Olivia Van Grinsven
Gold Coast,QLD
Summary
Senior Drama Teacher and Director with experience in a high-success all-boys private school on the Gold Coast. Passionate about fostering creativity, building supportive learning environments, and guiding students to express themselves through Drama. Skilled in implementing ACARA v9 and QCAA Drama curricula, and experienced in directing a wide range of productions and festivals.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Drama Teacher
The Southport School
01.2025 - Current
- Wrote and implemented the QCAA General Drama 2025 syllabus for Years 11–12.
- Implemented ACARA v9 Drama Curriculum across Years 7–9.
- Coordinated unit planning, curriculum design, and assessment alignment for Junior Drama.
- Facilitated rehearsals to enhance student performances and teamwork skills.
- Developed engaging lesson plans for diverse student groups in drama curriculum.
- Developed rehearsal processes and performance projects tailored to an all-boys school context.
- Provided pastoral care and academic support as a Boarding Tutoring Supervisor.
- Led collaborative planning to strengthen curriculum and co-curricular Drama programs.
Senior Drama Teacher
Benowa State High School
07.2023 - 04.2025
- Planned, designed, and delivered QCAA General Drama (Years 11/12) and Drama in Practice (Years 11/12).
- Coordinated and implemented ACARA v9 Drama Curriculum (Years 7–9).
- Analysed student achievement data to inform teaching strategies.
- Differentiated teaching and learning programs to support diverse learners.
- Developed and implemented formal and informal, formative and summative assessments.
- Provided targeted feedback and reports to students and parents.
- Program Coordinator and Creator for the Drama Excellence Program.
- Implemented the QUT Accessible Assessment Program into Junior Drama.
- Guided students in character development and scene analysis techniques.
- Organized auditions, fostering a supportive environment for student talent showcase.
Director
Multiple Schools
01.2023 - Current
- Drama Festival Director – The Southport School
Directed and wrote Drama Festival production, receiving multiple awards. - Musical Director – Benowa State High School
Directed All Shook Up musical, overseeing staging, choreography, and creative design. - Senior Play Director – Benowa State High School
Directed Romeo and Juliet with a cast of 20 students. - Festival Director – Trinity Lutheran College
Directed Junior Drama Festival production, adapting text and guiding ensemble work.
Education
Bachelor of Secondary Education - Drama
Griffith University
Gold Coast01.2023
High School Certificate -
Aquinas Catholic College
01.2017
Skills
- Curriculum design
- Assessment alignment
- Performance direction
- Character development
- Rehearsal facilitation
- Data analysis
- Student engagement
- Creative development
- Team leadership
Professional Development
- ATAR Drama – QCAA 2025 Syllabus PD (2023–2025)
- Behaviour Management for Early Career Teachers
- Understanding Applied Syllabus – QCAA online
- Red Leap Theatre – Devising PD
- Playlab Volume 9 Curricula PD
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Senior Drama Teacher
The Southport School
01.2025 - Current
Senior Drama Teacher
Benowa State High School
07.2023 - 04.2025
Director
Multiple Schools
01.2023 - Current
Bachelor of Secondary Education - Drama
Griffith University
High School Certificate -
Aquinas Catholic College
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