Claire Fernandes

Claire Fernandes is a Lecturer at St Mary's University, serving as Module Convenor for theological literacy programs within the BA Honours in Primary Education with QTS. She joined the institution in 2002 and specializes in Catholic Religious Education (RE) and pedagogical uses of sensory resources. As a link tutor, she supports student placements in partnership schools.

• Professional Background: Former primary school teacher in the London Borough of Hounslow; coordinated RE and Collective Worship (CW) curriculum development
• Academic Engagement: MA in Education and Religion from St Mary's; member of the Centre for Catholic Education, Research and Religious Literacy
• Leadership Roles: Section 23 Inspector for the Archdiocese of Westminster; co-developer of Hounslow's Agreed Syllabus for RE

Her research focuses on integrating sensory engagement into religious education and enhancing theological literacy. She has presented at national conferences including BREATHE (2019), ATCRE (2020), and Southwark Archdiocese Primary RE Leaders (2022).

Community Leadership: Trustee of Mark 10 Mission (Catholic CW provider); foundation governor for a Catholic primary school in the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton. Currently serves on the National Institute for Christian Education Research advisory board and the Bishops' Committee for Marriage and Family Life in England and Wales.

Publications include educational resources for Catholic charities and articles in the Pastoral Review, with a focus on family catechesis and liturgical education.