Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
References
Timeline
Generic
Rachael Mellor

Rachael Mellor

West Kirby

Summary

As a dedicated Drama teacher, I am passionate about the crucial role the arts play in a well-rounded education. I firmly believe that Drama and the Performing Arts equip students with invaluable transferable skills—such as confidence, teamwork, communication, and resilience—that serve them both within and beyond the classroom.

I take great pride in nurturing students' creativity, confidence, and interdisciplinary abilities. My teaching is strongly influenced by my background in performance, allowing me to design dynamic, engaging, and interactive lessons that foster a genuine love of learning. I strive to create a safe, inclusive, and stimulating environment where high expectations and positive outcomes are consistently achieved.

A strong advocate for ‘Active Learning,’ I prioritise practical, hands-on experiences that are thoughtfully grounded in relevant theoretical frameworks. This approach has proven effective in increasing student engagement, contributing to a rise in A Level Theatre Studies enrollment and sustaining high numbers at GCSE Drama.

I am confident in my behaviour management skills, often using humour and positivity to foster a supportive and respectful classroom culture. I also take an active role in curriculum development, regularly reflecting on successful lessons and schemes of work to identify areas for further growth and innovation.

With experience teaching across Key Stages 3 to 5, I am committed to enriching the wider school community. I lead Musical Theatre clubs and have directed and choreographed a variety of school productions, including SIX, Grease, and Mary Poppins.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education

Work history

Drama teacher secondary school

West Kirby Grammar School
West Kirby, United Kingdom
09.2019 - Current
  • Organised multiple trips to local theatres and annual residential trips to London, enriching students' understanding of professional performances.
  • Facilitated after-school drama and Musical Theatre club activities, expanding opportunities for interested students, leading onto showcases such as ' A Night At The Musicals' where 50+ students were involved.
  • Participated in parent-teacher meetings, providing insightful updates on students' progress in drama lessons.
  • Enhanced student creativity by implementing innovative drama techniques increasing practical assessment grades.
  • Adapted teaching style according to each student's unique needs, promoting inclusion and diversity within classroom setting.
  • In charge of running the Work experience program for year 10 and year 12.

Secondary Performing Arts Teacher

Rainhill High School
Rainhill, United Kingdom
09.2018 - 01.2019
  • Facilitated auditions for school production of Mary Poppins, ensuring fair selection process for all participants.
  • Adapted teaching style to meet individual student needs, improving their overall understanding of subject matter.
  • Taught variety of performing art disciplines including drama, dance and music broadening student exposure.
  • Created a school choir and performed at local residential care homes.
  • Encouraged individual expression, fostering a positive learning environment.
  • Collaborated with colleagues for curriculum development's successful implementation.
  • Devised fun, informative learning programmes for maximised student engagement.
  • Used behaviour management techniques to maintain productive learning environments.
  • Created and marked homework, exams and class activities to monitor individuals' progress.

PGCE placement

Weatherhead High School
, United Kingdom
01.2017 - 01.2018
  • Demonstrated patience whilst addressing behavioural issues among students.
  • Motivated underperforming students to improve study habits and participation in class activities.
  • Delivered lessons according to school curriculum guidelines; ensured consistency in teaching standards across all classrooms.
  • Boosted student success by maximising individual learning, balancing group and individual instruction models to accommodate different academic levels.
  • Engaged students with lesson materials by building positive rapport.
  • Adapted lesson plans to accommodate individual learning needs.
  • Collaborated with colleagues for development of effective lesson plans.
  • Maintained records of student attendance, grades, and behaviour reports meticulously.

Musical Theatre and Dance Teacher

Performers Theatre School
Liverpool, United Kingdom
09.2015 - 08.2017
  • Teaching Musical Theatre and Dance for ages 4-17.
  • Prepared pupils for local dance competitions, boosting their public performance confidence.
  • Assisted pupils in preparing for external examinations and performances.
  • Promoted health and safety in all dance classes, reducing risk of injury.
  • Collaborated with other teachers to organise end-of-term showcases highlighting pupil talent.
  • Fostered a positive learning environment with a focus on creativity and self-expression.
  • Delivered engaging lessons that encouraged participation from all pupils.
  • Gave personalised feedback to help individuals improve performance and identify areas for further practice.

Cover Supply Teacher

North Liverpool Academy
Liverpool, United Kingdom
03.2017 - 05.2017
  • Teaching Drama and Music -KS3
  • Covered other teachers' classes during their absences, ensuring continuity in education delivery.
  • Prepared teaching materials ahead of time for smooth-running lessons.
  • Delivered lesson content clearly, enhancing students' comprehension of subjects.
  • Demonstrated professionalism whilst interacting with students, staff and parents alike.
  • Navigated challenging behaviour from students calmly and effectively.
  • Adapted teaching methods for students' individual learning needs.
  • Fostered positive student-teacher relationships to encourage student participation.

Education

PGCE (Secondary) - Drama

Liverpool John Moore's University
Liverpool
01.2017 - 01.2018

BA HONS - Dance, Drama and Physical Theatre

Edge Hill University
Liverpool
01.2008 - 01.2011

BTEC - Performing Arts

Thomas Telford
Telford
01.2006 - 01.2008

GCSE - 10 x A-C grades including English, Math's, Science & Dance

Blessed Robert Johnson
Telford
08.2006

Skills

  • Dance
  • Musical Theatre
  • Teaching SEN pupils
  • Effective communication
  • Team player
  • Professional Theatre experience
  • Professional TV experience
  • Director experience
  • Choreographer experience
  • First Aid
  • DBS
  • Computer literate
  • Educational field trip organisation
  • Drama curriculum planning
  • GCSE and exam preparations
  • Student training
  • Classroom management
  • Behavioural Management
  • Assessment for learning
  • Curriculum Development
  • Event organisation
  • Differentiated instruction

References

Avalible on request

Timeline

Drama teacher secondary school

West Kirby Grammar School
09.2019 - Current

Secondary Performing Arts Teacher

Rainhill High School
09.2018 - 01.2019

Cover Supply Teacher

North Liverpool Academy
03.2017 - 05.2017

PGCE placement

Weatherhead High School
01.2017 - 01.2018

PGCE (Secondary) - Drama

Liverpool John Moore's University
01.2017 - 01.2018

Musical Theatre and Dance Teacher

Performers Theatre School
09.2015 - 08.2017

BA HONS - Dance, Drama and Physical Theatre

Edge Hill University
01.2008 - 01.2011

BTEC - Performing Arts

Thomas Telford
01.2006 - 01.2008

GCSE - 10 x A-C grades including English, Math's, Science & Dance

Blessed Robert Johnson
Rachael Mellor