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MAY-JUNE 2012 ISSUE 9
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Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield
11 plus timetable change
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Do’s and don’ts of children’s parties Edwardian fete
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Exciting programme of exhibitions, concerts, lectures, gallery talks and workshops Family workshops, storytelling and young people’s gallery activity guides World-class art collection – admission FREE
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Pick up our latest Families First brochure next time you visit!
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Contents
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H
ello and welcome to the May/June issue of Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield.
In this issue we alert you to changes in the 11 plus timetable with the exams brought forward to September. Read our education pages for more information and don’t miss the registration deadline. If your child is starting primary school in September read about the skills they should master before the big day. We also bring you news of all the events to look forward to now that summer is on its way – with an Edwardian fete at Winterbourne House in May, the Jubilee events and street parties in June and Vintage Trains Open Weekend. If you are thinking ahead to the school summer holidays, we point you in the direction of some fun-tastic summer camps. Check out a vet’s advice on choosing a pet; and a mum’s sage words on the do’s and don’ts of children’s parties. As ever, we bring you news of clubs and classes; baby ballet and dinky dance; computer Xplorers clubs, and the Barber art workshops that are proving to be a big draw for children and teens.
In this 4 Issue... 4 News
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6 Clubs and classes
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8 Do’s and don’ts of children’s parties 10 11 plus exam
Wendy Flynn , Editor
Families Birmingham & Solihull Front page picture by photo artist Abby Wilkes. Abby won the West Midlands Master Photographer Award for her work with children three years in a row. She specialises in photographing children and families, creating art from life’s special moments. Contact Abby for more information: 07966 867306. www.abbywilkes.com
Next Issue:
Advertisers: book now for our July/August summer issue. Call 0758 352 6056 or e-mail editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk before Friday, June 1. Design: www.MattWaltonDesign.co.uk Print: Warners Midlands PLC, Manor Lane, Bourne, Lincs. PE10 9PH Copyright Families Birmingham and Solihull, May 2012 We take care preparing this magazine but the publisher and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers, nor for the accuracy of the contents nor its consequence.
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12 Skills to master before school
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14 Tears and tantrums
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16 Summer camps 17 Choosing a pet 18 What’s On Issue 9
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Summer Fun News
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Baddesley Clinton photoshoot Thanks to all the Families readers who entered our front page photoshoot event at Baddesley Clinton National Trust property. We were delighted so many of you wanted a chance to be our front cover model, and sorry that time constraints meant only 8 children could be drawn to take part. We had a fab day out in the grounds of this wonderful moated Tudor house, and we really appreciated the National Trust’s hospitality in hosting the event. Despite the glorious March sunshine for most of the month, the sun never broke through the clouds on an overcast day on March 31 when we held the shoot. But the children did not let that dampen their enthusiasm and they were all a delight to work with. Abby Wilkes took some fantastic photos of all the children – including this issue’s front cover picture of Anais May Rose and above of Toby, Tessa and Harrison Franks. Once again thank you to all the families who took part – and for those who missed out this time, watch this space.
Diamond Jubilee celebrations Have a right royal time celebrating the Diamond Jubilee weekend on June 2-5. Birmingham celebrations centre around the Council House and Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery with a two-day Craft and Vintage extravaganza on June 3 and 4 followed by a children’s Diamond Jubilee street party on June 5. There will also be a street party at the Library Square in Solihull and at the Black Country Museum in Dudley. Picnic in the park with a Diamond Jubilee Big Lunch event at Blakesley Hall and follow the diamond ring trail (June 3), or head to Knowle Park for a Diamond Jubilee concert (June 3). Even teddies can get in on the act with a royal flavour to a teddy bears’ picnic at Meriden Park on June 6. Dress your teddy as a King or Queen for a chance to win a prize. Check our What’s On section for details, or our online events calendar at www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk
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SummerNews Fun
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Family day out at Winterbourne Winterbourne House in Edgbaston is hosting an Edwardian fete on Saturday, May 26, which is great fun for children and a wonderful day out for all the family. Step back in time and enjoy the party atmosphere of a traditional village fete with Punch and Judy shows, Morris dancers, swing-boats and traditional fairground rides. Browse the stalls selling crafts and food, or enter a few village fete competitions.
servants got up to in the old kitchen. Let the children dress up in authentic Edwardian clobber and have their photo taken for posterity. Enjoy a ramble round the gardens, play croquet on the lawn or tuck into an Edwardian High Tea. Event organiser Anna Williams says: “Winterbourne House and Gardens is always worth a visit but the Edwardian fete is the highlight event of the year for us. It’s a firm favourite with families because it’s not only a great day out but also brings history to life.”
Don’t miss out on the chance to take a costumed tour around the house with its beautiful turn-of-the-century Tickets cost £6 for adults and £4 for furniture, and find out what the children. Under 5s are free.
Vintage Trains Open Day Fans of the Railway Children and Harry Potter’s Hogwarts Express will love Vintage Train’s family-fun Open Day at their Tyseley Base on June 23 and 24. Tyseley loco works organised their first Open Day over 25 years ago and it proved so popular with families eager to see the steam trains in action that they have repeated the event each year. Children are awestruck by the vintage trains and love the atmosphere at the works. Seven engines will be in steam on the day, including the newly overhauled “Duchess of Sutherland” and children will be able to climb aboard for shuttle rides, as well as watch some turntable demonstrations. All-day breakfasts will be served in the Pullman car or there will be baked potatoes, hotdogs, ice creams and other refreshment stands outside. Children under 15 go free with a paying adult and tickets cost £10. Tickets on sale from 9am with admission to the site from 10am. Please note cash or cheque only. No card facilities available. www.tyseleylocoworks.co.uk
Best foot forward
Father’s Day – home or away
Is your family up for the great British Walking Challenge? The national charity Living Streets is urging all of us to mark May by leaving our cars at home and walking to and from school, work and the shops. According to recent research, only one in ten commuters walks to work, and a quarter of us admit we rarely walk for as much as 20 minutes at a time. But walking is one of the most effective forms of exercise - and it’s also one of the simplest to do, and one of the cheapest. Tony Armstrong of Living Streets says the secret to being successful is to make walking part of your ordinary life - so choose a journey you’d be making anyway, and work out how you can walk all or some of it. For more information see www.living streets.org.uk
Psst … it’s Father’s Day on Sunday, June 17. Don’t say we didn’t remind you! If your goal is arranging a surprise treat for your better half, Aston Villa Football club is holding a special Father’s Day buffet lunch for families in their Holte Suite, with an afternoon of party games, face-painting and a visit from a club mascot. It costs £19.95 for adults; £8.95 for children and £50 for a family. Or a three course lunch at the pitch-side McGregor’s restaurant is £24.95 per head and all Dads will receive a Father’s Day gift. Phone 0800 612 0950 to reserve a table. Issue 9
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Clubs and Classes Vivian Road Pre-school
Age 2.5 to school Free places for 3 and 4 year olds
Harborne Kids Club
Breakfast Club and After-school Club
Pick up and drop offALL local primary schools Tel: Andrea on 077329 08194
Clubs & Classes
DIRECTORY To advertise here call 0758 352 6056
DANCE & DRAMA
DUBARRIE SCHOOL OF DANCE Ballet, Tap and Jazz age 2 ½ + Branches in Yardley and Shirley Telephone: 0121 744 1422 www.dubarrieschoolofdance.co.uk
MASQUERADE MUSICAL THEATRE Youth Theatre Group, Age 6+
Garretts Green Lane, Sheldon, B26 2SA
Telephone: 0121 722 3761 www.masquerademusicaltheatre.co.uk
PYJAMA DRAMA Drama creative littleDRUM people, 6 months -7 years TIM for TANDLER SCHOOL
MUSIC
Sing, dance,City pretend, 1-to-1 drum tuition, Centre play. location Callgrades Kate on 0363 Rock School 1-8.0800 Ages542 4 upwards. or e-mail: kate@pyjamadrama.com Tel: 0121 503 5849 www.timtandlerdrumschool.co.uk
Solihull Young Dancers Ballet and Tap Dancing Classes from age 2 ½ + Tel: Kate on 07722 732678
www.solihullyoungdancers.co.uk
MUSIC BIR
1-to-1 drum tuition, City Centre location M I N G H A M Rock School grades 1-8. Ages 4 upwards. Tel: 0121 503 5849 www.birminghamdrumschool.co.uk
PRE-SCHOOL MUSIC Early learning through music Baby, toddler and pre-school classes Call 0121 711 4224 for nearest class www.rhythmtime.net
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Issue 9
www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk
Could your team cope with the pace? Futsal is a fast-paced indoor football game which is reckoned to have 30 million players worldwide and to be the fastest growing sport in the world. The game, officially recognised by FIFA, is played with a team of five and it helps develop speed, agility and football skills. It helped develop the skills of South American football legends, while in Europe Cristiano Ronaldo has used it to hone his skills. Paul Holmes, a former Birmingham FC Football scout, is now running Futsal clubs in Birmingham and Solihull, and is organising a Futsal Tournament at the Futsal Arena, Great King Street, Birmingham, B19, on Saturday, July 7. It is open to all football teams, and individual players. The Birmingham Futsal Arena has 12 FIFA regulation Futsal pitches and it can accommodate up to 100 teams on the day of the tournament. More than 48 football teams are already registered. Register now for the chance to take part. Teams can enter for £70 or £8 for an individual players. To find out more call Paul on 07745 565 745.
Explore Learning opens in Sutton Coldfield
Explore Learning has just opened a new centre in Wylde Green, Sutton Coldfield. The Centre offers individually tailored learning programmes for ages 5-14 and it also offers 11 plus tuition. Call 0121 647 5159 for further information.
ComputerXplorers Designing apps for smartphones, using facial animation and making pictures talk, designing computer programmes and creating their own video games … you might think that is way beyond the primary school child, but think again. That is the sort of fun, stimulating and mind-boggling ‘techno stuff’ that kids attending ComputerXplorers clubs seem to learn with ease. ComputerXplorers works in IT classrooms across Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield, providing workshops and after-school clubs for children. These have proved immensely popular and teachers have commented how the ComputerXplorers club has been a great opportunity for non-sporty pupils who don’t usually join football or gym clubs. But ComputerXplorers isn’t just for techno geeks – it appeals to all children growing up in an increasingly digital age. The classes aren’t just fun, they are equipping them for the future. Stephen Hall says: “ComputerXplorers is all about having fun with technology - not just computers but also digital art, rocketeering, digital microscopes, film-making and much more. The clubs go way beyond what children get taught in a normal IT class. It’s educational and they pick up a fantastic blend of technology skills in a fun way.” Schools wanting more information on ComputerXplorers work in classrooms, or parents looking for information about afterschool clubs, can call Stephen on 01827 898945 or visit www.birminghameast.computerxplorers.co.uk
www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk
Baby Ballet to Dinky Dance ‘Wands, wings and fairy things, cloaks, boats and pirates who sing, come and explore with Baby Ballet.’ Baby Ballet, a fun introduction to ballet, dance and sensory play for little people from 6 months to 4 years, is now running at venues in Solihull and Sutton Coldfield. The classes have been introduced by Arabesque school of Dance along with Adventure Aerobics, a specially designed exercise class for 2-4 year olds. Michelle Nevin of Arabesque says: “Our baby ballet sessions are like no other. ‘Snuggle and cuddle, hop or bop, tickle and wiggle, dance til you pop!’ are just some of the ways we have fun with dance.” The classes use props and sensory play equipment to encourage interaction, co-ordination and balance as well as helping to develop classic dance disciplines. There are 3 classes: Baby Ballet (6 months to walking); Waddlers and Toddlers (- 2 ½ ); Dinky Dancers (2 ½ - 4).
Clubs and Classes Baby Ballet: Bubbles, disco lights, scarves and instruments are used to engage babies and introduce them to gentle movement and body awareness. Designed to encourage babies and young children to enjoy the benefits and joys of song and dance, with their parent/carer. Waddlers and Toddlers: Creative role-play combined with dance, music and props, takes you and your child on a fantastic journey learning the basics of ballet and dance. Dinky Dancers: Learning ballet and dance basics whilst using props to help develop imaginations; the children are encouraged to develop and discover their own ability to dance, move and sing. Lots of fun and games ready to be explored through inventive role play and dance adventure.
Call Michelle on 07817 033292 or e-mail: michelle.nevin@balletdance.co.uk
Great Big Draw The Barber’s Drawing Sundays have been a real hit with children and teenagers. The classes for ages 5-10 and 11-15 will be running again this term so if your child wants to learn how to be brilliant at drawing, it is best to book now to secure your place. The workshops show children and young people how to draw a real life model in costume; how to draw scenes with dramatic lighting; how to draw upside down and how to sketch very quickly. They get the chance to use professional artists’ materials like charcoal, ink and chalk, and at £5 per child for a 1.5 hour session, the classes are also great value. To book call: 0121 414 2261. To get a flavour of what is on offer, you can drop along to the Barber’s Great Big Drawing Day on bank holiday Monday, May 7, between 12 and 3pm. It’s a free event for families who can have a go at ‘larger than life’ drawings, and can experiment with chunks of charcoal and messy ink.
h c a o c rts e heatre A g T a St
Stretch Your Child’s Imagination In Three Directions At Once The original, largest and still the best part-time performing arts schools in the world. Nurturing and developing young peoples’ potential through dance, drama and singing.
Stagecoach Edgbaston Saturday classes at Edgbaston High School for Girls for children and young people aged 4 to 18
Call: 01926 651159 email: edgbaston@stagecoach.co.uk www.stagecoach.co.uk/edgbaston
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Issue 9
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Parties
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The do’s and birthday
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f you think you can book your first choice entertainer and venue a fortnight before your child’s party, think again. The best people and places are fully booked months in advance and if they’re not, ask yourÂself why not. It’s a question I wish I had posed the year I left it late and introduced a knife juggling circus act to my-4 year-old. It’s not a mistake I made twice. Some party entertainers and venues take bookings a year in advance so the early bird‌ DO consider a joint party Instead of entering into a ‘Who can get the invite out first’ race with other parents, join forces and funds. If your child has a friend whose birthday falls around the same time, why not organise a party together. If you’re going to invite the same group of friends and even opt for the same sort of party, this is a great option that halves the cost and the stress. Make sure you and your party partner are clear about the planning and the expectations.
DON’T invite too many children This is a mistake you’ll only make once. Thirty children and thirty parents will fill even the most generous village hall. Add a bouncy castle and some uninvited siblings and you are nearly on riot watch.
DON’T make it too long The length of your party is very much dependant on the age of your children. But there is one consistent rule. Make sure you put a finish time on your invites. Our party experts say one hour of entertainment is about as much as the average 2-4 year old can take, followed by half an hour for food and farewells. You can increase that to a two hour party once children turn 5 years old.
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Parties 10:06
don’ts of parties DON’T let your child decide the guest list If you let your little one take charge of who they’re inviting, they’ll leave out the friend they’ve fallen out with in the playground. Up to the age of 7, it’s best to stick to either a full class party, or one where you simply invite all the girls, or all the boys. Tempting as it is to leave out the class troublemaker or the girl who leaves your daughter out, this is an approach that will only cause future heartache. A party invite not sent, is a party invite not received. For over 7s, it’s fine to be selective as parties tend to become more expensive as children get older.
DON’T be afraid to chase late replies There are few things more irritating than chasing the parents who haven’t bothered to respond to a party invite. Experience has taught me that parents who don’t respond within the first few days of an invite either haven’t received it, or have forgotten. Give yourself a helping hand by putting an RSVP date on the invite. After that, don’t be afraid to ‘remind’ via text or over a pick up time chat in the playground.
DO check for allergies In a group of 20 children, chances are there will be some allergies, and some children who can’t eat certain food for religious reasons. Don’t presume parents will inform you. Ask about allergies when you know who is coming along.
DON’T over-cater You are feeding a group of children not an army of starving soldiers. Appetites shrink as excitement builds so there is no need to provide a smorgasbord of sandwiches. Stick to the tried and tested trio of party favourites – ham, jam and cheese. Throw in a selection of crisps and a couple of bowls of grapes, cucumber sticks and tomatoes, and some sweet treats. Forget leftovers. Peckish parents will clear the plates, often while their children are still eating.
DO consider your party date It’s heartbreaking to receive a steady stream of ‘nos’ after you’ve spent weeks securing an entertainer and a venue on a particular date. Give yourself half a chance by avoiding key dates, like Mothers’ Day and Fathers’ Day, and religious holidays such as Easter Saturday and Yom Kippur. Parents tend to jet off on holiday as soon as school’s out, or just before term begins again, so avoid weekends at either end of the school holidays.
MONDAY & TUESDAY
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FOR FULL DETAILS OF WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE ABOVE PACKAGES
www.laserstation.co.uk
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www.littlekickers.co.uk
DO party bags Usually found in the back of your car a week after the party, just as the buttercream icing from the napkin-wrapped cake is going rancid. But woe betide the mum who thinks she’s above a party bag. It’s a sure fire way to get your guests sobbing as they leave. Don’t fight it, simply be creative and accept that simplicity is the key. And if you want to impress by being the ultimate organised mum, include a pre-prepared thank you note. Bribing a child to write notes is easier when there’s the threat of a lost party on the horizon.
DO enjoy it There are times during the planning you will find this the most absurd piece of advice. How on earth can you expect to enjoy it? Remember that this is one of those ‘gone too quickly’ milestones and if you don’t press the pause button and enjoy the sight of your child laughing with the entertainer or bouncing with his friends then the stress simply isn’t worth it. When the balloons have burst and the cake is just crumbs, it’s those memories that will make you do it all again next year!
Classes in Solihull, Knowle, Hockley Heath & Wythall Approved football training for kids aged 2 to 7 years
For a free trial class or information about our football parties please call
0121 744 9730
Where learning’s a ball rhiggs@littlekickers.co.uk
Issue 9
9
Education
www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk
11plus exams brought forwar
T
he 11 plus grammar school entrance exams for Birmingham, Warwickshire and Walsall have been moved forward to September just as pupils return to school after the long summer break. Parents of year 5 pupils need to register NOW if they want their child to sit the exam.
The change in the timetable is designed to let parents know how their child has fared at the 11 plus before they need to submit their local authority school preference forms. A place at a grammar school will not be confirmed in October but parents will be told the score their child has achieved in the exam and can compare it with the scores needed to win places at the grammar schools in the previous 2 years. This should give parents an indication of whether their child is likely to be offered a place or not, and the information can guide parents in filling out their secondary school preference forms.
Last year there were 4,250 applications for 869 places at the Birmingham Consortium of Grammar Schools - King Edward VI: Aston, Camp Hill Girls, Camp Hill Boys, Handsworth Girls, and Five Ways; Sutton Coldfield, and Bishop Vessey grammar schools. The schools are open to pupils from any local authority area and they share a common 11 plus exam which this year is brought forward to Saturday, September 8. The only Birmingham Grammar school not in the consortium is Handsworth Grammar School for Boys who run their own exam, but this too is being brought forward - to Saturday, September 15. Registration forms are available from the King Edward Foundation and the Sutton schools or they can be downloaded from school websites. The closing date for applications is 4pm on Friday, 13 July, and it is a strict deadline. If your application arrives late, your child will not be allowed to sit the test. Heather Evans from the Grammar Schools of Birmingham Consortium cannot emphasise this enough. “Registration forms do need to get here on time. Every year we have a lot of parents upset that they have missed the deadline, but we do need to adhere to it and we can’t make exceptions.” This is echoed by KSOL’s (Keystage Learning Online) Anita Dhunna who has seen parents focused on preparing their children for the exam, only to forget to return the registration form. So if you want your child to sit the 11 plus, make sure the closing date of Friday the 13th of July is not unlucky for you. Take Anita’s advice: “Don’t leave it until July, register now.” Unlike Birmingham, the Warwickshire Grammar schools have catchment areas. To be eligible for one of the 240 spaces available at Alcester or Stratford on Avon grammar schools, you need to live within a 17 mile radius of the clock tower in Stratford on Avon. This takes in areas around Knowle, Dorridge, Earlswood, Tanworth in Arden, Shirely, Solihull, Hollywood, Wythall and Barnt Green. You can check out a map showing the designated area on www.warwickshire.gov.uk/elevenplus. Registration forms will be available from May 28 onwards and the deadline for returning your
Mock exams KSOL is running two mock exams on May 19 and July 7 which mirror the exam hall environment children will actually face when sitting the 11 plus. The mock exams can help make the real exam feel less daunting for a child, but it can also give parents useful information about how a child is likely to perform. KSOL will give post exam feedback outlining the areas a child needs to work on so they can use their time efficiently. They also provide online 11 plus-style practice papers and have centres based in Solihull, Handsworth and Sutton Coldfield. Call 0121 733 6558 or www.ksol.co.uk
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Issue 9
www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk
rd to September application is Wednesday, July 11. If you register late for the test, your child will not be offered a place but will be put on a waiting list. The Warwickshire 11 plus test date is also scheduled for Saturday, September 8, but children unable to attend on that date because they are sitting the Birmingham exam, will be offered an alternative test date on September 15 or 18. Last year 1,198 pupils sat the 11 plus to gain a space at one of the three South Warwickshire schools. The third Midlands consortium of grammar schools is Wolverhampton which includes the Queen Mary’s Grammar schools in Walsall and Wolverhampton Girls High School. They will hold their 11 plus exams on Wednesday, September 12. The September timetable is good news in allowing parents to make an informed choice about their child’s chances of gaining a grammar place before filling in their secondary preference forms. But coming so soon after the long summer break means children will not have much time to get back into the school zone before sitting the exam. The three consortia are using different tests but all provided by Durham University Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring (CEM). No practice papers are available as the tests are designed to test natural ability. Children registered to take the 11 plus are sent some sample questions to give them an idea of the style of the exam but the sample questions are unlikely to be as complex as those they encounter on the day. Grammar schools provide a wonderful education, but they might not be the best environment for a child who struggles academically. That’s why parents need to be realistic about their child’s ability and why grammar schools do not encourage intensive coaching. Nevertheless, if your child is sitting the exam they will be up against many children who are tutored and even the brightest children are likely to have had practice at 11 plus-style papers. While the style of exam questions can change every year, the concepts children will need to apply, and the strategies they will need to use to cope with the papers will be broadly similar. So practice is a good idea to get them familiar with the style of the exams.
Support The Princess Trust-backed Academic Excellence group offers 11 plus tuition in class groups at several venues across Birmingham and Solihull and they will continue through the summer holidays. Call 0121 454 2858 or e-mail info@academicexcellence. org.uk. Kings Heath-based Explore Learning also offer 11 plus preparation. 0121 6617 409 www.explorelearning.org.uk KSOL are offering tailored 11 plus summer classes and 1-to-1 support. 0121 733 6558 or www.ksol.co.uk
Important Dates: Registration forms: Available from May 1 in Birmingham; week of May 28 in Warwickshire; register now for Queen Mary’s, Walsall, and forms will be sent out towards end June.
Closing date for disabled children, or those needing special arrangements to sit the test: June 20 (Birmingham). Closing date for 11 plus registration: July 11, Warwickshire; 4pm on July 13 for Birmingham and Wolverhampton consortia.
Education
KSOL 11+ Preparation 11+ Mock Exams
Online Courses 1-2-1 Tutoring Summer Courses
Tutoring Centres: Shirley-Handsworth-Sutton-Warwick
Try our free 11+ Challenge visit www.ksol.co.uk/wf Call 0121 733 6558
Test dates: Birmingham and Warwickshire, September 8; Wolverhampton Consortium, September 12. Alternative test date in Warwickshire is Sept 15 or 18 for children unable to attend on Sept 8. Test results: (note – this is not an offer of a place) Early to Mid October. Birmingham will send out results in the week of October 15. Local authority school preference forms: closing date: October 31.
Issue 9
11
Parenting
www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk
Skills to mas
Y
ou have found out where your child is going to school this September, it’s time to start preparing. Forget force feeding them phonics, this is about getting your child ready for the social challenges of school. The more prepared they are, the easier they will settle and the more they’ll get out of those early days.
Can they dress themselves? Imagine the scene. One teacher faced with thirty children and their coats. By the time each child is zipped up and wrapped up, playtime is over. If your child is able to go some way to helping, they may get some fresh air. If you can see buttons on trousers and skirts becoming a problem during the post PE change, invest in elasticated waistbands. These will also help during any ‘last minute’ toilet visits. Avoid tights in the early days - they can also lead to unnecessary bathroom accidents. With shoes, laces and buckles are a no-no. Stick to Velcro fastenings which your child can do themselves.
Are they used to sharing? Sharing is a difficult lesson for a child to learn, especially if they only start learning it at school. But it’s a vital lesson if you want your child to settle in and make friends easily. No one wants to play with the boy who refuses to take turns and share, and before long that child becomes isolated. Start to make a point of praising your pre-schooler for sharing his bag of figures or his last few sweets.
Can they use the toilet on their own? Reception classrooms usually have a toilet nearby but children are expected to use it on their own. That can mean less confident children avoid a visit until it’s too late. Encourage your child to begin taking toilet trips without you to build up their confidence. Remind them that hand washing is part of the ‘visit’. Beginning school toilet training now will mean fewer accidents in September.
Are they able to eat independently? Lunchtimes can be a real flashpoint in the early days of your child’s school life. Dinner halls are noisy places and can make a child feel overwhelmed. Make sure they arrive at school able to pick up and use a knife and fork. If they’re opting for a packed lunch, make sure they can open a yoghurt, put a straw in a juice box and unpeel a banana. With school a few months off, it may seem like the easier option to feed them, but it won’t help in the long run. Practice, however painful, makes perfect.
Are they able to recognise their name? If your child can recognise their name, they’ll be able to find their peg, identify their drawer in the classroom and find their cardigan if it gets misplaced. Starting school can make even the most confident child feel a little lost. If they can locate important places, it will make them feel more in control.
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Parenting
www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk
ster before school
By Sarah Butters
Can they use scissors?
Can they follow simple instructions?
Teachers look for this in the early stages of Reception to evaluate dexterity. Get crafty over the next few months.
The school day is full of instructions. Your child will be asked to put coats on pegs, bring packed lunches into classrooms and sit cross legged on the carpet for circle time. If a child is used to following instructions, they will avoid being reprimanded. The more time a teacher dedicates to repeating instructions and encouraging cooperation, the less time there is for teaching. Start giving your child simple tasks – perhaps helping with the weekly shop or with some straight forward jobs around the house. It will prepare them for school life.
Do they understand discipline? It’s important your child understands what’s expected of them when they arrive at school. They need to know hitting, kicking, biting and hair pulling will not be tolerated. Not only will it bring your child to the attention of the head teacher for all the wrong reasons, but it will make your child unpopular with their classmates. Reputations earned in the early days of school tend to stick and can be hard to shake off.
Can they communicate with an adult? Giving your child the skills to communicate with their teacher means they will be able to have some control. How else will they ask to go to the toilet? If they don’t understand how to get the attention of an adult, how will they let their teacher know they don’t understand their work? A child who can communicate will get more out of the school day than a child who is unwilling to speak up. Encourage your child to ask and even practice with a raised hand at home to make sure they understand the most appropriate way of getting a grownups attention.
Are they able to count? If your child is able to count up to 20, and count back from 10, this will give them a really good head start. Use some of their favourite toys or foods to make counting fun. Lay out 10 grapes and get them to eat them one by one, counting as they go. It will give them confidence and help them see learning as fun. Plus it’s a great way to get one of their 5 a day down them!
We can provide a complete and professional service that meets all your nannying and childcare needs: - Day nannies - Live-in nannies - Night nannies - Maternity nurses - Breast-feeding support - Babysitters - Before and after school care - Corporate and event nanny services
SOME BOOKS YOU MAY FIND USEFUL: • I am too absolutely small for school (Charlie and Lola) by Lauren Child
• Topsy and Tim Start School by Jean Adamson
• Starting School Sticker Book (Usborne) by Felicity Brooks
Simply call us on 08000 194518 or go to www.sallysnannies.co.uk
• Going to School
(Usborne First Experiences) by Anna Civardi
• Starting School
by Janet and Allan Ahlberg
2008|2009
29008|2009 002|8002
RUSSELL NURSERY SCHOOL
Children’s Behaviour 4 week course
Children aged from 3 months to 5 years.
Ofsted Outstanding
• Qualified friendly staff. • Daily home cooking. • Interactive Whiteboard/Table. • CCTV cameras in every room. • Free Grant places available for 3+
Tel: 0121 777 4902
130 Russell Rd, Hall Green, B’ham B28 8SQ
Other sites
621 Fox Hollies Road, Hall Green, Birmingham. B28 9DW Tel: 0121 777 3778
Small World Nursery, 975 Stratford Road, Hall Green, Birmingham B28 8BG Tel: 0121 693 3071
For Happy Confident Children Phone Ruth; 07929 047110
E-mail: childbehaviour@hotmail.co.uk
www.childbehaviourdirect.com Issue 9
13
Parenting
www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk
Tears and
R
elentless: That is the word I tend to mutter when I’m stomping around in a grumpy haze, steadying myself on walls and furniture, hand clamped onto forehead, begging the powers that be for strength as I surrender to the teeth-clenching exasperation that sometimes constitutes motherhood. ‘It’s just relentless.’ I hiss to myself. ‘Relentless! Why did no-one tell me just how damn hard this parenting thing was going to be?’
Actually, mothering is only really relentless when I am not quite rising to the challenges it is chucking at me. And the last few months, dear readers, I have mostly been struggling with - boundaries. Ah yes, that old brick wall that children just love kicking against, for as long as they possibly can, until their little metaphorical feet hurt too much to keep going. What is it with little ones? Why do they give us such a hard time? I mean, where is their respect?
Losing It Not long ago I found myself in that awful position of being the kind of mother I thought I would never be, losing my rag as I attempted to manage an all-guns-blazing tantrum, smack bang in the middle of town, at rush hour. Reasoning was not getting anywhere. Neither was shouting. In the end, I had to grab my boy by the scruff of the neck and yank him onto a bus, holding him at arms length to avoid his attempts to scratch me. Determinedly ignoring the bus full of tut - tutting commuters, I pulled him and his flailing limbs upstairs and mercifully found a place right at the back for him to howl himself into exhaustion. Not my finest hour. I really thought I knew about boundaries. Not only do I have a background in therapy, hey, I watched almost every episode of BBC3’s ‘The House of Tiny Tearaways’ with child psychology expert Professor Tanya Byron at the helm. The theory is great, but practically speaking I had no idea how tough it would be to draw that all-important line without resorting to threats, bribery or a big stick. With the jigging motion of sitting on the back seat of that bus starting to calm us both down and normalise my blood pressure, I noticed that my internal dialogue was sounding horribly judgemental: ‘After all I have done for you,’ my inner embittered doormat moaned, ‘you ungrateful little...’ Cue the scratchy sound of a needle veering off an old vinyl record. ‘Noooooo!’ I yelled inwardly, sitting up with a jolt as if waking up out of a nightmare. This was not the person I ever wanted to be.
The Blame Game See, I know that blame is the easy option. The popular American family therapist Dr Phil insists that you have to teach people how to
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Issue 9
Parenting
www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk
tantrums
By Helena Foss
treat you. In fact, it is your job to point out when people are taking you for granted. But this takes courage, tenacity and, importantly, respect for oneself. It means giving up the niceness and need-to-be-needed so prevalent in the female conditioning. Lying in bed that night, still stunned at just how hellish my afternoon had been, it dawned on me that I had been giving into everyone’s wants apart from my own – and lost my sense of self in the process. It was indeed mortifying to mentally assess just how resentful towards my family I had become; how relentless everyone’s needs felt upon me. My son had given me the gift of reflecting back just how secretly angry I was at myself, for relentlessly ignoring my own needs. The art of taking good care of oneself, as well as our children, I have found, is being able to set ground rules as a matter of fact. ‘This is Mummy time’ has to be said in the same straightforward manner as ‘the grass is green’. It is just how it is; no need to defend it with barbed wire and machine guns. As a friend of mine likes to say, ‘once everyone in the family knows their place, even the dog and the cat, we can all relax.’
Cute Tantrums ‘You know, when I think back to those days of tantrums,’ a mother of several teenagers reminisced to me recently, ‘I actually think it was really cute.’ Cute?! It took me a while to get my head round that one. Children’s little brains, I have to remind myself, are not wired for considered, rational behaviour. If they want something they want it. Now. Not having it can bring on a full-blown grief reaction. As overt as they are with their sadness, they are with their happiness and love too. There is nothing quite like my son running up to fling his arms around me when I walk through the door, after nipping to the corner shop. The other week, my son’s school nursery teacher told me she had asked the class if anyone knew what a tantrum was. My boy’s hand, apparently, shot up. ‘A tantrum,’ he said solemnly as he stood in front of the class, ‘is when you just pry and pry and pry.’ (He hasn’t got the hard ‘c’ sound nailed in that particular word just yet). The discussion opened up and, one by one, the faces of his nursery chums lit up. ‘Oh yes,’ they chimed, ‘I do that sometimes too!’ And: ‘So do I!’ A four-year-olds tantrum support group! Awwwww. Now that really is cute. • Helena is a hypnotherapist and writer about all things holistic and spiritual. See: www.helenafoss.co.uk
Day Nursery Schools Quality Pre-School Education and Care • Ages 3 months to 5 years • Small group sizes • Open 8.00am to 6.00pm • Mature qualified staff • Home cooked meals • Ofsted approved 106 Wake Green Road Moseley, B13 9PZ. Tel: 0121-449-3673
• CCTV and Door-entry security • Grant Funding processed • Teachers specializing in Music, Dance & French (subject to availability) 19 Woodland Road, Northfield, B31 2HU. Tel: 0121-475-8416
Grasshoppers Day Nurseries
Loving, caring and quality childcare in homely settings
Erdington - 0121 384 8096 Edgbaston - 0121 455 6026 Open 7.00am – 6.15pm Harborne - 0121 427 5040 Open 7.30am – 6.15pm
Kings Heath Grange Day Nursery
Child first day nursery
• • • • •
Childcare and a whole lot more
Drop in anytime and see – 3 months to 5 years 0121 788 8148 • solihull@childfirst.co.uk www.childfirst.co.uk • Cooks Lane B37 6NZ
Care in a homely setting From birth to 8 All staff CRB-checked Low staff turnover Exercise classes and sign language • Open door policy • Ofsted rating Good • Full and part time places
To visit call Amanda on
0121 444 0515
Jumping Jacks Day Nursery Kings Heath Grange Day Nursery
6 Balaclava Road, B14 7SG Tel: 0121 444 0808
23-25 Grange Road, B14 7RN Tel: 0121 444 0515
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15
Summer camps
R
ight now for working parents sorting summer childcare comes high on the to-do list. But you can banish any feelings of guilt that you are not off for the whole summer because these holiday activity camps are just as sought after by children of non-working parents:
www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk
Academic Excellence Fun Club This Princes Trust-backed tuition group is offering summer holiday camps for the first time – with the emphasis being on fun as well as learning. For one hour the focus is on helping children catch up or consolidate school-based learning, in a fun and informal way. Two hours are devoted to a range of activities including football, cookery, dance club, art club, design and fashion, multi-sports and zumba. Morning and afternoon sessions available and the Fun Club can also cater for working parents with full days. Call Natalie on 0121 454 2858 or 07543 668261 for more info. www.academicexcellence.org.uk
Aspire Active If it’s high octane activities your kids are after Aspire Active Camps could be the answer. They’re Ofsted registered and run throughout the summer break in Sutton Coldfield, Solihull and Lichfield. Each day is packed with sports and physical activities ranging from basketball to dodgeball and from electric quad bikes to circus skills. Children can also pick from specific camps such as Ian Taylor’s Football Academy, Razzamataz Stage Academy, Dance Beats Academy and the Chris Woakes Cricket Academy. Activities run from 10am to 4pm, and wraparound care from 8am to 6pm. For further information and bookings visit www.activecamps.co.uk or call 08455 08 27 34.
Supercamps
Helping parents with school holiday childcare since 2005
Supercamps offer an action-packed week with more than 40 activities including sports, swimming, and arts and crafts at Edgbaston High School for Girls and King Edward V1 High School for girls (ages 3 or 4 to 16). As well as the multi-activity sessions, those who want to focus on their favourite creative activity can opt for A Passion for Stage; A Passion for Dance; A Passion for Create and A Passion for Cook camps (ages 6-16). Optional extended hours from 8am-6pm. A ‘flexi-change policy’ for bookings and amendments is ideal for working parents. Call 01235 832 222 or visit www.supercamps.co.uk
Round Midnight Theatre School Round Midnight run a summer theatre school for kids who love to act at Clifton Youth Centre, Sutton Coldfield. Now in its 17th year! (July 2327 for 7-11 year olds and July 30-August 3; 11-16.10am-4pm). Call 0121 440 8188 or visit www.roundmidnight.org.uk
Streetdance The Camp Aspire Active Camps helped 988 families last year, making us the most popular Ofsted registered provider of sports and activity focused childcare in the area. Safe - Ofsted registered Fun – Over 25 different sports and activities Flexible – Open every school holiday from 8am–6pm Value – From as little as £1.98 per hour Dates: Whit week holidays/Summer holidays Venues: Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School, Sutton Coldfield Tudor Grange Academy, Solihull King Edward VI School, Lichfield For further information and bookings visit www.activecamps.co.uk or call 08455 08 27 34 16
Issue 9
Let Me Play run a streetdance camp and a cheerleading camp for 10 years plus at Elmhurst school for dance (Jul 29-Aug 3). Residential or non-residential options available and working parents can drop off at 8am and pick up as late as 9pm after an evening activity. A full-on week. Call 0845 009 0933 or visit www.letmeplay.co.uk
Watersports Edgbaston Watersports offer holiday clubs in sailing, canoeing and kayaking for various age groups during the summer break. A breakfast club is available for working parents. Call 0121 454 1997 or info@edgbastonwatersports.co.uk
Wizard School Children aged 8-16 get a chance to make and star in their own ‘magicinspired’ movie at Young Film Makers’ summer schools in Edgbaston (July 30-Aug 3) and in Solihull (Aug 6-10 or Aug 13-17). Call 0870 383 0082 or visit www.young-film-makers.com
Lifestyle
www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk
Choosing a pet
H
By Deborah Hope from 608 Vet Practice
aving a pet join the family is a real bonus. But take your time and research even the smallest of pets before making a decision.
Look at the ages of any children in the family. Very young children need chaperoning and cannot be expected to take responsibility. Guinea pigs tend to be accepting of handling so make good pets for the less experienced children, and hamsters or rats often fit in well. Rabbits are active, inquisitive animals, and may not want to be picked up, so are not really suitable for young children. If you’re looking at getting a dog, do you have the time, energy and finances to cope? It’s almost the equivalent of taking on an extra child! Look at the sizes and temperaments to see which would suit your family and household. Although Crufts has been and gone for this year, they have a Discover Dogs section where you can meet and learn about the breeds. Alternatively, go to a good rescue centre that has evaluated their individual dogs’ temperaments. Talk to your vet, they have lots of experience. Cats are easier going, more independent pets and may suit more busy households. Some cats will just live around the kids; but if they are brought up together, they can often dote on each other. If you have allergies, sometimes poodle or poodle crosses can be ok. Reptiles, although not everyone’s cup of tea, can also be interesting, interactive pets. But research is essential.
Win!
So whatever you choose, having a pet is one of life’s best childhood (and adult) experiences, not to be missed.
One lucky family can win a three night weekend stay with Feather Down Farm Days this September worth £500!
For all your pet animals a dedicated team for help and advice Operating facilities X rays, Ultrasound In-house lab PETS Passport Scheme Dental work Microchipping Vaccinations Pharmacy and Shop Out of hours Emergency Team The 608 Pet Health Club SURGERIES Solihull: Tel. 0121 705 3044 Bentley Heath: Tel. 01564 774246 Acocks Green: Tel. 0121 706 1870 Sheldon: Tel. 0121 743 2890
one of the best-loved family holidays in the land
Farmers Robert and Jayne look forward to welcoming one lucky reader to Billingsmoor, their picture postcard organic farm in mid Devon. Their tranquil herd of Friesians, Kunekune pigs, sheep and chickens will soon lift the cares of daily life from your shoulders. You'll enjoy spectacular views across rolling countryside whilst your children enjoy the sort of freedom you remember from your youth.
To enter simply go to: www.familiesonline.co.uk/featherdown Closing date for entries: 9am, 2nd July 2012 Please quote this competition code: FDF2012
www.608vetpractice.co.uk Issue 9
17
What’s On
www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk
THEATRE & SHOWS
Westlife – The Greatest Hits Tour Far from the Madding Crowd
Venue: Birmingham Hippodrome, Hurst Street, B5 4TB Date: May 8 and 9 Time: 7.30pm Tickets: £12.50-£27.00 To Book: 0844 338 5000
Wonderful Town
Danza Contemporanea de Cuba
Venue: LG Arena, Date: May 20, June 4 and June 8 Tickets: £41.50 To Book: 0844 338 8000
Featuring Connie Fisher Venue: Birmingham Hippodrome Date: May 22-26 Time: Evenings 7.30pm; Wed matinee 2pm; Sat matinee 2.30pm Tickets: £17.50-£42.50 To Book: 0844 338 5000
I Dreamed a Dream
Push
Ballerina Slyvie Guillem partnered with Russel Maliphan Venue: Birmingham Hippodrome, Hurst Street, B5 4TB Date: May 11 and 12 Time: 7.30pm Tickets £18.50-£38.50 To Book: 0844 338 5000
Breakin’ Convention
Hip Hop Dance Theatre Venue: Birmingham Hippodrome, Hurst Street, B5 4TB Date: May 14 and 15 Time: 7.30pm Tickets: £9.50 in advance; £15 on door To Book: 0844 338 5000
Urban - Circolombia
A blend of circus, hip hop and reggaeton dance Venue: Birmingham Hippodrome, Hurst Street, B5 4TB Date: May 16-18 Time: 8pm Tickets: £10.00 - £20.00 To Book: 0844 338 5000
Music for Champions
Team CBSO kick off with an afternoon of musical entertainment linked to sport. Venue: Symphony Hall, Broad St, B1 2EA Date: May 20 Time: 3pm Tickets: Adults £15; under 16 £7.50 To Book: 0121 780 3333
New musical charting the rise to fame of Susan Boyle with a guest appearance by the singer Venue: Birmingham Hippodrome, Hurst Street, B5 4TB Date: May 29-June2 Time: 7.30pm evenings; Wed matinee 2pm and Sat matinee 2.30pm Tickets: £18-£40.50 To Book: 0844 338 5000
Hip Hope Hero
The Hip Hope Hero knows the world’s biggest secret … that inside everyone lurks a hero, even a Superhero Venue: The Old Rep, Station Street, Date: May 31-June 2 Time: Thurs – 10.30am and 1.30pm; Fri 10.30am and 6pm; Sat 11.30am and 2pm Tickets: £7.50 adult; £4.50 child and £1.50 babe in arms Age: 5 upwards To Book: 0121 236 4455
The Snail and the Whale
A tiny snail longs to see the world and hitches a ride on a humpback whale. Can the snail save the day when the whale is beached? Venue: Solihull Arts Complex Date: June 7 Time: 1.30pm and 4pm Tickets: £6 Age: 4-10 To Book: 0121 704 6962
The Wiggles
Join Dorothy the Dinosaur, Captain Feathersword, Wags the Dog, Henry the Octopus and the world famous Wiggly dancers for their new show Venue: New Alexandra Theatre, Date: June 15 Time: 1pm and 4.30pm 4.30pm Tickets: £16 To Book: 0844 871 76267
Ballet based on Thomas Hardy’s novel. Detailed period costumes and set design. Venue: Birmingham Hippodrome, Hurst Street, B5 4TB Date: June 20-23 Time: 7.30pm; Thur matinee 2pm; Sat matinee 2.30pm Tickets: £15-46. Family offer: 2 under 16s half price with 2 full paying adults. To Book: 0844 338 5000
Flawless and the English National Ballet
Venue: New Alexandra Theatre Date: June 21 and 22 Time: Thur at 7.30pm; Fri at 4.30pm and 8.30pm Tickets: £11-£31 To Book: 0844 871 7627
Birmingham Royal Ballet Summer Celebration
Faster, (inspired by Olympic motto – Faster, Higher, Stronger); The Grand Tour, and the Dream Venue: Birmingham Hippodrome, Hurst Street, B5 4TB Date: June 27-30 Time: 7.30pm Evenings; Thur matinee 2pm; Sat matinee 2.30pm Tickets: £15-£46 To Book: 0844 338 5000
OUT AND ABOUT Music in the Park
Music in the park series gets off to a lively start with local jazz bands Venue: Knowle Park, Longdon Road Date: May 6 Time: 2-4.15pm FREE EVENT.
Big Brum Open Top Museum Bus
May 6 - Edmund Street, Sarehole Mill and Blakesley Hall. Entrance to museums free on this day. June 3 Victoria Square, Calls at Victoria Square, Aston Hall, Soho House Museum and the Pen Room. Free museum entry on these days. Time: see www.birmingham-tours.co.uk Tickets: £3 adult and children free.
Family craft activities
Family Sundays at the Gardens: May 6,landscape collage; May 13, Fun with Beads, May 20 pond-dipping; May 27 Plant Pot Crafts; June 17 Ladybird prints; June 24 Windowsill Herb Gardens. Also HALF TERM activities: June 3 Scratch Art magnets; June 6 Textured wall hangings & sun-catchers; June 10 Make musical instruments out of old tin Venue: Botanical Gardens, Westbourne Road, Edgbaston, B15 3TR Time: 1.30-4.30pm Tickets: £2 per child. Usual Garden entrance applies. £7.50 adults; £4.50 child; £22 family or annual family membership £62
Barber
Free family events. Great Big Draw, May 7, 12-3pm. Draw larger than life on a great big piece of paper! Family Film Screening, May 13, 1-2pm. The Wombles, Bagpuss,
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Issue 9
The Clangers and Ivor the Engine on a big screen. Booking advisable. Community Day, June 10, 11am-4pm. Community fun day of art activities. Drawing Sundays - Learn how to be a brilliant artist; draw a model; draw scenes with dramatic lighting; learn how to sketch quickly. May 13, 20, 27 and June 3 and 17. Time: 11.30am-1pm (ages 5-10); 2-3.30pm (ages 11-15); Tickets: £5 per child per session; booking essential. Call 0121 414 2261 Venue: Barber Institute; University of Birmingham, B15 2TS
Dragon Boat Festival
Colourful ancient Chinese tradition of dragon boat racing. Rotary club fundraiser. Crews of 17 (16 to paddle and one drummer) race against one another. Boats, equipment and instruction provided. Venue: Edgbston Reservoir, 115 Reservoir Road, B16 9EE Date: May 12 Time:10am-4pm www.edgbaston-convention.rotaryweb.org
Donkey Derby
Family event with donkey races, entertainment for all ages; children’s rides, sideshows and stalls Venue: Shirley Park, Jacey Road, Northbrook Road Date: May 19 Time: 12.30-4.30pm
The Baby Show
Venue: NEC Date: May 18-20 Time: 9.30am-5pn Tickets: £12 in advance; £20 on day To Book: 0871 231 0844
Night at the Museum
Join the Black Country Living Museum in its annual celebration ‘Night at the Museum’ when it opens its doors after hours. Circus skill games, animal balloon making and face painting. *This is a pre-purchase only event. Venue: Black Country Living Museum, Tipton Road, Dudley, DY1 4SQ Date: May 19 Tickets: half usual price To Book: Must be prebooked online at www.bclm.com/bookings or call 0121 520 8054
Funfair
Venue: Meriden Park, Moorend Avenue, Chelmsley Wood Date: May 24-27 Tickets: £1 admission and charge for rides
The BRMB Grassroots Football Show
Action packed weekend of football with coaching from elite coaches, theatre sessions, interactive entertainment and retail area Venue: NEC Date: May 25-27 Time: 9.30am-5pm (to 4pm Sunday) Tickets: £10 adults and £5 children in advance; £14 adults and £7 children on door To Book: 01244 470114
What’s On
www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk Edwardian Fete
A wonderful family day out at Winterbourne House and Gardens in Edgbaston. Stalls, Morris dancing, fairground rides d traditional games Venue: Winterbourne House and Gardens, 58 Edgbaston Park Road, B15 2RT Date: Sat, May 26 Time: 10am-5.30pm Tickets: £6 adults and £4 children
Musical Picnic
A morning of musical entertainment for all the family. Join in with fun performances and activities. Venue: Symphony Hall, Broad St, B1 2EA Date: May 26 and June 9 Time: 10.30am Tickets: FREE EVENT
Big Jubilee lunch – and concert
Picnic in the park to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee and join in some flag-waving fun. Special music in the park celebration with a local band. Venue: Shirley Park Date: June 3 Time: 2-4.15pm
Diamond Jubilee Vintage and Craft Extravaganza
Space Hopper are organising events over 2 days to celebrate the Jubilee. Vintage in the Waterhall at Birmingham Museum and crafts in the council house. Bop while you shop as retro girl group Rocketts perform on stage in Waterhall all day. Free family activities. Date: June 3 and 4 Time: Sun 11am-4pm; Mon 11am-5pm Tickets: Under 12 free; adults £1. Gives entry to both venues.
Diamond Jubilee Street Party
Knowle Festival and Knockout Knowle
Celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee in a knockout fashion at Knowle festival. Usual festival attractions and ‘It’s a Knockout’ competition for 9 and over. (must be 1.2 m tall) Venue: Knowle Park, Longden Road Date: June 2 Time: 11.30am-430pm
It’s all fun & games!
It’s all fun and games this Half term at the Museum! Visitors can join in and compete in traditional games and activities in Folkes’s Park, including hopscotch and skipping. Test your skill with a cup and ball and the whip and top, hoops, and parlour game. Venue: Black Country Living Museum, Tipton Road, Dudley, DY1 4SQ Date: June 2-10 Diamond Jubilee Celebration, June 5. Optional pre-purchase ticket to sit down & enjoy street party food. To Book: 0121 520 8054
Big Lunch
Take a picnic to Blakesley Hall and enjoy lunch in the gardens. Follow the diamond ring trail, play garden games and look around the Tudor property. You can even bring a teddy bear. Venue: Blakesley Hall, Blakesley Road, Yardley, B25 8RN Date: June 3 Time: 12-4pm FREE ENTRY
Disco, party games and street party refreshments at theis Diamond Jubilee children’s party. Venue: Birmingham Museum Date: June 5 Times: 10.30am-noon; 12.30-2pm; 2.30-4pm Tickets: £5 per child. Adults accompanying children free. To Book: Advance booking essential. Call 0121 303 1966
Young Readers’ Book Bash
Two fantastic days of events for children – meet authors and poets, storytelling; fun activities and magic Venue: Aston Hall, Trinity Road, B6 6JD Date: June 4 and 5 Time: 11am-4pm.
Jubilee Street Party
Join a free family street party for the Diamond Jubilee celebrations. Themed costumes encouraged. Workshops with craft activities for ages 7plus (£4 cost for workshop). Venue: Library Square Date: June 5 Time: 11am-4pm for party; craft workshops 10am, 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3pm To Book: Reserve places on craft workshops on 0121 704 6962
Jubilee Family Activities
Make your own crown and other crafts for children. Venue: Aston Hall, Trinity Road, B6 6JD Date: June 6 Time: 1.00; 1.45; 2.30 and 3.15. First come first served. Tickets: £1 per child
Teddy Bears’ picnic
There is a royal flavour to every teddy bear’s favourite event of the year. Dress you and your teddy as a King or Queen for a chance to win a prize. Puppet show, rides and craft activities. Venue: Meriden Park, Moorend Avenue, Chelmsley Wood Date: June 6 Time: 11am-1pm Tickets: £1 craft activities, and small charge for some other activities.
Kings and Queen’s Garden party Dress like a King or Queen for a chance to win a prize in this fancy dress competition. Celebrate in style at a Diamond Jubilee Garden Party. Follow treasure trails; take part in regal craft activities and enjoy majestic entertainment Venue: Malvern Park, New Road, Date: June 7 Time 11am-2.30pm
Solihull Carnival
Parade through Solihull town centre and into park for activities and funfair. Round Table event for local charities. Venue: Tudor Grange Park, Blossomfield Road, Solihull. Date: Carnival on June 16; Funfair in park June 14-16
Dorridge Fun Run and Summer Fair
Start and end at St Philip’s Church, Manor Road. Fair in church grounds with stalls, entertainment and children’s games. Date: June 17 www.dorridgefunrun.org
Vintage Trains Open Day
Open day at Tyseley Locomotive Works with 7 vintage trains in steam and giving rides. Venue: Tyseley Loco Works, 670 Warwick Road, B11 2HL Date: June 23 and 24 Time: 10am-5pm. Last admission 4pm Tickets: FREE ENTRY for accompanied children under 15. Adults: £10. Cash or cheque only.
Aston Heritage Day
Aston Hall is one of 12 Aston venues open for the day with free entry to celebrate Aston’s heritage. Children’s trail; bell ringing; music performances. Collect a passport at first venue to win prizes. Date: June 23 Call 0121 675 4722 for more info FREE EVENT
Making A Mint
Celebrate the re-opening of Soho House with free family activities and community events. Find out about the new £50 note; make a money-bank craft activity. Financial planning and budgeting advice for adults. Date: June 30 Venue: Soho House, Handworth, B18 5LB Time: 12-4pm FREE ACTIVITY
Elmdon Park Family Fun Day
Fun for all the family with dog show and dizzy duck race. Also Mini Beast Mayhem Venue: Elmdon Park, Tanhouse Lane Date: June 30 Time: 10.30am-2.30pm
Family-friendly event on Father’s Day. Run, cycle or walk a 3 or 8 mile circuit.
Funky Fleur de lis, Animal Magic, Pugin’s pendants
Make a brooch or pendant with artists Adrian Craddock, Gil Page and Bonnie Styles. Venue: Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, 75-79 Vyse Street, B18 6HA Date: June 6-8 Time: 1-3pm Age: 5 and over Tickets: £2.50 To Book: Call 0121 554 3598 Booking essential.
Vintage Rail Quarter page Advert
Issue 9
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Year 7 Entry For September 2013 Register now
Closing date Friday 13th July
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