Cindy Van Niekerk
Melbourne,Australia
Summary
Secondary school teacher with over 15 years of experience in inclusive education and curriculum development. Proven ability to lead strategic initiatives that enhance whole-school improvement and drive measurable academic outcomes. Holds Permanent Residency visa in Australia with full working rights. Committed to pursuing a master’s in educational leadership to further impact educational practices through innovative and evidence-based strategies.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Learning Diversity Coordinator and Secondary Mathematics Teacher
Hillcrest Christian College
Melbourne, Australia
01.2025 - Current
- Led development and delivery of inclusive education strategies for diverse learning needs.
- Promoted equitable access to learning through inclusive education practices.
- Oversaw creation and implementation of Individual Learning Plans for additional support.
- Collaborated with educators to adapt curriculum and assessments for varied learning needs.
- Provided professional learning and coaching on differentiated instruction and inclusive pedagogy.
- Facilitated support from allied health professionals, learning assistants, and external agencies.
- Monitored student progress and maintained documentation in accordance with policy standards.
- Advised school leadership on inclusive education strategy and contributed to planning.
Secondary Mathematics Teacher
Berwick Secondary College
Melbourne, Australia
01.2024 - 01.2025
- Educated and guided secondary school students in Mathematics curriculum aligned with Victorian standards.
- Developed lesson plans that adhered to Victorian curriculum requirements for effective learning outcomes.
- Developed and implemented interactive lessons tailored to meet varied learning requirements of students in year levels 7 to 12.
- My duties included creating lesson plans, assessing student progress, providing feedback to students and relevant stakeholders, and fostering a positive learning environment.
Head of Academics & Student Support, Head of Department: Mathematics
Curro Uitzicht Independent School
Cape Town, South Africa
01.2020 - 12.2023
- Contributed to Senior Management Team overseeing daily school operations and learner and staff welfare.
- Ensured assessment, recording, and reporting policies complied with Department of Basic Education framework.
- Developed assessment year planner, test schedules, and examination timetables.
- Coordinated invigilation schedules and managed examinations efficiently.
- Oversaw Grade 12 National Senior Certificate external examinations coordination.
- Constructed academic timetable for the academic year.
- Collaborated with Educational Psychologists and Department of Education on assessment accommodations for learners.
- Maintained Student Needs Analysis and Individual Support Plans for learners facing learning barriers.
Mathematics Content Developer
PaperVideo
Cape Town, South Africa
01.2021 - 12.2023
- Company Overview: An EdTech company that created and distributed educational resources.
- Writing and creation of video lessons for grades 8-12 by developing engaging and step-by-step explanations for various topics in the CAPS curriculum.
- Creation and recording of revision content Grade 8-12
- Subject mapping of the CAPS curriculum
- An EdTech company that created and distributed educational resources.
External Senior Certificate Marker
Western Cape Education Department
Cape Town, South Africa
12.2014 - 06.2023
- Demonstrated extensive experience in external marking of final Grade 12 National Senior Certificate examinations for Mathematics and Mathematical Literacy.
Head of Department: Mathematics
High School Durbanville
Cape Town, South Africa
04.2016 - 12.2019
- Managed department operations, promoting effective teaching and learning across all levels.
- Ensured faculty compliance with Department of Education standards for assessment and reporting.
- Collaborated with School Management Team to enhance overall academic performance.
- Served as intermediary among parents, students, teachers, and senior management to address concerns.
- Reviewed and developed school policies to support educational initiatives.
- Constructed an annual whole-school academic timetable to facilitate the efficient scheduling of classes.
Subject Head: Mathematics
Eben Donges High School
Cape Town, South Africa
01.2014 - 03.2016
- Established high standards of mathematics teaching and learning across the curriculum.
- Monitored, supported, and motivated educators to enhance teaching practices.
- Set specific targets for professional development and continuous improvement.
Secondary School Educator
Boston Private School
Cape Town, South Africa
01.2010 - 12.2013
- Initiated teaching career at Boston Private School.
- Instructed Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy, Accounting and Economic & Management Studies.
- Guided learners through CAPS curriculum to prepare for National Senior Certificate examinations.
Education
BSc(Hons) - Business Sciences
University of Greenwich
United KingdomPost Graduate Certificate in Education - Senior and Further Education and Training (Year 7-12), Mathematics, Accounting, Economics and Business Studies
University of South Africa
South AfricaAdvanced Certificate in Counselling - Applied Psychology
South African College of Applied Psychology
South AfricaSkills
- Organisational efficiency
- Inclusive education
- Differentiated instruction
- Individual learning plans
- Curriculum adaptation
- Assessment implementation
- Educational leadership
- Collaborative problem solving
- Policy compliance
- Exam coordination
- Effective communication
- Team collaboration
- Professional development
- Critical thinking
- Decision-making
- Deadline management
- Schedule coordination
- Discretion and confidentiality
- Work planning and prioritisation
- Staff management
- Budget planning
- Interpersonal skills
- MS Office proficiency
- Time management
Personal Awards
- 2006, A-aggregate in Grade 12 final NSC examinations
- 2007, Best Regional Achiever Award in Business Sciences – University of Greenwich
- 2008, Highest Global Achiever Award in Business Sciences – University of Greenwich
Personal Information
Visa Status: Permanent Residency
References
Available upon request.
Professional Achievements
- 2013, Grade 12 Mathematics pass rate increased by 15% + from 2012 in a low performing school
- 2017, School achieved Top Grade 9 Systemic Testing results for Mathematics in South Africa
- 2014-22, 100% pass rate Grade 12 Mathematics & Mathematical Literacy for final National Senior Certificate examinations
- 2019, 15% increase in number of candidates passing grade 12 with Higher Mathematics as a subject elective from previous year
- 2022-23, Excellence in academic performance award for Grade 12 National Senior Certificate examinations. School achieved third position in our education district
Micro Credentials
Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Early Diagnosis and Intervention, South African College of Applied Psychology
Timeline
Learning Diversity Coordinator and Secondary Mathematics Teacher
Hillcrest Christian College
01.2025 - Current
Secondary Mathematics Teacher
Berwick Secondary College
01.2024 - 01.2025
Mathematics Content Developer
PaperVideo
01.2021 - 12.2023
Head of Academics & Student Support, Head of Department: Mathematics
Curro Uitzicht Independent School
01.2020 - 12.2023
Head of Department: Mathematics
High School Durbanville
04.2016 - 12.2019
External Senior Certificate Marker
Western Cape Education Department
12.2014 - 06.2023
Subject Head: Mathematics
Eben Donges High School
01.2014 - 03.2016
Secondary School Educator
Boston Private School
01.2010 - 12.2013
BSc(Hons) - Business Sciences
University of Greenwich
Post Graduate Certificate in Education - Senior and Further Education and Training (Year 7-12), Mathematics, Accounting, Economics and Business Studies
University of South Africa
Advanced Certificate in Counselling - Applied Psychology
South African College of Applied Psychology
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