History leapt into life for Upton Juniors in Broadstairs when important characters from the past visited the school.

The costumed favourites from the popular historic walks around Ramsgate town and harbour turned back time for Year 5 children.

Famous faces from the past included King George IV who bestowed the title ‘royal’ upon the town’s harbour for its magnificent reception when His Majesty arrived to set sail for his kingdom of Hanover, Germany in 1821; Victorian gothic architect Augustus Pugin who built St Edward’s Presbytery and who lived in The Grange in the mid-1800s; and philanthropist Dame Janet Stancombe-Wills, the first woman mayor of the town in 1923.

 

As part of their thematic learning the year group has been exploring the changes that have taken place in the towns of Ramsgate and Broadstairs, since they first developed centuries ago.

The topic 'Tides of Change' encourages the children consider what changes have taken place over time, the impact these have had, and how some developments have both positive and negative effects on places.

 

Upton’s History leader Ayesha Watling organised the visit from the Ramsgate Costumed Walks team. She said: “It was a great opportunity for the pupils to generate historical questions about the change-makers throughout Ramsgate's rich history, and have them answered 'in the flesh'. “Oracy – the ability to express yourself fluently and communicate effectively with other people - is a huge part of our History curriculum. This enabled the pupils to formulate questions and answers using historical vocabulary. Their questions were very thoughtful, and, as always, they showed great respect to our visitors.”

Head of School Darci Arthur added: “This is a fine example of Upton using local knowledge and expertise to further expand and enhance pupils’ learning in an informative and entertaining way.”

To find out more about the costumed walks go online to www.facebook.com/RamsgateCostumedWalks.

 

 

 

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

For more information contact Head of School Darci Arthur on 01843 861393.