Kerry Pinnell

I am just as passionate about teaching as I was when I started out, 21 years ago. My teaching philosophy is student-centred, with a focus on innovative course design and supporting high needs students. I also enjoy mentoring and developing other teachers. I have a strong work ethic, I'm adaptable and collaborative, and thrive on pressure and the opportunity to problem solve.

In over 20 years of teaching, I have developed the skills in the following areas:

Leadership & Management

• School-wide promotion of literacy across the curriculum
• Timetable Team
• Practicum Liaison Teacher for University of Auckland pre-service teachers
• Managing learning area budget
• Planning and leading professional learning & department development on teacher only days
• Reporting and presenting to BOT
• Leading data and assessment tracking
• Co-curricular: TiC English Council 2022-2024, Manager Girls 1st XI Hockey 2019-2021

Staff Management

• Planning and leading learning area meetings
• Growth Culture Kaiārahi, supporting staff development and well-being
• Supporting staff with behaviour management through PB4L

Student Management

• Mentoring ‘at risk’ students within whanau
• Responding to behaviour issues across English classrooms
• Tracking student achievement, implementing plans accordingly
• Engaging with parents, responding to questions and concerns

Teaching & Learning

• Development of new courses: updating junior courses and assessments, new alternate pathways at Year 11 & 12, new Year 11 course & assessments
• Updating courses and assessment to suit student needs, and adapting to curriculum changes
• Writing assessments & exams

Leadership:

• Aspiring Leadership Programme – through Growth Culture, 2024
• Educational Leadership Capability Framework (developed by NZCER) – part of HOLA PL, 2021-present
• Becoming an Educative Mentor – through University of Auckland (part of PLT role), 2019

Curriculum:

• NCEA Contract Marker: Literacy co-requisite 2023-2024; English externals 2012, 2014-2020
• Navigating the NCEA Changes (middle leaders’ workshop), 2023

General:

• Niho Taniwha (school-wide PL facilitated by Evaluation Associates), 2024
• Te reo Māori language development (school-wide PL), 2021

I enjoy books, film, theatre, and visiting museums and galleries. I'm a firm believer that we should all be lifelong learners, so I'm always looking for opportunities to develop new skills, from pottery to jewellery making, and knitting to quilting. I have also recently discovered a passion for gardening. As an immigrant to New Zealand, I'm still in the process of learning about the history of Aotearoa, including understanding more about Te Tiriti o Waitangi. I've always enjoyed travelling and experiencing new cultures - my bucket list destination is to go on a cruise to Antarctica.

Mrs Karen Brinsden - Principal, Botany Downs Secondary College

• Email: k.brinsden@bdsc.school.nz
• Phone: 027 490 7799 (mobile), 273 2310 ext206 (work)

Mrs Kerrie Holmes - Associate Principal, Botany Downs Secondary College

• Email: k.holmes@bdsc.school.nz
• Phone:

Mrs Debbie McGregor - Deputy Principal, Botany Downs Secondary College

• Email: d.mcgregor@bdsc.school.nz
• Phone:

Mrs Abby Smith - HOD Learning Support, Botany Downs Secondary College

• Email: a.smith@bdsc.school.nz
• Phone: 027 415 0425 (mobile), 273 2310 ext264 (work)