The Year 6 group has been enthralled – and sometimes bemused – at many of the items from yesteryear that have been taken into school for them to experience.

The mixed bag of interesting artefacts included a Victorian telephone, ration books, pre-decimal coins, a newspaper from 1945 detailing the end of World War 2, a plaque celebrating England’s historic 1966 World Cup football victory, an Edwardian photo album and typewriters, a black and white vintage cinema projector, a working Sega Mega Drive computer console, and landline, Nokia mobile and 1960s home phones.

Star of the show was a beautiful Beauford classic car with a distinctive 1920s style. Pupils were able to sit in the passenger seats and behind the wheel of the sleek luxurious motor that was loaned by Thanet business Molly’s Classic Wedding Cars.

Year 6 teachers Daisy Godwin, who is RAPS creative arts lead, and Jordan Pressley said: “Our children loved sitting in the car, imagining what it was like to drive or be chauffeured around in style, and also noting how seat belts were introduced in more modern cars for safety.

“The topic they are exploring is called History of Britain and they are focusing on a wide range of influences, incidents, themes, events, personalities and much more that helped shape the nation.

“It means pupils can really compare and contrast how the country and peoples’ lives have developed and changed.

“We are so grateful to our school community who provided such amazing resources and for the chance to experience a fantastic example of a vintage car.”

Head Teacher Nick Budge believes the topic offers an important perspective for the young pupils to see how the world has changed in the country in a relatively short space of time.

He said: “It's only a few decades ago that mobile phones and computer games and digital cameras were unheard of; yet for recent generations they are commonplace objects young people grow up with.

“Hands-on learning with the chance to see and touch and examine a variety of items from the past gives a real edge to this topic where history is laid out before them. It certainly enhances the way they engage with their work.”

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

**Contact Head Teacher Nick Budge on 01843 582847