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RAPS IN THE NEWS

December 2022

  • RAPS Children See The Light

    Published 14/12/22

    The magical northern lights natural phenomenon lit the way for an inspiring exploration of light at Ramsgate Arts Primary.

    The Year 3 children created their own artwork inspired by the aurora borealis, the beautiful dancing waves of light that have captivated people for millennia.

    Their educational journey then led pupils to find out about the varying types of natural and artificial sources of light and the type of light rays produced by the sun including ultraviolet.

    They have also used torches to investigate which materials reflect light best and discovered how to reflect light using a mirror, as well as learning about what shadows are and how they are cast.

    Year group teachers Kiki Amin and Alice Mann said: “Year 3 particularly loved learning about bioluminescence and seeing pictures of the many creatures and plants that can produce their own light.

    “And they also tried their hand at learning in the dark without light which was very exciting for them.”

    Head of School Nick Budge added: “This is a fascinating topic – most of us live with light in our lives every day, whether it is natural or artificial. Year 3 have explored how we use light and how we react to it – including the importance of shading our bodies and eyes from the sun’s light when it is most powerful and hot. It has been a rewarding journey for them and has broadened their knowledge of an everyday occurrence that we all take for granted.”

    The aurora are atoms and molecules in our atmosphere colliding with particles from the Sun. The aurora's characteristic wavy patterns and multi-coloured 'curtains' of light are caused by the lines of force in the Earth’s magnetic field.

    Ramsgate Arts Primary is a member of the Viking Academy Trust together with Chilton primary School and Upton Junior School.

     

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

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  • A Happy and Elfy Christmas at RAPS

    Published 13/12/22

    Christmas celebrations got off to a happy and Elfy start for children at Ramsgate Arts Primary.

    A special visit to the popular production of Elf the Musical at the Hall by the Sea in Dreamland, Margate, by Regency Productions kicked off the festive fun in a big way.

    The energetic show got the RAPS revellers in fine form for a busy programme of activities and celebration.

    Elf follows the story of Buddy, who goes on a journey to New York trying to find his birth father, causing mischief along the way. Through hit songs and festive routines, the audience is invited to help Buddy and his gang of elves as he tries to save Christmas, by singing loud for all to hear.

    Continuing the music theme, the whole school community and parents gathered for a rousing carol concert that involved lively performances of a range of much-loved music and song.

    This included performances of Calypso Carol by Year 3, Once In Royal David’s City by Year 4, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by Year 5 and 6, Marshmallow World and White Winter Hymnal by the RAPS Choir. Families and children joined together to sing Silent Night, Away In A Manger, and O Come All Ye Faithful.

    The RAPS tradition of a giant Christmas tree once again took centre stage, while pupils helped dress it with an array of colourful and sparkly decorations.

    In the main hall children showed their artistic skills by creating festive wreaths. Art teacher Kelly-Ann Smith said: “More than a hundred children and parents joined in our workshop. Families created rag wreaths from various donated soft fabrics and Christmas decorations.

    “There were some beautiful wreaths created and they are now hanging in the main school reception before our pupils take them to display in their own homes at the end of term.”

    Each year group enjoyed Christmas parties and also put on their own festive-style productions in the main hall. A tasty festive lunch was served up for the whole school to enjoy, while a Christmas jumper day saw pupils wearing an array of woolly winter warmers emblazoned with festive designs to school.

    Head of School Nick Budge said: “The visit to see Elf was a great start to our end of term activities and festivities. It was a cracking performance and really got our busy programme under way in style.

    “I was pleased to see our whole community and families gather for our big Christmas carol concert. In recent years it has been difficult to fully hold this particular celebration due to pandemic restrictions but this year we were able to hold a really memorable event that took place outdoors for the first time.

    “We have enjoyed a busy and successful year at RAPS and we wish all of our children, families and friends a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.”

    Ramsgate Arts Primary is a member of the Viking Academy Trust together with Upton Junior School in Broadstairs and Chilton Primary School in Ramsgate.

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

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  • On Track With Rail Safety

    Published 01/12/22

    Children from Ramsgate Arts Primary are on the right track when it comes to learning about railway safety.

    Pupils from Year 5 took part in a series of workshops, fun learning and interactive activities on a visit to Margate Railway Station.

    The message they learned was straightforward and simple – be safe and be vigilant at all times near the railway.

    The first workshop took place in a purpose-built studio that used real tracks in a safe environment to educate the children about the dangers surrounding the railways, including the risks of trespassing.

    They also watched an informative video which included some scary near-misses of people not being safe.

    Interactive learning included being asked rail safety questions in which pupils had to run and quickly touch the correct answer on a display.

    They also learnt about the different tools used for fixing the lines and were able to try and lift them to see just how heavy they are.

    Assistant Head of School Hannah Dannell said: “We also walked around the station, learning how to buy a ticket, find out information and to stay behind the yellow safety line markers.

    “However, perhaps the best part was when a train was approaching and we got the driver to honk the horn for us.

    “The whole trip was really beneficial and the children learnt a great deal. The staff were brilliant and the workshops were engaging.

    “It is really important for our pupils to learn about rail safety especially as they get older, and become more independent.

    “It is a great educational resource that Network Rail and Southeastern are offering through these workshops that help prevent trespassing and keep children safe.” 

    Ramsgate Arts Primary School is a member of the Viking Academy Trust together with Upton Junior School, Broadstairs, and Chilton Primary School, Ramsgate.

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

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December 2022