The new Ramsgate Arts Primary School is shaping its curriculum in a ground-breaking way – taking inspiration from the Turner Contemporary in Margate.
The new school will launch in September at a purpose-designed premises at Newington Road. To celebrate all pupils will visit Turner Contemporary and work with gallery ‘navigators’. During this time the young artists will create work both at school and in the gallery.
Pupils will also visit exhibitions at Turner Contemporary each term during the academic year 2017/18, and the gallery’s schools officer will provide information on exhibitions to help teachers plan how they can be used as a spring-board for cross curricular learning.
Turner Contemporary’s unique use of ‘Hands on Philosophy’ to help children get involved will help school staff to gain new skills and make sure pupils get the most out of visits to the gallery throughout the year.
Ramsgate Arts Primary School, formerly Ramsgate Free School, is part of the Viking Academy Trust. Executive Head Teacher Michaela Lewis said: “Working with Turner Contemporary recognises the importance to arts development of having a dedicated arts primary school. These are exciting developments.”
A Turner Contemporary spokesman said “It is fantastic to see a new Thanet primary school putting arts at the heart of their approach. We are delighted that Ramsgate Arts Primary School has taken the initiative to make the most of our world class programme and unique expertise to enhance their curriculum across 2017/18.”
The curriculum will focus on specialist teaching of arts subjects including dance, music, drama and art, in purpose-built studios, while also delivering the International Primary Curriculum.
Head of School Nick Budge said: “For a specialist arts school, the link with such a prestigious gallery as Turner Contemporary is fantastic for our pupils and our staff.
“It is widely recognised as one of the leading art centres in the UK and we are proud to be working with their team. Our pupils and staff are looking forward to an amazing journey that marries art and education.”
Children have already got into the swing of their link with the gallery, creating pictures of the centre and making models of it from recycled materials.