Catherine Smith
Blackpool
Summary
I am a dedicated professional with a strong foundation in musical creativity and expertise as a musician, playing the flute to Grade 8 standard. I have been teaching in a secondary school setting for the last 26 years and have been the head of music for over 10 years. I have excellent communication skills, complemented by effective classroom management, leadership skills and interpersonal abilities. I currently work with students in both key stages 3 and 4, delivering engaging and well structured lessons. I am committed to high standards and always aim to create a positive, inclusive and well managed environment in order to help all students achieve their full potential. My current role has also involved providing pastoral support to students in all year groups so I have a strong sense of emotional intelligence.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Secondary School Head of Music
Montgomery Academy
Blackpool
2015.09 - Current
- Developed relationships with parents and guardians through consistent communication about pupil achievements.
- Managed departmental administrative tasks such as coordinating peripatetic staff and report writing.
- Advocated for the importance of music education within the wider school community, establishing a successful choir and creating performance opportunities.
- Created a positive learning environment through effective classroom management techniques.
- Directed extracurricular activities for developing students' performing skills.
- Planned, prepared and delivered a creative curriculum, including the addition of whole class singing lessons.
- Supported SEND students with the use of passports/EHC plans.
Secondary School Music Teacher
Montgomery Academy
Blackpool
2000.09 - Current
- Cultivated a strong rapport with parents, assisting in their child's musical growth at home.
- Tailored curriculum to meet diverse needs of class whilst adhering to national education standards.
- Developed comprehensive lesson plans to highlight key musical concepts for better understanding.
- Fostered a love for music in students, resulting in increased participation in extracurricular activities.
- Provided individual attention for improved performance in practical assessments.
- Arranged regular performances for boosting students' confidence and stage presence.
- Assessed learners' abilities, issuing constructive feedback and performance reports.
- Planned and prepared lessons based on individual students' needs.
- Taught students how to read and interpret musical notation.
- Instructed students at beginner level on practical aspects of playing musical instruments.
- Revised, updated and modified course content to maintain relevancy and adapt courses to student needs.
- Inspired enthusiasm within the student community towards local music events and concerts.
- Established safe space where each student felt encouraged expressing themselves musically.
Primary School Teacher
St Mary's C of E Primary School
Urmston, Trafford
1996.09 - 2000.08
- Managed classroom effectively, ensuring a conducive space for learning.
- Assessed student performance regularly, identifying areas needing improvement.
- Undertook parent-teacher meetings to provide feedback on student progress.
- Developed lesson plans to engage students in the learning process.
- Planned and organised classrooms that consistently facilitated positive learning experience.
- Differentiated lesson delivery and class assessments to needs of various abilities, learning styles and educational needs.
- Prepared and presented informative reports to parents.
- Evaluated own teaching critically to identify weak areas and make improvements.
- Utilised visual aids and classroom displays to support engaging lesson delivery and enhance student understanding.
Education
Bachelor of Arts with QTS - Music
Edge Hill University
Ormskirk 1992.09 - 1996.07
Skills
- Musical creativity
- Grade 8 flautist
- Leadership
- Strong communication
- Classroom management
- Interpersonal abilities
- Adaptability
- Collaboration
- Patience
- Emotional intelligence
- Approachable
Affiliations
- Playing musical instruments including flute, piano and ukulele.
- Enjoying the outdoors doing activities such as walking, cycling and gardening.
- Cooking international cuisine and baking.
- Solving puzzles and taking part in quizzes.
Languages
French
Intermediate
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Secondary School Head of Music
Montgomery Academy
2015.09 - Current
Secondary School Music Teacher
Montgomery Academy
2000.09 - Current
Primary School Teacher
St Mary's C of E Primary School
1996.09 - 2000.08
Bachelor of Arts with QTS - Music
Edge Hill University
1992.09 - 1996.07