Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Assessment & Data Use
Training
Community Service
Hobbies and Interests
Timeline
Generic

Charley Thornbury

Summary

I am a passionate and reflective primary school teacher with 3.5 years of classroom experience across New Zealand and Victoria. I have a proven ability to deliver inclusive and engaging learning programs underpinned by strong curriculum knowledge and high-impact teaching strategies. My practice is shaped by a deep understanding of both the New Zealand and Victorian curricula, enriched by experience in diverse school communities and supported by collaborative planning frameworks. My teaching draws on evidence-based approaches including the Gradual Release of Responsibility (GRR), GANAG lesson structure, and Sounds-Write phonics. I tailor instruction to meet individual needs using data from IEPs, formative assessments, and tools like PAT and Essential Assessment. I work closely with students, families, and colleagues to build strong, trusting relationships that foster student wellbeing, voice, and academic growth.

Overview

2026
2026
years of professional experience

Work History

Grade 1-2 and 5-6 Teacher

Wyndham Park Primary School
01.2023 - Current
  • Deliver engaging, inclusive lessons aligned to the Victorian Curriculum using the GRR model and HITS
  • Implement Sounds-Write phonics to teach decoding and spelling
  • Use formative, summative, and assessment data to guide instruction
  • Plan and lead curriculum areas including Reading, Writing, Numeracy, SWPBS, Inquiry, and Handwriting
  • Support students with IEPs and differentiate for diverse learning needs
  • Maintain strong family partnerships via Compass, Seesaw, journals, and interviews
  • Co-led interschool sports events to promote engagement and teamwork

Relief Teacher

Various Christchurch Schools
2022 - 2022
  • Taught across year levels in diverse classroom contexts
  • Built positive relationships quickly and adapted instruction to meet varied learning needs

Education

Bachelor of Teaching and Learning - Primary

University of Canterbury
Canterbury, New Zealand
12-2020

University Entrance Qualification -

Hagley Community College
Canterbury, New Zealand
01.2017

Skills

  • Strong knowledge of Victorian and NZ curricula
  • Systematic phonics instruction (trained in Sounds-Write)
  • High Impact Teaching Strategies (HITS)
  • Gradual Release of Responsibility (GRR) & GANAG pedagogy
  • Differentiated instruction & small group teaching
  • Student data analysis & goal setting
  • Inclusive education & IEP planning
  • Collaborative team planning & co-teaching
  • Parent communication & community engagement
  • Positive Behaviour Support & student wellbeing

Assessment & Data Use

  • Developed and maintained a data tracking system using Essential Assessment & My Numeracy
  • Conducted pre- and post-assessments to inform small group instruction
  • Used tools such as PAT-R, PAT-M, running records, and writing samples
  • Led student goal-setting and reflection conferences
  • Shared progress transparently with families to build trust and encourage home learning partnerships

Training

  • Sounds-Write Phonics Program Training (2024)
  • Weekly PD and coaching cycles aligned with school priorities
  • Completed VIT Induction and achieved full registration (2025)
  • Trained in GANAG and GRR instructional frameworks
  • Ongoing development through team planning, peer observation, and reflective practice

Community Service

Youth Alive Trust, Created enriching after-school programs for students aged 5–13, Supported vulnerable learners through consistent routines and positive relationships

Hobbies and Interests

Hiking and nature trails, Martial arts These interests have influenced my teaching by fostering resilience, discipline, and a strong sense of wellbeing.

Timeline

Grade 1-2 and 5-6 Teacher

Wyndham Park Primary School
01.2023 - Current

Relief Teacher

Various Christchurch Schools
2022 - 2022

Bachelor of Teaching and Learning - Primary

University of Canterbury

University Entrance Qualification -

Hagley Community College
Charley Thornbury