Katharine Anthony
Birmingham,West Midlands
Summary
Dedicated educator with over thirty-three years of experience in Religious Education within Archdiocese of Birmingham. Currently serving as Lay Chaplain, Sacraments Coordinator and Music Lead in local primary school and parish. Fostering spiritual development and community engagement among staff, students and families. Proven ability to inspire spirituality and rekindle faith through dynamic and creative prayer. Passionate about liturgy, coordinating a wide range of activities liturgical activities within the school and parish that fosters faith formation and personal relationship with God
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
10
10
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Lay Chaplain
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School
Birmingham, West Midlands
09.2025 - Current
- Age Range: EYFS KS1 KS2
- Create and lead regular liturgical celebrations, enhancing spiritual wellbeing and community cohesion
- Initiated youth engagement programmes encouraging younger participation in church activities.
- Encourage participation in formal liturgy e.g. Masses and Benedictions
- Build positive relations with staff, pupils and families and members of wider Church community through family Prayer and shared liturgy
- Research and prepare engaging Gospel centred Celebrations of the Word and assemblies focusing on saints and liturgical calendar.
- Develop and direct catechetical programmes to prepare pupils for sacraments in school and parish inspiring life long relationship with God
- Offer immersive retreat and prayer opportunities to develop personal spirituality
- Mentor and inspire young lay chaplains to foster and develop their own leadership roles and pupil prepared prayer
- Encourage pupils to evaluate and monitor their own prayer and sacred spaces.
- Promote care and respect for family of God through Catholic Social Teaching and work with Catholic charities such CAFOD, Mission Together and Aid to the Church in Need
- Provide resources suitable for wide range of abilities and age ranges, and determined appropriate type of involvement to meet spiritual needs
- Promoted engagement in religious activities, both in and outside in school resulting in high attendance
- Preserved sacred traditions, practices and beliefs of Catholic faith through education and demonstration
- Handle administrative duties for efficient operation of parish/school liaison.
- Responded to enquiries about religious concepts, and special events.
Singer and Church Musician
Self Employed
Birmingham, West Midlands
09.1986 - Current
- Oversee and lead Music Liturgy in school and parish community
- Mainly voluntary capacity
- Liaise with fellow musicians, vocalists and musical to establish clear approaches for each piece
- Manage other musicians in rehearsals, performances conduct singers and musicians in delivering pieces with passion and precision
- Play instrument and arrange vocal harmonies for group performances altering arrangements to suit singer and musician range and capabilities
- Select musical pieces to match performance objectives and allocated parts to musicians and vocalists.
- Provide high quality Music for services e.g. Weddings and Funerals, sometimes with large congregations of 200+
- Perform solos with confidence and conviction.
- Keep up to date with recent Liturgical Music
Private Music Tutor
Self Employed
Birmingham, West Midlands
01.1986 - 11.2025
- Guitar, Piano, Keyboard, Ukulele, Choral/Singing for individuals up to groups of 15 students
- Prepare pupils for examinations, leading to successful results
- Stay up-to-date on examination requirements to adequately prepare students for exams and practicals
- Stay updated on new trends in music education by attending professional development workshops and seminars
- Introduce variety of instruments in lessons to expand student knowledge and interest in different music forms.
- Incorporate technology into lessons for modern approach to music education
- Instruct students in reading sheet music to better understand music theory
- Coach students in voice, tempo and rhythm exercises to promote strong foundational music skills
- Provide overview of music history to provide context for learnings.
- Identify talents early on; nurtured them towards achieving full potential in their chosen instrument or vocal ability
- Enhance student confidence by providing constructive feedback and encouragement
- Promote self-expression through composition assignments, inspiring creativity among pupils
- Utilise diverse teaching methods to cater to different learning styles, resulting in increased student engagement
- Foster love for music by creating engaging lesson plans
- Adapt teaching materials for special needs students, facilitating inclusive learning environment
- Establish safe and nurturing environment through effective classroom management skills
- Maintain accurate records of student progress and attendance using up-to-date software systems, ensuring efficient tracking of individual growth
- Take care of equipment and rental items to maintain good working order
- Collaborate with parents and carers regularly, promoting continuous support at home
- Collaborate with school administration to organise musical programmes for civic functions and school productions
- Network within local music community to organise guest lectures from industry professionals
- Arrange visits to musical performances to inspire students
Volunteer
HCPT The Pilgrimage Trust
Birmingham/Lourdes
04.1987 - Current
- Working with disabled and disadvantaged Children on Lourdes Pilgrimage. (5,000 pilgrims in total)
- Lead Liturgies and provide liturgical music encouraging active participation in pilgrimage
- Promote respect for people with additional needs and abilities by creating prayer and liturgy accessible to all
- Demonstrated ability to convey spirituality and faith, for young people and adult pilgrims by leading preparation seminars exploring prayer and liturgy for diverse range of young people
- Have been commissioned by Trust to write children book , exploring t life of Brother Michael Strode founder of HCPT and encouraging understanding of vocation. Have entitled book 'Call to Vocation' and have interwoven interactive prayer and liturgy ideas for people of all faith experiences
- Display energy and enthusiasm in own faith inspiring young helpers to engage in their own faith journey
- Offered listening ear to those who wish to explore their relationship with God
- Supported team by working flexible hours, covering night duties demonstrating respect and willingness to help
Class Teacher/Music Lead
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School
Birmingham, West Midlands
09.2001 - 08.2025
- Age Range: EYFS KS1 KS2 (Job share in Yr. R)
- Prayer and Liturgy Coordinator, Parish Catechist
- Encouraged love of learning in students enhancing positive educational experiences
- Made positive differences to pupil confidence and happiness through nurturing support and care
- Promoted commitment to school's safeguarding processes to ensure paramount student safety and wellbeing
- Promoted physical, mental and social development by implementing classroom games and outdoor recreational activities
- Updated course materials, content and delivery
- Fostered positive learning environment by maintaining strong classroom discipline
- Developed engaging lesson plans aligned with national curriculum.
- Implemented innovative teaching strategies to engage students in learning process
- Prioritised strategies to develop responsible, independent learners.
- Promoted inclusion within classroom, ensuring equal opportunities for all learners
- Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet students' varying needs and interests
- Worked collaboratively with teaching assistants to offer children optimal care and education
- Prepared detailed reports on each pupil's performance at end of term meetings
- Maintained up-to-date records of each student's academic progress and attendance
- Communicated effectively with parents regarding students' progress and behaviour issues
- Participated actively in staff development training programmes and workshops
- Worked collaboratively with other teachers to review data and develop instructional strategies to address student learning objectives
- Collaborated closely with colleagues to plan school events and projects
- Assisted in organising school trips, providing pupils with enriching experiences outside classroom
Religious Education Teacher
St. Paul School for Girls
Birmingham, West Midlands
09.2011 - 04.2024
- Age Range: KS3, KS4, KS5
- Developed curriculum for high school RE classes, ensuring comprehensive knowledge acquisition.
- Attended professional development workshops to stay updated on latest pedagogical practices in Religious education, optimising teaching methodologies accordingly.
- Managed classroom effectively to maintain focus on lessons whilst ensuring student safety and wellbeing.
- Cultivated positive learning environment with clear behaviour expectations and consistent discipline strategies.
- Encouraged peer collaboration amongst students during group projects enhancing teamwork skills.
- Provided pastoral support where needed creating inclusive space for all learners.
- Mentored struggling students by creating individualised solutions suited to specific needs.
- Analysed class progress and adjusted strategies to maintain growth and learning.
- Outlined measurable goals to motivate student and instil sense of commitment.
- Collaborated with students to identify and meet individual students' learning needs and goals.
- Assessed students' existing knowledge and abilities to tailor learning plans
- Revised, updated and modified course content to maintain relevancy and adapt courses to student needs.
Religious Education Teacher
Bishop Challoner Catholic College
Birmingham, West Midlands
09.2001 - 07.2002
- Age Range: KS3, KS4, KS5
- Built positive, constructive relationships with students for holistic educational support
- Maintained productive, positive classroom environments through good behaviour management
- Developed comprehensive lesson plans for effective religious education instruction
- Updated curriculum content in line with current religious trends and topics
- Set target grades to challenge growth and increase student development
- Created and marked homework, exams and class activities to monitor individuals' progress
- Established clear learning outcomes and targets for different abilities
- Prepared students for GCSE Religious Studies examinations, ensuring were well-equipped
- Provided additional support to students falling behind on target grades to uplift final results.
- Transformed complex concepts into understandable, useful information for improved subject comprehension.
- Distributed RE resources to reinforce and broaden understanding of key curriculum topics.
- Adapted teachings to suit varied ages and abilities for maximised understanding and engagement
- Incorporated multimedia resources into lessons to enhance understanding of complex concepts
- Promoted critical thinking skills through thought-provoking discussions on religion
- Encouraged student discussion and debate in open safe environment of respect for increased engagement with religious topics
- Incorporated current affairs and topical discussion into lessons for increased subject relevance
- Conducted field trips to places of worship offering practical insight into different faiths
Religious Education + Music Teacher
St. Augustine's Catholic High School
Redditch, Worcestershire
04.1996 - 08.2001
- Age Range: KS3, KS4, KS5
- Religious Education+ Music Teacher (2ic + acting HOD)
- Specific responsibility for Prayer and Liturgy
- Led and organised prayer and liturgical celebrations for mainly non Catholic staff
- Promoted confidence for staff and pupils in religious worship
- Collaborated with colleagues to integrate Prayer and Liturgy other subjects, enriching overall learning experience.
- Led successful department team inspiring interactive leadership and management (2ic + acting HOD)
- Provided pastoral support where needed creating inclusive space for all learners
- Managed classroom effectively to maintain focus on lessons whilst ensuring student safety and wellbeing
- Analysed class progress and adjusted strategies to maintain growth and learning
- Encouraged peer collaboration amongst students during group projects enhancing teamwork skills
- Tailored curriculum to meet diverse student needs and learning styles
- Monitored student progress regularly and addressed knowledge gaps
- Updated and analysed documentation for school and student records
Religious Education + Music
St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School
Birmingham, West Midlands
09.1995 - 04.1996
- Religious Education and Music teacher specific responsibility Community Coordinator
- Age Range: KS3, KS4, KS5
- Teaching responsibilities
- Collaborated with local parishes and school to promote prayer and liturgy opportunities
- Encouraged volunteerism within community to foster unity and mutual assistance among members
- Enhanced community integration by coordinating social events and activities
- Developed youth-focused faith initiatives to promote faith formation
- Organised charity fundraisers, promoting Catholic Social Teaching and Jesuit Values and Virtues
- Collaborated with school administration to organise musical programmes for civic functions and school productions
Religious Education + Music
Cardinal Griffin Catholic College
Cannock, Staffordshire
09.1992 - 08.1995
- Age Range: KS3 KS4
- Carried out day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Quickly learned and applied new skills to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity
- Was man enthusiastic member of RE team promoting new and engaging resources.
- Developed faith filled vocation in teaching inspired by involvement with Catholic association of Catholic school Teachers (CATSC)
- Engaged in Music liturgy inspired by newly emerging CJM Catholic group Music who lived in area and attended school
Nanny/Au pair
Self Employed
London + Palermo , England and Italy
01.1988 - 01.1992
- Child care worker (pre- school children)
- Assumed total responsibility of home during parents' absence demonstrating trustworthiness
- Established positive relationships with parents to ensure consistent child-rearing practices
- Discussed progress and behaviour with parents regularly maintaining open lines of communication
- Accompanied family on holidays as trusted caregiver, providing continuous care for 2 young children
- Role-modelled desired behaviours, habits and actions
- Managed children's daily routines to establish structure
- Comforted children during stressful events ensuring emotional well-being
- Facilitated smooth transitions from day activities to night time routines, ensuring restful sleep
- Assisted in light housework and laundry to reduce parents' workload
- Created and maintained welcoming, safe and tidy space to promote children's development
- Prepared healthy and nutritious meals to specific dietary requirements
- Changed and bathed babies and supervised baths for older children
- Taught basic life skills such as personal hygiene and dressing independently
- Administered medicine following parents' directions, and cared for children in case of illness or injury
- Created fun learning games resulting in engaging learning environment
- Enhanced communication skills with regular reading and storytelling sessions
- Developed bilingual abilities in Italian through immersive conversation and activities
- Coordinated play dates and outings to foster socialisation skills in children
- Supervised children's play at home and in external settings, ensuring their physical safety at all times
- Sparked creativity and imagination by helping children discover new things through play
Bar work
Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Centre/The Kings Head,
Birmingham, West Midlands
01.1986 - 01.1988
- Carried out day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Quickly learned and applied new skills to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.
- Successfully delivered on tasks within tight deadlines.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Supported team by demonstrating respect and willingness to help.
- Worked flexible hours, covering nights, weekends and bank holidays.
- Offered friendly, efficient customer service and handled challenging situations with ease.
- Cleaned work areas and equipment to maintain faultless hygiene standards.
- Improved efficiency and productivity by acquiring new skills.
- Displayed energy and enthusiasm in fast-paced environment.
- Completed customer orders with speed and accuracy for parties of up 200 people
Education
PGCE - Religious Education and English
St. Mary's College
Strawberry Hill 09.1991 - 01.1992
BA - Theology and Religious Studies
St. Mary's College,
Strawberry Hill (Surrey University) 09.1988 - 06.1991
A Levels, O Levels - Music, English and History
St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School
Birmingham 09.1981 - 06.1988
Skills
- Enthusiastic
- Driven
- Creative
- Conscientious
- Communication skills
- Public speaking
- Team building
- Leadership
- Resourcefulness
- Problem-solving
- Hyper focus
- Attention to detail
Interests and Hobbies
- Grade 8 Oboe – played in number of amateur orchestras
- Grade 5 Classical Guitar – liturgical musician playing guitar
- Grade 8 Music Theory
- Grade 5 standard Piano
- Singer – sang in number or choirs, led staff and children's choirs
- HCPT – charity taking disabled and disadvantaged children to Lourdes each Easter. Role taking sixth form students in service group, who assist family groups supporting needs of children in their care. Working in HQ ensuring smooth running of pilgrimage.,
- Voluntary Church Work – Parish Catechist (sacramental prep and Children's Liturgy) + in support husband ordained Permanent Deacon, director of ongoing formation attending relevant Masses, retreats, and ongoing formation meetings.
Timeline
Lay Chaplain
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School
09.2025 - Current
Religious Education Teacher
St. Paul School for Girls
09.2011 - 04.2024
Class Teacher/Music Lead
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School
09.2001 - 08.2025
Religious Education Teacher
Bishop Challoner Catholic College
09.2001 - 07.2002
Religious Education + Music Teacher
St. Augustine's Catholic High School
04.1996 - 08.2001
Religious Education + Music
St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School
09.1995 - 04.1996
Religious Education + Music
Cardinal Griffin Catholic College
09.1992 - 08.1995
PGCE - Religious Education and English
St. Mary's College
09.1991 - 01.1992
BA - Theology and Religious Studies
St. Mary's College,
09.1988 - 06.1991
Nanny/Au pair
Self Employed
01.1988 - 01.1992
Volunteer
HCPT The Pilgrimage Trust
04.1987 - Current
Singer and Church Musician
Self Employed
09.1986 - Current
Private Music Tutor
Self Employed
01.1986 - 11.2025
Bar work
Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Centre/The Kings Head,
01.1986 - 01.1988
A Levels, O Levels - Music, English and History
St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School
09.1981 - 06.1988