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.