Kerryn Olsen

Additional units for Religious Studies & Aotearoa New Zealand's Histories curriculum development

I accepted this position to enhance my skills and passion for teaching History and Social Studies. From 2022 - 2024 I have worked hard at developing an engaging localised social studies curriculum focused on turangawaewae and implementing many successful field trips at both senior and junior levels. When the HOD Religious Studies position became vacant, I responded to the challenge of assisting the DRS to develop a completely new curriculum design within the Religious Studies Department during 2023 to 2024.

• In this role, I ensure the school complies with NZQA regulations and facilitate curriculum development, to maintain a high level of accuracy and integrity. I collaborate with curriculum leaders, staff and students with any updates to procedures, managing derived grade applications, appeals, extensions and organise external assessments. This role has increased my awareness of academic processes, time-management and communication skills.

• This position gave me an insight into School Governance at the Board level. I was able to establish a great rapport between staff and board, this helped develop my communication and leadership skills.

• This role helped expand my knowledge of the history content I am teaching at level 3, specifically achievement standard 91436. It gave me valuable insight into NZQA and helped me develop curriculum knowledge and time management skills.

• After my time at Kavanagh College I gained a position at Roncalli College teaching Senior Religious Studies and Junior/Senior English. I embraced the change of my new environment and became a valued member of the English department.

• During my time at Trinity Catholic College, I taught Year 9-12 Religious Studies, Social Studies and Junior English. This was my first year of teaching. My confidence grew in areas such as classroom management, preparation, and organisation. As a beginning teacher I was grateful for the structure and support, which led to positive feedback about my teaching from both students and colleagues. This was an enjoyable one year fixed term position which gave me an excellent grounding.