2026
Teacher Event

Bernardette Holmes MBE, who was conferred Honorary Professor at IOE in February 2023, has made major contributions to languages education in England through her work as a modern languages advocate, teacher, adviser, inspector, teacher trainer, researcher, curriculum and policy developer and author.

She is an alumna of UCL (French with Classical and Medieval Latin) and IOE (PGCE in French and German with subsidiary studies in Sociology and Performing Arts), then known as the Institute of Education, University of London. She is Vice President of the Chartered Institute of Linguistics, Director of Speak to the Future, and consultant to the DfE for the development of the GCSE in British Sign Language.

Carlos Raphael Moersen, also known as Rafi, is Director of Football Transactions at City Football Group (CFG), the parent company of Manchester City, where he plays a pivotal role in manging player transfers and contract negotiations across CFG's global network of clubs. In this capacity, he ensures that all transactions align with both sporting objectives and regulatory frameworks, contributing to the group's success on and off the pitch.

An alumnus of the University of Valencia, Rafi brings a strategic and legal perspective to the football industry. A contributing factor to his successful career is his bilingualism, which, alongside his fluency in multiple languages, enables him to navigate complex international negotiations and build strong relationships across diverse markets.

Michelle Massey is Head of German at The Blue Coat School, where she leads a team of German specialists and teachers German to A Level, as well as French at Key Stage 3.

She holds a BSc (Hons) in International Business Studies and German, and has over twenty years of experience in language learning. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to professional development, completing the Excellence in Teaching Programme and delivering whole-school training sessions on coaching and pedagogy.

Michelle has been a specialist teacher for the NCLE Language Hub programme, supporting nine partner schools with the development of their language provision through school visits, mentoring, and the organisation of collaborative events. She also co-leads the regional MFL Practitioner Network, helping to foster collaboration and the sharing of best practice among language teachers across the region.

She is currently contributing to the Language Network National Priority Project through her work on Language Fest North West.

She also has extensive experience mentoring Early Career Teachers and trainees, and contributes to national examination standards through her work as an AQA examiner for the GCSE written paper.

Catherine Woodward is Assistant Headteacher and Trust Leadership Community Lead in Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) for the Cranmer Education Trust.

She holds a Joint Master's degree in French and German and can teach both subjects to A level, as well as Spanish at Key Stage 3. With over twenty years of teaching experience, Catherine has led German departments in three different schools before being appointed Head of MFL at The Brian Clarke Academy, a new school established in 2022.

As part of her wider contribution to languages education, Catherine has been a specialist teacher for the NCLE Language Hub programme, supporting nine partner schools with the development of their language provision through school visits, mentoring, and the organisation of collaborative events. She now works on Sing to Speak, one of the Language Network's National Priority Projects, which aims to promote the joy of language learning through music and creativity.

In her role at the Cranmer Education Trust, Catherine supports all schools within the trust family in delivering high-quality language education. As an SLE, she co-leads the regional MFL Practitioner Network and leads primary and secondary subject knowledge training for the SCITT.

Catherine is also trained in Fresh Start Phonics and is recognised for her expertise in curriculum development, teacher training, and fostering excellence in language education across the region.

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