The People Behind Ipswich High School – Mrs Claire Chandler Mears

At Ipswich High School, each week we will focus on celebrating one member of our community. This initiative will highlight the diverse contributions of both teaching and support staff, offering students, parents and colleagues a deeper appreciation for thepeople who make the school flourish. This week we learn more about Mrs Chandler Mears, Our Head of Religious Studies.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN AT IHS?
12 years.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO JOIN THE IHS COMMUNITY?
I had been working in a specialist setting and wanted to get back to teaching RPE at exam level. Driving up the drive the first time I was a bit awestruck and starting work here felt a little bit like coming home!

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT WORKING AT IHS?
The students, I love their enthusiasm and I love seeing them progress and learn, and their curiosity to always ask more questions.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE MEMORY FROM WORKING AT IHS?
Anyone who has listened to my podcast will not only know this but know how emotional it makes me! During an epic house performance a group of Year 7 took to the stage to dance, the music started and almost immediately stopped. After a second or two the music hadn’t restarted but the whole school audience started to sing the song, the girls on stage completed their dance to the students singing the music for them.

TELL US ABOUT A PROFESSIONAL SUCCESS STORY THAT YOU’RE PROUD OF.
I am proud of all my exam students. I consider it a matter of professional pride to have left an impact upon them.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD AT IHS?
So much to choose from, maybe one day Ventus will win the house cup!

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING OUTSIDE OF WORK?
Spending time with my family at the coast, watching films, theatre and musicals. I really enjoy traveling to new places, I love socialising with friends and family, a great way to relax, but most of all spending time caring for and riding my horse.

WHAT IS A DREAM THAT YOU WANT TO MAKE COME TRUE ONE DAY?
I love to play Lady MacBeth in a production, and to travel to more places; top of my list currently is Budapest, Canada, South America (Rio, Macchu Picchu) and India.

WISE WORDS: IS THERE A QUOTE OR SAYING YOU LIVE YOUR LIFE BY?
“Every long journey begins with a single step.”
I also try to remember that in years to come people won’t remember what I said but they will remember how I made them feel.

YOUR FAVOURITE SUBJECT AT SCHOOL:
RS.

WHAT TYPE OF BOOKS/MOVIES DO YOU ENJOY?
Fantasy and sci-fi, thrillers and some very light horror.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE LUNCH AT IHS?
Lasagne followed by toffee apple crumble.