Nicole Rudden

Head of Year/Grade Level Lead

Leadership & Policy Development

• Transition Program Redesign : Rewrote the transition policy to enhance the experience for students moving from Grade 5 to Grade 6.
• Analysed academic data and parental feedback to create a more holistic and supportive transition process.
• Introduced new transition events such as "A Taste of Secondary", a full-day experience where both parents and students could participate in secondary school lessons, have lunch with the secondary cohort, and ask questions. This event significantly improved parental engagement and eased concerns about the transition.
• Developed a parental involvement strategy to keep parents more informed and involved in their child's transition to secondary school. This included regular updates, workshops, and Q&A sessions, based on data showing the need for better communication between the school and parents.

Mentoring & Literacy Initiatives

• Mentorship Program : Established the school's first-ever mentoring program between Grade 6 and Grade 11 students. This initiative focused on academic support, personal development, and social-emotional well-being for both mentors and mentees.
• Expanded the program by partnering with the primary school's Grade 1 and Grade 2 classes by developing a literacy mentorship initiative where Grade 6 students worked with younger students to improve reading and writing skills, fostering leadership and responsibility in the older students while supporting literacy development in the younger cohort.

Staff Development & SEND Support

• Led multiple professional development sessions focused on supporting students with specific SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities). These sessions provided teaching staff with strategies to differentiate lessons effectively and better support students with diverse learning needs.
• Provided ongoing coaching and mentoring to staff within the year team, particularly in areas such as behavior management, pastoral care, and academic intervention strategies.

Grade-Level Management & Team Leadership

• Line-managed a team of Grade 6 advisors, overseeing the day-to-day running of the grade, ensuring the smooth implementation of school policies, and managing the well-being and academic progress of all students.
• Regularly reviewed and analysed academic performance data to identify at-risk students and implement targeted interventions.
• Collaborated with staff to address concerns related to both academic performance and student welfare.
  Coached and supported tutors in developing students' personal and social skills, ensuring that the pastoral curriculum was delivered effectively.
• Successfully planned and organized grade-level trips, ensuring educational value and adherence to health and safety protocols.
• Head of Drama Department : Line managed a team of Drama teachers, ensuring high standards of teaching and learning across the department.
• Responsible for performance management, mentoring, and professional development of staff. Conducted regular departmental meetings, set objectives, and review performance through lesson observations and feedback.
• Set up the schools first DP Theatre programme with 100% pass rate in its first year of running.
• Led curriculum development for International Baccalaureate (IB) MYP and DP Theatre Arts courses. Successfully maintained 100% pass rates for both courses, with students consistently achieving above world average results.
• Increased student participation in the drama department through effective marketing, outreach, and recruitment strategies.
• Continued to grow my strong relationship with the prestigious Juilliard School, integrating their Creative Classrooms curriculum into the MYP Drama syllabus.
• Managed budgets effectively while ensuring high-quality production values for all performances.
• Led workshops on assessment, lesson planning, and behavior management.

School Productions & Extra-Curricular Leadership

• Directed multiple large-scale school productions. These productions involved over 100 students and also provided students with leadership opportunities in stage management and technical roles.

Leadership & Line Management

• Head of Year 7 : Led and managed a team of form tutors, overseeing the pastoral and academic progress of over 120 students. Regularly met with form tutors to review student performance, behavior, and well-being, providing guidance on intervention strategies.
• Implemented a Year 7 pastoral program that focuses on social, emotional, and academic development.
• Created and introduced a peer mentorship program (Big Brother/Sister) between Year 7 and Year 12/13 students, empowering older students to support the younger cohort in both academic and personal development areas.
• Developed leadership opportunities for students within the year group, encouraging students to take ownership of school clubs, events, and community projects.
• Liaised with the Primary School to design and implement a comprehensive transition program for Year 6 students, including virtual transition days during the pandemic.
• Head of Drama Department : Line managed a team of Drama teachers, ensuring high standards of teaching and learning across the department.
• Responsible for performance management, mentoring, and professional development of staff. Conducted regular departmental meetings, set objectives, and review performance through lesson observations and feedback.
• Led curriculum development for KS3–KS5 Drama, ensuring alignment with Cambridge IGCSE and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Theatre Arts courses. Successfully maintained 100% pass rates for both IGCSE and IB courses, with students consistently achieving above world average results.
• Fostered partnerships with the prestigious Juilliard School, integrating their Creative Classrooms curriculum into the KS3 Drama syllabus.
• Attended a week-long CPD program at Juilliard, which transformed my approach to curriculum design and delivery within the department.

Teacher Training & Mentorship

• Acted as a Lead Mentor for a student teacher and newly qualified teacher (NQTs), providing guidance, lesson observations, and feedback on teaching practice. Successfully supported a student teacher through their Initial Teacher Training (ITT) year, helping them develop both pedagogical skills and classroom management techniques.
• Facilitated regular one-on-one mentoring sessions, set development targets, and provided opportunities for the student teacher to observe outstanding practices within the department.
• Led workshops on assessment, lesson planning, and behavior management.

School Productions & Extra-Curricular Leadership

• Directed multiple large-scale school productions. These productions involved over 100 students and also provided students with leadership opportunities in stage management and technical roles.
• Organised and led international and domestic trips, providing students with enriching cultural experiences and opportunities for personal growth.

Leadership & Line Management

• V-Certificate Coordinator : Developed and led the implementation of the V-Certificate in Drama and Theatre, a new vocational qualification aimed at providing alternative assessment routes for students. Managed the rollout of the program across the department, training staff on the new curriculum and assessment frameworks.
• Provided guidance to students pursuing careers in performing arts through individualized mentorship and career counseling.
• Line managed Drama teachers within the department, providing professional development and overseeing performance management. Conducted lesson observations, provided feedback, and supported staff in improving teaching practices.
• Enhanced the school's drama program by developing and implementing a comprehensive curriculum focused on various aspects of theater arts.
• Collaborated with other departments to integrate drama into interdisciplinary projects and learning experiences.
• Managed budgets effectively while ensuring high-quality production values for all performances.
• Implemented effective classroom management techniques to provide safe, calm learning environment.
• Established and maintained partnerships with local primary schools, leading KS4 students in delivering workshops to younger pupils, enhancing both student engagement and community outreach.

Teacher Training & Mentorship

• TEEP Mentor : As part of the TEEP (Teacher Effectiveness Enhancement Performance) team, mentored fellow teachers in improving classroom practice. Worked with a group of five teachers to develop new teaching strategies, focusing on active learning and formative assessment. Regularly observed lessons and provided feedback to colleagues, helping them refine their teaching practices and improve student outcomes.
• Delivered CPD sessions on curriculum design and student engagement, contributing to whole-school teaching and learning initiatives.

Pastoral Leadership

• Served as a KS4 form tutor, responsible for the academic and personal development of students, including those with special educational needs (SEN). Provided tailored support to students, ensuring their well-being and success during critical exam years.
• Directed the annual staff pantomime, which involved over 20 staff members and provided a fun and collaborative extra-curricular opportunity that strengthened the staff-student bond.

Leadership & Management

• SEN Coordinator (Drama & Media Studies) : As the SEN Coordinator for Drama and Media Studies, I ensured that the specific needs of SEN students were met within the curriculum. Developed individualized learning plans and worked closely with the SEN department to ensure inclusive teaching practices across the department.
• Line managed a small team of teaching assistants (TAs) within the department, providing guidance on how to support SEN students effectively in practical and theoretical lessons.
• Coordinated with the SEN department to deliver CPD sessions for Drama and Media staff on differentiation and inclusion strategies.

Teacher Training & Mentorship

• Mentored a newly qualified teacher (NQT) within the Drama department, providing feedback on lesson planning, classroom management, and student engagement. Supported the NQT in their transition from trainee to fully qualified teacher, observing lessons and offering constructive feedback.

• Leadership in KS3 Development : KS3 Coordinator (Drama) : Led the development of the KS3 Drama curriculum, ensuring it was challenging, inclusive, and engaging for all students. Line managed KS3 Drama teachers, overseeing lesson planning, assessment, and student progress.
• Developed a new assessment framework for KS3 Drama, which was praised for its clarity and focus on both practical and reflective skills.
• Provided one-on-one coaching to Drama teachers, helping them improve their lesson delivery and student engagement.
• Production Leadership : Directed the school's large-scale musical We Will Rock You and smaller productions such as Lord of the Flies.
• Pastoral Care : As a KS4 Form Tutor, provided ongoing support for students' academic and personal development.

Curriculum Development & Student Achievement Form Tutor & Pastoral Leadership Teaching & Learning Development SEN Coordination & Inclusive Education

• Taught Drama across KS3–KS5, with a focus on BTEC Extended First, National Diplomas, and Edexcel frameworks.
• Achieved a 100% pass rate (A–C grades) for all cohorts, demonstrating a strong commitment to student outcomes and attainment.
• Served as a KS4 Form Tutor, providing pastoral support and academic guidance to students during a critical stage in their educational journey, helping to foster both their personal and academic development.
• Selected as a key member of the Matrix Four Teaching and Learning Team, contributing to the development and enhancement of teaching practices across the school.
• Acted as a facilitator for a team of teachers, leading initiatives aimed at improving classroom pedagogy and student engagement.
• Managed the implementation of innovative teaching strategies, ensuring they were effectively integrated across multiple departments.
  
• Appointed as SEN Coordinator for the Drama department, responsible for ensuring that SEN support was fully integrated into the curriculum and classroom practices. Led a team dedicated to supporting students with special educational needs, ensuring they received tailored support and access to high-quality learning experiences.
• Facilitated whole-school INSET training and CPD sessions on SEN inclusion, helping to raise awareness and equip staff with strategies to support diverse learners across the school.