Meet Mrs Phipps: Subject Lead for Art and Design
Hello! I am Mrs Phipps and I am so excited to be able to lead Art here at Bardfield.
Why I love Art
My passion for Art started exactly where our pupils are today: in the classroom. I vividly remember Art being my favourite subject at school; it was the ‘best lesson ever’ because it felt like a space where the world opened up. What I loved most—and what I still believe today—is that in Art, there is no ceiling and no ‘right or wrong’ way to be creative.
My ambition for our school
My goal is to recreate that sense of wonder for every child. I want our pupils to feel inspired to take risks, knowing that their individual perspective is their greatest strength. We will do this through:
- Unrestricted Exploration: We provide a “no-limits” environment. By removing the fear of making mistakes, we encourage children to push boundaries and see every mark on a page as a step toward discovery.
- Mastery of Media and Technique: Our curriculum is a vibrant toolkit. We ensure every child explores a wide range of techniques—from the tactile nature of clay and textiles to the precision of printmaking and digital media.
- Inspired by the Masters: We study a diverse gallery of artists, craftspeople, and designers from across history and the globe. By analysing their work, our pupils find the inspiration to develop their own style.
Art at our school is about the joy of the process just as much as the beauty of the final piece.
Mrs Phipps- Art Lead
Art at Bardfield Academy
Our Vision At Bardfield Academy, we spark creativity and foster a lifelong love of art. Our ambitious, carefully sequenced curriculum empowers children to understand, appreciate, and contribute to the world of human innovation. By building substantive knowledge over time, we ensure every learner can express complex thoughts and imagination through their work.
Our Approach We teach art with enthusiasm, offering hands-on, practical opportunities to be an artist. Starting in the Early Years, we build the foundations of curiosity and exploration. As children progress, they experiment with a diverse range of media—including drawing, painting, printing, collage, 3D sculpture, and textiles. Our staff model resilience and a growth mindset, teaching pupils that the creative process is just as valuable as the finished masterpiece.
Our Purpose Art is a space for every child to explore and create without limits. We celebrate every student’s work, building the confidence they need to showcase their unique talents. By introducing pupils to various artists and cultures, we open doors to future careers in graphic design, animation, fashion, and more.
To explore our progressive art curriculum, please look at the Key Knowledge document below.
Look at us learning
Art is a process not just an outcome.
