CAROLINE FARRELL
Fitzroy Falls,NSW
Summary
Highly experienced educator, strategic leader, and project manager with over 25 years of expertise in the education and arts sectors. Offers a powerful combination of pedagogical rigour and pragmatic operational acumen (transferable from professional production and venue management). Proven track record in senior school leadership and department head roles, delivering high-quality academic outcomes, securing regulatory compliance, and expertly coordinating internal and external stakeholders. Dedicated to driving academic quality and informing continuous improvement through evidence-based practice and data insights.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
INTERNATIONAL ACCREDITATION & CURRICULUM TUTOR
- Managed Compliance: Successfully applied for and secured home school accreditation for numerous families studying diverse international curricula, including IB, Cambridge, American, and West Australian frameworks.
- Overseas Tutoring
COORDINATOR, CHILDREN'S LITERACY FESTIVAL
Ubud Writers and Readers Festival
- Complex Project Coordination: Designed and managed a multi-faceted, three-day bilingual program, demonstrating exceptional skill in managing schedules, budgets, and high-profile international stakeholders (authors, sponsors).
SENIOR TEACHER & CURRICULUM SPECIALIST
Various Schools
01.2004 - Current
- Provided expert advice and teaching in HSC English and Drama, directly informing academic quality standards.
- Taught in distance education (Cairns School of Distance Education, 2021), adapting instruction to online learning environments.
HEAD OF HIGH SCHOOL & HIGH SCHOOL COORDINATOR
Aurora Southern Highlands Steiner School
01.2017 - 01.2021
- Accreditation Success: Led the development of all curriculum documents for the high school’s successful NESA registration and accreditation (Years 7-12).
- Operational Oversight: Managed the academic and logistical management of the inaugural high school section, including staff recruitment, venue usage, and community engagement.
HEAD OF DRAMA DEPARTMENT
St Augustine’s College
01.2009 - 01.2010
- Curriculum Management: Developed, reviewed, and gained accreditation for the senior Drama curriculum, ensuring alignment with NESA requirements.
COMPANY DIRECTOR & FOUNDER
Vineyard Entertainment
01.2000 - 01.2004
- Operational Management: Managed all aspects of the company, including full financial accountability, grant applications, sponsorship negotiation, contracts, marketing, and logistics for 5 full-scale productions across multiple venues.
- Professional Shakespearean Theatre Company
Education
Master’s - Creative Writing
University of Technology Sydney
Sydney01.2012
Diploma of Education - English & Drama Methods
University of New South Wales
01.1999
Bachelor of Arts - Honours in Theatre Studies
University of New England
01.1992
Skills
- Curriculum & Accreditation Management
- Strategic & Operational Leadership
- Data and Stakeholder Management
- Curriculum Design & Review: Expertise in NESA, IB, Cambridge, and international frameworks West Australian)
- Accreditation Leadership: Co-led full high school registration and successfully managed complex home school compliance documentation
- Expert Advice: Provided data-informed recommendations, drawing on experience as an HSC marker and PLC leader
- Regulatory Compliance: Proven ability to manage complex schedules, track documentation, and ensure submissions meet external standards
- Project & Operational Management: Meticulous planning, budget control, and logistics for international festivals and professional productions
- High-Level Liaison: Built and maintained relationships with international authors, sponsors, academic teams, and external professional bodies
- Academic Quality Assurance: Focused on evidence-informed pedagogy, driving continuous improvement through Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)
- Team Leadership: Mentored and coached educators; led multi-functional teams in both academic and creative environments
- Communication & Negotiation: Skilled in contracts, grant applications, and persuasive public presentation
Accomplishments
- Accreditation and Regulatory Compliance: Co-led and secured NESA registration for new high schools and managed complex international home school compliance.
- Strategic Project Management: Successfully planned, budgeted, and executed complex projects, from international festivals to professional theatre seasons.
- Data-Informed Pedagogy: Led evidence-informed Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and used HSC marking experience to drive teaching excellence.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Proven success in negotiating contracts, securing funding, and building robust relationships with academic staff, professional artists, and external community groups.
Certification
- International Baccalaureate (IB) Program High School Facilitator Training
- Aspiring Leaders Professional Development (Education Queensland, 2021)
- HSC Marking Experience (English & Drama)
Timeline
HEAD OF HIGH SCHOOL & HIGH SCHOOL COORDINATOR
Aurora Southern Highlands Steiner School
01.2017 - 01.2021
HEAD OF DRAMA DEPARTMENT
St Augustine’s College
01.2009 - 01.2010
SENIOR TEACHER & CURRICULUM SPECIALIST
Various Schools
01.2004 - Current
COMPANY DIRECTOR & FOUNDER
Vineyard Entertainment
01.2000 - 01.2004
INTERNATIONAL ACCREDITATION & CURRICULUM TUTOR
COORDINATOR, CHILDREN'S LITERACY FESTIVAL
Ubud Writers and Readers Festival
Diploma of Education - English & Drama Methods
University of New South Wales
Bachelor of Arts - Honours in Theatre Studies
University of New England
Master’s - Creative Writing
University of Technology Sydney