Catherine Walsh

Dedicated and versatile Art and Religious Education Teacher with an extensive history of international teaching experience across diverse and multicultural environments. Highly capable of leading curriculum development and designing comprehensive Schemes of Work (SOW) that elevate student engagement and attainment. An adaptable educator adept at integrating technology and creative teaching methods to encourage independent thinking, committed to tailoring lessons across KS3 through to KS5 to inspire a lifelong love for learning while fostering a supportive, inclusive, and learner-centred classroom atmosphere.

Art & Graphic Communications Teacher, A Level Fine Art Lead, Form Tutor at St Bonaventure's School (2025-09 – Present)

Led A Level Fine Art and taught GCSE/A Level Fine Art and A Level Graphic Communication, with responsibility for curriculum development, assessment, student progress and Form Tutor provision.

• Designed and implemented comprehensive Schemes of Work for GCSE/A Level Fine Art and A Level Graphic Communication
• Delivered advanced instruction across drawing, painting, printmaking, colour theory, critical analysis, and personal investigation portfolios
• Monitored student attainment data, coordinated targeted academic interventions, and created high-quality technical demonstrations and exemplar materials
• Successfully prepared student cohorts for terminal examinations, external exam board moderation, and competitive portfolio submissions
• Formally commended by Senior Leadership for high-quality teaching standards, exemplary classroom management, and a student-centred approach
• Enriched the department's offering by introducing specialist bookmaking and watercolour workshops to diversify student skill sets

Art Teacher & Religious Education Teacher, DofE Assessor, First Aider, Form Tutor at St Angela's Ursuline School (2021-09 – 2025-08)

Combined Art and Religious Education teaching with pastoral care, DofE, First Aid and trainee teacher mentoring, contributing extensively to academic and wider school life.

• Delivered Art and Religious Education across Key Stages, adapting teaching and resources for diverse abilities and learning needs
• Used targeted feedback, Directed Improvement and Reflection Time (DIRT) and individual intervention to strengthen GCSE and A Level progress
• Mentored trainee teachers and supported students academically and pastorally as a Form Tutor
• Assessed DofE expeditions and prepared students for visits to the National Portrait Gallery and Tate Modern, connecting classroom learning with first-hand engagement with art
• Maintained a 100% C–A* pass rate across all GCSE and A Level Art classes taught at St Angela's from 2016–2025
• Led Year 11 to exceed national averages in 2022/23 by 42.8% at Grade 7+, 29.2% at Grade 5+, and 23.9% at Grade 4+, with an average progress score of 3.15, exceeding expectations by 1.95
• Received the Principal's Gold Award for excellence in tutoring and student support
• Contributed to successful Section 48 and Ofsted inspections in 2022, including an Art deep dive, with the school achieving an Outstanding rating
• Introduced bead weaving and bookmaking workshops and supported school performances through creative prop-making

Art & RE Teacher, Form Tutor, SEN Representative, DofE Volunteer at St Angela's Ursuline School (2018-05 – 2021-08)

Delivered GCSE Fine Art and RE with additional responsibility for SEN/EAL support, pastoral care, curriculum development, trainee teacher mentoring and DofE.

• Applied Edexcel assessment requirements and targeted intervention while serving as SEN representative and adapting provision for individual needs
• Developed KS4 Schemes of Learning in drawing, painting and photography
• Mentored trainee teachers and contributed to DofE, educational trips and whole-school activities
• In 2021, 90% of students exceeded FFT targets, with 63.6% achieving Grades 7–9
• In 2021, 100% of Year 13 Fine Art students achieved A–B*: 28.6% A*, 28.6% A and 42.6% B
• Supported students from predicted Grade 5 to Grade 8 and Grade 3+ to Grade 6, including a student who joined Year 11 without an Art portfolio
• Completed specialist Edexcel training and supported students to successfully complete Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Awards

Supply Art and Design Technology Teacher at Hammersmith Academy, St Thomas More Catholic School (2017-05 – 2018-04)

Taught GCSE and A Level Fine Art alongside KS3 DT at Hammersmith Academy, delivering specialist teaching in painting, printmaking, bookbinding and supporting students' technical and independent practice. At St Thomas More Catholic School, taught Art across KS3–KS5, supporting GCSE and A Level portfolio and examination preparation and delivering specialist workshops in graphite, pastel, watercolour and acrylic.

Art Teacher, Form Tutor at St Angela's Ursuline School (2016-04 – 2017-04)

Stepped into a critical Year 11 examination period, rapidly building relationships to prepare students for final 10-hour practical exams and coursework submissions.

• Delivered targeted one-on-one lunchtime and after-school support sessions, significantly boosting confidence and final project outcomes
• Selected to mentor and provide guidance to teacher trainees, accelerating their transition into full teaching roles
• Led Year 11 Art GCSE cohorts to a 100% C–A* pass rate across consecutive years (achieving 41% A*–A grades in 2017, up from 14.3% in 2016)
• Invited back for a second maternity cover contract based on performance

B A in Fine Arts – Galway Mayo Institute of Technology (2004-01 – 2008-12)

Higher Diploma in Teaching Art and Design in Art and Design – Limerick School of Art and Design (2010-01 – 2011-12)

Advanced Drawing & Visual Inquiry Course in Drawing and Visual Inquiry – Galway Technical Institute (2009-01 – 2010-12)

Certificate in Art, Craft & Design – St. John's Central College (2003-01 – 2004-12)