More than one thousand children in Thanet have enjoyed the challenge of their own mini Olympics.
The annual Viking Games saw around 1200 pupils from Upton Juniors, Chilton Primary and Ramsgate Arts Primary – all members of the Viking Academy Trust – joined together in four colour ‘house’ teams especially for the tournament.
Young children at Ramsgate Arts Primary got creative for the coronation.
To mark the event pupils in the school’s Early Years Foundation Studies group set to work designing and making a range of celebratory souvenirs.
These included crowns, flags and decorations for the historic occasion.
They also created a union flag montage from various materials, and made patriotic artwork on their outside play area.
One popular challenge was to make their own sandwiches and biscuits for a celebration outdoor picnic.
Year 3 children enjoyed a cream tea. They made crowns and flags to wave and tables were set out like a street party in the corridor for extra atmosphere.
Year 3 teachers Kiki Amin and Alice Mann said: “The pupils were really excited and looking forward to watching the coronation. Our whole team felt it was really important that all of our children had the opportunity to make great memories with their friends too so it was lovely to be able organise this for them.”
Head of School Nick Budge said: “The coronation was celebrated across the school with pupils and staff dressed in red, white and blue outfits for the day. There was a special assembly about the significance of the coronation, and pupils have also discussed the role of the King and the monarchy in class.
“Children enjoyed a special lunch thanks to our fabulous catering team and meals included one of the nation’s favourite meals of fish and chips. Our kitchen staff also created coronation cupcakes that looked and tasted great.
“In Early Years our youngest children enjoyed a full week of fun activities culminating in a coronation picnic which was a fitting end to their royal learning journey.”
Ramsgate Arts Primary School is part of the Viking Academy Trust together with Upton Junior School, Broadstairs, and Chilton Primary, Ramsgate.
For more information contact RAPS Head of School Nick Budge on 01843 582847
Young creative at Ramsgate Arts Primary have explored the sonic possibilities of using found materials from the coast to make music.
The year 4 groups have been working with Molly Clark from the University for the Creative Arts, Canterbury, to design, make and play their sound sculptures.
During the workshops they discussed the types of materials that could be found along the shoreline, how they felt and how their shapes differed, and what sort of sounds they could make with them.
They considered shells, rocks, driftwood, litter and debris such as bottle tops and ring pulls, and also used 
fabric, threads, string, wool, wire and beads as their sculptures took shape.
As part of the process the pupils also listened to Molly’s own audio clips for inspiration and wrote down all their ideas, creating images with their words.
The project was the first part of the term’s topic Sound for the year group and Head of School Nick Budge said it was a perfect way to launch their learning experience.
He added: “Our children worked well with Molly and they shared ideas with her and were enthusiastic about the different types of sound sculptures they could create from found objects.
“Molly was a great motivator with the pupils and we hope this link with UCA could be the beginning of a fruitful liaison that can benefit their students through practical experiences and give our children further enrichment with their learning.
“At RAPS we have developed good relationships with a range of differing arts institutions and groups over the years, and this latest link is another that can help broaden our pupils’ development, skill sets and enjoyment.”
Molly, a 20 year old Fine Arts student, said working at RAPS was a valuable experience and she added: “The RAPS sessions have helped me explore a different way of taking my practice and gave me the challenge of adapting my ways of working to a different audience.
“Working with the children a brilliant experience. They exceeded my expectations and responded to the tasks I set in very successful and innovative ways. They are so creative and enthusiastic.
“Doing these workshops allowed me to present my ideas and materials to the pupils and see how they interpreted it from their uniquely creative point of view. Helping them practically construct the pieces also allowed me to exchange skills such as knotting, sewing, and crochet, as well as ideas.
“I draw lots of inspiration from the coast and materials found there, creating sculptures based around these natural forms. At the moment I am particularly interested in sounds that are produced by natural processes.
“I have been exploring ways of re-creating these sounds within sculpture, for example making rattles and
wind chimes from shells and shingle, allowing my audience to interact and activate my work.”
Ramsgate Arts Primary School is part of the Viking Academy Trust together with Upton Junior School, Broadstairs, and Chilton Primary, Ramsgate.
For more information contact RAPS Head of School Nick Budge on 01843 582847
Children from Chilton Primary’s Tidy School Team and Ramsgate Arts Primary’s Eco Warriors teamed up with town mayor Raushan Ara for her annual spring clean.
Pupils from Year 4 in both schools were armed with bags and litter pickers to help the Ramsgate civic leader with her quest to keep the town looking neat and tidy.
Cllr Ara met her young team at the top of the High
Street and discussed the importance of community spirit. She gave the children the equipment they needed and they made their way down the high street picking up any litter they found.
Both schools are very keen on playing their part on maintaining the environment, both on their own sites and in the wider community wherever possible.
Chilton’s Year 4 teacher Michaela Gale said: “The children were so excited to be making such a positive contribution to the community. A number of members of the public commented on how well behaved they were and thanked them for their help in cleaning up the town.
“The project contributed to our wider work in school surrounding the environment. The children that went along make up part of our Tidy School Team. They litter-pick around the school each lunch time.”
RAPS teacher Kate Maclean who works with the Eco Warriors added: “Our pupils
were incredible. They worked very hard and tirelessly to hunt down litter and bag it up – they were even gifted with some biscuits from Corby's Tea Room for doing such a good job.”
And the end result was that working together with town mayor, the children from both schools played a big part for their community by teaming up to clean up.
*The Great Ramsgate Spring Clean is organised by the Ramsgate Litter Forum and every year it holds a series of short local litter-picks across the town, aimed at tackling the areas that attract lots of litter.
The forum brings together individuals, and groups of people, working with local businesses and Ramsgate Town Council and Thanet District Council to push for cleaner streets and more responsible disposal of waste.
Chilton Primary and Ramsgate Arts Primary are members of the Viking Academy Trust together with Upton Junior School in Broadstairs.
Children demonstrated their love and enthusiasm for the spoken word at the Viking Academy Trust’s challenging annual public speaking competition.
Representatives from each of the Trust’s schools - Upton Junior, Chilton Primary and Ramsgate Arts Primary – were selected following heats to choose their own three finalists.
The grand final of the annual competition was held before a packed hall full of pupils, teachers and a judging panel. This year it was held at the Royal Harbour Academy in Ramsgate.
The competitors from Years 3 to 6 tackled their subject in a range of different ways to hammer home their arguments.
Their two-minute presentations were on the topic 'You wouldn't believe it but.. .’ The children had to start their speech with this phrase and then could carry on however
they wished. The content varied from rainforests in England, girls playing football to you wouldn't believe but, I have no idea what I'm going to say.
Judges assessed the tone, clarity and confidence of speech; how they hooked the audience; and the content of their presentation. They also gave feedback and after making their selections congratulated every participant for the way they put across their speeches and for the high standard exhibited throughout.
The top three were Rose from Upton in first place who was awarded the Speakers Shield, followed by Holly from Chilton and Betsy from RAPS.
Hannah Cheshire, who is Deputy Head of School at Chilton, co-ordinated the competition. She said: “We are extremely proud of all the children who took part in the competition.
“Their confidence whilst delivering their speeches was outstanding. It was the kind of afternoon that reaffirms why we become teachers. The children really were phenomenal.”
Michaela Lewis, Executive Head Teacher of the Trust, praised all the competitors. She said: “Standing up and making a presentation in front of hundreds of people is not easy. I think all our speakers did a splendid job.
“Each of our schools embrace the development of oracy skills of talking and listening, and this is a central part of our ongoing literacy drive. Communication and inter-personal skills breed self-confidence and are vital for our children on their educational pathways into adulthood.”
The finalists were:- Holly, Savannah and Aliza from Chilton; Annie, Betsy and Willow from Ramsgate Arts Primary, and Esme, Isabella and Rose from Upton.
The judging panellists are education professionals. They were Claire and Neil Roby, Paul Luxmoore and Cathy Prince.
Children from Ramsgate Arts Primary have been working with artists behind the current thought-provoking exhibition called Banned! at the Turner Contemporary.
Banned! is part of a two-year project led by Sabina Desir, Artistic Director and Creative Producer of the Ramsgate-based Freedom Road Project that explores the issues of place, belonging and identity that remain prominent in all aspects of contemporary life.
Year 6 pupils were visited by Randolph Matthews who shared with them the story of the colour bar and the experiences of black American Air Force personnel who served at RAF Manston after the Second World War.
Although they were based in Britain, American laws still applied, and consequently they were treated differently purely because of the colour of their skin.
Randolph shared letters from the time, written by locals speaking out against these laws. Pupils were then asked to create a piece of rap music to summarise what they had learnt.
They had to create the beat, the backing chorus, the vocals and then performed it themselves.
They also discussed empathy and understanding, social justice and equality, environmental awareness, and civic engagement issues generated by the exhibition’s theme.
The discussions were recorded and form a podcast addition to the exhibition.
Next the year group visited the flagship gallery in Margate which has partnered with RAPS on a range of projects over the years.
They explored the exhibition inspired by the USAF personnel. The children met the artists Charlie Evaristo-Boyce and Richard Birch, who had created the art on display, and then they collaborated to screen print their own planes, decorating them in a unique style. The plan is for the planes to be hung above the room, so RAPS young creators will have their efforts on display at the gallery.
Head of School Nick Budge said: “This is an important exhibition that examines thought-provoking issues. Diversity, equality and tolerance are key themes that our children learn about and Banned! illustrates that ethos extremely well.
“The creative work they did in school and at the gallery in both music and art was excellent and it reinforced our link with Turner Contemporary.
“It was a wonderful opportunity for our children to work face-to-face with artists and to become part of this culturally-important exhibition.”
Turner Contemporary states: “Being classified as an outsider both racially and demographically has placed Sabina in a position of objectivity for researching and presenting this work to the public in a way that highlights our shared values instead of our differences.
“These lesser-known events and accounts of military history, migration and transit deserve attention because they have played a role in shaping British history on a local and national level.”
Banned! can be seen until Monday, May 8. For more information go online to www.turnercontemporary.org
Ramsgate Arts Primary is part 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.
The importance of children’s communication skills – talking and listening – is at the heart of an ongoing initiative at Ramsgate Arts Primary.
A special focus week centred on oracy – the ability to express yourself fluently and communicate effectively with other people - has involved all age groups, guest speakers and families.
The busy and varied programme included writing and recording RAPS raps with Rock On Music Academy, radio presenting with Filipe Gnomes who is artistic director of Ramsgate Radio, improvisation with The Noisy Classroom, oral story telling with drama specialist Martin Gibbon, writing stories through songs with Naomi Hammerton, debate and discussion workshops with Simple Politics.
Deputy Head of School Hannah Beech hosted a lunchtime debate club, teacher Josh Cialis delivered poetry
sessions, while local poet Harry Baker was involved with workshops and a whole school poetry assembly.
Mrs Beech, who co-ordinated the event, explained: “Our main school aims for developing spoken language in our children comprises three key drivers - to provide them with a wide and rich range of vocabulary; to encourage the skills to express themselves effectively; and to offer the opportunity to develop performance and public speaking skills.
“At RAPS we teach oracy in two ways. Firstly, discretely through a progressive curriculum that aims to help children develop knowledge and skills in oracy. Secondly, our teachers use a wide range of strategies to promote talk in every lesson to ensure children develop their vocabulary, articulation and confidence in speaking.”
“Our main message for oracy at RAPS and beyond is quite simple - everyone benefits from talk.”
Throughout the week all lessons were delivered with oracy at the centre. There were also opportunities for families to discover more about the initiative, with several parents involved in delivering the specialist workshops.
Head of School Nick Budge said the special week was a strong way of reinforcing the developing skills of RAPS
children. He added: “It is important for us to provide lots of opportunities to learn and express learning through talk to become a strong and effective communicators.”
Research shows five key areas where oracy has a particularly notable impact on children and young people’s progress and life prospects.
These are academic outcomes; tackling social disadvantage; transitions into further education; training and employment; wellbeing; and citizenship and empowerment.
The recent ‘Speak for Change’ all-party Government inquiry into the importance of oracy highlights the significant impact of the pandemic on the already marked spoken ‘language gap’ between disadvantaged students and their peers.
It discussed how oracy nourishes healthy debate, helps us bridge divides, navigate disagreement and understand different perspectives.
Inquiry chair Emma Hardy MP said: “We have defined the vision we should work towards and the steps that can be taken now to help us make progress. This report is the start of the conversation, a means of opening up the channels of communication with those who can take action. So let’s get talking – we have been quiet about oracy for too long.”
The full report can be found online at.oracy.inparliament.uk/speak-for-change-inquiry.
Ramsgate Arts Primary is a member of the Viking Academy Trust together with Chilton Primary and Upton Junior School, Broadstairs.
For more information contact Head of School Nick Budge on 01843 582847.
The wonders of Ancient Greece unfolded as children experienced an inspirational day celebrating the civilisation’s history, heritage and culture.
A special themed event to complement their learning in topic lessons saw the Year 5 group dress up as their favourite god, character from a Greek myth or in traditional Greek clothing.
A busy programme of activities began with trying to solve the puzzle of putting a smashed Greek vase back together again before creating the iconic wreaths to wear on their heads.
Pupil Lloyd explained more about the headwear. He said: “In Ancient Greek
times, the winners of Olympic events were given wreaths instead of medals. We all thought they looked great.”
Next up was taste-testing Greek foods and pupils tucked into a range of treats including olives, feta cheese, pitta bread, tzatziki, taramasalata and humus.
In an Ancient Greek drama workshop children became Olympians preparing for their events, with the competitors discussing a variety of sports that would be contested.
They also ventured to a Greek marketplace or ‘agora’ where they became buyers and sellers, haggling and discussing a variety of goods, as well assuming the roles of Hoplite soldiers.
To complete the drama sessions the group delved into folklore and created freeze-frame cameos of well-
known legends from Ancient Greece.
The final activity was learning the Ancient Greek alphabet and learning how to write the names of the gods and goddesses.
Assistant Head teacher Hannah Dannell said: “The day was a great success and we always strive to provide the children with an enriching curriculum that excites them about their learning. “
Head of School Nick Budge agreed and added: “This was an important topic that offers a wealth of information and knowledge - our Year 5 were really engaged with such a strong and memorable creative learning experience.”
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
Exploring the differences and similarities between humans and other animals is a big exciting adventure for children as young as four and five years old.
To help them on their voyage of discovery Reception classes at Ramsgate Arts Primary School met a whole range of creatures when Jaws and Claws visited.
With the help of Ranger Phil the children came face to face with a range of magnificent mini beasts including giant cockroaches, amphibians, reptiles and snails, and they were able to touch, stroke and feel many of them.
They learnt about the animals’ similarities and differences to humans, their habitat, their favourite foods, and their special features.
RAPS Early Year's teacher Sally Small said: “This was a fantastic opportunity for our children, and they learned a range of key facts about the creatures and how they differ to humans.
“As part of our All Things Great and Small topic work we have been learning about mini beasts, and we discussed whether the creatures we met were mini beasts or not and why.
“We loved getting up close to them and some of us were brave enough to touch them (or even wear them on our head!)
“It was a great experience to encounter living things so closely, and we could use our learning to compare the different animals and their characteristics.”
Head of School Nick Budge added: “It was fantastic to see so many of them pushing themselves outside of their comfort zones when facing some of the creatures - they came away with a wealth of knowledge and interesting facts as a result of the sessions.
“Young children gain so much insight into what they are learning with educational workshops that bring to life what they are discovering in the classroom.”
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.
Creating cave paintings, writing instructions on how to make bronze and making round houses out of clay are among activities that have taken Year 3 children at Ramsgate Arts Primary back millions of years to the dawn of human civilisation.
As part of their history topic 'Stone to Iron' the year group has explored the important historical and social developments that spanned millennia from the Stone Age, through the Bronze Age and Iron Age leading up to the Roman invasion of Britain.
They heard how archaeologists believe they may have uncovered the first evidence of Julius Caesar's invasion of Britain in 54BC. The discovery of a defensive ditch and weapons led them to identify Pegwell Bay in Thanet as the place they believe the Romans landed
Activities have also included writing newspaper articles about Otzi the Iceman, the natural mummy of a man
who lived between 3350 and 3105 BC. Otzi was discovered in September 1991 in the Otztal Alps (hence the nickname Otzi) at the border between Austria and Italy.
Pupils have also found out Skara Brae in the Orkneys, one of Britain's most fascinating prehistoric villages that was built and occupied between 3000BCE and 2500BCE, during what's called the Neolithic era or New Stone Age.
They have also been engaged in creating adverts publicising the monoliths at Stonehenge and writing diary entries by children from the Mesolithic era.
A fact-finding outing was made to Dover Museum to see the historic find of a Bronze Age boat that was unearthed in 1992 by construction workers building the A20 road link between Folkestone and Dover.
Teachers Kiki Amin and Alice Mann said: “To enrich their learning experience, we took Year 3 to Dover Museum to see the Bronze Age boat in particular, but also to take part in two workshops.
“One workshop saw the children channelling their creativity into making their own clay boats with museum creative Hannah which they can keep; the other was an interactive artefact investigation workshop led by Diana from the museum where they could explore various artefacts/replicas. This included handling tools that were many thousands of years old which amazed our pupils.
“It was particularly rewarding for the Year 3 team to see how much knowledge, confidence and excitement the children demonstrated in each session when asking and answering questions and handling prehistoric artefacts.
“They have absolutely loved this topic work, especially with its links to Caesar and our coastline, and because of the 'mysterious' origins and discoveries linked to Skara Brae, Otzi the Iceman and the druids.”
Staff also praised the Southeastern rail staff at both Ramsgate and Dover Priory Stations. They added: “Big thanks go to them all, especially Warren who supported us with our return back to school amidst possible disruption. He was incredible and we were very grateful for his advice. “
Ramsgate Arts Primary is a member of the Viking Academy Trust together with Upton Junior School, Broadstairs, and Chilton Primary.
For more information contact Head of School Nick Budge on 01843 582847.
A kinder and safer Internet experience is what children at Ramsgate Arts Primary School want to see developed.
The youngsters explored a series of learning and discussion activities as part of the nationwide annual Safer Internet Day.
All pupils from Reception to Year 6 took part in the whole-school event that focused on giving children a voice about how they want the Internet to be safer for them to use.
Coordinated in this country by the UK Safer Internet Centre, the special day on February 7 saw thousands of organisations involved to promote the safe, responsible and positive use of digital technology for children and young people.
RAPS response to the national event was co-ordinated by teacher Nancy Okai who is the school’s Computing Lead.
She said: “It was an important opportunity to hear from our pupils about the things they enjoy doing online, as well as the improvements they would like to see to enable the space to feel kinder, more protected and inclusive."
It reinforces RAPS existing stringent safeguards that include a charter for safe Internet use drawn up by children that is a simple and effective set of guidelines when using smartphones, tablets and computers to link into the World Wide Web.
Head of School Nick Budge said: “Children’s safety is a priority and we continually build upon the secure practices and messages we have in place, particularly when it involves internet safety.
“Technology plays a significant role in their young lives and it is vital they know how to act safely when using it, including how to identify and report a concern.”
In recent years the school has contacted families appealing to them to support its stance on unrestricted use and to make sure that children do not go online to any site that is not age appropriate.
RAPS regularly reminds parents and carers that social media is not advised for children below age 13, and age restrictions apply to social media accounts for good reason.
They are asked to reflect on the access their children have to social media and consider carefully monitoring the use of mobile phones, tablets and computers
Mr Budge added: “There are very real concerns nationwide about the use of social media by under age children and the threat it can pose – for example, contact with strangers, social conflict, hacking of personal information and data, exposure to inappropriate content, and significant emotional risk.
Further information about keeping children safe online is available via the school’s website and concerned families are invited into school for a chat about specific issues they face.
* Safer Internet Day: Over the years, Safer Internet Day has become a landmark event in the online safety calendar. Starting as an initiative of the EU SafeBorders project in 2004 and taken up by the Insafe network as one of its earliest actions in 2005, Safer Internet Day has grown beyond its traditional geographic zone and is now celebrated in approximately 180 countries and territories worldwide.
From cyberbullying to social networking to digital identity, each year Safer Internet Day aims to raise awareness of emerging online issues and current concerns. Find out more online from www.saferinternetday.org.
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.
Children at Ramsgate Arts primary and Chilton primary schools are enjoying a bigger breakfast to get the day off to an energised and healthy start.
Tasty bagels and a wider range of cereals are now provided daily as part of the National School Breakfast Programme (NSBP) which is funded by the Department for Education and delivered by Family Action.
The initiative, which was launched by both schools just after the start of this term, aims to support schools in England to provide children with a healthy breakfast at the start of the school day.
The food is available from 8.15am and the cost is heavily subsidised by the DfE at both schools who are both members of the Viking Academy Trust.
Trust Executive Head Teacher Michaela Lewis said: “We ensure our pupils have a healthy and nutritious breakfast each morning to help them start their day in the right way. The additions from this new initiative supports our efforts and enhances that provision which is a great benefit.
“Our meal provisions across the board tie in naturally with our general wellbeing programme for all our children that gives them every possible support to make their school days as positive, healthy and happy as possible.”
Reaction to the tasty additions has been favourable. Mrs Lewis added: “Our new-look breakfasts are already proving popular at both schools with children and families.”
The Department for Education states: “It is important for pupils to start the day with a nutritious breakfast. Evidence shows that providing a healthy school breakfast at the start of the school day can contribute to improved readiness to learn, increased concentration, and improved wellbeing and behaviour.
“All participating schools will receive a 75% subsidy for the food and delivery costs of breakfast club provision
until the end of July 2024. Schools will contribute 25% of costs. All pupils in participating schools are to be offered breakfast supplies at no cost to them or their parents.”
Schools in disadvantaged areas are eligible for the programme if they have 50% or more pupils in bands A-F of the income deprivation affecting children index (IDACI). This includes state-funded primary, secondary, special schools and alternative provision.”
The contract for the programme is delivered through Family Action, who source and deliver breakfast food products to participating schools. All breakfast products offered through the programme meet the school food standards. Schools are able to choose and order the food products and quantities they need for their pupils.
The new menu is in addition to the Trust’s existing popular breakfast clubs.
For more information about the initiative go online www.family-action.org.uk/what-we-do/children-families/breakfast/.
*Contact Viking Academy Trust Executive Head Teacher Michaela Lewis on 01843 582847