Diva the Tarantula and Friends Visit RAPS

Four and five year old children at Ramsgate Arts Primary have explored the world of magnificent mini beasts.

They came face to face with a range of creatures when Zoo Lab ranger Tyler Barry brought a selection of her favourites to school to meet Reception classes.

The visitors included Pocus, the American corn snake; Shrek and Fiona giant African land snails; Jane Austen, the Madagascan hissing cockroach; Millie, the giant African millipede; Diva, a white-kneed African tarantula spider; and Harley, a cuddly black rescue rabbit.

Tyler’s show was titled All About Me and it was specifically targeted at the youngest pupils in school for them to explore various senses – touch, feel, movement – and how these also apply to the creatures they were able to see up close.

They also found out about the creatures’ habitat, their favourite foods, and how they changed as they grew to adulthood.

Children had the chance to touch, feel and stroke most of their visitors although they investigated the tarantula from the safety of the spider’s container.

Head of School Nick Budge said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for our children and our pupils learned a range of key facts about the creatures and how they feed and live.

“Educational workshops are valuable for our young children as they bring to life what we are teaching and they gain real insight into learning.”

Zoo Lab say: “We explain the concepts of science in ways that children can readily see and touch. Children get the chance to see, touch and handle animals, and to understand more. 

“Zoo Lab is about fun and imagination – we take the children on a voyage of discovery.  In everything we do, animals are at the centre of things.”

To book a tour of RAPS and see the arts learning in action, contact Head of School Nick Budge on 01843 582847.

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