Marisol Pengelly

• I assisted the Head of Department by moderating NCEA Levels 1, 2 and 3 in both Dance and Entertainment and Event Management Technology (including costume, set, makeup and lighting design). As part of this work, I also provided student feedback and support with choreography, improved digital literacy within the department, and contributed to open evenings and subject selection expos.
• I revamped the junior drama curriculum to align with the new NCEA Level 1 standards by integrating localized content into the Year 9 and 10 programs, emphasizing explanation and prediction skills to enhance learning outcomes, and ensuring that schemes of work were aligned with both NCEA expectations and the local context.
• I directed and produced the 2024 junior play, Cinderella Chronicles, managing all aspects of the production, including lighting design, organizing rehearsals, coordinating senior students for makeup and costuming, overseeing stage management, and supervising front-of-house operations.
• I choreographed the Otumoetai College 2025 musical production of Mamma Mia, developing comprehensive rehearsal schedules, partnering with the musical director and creative team to deliver cohesive performances, and guiding student leaders in choreography to enhance peer engagement.
• As Creative Arts Committee mentor, I selected senior students as leaders through an interview process, supported them in assembling and leading a team, and guided the planning and delivery of school-wide creative arts opportunities, including Creative Arts Week, talent quests, variety shows, the Year 13 choreographed dance, and the Creative Arts Awards, where I also assisted with writing speeches, coordinating performances, and event organisation.
• I was responsible for implementing the new NCEA Level 1 Drama curriculum, which included writing schemes of work, embedding local context into units, and refining students’ literacy skills through drama.
• For NCEA Level 3 Drama, I was responsible for marking, moderating, and developing relevant units, while also engaging former students, now working in the industry, as guest speakers to provide current students with real-world insights into pursuing drama in further education.
• I mentored a colleague returning to teaching after several years of casual relieving, supporting them with planning, marking, and moderation of the NCEA Level 2 Drama curriculum, guiding classroom management for junior classes, and engaging in learning conversations to build their confidence and professional growth.
• As a form class teacher, I provided pastoral care for Year 9 and 10 students, addressing attendance issues, maintaining contact with whānau, attending regular year-level meetings, and working collaboratively with deans and teachers to support students from my class when issues arose.
• I have participated in school-wide PLD focused on improving numeracy and literacy teaching to better support students in preparing for the CAA’s, as well as PLD on our marae and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, reflecting on how these apply within my teaching and department, and I have identified key areas for further development.

• Designed and established the Dance and Drama curriculum at Rotorua Boys' High School, developing comprehensive year and unit plans, managing budgets, and coordinating student participation in major competitions such as Dance NZ Made and ShowQuest. Organized off-site events and parental permissions, ensuring smooth and compliant extracurricular activities.
• Taught Junior Dance units including varied styles (Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Sāsā, Contemporary), dance elements, ensemble skills, choreography, and site-specific performance research.
• Managed senior dance assessments (NCEA Levels 1, 2, and 3), including scholarship level; arranged guest choreographers, and directed rehearsals for competitions and performances.
• Delivered comprehensive Junior Drama curriculum covering drama techniques, elements and conventions, improvisation, devising, scripted performances, melodrama, and silent film studies.
• Planned and delivered Senior Drama assessments (NCEA Levels 1, 2 and 3) for internal and external standards; coordinated guest theatre practitioners to facilitate workshops; led rehearsals for extracurricular productions, including Super 8 Cultural Festival and Sheilah Winn Shakespeare.
• Moderated coursework and assessments collaboratively with regional dance and drama teachers, and conducted national moderation of other educators’ work.
• Served as House Group Teacher by setting and monitoring academic goals, maintaining regular communication with whānau regarding student progress, attendance, and well-being.

Years 9–13, including the Special Education Unit.

• I taught Years 9 and 10 Drama, covering non-verbal communication, improvisation, characterisation through movement, melodrama, mask making, devised performance, and scripted drama.
• Planned and delivered Level 1 Dance internal and external assessments; choreographed whole-class items; and coordinated full technical and dress rehearsals for end-of-term showcases.
• Moderated Levels 2 and 3 dance internal assessments; observed and supported senior classes as required.
• Developed and delivered a mindfulness program for the Special Education Unit; taught dance movement therapy to enhance students’ gross motor skills and self-awareness.
• Choreographed and co-directed the Special Education Unit’s end-of-year production.
• Collaborated with students, parents, guardians, and staff to provide guidance, support, and performance evaluation.
• Maintained accurate grade and attendance records in line with school requirements.
• Ensured prompt responses to student and family inquiries within the 24-hour school policy.
• Participated in professional learning and development, including courses in classroom management, solo taxonomy, cultural responsiveness, shadow coaching, and NZQA training.