Inspiring RAPS Impresses MP Polly

During a fact-finding visit the MP was impressed with the school’s innovative curriculum that continues to expand on its wide range of creative opportunities since opening nine years ago.

She was given a tour of the campus accompanied by pupil guides, discussed her strong support for arts in education, and talked in assembly about her role at Westminster and in her constituency.

The MP also chatted with RAPS leaders including Viking Academy Trust executive head teacher Michaela Lewis, Head of School Nick Budge and teachers.

She visited classrooms to witness lessons in action, listened to young ukulele players in the music suite, and admired the many art and literature exhibitions around the building.

On her online Instagram account the MP wrote: “A great visit to RAPS, shown around by Seb and Annie. Excellent questions at assembly and some very impressive art all around the school as well as a little ukulele recital.

“We also talked about the importance of art and creativity in the curriculum and what a difference it makes to educational outcomes for everyone. I will continue to campaign on this to ensure everyone gets the Arts education they deserve.”

Mrs Lewis said: “RAPS children, staff and school and Trust leaders were delighted to welcome Polly Billington into our school community of which we are all very proud.

“She is a strong advocate of the Arts as part of the curriculum in primary and secondary education and she was extremely impressed with the creative arts underpinning education at RAPS.

“We highlighted the impact that our specialist arts programme has on developing 'the whole child' - with soft-skills like self-esteem, self-confidence, teamwork and problem-solving all fundamental skills that the RAPS curriculum enhances in all our children.

“Polly's values on 'opportunity for all' aligned closely with our Viking Academy Trust ethos. Children need to be given a variety of opportunities to enable them to experiment with what they like and want to experience further and the core purpose of our Arts programme is to allow all children at RAPS to be educated in a school with creativity at its core.”

The MP also faced some tough questioning from pupils including how the most vulnerable people in our communities are being supported, and whether it was fair for 10 and 11 year old children to have to sit the Kent Test.

Perhaps her most challenging question of all was which Marvel Superhero does she most relate to – her questioner, nine-year-old Jacob, suggested Dare Devil as the most politically-minded of the Marvel team.

Head of School Nick Budge said: “It was a really positive visit. Polly really enjoyed finding out about how we work and what makes our evolving creative curriculum so enriching and engaging for children and families.

“Our pupils learn about democracy – finding out from an MP about the scope of their work and how they serve their electorate was inspiring and interesting for them.”

Ramsgate Arts Primary is part of the Viking Academy Trust with its partner schools Chilton Primary in Ramsgate and Upton Juniors in Broadstairs.

**Contact Head of School Nick Budge on 01843 582847