September-October Highlights
Ashmolean Adventure
Ashmolean Museum Daily, 10am – 5pm
Explore some of the Ashmolean’s most intriguing objects with this fun interactive digital guide.
From £10, book online or in-person
Arboretum Adventures for Under-5 s
Harcourt Arboretum
11 Sept & 9 Oct 10.30am – 12.30pm
Join us for sensory activities and nature-themed crafts.
Tickets £7 per child (booking required)
Oxford Open Doors
Bodleian Libraries 13 – 15 Sept
Go behind the scenes at the Bodleian Libraries as part of Oxford Open Doors.
Free, booking required for some sessions
Bring your family to our special events and discover centuries of culture, science and natural history
A Little Look at...
Museum tours for Under-5 s
Museum of Natural History
16 Sep, 10.15am
27 Sep, 10.15am, 11am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm
14 Oct, 10.15am
Listen to a story and join us for a guided walk around the Museum. Free, booking required for 27 Sep
Hawaiian Bird Crafts
Pitt Rivers Museum
26 Oct, 12 – 3pm
Learn about wonderful Hawaiian birds and ways to protect them, whilst making bird finger puppets and masks.
Free, no booking required
Visit us and discover more events and activities
Ashmolean Museum
Beaumont St, OX1 2PH ashmolean.org
Bodleian Libraries
Broad St, OX1 3BG visit.bodleian. ox.ac.uk
Harcourt Arboretum
Oxford Lodge, OX44 9PX obga.ox.ac.uk
History of Science Museum
Broad St, OX1 3AZ hsm.ox.ac.uk
Museum of Natural History
Parks Rd, OX1 3PW oumnh.ox.ac.uk
Oxford Botanic Garden
How Does It Work
History of Science Museum
28 & 29 Sept, 26 & 27 Oct 12 – 2pm
Explore science stories with hands-on activities including our SEND-friendly backpacks.
Free, no booking required
Rose Lane, OX1 4AZ obga.ox.ac.uk
Pitt Rivers Museum
Parks Rd, OX1 3PW prm.ox.ac.uk
Dear Reader,
Autumn is the season that teaches us that change can be beautiful, with so many of us experiencing a big change in our lives this September as our littlest ones start school and the biggest ones start secondary; it is worth remembering that change can be positive and refreshing, just like the changing seasons. Autumn can be such an exciting time for the children with Halloween, Bonfire Night and the approach to Christmas, but before we fully immerse ourselves in the cosiness of autumn, there are plenty of end of summer days to look forward to and we have plenty of things to do in this issue.
Wise words!
Children don’t remember what you try to teach them. They remember what you are.
Jim Henson
@FamiliesOxonMag
facebook.com/familieseastoxfordshiremag
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What's in this issue?
4. News & Views
7. Baby News
8. What's On
10. What’s On Halloween
12. Secondary Schools
14. Learning to Spell
15. Mindful Questions
17. School Spotlights
20. Should I Stay or Should I Go
21. Clubs & Classes
EDITOR: Lisa Exell 01945 861336 editor@familiesOxfordshire.co.uk
ASSISTANT EDITOR: Amanda Dawson, admin@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk
SOCIAL MEDIA: Amanda Dawson, admin@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk
DESIGN: Caroline Thompson-Heap, caroline@thompson-heap.com
at Oxford Playhouse, Burton Taylor Studio!
*a family ticket is for up to 4 people (maximum 2 adults) for any off-peak show.
The sleigh is loaded. The elves are ready. But Father Christmas can’t find his keys. Or his glasses. Or his boots... and now he’s making a flask of tea!
Hurry up, Father Christmas! It’s Christmas Eve and it’s time to go.
Join the adventure in the Burton Taylor Studio at Oxford Playhouse,with stories, songs and activities to help get the sleigh on its way!
For ages 3 to 6 and their families.
Wed 11 - Sun 29 Dec Off-Peak: Adult £16 | Children £12
Peak: Adult £20 | Children £16 Competition closing date: Fri 11 October. To enter please visit our Facebook page @familieseastoxfordshiremag and like and share our competition post and follow our page. Good luck. Please see the Facebook page for T&C’s.
Making maths fun with Mathnasium
HERITAGE OPEN DAYS CELEBRATE CREATIVITY
Heritage Open Days (HODs) return from 6th - 15th September with thousands of free events and experiences.
There will be plenty of free interactive activities for children including dressing up, craft, woodland walks and railway rides, all based around this year’s theme, Creativity Unwrapped, sharing England’s colourful history of creativity. The festival will celebrate the experts and enthusiastic amateurs whose passions and skills add something special to our daily lives. More info: www.heritageopendays.org.uk
Babies learn like ChatGPT
Recent research into infant learning suggests that while human infants are perceived as significantly more helpless than their animal counterparts, this period of vulnerability is a critical time for cognitive development, akin to the initial training phases of sophisticated artificial intelligence systems like ChatGPT.
This phase allows infants to absorb and process vast amounts of sensory information, laying the groundwork for advanced cognitive abilities later in life, according to a new study by Trinity College Dublin.
Where children are empowered to achieve excellence in maths. Build a strong mathematics foundation through customised maths tutoring plans and face to face instructions in centre.
“My son has made massive progress in maths since he started. The best part is that he enjoys it and looks forward to going. The managers are super helpful and keep my son’s progress under close supervision. Many thanks for making maths enjoyable for my son”.
For decades the Mathnasium Method™ has transformed the way children learn maths. Building a foundation for maths mastery through deep understanding by starting with what they already know, addressing any learning gaps, expanding their mathematical thinking, and adding new concepts in sequence. This proprietary method works for students of all ages and skill levels, whether they’re struggling in maths, doing okay but could be doing better, or are already excelling but need more of a challenge. When children see what they can achieve because of their proficiency in maths, it can alter the course of their entire lives.
Mathnasium maths tutors are trained to make learning maths a fun and confidence-building experience. Book a free assessment today www.info.mathnasium.co.uk/ northoxford
Infant learning begins right from birth. During this period, babies start recognizing faces, sounds, and patterns. This early learning is crucial for cognitive development and babies learn from simple activities like reading stories and playing peek-a-boo.
This research challenges the traditional belief that infant helplessness is due to brain immaturity, revealing a crucial overlooked phase of early cognitive development. More info: www.tcd.ie/news_events
A LOVE FOR LEARNING WITH KUMON
Kumon study aims to ensure that every child develops a love for learning. Offering maths and English programmes to help students of any age and ability to progress their skills and build key foundations for learning. Traditional tuition helps students progress, but Kumon goes one step further by helping each child develop self-learning skills, enabling them to tackle challenging work without relying on a teacher.
Students complete daily worksheet study, allowing them to gradually develop in ability and fluency over time, progressing in small steps as they build confidence. They also visit their local study centre up to twice a week for guidance from their Instructor. Your child’s Kumon Instructor will set work at their ‘just right’ level to challenge and keep them engaged, regardless of age or school year. This means that they can strengthen key skills, or progress beyond their school grade level without restriction.
I’ve been impressed with the Kumon Thame Study Centre. As a parent, I appreciate their commitment to helping children develop essential study habits and self-learning skills. Instructor: Anita Aggarwal, the centre’s instructor, her dedication to coaching is very good. My daughter has definitely improved after joining Kumon.
(Monika parent of reception year child) To book visit www.kumon.com
Boost your child’s confidence with a free Perform class
As the buzz of the new school year begins, why not enrich your child’s after-school routine with something truly special.
Perform’s dynamic classes are expertly crafted to enhance your child’s confidence, concentration, communication, and coordination - skills that complement their academic journey beautifully. Sessions are packed with drama-based games and activities which allow reserved children to come out of their shell whilst energetic children have the perfect outlet to express themselves.
Parents talk about the transformative experiences their children have had with Perform:
“My son is extremely shy, socially anxious and self-conscious but he LOVES Perform.I’m so grateful to the teacher for making my little boy feel so happy and valued!”
“The teaching team are truly amazing. They have had such a positive impact on my children’s confidence levels.”
This term, 4-7 year olds are off to Outer Space on an intergalactic adventure with the Sparkly Spaceman and the Man on the Moon! Meanwhile, 7-12 year olds will enjoy a groovy Greek extravaganza in The Hercules Beat, where Hercules gets everyone dancing to stay fit.
Classes are held in Oxfordshire and every child is welcome to try a free class. To book, visit www.perform.org.uk/try
CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS AT CORNERSTONE
Cornerstone Arts Centre in Didcot has something for all the family to enjoy this Christmas. It all starts with An Elf Adventure on Sunday 8th December. Join ‘Elf” on a festive adventure counting down the days to Christmas.
This magical, multi-sensory theatre experience is for 0-3 years olds and their families, championing the wonderful values of advent: Hope, Peace, Love and Joy - and all the fun inbetween!
The enchanting tale of Cinderella will be on stage later in the month with all the delights of a traditional pantomime.
Oh yes it is!
This sparkling production, presented by the multi award-nominated KD Theatre Productions, promises to entertain families for the festive season with lots of laughter, stunning sets and a fabulous cast.
Cinderella will be at Cornerstone from Thursday 19th December - Tuesday 31st December with a special relaxed performance on Sunday 29th December at 1pm.
So grab your glass slippers and head to Cornerstone this Christmas! Book your tickets now to get your first choice of seats and dates. www.cornerstone-arts.org/
RACE FOR KIDS
RBC Race for the Kids is returning to London’s Hyde Park for its 15th year this October, with thousands of incredible participants expected to join the much-loved fundraising event to help GOSH Charity build a new, world-leading Children’s Cancer Centre and save more lives.
Registration is now open for GOSH Charity’s flagship fundraising event on Saturday 12th October, which will see supporters and families of all ages and abilities walk, jog, wheel or scoot the 5km race or the new 2km route to help raise money for the charity’s Build it. Beat it. appeal.
The event is the perfect day out for all the family, with fourlegged friends welcome.
Once across the finish line, GOSH Charity supporters can head straight to the family festival village to enjoy a day packed with live entertainment, music, refreshments, games and other exciting activities.
Virtual participants can choose a distance to run in their local area on 12th October or can take part with their school between 7th-11th October.
Adult entry costs £17.50 for the 2km race or £21.50 for the 5km route and children aged 16 and under can take part for free. To sign up or to find out more information, visit: www.gosh.org/race
Fairytale Farm Learning Hub launching this September
This September a new Learning Hub is launching at Fairytale Farm near Chipping Norton, to fill a gap for the home educating community.
Local Therapist Clare Bay has seen a huge increase in families coming into her clinic needing support with alternative education ideas. ‘Since Covid there has been a steep increase in children and young people refusing school, and families realising that the mainstream education may not be the best way forward for their child.’
Qualified Teacher Natalie Rushton will be running the education programme. She says:
‘Our workshops and groups will include an array of subjects such as: art, creative writing, storytelling, drama, outdoor learning, animal care, design and construction, all with a focus on learning through nature.’
We will also be offering after-school clubs for primary aged children, plus mindfulness groups for young people up to aged 16. More details here:
fairytalefarmlearninghub.co.uk
LAPLANDUK HIDES GOLDEN INVITATIONS
LaplandUK, launched its first official advent calendar in July. In an unprecedented example of Christmas in July excitement, fans flocked to the LaplandUK Instagram account when the announcement was made, with calendars selling out the same day. The second batch will be launched on 18th September so set a reminder to make sure you get yours.
In a move as magical as the fictional search for Willy Wonka’s Golden Tickets, LaplandUK has hidden Golden Invitations behind one of the doorways of five elven calendars. The invitations invite Small Folk to visit the sold out 2024 LaplandUK experience, where they will be enveloped in the world of Father Christmas, helping the elves to prepare for the biggest night of the year.
The official LaplandUK ‘Sleeps To Christmas’ calendar, is a miniature version of the famous LaplandUK toy factory, In a continuation of LaplandUK’s seamless ability to marry tradition and futurism, the advent calendar will incorporate AR technology to deepen the interaction between Small Folk and the Elves throughout advent. Behind each doorway, Small Folk will be able to activate an AR ‘Elfie’
moment, in which an elf will appear each day with a new message from LaplandUK. Alongside their ‘Elfie’, Small Folk will find a chocolate “jingle”, the official currency of LaplandUK, as well as a secret puzzle for them to solve. The calendar also features a ‘Sleeps
To Christmas’ clock, which Small Folk can tick down each morning, as they await the biggest night of the year. £39.95
www.portal.laplanduk.co.uk/tickets/
What’s On
Things
to do, places to go and fun to be had
for kids of all ages in
Oxfordshire
Fairytale Farm
WHEN: September and October
10.00 - 17.00
WHERE: Chipping Norton
Mixing classic fairy tales, animals and adventure play, children will love Fairytale Farm - the UK’s first visitor attraction that is open to all. A truly inclusive experience, where everything is accessible and everybody is welcome. From £7.64
www.fairytalefarm.co.uk 01608 238014
Arboretum Summer Geocache Trail
WHEN: Until 20th October
WHERE: Harcourt Arboretum
Find the caches hidden around the Arboretum, enjoy the activities and see if you can solve the puzzle. Children aged 8+ with their families. £2 per trail (accompanying adults will need to pay standard entry).
www.obga.ox.ac.uk/event
Cogges Harvest Fayre
WHEN: 7th September, 11.00 - 16.00
WHERE: Cogges Manor Farm, Witney
Family fun, games, face-painting, flower-crowns, crafts and activities. Enjoy delicious food at the BBQ and refresh your palate at the Harvest Bar.
www.cogges.org.uk/Event/ cogges-harvest 01993 772602
Arboretum Adventures for Under-5s
WHEN: 11th September, 10.30 - 12.00
WHERE: Harcourt Arboretum
Sensory activities and naturethemed crafts for younger visitors in the beautiful setting of the Arboretum.
£7 per child (under-2s and accompanying adults free).
www.obga.ox.ac.uk/event
Floella Benjamin’s Coming to England
WHEN: 18th - 21st September
WHERE: Oxford Playhouse
Floella Benjamin’s award-winning and iconic book Coming to England bursts into life on stage with music, storytelling, and humour. An inspirational story of hope, determination, and triumph. Age 7+
From £14.00
www.oxfordplayhouse.com 01865 305305
Tiny Ideas Festival - The Oxford Early Years Arts Festival
WHEN: 26th - 29th September
WHERE: Venues around Oxfordshire
Celebrating 0-7 year olds and the creativity they bring to the world with numerous activities in and around Oxford!
www.tinyideasoxford.com/ festival-schedule/
Tiny Ideas FestivalParents Power Hour
WHEN: 27th September, 10.00 and 12.00
BOHBOH FINDS HOME
WHEN: 28th September, 11.00, 14.00 and 16.00
WHERE: Oxford Playhouse BohBoh Finds Home is an English-Cantonese bilingual interactive performance that brings you to a funfilled intergalactic sensory adventure. Suitable for children aged 3-8 years old. From £8.50 www.oxfordplayhouse.com 01865 305305
A Little Look at …
WHEN: 27th September
WHERE: Oxford University Museum of Natural History
Variety of 30 minute guided tours around the Museum featuring storytelling and specimen handling, including ‘Pattern’ (10.15 and 11.00) and ‘Animals on the Move’ (12.30 and 13.15) www.oumnh.ox.ac.uk
One Hand Can’t Clap
WHEN: 28th September, 10.30 and 14.00
WHERE: Oxford University Museum of Natural History A joyous celebration of African Caribbean surrounded by natural history specimens.
For ages 3-99! FREE www.oumnh.ox.ac.uk
Science Club: Weird Materials
WHEN: 5th October
WHERE: Science Oxford Predict what happens when you add water to mystery powders, and make fake snow, pop rocks and slime! Test your strength against unrippable paper, see colours change before your very eyes, and discover what amazing material stays dry underwater, and how? Age 5-9 scienceoxford.com/whats-on/ weird-materials/
Fun Palace
WHEN: 6th October
WHERE: Oxford Playhouse
An array of activities and workshops in arts, science, craft, tech, digital and sports, with crafts and ideas to take home and share with your wider friends and community. FREE age 11 and under www.oxfordplayhouse.com 01865 305305
Dancin’ Oxford’s Family Dance Festival
WHEN: 28th September - 2nd November
WHERE: Various locations
A wonderful opportunity for the whole family to experience dance in a relaxed and welcoming setting. With a variety of events for everyone, whether you’d like to join in or just watch, be part of this joyous community celebration, specially curated for the vibrant Oxfordshire community. www.dancinoxford.co.uk/whats-on/
WHERE: Pegasus Theatre, Oxford Workshop for parents and carers wishing to reconnect with their inner creativity - from moving to writing, art to music. All welcome, and free creche places for children under 2 years.
www.pegasustheatre.org.uk
01865 812 150
Apple Weekend
WHEN: 12th - 13th October
WHERE: Waterperry Gardens, Nr. Wheatley
Sample and buy many different types of juices, receive advice and information on growing, planting, apple identification and selecting trees and rootstock, take a tour of the orchards & fruit sheds and see the apple press in action. www.waterperrygardens.co.uk/ whats-on 01844 339254
Luna Loves Library
WHEN: 6th October
WHERE: Cornerstone Arts Theatre, Didcot
Join Luna and her Dad for an adventure among the library shelves in this exciting new musical for families.
Luna looks forward to one special day… Library Day! It’s the day when she discovers magic among the library shelves. £12 age 5+ www.cornerstone-arts.org/
IF
Oxford Science and Ideas Festival
WHEN: 9th October3rd November
WHERE: Venues around Oxford Festival packed with inspiring, entertaining and immersive events for people all ages with a mix of free activities, paid ticketed events and other events that use Pay What You Decide (PWYD). if-oxford.com/events/
The Science of Super Heroes
WHEN: 12th October, 15.00
WHERE: Oxford Playhouse
Could superheroes be real? Would being radioactive really be Super? What does radioactivity even do? The Society of Radiological Protection are here to answer those questions and more with their Super Science knowledge. From £7.00 - Age 7 - 12 years www.oxfordplayhouse.com 01865 305305
Hawaiian Bird Finger Puppet and Mask Craft Activity
WHEN: 26th October, 12.00 - 15.00
WHERE: Pitt Rivers Museum Learn about wonderful Hawaiian forest birds and ways to protect them, whilst making Hawaiian bird finger puppets and masks. Free drop in sessions www.prm.ox.ac.uk
The Horrible Science Show - Nick Arnold
WHEN: 26th October, 11.00 and 14.00
WHERE: Pegasus Theatre, Oxford Join best-selling author Nick Arnold for his high-energy interactive show which brings the multi-award winning Horrible Science series to life using live experiments, quizzes and lots of comedy. Age 6+ www.pegasustheatre.org.uk 01865 812 150
Family Bushcraft
WHEN: 29th October, 10.30 - 15.00
WHERE: Harcourt Arboretum
Spend the day learning what it takes to survive in the wilderness, practising the core skills of bushcraft and survival. Designed for children aged 8+ (children must be accompanied by a paying adult). £25.00
www.obga.ox.ac.uk/event
Family Green Woodwork Session
WHEN: 31st October, 60 minute sessions between 10.30 and 16.00
WHERE: Harcourt Arboretum
Learn how to use a knife safely and have fun whittling an object to take home. 8+ years and accompanied by an adult. All tools and materials provided, just bring enthusiasm!
£15 per ticket (1 free adult per paying child)
www.obga.ox.ac.uk/event/ family-green-woodwork-session
ADVENTURE PLAY
WHEN: September and October
WHERE: Blenheim Palace
Make tracks for a great day out
Explore this 21-acre living museum and unearth almost two centuries of railway history. Stroll through the original 1932 Engine Shed and see magnificent preserved locomotives –you can even climb onto the footplates of some!
The Ugly Duckling
WHEN: 27th October, 13.00 and 15.00
Mini explorers of all ages can create their own exciting stories as they clamber, climb, paddle, slide, splash and zip through the exciting zones. Explore the amazing network of tunnels, bridges, cargo nets and hidden chambers.
Prices from £11.50
www.blenheimpalace.com
01235 817 200 | didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk info@didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk
WHERE: Cornerstone Arts Centre, Didcot Feeling different, teased by his friends and not accepted by his family, the Ugly Duckling is sad and lonely. Through a series of adventures he soon learns who he really is and his family realises it doesn’t matter what you look like but how good your heart is.
From £12.00
www.cornerstone-arts.org/whats/ugly-duckling
Please mention Families Oxfordshire when replying to events
Family Days
WHEN: Saturdays in September and October
WHERE: Science Oxford Centre, Headington
Explore, discover and play in the Exploration Zone, where children and grown-ups alike have fun experimenting with interactive exhibits. Experiment at the Live Lab with hands-on activities. From £7.50. 01865 810000 www.scienceoxford.com/events
What’s On in Oxfordshire for kids of all ages this
The Witches House
WHEN: 25th Oct - 4th Nov
WHERE: Cogges Manor Farm, Witney
The Witch’s House is back for half term - see this year’s Brothers Grimm-inspired transformation with Halloween outfits encouraged! Cogges is a unique historic farm in the heart of Witney, Oxfordshire with a beautiful Manor House, enchanting walled garden, orchard, adventure play and friendly animal residents. From £6.00 www.cogges.org.uk 01993 772602
Pumpkin Picking
WHEN: 19th, 20th, 26th - 31st October
WHERE: Hadsham Farm
Collect a sledge and head to the pumpkin patch where you can choose your perfect pumpkin and then transform them in the barn. There is a spooky sensory trail for Halloween, an indoor sandpit play area and outdoor playground. www.hadshamfarm.co.uk
PUMPKIN PATCH
WHEN: 13th, 20th, 27th Mon 28th- 31st Oct
WHERE: Earth Trust Centre, Little Wittenham
Pick your own pumpkins from the growing field with a variety of delicious squash to choose from. Extra activities make this year’s Pumpkin Patch bigger and better than ever! With autumnal storytelling sessions, discovery zone science activities, Scarecrow trail and a MEGA maize maze! Prices from £3 www.earthtrust.org.uk/ whats-on 01865 407792
Halloween at Blenheim Palace
WHERE: Blenheim Palace
WHEN: 25th October - 3rd November
Join family and friends as you wander from dusk into darkness, exploring eerie paths and spooky spaces. Along the way, dodge wicked witches, sinister scarecrows, and other Halloween horrors. www.blenheimpalace. com/whats-on/events/
Creative Computing Club: Spooky Game Design
WHERE: Science Oxford
WHEN: 19th October
Would you like to play a game? Young coders design their very own ghastly game for the spooky season using Microsoft MakeCode Arcade this October. Your super-scientist Avatar could spot invaders, catch ghouls or fly into Space on rocket powered broomsticks! Spookily-good fun. Ages 9-12
www.scienceoxford.com/whatson/spooky-game-design/
Nature Club: Brilliant Bats
WHERE: Science
Oxford
WHEN: 26th October
See bat bones with a skeleton X-ray comparison, and colour and cut out a cool bat mask to wear for Halloween. Play the ‘bat game’ and learn about echolocation, using your voice and ears to avoid obstacles and move towards your prey - blindfolded! Ages 5-9 www.scienceoxford.com/whatson/brilliant-bats/
Halloween Hunt in the Gardens
WHERE: Waterperry Gardens, Nr. Wheatley
WHEN: 26th October3rd November
Take part in the Waterperry Halloween Hunt throughout the October half term.
£3.95 per child with a prize (children must be accompanied by an adult for whom the garden entrance fee applies).
www.waterperrygardens.co.uk/ whats-on/ 01844 339254
Wild Witch’s Half Term Trail
WHERE: Sutton Courtenay
Environmental Education Centre
WHEN: 28th-30th Oct and 2nd Nov 10am -2pm The Wild Witch is on a quest to transform herself into a magical animal in time for Halloween! Listen to a live storytelling session, and whip up a fabulous potion of your own in the witch’s den. Age 4-11
£8 per child Booking essential www.bbowt.org.uk/events
Haunted House Hullabaloo
WHERE: Brick Building Workshops
WHEN: 28th30th October
It is Halloween in Bricksville and Masterbuilders are going on a spooktastic adventure with 1000’s of LEGO bricks and plenty of eerie happenings along the way. 28th Sonning Common Village Hall 09:30 - 11:30, The Heights Primary, Caversham 14:30 - 16:30, 29th Woodcote Village Hall 09:30 - 11:30, 30th Badgemore Primary, Henley on Thames 09:30 - 11:30. Age 5+. www.masterbuildersclub.co.uk
Meet the animals Adventure play
Coming up:
Family Fun on the Farm
Harvest Fayre 7 Sept with food & produce show
The Witch’s House 25 Oct - 4 Nov
Spooky childhood stories theme
Cogges Kitchen Café & Shop open daily
See what’s on and book online: cogges.org.uk
Cogges Manor Farm, Witney Free Parking OX28 3FR Open
What does a good state secondary school look like?
By Melanie Sanderson
Choosing a secondary school is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make for your child. Very likely, your two priorities are whether your child will reach their academic potential and whether they will be happy there. Here are my tips on what to look for.
HOT-HOUSE OR GREENHOUSE?
Is the school educationally aspirational and how does this manifest? Look for relaxed and respectful teacher-pupil relations. They are key to successful learning. Is the library well-stocked and busy? Teacher recruitment and retention is challenging all schools. Ask pupils how often they have cover teachers.
Are pupils regularly assessed? Performance measures such as Progress 8 (see www.gov.uk) are good indicators of how a school adds value as they measure academic attainment rates over time. Are there programmes to stretch the more academic children? What about those with special educational needs and disabilities?
BREADTH OF CURRICULUM
The best state schools offer and value a broad liberal arts education beyond the standard curriculum. For instance, Bohunt School in Hampshire ‘blew the socks off’ the Good Schools Guide with immersion classes in Mandarin. Some of the best state schools invest in top notch sports facilities and coaching, others have outstanding creative or performing arts spaces. Pick a school that suits your child’s strengths. Check out school notice boards and the school’s social media for co-curricular activities and trips the children are doing outside the classroom too.
PASTORAL
Good schools have clear systems. Every child is known; nobody slips through the net. Ask if reports and open evenings include pastoral updates. Does the school’s praise/discipline system flex to meet individual needs and align with your family values? Ask pupils what they do at break and lunch. Good schools include spaces for children to seek quiet reflection when needed.
COMMUNICATION
Good schools also communicate well with parents. The tone of school newsletters and social media feeds can tell you a lot, while an active PTA is a sign of an engaged parent community. If you can, pass by the school at home time and observe pupil behaviour as they leave the site. Another top tip is to talk with pupils higher up the school. Would you be happy for your children to turn out like them?
Don’t…!
• Judge a school entirely by its Ofsted report: a report can quickly fall out of date and one word judgements cannot paint a full picture. Look for more nuanced information that will tell you whether the school will align with your aspirations. Other local parents with children already at the school are a great place to start.
• Take too much notice of social media community group grumbles about a school. These are usually led by a singular disgruntled parent.
• Be swayed by dinner party bragging rights. The super-duper academic grammar school that everyone’s talking about may or may not be the best place for your child to flourish. Equally, don’t choose a school based on what you would have liked as a child.
• Lie, cheat or change your religion to get your child into a particular school!
• Be put off by a school that isn’t pristine. Look instead for cleanliness and orderliness. Ask to visit the toilets the pupils use - they’ll tell you a lot about the school’s values!
Melanie Sanderson is Managing Editor of The Good Schools Guide (www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk), which contains frank, impartial reviews of schools. Its writers visit thousands of schools annually, speaking to Heads, teachers, pupils and parents.
Families Education
How to be great at spelling
By Zuzu Jordan
For children, learning how to spell isn’t just about passing school tests but being able to write words correctly in their extended writing. As adults, spelling is essential to effective writing, both in the professional world and on social media.
There are many tools that can help, such as auto correct, predictive text and even AI (Artificial Intelligence). However, children do not have ready access to these at school where they are expected to spell independently. Learning is key. Here are some techniques:
ENSURE THAT THEY KNOW ALL THE 40+ PHONEMES: some children need repetition of the phonics taught in early years. Children will be taught the 26 letters of the alphabet, 44 different sounds called phonemes and the corresponding graphemes (the written symbols that represent a sound). Making sure they are secure in their phonics understanding can make a difference in their ability to spell words that follow patterns and rules.
LEARN THE EXCEPTIONS TO THE RULES: the many words that do not follow patterns can be confusing. Knowing what these words are and discussing how they are the ‘tricky’ words brings them to your child’s attention so they are mindful of them when writing. Also choose English over American spellings.
RHYMING GAMES CAN REALLY HELP: children find similarities between words and this expands the number of words they can spell. For example, if they can spell ‘rain’ then they can spell ‘gain.’
LOOKING FOR WORDS WITHIN WORDS: this is a great way of breaking up larger words eg the word ‘independent’ has the words ‘in,’ ‘pen,’ ‘dependent,’ ‘dent.’ Equally, most words can be broken into syllables and each syllable usually has a vowel (or sometimes the letter ‘y’).
SEEING THE SHAPE OF THE WORD HELPS VISUAL LEARNERS: for example, the word ‘tall’ has one tall letter and a short letter followed by two tall letters.
MNEMONICS IS LIKE MAKING UP A STORY TO HELP SPELL A WORD: for the word ‘because’ use the mnemonic ‘big elephants can always upset small elephants.’
THE TRADITIONAL METHOD OF ‘LOOK, SAY, COVER, WRITE AND CHECK’ WORKS FOR SOME CHILDREN BUT COMES WITH A WARNING: not all children respond to this method and the words don’t always enter their long-term memory. Practising writing the word out helps your child become familiar with the shape of the word. Rainbow spelling is another visual way of learning spellings: maybe use one colour for a specific sound and different colours for the other letters.
USING TECHNOLOGY AND APPS: the app Squeebles Spelling Test starts with a list from the national curriculum and you can upload your own words. Children can then practise their spellings independently.
USE DIFFERENT MATERIALS TO PRACTISE WRITING THE WORDS: like paint or foam or in sand. Scrabble-like tiles can be bought from most hobby shops and are great for kinaesthetic learners as they can physically move the letters in the correct order. Equally, playing games like Scrabble and Hangman is also helpful.
Ultimately a multi-faceted approach will bring the best results when supporting your child’s spelling journey.
RHYMING AND MNEMONICS
Rhyming is a powerful tool to raise phonics awareness and help remember tricky facts. For example, ‘wakey wakey rise and shine, 7 x 7 is 49’.
Mnemonics is another memory strategy that can be used in all subjects. It turns information into songs, acronyms, rhymes and other forms. The spelling of ‘necessary’ can be remembered with this mnemonic: Never Eat Cake, Eat Salmon Sandwiches And Remain Young. A quick internet search shows many useful mnemonics to help your child in lots of subjects.
Zuzu Jordan is a Mastery for Maths specialist who has taught primary aged children for sixteen years and is interested in early years and home learning. For free homework and home learning resources, find her on Instagram at edumate_uk.
MEMORY GAMES
Boosting your child’s cognitive development through memory games will improve concentration and foster their problem-solving skills.
Kim’s Game involves showing children a range of objects, hiding them and seeing how many they can remember. Number sequence memory game helps with numerical memory by getting your child to repeat a sequence of numbers and then extending it each time. Story recall is excellent for reading comprehension. Incorporating these games into daily routines will help them to learn how to retain important information at school.
Five mindful questions to ask your child about their day
By Lorena Bernal
Communicating with our kids is something many of us struggle with. We often think it is just about words but it’s much more than that. Our children are constantly connecting with us on a deeper level, picking up our body language, facial expressions, tone of voice and even how we interact with others in their presence. If our words don’t match our genuine state of being, our kids will see through it, potentially leading to mistrust.
The key here is to be more mindful in your communication style by listening actively, being present in conversations and asking questions that delve beyond the surface level. Here are five examples of mindful questions to help you develop a stronger connection with your kids.
What were the highlights of your day?
Ask with the same enthusiasm a child has for watching their favourite film or sports team’s highlights. Try: ‘Come on, what were the highlights of your day at school?’ and truly listen to their response without judgment. Engage with the emotions they express, whether joy, excitement or even frustration. By avoiding labels like ‘good’ or ‘bad,’ you allow them to share their experiences freely.
Do you know what happened to me today?
Share something interesting about your own day. This encourages them to reciprocate with their own stories. Make your story engaging and show genuine emotion. You might say:
‘You won’t believe what happened to me today!’ and then follow up by asking for their advice, regardless of their age. They’ll appreciate that you value their input.
How is your friend?
Asking about their friends shows that you also care about the people who are important to them. This question is less direct and feels less like an interrogation. It helps build a bond between you because their social circle is a significant part of their world. By showing interest in their friends, you validate their relationships and experiences.
Ask about something specific they were going to face that day
Show them that you remember details about what they have told you. It could be about an activity they had planned or a conversation they needed to have. By recalling specifics, you demonstrate that you pay attention to what’s important to them, fostering a sense of being seen and valued.
Sometimes, don’t ask anything
Simply be present. Kiss them, smile, ask a casual question like: ‘How was your day?’ and then just be with them. Comment on the weather, tell them how much you missed them or how lovely they look. Embrace the potential silence; sometimes, children need a quiet, loving presence more than words. Share experiences, laughter and affection.
Whatever approach you choose, refrain from judging or teaching a lesson immediately. The goal is to create a safe space where your child feels heard, valued and free to express their true selves. Make sure you truly hear them, value them and accept them for who they are. By asking mindful questions and being present, you build a deeper, more genuine connection with your child, laying the foundation for open and honest communication.
Don’t make them responsible
Children are incredibly perceptive. If they feel responsible for their parents’ happiness, they may become reluctant to communicate honestly. They need to feel free and safe to be themselves, without fearing they might upset their parents’ emotional world.
A key step in fostering effective communication with our children is to work on ourselves — our happiness, peace, selfconfidence and self-love. When we create a safe and balanced environment, children feel secure enough to express themselves honestly without feeling burdened by the weight of our emotions.
Lorena Bernal is a certified life coach and spiritual life coach and Founder of the events and coaching platform Live Love Better (www.livelovebetter.co.uk)
DROP RIGID EXPECTATIONS
Parents’ expectations usually get in the way of honest communication. Instead of evaluating what our kids do or how they do it, we often judge them against our expectations and standards. For instance, if we expect our child to complete their homework well and on time, anything short of that may seem inadequate to us. To truly connect with our children, we should drop rigid expectations. Trust in their individuality and courageously release the need to control their outcomes, allowing them to grow and express themselves freely.
Ten top tips for attending school Open Days
By Andrew Campbell
If you are looking ahead to your child’s first or next school, you have big decisions ahead. Do your homework now and the choices will become clearer, particularly when it comes to visiting your shortlist.
TOP TIP: It can take a couple of visits to really nail your school choices. So attend Open Days for key schools two years in advance of your child’s start date so you have time to come back to an Open Day the following year. Bear in mind that independent schools are generally non-selective at Reception, so get your name on waiting lists early. It can be good to visit the school and see it in action on a school day too, if you can.
Here are my tips for preparation and getting the most out of your visit.
DO YOUR RESEARCH Study the school’s website noting where the gaps are in your knowledge and which questions you want to ask at the Open Day. Are there particular entry requirements? How long is the school day? How many students per class? Are there taster sessions for children before the start of term? Make a list of questions covering the things that are a priority for your family. If your child is moving on to senior school, you may want to ask about things like mobile phone policy. If it’s a state school you are visiting, check your understanding of the catchment area, as they can change from year to year.
FEEL THE VIBE Are the pupils around you happy and smiling? If it’s a school day, are they enjoying each other’s company? Do they seem articulate, confident and polite? Are the staff warm, welcoming and personable? Do
they talk passionately about their subjects? At primary schools, is there colourful artwork and children’s projects on display?
GO TO THE HEAD’S TALK Schools very much reflect the personality, vision, values and ethos of the Headteacher. If the Head is giving a talk, you will get a real sense of these by attending. If you feel the Head speaks your language, it’s likely you will go on to like the school.
TALK TO THE STUDENTS Often, groups of students are recruited to show parents around, particularly at senior school level. Ask these students the same questions you ask the teachers, looking out for differences in what you hear. Remember kids are known for saying it like it really is! Ask students how they found their first year? Worse thing and best thing? What is food like (very important to your child)!
ASK ABOUT PASTORAL CARE Your child’s happiness, physical and emotional wellbeing at school are crucial. Ask how the school covers these needs. Is there is a specific pastoral care department and who runs it? Meet and chat to them or to the Head or another senior member of the team. With mental health issues on the rise amongst even the youngest children, it’s a must-ask question.
INVOLVE OLDER CHILDREN While you probably won’t be taking your four-year-old to visit schools, it’s useful to take older children if the school allows. Give them space to ask
questions and, if appropriate, encourage them to engage with teachers and students as you walk round the school.
IS THE SCHOOL OFFERING THE RIGHT BALANCE OF SUBJECTS? This becomes more critical at secondary school. Are GCSE and A level subjects very academic or more practical? For example, if your child loves music, cooking or design technology, are there the facilities and will your child be free to pursue these subjects to GCSE and A level? Where do pupils typically go onto? This can be a good indicator of the curriculum focus.
ASK ABOUT FACILITIES AND CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES What interests does your child have and does the school cater for them? How much sport/PE is on offer? Which clubs are run? Is there a breakfast club? Plenty of outdoor space? What special trips are on offer?
SPEAK TO KEY SUBJECT TEACHERS What does the maths teacher say when you discuss your child’s challenges in maths? How does the English teacher engage with your child who is passionate about English? Does the drama teacher impress you?
SINGLE SEX OR CO-ED? Many parents have a strong feeling either way. But if you don’t, it’s worth visiting both types of schools and asking staff what they see as the benefits and downsides so you can weigh these up.
Cranford School
Cranford is a leading co-educational independent day school for boys and girls aged 3-18 years. Pupils thrive where the attention to each individual pupil and their teaching and learning needs is second to none. The school has an excellent reputation for providing a balanced, all-round education within a warmly nurturing environment. Set in over 14 acres of rural South Oxfordshire in the heart of Moulsford village, the small class sizes, close community and committed staff ensure each pupil is ably supported and challenged to achieve their full potential. The school was rated as ‘Excellent’ in all categories in its ISI Inspection, and offers 20+ A-level subject choices in the new sixth form centre.
Pupils consistently achieve over 60% of all grades A*-A at GCSE. Value-added scores are more impressive than ever with pupils achieving an average 1.3 of a grade higher per subject than predicted elsewhere.
Pupils are encouraged to achieve their full potential, becoming motivated, confident and happy individuals, recognising the importance of respect and support for others, but ready to seize life’s opportunities.
WEBSITE: www.cranfordschool.co.uk
TEL: 01491 651 218
E-MAIL admissions@cranfordschool.co.uk
OPEN DATES: Saturday 5th October 9:30am - 12pm
d’Overbroecks
Open Day
Saturday 5th October 9:30am - 12pm
At d’Overbroeck’s, students are encouraged to enjoy learning and think creatively. The school fosters a unique culture of mutual respect, trust, and self-expression, where students and staff address each other by first names and prioritise comfort over formality. The school’s world-class teachers and pastoral support program empower students to become confident, independent, and inquisitive individuals. Located across four sites in North Oxford, the school offers access to the cultural and academic resources of the city. International collaborations with The Juilliard School and MIT enhance the school’s performing arts and STEAM programs. Graduates leave with the self-confidence, resilience, and ambition needed for success.
WEBSITE: www.doverbroecks.com
TEL: +44 (0)1865 688 600
E-MAIL mail@doverbroecks.com
OPEN DATES: Saturday 28th September 10am-1pm
Our Lady Abingdon
Happy Learners make Successful Achievers What makes OLA different?
Open Day
Years 7-11 and Sixth Form Saturday 28th September 10am - 1pm
We are a small school, big enough to offer a wide range of subjects and activities, but small enough to mean that every child can receive individual attention throughout their time here, and are given regular opportunities to represent OLA in a wide range of activities. Our teachers ignite pupils with fun and innovative learning, ensuring that they are fully engaged in academic life, thus achieving excellent results.
Our co-curricular offering is an essential part of day-to-day school life. All pupils are encouraged to take part in a wide range of confidence-developing activities, including sport, drama, art and music.
Our highly praised pastoral care is at the centre of everything we do. We see each child as a unique person, with gifts and talents to be nurtured,developing key qualities such as integrity, compassion,co-operation and courage.
WEBSITE: www.ola.org.uk/visit
OPEN DATES: Open Morning - 21st September, Open evening - 6th October, Taster Day - 3rd October, Lower school Taster Day - 10th October
Open Days
Open Morning - 21st September
Open evening - 6th October
Taster Day - 3rd October
Lower school Taster Day 10th October
H A M P I O N I N G C H I L D H O O D A Co-Educational Prep School from 2-11 years. Please visit our website to book www chandlingspst org
Chandlings Prep
At Chandlings Prep, we champion childhood. We celebrate each child’s uniqueness, nurturing their potential in a warm and supportive environment. Beyond academics, 60 acres of explorable grounds, over 60 extra-curricular activities, an exceptional sports program, and inspiring arts ignite a love for learning. Dedicated teachers guide every child, in small classes, to discover their passions and thrive. The result? Joyful days filled with laughter, discovery, and a strong sense of belonging. We prepare them not only for academic success but also for life’s exciting journey ahead.
Our Pre-Prep department consists of Nursery, Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 and The Prep Department consists of four year groups: Year 3 (7 - 8 years), Year 4 (8 - 9 years), Year 5 (9 -10 years), and Year 6 (10 -11 years). There are 2 or 3 classes in each year group, with an average of 16 pupils in each class
WEBSITE: www.chandlingspst.org
TEL: 01865 730771
E-MAIL office@chandlingspst.org
OPEN DATES: Whole School Open Morning Saturday 21st September, 10am - 12pm
Wychwood School Oxford
Open Days
Whole School Open Morning Saturday 21st September 10am - 12pm
Wychwood School is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 11-18 in the heart of Oxford. Wychwood aims for academic excellence through creativity of thought by providing education of the highest quality in a well-rounded environment. It enriches pupils’ education through creative approaches to learning and empowers them to face challenges with confidence.
Wychwood focuses on innovation, collaboration, creativity and leadership, striving to inspire the great minds of tomorrow. The entrepreneurial spirit is cultivated in every pupil as they are encouraged to question, innovate and create, paving the way for breakthrough ideas and game-changing solutions. Wychwood educates for life; for the real, modern and contemporary life, whilst fostering a love for lifelong learning.
Wychwood strives to develop pupils with a global conscience by providing a myriad of opportunities to open their minds to international perspectives. Visit Wychwood to discover how it empowers independent learners and encourages pioneering individuals.
WEBSITE: wychwoodschool.org
TEL: 01865 557 976
E-MAIL admissions@wychwoodschool.org
OPEN DATES: Saturday 28th September 10am - 1pm
Open Day
Saturday 28th September 10am - 1pm
Summer Fields Pre-prep and Prep
Summer Fields for boys aged 4-13, has been at the forefront of providing an education which nurtures the whole child since it was founded in 1864. To this day it remains true to its motto of creating ‘a healthy mind in a healthy body’.
One of the leading boys’ schools in the country, the school is renowned for its academic excellence. Leavers go on to an impressive list of destinations including Eton and Harrow, with many achieving scholarships.
Set in 70 acres of stunning grounds, impressive indoor and outdoor facilities are shared by Pre-prep and Prep. These enable an all-round approach to children’s wellbeing through a healthy, well-balanced diet, a wide range of sports for all, regular outdoor activities, outstanding pastoral care and excellent specialist teaching staff across every subject
WEBSITE: www.summerfields.com
TEL: 01865 459 204
CONTACT: Christine Berry, Registrar
E-MAIL admissions@summerfields.com
OPEN DATES: Pre-prep: Thursday 26th September, 10.30am - 12 noon
Prep: Saturday 21st September, 10.15am - 12.45pm
Open Days
Pre-prep: Thursday 26th September 10.30am - 12 noon
Prep: Saturday 21st September 10.15am - 12.45pm
Families Feature SHOULD I STAY OR SHOULD I GO?
By Andrew Campbell
When you think it’s time for a change in an after-school club or class for your child, whether moving from dancing to swimming or another class offering the same activity, take into consideration both the advantages and disadvantages.
ONE IMPORTANT BENEFIT of changing extracurricular activities is the exposure to new challenges and opportunities. Trying something new can stimulate your child’s mind and body differently, fostering more wellrounded development. For instance, if your child has been involved in dancing, switching to swimming will introduce a new set of physical demands and skills. Learning to adapt to new environments and expectations builds resilience and versatility; valuable traits that will serve them well throughout their lives.
Similarly, if your child no longer feels excited or challenged by the class they are taking but still wants to stick to the same activity, it could be worth finding a new provider better suited to where they are now at.
Changing activities can also provide your child with the opportunity to make new friends. Each extracurricular environment has its unique social circle. Transitioning to a new activity introduces your child to peers they might not have met otherwise.
HOWEVER, THERE ARE DISADVANTAGES. One key drawback is the potential loss of continuity with an instructor or teacher familiar with your child’s unique skills, capabilities and personality. A leader who understands your child’s strengths and weaknesses can tailor their guidance to maximise your child’s
progress. Switching to a new class or activity means starting from scratch.
Moreover, changing activities can result in the loss of the progress achieved in the current activity. Many extracurricular pursuits, such as martial arts, dance or music, have structured grading systems that mark progress. Moving to a different activity might mean giving up hard-earned advancements and starting a new grading structure from the beginning.
Maintaining established friendships within the current activity should not be underestimated either. Consistent social interactions help children build strong bonds and a sense of belonging. Switching to a new activity involves entering an unfamiliar social environment where fitting in might be challenging. The risk of not integrating well into the new group could lead to feelings of isolation or disappointment.
Ultimately, deciding to change extracurricular activities should be guided by thoroughly understanding your child’s preferences, strengths and needs. Engage in open conversations with your child about their interests and feelings regarding both the current and prospective activities.
TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING?
Scheduling after school activities for your child involves juggling various factors to ensure a
balanced and enriching experience:
Cost: activities like music lessons, sports or dance can be costly. Parents need to budget carefully to avoid financial strain and assess whether the benefits justify the expense. Loss of unstructured time: children need free play to develop creativity, problem-solving skills and social interactions. Overloading their schedule with structured activities can lead to burnout and deprive them of essential downtime.
Child’s interests and passions: engaging in activities they genuinely enjoy fosters a lifelong love for learning and personal growth. However, balance is key; too many commitments can lead to stress and fatigue. Logistics: consider transportation and time management. Co-ordinating multiple activities may become challenging, impacting family time and routines.
Ultimately, the goal is to create a wellrounded schedule that promotes your child’s development while allowing for rest and spontaneous play.
Arti-Techs After School Club - ages 11 - 14
WHEN: Tuesdays in term-time, 15.30 - 17.30
WHERE: Science Oxford Centre, Headington
Learn new arts and tech skills, make friends and have fun! Work on cool projects and designs including creative coding and micro:bits, computer-aided design; soldering and circuits, woodworking, filmmaking with the green screen; stop motion animation and much more. Free. scienceoxford.com/whatson/arti-techs 01865 810000
Weekly
Hip Hop Classes - Juniors
WHEN: Wednesdays from 11th September, 16.00 - 17.00
WHERE: Pegasus Theatre, Oxford Learn choreography, develop your technique, and create your own moves in these hip hop dance classes led by experienced instructors. Short performance at Pegasus Theatre at the end of term. Open to all levels of experience. www.pegasustheatre.org.uk 01865 812 150
PERFORM WEEKLY DRAMA, DANCE AND SINGING CLASSES
WHERE: West Oxford Community Centre, Oxford: Wednesdays
The Northcourt Centre, Abingdon: Saturdays and Thursdays
Didcot Methodist Church Hall: Fridays
Benson Community Hall, Wallingford: Fridays and Saturdays
West Bicester Community Centre, Bicester: Wednesdays
Marston United Reformed Church, Oxford: Saturdays
Confidence-building drama classes for 4-7s and 7-12s. A unique mix of fun drama games, dance and singing specially designed to boost confidence, communication, concentration and coordination.
To book a FREE class visit www.perform.org.uk/try enquiries@perform.org.uk www.perform.org.uk 020 7255 9120
Baby Bundle - Online and at the Museum
WHERE: Ashmolean Museum
Families can enjoy monthly social and learning activities including zoom sessions with activities linked to a collection, sensory social events encouraging bonding with your baby and other families and baby-centred learning activity in the galleries. www.ashmolean.org/babybundle
Kumon
WHERE: Thame Leisure Centre (Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays) and Wallingford Masonic Hall (Wednesdays and Fridays) Maths and English programmes to help students of any age and ability to progress their skills and build key foundations for learning. Kumon helps each child develop self-learning skills, enabling them to tackle challenging work without relying on a teacher.
www.kumon.co.uk/thame/ 07425 472636 (Thame) www.kumon.co.uk/wallingford/ 01491 832557 (Wallingford)
WEEKLY DRAMA CLASSES
Pauline Quirke Academy (PQA) of Performing Arts (Age 4 - 18)
WHEN: Autumn term starts September (Saturdays)
WHERE: Whitelands Academy, Bicester
Students rotate through specialist sessions in Musical Theatre, Comedy & Drama and Film & TV taught by leading industry professionals. Their ‘Be Yourself, Be Amazing’ ethos gives children the confidence to have a go and get creative, in an inspiring and fun community! www.
pqacademy.com/academies/ bicester 07444 573460
WHEN: Tuesdays from 10th September - 26th November
16.00 - 17.00 (ages 5 - 8) and 17.30 - 19.00 (ages 8 - 11)
WHERE: Pegasus Theatre, Oxford
Children will learn performance and storytelling skills in a supportive, creative environment, grow in confidence and take to the stage at the end of term performance for friends and family. www.pegasustheatre.org.uk 01865 812 150
Children who learn to love maths gain confidence for a successful year.
Mathnasium students learn from highly trained instructors in a fun and engaging environment. As their skills increase, they grow in confidence not just in maths, but in all their subjects.
Families Clubs & Classes
MATHNASIUM LEARNING CENTRES
WHERE: Summertown, North Oxford
WHEN: Monday-Thursday & Saturday
By producing a tailor-structured learning plan for each student according to his/her knowledge and skill level, the Mathnasium Method can help children in Years 2 - 12 better understand maths and leap ahead. Try the FREE maths skills assessment/trial session. www.mathnasium.co.uk/northoxford 01865 655968
Art Lab
WHEN: 21st September 9:45 / 11:00 am
WHERE: Yang Science Centre, Abingdon School
Next-Gen Leonardo’s experiment with abstract patterns mixing wax, salt and water to make totally marble-ous art. Create and ‘seed’ foam clouds with rainbow rain and transfer the swirly patterns to paper. Make mini floating flowers and experiment to see which unfurl the best! Age 5-9 scienceoxford.com/whats-on/art-lab-2/
ACTIVE ADVENTURE (6 - 14 YEARS)
WHEN: October Half Term
WHERE: Various locations in Oxfordshire
Active Adventure camps are for children with a passion for all things outdoors, muddy and adventurous. Children will experience cooking on a campfire and introduced to basic bushcraft skills such as whittling and shelter building.
www.oxfordactive.co.uk/school-holidays 01865 594325
STAGECOACH PERFORMING ARTS
WHERE: Oxford Headington and Woodstock: Saturdays, Henley And Marlow: Thursdays and Saturdays, Oxford Summertown And Witney: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, Bicester: Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays
Bring out the best in your child and encourage them to develop excellent communication skills, grow in self-esteem and enjoy the benefits of improved co-ordination. Suitable for children from age 2. From £15 for twoweek trial.
www.stagecoach.co.uk 01483 247404
Active Camp (4 - 14 years)
WHEN: October Half Term
WHERE: Various locations in Oxfordshire
Active Camps provide high-quality, multiactivity camps for 4-14-year-olds. Each day features a range of sports, arts and crafts, team challenges, and wide span games such as capture the flag, obstacle courses, group collages and much more!
www.oxfordactive.co.uk/school-holidays 01865 594325
IGNITE SPORT HOLIDAY CAMPS
WHEN: Oct 28th to Nov 1st 8:45 to 1:00pm or 3:00pm
WHERE: Oxford City FC
Established in 1999, Ignite Sport UK offer fun, safe and energy packed holiday camps during the school holidays. With over 25 years experience they deliver a range of camps from art to multisport, dance to academy football for ages 4-16. Prices from £25.00 Book online via Book A Session at www.ignitesportuk.com
Oxford’s leading co-ed day and boarding school for 11-18 years
We believe in the power of meaningful partnerships between our students and staff, based on trust and mutual respect.
At d’Overbroeck’s, our dedicated teachers will empower your child to believe in themselves, creating confident, curious, independent learners.
Discover more by signing up for one of our Meet the Head events or our next Open Day Sat 28 Sept 2024