Families Cambridgeshire March April 24

#BeMoreGiraffe

The Perse Prep School are proud sponsors of

Will you be taking part in the giraffe trail?

Look out for our ‘Find a New Perspective’ giraffe in Market Square, Cambridge from 22 March – 2 June. When you find it, click on the QR code nearby to take part in our special Genius Giraffe quiz, where you can also download a special certificate.

Look out for Persey!

While you’re exploring Cambridge, why not stick your neck out and look for Persey our younger (calf) giraffe?

The designs on Persey were inspired by Prep art lessons about the Brazilian artist Beatriz Milhazes.

Persey would love to meet you, so please go and say hello inside Heffers Bookshop in Trinity Street, Cambridge.

Dear Reader,

Spring is full of promise as we welcome the first signs of life after a long cold winter, the daffodils peek through the soil and the newborn lambs bring the fields alive. Easter is a special time for family celebrations and days out together; If you want to go on an Easter egg hunt or feed a lamb there is sure to be something near you, so take a look in the ‘What’s on’ pages 8 & 9 to find out when. Please don’t forget to mention Families Cambridgeshire if you go to any of our events listed.

Happy Easter!

4.

7.

What's in this issue?

Wise words!

‘Isn’t it funny how day by day nothing changes but when you look back everything is different’

C.S Lewis

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DON’T MISS A COPY! Receive Families Cambridgeshire by post for just £9.30 for 6 issues (1 year) or £18 for 12 issues (2 years). Call or email editor@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk for a subscription form.

UP TO FIVE TICKETS FOR THE LION INSIDE AT THE NEW THEATRE, PETERBOROUGH.

Your choice of performance from 11th - 12th June.

A heart-warming tale of about confidence, self-esteem and a shy little mouse who sets out on a journey to find his roar – perfect for the whole family!

Based on the best-selling story by Rachel Bright & Jim Field, this brand new stage adaptation is directed by Sarah Punshon (The Jungle Book), with music and lyrics by Eamonn O’Dwyer (Brief Encounter).

Prize valid on any performance of The Lion Inside at the New Theatre Peterborough.

To enter please visit our Facebook page @FamCambsMag and like and share our competition post and follow our page. Good luck. Please see the Facebook page for T&C’s.

Monday 6 May

The

All

8. What's On

11.

13. Education Feature

15. Clubs & Classes

EDITOR: Lisa Exell 01945 861336, editor@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk

ASSISTANT EDITOR: Amanda Dawson, admin@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk

SOCIAL MEDIA: Amanda Dawson, admin@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk

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Families Cambridgeshire reaches over 40,000 readers and is available through schools, nurseries, hospitals, clubs and classes, selected shops and restaurants. If you would like copies for your establishment please let us know.

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Our popular Bank Holiday ride is a free, friendly event for all ages, cycling through scenic countryside to the historic Reach Fair.

• Led rides depart from Cambridge and Ely at 10am

• Free mechanical support between Cambridge and Reach

& Views

If you’re planning on jetting off this Easter, JetKids™ by Stokke® is a must The only ride-on, carry-on, sleep-on suitcase, JetKids™ by Stokke® turns any seat into a bed for children. Suitable for children from 3-7 years, children can rest comfortably or nap during long or short haul flights and train journeys. There’s ample storage for your child’s must-haves or favourite teddy and, once packed, little ones can ride or pull it behind them, making the journey a fun experience for everyone. RRP £179 www.stokke.com

Join Camcycle and friends for the 2024 Reach Ride

Enjoy a family day out on the May Bank Holiday (Monday 6th May) and boost your children’s cycling confidence by joining the annual group ride to the historic Reach Fair.

Combining outdoor activity, beautiful countryside and a funfair and ice cream at the end, the annual Reach Ride is enjoyed by people of all ages, including toddlers waving from cargo bikes and teenagers building independence with their friends.

Local charity Camcycle has been hosting a free guided ride from Cambridge since 2007 and partners with Ely Cycling Campaign who offer an alternative route to Reach across the Fens. The support of Cambridge City Council has enabled the ride to grow over recent years, and the event now includes free mechanical support from Outspoken Cycles between Cambridge and Reach.

Meet from 9am for a departure at 10am at Great St Mary’s Church on King’s Parade if you are cycling to Reach from Cambridge, or at Ely railway station if you are riding from Ely. Families can also join or depart at any point along the way, so you can design a day’s cycling around your family’s needs while benefiting from the joy and support of a large, guided ride.

On the day, you’ll need water, snacks, weathersuitable clothing, sun cream, locks for your bikes and some cash for the Reach Fair and its many attractions. It’s also recommended to bring a few bits of basic repair kit, including a cycle pump. Find more information about the event at www.camcycle.org.uk/reachride

FREE Health check at your local library

An NHS Health Check is a free check-up delivered by health professionals for adults aged 40 to 74 to help lower the risk of serious health conditions. They are designed to spot early signs of stroke, kidney disease, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and dementia.

Even if you feel perfectly well, as you get older your chances of developing the health conditions above increase. Having an NHS Health Check can help you to spot signs of health conditions early and find ways to lower their risk, where they can help you to get specialist support if needed.

During the 20-30 min session, they will check your blood pressure, height, weight, BMI (a measure of whether you are a healthy weight), cholesterol and hbA1C (diabetes). Text HEALTHYU to 60777 or call 0333 005 0093

Twin with your little ones this Mothering Sunday with PO.P

Mothering SundaySUNDAY 10TH MARCH

The gorgeous sets are made from the softest breathable 100% GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) Organic Cotton – whether they are worn as PJ’s or dressed up for a fun daytime look, they promise the ultimate cosiness. This year they have just launched brand new stripes in an array of vibrant spring tones from turquoise to purple, the brightest orange, a super cute pink and a striking cornflower blue, as well as the brands original shades of red, grey and navy - there is something for everyone. The adult range also includes a luxurious night dress!

For the extra special touch, mama’s can even twin with their little ones aged 0 - 12 years – what’s not to love!

RRP: From £28 | Stockist: Polarn O.Pyret - www.polarnopyret.co.uk

Swing into Monkey Forest this Easter at Whipsnade Zoo

The UK’s largest Zoo isn’t monkeying around this Easter, as Whipsnade Zoo promises to transport visitors to the forests of southeast Asia– with the unveiling of Monkey Forest, opening Friday 29th March.

It will be the first-time visitors to the conservation zoo will see Sulawesi crested macaques and François langurs. Visitors will meet the mischievous monkeys as they journey through Monkey Forest, as well as coming face to face with the curled-tusked Babirusa and ‘demons of the forest’, the lowland anoa along the way.

The new macaque habitat is the largest in the UK, covering 11,500m2, equivalent to 44 tennis courts. The habitat will incorporate a woodland of over 100 trees, providing the perfect habitat for the troop to clamber around and explore.

The woodland forest setting provides the perfect spot for learning about the threats facing these animals which includes habitat loss due to mining; macaques and langurs being hunted for meat or traditional medicine, as well as being trapped and sold as pets.

Monkey Forest will open to the public on Friday 29th March. To book tickets today and find out more head to www.whipsnadezoo.org/monkeyforest

‘Time’ for British Science Week

British Science Week is a ten-day celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths which takes place from 8th to 17th March and will mark its 30th anniversary.

This year’s theme is ‘Time'. Time is key to so many discoveries in science, technology, engineering and maths. From evolution to lifecycles and computer chips, the understanding and measurement of time is important for the development of scientific learning and innovation.

During British Science Week, fantastic events and activities take place across the UK on a huge range of topics at a wide range of venues, including community groups, cultural centres and museums.

In addition, a range of FREE activity packs (including Early Years and Primary) and other resources can be downloaded for fun activities at home.

To find a local event and download an activity pack, visit www.britishscienceweek.org

Covid babies fell behind Babies born in England during the Covid crisis have been slower at developing key language, cognitive and social skills according to official data released by the government.

More than 80,000 children born in 2020 or 2021 did not reach one or more of the key measures of progress for their age group last year, according to the data, including 60,000 very young children who did not develop communication abilities usually seen in children their age.

The official data showed that national rates of child development last year were lower among children aged 2 than in 2018/2019, before the pandemic, with London reporting the worst rate of development among children surveyed. More info: www.bit.ly/ CovidChildData

TERM TIME HOLIDAY FINES AT RECORD HIGH

GREAT BRITISH SPRING CLEAN IS BACK

Wherever you live, you and your family can make a difference to your local environment by sparing just a few hours to take part in the Great British Spring Clean from 15th to 31st March.

The event aims to encourage people across the country, from individual volunteers – dubbed #LitterHeroes by the charity – to families, schools, groups of friends, businesses, community groups and local authorities to come together to clean up streets, parks, beaches and other public spaces.

It’s easy to get involved. Simply pledge to take part and either organise a litter-pick in your community or join an organised event.

To find out more, join a local event, register to take part and access resources including a how-to guide, visit www.bit.ly/KBTspringclean

A record 350,000 parents in England were fined for taking their children out of school on unauthorised holidays last year, highlighting the struggle over attendance facing schools since the Covid crisis.

The statistics from the Department for Education (DofE) reveal that holidays accounted for almost 90% of the 399,000 cases of parents being given a penalty notice by local authorities for their children’s unauthorised school absences.

The sharp rise in fines underlines ongoing concerns of a breakdown in relations between schools and parents over attendance and behaviour since the prolonged school closures during the pandemic.

The total number of fines issued in 2022-23 was 20% higher than in 2018/19, the last full year before the pandemic hit and equates to a fine for one in every twenty pupils ages 5 to 16 at state schools. More info: www.bit.ly/ DofEStatistics

‘Urgent action required’ as reading enjoyment falls

Children’s enjoyment of reading has fallen to a twenty-year low, a national survey has revealed.

More than half of children and young people do not enjoy reading in their free time, according to a survey from the National Literacy Trust (NLT). The charity said reading enjoyment was lowest among disadvantaged children and warned that the research should serve as a ‘wake-up call.’

The charity warned: ‘Declining reading enjoyment across a growing number of children and young people must act as a wake-up call for all who support children and young people’s reading for pleasure and the many benefits it can bring.’

Researchers say that over half of children ages 8 to 18 (56.6 percent) surveyed this year do not enjoy reading in their spare time. More info: www.bit.ly/LiteracyTrust

It’s time for Red Nose Day!

Red Nose Day will take place on 15th March and this year, more than ever, it’s important to have fun and raise money to support people in need.

Red Nose Day is a campaign created by Comic Relief to help raise awareness of, and put an end to, child poverty.

The campaign funds programmes, entertainment and raises money to keep children safe, healthy and educated.

Red Nose Day has raised more than £250 million to help end child poverty and has also positively impacted over twenty-five million children around the world.

So why not buy some red noses and help raise money to keep children safe, healthy and educated?

As well as making a donation, you can find tips on creating your own fundraiser or planning a school fundraising event at www.rednoseday.com and red noses can be found on Amazon.

RSV JAB COULD SIGNIFICANTLY CUT BABY HOSPITAL ADMISSIONS

A jab to combat a common seasonal virus among babies could reduce hospital admissions by more than eighty percent, a trial has shown.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) impacts ninety percent of children before they reach age 2, often causing a mild cold-like illness.

Infection can also lead to severe lung problems like pneumonia and an estimated thirty thousand babies and youngsters are admitted to hospital in the UK each year.

Scientists have said the antibody treatment called nirsevimab could offer a solution after a study suggested a single shot provided immediate protection against chest infections for up to six months.

The trial found this could lead to an eighty three percent reduction in RSV-related hospital admissions.

The treatment is being considered for a UK rollout; it has been approved but not yet made available on the NHS.

More info: www.nejm.org

Whooping cough on the rise warns NHS

Whooping cough (pertussis) rates have risen sharply in recent years and babies who are too young to start their vaccinations are at greatest risk.

In 2023 (up until late November), data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has revealed there were 1,141 suspected cases in England and Wales, compared with 450 for the same period of 2022 and 454 for that period in 2021.

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, arises when bacteria called Bordetella pertussis cause an infection in the lungs and airways. It was once a common childhood infection and cause of death among babies but a vaccine introduced in the 1950s changed that.

Pregnant women can help protect their babies by getting vaccinated ideally between weeks sixteen and thirty two of the pregnancy. Experts also stress it is vital that parents ensure their children are up-to-date with their vaccination schedules.

More info: www.bit.ly/NHSWhooping

The Importance of Lullabies

By Laura Jane Foley

Lullabies have been around for thousands of years. Musicologists believe the first lullabies were sung over 5000 years ago by the Babylonians. The fact that we’re still singing them today shows they certainly have longevity. Generations of parents have known that singing a lullaby to an infant has a lulling, calming effect. Across all times and languages, lullabies have the same soothing, hypnotic qualities. These are created by the use of repeated, simple one or two syllable words and repeating musical phrases which are easy to predict.

Lullabies are necessarily easy to learn and sing. Infants need to recognise the familiar patterns of notes and words and parents need to be able to sing them without having any musical education or training. Traditionally lullabies were passed on through the generations from parent to child. Popular lullabies have stuck in the nation’s conscience due to the advent of recording, television and radio but there are hundreds of unknown lullabies which are just as beautiful and effective.

However, recent research has uncovered that only 38% of parents sing to their child every day. Yet singing to your baby is just as important as reading to them. A singing voice has a greater calming effect than speech so singing has positive health and emotional benefits not to mention the numerous studies which show that listening to music improves children’s intelligence.

HERE IS MY TOP 5 LIST OF LULLABIES TO GET YOU STARTED: Brahms’s Lullaby

Whether you know it was composed by Johannes Brahms or not, this is the tune you’ll hum if someone asks you to sing a lullaby.

Cradle Song by William Byrd

I discovered this sweet Renaissance lullaby in an obscure out of print music book. The words are completely charming; it begins “my sweet, little darling, my comfort and joy”. It’s a fairly short lullaby and has a beautiful melody. I think it deserves to be much better known.

Dalmatian Cradle Song

This traditional lullaby was originally a peasant’s song from Dalmatia (a region in Croatia). Its lilting melody is hauntingly beautiful. This lullaby tells a simple story about a father being away at sea.

Cradle Song or ‘Wiegenlied’ by Franz Schubert

This simple lullaby uses few notes and echoes the rocking motion of lulling a baby to sleep.

A Cradle Song by Ralph Vaughan Williams

This beautiful lullaby is more interesting musically than the Schubert song. It has no repetition and has a range of well over an octave which is unusual as most lullabies use the same notes repeated in a limited range.

You can find recordings of all the above lullabies on YouTube.

Laura-Jane Foley has also recorded lesser-known lullabies, classical songs and readings for her new album Songs For My Daughter released by the Lullaby Trust and available from Amazon or iTunes price £10.95.

What’s On

Things to do, places to go and fun to be had for kids of all ages in Cambridgeshire

Crazy Cone Caper

WHERE: Cambridge University Botanic Garden

WHEN: Until 24th March, 10.00 – 16.00

Pick up a free Crazy Cone Caper trail and start investigating who’s been stealing seeds from pinecones. You will find amazing pinecones from all around the world, discover cool facts and solve puzzles. Have you got the skills to work out which suspect is guilty?

www.botanic.cam.ac.uk/

Institute of Astronomy Public Open Evenings –In Person and Online

WHERE: Institute of Astronomy, University of Cambridge

WHEN: Wednesdays until 27th March

Each evening consists of a 30 minute public talk about astronomy, followed by (weather dependent!) stargazing. The talk will also be live streamed on the Cambridge University Astronomy YouTube channel.

FREE

www.ast.cam.ac.uk/public/ public_observing

Snowdrops (followed by daffodils)

WHERE: Chippenham Park Gardens

WHEN: Everyday until 29th March, 10.00 – 16.00

Start the year off with amazing snowdrops, ravishing aconites and glorious hellebores - closely followed by daffodil season in the beautiful grounds of Chippenham Park. Adult £7; Children £3 (Under 5’s Free) (Cash only) www.chippenhamparkgardens. info/opening-dates

Spot’s Birthday Party

WHERE: Key Theatre, Peterborough

14th and 15th March, 14.00

Spot is having a very special birthday party and you’re invited! With party hats, songs, dancing and lots of interactive party games, this is going to be the best birthday party ever!

From £10.00 01733 852992 www.keytheatre-peterborough. com

Easter Egg Hunt

WHERE: Wimpole Estate

WHEN: 23rd March – 13th April, 9.30 – 15.30

Explore Wimpole Estate as you go on the hunt for Easter challenges on a whole new route for 2024, set against the backdrop of the mansion house. Enjoy naturethemed activities, including hop like a bunny, build a home for nature and wibble wobble like a lamb. Normal admission plus £3 per trail, includes a chocolate or vegan ‘Free-From’ Rainforest Alliance Easter egg. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ wimpole-estate

Easter Egg Hunt

WHERE: Wicken Fen

WHEN: 25th March – 14th

April, 10.00 – 16.00

Explore the peaceful nature reserve, visit the historic windpump or drop into the bird hides as you follow the Easter trail around the Boardwalk and the Woodland Walk. Normal admission plus £3 per trail, includes an Easter activity sheet, pencil, bunny ears and a chocolate or vegan and free from Rainforest Alliance Easter egg. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ wicken-fen

CAMBRIDGE FESTIVAL

WHERE: University of Cambridge

WHEN: 13th – 28th March

The interdisciplinary Festival will include a uniquely Cambridge, eclectic mixture of over 350 events and activities: from panel discussions, film premieres, and self-guided walking tours, to interactive activities for the whole family, covering all aspects of the world-leading research happening at Cambridge. www.festival.cam.ac.uk

Easter Egg Hunt

WHERE: Houghton Mill, Huntingdon

WHEN: 29th March – 1st April, 10.30 – 15.30

Make your way along the trail and find nature-inspired activities for the whole family. Normal admission plus £3 per trail, includes bunny ears and a chocolate or vegan and free from Rainforest Alliance Easter egg. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ houghton-mill

House and Home

WHERE: Royston Museum

01223 766766.

Easter Adventure Trail

WHERE: Peckover House, Wisbech

WHEN: 29th March – 1st April, 10.30 – 16.00

Spring-time explorers can enjoy ten woodland themed activities including wild yoga, an egg & spoon race, cloud spotting, egg painting and nature noughts and crosses. Normal admission plus £3 per trail, includes an activity map and a chocolate or dairy free Easter egg.

www.nationaltrust.org. uk/peckover-house

WHEN: 29th March - 14th April (Thurs - Sun) Explore what helps to make a house a home this Easter holiday. With crafts, hands-on activities and their new interactive family show, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Calm session available from 9.00 –10.00 on Fridays. £3 per child.

www.roystonmuseum.org.uk/events 01763 242 587

Families What's on

The Little Mermaid

WHERE: Key Theatre, Peterborough

WHEN: 30th March, 14.30

Join Ariel; her father, King of the Seven Seas; Ursula, the evil sea witch, and a whole host of fabulous characters in this brand-new adaptation. Expect lots of fun, singing and dancing, sparkling scenery, beautiful costumes and an exciting opportunity to meet the characters after the show. Age 5+

From £18.50

www.keytheatre-peterborough. com 01733 852992

Great Fen Spring Crafts

WHERE: Great Fen Countryside Centre, Ramsey Heights

WHEN: 3rd April, 10.30 – 14.30 Drop in throughout the day and use natural and recycled materials to make fun and attractive ecofriendly decorations to adorn your homes and gardens this spring. Think flowers and eggs, butterflies and birds, bunnies and frogs.

Celebrate spring life with colour and creativity. From £5.00 www.wildlifebcn.org

BEAUTY & THE BEAST –EASTER PANTO

WHERE: King’s Lynn Corn Exchange

WHEN: 8th April, 14.00 and 18.00

DINOSAUR ADVENTURE LIVE –TROUBLE ON VOLCANO ISLAND

WHERE: King’s Lynn Corn Exchange

WHEN: 4th April, 14.00 and 16.30

When the island’s ancient volcano becomes active, it spells danger for everyone – including the Dinosaurs! It’s a race against time to help the Rangers and favourite Dinosaurs in this thrilling prehistoric expedition, to save Volcano Island from imminent disaster. From £16.00 www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk/theatre 01553 764864

Oliver

WHERE: Key Theatre, Peterborough

WHEN: 9th – 13th April, 19.30

The streets of Victorian England come to life as Oliver escapes from his mistreated life to find his fortune in London. With the well known iconic songs including “Food Glorious Food”and “Oom Pah-Pah” you are bound to be tapping your feet as you see the classic film come to life.

From £23.50

www.keytheatre-peterborough. com 01733 852992

The spellbinding pantomime for Easter 2024 tells the story of Belle, who longs for romance and adventure, a bad-mannered Prince who is transformed into a Beast to teach him a lesson and a good Fairy who makes both their dreams come true. From £22.00 www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk/theatre 01553 764864

Wild in the Woods: Family Wild-Play (Cambourne)

WHERE: Cambourne Nature Reserve

WHEN: 10th April, 10.00 – 12.00

Play together with other families in the woods with a selection of ideas and resources. Maybe build a shelter, hunt for bugs, create natural art, or climb a tree...

From £5.00 www.wildlifebcn.org

Wildlife Watch –Easter Fun

WHERE: Trumpington Meadows, Cambridge

WHEN: 13th April, 14.00 – 16.00

An Easter egg trail with a difference - explore the reserve to search for natural items to use in dying your own egg with natural dyes and then enjoy some hot chocolate around a fire. Age 5 –11 years. From £5.00 www.wildlifebcn.org

There was an Old Lady who Swallowed a Fly

WHERE: The Junction, Cambridge

WHEN: 14th April, 11.30 & 14.30 There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly. I don’t know why she swallowed a fly…But The People’s Theatre Company do! And now you can too as they bring the world’s best loved nonsense rhyme to life with a delicious blend of live action, puppetry and animation. Age 2+. From £9.50 www.junction.co.uk 01223 511511

Cambridge Literary Spring Festival

WHERE: Various locations around Cambridge

WHEN: 17th – 21st April

Family fun for everyone with some of the best in children’s literature including Elmer the Patchwork Elephant with Mama G and Animal All Stars with Clare Balding.

www.cambridgeliteraryfestival. com

Church Farm Rare Breeds Centre

WHERE: Stow Bardolph

WHEN: March and April, 10.00 – 17.00

Make friends with a wide variety of tame animals and experience all their young at close quarters throughout the season as well as enjoying their adventure playground. 01366 382162

www.churchfarmstowbardolph. co.uk/

St Mary’s School, Cambridge

St Mary’s School is the leading independent day and boarding school for girls aged three to eighteen, located within the heart of Cambridge. Recently shortlisted for ‘Independent Girls’ School of the Year’, a St Mary’s education is about discovering and pursuing individual talents with confidence and drive, inspiring girls to become great women – creative, agile, resilient learners, ready to make their mark in the world. The school’s all-girls offer is unique –providing a space where gender stereotypes cannot thrive and all subjects are ‘for girls’.

The school’s first-class education status is reinforced with the highest grade of ‘excellent’ in both aspects of the Education Quality Inspection. In addition, as a World Class High Performance Learning school, students are taught to understand how they learn, as well as what they learn. The result? Excellent academic outcomes and young adults who are curious, courageous, resilient, and ready to make a positive contribution to society.

Website: www.stmaryscambridge.co.uk

Telephone: 01223 224177

Contact: Debbie Hodson

Email: admissions@stmaryscambridge.co.uk

Open Dates: Junior school Early Years Activity Morning for boys and girls under 5 Saturday 16th March 9:30 – 10:30am

The Perse School, Cambridge

The Perse School Cambridge is a co-educational day school for children aged 3-18, who attend our Pelican, Prep, Upper or Sixth Form. We want every pupil to share a love of learning while developing a character of kindness and understanding towards one another. We value endeavour, intellectual curiosity and scholarship, breadth and balance and one another and the environment. We are a visionary school, always looking forward as we shape the exceptional education our pupils receive, knowing that the future belongs to them.

We promote academic excellence through a challenging curriculum, outstanding teaching, intellectual curiosity and scholarship as well as high quality pastoral care to meet individual needs, and support the development of happy, balanced and considerate pupils.

We offer several bursaries for new pupils applying for entry into Year 7 and above with awards ranging from 5-100% of annual fees. Currently, we are providing more than £1million of bursary support to pupils.

Website: www.perse.co.uk

Telephone: 01223 403800

E-mail: Admissions@perse.co.uk

Open Dates: Pelican School Open Morning: 5 October 2024, 9am-12noon

Prep School Open Morning: 10 May 2024, 9.30am-12noon, Upper School Autumn

Open Event: 28 June 9.30am – 12noon, Sixth Form: 28 September 2-4pm

Wisbech Grammar School

Our educational approach is based on allowing our pupils to ‘discover who they are’ and this is achieved through a combination of individualised academic and pastoral care.

We have an outstanding record of academic success. This is driven by our timetable, enhanced by extensive enrichment opportunities, that allow children to explore their passions and challenge themselves beyond the confines of the classroom.

Our class sizes are small, and our teachers are passionate about ensuring every child is happy and reaches their full potential.

Education at Wisbech Grammar School is a journey where each pupil learns to take responsibility for their own learning and encouraged to be involved in all areas of the curriculum. Part of our success is undoubtedly due to the commitment of the staff, who are involved in teaching, sport, academic and pastoral leadership, clubs and societies.

Website: www.wisbechgrammar.com

Telephone: 01945 586750

E-mail: admissions@wisbechgrammar.com

Next Open Date: Saturday 18th May 2024 – 9.00am to 1.00pm

Developing a positive attitude towards learning

No matter how skilled or knowledgeable a person might be, their attitude may well be the deciding factor in their future success, both personal and professional. Recent neuroscience has discovered the crucial role a positive attitude plays in the learning process, particularly during the primary years.

The second a child is born, its brain, with roughly eighty six billion neurons or nerve cells, ‘hits the ground running’ making connections through senses and experience. Everything a young child does, feels, hears and sees creates pathways between these nerve cells, building a reference bank of experience. In the first three years, the connections the brain makes have risen to one thousand trillion. This is an automatic process. Ninety percent of brain development is complete by the time a child is 5 years old.

Although there is a default setting for the brain to function whether we engage or not, when it comes to learning, children who are actively engaged in the learning process are going to be far more effective and therefore, higher achieving than their peers who are simply ‘going through the motions’ of learning. The child who loves practising the guitar is going to progress more quickly than the child who battles with you or resents practising!

The reason for this is that, as we grow, the brain takes its lead from what we do repeatedly. Where we make a conscious decision to put effort is where the brain will focus connections. Children who enjoy what they’re doing, who love learning and who have a positive attitude, actively engage. Active engagement creates the signal for the connections the brain makes to be ‘cemented’ in myelin, a coating of fat and protein which make it ‘automatic.’ This is how learning is assimilated and habits are created.

The brain doesn’t know whether what we’re doing is good or not, it just takes its lead from repetitious behaviour and feedback from our

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surroundings, in this case, parents and teachers. The more positive our attitude, the more positive the connections and growth we make, which can lead to excellence in performance.

REVERSING A NEGATIVE ATTITUDE

• Start with a clean slate. From now on, LISTEN to what your child has to say without interrupting, judging or criticising.

• Listen without looking for a solution. This may mean ignoring the sullen tone of voice and complaint that can come first.

• Recognise that, up to puberty, children are based in feelings. Their brain is unlikely to have enough experience or reference to express the negative feelings which have caused the attitude change.

• Demonstrate empathy and understanding. Be available to help your child deal with the inner conflict they feel.

• Be prepared to make changes: in routine, in practical ways and even in yourself, if necessary.

We are born to be positive and grow. When your child can explain and get help with the contradiction of their world experience, it’s amazing how quickly a positive attitude can be recovered.

Gail Hugman is a teaching and learning expert at Lessons Alive (www.lessonsalive.com) and author of 100 Things to Learn Before You’re 10, plus the soon to be published Making the Pennies Drop –Helping your Child Build Skills. Available from Amazon.

Maintaining your child’s positive attitude

• Encourage your child to be independent by teaching them skills. Start with self control and move on to organisation, planning and taking responsibility. Children love to have a positive, personal development reason for what they do that both has meaning for them and brings results.

• Children don’t assume. Choose a regular date for a hot chocolate or breakfast alone together. We suggest once a month. Clear everything to listen to how your child is getting on. This validates them and tells them they matter enough for you to clear space to talk to them.

• If you can’t listen ‘right now,’ tell them when you will. Children are quite happy to wait until they have your attention if you let them know when that will be.

• Recognise effort. A child once told me I could photocopy a blank sheet of paper to help the school budget. I loved his creative thinking, took him to the photocopier and explained in a warm and friendly way the reason that it wouldn’t work!

What’s On

Things to do this new year - drama, music & sport something for everyone in

Cambridgeshire

Wiggle and Giggle

WHEN: Fridays during term time, 10.30 – 11.00

WHERE: Whittlesey Library

Singing nursery rhymes has been proven to help children develop their language and pre-literacy skills. By using rhythmic language and repetition children learn how words are formed, supporting the early stages of language development. Using actions with songs improves hand-eye coordination. FREE

Razzamataz Cambridge

WHEN: Summer Term starts April – Enrol Now!

WHERE: Impington Village College, Impington

Performing arts training for Razz Tots (2-3yrs), Minis (4-5yrs), Juniors (6-8), Inters (9-11yrs) to Razz Seniors (12-18yrs) along with Street Dance (7-18yrs) and Acro Arts (7-18yrs), with access to talented performers through specialist workshops and classes. Small classes to nurture a child’s confidence and self-esteem, all while making sure they are having a lot of fun. From £72 for 12 weeks. Free taster session available.

www.cambridge.razzamataz. co.uk 01223 755113 or 07895 347239

Ultimate Activity Summer Camp (Age 4 – 14)

WHEN: 8th – 12th April,

8.30 – 5.15

(Extended hours 8.00 – 18.00)

WHERE: Sancton Wood

Prep School

Kids can enjoy a range of over 40 sports, games and craft activities each week, led by inspiring experienced staff in superb facilities. Take the stress out of childcare and join this outstanding Ofsted regulated school holiday club! www.ultimateactivity.co.uk

West Anglian Orienteering Club

WHERE: Milton, Trumpington, Ferry Meadows

Hold regular events with courses suitable for children and newcomers, many events have training sessions for club juniors. Also provide two junior training nights each term.

www.waoc.org.uk/juniors

Storytime for Under 5’s

WHERE: Libraries around Cambridgeshire

Take your child to the library and listen to lovely stories read by the staff and volunteers and find out what the library has to offer!

Cambridgeshire Libraries deliver regular Storytimes across the whole of the county.

Free but donations welcome.

www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/ directory/

STAGECOACH PERFORMING ARTS CLASSES

WHEN: Summer Term starts 17th April – Enrol Now!

WHERE: Chesterton Community College; Coleridge Campus, Cambridge; and Cambourne Village College, Cambourne

Stagecoach aims to nurture and develop young potential through singing, acting and dance classes, stretching young imaginations and helping them to develop confidence, physical awareness, communication and articulation. Classes start with Early Stages for children aged 4 – 6 years, moving on to Main Stages for 6 – 18 years (children split by age into smaller groups) and Further Stages for children aged 16+.

From £25.00 for two-week trial www.stagecoach.co.uk 01223 359974

Rugbytots

WHERE: Various locations across Cambridgeshire

Fun, structured play sessions take children on a journey of sporting imagination whilst teaching them how to catch, pass, kick, run with the ball and play as part of a team. Suitable for ages 2 – 7. From £5.00 per session www.rugbytots.co.uk

Girlguiding - Rainbows (4-7), Brownies (7-10), Guides (10-14) or Rangers (14-18)

WHERE: Locations around Cambridgeshire

Girlguiding offers a safe space in which your child can build confidence, learn new skills and discover who they want to be through an action-packed programme with something for every girl.

www.girlguiding-anglia.org.uk

Scouts –ages 4 to 25

WHERE: Locations around Cambridgeshire

As a Scout you can learn survival skills, first aid, computer programming, or even how to fly a plane. It’s a great way to have fun, make friends, get outdoors, express your creativity and experience the wider world. www.cambridgeshirescouts. org.uk

Easter Sailing Course

WHEN: 2nd to 5th April,

9.30 – 12.30 or 13.30 – 16.30

WHERE: Paxton Lakes, Little Paxton

Official RYA training centre that welcomes people 8 years +, with large selection of boats and equipment available. Tuition in 4 lessons, either mornings or afternoons on 4 consecutive days. Adult £130.00

Child (minimum age 8) £110.00 www.paxtonlakes.org.uk/ index.php/sailing-school 07736 670570 (evenings only)

CLASSES FOR 4 - 11 YEAR OLDS

Coleridge

Thursday - Sunday

After school and weekends

Chesterton

Wednesday

After school

Cambourne

Wednesday and Saturday

After school and weekend