TEACHER TUESDAY: Jessica Mercer-Hart

What brought you to Stonar, and what has surprised you most since joining?

I’m based in Bristol and spent 13 years working as a professional textile designer before becoming a teacher. I’ve always enjoyed the creative side of design and wanted to share that passion with young people. Stonar felt like the perfect fit as soon as I arrived on site, I am sure it will be great place to continue developing as a teacher.

What has stood out to me since joining is how friendly everyone is. The pupils have been really welcoming, and I’ve enjoyed getting to know them and seeing the different ideas and interests they bring to the classroom.

What is it about your subject that you find particularly interesting, and what do you hope pupils take away from studying it?

I love Design and Technology because there is always an opportunity to make something new. It combines creativity with practical skills and problem-solving, and I enjoy seeing pupils take an idea and turn it into something real.

Having worked as a designer, I know how useful these skills can be. I hope pupils become more confident in their ideas, learn not to worry about getting things wrong and understand that design is a great way to express themselves.

What is something you’ve learned from your pupils or from your time in teaching?

Teaching has taught me that there is rarely just one way of doing something. Pupils often come up with ideas that I wouldn’t have thought of myself, which is one of the things I enjoy most about teaching.

I’ve also learned that confidence makes a huge difference. Giving pupils the freedom to experiment and make mistakes can really help them discover what they are capable of.

Outside of school, what do you enjoy doing - and what’s something about you that people at Stonar might be surprised to learn? Outside of school, what do you enjoy doing - and what’s something about you that people at Stonar might be surprised to learn?

Outside of school I am passionate about the outdoors, I spent the summer mountain walking in Italy, and I am currently working towards my mountain leader qualification.

My design work has been sold all over the world, and can currently be found in the V&A museum in London.