Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Testimonials
Personal Information
Affiliations
References
Timeline
Generic

Rebecca Norman

57 Candia Road, Henderson Valley,West Auckland

Summary

Dynamic and accomplished Head of Performing Arts at Henderson High School, skilled in curriculum design and fostering student engagement. Proven track record in leading successful extracurricular programs and enhancing Performing Arts education. Adept at building strong relationships with students and staff, while implementing innovative performance strategies that inspire creativity and excellence.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience

Work History

Full time Head of Performing Arts and Music

Henderson High School
21 Henderson Valley Road, Auckland
01.2015 - Current
  • Updated and continued professional development with the Knowledge-Rich Curriculum.
  • Conducted a comprehensive review and mapping for all Performing Arts subjects.
  • Reviewed and rewritten the junior and senior music curriculum, with a specific focus on the Years 9, 10, and 11 Knowledge-Rich Curriculum plans.
  • Planning, delivery, assessment, and moderation of Level One, Two, and Three NCEA Music standards.
  • Head of Department management of external moderation, budget, department review, team professional development, and appraisal.
  • Planning and delivery of Year 9 dance and drama 5-week rotation (2021).
  • Management and creative direction for diverse extracurricular activities

- Successful Play It Strange recipients for the Peace Song albums in 2021 and 2024, and the National Songwriting Competitions in 2019, 2023, and 2024.

- Stand Up Stand Out (Auckland Secondary Schools Competition) band and vocal entries, including finalists in 2019.

- Musical Theatre Productions (vocal and music direction).

- Choirs and Vocal Groups.

- Jazz Combo.

- Concert Band.

- Annual school events (including prize-givings, open evenings, and student events).

- Showquest MUA and management support for the 2017-2019 competitions.

  • Management of the Music Itinerant Program and staff.

Full time Music Specialist

Henderson Intermediate School
01.2010 - 01.2015
  • Implemented the NZ Music Curriculum to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
  • Coordinated staff to develop musical performances and cultural groups.
  • Prepared music and accompanied the staff during school assemblies to ensure smooth execution.
  • Administered the After Hours Woodwind and Brass Program, coordinating tutors and students effectively.
  • Developed engaging lesson plans for diverse dance styles and skill levels.
  • Planned choreography for group performances and recitals.

Full time Music Specialist

Auckland Normal Intermediate School
01.2007 - 01.2009
  • Developed and delivered the NZ Music Curriculum for Years 7 and 8.
  • Instructed students in music theory, performance, and songwriting techniques.
  • Assessed and reported on students' progress.
  • Auditioned, administered, tutored, and conducted the school choir, orchestra, and string ensemble.
  • Scored, auditioned, and conducted the production orchestra for annual musicals.
  • Auditioned and coached vocalists for school musicals and rock bands.
  • Engaged with community groups to provide professional musicians and tutors for band workshops.

Warriors (NRL) Cheerleader

NZ Warriors
Auckland, Auckland
11.2006 - 2008
  • Attended weekly practices to learn new routines and maintain proficiency with standards.
  • Practised regularly to stay sharp on skills and maintain physical fitness levels.
  • Performed complex routines at games and other events.
  • Engaged with fans through public appearances, increasing team visibility and support.
  • Identified personal strengths and weaknesses and adjusted techniques to enhance performance.

North Shore Regional Director and Senior Dance tutor

The Performance.net (Dance & Drama Company)
02.2006 - 07.2006
  • Served as Regional Director, North Shore City.
  • Taught dance to students ranging from 4 years old through to adults.
  • Managed administration and marketing responsibilities.
  • Contracted to teach dance at Kings Preparatory School (Years 4–8).
  • Developed and maintained portfolios for the Dance Curriculum.
  • Trained and supported dance tutors to improve teaching quality.
  • Coordinated events and performances across multiple locations to ensure streamlined execution.
  • Analysed customer feedback data and developed action plans to improve customer experience.

Full time Music and Dance Specialist

Takapuna Normal Intermediate School
01.2001 - 01.2006
  • Taught the NZ Music and Dance Curriculum, designing lessons that balanced theory, practice, and creativity while catering to diverse learning styles.
  • Coordinated with staff to develop performance extension opportunities in music and dance, fostering talent and providing pathways for advanced learners.
  • Prepared music, accompanied students, and collaborated with staff to deliver engaging and inclusive school assemblies that showcased student achievement.
  • Choreographed, taught, and coordinated students for school productions, integrating technical dance instruction with performance skills and stagecraft.
  • Provided vocal coaching for choirs and rock bands, focusing on technique, expression, and stagecraft.
  • Auditioned, managed, and choreographed school competition dance teams.

Education

Studio Sound Certificate - Audio Engineering

School of Audio Engineering
Parnell, NZ
01.2003

Bachelor of Music Education - Music Education

University of Auckland
Auckland, NZ
01.2000

Diploma of Teaching - Music Education

Auckland College of Education
Auckland, NZ
01.2000

Skills

  • Build strong, positive rapport with students, staff, and whānau
  • Skilled in curriculum design, lesson planning, and creative direction
  • Strong knowledge of music theory, notation, and digital music technology
  • Experienced in teaching instrumental and vocal groups, with proven coaching skills
  • Confident in preparing students for performances, assessments, and examinations
  • Comprehensive understanding of differentiation and individual learning needs
  • Proficient in managing digital audio workstations (DAWs) and delivering music technology programs, including recording, sequencing, and production
  • Develop and implement clear assessment criteria and performance strategies
  • Encourage student engagement and foster appreciation for all performing arts subjects
  • Provide opportunities for students to showcase their talents through performance and extracurricular activities
  • Collaborative planning experience, effective team player, and proactive in leading extracurricular groups
  • Excellent presentation, warm and encouraging manner, and high professional standards

Testimonials

Ms Lyndsey Bass, Team Leader of Science, Technology and The Arts, Auckland Normal Intermediate, 09 8180943, 0211 700 743, lyndseyb@ani.school.nz, I have worked with Rebekah for three years and have been her Team Leader for one year. Throughout the time I have worked with Rebekah, she has continued to impress me with the high standards within her teaching and her conscientious hard work to challenge herself further. Rebekah is a superb classroom practitioner who relates very well to her students. Her long term and daily planning is exemplary and reflects the individual needs of students through thorough differentiation. She uses a wide range of teaching techniques to engage students, including the use of digital music, and provides meaningful feedback on their learning. One of Rebekah's strengths is her work with music and dance groups outside of the classroom. She has conducted the school choirs, orchestra and string ensemble; and she successfully choreographed, arranged and conducted our school production this year. I have the utmost confidence in Rebekah's teaching ability. She is organised, innovative and sensitive to the needs of students. Rebekah communicates effectively to both students and colleagues, showing the need for mutual respect at all times. In conclusion, Rebekah is an outstanding teacher and talented musician. She would be an asset to any Music department and school and I have no hesitation in recommending her to you for this position.

Personal Information

Date of Birth: 04/24/78

Affiliations

  • Photography
  • Gardening
  • Sewing
  • Playing the piano at church events or services
  • Certified Make-Up Artist for weddings and special occasions

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Full time Head of Performing Arts and Music

Henderson High School
01.2015 - Current

Full time Music Specialist

Henderson Intermediate School
01.2010 - 01.2015

Full time Music Specialist

Auckland Normal Intermediate School
01.2007 - 01.2009

Warriors (NRL) Cheerleader

NZ Warriors
11.2006 - 2008

North Shore Regional Director and Senior Dance tutor

The Performance.net (Dance & Drama Company)
02.2006 - 07.2006

Full time Music and Dance Specialist

Takapuna Normal Intermediate School
01.2001 - 01.2006

Studio Sound Certificate - Audio Engineering

School of Audio Engineering

Bachelor of Music Education - Music Education

University of Auckland

Diploma of Teaching - Music Education

Auckland College of Education
Rebecca Norman