The People Behind Ipswich High School – Mrs Imogen Vickers
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 the people who make the school flourish. This week, we learn more about Mrs Imogen Vickers, who is our Head of Sixth Form and Head of Art at Ipswich High School.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN AT IHS?
7 years.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO JOIN THE IHS COMMUNITY?
The friendly environment where students are encouraged to find their own path with many avenues celebrated, rather than streamlining young people into one direction.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT WORKING AT IHS?
The students: seeing them progress and find their way. In the Art department I’m always so impressed by the way in which students develop as artists, taking on feedback to develop their own style. In Sixth Form I love working with students to explore their next steps and helping them get where they want to go.
TELL US ABOUT A PROFESSIONAL SUCCESS STORY THAT YOU’RE PROUD OF?
I was working on a painting commission for a private client who was quite challenging. Afterwards, the client contacted me to say their friend had seen the painting and wanted me to do a mural for them which led to me being flown out to Moscow for three weeks to complete it. So an amazing opportunity came out of a challenging experience!
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE MEMORY FROM WORKING AT IHS?
I will always remember one of our Sixth Formers who achieved an amazing set of A level results and an unconditional offer to study at her chosen university. She had been a pupil in Year 8 when I started and had been so shy and unsure of herself. By the time she left us she had developed so much: academically and socially, growing in confidence.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING OUTSIDE OF WORK?
Drawing, painting, going for walks, swimming, netball, reading, and watching old black and white films.
WHAT IS A DREAM THAT YOU WANT TO MAKE COME TRUE ONE DAY?
I know everyone says it but I really would love to write a book one day.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO AT IHS?
I always love our end of year Art and Design exhibition as it’s such a great celebration of the students’ hard work and amazing talent. Mrs Clover, our technician, does an amazing job hanging it and making it look so professional.
WISE WORDS: IS THERE A QUOTE OR SAYING YOU LIVE YOUR LIFE BY?
‘Ancora imparo’, meaning ‘I am still learning’, which were apparently Michelangelo’s last words.
YOUR FAVOURITE SUBJECT AT SCHOOL:
Art but also History, English, Sport, and French.
WHAT TYPE OF BOOKS/MOVIES DO YOU ENJOY?
I love black and white films, Laurence Olivier’s ‘Rebecca’ being in my top 5. One of my favourite writers is Iris Murdoch. I am currently re-reading Philip Larkin’s ‘Jill’.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE LUNCH AT IHS?
Crumble and custard! The school crumble is the best.
