Kerry Stockdale
By Kerry Stockdale & Mark Cullen
Art Teacher (retired Acting Head Teacher & Deputy Head Teacher)
As I reflect on my professional journey, I am reminded of the formative experiences that shaped my career and the passion I have developed for working with young people. This career profile aims to encapsulate the significant milestones of my journey, detailing the pivotal roles I have undertaken and the values that have driven my dedication to education and community engagement.
My foundation in education began at The Verdin High School, where I embarked on a journey of personal and professional development during my sixth form years. It was here that I first recognised the importance of community involvement and youth development. Running summer play schemes for local children in collaboration with the Youth Centre in Winsford was an incredibly rewarding venture. I witnessed first-hand the impact such initiatives have on young people's lives, as well as the joy of fostering creativity and social interaction during the school holidays.
In tandem with my community work, my weekends were spent working at Woolworths, a retail establishment that provided me with invaluable experiences. I began my journey there on the cheese counter, but soon found myself promoted to the esteemed position of working on the Vinyl Record counter. This role was particularly enjoyable; it not only allowed me to indulge in my love for music but also connected me to my peers, many of whom visited on weekends to listen to and purchase the latest records. This experience taught me about customer service, teamwork, and the vibrant social dynamics of retail.
Upon completing my A-levels, I took the next significant step in my academic journey by enrolling at Chester College, which was affiliated with Liverpool University. I pursued a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music, Drama, and Art. The curriculum offered me a wealth of opportunities to explore my creative talents and hone my skills in various artistic disciplines. One of the most memorable experiences during my studies occurred in my third year when I undertook a music dissertation project. For this, I wrote a script, composed music, and designed costumes for a performance of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s 'The Little Prince'. This production was staged at Woodford Lodge High School in Winsford, and I relished the entire process from conceptualisation to execution. It instilled in me a fervent love for theatre and performance, and solidified my desire to work with young individuals to help them fulfil their potential.Following my graduation, my enthusiasm for engaging with young people led me to work as a children's entertainer with the Wolverhampton Theatre Group. A significant part of my role involved performing in schools, colleges, and universities, where I strived to inspire and entertain young audiences. The interactions I experienced during this time further confirmed my commitment to nurturing the creative talents of young individuals and providing them with opportunities to express themselves.
With a desire to create a more profound impact in the lives of young people, I made the decision to pursue a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). My aim was to become a teacher, thereby allowing me to foster positive academic and life choices among students. With my PGCE completed at Chichester College, I specialised in special needs, English, Art, and Music. This qualification equipped me with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively cater to diverse learning needs, which is essential in fostering an inclusive educational environment.
My teaching career commenced at Sneyd High School in Bloxwich, where I served as a teacher of music, drama, and art. I found immense joy in creating engaging lessons that ignited a passion for the arts among my students. However, it became increasingly evident to me that there were students who required support beyond mere examination passes. This realisation prompted me to seek a position that would allow me to make a more meaningful difference. I subsequently applied for a role as a teacher of music, drama, and art at Grappenhall Hall School. This position included responsibilities at the residential units, where I provided creative and outdoor activities for students during the day, evenings, and weekends.
My commitment and dedication to the school community did not go unnoticed, and I was promoted to the role of Deputy Head. In this position, I continued to teach Art, Music, and Drama, while introducing the GNVQ Art and Design course. I cherished the opportunity to support my colleagues in their professional growth, whilst guiding pupils to achieve their full potential. It was during this time that I came to understand the invaluable nature of the role of a deputy head; it is not merely a position of authority, but rather a guiding force that fosters support and collaboration within an educational environment.
Later, I transitioned to Woolston Brook SEMH School as Deputy Head, where I resumed my teaching of GCSE Art and Design. My passion for the subject and belief in the transformative power of the arts were reinforced during my time there. I also took on the role of moderator for WJEC GCSE in Art and Design, which allowed me to contribute to the broader academic community while ensuring that students received a high standard of education.
As I reflect on my progression in the educational field, I recognise that each role I undertook was purposeful, allowing me to impact the lives of young people positively. The pursuit of my career culminated in my retirement in July 2022, a bittersweet moment after decades of service. However, I soon felt a compelling need to return to the educational sphere, and I did so as Acting Head at Woolston Brook School from January 2024 to July 2024.
In September 2024, I resumed a part-time teaching role at Woolston Brook, focusing once again on GCSE Art and Design. This decision was driven by my enduring passion for education and my commitment to helping students express their creativity while developing critical skills. My career journey has not only been a professional endeavour but also a deeply personal one. I have encountered challenges and triumphs, engaging with a diverse array of young people and helping them navigate their paths during critical educational moments. My aim has always been to inspire those I serve to aspire to achieve their true potential.
As I progress into the next chapter of my career, I remain optimistic about the future of education and the potential of every student. My experiences have reaffirmed my belief that, with the right support, every young person can overcome obstacles and realise their dreams. As I continue my work at Woolston Brook School, I strive to impart the lessons I have learnt and to inspire the next generation of learners to pursue their artistic passions and to realise their place in the world with confidence and creativity.