TEACHER TUESDAY: Izzy Criddle

Name, position at Stonar and when you joined 

Izzy Criddle, I joined Stonar as part of my University Placement in September 2023 for one year as a Graduate Resident Assistant. I then had to return to university to finish my degree but stayed on as a part time swimming coach and came back full time as Head of Swimming and Graduate Resident Assistant at the beginning of the summer term last year.  
 
Can you tell us a bit about yourself 

Having attended Stonar as a pupil myself, coming back to work here has always felt a little surreal, but I’m absolutely loving being back and seeing all the positive changes that have taken place since I left in 2015. After finishing Year 7, I moved to Hayesfield Girls’ School for my GCSEs and then to Beechen Cliff for my A Levels - although Covid definitely threw a spanner in the works for those!  
  
I recently graduated from the University of Bath with a BSc in Health and Exercise Science. Sport and health have always played a big role in my life, from prep school through to university. When I was younger, I was a regional swimmer and played hockey for Wiltshire. I also played netball and rugby at club level, so life was always busy! At Bath, I took up water polo - a completely new sport for me - but I loved it. 
  
I’m very close to my family, and with my parents living only a few minutes from Stonar, I get to see them often, which I really appreciate. I do miss my two dogs, Teddy and Charlie, whenever I’m at work!  
  
Next year, I’m planning to complete my PGCE at Stonar and then continue into the teaching world as a PE teacher, which I’m really excited about.  
  
What do you like to do in your free time/hobbies? 

I still play hockey for a ladies’ team in Bristol called BAC whenever I can. I also love to read and always try to have a book on the go, although that doesn’t always go to plan! When I’m not on the hockey pitch or cuddling up with my dogs at home, you’ll usually find me with Miss Hook, Miss Harris, and Mr Bertinet enjoying a well-earned Wagamama’s. You can also usually find myself and Miss Harris watching Bath Rugby!
  
I stay in regular contact with friends from both school and university and see them as often as possible - whether that’s a simple dinner out or a trip somewhere exciting, like Lake Como. 
 
If your life was a movie, what would it be?  

Mary Poppins, practically perfect in every way! At least that what my mum says.  
 
What pedagogical approaches do you use/ are there any that you have learned since being at Stonar? 

I use a student-centred approach that focuses on building confidence, encouraging independence, and helping students understand the “why” behind what they’re learning. I always try to prioritise positive reinforcement, clear demonstrations, and breaking skills down into manageable steps so every student feels capable of progressing.  
 
What is a fun fact about you? 

I can do the worm, always a fun party trick to pull out at the right time!