Upton, Chilton and Ramsgate Arts pupils carry out fact-finding tour

The pupils toured the school

Pupils from the joint council of Viking Academy Trust – made up of Upton Junior, Chilton Primary and Ramsgate Arts Primary – have been on an educational fact-finding tour.

The representatives toured Chilton Primary in Ramsgate in small groups, armed with clipboards and taking notes of what they really liked about the school, what they felt would benefit the other schools, and what they thought could be improved.

Trust executive head teacher Michaela Lewis briefed the delegates in a mini conference before they set off. She said: “This is the first joint school council meeting of this school year and it will build on the success of the initial meeting we had in July at Upton which was very positive for pupils and staff.”

The teams discussed a variety of topics on their mini tour and, at a debriefing, they raised numerous points including displays and signs, international primary curriculum topics entry and exit points, classroom and corridor size, water drinking fountains, playground equipment, trained pupil mediators, white boards, inspirational quotes on school walls, hand sanitizer dispensers, and a ‘success selfie’ board.

Mrs Lewis said: “The delegates did a fantastic job. They take their roles very seriously and came up with a whole range of positive observations that staff at each school will consider.

“It is important for us to see our schools through their eyes. They have a very clear idea what they as young learners like and want. It gives them a voice and endorses their ownership of their school.

“The joint council is creating a very strong bond between the Trust schools which is also important. Myself and the teachers involved were very impressed with their behaviour during the learning walk and the respect they showed to pupils and staff who were working.”

The joint council meets three times a year – the next session is at Ramsgate Arts Primary.