growing reputation for student achievement, wellbeing and authentic learning pathways.
This is an exciting time to join the college as we implement refreshed curriculum initiatives, strengthen structured teaching across learning areas, and continue to modernise facilities, including our new gymnasium currently under construction.
The successful applicant will provide professional and curriculum leadership across the sciences, support a collaborative team culture, and contribute to high-quality teaching and learning from junior science through to senior NCEA programmes. We are particularly interested in applicants who can strengthen physics; however, all specialisations are welcome.
Applicants should demonstrate excellent communication and organisational skills, a commitment to student success, and an ability to build positive relationships with rangatahi and staff.
Opihi College offers a collegial and supportive work environment, opportunities for leadership growth, and the lifestyle advantages of South Canterbury — close to Aoraki, local beaches, lakes and outdoor recreation, alongside an affordable cost of living and strong community connections.
How to apply: Please send your CV, and direct enquiries to:
Physical address: Richard Pearse Drive, Temuka
Head of Department, Science in Canterbury employer: Opihi College
Contact Detail:
Opihi College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Department, Science in Canterbury
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Opihi College and chat about their experiences. This can give you insider info on the school culture and what they value in a Head of Department.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills! Prepare examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past, especially in science education. We want to see how you can inspire and support your future colleagues.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for a demo lesson! If you're invited for an interview, you might be asked to teach a short lesson. Make it engaging and relevant to the curriculum changes at Opihi College to show you’re on the same page.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Department, Science in Canterbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Science: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for science shine through! We want to see how you can inspire students and lead a team. Share specific examples of your teaching experiences and how you've engaged students in the sciences.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Department role. Highlight your leadership experience, curriculum development skills, and any achievements in improving student outcomes. We love seeing how you've made a difference in previous roles!
Communicate Clearly: Your written application should be clear and concise. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate good communication skills, so make sure your application reflects that by being well-structured and easy to read.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and ready to embrace modern teaching methods, which is exactly what we’re looking for!
How to prepare for a job interview at Opihi College
✨Know Your Curriculum
Make sure you’re well-versed in the refreshed curriculum initiatives that Opihi College is implementing. Familiarise yourself with how these changes can enhance student learning and engagement, especially in physics, as this is a key area of interest for them.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your approach to professional and curriculum leadership. Think about examples where you've successfully led a team or implemented new teaching strategies. Highlight how you foster a collaborative culture among staff and support their development.
✨Connect with the Community
Opihi College values strong community connections, so be ready to talk about how you would engage with students, staff, and the wider community. Share any past experiences where you’ve built positive relationships and contributed to a supportive school environment.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Science Education
Express your commitment to student success and authentic learning pathways. Prepare to discuss innovative teaching methods you’ve used in the past and how you plan to inspire students in science, particularly in making complex concepts accessible and engaging.
