RAPS Children Inspired by Top Illustrator
Acclaimed illustrator Neal Layton has inspired children at Ramsgate Arts Primary to make their own storybook creations.
He worked with Year 4 girls and boys who have been reading Stanley’s Stick, a popular tale by poet John Hegley that features his distinctive artwork.
In the story, with a stick in hand Stanley's options are endless - he flies to the moon, writes in the sand, goes fishing, plays a whistle and rides a dinosaur. His imagination takes over and the magic begins.
Teacher Joshua Cialis explained: “Neal worked with the children to teach them how
to create interesting scenes using collaging. He also did a live draw of the character Stanley, which he has kindly gifted to the school.
“The children created some amazing eye-catching work that we are now displaying above our book corner.”
The pupils also joined primary schools from across Thanet for Children's Book Show at St Lawrence College. Mr Cialis added: “This was an amazing opportunity for the children to celebrate books and learn more about the process that goes in to creating a picture book. The children who attended the show also received two free books.”
Head of School Nick Budge said: “Literacy is a big part of our children’s learning experience. Engaging with an artist like Neal whose work they have been enjoying makes their learning so much more interactive.”
Neal Layton’s other works include Oscar and Arabella (2002) and Bartholomew
and the Bug (2004) which won both the Nestlé Smarties Book Prize Bronze Awards.
Ramsgate Arts Primary is part of the Viking Academy Trust together with Upton Junior School, Broadstairs, and Chilton Primary School.
For more information contact Head of School Nick Budge on 01843 582847
Music plays a key note in learning at Ramsgate Arts Primary.
Kelly Smith’s debut project as new art teacher at Ramsgate Arts Primary was a tribute to “our inspirational Queen.”
Head of School Nick Budge said: “The work for the display montage is representative of girls and boys of all ages. It was painstaking created, with work beginning within days of the announcement of Her Majesty’s passing. Over the weeks it has come together a fitting memorial.
Armed with litter pickers and rubbish sacks, a group of children from Ramsgate Arts primary have been clearing up their town.
“As they progress through our year groups our children become actively aware of how important it is to be responsible ranging from clearing rubbish and recycling through to the impact that humans have upon the environment, deforestation, climate change, pollution, fair trade, and renewable and non-renewable energy.”
There’s no time for siesta when it’s time for fiesta – that was the message to invited guests for a tasty Mexican feast created by young chefs from Ramsgate Arts Primary.
children worked under the expert guidance of Newington Community Chef Mike Spackman in the kitchens at the town’s Royal Harbour Academy.
After each day, the pupils shared their latest creations and discussed what went well and what they had enjoyed. After the Thursday session, they voted for their favourite dishes to create a mouth-watering menu for Friday's feast.
enjoy the cuisine of offer - it made the whole project worthwhile.”
“In the main, they have been willing and eager to explore new flavours and textures. Ingredients that were a mystery at first have now become far more familiar.
Ramsgate Arts Primary School is part of the Viking Academy Trust with Chilton Primary School, Ramsgate, and Upton Junior School, Broadstairs.
The relentless responsibilities of being a parent are being experienced by children at Ramsgate Arts Primary.
Year group teachers Jon Williams and Andrew Beraet said: “Nevertheless, the requirement to keep their baby with them at all times and keep it safe gave an insight into 'parenthood'. For some of the children it became a real struggle to juggle their learning tasks with the supervision of their 'offspring'.”
experiment our ‘parents’ were generally very successful and, apart from three 'deaths' (split bags), the children cared for their babies remarkably well.
even waking their children to 'feed' or 'care for' their ‘offspring’ in the night.”
“I know that it meant our boys and girls re-evaluated just how much their parents do for them, each day, every day, unconditionally.
Young creatives at Ramsgate Arts Primary have been displaying their collective imaginative skills for a competition run by the world famous National Gallery in London.
pupils for the 2022/2023 challenge.
Head of School Nick Budge said: “This dramatic seascape certainly inspired all our year groups to create thought-provoking artwork that focuses on many parts of the story.
As a result, RAPS entries were displayed at the National Gallery as part of a virtual tour at the start of pandemic lockdown, and they also saw their work featured on digital billboards in major cities across the UK.
Picture venture is very high - they worked very hard with their teachers and the result is a fabulous showcase of their skills.”
The lives of the invaders and settlers who changed the face of Britain are being explored by children at Ramsgate Arts Primary.
have also created a Saxon-style brooch using an embossing technique. They embossed tin foil over cardboard and then coloured it using permanent markers to make it look like metal and jewels. The patterns they created were symmetrical to look at and as authentic in detail as possible.”
“As well as expanding their knowledge, it will develop our children’s critical thinking skills.”
Everyone was a winner as Ramsgate Arts Primary children took to the stage for a special talent show.
“After watching the acts, the judges went off to deliberate and had a difficult time choosing their top three spots. Third was Sienna and Phoebe from Year 6 with their rendition of Fight Song; runner up singer Raph from Year5; and the winner was Eva from year 3 with her astounding magic tricks.
“Our talented girls and boys were of a high standard for their age ranges and they gave all of us in the audience a smashing treat.”