RAPS Children Love Learning In The Natural World
Little children have been exploring the great outdoors to create their own natural sculptures and artwork.
The Year 1 group from Ramsgate Arts Primary embarked on their woodland world of discovery at the Newington Copse outdoor nature play centre.
The pupils’ topic this term is called Materials Everywhere and they are learning about the difference between man-made and natural materials and their properties.
Teacher Jess Barnes explained: “The copse is a fantastic environment and our visit was a great way for the
children to have a hands-on experience with natural materials and to explore their creative skills.
“As well as the links to our topic, this was a fantastic opportunity for the children to socially interact with each other in a different environment. It was great to see the confidence the children had to explore the woodlands.
“It was important for the girls and boys to be creative in ways they maybe haven’t experienced before and in different surroundings.”
Here is what some of the Year 1 children thought about the experience.
Henry said: “My favourite part was adding materials to Team McCormack's sculptures. I used sticks and leaves to make a school,” while Poppy added: “I liked building a den for parrots, rabbits and birds. I used sticks and leaves. I also added a woodland seat for animals to sit on. I used mud to make sure the den stood up. I threw leaves up in the air for decoration.”
Douglas said: “It was beautiful and peaceful, I even found a den. I liked working as a team to build in the woods,” and Justin said: “It was really fun. I saw the pond - it was really cool. I saw toads they were black and goldfish. They like to hide so we made them a house out of sticks.”
Ramsgate Arts Primary supports the well-established belief that the benefits of children spending time outdoors improves physical, mental and social well-being and creates opportunities to develop an interest in - and understanding of - nature.
RAPS Head of School Nick Budge is a firm believer of outdoor learning. He said: “Being immersed in nature creating artwork inspired by what surrounds them is really important for our children’s development and it shows them that learning is all around them, not just inside school.
“We have outdoor learning areas at RAPS and they are very popular with children and staff – and they are an important part of our curriculum.”
*Copse Play is an outdoor nature play project for children, young people and families who live in Newington, Ramsgate, led by aim4 Partnerships CiC and funded by Kent County Council’s Early Help and Preventative Services and in partnership with Newington Big Local and Creative Newington, part of the Creative Civic Change programme.
Ramsgate Arts Primary School is part of the Viking Academy Trust with Upton Junior School at Broadstairs and Chilton Primary School, Ramsgate.
For more information contact Head of School Nick Budge on 01843 582847.
A textile recycling charity has thanked children and families at Ramsgate Arts Primary School for their fantastic fund raising support.
Environmentally aware children at Ramsgate Arts Primary have asked their MP to help improve the planet.
“They have learnt that by taking a pro-active stance and contacting their MP their actions are being noticed and listened to in Government. We also teach our children about the importance of democracy and this shows them democracy in action.”
Music strikes an important chord when it comes to overall learning of children at Ramsgate Arts Primary.
Creative children at Ramsgate Arts Primary are being inspired by Broadstairs artist Ieuan Edwards.
“As well as industry, my other areas of interest are tradition (the stranger, the better), eccentricity, tribalism, exploration, folklore and palaeontology. Living on the Kent coast – with its heady mix of seaside towns, folk festivals, history and colourful characters – provides me with a plentiful supply of subject matter. “
While world leaders are planning the protection of the planet at the high profile UN COP26 climate change summit, a quieter eco revolution is under way at Ramsgate Arts Primary.
The range of educational initiatives during eco day included a sculpture competition for class groups with the winners receiving a weather station from Cummins Power Generation at Ramsgate; the arts team working with children and parents to draw a forest with eco tape on the main hall walls to illustrate how trees make a positive change to our lives; an initiative with the nationwide EcoKids Project to collect around 250 bags of quality unwanted clothing instead of it going to landfill in exchange for money for outdoor learning resources; and an information assembly with Thanet council about how to tackle litter problems locally.
recent years with the school’s eco strategy. It heralds the start of even greater efforts by children and staff at school, at home and in the community.
Another environment friendly idea is the national Walk on Wednesday scheme, where children are encouraged to walk to school or be dropped off and walk some of the way.
Ghoulish games and creepy creativity gave young children a Halloween to remember at Ramsgate Arts Primary School.
Early Years Foundation Studies lead Sophie Spurrier explained: “The children were immersed in lots of different art activities across all areas of learning. These used lots of different techniques such as printing, painting, making and decorating.
“Creativity is a central part of life at RAPS and having a full day with so many different learning experiences is brilliant – these little ones have only been with us for a few weeks but they are really engaged with all of the different types of learning that our specialist arts primary can offer.”
Early years children and staff at Ramsgate Arts Primary were the stars of a worldwide online educational show.
Years provision at RAPS and how it successfully it engages young children and encourages and supports their educational pathways.
“Lots of people have been asking questions about resources and Ramsgate Arts Primary - so much so that we have a school in Athens, Greece, now planning to visit us in February next year.”
“I am astounded with the response it generated worldwide with some individual posts reaching nearly 1000 likes. It is so important to share Early Years practice and we have loved having this opportunity to feature on such an incredible EYFS platform.
“It reinforces what we strive for – that our education and learning futures for all our children are of a very high standard from their first moment at RAPS, even from when they visit us before they join our school.”
fun learning. Sometimes it’s just fascinating to see what early childhood education looks like in another part of the world. “
Police dog Ciara was put through her paces when she visited children at Ramsgate Arts Primary School.
Head of School Nick Budge said: “This was real treat for our girls and boys. They learnt a great deal from their friendly chat with PC Barnes and were entranced at how he and Ciara worked so well together.
Cats and dogs reigned when the pets became the stars of the show during a visit to children at Ramsgate Arts Primary.
He said: “It was lovely to see the children enjoy the company of our puppies and the kittens.
Community spirit plays a large part in the educational development of young children at Ramsgate Arts Primary School.
Head of School Nick Budge said: “This is a fine example of learning in action. We are very proud of the role our school plays in the wider community through a number of diverse projects and initiatives.