"Choose a path that is inspirational to you as an individual. You have to be able to enjoy your job and want to go to work every day."
Name: Sarah Johnson
Studied at CHS: 1998 - 2004
Current role: Head of Visual Art, Stamford American International School, Singapore
Route after leaving CHS:
I completed my GCSEs at Congleton High in 2002 and went on to study A Levels in English Language, Advanced Placement Visual Art and ICT in the sixth form. I then studied Textiles at Manchester Metropolitan University, gaining a First Class Honours Degree.
After graduating university, I took a PGCE course at the University of Chester, then moved to Singapore in 2009. I started working in the Stamford American International School in 2010, where I have since progressed my career.
My current role:
I have been Head of the Visual Art Department for Kindergarten - Grade 12 since 2015 and, although my time is busy, I enjoy working with young, aspiring artistic students to help them develop their career, whether in visual art or not. I knew I always wanted to be in the art field, not necessarily a teacher but it has become my career path and an area in which I can grow.
I love working in the community in Singapore, I have completed many projects with my students and local residents including a community mural and lantern parade project. Living in Asia allows me to travel and see the world, which is one of my best life accomplishments.
I am also currently completing my Masters in Education with the University of Bath (distance learning.)
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Advice I always give to my students now (and to my younger self too if I had the chance) is to choose a path that is inspirational to you as an individual. You have to be able to enjoy your job and want to go to work every day.
You should always work on your strengths and develop your weaknesses to identify areas to work on. Keep a good work/ health/ social balance and be mindful of the things you enjoy.
More of Sarah's work can be seen here: