The history, heritage and culture of Thanet have been explored as part of Upton Juniors School’s first ever celebration of national Local History Day.

Visitors with a wealth of historical knowledge talked with the children and inspired them to find out more about the fascinating past of their local area.

Dan Thompson, of Marine Studios, was the resident Margate expert, and gifted the school a hand-painted map of Thanet which Year 5 plan to add to as they continue their study of local history.

Art historian Jacqui Ansell engaged pupils and teachers with her tales of young Vincent Van Gogh’s life in Ramsgate. Best-selling author Lara Maiklem thrilled and inspired with the treasures that can be found through mud-larking and beachcombing locally, while detectorists Carl Hudson and Tony Ovenden showed how a metal detector has unearthed a large number of finds from Roman times to World War 2 and the modern age.

Other activities in a packed programme were based around memorable figures from Thanet’s past.

These included Sarah Thorne, actor and manager of The Theatre Royal in Margate; Joss Snelling, the notorious St Peter’s based smuggler; Oliver Postgate, Broadstairs resident and co- creator of children’s TV characters such as the lovable Bagpuss; and Ellen Sanger, the ‘British lion queen’ and Dreamland menagerie co-creator.

Canterbury Archaeological Trust loaned the school their portable ‘dig pit’. The library was transformed into a ‘dig site’ and the pupils were able to use real tools to excavate and investigate archaeological finds.

To complete the enriching experience, pupils were invited to dress as a world historical figure and used their oracy skills to educate their class members as to the life and special qualities of their chosen figure.

The day was resourced, planned and organised by History leader Ayesha Watling who was thrilled that the day was such a success for the school.

She said: “The pupils and their parents made a huge contribution to the day through their well-researched and though-out costumes.

“Our visitors were amazing. They really brought our local history to life and inspired the pupils to go out and start researching their own locality on their own.

“At lunch time, several pupils found some pottery in a recently dug over area of the school field. They were very excited to show this to one of our experts, who confirmed it was Victorian.

“The history of Thanet, and Broadstairs, Margate and Ramsgate is fascinating. The aim of the day was to encourage the pupils to be curious about the place that they live and spark their own historical enquiries.”

Head of School Darci Arthur said: “This event was multi-faceted for our children across the age range. It was exciting, engaging, informative and a great example of fun learning.

“It was our first Local History Day at Upton – it is sure to become an important and much-anticipated annual event for our whole school community.”

*Local History Day (April 22) is a national initiative, primarily for schools, to explore local stories, people, and places.

The day gives pupils a chance to build a clearer sense of place and belonging, and helps schools strengthen connections with local heritage organisations. It supports curriculum aims by encouraging enquiry, research, creativity, and pride in the community.

 

Upton Juniors is part of the Viking Academy Trust with partner schools Chilton Primary and Ramsgate Arts Primary.

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