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Margate-born Oscar-winning director Arnold Schwartzman Skype calls pupils from Laleham Gap School, Ramsgate

A group of primary school students had the chance to quiz an Oscar-winning director live from his LA home.

Arnold Schwartzman, who is from Margate, took questions from the Laleham Gap School pupils over Skype on Monday.

Paul Ursell, who teaches at the school, is friends with Mr Schwartzman and organised the chat with him as part of an arts award the children are completing.

Arnold Schwartzman held a Skype chat with children from Laleham Gap School
Arnold Schwartzman held a Skype chat with children from Laleham Gap School

The class are also making their own animation film and Mr Schwartzman gave them his top tips.

He took questions about his favourite films and what it was like meeting the Queen.

He showed the students around his Hollywood home, revealing his Oscar trophy and his collection of ornaments from Margate’s past.

Paul Ursell organised the chat with Arnold Schwartzman for the class he teaches at Laleham Gap School.
Paul Ursell organised the chat with Arnold Schwartzman for the class he teaches at Laleham Gap School.

The director, best known for 1982 film Genocide, also revealed to the Year 2, 3 and 4 students that he would be making a film in his home town.

KMFM's Kent Teacher of the Year Mr Ursell said: "A young Arnold once sat in a Thanet school dreaming of films.

"The children in my class hopefully understand that anything is possible..." - Paul Ursell

"Decades later he wins an Oscar and lives in Hollywood alongside the stars he idolised.

"The children in my class will hopefully understand that it is worth having a dream and working hard, because anything is possible.”

Throughout this year Mr Ursell has organised a Skype call with polar explorer Felicity Aston, received a postcard from Grayson Perry and exchanged letters with the likes of J.K. Rowling, Julia Donaldson, Terry Deary and David Walliams.

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