RAPS IN THE NEWS

Children at Ramsgate Arts Primary were inspired by their lessons discovering how charities work – and decided to put their learning into action.

As part of their personal development learning girls and boys in Year 2 had explored the varied ways charities of all types benefit those in need.

Their research particularly focussed on Porchlight whose work involves homeless people, and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

Alice Rees-Boughton, one of the year group teachers and the school’s English lead, said: “The children were inspired by what they learnt about charities, how they work and how much they rely on kindness and the actions of others to support their vital operations.

“Our Year 2 pupils wanted to make a difference and decided to hold a non-uniform day to benefit Porchlight and the RNLI. It was their idea and they were involved in al aspects of the event.

“They determined that money raised would be split equally between their chosen charities and they explained to other children about what the non-uniform day was for and about the charities they were supporting.

“Once the event was over, in a subsequent Maths lesson they counted out the donations that were collected and were pleased to record a total of £335.15. We are very proud of their enthusiasm, determination and kindness.”

Head of School Nick Budge said: “This was a really valuable learning experience.

“It demonstrated clearly to our children that their direct actions can make a difference, which resulted in a good sum being collected for two worthwhile causes.

“As well as investigating the work of very important and effective charities, they also learnt how to organise and support an event and work as a team using their communication skills.

“It was a lovely thing for them to do and highlighted learning in action, which is something we encourage at RAPS.”

*Porchlight: It is Kent’s largest charity for homeless and vulnerable people.

It states: “We’re here for people who have nowhere to go and no-one to turn to. Some are living on the streets, others need our support to prevent or resolve any issues that could put them at risk of homelessness. We can’t do any of this without you.”

Contact the charity online at Porchlight.org.uk – 24 hour helpline 0800 5677699.

*RNLI: The charity states: “We save lives at sea through our 24/7 search and rescue lifeboat service, seasonal lifeguards, water safety initiatives and youth education.”

Powered primarily by donations, the search and rescue service has been saving lives for nearly 200 years. As part of its nationwide cover, it runs local lifeboat teams from Margate and Ramsgate to monitor the safety of water users around the Thanet coastline and at sea. Find out more online at RNLI.org.

Ramsgate Arts Primary School is part of the Viking Academy Trust with Upton Junior School at Broadstairs and Chilton Primary School, Ramsgate.

Children at Ramsgate Arts Primary have been tasked to spend less time on their screens and social media.

The initiative for the Detox Challenge was to reduce the amount of time spent on the activities by 50 per cent during the course of a week.

Victoria Elliott, the school’s Wellbeing Assistant, explained: “The aim of the project was to start a conversation with children about the possible negative impact of spending too much time on computers and other devices and the effect social media can have on mental health and wellbeing.  

“They have also considered the positive aspects as well and thought about using social media in a more mindful way and what they could do instead of looking at their phone or tablet.”

The response from children and families was very positive.

Olivia in Year 4 commented: “I have read more this week, and I have had better sleep,” while Kamsavy in Year 5 agreed and said: “I liked doing other stuff and I am getting better sleep.” Danika in Year 6 added: “It was easier than I thought it would be!”

Feedback from parents illustrated more positive effects from the challenge.

Comments included: “My child has been thinking about how much time they spend on it and consciously has been playing with their toys more.” “My child made a great effort over the weekend and played outside a lot more.” “My child played more with toys and played outside- he has done so well and I am proud of him.”

All the children who took part were entered into a draw for a chance to win a voucher for entry for two people to the Field of Fun at Quex, which was kindly donated by the Quex activity Centre in Birchington. The lucky winner was Zachary in Year 1.

Head of School Nick Budge said: “This was an interesting and important challenge and it was pleasing to see that many children and families found benefits, including the necessary improvement in sleep which is crucial for children’s healthy development.

“We have a robust e-safety system with advice and information at RAPS, and the Detox Challenge worked very well alongside it. Well done to everyone who took part.”

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.

Playing a part in their community is important for children at Ramsgate Arts Primary.

So they were eager to help out in The Great Ramsgate Spring Clean as part of their own ongoing environmental awareness campaign.

The young pupils were part of the action organised by town mayor Cllr Raushan Ara and they collected their litter pickers and bags at the Salvation Army HQ and set to work in small groups.

Year 5 teacher Hannah Dannell said: “They were keen to get on with the job, and we were fortunate to have support from their families who joined in as well.

“Our theme in RE lessons at the moment is ‘community’ so we thought this would be a great way to do our bit for the benefit of others and for the area.

“We also got to keep the litter pickers, so we can use them as part of our eco programme at RAPS where we work to keep our own environment clean and tidy.”

Earlier this year, Year 1 pupil Harrison showed his determined support for the school’s ongoing message of ‘caring for the environment never stops’ when he decided to don gloves and bin bags and collect litter on his way home from school.

And Reception children have been finding out about people who are working to save the planet in their People Around the World topic, and have come up with a range of environmentally-friendly ideas. These include share a bath, remember to turn off the taps, lights and heating, walk and cycle more, plant more trees and flowers, pick up litter, and look after the bees.

And pupils across the school are supporting RAPS three Rs ethos – reduce, recycle, re-use.

Deputy Head of School Hanna Beech said: “We believe that if we can help young people understand environmental damage, they can take conscious decisions and actions to protect the planet. 

“From learning about the basics of recycling to understanding renewable energies, by the time our pupils leave in Year 6 they do so with a strong foundational knowledge of how to look after our world and, crucially, why this is so important.”

She explained how RAPS develops awareness and understanding of all aspects of sustainability and recycling: “Our school community values caring for the environment to ensure there is healthy and happy world for future generations to enjoy. “

Throughout their time at RAPS, pupils have the opportunity to learn about the environment in each year group ranging from recycling and litter, through the impact of humans on the environment, deforestation, climate change, pollution conservations, fair trade and renewable and non-renewable energy.

Diversity, ecology and the environment are also ongoing themes from collaborative community projects by RAPS with The National Gallery, Turner Contemporary Gallery, the Newington Copse Project, Dreamland Margate, plus visiting artists and arts leaders in music, drama and dance.

Ramsgate Arts Primary School is part of the Viking Academy Trust with Upton Junior School and Chilton Primary School.

*For more information, contact Head of School Nick Budge on 01843 582847