Families solent west sept:oct2013

FREE SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2013

SOLENT WEST

Back to school issue

Preparing for the first day at a new school Extra-curricular activities Half term events

Free Drama Class Watch your child’s self-esteem soar with Perform’s unique drama, dance and singing classes.

Our weekly workshops will do wonders for their social, linguistic and physical development as well as being the best fun they’ll have all week.

perform.org.uk

Classes for 4 –12 year o lds

0845 400 1304

Families Solent West Magazine - information and events for parents of 0 - 12 year olds in Hampshire

September/ October 2013

Families Solent West

Park

Park

Manor Farm

Manor Farm

A new discovery every day

Country Park

Watch out for ghosts and ghoulies at a number of our halloween inspired events!

Manor Farm

Ghostastic Trail Sat 26 to Sun 3 Nov 10am – 3.30pm, £1.50 per trail

Apple Day

Tues 29 & Wed 30, 6pm or 7pm £5 per person. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Halloween Quiz Trail Sat 26 Oct to Sun 3 Nov, 10am – 3pm

Manor Farm Trick or Treat

£2 per child, no need to book

Thurs 31 Oct, Fri 1 Nov 6pm, 6.45pm & 7.30pm. Child £6.50 (includes goody bag & treats), Adult £3.50. Booking essential. Meet at Farm Reception.

Lepe in the Dark Tues 29 Oct and Thurs 31 Oct, 6pm – 8pm £5 per person, booking essential

www.hants.gov.uk/manorfarm

RW 1/9/13

One child FREE with a full paying adult (up to 2 adults and 2 children per voucher)

www.hants.gov.uk/lepe

Kids go

FR

EE Children must be accompanied by an adult. Offer ends 31st October.

Hand in this voucher at our Visitor Centre.

MW 1/9/13

www.hants.gov.uk/rvcp

Voucher entitles free parking at RVCP. Exchange voucher for FREE parking permit in Visitor Centre car p arking or Shop (vehicle registration to be provided). Only valid for one vehicle on day exchanged. Offer ends 31st October.

LW 1/9/13

Halloween Horrors

Voucher entitles free parking at RVCP. Exchange voucher for FREE parking permit in Visitor Centre car parkin g or Shop (vehicle registration to be provided). Only valid for one vehicle on day exchanged. Offer ends 31st October.

Spooky adventures and a chance to explore the Country Park.

Meet witches, wizards and things that go bump in the night on this light-hearted guided family tour.

Mon 28, 11am – 3pm

www.hants.gov.uk

For young children 3+

Room on The Broom by Wed 18 Sept 1.30pm & 4.30pm Thurs 19 Sept 10.30am & 1.30pm

31st OCTOBER - 3rd NOVEMBER I T ’ S T I M E TO B OA R D THE WIZARD EXPRESS!

Stick Man Live on Stage!

by Scamp Theatre Fri 18 Oct 2.30pm Sat 19 Oct 11.00am & 2.30pm Sun 20 Oct 11.00am & 2.30pm

BOX OFFICE 01962 840440

www.theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk

www.watercressline.co.uk 2

September/ October 2013

Families Solent West

Contents

Cover Image Š Dunnes Stores

SOLENT WEST

Families Solent West Magazine Editor: Rebecca Carr Advertising: Rachael Butler 023 8040 3247 editor@familiessolentwest.co.uk Next issue: November/ December 2013 Booking deadline: 1 October 2013 Copy deadline: 4 October 2013 To book an advert ( 02380 403247 8 ads@familiessolentwest.co.uk 40,000 readers per issue Printed by Gemini Press

4

Local News

6

Preparing your child for their first day at school

7

Which secondary school is right for my child?

8

The benefits of inclusion

9

Extra-curricular activities

12

What's on and October half term events

Call us now to be included in our November/ December issue

02380 403247 Christmas events Panto's Shopping ideas

SOLENT WEST Southampton, Winchester, New Forest, Romsey, Totton, Chandlers Ford, Hedge End, West End, Locks Heath, Warsash, Botley, Bishops Waltham and all the places in between

40,000+ readers per issue

-familiessolentwest @familiessolentw

Autumn range now available Copyright: Families Solent West, September/ October 2013 Data Protection: if you send us your name and address in order to win a prize in a competition, we may supply your details to the company offering the prize. If you would prefer us not to do this please state this on your entry.

Disclaimer: Colour transparencies and any other original materials submitted for publication are sent at the owners risk and whilst every care is taken, neither Families Solent West not its agents accept liability for loss or damage. We take care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for consequence.

Families Solent West is part of a group established in 1990 headed by Families South West London. All magazines are independently owned and operated under licence.

September/ October 2013

Etikett is a unique boutique specialising in classic, traditional and designer wear for babies and children 0 - 8 years.

* accredited christening retailer * shoes & accessories * toys & gifts * baby & premature babywear * girls & boys wear * free gift wrapping service & loyalty card * baby gift hampers - ideal for baby showers, birth congratulations, in stock and made to order 22 High Street, Botley, SO30 2EA Tel: 01489 785829 I www.etikett.co.uk

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Families Solent West

3

News

Make a date with mischief and mayhem on Roald Dahl Day on 13 September. This year Roald Dahl Day celebrates all the tricksy characters that fill his books, including George and his mayhemic medicine, those foulsome Witches and Matilda and her parent-scaring tricks. After all, no birthday celebration is complete without a little bit of mischief! There are lots of ways to join in the fun: sign up for Puffin Virtually Live on 13 September to find out more about Roald Dahl and his characters, plan your costume for Dahlicious Dress Up Day on 27 September or throw your own Roald Dahl party. For ideas see www.roalddahlday.info, and help Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity raise money for seriously ill and disabled children.

Roald Dahl’s Matilda © Quentin Blake

Hampshire Collegiate School Autumn Open Days

Roald Dahl Day

Jeans for Genes Day Hampshire Collegiate School is a warm and welcoming independent day and boarding school for boys and girls from 2½ to 18 years old. The school focuses on students as individuals and feel that each and every one has talents and it is the schools job to define these in dialogue with each student.

The school has a fantastic record of bringing out the best in each student, making the most out of each and every one. There is a winning attitude towards life and work – it is infectious, inspirational and expected. Please visit www.hampshirecs.org.uk for details of their forthcoming open days.

National Poetry Day

October 3rd is national poetry day.

Poetry is for everyone, everywhere, from assemblies, bus-queues, cafes, greengrocers, hospitals and ice-rinks to waiting-rooms, yacht clubs and zoos. This year’s theme is water, with Coleridge’s great phrase ‘Water, water, everywhere’ as inspiration. Check out the website for a myriad of poems on the subject, together with ideas on how to turn the theme of water into lines of poetry. Participants this year are challenged to smuggle poetry into the most unlikely places, not just libraries and classrooms but on fishing boats and ferries, mobile phones and announcements on station platforms. www.nationalpoetryday.co.uk

You name it We label it!

Lunchboxes • Water Bottles Books • Uniforms • Footwear

T: 01635 298326 www.easy2name.com 4

September/ October 2013

Wear your jeans on Jeans for Genes Day on 20 September and help change lives. In aid of Genetic Disorders UK, Jeans for Genes Day aims to change the world for children with genetic disorders, so get your school together and raise money by wearing your jeans and donating £1. Individually, genetic disorders are rare but together they affect 1 in 25 children born in the UK - that's more than 30,000 babies each year.

Their associated health problems mean that genetic disorders are the biggest cause of death of children aged 14 years and under. You can help by signing up for your fundraising pack full of everything you need to know to plan your day on the website: www.jeansforgenesday.org

Parental prep for entrance exam season Children may have to take the exams but it also requires a battery of skills and knowledge from parents to make sure their children reach exam season with confidence and self-belief, secure in their English and maths knowledge and well-practiced in exam techniques. Start early is the mantra you’ll hear from parents who’ve been through the experience. Whether you use a tutor or do-it-yourself, a steady structured programme prepares a child, not just for exams, but for the big changes they face when they start ‘big’ school in year seven. Don’t lose sight of your child in all of this. Focus on what they are doing right. Confidence drives self-belief, which encourages learning and also establishes an outlook that will serve them well throughout life. Contact Fleet Tutors for support on 0845 644 5452. www.fleet-tutors.co.uk

The Big Draw The largest drawing festival in the world returns throughout the month of October, taking place in 20 countries across the world and offering 1400 events in the UK alone. The Big Draw connects people of all ages with museum and gallery collections and urban and rural spaces in new and enjoyable ways, offering unlimited scope for those who love to draw and those who think they can't. Why not hold a Big Draw event in your school or local library? Get inspired and find out how to organise your own event, plus discover what events are taking place near you. www.campaignfordrawing.org

Little Boppers & Little Players Magical themed character disco parties for ages 3 to 8

Call Andrea on 07884 443884 www.scarletstormentertainment.co.uk

Families Solent West

Local news

Looking for an original maternity or new baby gift?

If somebody close to you has just had a baby, or you and your work colleagues are looking for a maternity gift for a mum-to-be, then why not consider a voucher from Tickled Frog Photography? It’s a beautiful way to capture baby’s first few months and create a treasured memento of the family that will last for years to come. For further details or to order a voucher contact Rob on 07545 234155 email: rob@tickledfrog.co.uk or visit: www.tickledfrog.co.uk

Snow leopard cub name is revealed Marwell Zoo recently celebrated the birth of snow leopard cub triplets. Not only was it great news for staff and guests to the park, it was also an important achievement for the conservation of these beautiful animals. Keepers named the female cub Animesh which means ‘bright’ and ‘to stare open eyed’ in Nepalese. This name was chosen because she opened her eyes particularly early. The first male cub was given the name Ariun which means ‘pure’ in Mongolian and the public were invited to name the second male cub. After much deliberating, the keepers picked their favourite 5 names and went to a public vote. After an online poll to the request, Ajendra (AJ) won with a huge majority of 43 per cent of the vote.

You can visit AJ and his brother and sister at Marwell Zoo, open daily from 10am - 5pm.

Visit: www.marwell.org.uk

The Three Bears Play Café launches ‘Shop Local’ Local mumpreneur Bev Edwards has launched ‘Shop Local’ at The Three Bears Play Cafe in Victoria Road, Woolston. ‘Shop Local’ gives small business mums the opportunity to hire a high street shop on a daily basis in their local area. Bev said “I have so many talented mums that regularly visit the Play Cafe and when I was thinking of ways to make more use of our rooms the idea of ‘Shop Local’ just came to me… sellers can book a trial day to start with for just £20, so it is an affordable way of growing their business and increasing sales without the overheads.”

For more details contact Bev Edwards on 023 8042 0991.

DISTRIBUTORS WANTED

Why we should all walk to school Beat the traffic and get you and your kids out in the fresh air during International Walk to School Month this October. Each year, primary school children from across the UK join forces with over 40 countries worldwide to celebrate the benefits of walking to school and this October is no different, with the month-long activity encouraging pupils to walk to school at least once a week. Many parents know that walking is actually quicker and less stressful than taking the car and they value the opportunity to spend quality time with their children. It also increases air quality with fewer cars on the streets and strengthen communities, where children and parents are seen in the streets! www.livingstreets.org.uk

Families Solent West is looking for distributors in the Southampton area.

If you have a car and a few hours to spare every two months and want to earn some extra money please contact: Rebecca ( 02380 403247 or 8 editor@familiessolentwest.co.uk

www.etsy.com/shop/emilyandevelyn September/ October 2013

Families Solent West

5

Education feature

Preparing your child for their first day at a new school

We moved in May, so from then until the end of July she and I would watch, each morning, as the children walked and ran and scootered past our door, in their grey and purple uniforms. They looked happy and excited; they were meeting their friends, having fun. The street would then go quiet until about 10.30am when we’d hear them again in the playground; and then again after lunch, until at 3.30pm they’d all stream out again, and head back home with their mummies and the occasional daddy.

I’m sure I talked to Rosie about what it would be like in reception class, and I’m sure I taught her to open her lunchbox and get her own shoes on and off and all the other things you’re advised to do before your child’s first day at school; but the truth is that nothing prepared her for school as much as those weeks of simply living next door to it. The experience normalised what was going to be a huge change in her life: it showed her, better than any words from me could, that school was where children went when they were old enough. Watching those happy-looking kids skipping past our door, hearing them calling to their friends and generally picking up a sense that school was fun and exciting, was the best possible way of introducing her to her new life.

In time my three younger daughters followed their big sister to that same school, and they – like Rosie – all took it in their stride. They, of course, were wellused to the primary by then: unlike Rosie, they would be there every morning and every afternoon, dropping off or collecting a big sister or sisters. They would pick up on the excitement and happiness of school by osmosis, seeing their sisters and their friends as they bounced up alongside their buggy – and they’d be drinking it all in.

This, it seems to me, is the number one best way to get your child ready for primary school: as much as you can, show rather than tell. Try to be around the school sometimes as the children arrive or as they’re leaving for home; if you have friends with children already there, ask to go along with them sometimes for the drop-off or the pickup. Give your child every opportunity you can to imbibe the sense that school is an exciting and interesting place to be.

Every child, and every parent, gets a bit nervous before their child starts at a new school. Even after 17 years of being a parent with children in school, I’m feeling a bit worried about my youngest daughter’s move to secondary school in September. The fact that I’ve done school starts many, many times before doesn’t alter the fact that this is a first for Catriona, and because it’s a first for Catriona it’s a first for me too. But what I now know is how important it is for me to be confident, and to be positive, about the move. Of course I have mixed feelings: of course I’m a bit worried about how she’ll cope in new surroundings, about whether she’ll find it easy to make new friends, about whether she’ll like the school food and about whether she’ll settle down to the work.

And when she wants to talk about those fears – because, of course, she has them

Images © Dunnes Stores

The summer before my eldest daughter started at primary school, a rather wonderful thing happened. We were having work done on our house, and by chance a friend mentioned that a friend of hers was looking for a housesitter. It suited us perfectly to move out of our home for a few months, to escape the builders’ dust, so we did just that. And our temporary home, as it happened, was next door to the primary school at which Rosie would start in September.

too and it’s important not to deny our children’s feelings – I do. But I always remember to talk to her as well about how exciting this new start is going to be: because every beginning is a bit scary and involves risks - but our lives move on and grow and become whole because we embrace them and we’re brave about them.

Children worry when we worry, and they’re confident when we’re confident.

So if you’ve got a child starting school this autumn, the number one thing to do is find the confidence in yourself: empathise with your child, but empathise with the fact that her world is opening up and becoming more exciting as well as with the fact that there will be wobbles.

Try not to worry too much about the problems: believe in your own, and believe in your child’s, ability to deal with these as they come along. Don’t even, for a minute, bother about things like maths and English and reading: no, honestly, I mean it. Those things are for further down the line: all you have to think about, this September, is delivering a child to school with a song in his or her heart. Do that, and everything else will be easy.

Home-School Tutoring UK (est. 1984) Tutors (with full references/CRB checked) available for:

Images © Dunnes Stores

• • • • •

All ages, levels and subjects Special Needs Support Exam Preparation Support with Home Schooling Holiday and/or Term time work

Initial consultation is free and without obligation

Please contact the Area Advisor for Hampshire (West & Central) Mrs Alex Murray-Twinn, BA (Hons) PGCE, NPQH e: alex.murray-twinn@homeschooltutoring.co.uk t: 02380 275573 www.homeschooltutoring.co.uk 6

September/ October 2013

Families Solent West

Which Secondary School is right for my child?

Joanna Moorhead on the 10 things you need to know when choosing ‘big school’

1. Make your own mind

up. It’s amazing how many parents never even look round a school because of what they’ve heard. A school that doesn’t suit another family could be just right for yours

2. Listen to your child’s

feelings as well as your own.

Choosing his or her primary was down to you and your partner; but your 11-year-old deserves a say.

3. Use open days wisely.

If you can, go to a daytime visit (especially to a school that seems a strong contender) because you’ll see it in working mode.

4. Listen to your instincts.

If a school doesn’t feel right, move on. You don’t have to explain yourself or your reasons for doing so to anyone else (although you do, of course, need to discuss it with your child if your instincts are different).

5. Think about your child’s

talents and interests and ponder carefully whether they’ll be catered for. But think too about what the school offers that might be harder to pick up at home.

We’re a family of journalists, where literacy is easier for us as parents; so I’m glad my girls went to a school that specialised in maths and science, even though these weren’t their strongest subjects.

6. Look at the school’s

league tables, but don’t pin everything on them. Read the Ofsted report and pay attention to how the school has done over time. If it’s had a dip, are there signs of improvement or suggestions that it could turn round?

September/ October 2013

7. Go to the head teacher’s

talk and take your notebook.

This is an important part of the event: not only do you need to pick up on the head’s attitude and values and what matters most to him or her, but you also need to pay special attention to anything that’s said about the entrance criteria. Understanding that is the crucial next stage.

8. When the time comes

to fill in the forms, allow yourself lots of time and do it extremely carefully. If you find it all too confusing, talk to your child’s primary teacher or head, or call the education department at your local authority.

9. Have a plan of action

for what you’ll do if you don’t get the school you’re hoping for. There’s a lot of movement in the first few weeks after places are allocated, and many children get in from waiting lists. Don’t underestimate how much hard work an appeal can be,That’s not to say don’t do it: just be prepared.

Need childcare?

Then let the Hampshire Childcare and Family Information Team help!

For information about childminders, day nurseries, pre-schools, playgroups, out-of-school clubs, holiday play schemes and free part time early years education in Hampshire, contact the Hampshire Childcare and Family Information Team on

0845 603 5620 Monday - Friday: 8.00am - 8.00pm Saturday: 9.30am - 4.00pm or visit

www.fid.hants.gov.uk

Email: childrens.services@hants.gov.uk

www.hants.gov.uk

FamiliesSept2013_Layout 1 09/08/2013 15:06 Page 1

Hampshire Collegiate Prep School The best in everyone TM

10. Remember that, at

the end of the day, parents make more difference to a child’s future than a school does. Even if your child doesn’t get into your first choice of school (and one in seven didn’t last year) your attitude to that could be a much bigger factor in what happens next for your child than the school itself.

Have confidence, first and foremost, in your child. And believe that, together, you will work things out if and when you come up against problems.

Visit our website for more top tips on choosing a secondary school.

www.familiessolentwest.co.uk

OPEN EVENING Thursday 19 September 3.30pm-5.30pm OPEN DAY Wednesday 9 October 12.00pm-3.00pm Hampshire Collegiate Prep School Embley Park, Romsey, Hampshire SO51 6ZA Tel: 01794 515737 info@hampshirecs.org.uk www.hampshirecs.org.uk

Families Solent West

7

Education feature

The benefits of inclusion

By Rachael Ross

When I went to school in the mid ‘70s and ‘80s, children with any form of disability were not actively encouraged into mainstream education. This absence of anyone with a disability was also reflected in the wider community.

Consequently when I left school, and for much of my early adult life, I had never even met or spoken to a person with a disability, leaving me awkward and unsure how to interact in their company.

Thankfully times have changed, and children with a wide variety of additional needs are now commonplace in mainstream education. Children like my son Max. Max is eight and has Down syndrome. Until the 1970s it was still widely believed that children with Down syndrome were uneducable, and they were denied that most fundamental of childhood rights; an education. We now know that with right specialist support these children can learn alongside their peers, and today, more children than ever before are being successfully included in mainstream schools. That’s not to say that special schools do not play an equally important role. It has to be a decision based on what’s best for each individual child and their specific needs.

For Max, the benefits in attending mainstream education are huge. Speech and language issues are a significant problem for nearly all children with Down syndrome, and can lead to frustration and isolation if not tackled head on. Studies show that when they attend mainstream school, these children develop at least two years faster with spoken language and literacy.

Images © Steve Reid Blitz Photography

They also benefit from having positive role models. Max needs to be around his typically developing peers, not just

for PE and playtime, but there needs to be meaningful interaction. He needs to feel that he is part of the class, part of the wider school community, with the same opportunities and responsibilities as the other children. Otherwise how can we expect him to interact successfully with society as an adult?

We are very fortunate that Max’s teachers have created a welcoming and caring environment where he is very much a part of school life. When we visit, I am always overwhelmed by the genuine affection and friendship shown to Max by both staff and pupils. Many of the children have grown up with Max, and see it as nothing unusual that he is in their class working with them.

In turn, I’m sure the children benefit from being with Max. They learn to celebrate differences, acceptance and patience, and will hopefully grow into more tolerant adults which will lead to a more accepting and integrated society.

Inclusion is helping to steadily improve society’s attitude towards Down syndrome, fuelled by more positive media portrayal. Several top retailers including M&S, Next and Boden have used children with Down syndrome in their advertising campaigns. Actors with Down syndrome have played characters in popular TV shows such as Glee and Downton Abbey. Individuals are becoming role models, and are themselves changing misconceptions, like Simon Beresford, who in 2007 became the first person with Down syndrome to complete the London Marathon, and now eight marathons later is an inspiration for people around the world.

More is being achieved than ever before, but there is a still a long way to go. Down syndrome is the most common cause of intellectual disability and yet funding does not reflect this. The situation has worsened in the recent economic climate, and parents are becoming increasingly frustrated by the lack of access to specialist support like speech and language therapy, which help enable their children to participate in mainstream education. As the Coalition Government plans to ‘end the bias towards mainstream’, there is a real risk that 30 years of slow uphill progress will be undermined unless there is adequate investment in training, research, resources and specialist support.

We have seen glimpses of what can be achieved as children with the right skills and support go on to lead more

8

September/ October 2013

independent and productive lives, enter employment, and become valued members of their communities. But as yet, there has never been an entire generation of children with Down syndrome that has passed through the system with adequate and sustained support in all areas of need, continuing into early adulthood. Until this happens, we will never be sure of their true capabilities.

Rachael is the Chair of Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association (Footprints) which offers friendship, advice and a wide range of educational services to children, their families, schools and professionals in Portsmouth and across the South East. www.footprintsds.org

Facts about Down Syndrome • •

•

•

•

Approximately 1 in 1,000 babies in the UK are born with Down syndrome.

Most people born with Down syndrome have an extra copy of chromosome 21, making a total of 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46.

In 1960 the life expectancy for someone with Down syndrome was 10. In 1983 it was 25. Today it is 60+.

Studies show 87% of children with Down syndrome attend mainstream primary schools, but only 25% go on to mainstream secondary schools as access to specialist support like speech and language therapy declines further.

It is estimated that 80% of adults with DS could enter employment with the right support, only 20% are given the opportunity.

Families Solent West

Education feature

Extra-curricular activities

By Ellen Arnison

As well as learning new skills, more subtle benefits include fostering a sense of community, increasing self-sufficiency and allowing a child – particularly one in a large family – something they feel is their own. Club time can also allow one-to-one time for other children.

While these advantages are very real, care must be exercised when choosing activities. Too many and the wrong ones will only leave everyone fed up and exhausted.

Football or ballet, drama or Brownies how do you know what, and how much, out-of-school activity is right for your child?

Not long after your son or daughter disappears through the classroom door for the first time, the choice becomes bewildering. Their schoolbags come home stuffed with leaflets from this or that organisation promising all manner of benefits from enrolling in their classes. You may find yourself feeling guilty if you don’t sign up to everything.

Please take a deep breath and relax.

Extra-curricular activities are not essential; many children do perfectly well without them. However, there are some benefits from a few well-chosen groups, clubs or classes.

With the best will in the world, school cannot teach all the skills you might consider essential for modern life.

Swimming lessons, for example, or cycling proficiency are crucial for safety.

In addition, carefully selected activities can bring numerous other benefits that could help your child now and in the future. They will get a huge confidence boost from participating in an enjoyable activity they are successful at. A shy child, for example, may flourish in a dance class.

The easy choices are the ones your children are desperate to do. Although beware of signing up for something just because your son or daughter’s best friend is doing it, this may not be a good enough reason.

Ask yourself if your child gets something from the activity that they don’t get elsewhere and that it complements what’s already going on. For example, an active youngster who is already in the football team might be better balancing their activities with music or drama than adding another sport. Equally a child timid in the classroom may get great gains from being in a choir if it boosts their confidence.

A more tricky area is an activity you’d like your child to do when they’d rather spend their after-school time at home relaxing.

Only you can tell if they are genuinely exhausted by a day’s education or not.

However, do take their views into account as there really is no point in forcing a child into something they hate. And some school stages are more taxing than others.

After-school activities affect the whole family. No one wants to spend all their time ferrying children from one activity to another while dinner that still needs to be prepared and other children become resentful.

So only commit to out-of-school activities that fit comfortably into the schedule and budget. It may transpire that your time and money can be better spent on family activities at home.

While extra classes keep your children entertained and active, it’s also important that they have some unstructured time – even that they are allowed to feel bored. If they bounce from one organised thing to the next, they’ll never learn the important skill of amusing themselves.

September/ October 2013

Liat Hughes Joshi, author of Raising Children: The Primary Years, told Parentdish: “If you decide to do none at all, you won't be short-changing her if her after-school activity consists of nothing more than a TV programme, a snack and some good, old-fashioned playing.”

Special Educational Needs activities Children with special educational needs can benefit hugely from wellchosen extra-curricular activities.

Even with the best educational support, SEN children can often feel ‘less’ than their peers. They may be aware of their difficulties and differences and this can have a profound effect on their confidence.

Therefore an activity they can participate in successfully is a huge boost to their self-esteem. For example a dyslexic child, for whom school is a struggle, may blossom as a leading light in the dance troupe. Equally there are other more educational and developmental benefits that make extra-curricular activities important. Dyspraxic youngsters, for instance, can find their co-ordination improves while doing karate or trampolining.

Clubs can be important social outlets for SEN children, perhaps giving them a chance to meet others facing similar challenges.

Families Solent West

9

Education feature

Has England got it wrong?

By Joanna Moore

we can see that education in Scotland is run very differently. There, students take a curriculum in which national exams for 16-year-olds have been abolished.

While schools in England encourage students to specialise, Scottish schools traditionally aim for a greater breadth of knowledge. Their secondary education lasts six years, ending with a single set of national exams, and their university degree programs last four years, compared with only three in England and Wales. In a nutshell, Scottish schools focus on more than just tests.

Here in England our students are used to a selective, vigorous education.

We specialise in subjects at an early age. Our courses are test-driven, our exams rigorous and getting more so, and subjects such as music, drama and sport have been all but squeezed out. But have we got it all wrong?

As education minister Michael Gove announces measures to make the exams taken by students in England even more demanding, look across the border and

10 September/ October 2013

‘When the Scottish Parliament came into being in 1999, we realised our schools were not performing as well as they should,’ said the Scottish education minister, Michael Russell. ‘Our students were overexamined, our schools overinspected and the curriculum was too divided up and too shallow.’ So Scotland introduced the Curriculum for Excellence, paying more attention to how subjects were taught. Starting with kindergarten, the curriculum has progressed through the system one year at a time and has

just reached the 16-year-olds who, until this year, would have taken Standard Grade exams. Students still take exams in as many as 15 subjects but those are pass/fail and set by their teachers. ‘I don’t believe for a minute that Curriculum for Excellence is touchy-feely or that we are watering down standards,’ said Gordon Moulsdale, head teacher at Bishopbriggs Academy near Glasgow.

‘It used to be that only students who did well on exams were thought of as the smart ones. But we’ve learned that there are different kinds of intelligence.’ The changes mean a slightly longer school week, and more time for music, drama, sports and community service: precisely the areas that have been squeezed in England by the need to prepare students for so many exams. It is clear that in Scotland there is no appetite for the selective, competitive and test-driven approach being promoted by Michael Gore in England, and it looks like the experiment is succeeding. So should England take note?

Families Solent West

Win a family ticket to Beaulieu for October Half Term

Featured attraction: Royal Navy Submarine Museum

Beaulieu is reputed to be one of Britain’s most haunted places and ghosts have often been seen and heard in its 13th century Abbey and at Palace House, home of the Montagu family since 1538. This October Half Term, 26th October – 3rd November, Halloween descends on Beaulieu with plenty of themed activities to enjoy. Hear Spooky Stories from the costumed guides in Palace House, take a lucky dip in the Witches Cauldron and be given a Gruesome Face Painting. In the National Motor Museum, follow the Halloween Trail and see some of the 250 vehicles on show, from early motor cars to Land Speed Record Breakers.

Beaulieu is open daily from 10am – 5pm.

To enter the competition to win a family ticket, go to our website: www.familiessolentwest.co.uk/competitions The closing date is Friday 18 October. Only one entry per household.

Win a family ticket to see Room on the Broom or Stick Man at Winchester Theatre Royal Following three sell-out international tours and two West End runs, Stick Man is back! Featuring a trio of actors, puppetry, catchy tunes and funky moves. suitable for children aged 3+ their friends and families.

Adapted for the stage from the best-selling book

by Children’s Laureate Julia Donaldson MBE and Axel Scheffler Room on the Broom is a magical, musical delight for children aged 3+.

To celebrate these two great shows, Families Solent West has a family ticket to giveaway for each show.

The ticket for Room on the Broom will be on Wednesday 18th September at 4.30pm and Stick Man is for Friday 18th October at 2.30pm. To enter the competition please go to our website. Only one entry per household. Terms and conditions apply. www.familiessolentwest.co.uk/competitions Entries for Room on the Broom must be received by 5pm on Monday 16th September and for Stick Man enties must be received by 5pm on Tuesday 15th October. Winners will be notified by email. No cash alternative is available.

Illustration: copyright © Axel Scheffler & Macmillan Children’s Books

September/ October 2013

Dive into history at the Royal Navy Submarine Museum, go onboard our submarines and meet a real submariner to hear his stories about living beneath the waves.

Set on the site on the submarine service’s 20th century base on the Gosport side of Portsmouth Harbour, the museum is home to the Royal Navy’s very first submarine Holland 1 and the only surviving WW2 era submarines in the UK, HMS Alliance and X24.

This family friendly museum has working periscopes, hands on interactive games, the “Horrible Science of Submarines” exhibition and a new family play centre “Busy Boat Bay”.

Did you know?

That submariners are nick named “the pirates”?

This is because in the early days of the submarine service, an Admiral of the traditional Royal Navy was very suspicious of submarines because they could not be seen, and he commented that all submariners should be hung as pirates. One of the early submarine commanders Admiral Sir Max Horton took this literally and when he sailed back into harbour on his submarine, he flew a Jolly Roger in defiance. Since then all submarines that have seen conflict have made their own Jolly Roger flags.

What’s coming up?

This Autumn Half term visitors can discover the horrors of the deep. Meet a submariner, go onboard HMS Alliance and find out just how smelly submariners were, the ghastly food they ate and how sub loos could turn into poo fountains.

For Halloween on Thursday 31st October take part in terrific games such as special submarine apple bobbing, spooky lantern making and listen to the chilling stories about the creatures of the sea.

The new indoor play area Busy Boats bay is open for fun every day. From water play, to dressing up as pirates and playing in our yellow submarine.

There is always something to keep all ages busy.

What do our visitors say?

“We have had a fantastic day… bought four children ranging from 8 down to 5 and they loved every minute” “What an amazing time we had... Busy Boats had to be the highlight for my 3 year old and 6 month old, and I wanted to say how wonderful and imaginative it was.”

For more information, news and special offers visit www.hampshireattractions.co.uk Become a fan: www.facebook.com/HampshireTopAttractions Follow Us: www.twitter.com/HantsTopDaysOut

Families Solent West

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What’s on Until 22 September

Go! Rhinos sculpture trail in Southampton Take the trail around Southampton to find 97 rhino sculptures. Download the free app at: www.gorhinos.co.uk Throughout September Horrible Science of Submarines Submarine Musuem 10am – 4.30pm

www.submarine-museum.co.uk

A funny family exhibition looking at the Horrible side of life as a submariner written by the bestselling author of the Horrible Science books, Nick Arnold and illustrated by Tony De Saulles.

12

September/ October 2013

4 September Little Foresters (Woodland Parent & Toddler Group) Itchen Valley Country Park 10.00am to 11.30am.

Cost £3.00 per child (and accompanying adult). Booking is essential. An outdoor group for parents and pre-school children age 2+ - den building, campfires, crafts, bushcraft activities, stories and games.

5 September Little Foresters (Woodland Parent & Toddler Group) Itchen Valley Country Park 10.00am to 11.30am.

Cost £3.00 per child (And accompanying adult). Booking is essential. An outdoor group for parents and pre-school children age 2+ den building, campfires, crafts, bushcraft activities, stories and games.

6 September Bat ‘n’ Burger Evening Itchen Valley Country Park 6.45pm to 9.00pm Adult £8 Concession £7 Booking is essential. Have a burger and a drink before going on a bat walk with our expert from the Amphibian Reptile Conservation Trust. Age 6+

Please always phone or view the website before attending the event listed in case details have changed since we

14 September

Baby and Children's Market The Romsey School Main Hall, Greatbridge, Romsey SO51 8ZB 2pm to 4pm babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk

Over 30 stalls selling excellent quality pre loved and new items for boys and girls aged from 0 to 10 years.

Entrance is £1, Kids: Free.

Refreshments are served in the cafe provided by The Cupcake Angel. Parking is free. For further information call 07580 410594.

Nearly New Children & Baby Sale, Victory Hall, Warsash SO31 9HW 10am-11.45am, admission £1 The Parent Network is holding its Autumn/Winter Nearly New Sale. High quality baby and children's clothes, toys and books will be available, as well as nursery equipment and a host of other baby and toddler accessories! The entrance fee is £1 and will be given to local cause 'Help4Harvey' a young local boy suffering from spastic diplegia cerebral palsy.

15 September Meet the Author - Derek Landy Winchester Discovery Centre 2pm Admission: £5 Derek Landy is the number 1 bestselling author of the Skulduggery Pleasant series, starring the suave and fast talking skeleton detective and his tough teen sidekick Valkyrie. Meet the Golden God himself and hear about the penultimate instalment Last Stand of Dead Men. Derek will be signing books after his talk.

18 - 19 September Room on The Broom Winchester Theatre Royal Box office: 01962 840440 18 Sep at 1.30pm & 4.30pm 19 Sep at 10.30am & 1.30pm Tickets £12.00 How the cat purred and how the witch grinned. As they sat on their broomstick and flew through the wind. The witch and her cat are flying happily along on their broomstick when a stormy wind blows the witch’s hat, bow and wand away into the night. With the help of a daft dog, a beautiful bird and a friendly frog, her

Families Solent West

belongings are retrieved. But this broomstick’s not meant for five and – crack! - it snaps in two! When a hungry dragon appears, who will save the poor witch? And will there ever be room on the broom for everyone? A magical, musical delight for children aged 3+ 19 September Twiglets (Forest School for 3 / 4 years plus adults).

Itchen Valley Country Park 9.30am to 11.30am. £30.00 for 6 x weekly sessions.

Booking is essential.

A regular weekly session for 3 & 4 year olds taking part in Forest School activities; den building, woodland crafts, campfires, stories and games Gardening Group Open Day Royal Victoria Country Park Drop in anytime between 10am and 3pm, Free Come and join the ‘Friends of RVCP’s gardening group.

Find out what they get up to and help out with bulb planting and other activities. Enjoy a hot drink and some delicious homemade cakes.

25 September 25 September Little Foresters (Woodland Parent & Toddler Group) Itchen Valley Country Park 10.00am to 11.30am.

Cost £3.00 per child (And accompanying adult). Booking is essential.

An outdoor group for parents and pre-school children age 2+ - den building, campfires, crafts, bushcraft activities, stories and games.

September/ October 2013

26 September

6 October

Little Foresters (Woodland Parent & Toddler Group) Itchen Valley Country Park 10.00am to 11.30am. £3.00 per child (plus adult). Booking is essential. An outdoor group for parents and preschool children- den building, campfires, crafts, bushcraft activities, stories and games.

Comedy Club 4 Kids Winchester Discovery Centre 1.30pm £10. The Comedy Club 4 Kids give you cracking entertainment for everyone over six years. old and under 400 years old (no vampires or Highlanders).

29 September

10 - 14 October

Solent Boat Jumble Royal Victoria Country Park From 10am, £4 per person (accompanied children and parking are free) Find boating and water sport equipment at bargain prices. On the main event field.

Go! Rhinos farewell weekend Marwell Wildlife See website for opening times and entry costs Say goodbye to our rhinotastic sculptures as they all gather in the park before our big fundraising auction.

Throughout October

12 - 13 October

Horrible Science of Submarines Submarine Musuem 10am – 4.30pm A funny family exhibition looking at the Horrible side of life as a submariner written by the bestselling author of the Horrible Science books, Nick Arnold and illustrated by Tony De Saulles.

5 - 6 October Hampshire Harvest Weekend Winchester Cathedral From 10am. A free family event celebrating the County’s food and farming. Includes a Farmers’ Market, mobile farm, children’s activities, displays, craft demonstrations and a programme of musical entertainment – all taking place in the Cathedral

Hampshire Octoberfest 11am - 7pm Sat & 5pm Sun Milestones Museum, Family ticket: from £19 From vintage cars and bikes to steam rides, ferret racing to face painting, circus skills to a Victorian fun fair, the Octoberfest is a firm fixture in the family calendar.

12 - 13 October

The Big Draw 2013 The Spinnaker Tower, Open daily 10am - 6pm The Spinnaker Tower is putting on its artistic beret this October and hosting a Big Draw event on its view decks, set 100 metres above Portsmouth Harbour. Visitors are invited to collaborate on a colourful creation on the tower’s windows, to create a futuristic outlook across the city. The Big Draw has a different theme every year for the novice artists to interpret in their creations. Over 1000 events will be held across the UK during the month-long festival, with this year’s theme set as ‘Draw Tomorrow’.

Families Solent West

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12 October

16 - 17 October

Autumn Pumpkin Festival & Scarecrow Avenue Royal Victoria Country Park 12 noon – 5.30pm £3 adults, £1 children Autumnal fun for all the family with seasonal stalls and activities. Food, drink, arts and crafts, giant pumpkins and ‘Scarecrow Avenue’. Plus live music in the performance marquee. Don’t forget to bring your own scarecrow and pumpkins.

Little Foresters Itchen Valley Country Park 10.00am to 11.30am. £3.00 per child (plus adult). Booking is essential. An outdoor group for parents and pre-school children age 2+ - den building, campfires, crafts, bushcraft activities, stories and games

16 October ‘Mud & Splash’ Welly Walk Royal Victoria Country Park 11am – 12noon or 1.30pm – 2.30pm Please book in advance.£2.50. Join us for a splish splosh splash around the park. With storytelling, an activity, drink and biscuit.

Don’t forget your wellies!

Suitable for pre-school children

18 - 20 October Stick Man - Live on Stage!

by Scamp Theatre Winchester Theatre Royal Box office: 01962 840440 18 Oct at 2.30pm, 19 & 20 Oct 11am & 2.30pm. Tickets £13, family £44. Based upon the book by Julia Donaldson, Illustrated by Axel Scheffler, ‘Stick Man lives in the family tree with his Stick Lady Love and their stick children...’ But the world is a dangerous place for Stick Man. A dog wants to play with him. A swan builds a nest with him. He even ends up on a fire! Will he ever get back to the family tree?

October Half Term 26 Oct - 3 Nov Tudor House

Ghostastic Trail Royal Victoria Country Park 10am – 3.30pm Price: £1.50 per trail Follow our self-guided spooky trail around the Park. There’s a prize if you get all the way round. But watch out for those ghouls and monsters that may be on the prowl. Trails available from the shop.

Halloween Quiz Trail Lepe Country Park 10am – 3pm, £2 per child, no need to book. Pick up a trail card from the park office and return with the correct answers to claim your prize.

14 September/ October 2013

Freaky fun for all the family Halloween Festival.

Marwell Wildlife Watch as our animals enjoy some tasty pumpkin enrichment treats, meet our mini beasts, take part in our spooky storytelling, ride on our hauntingly good Ghost Train (fee applies) and create your own Halloween pumpkin.

Visit the website for opening times/ entry prices. www.marwell.org.uk Spooky Halloween Trail Itchen Valley Country Park Any time between 10.30am and 3.30pm. Cost £1.75 per trail pack. Come along and take part in our (in)famous trail – prizes available.

Enchanted Tower Tales at The Spinnaker Tower Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth www.spinnakertower.co.uk Join a host of fairytale characters at the Spinnaker Tower this Halloween as the tower is transformed for an enchanting half term event.

19 October Nearly New Sale Fareham & District National Childbirth Trust (NCT) Titchfield Community Centre, Mill Street, Titchfield PO14 4AB, 10am – 11.30am 23 October Itchen Valley Country

Little Foresters (Woodland Parent & Toddler Group) Itchen Valley Country Park 10.00am to 11.30am. Cost £3.00 per child (plus adult).

Booking is essential. An outdoor group for parents and pre-school children age 2+ den building, campfires, crafts, bushcraft activities.

25 Oct - 3 Nov 10 days Creative Collisions Winchester 2013 Visit Winchester to discover a trail of original contemporary visual art at venues across the city specially created for a 10-day creative arts event by local artists. Visit www.10dayswinchester.org

Families Solent West Magazine is distributed to over 20,000 families To advertise YOUR BUSINESS with us call: 023 8040 3247

26 Oct - 3 Nov

26 October

Ghosts & Ghouls Half Term Hauntings at Beaulieu 10am – 5pm daily www.beaulieu.co.uk Beaulieu is supposed to be one of Britain’s most haunted places and ghosts have often been seen and heard in the 13th century Abbey and at Palace House. So, if you're looking for something spooky to do this October half-term, look no further than Beaulieu. There will be lots of strange goings-on for you to get involved with: Come and follow the Halloween quiz trail and take a lucky dip in our mysterious box of delights. Listen to spooky stories from the costumed guides in Palace House. Have your face painted as a witch, skeleton or something equally as scary. Take a ride on the moan-a-rail - if you're feeling brave! It will be quite a spectre-cle!

Fireworks at Beaulieu Please check with the venue for event times www.beaulieu.co.uk Be wowed by the explosive and dynamic fireworks display, set to an "I Spy" theme.

Have fun on the Beaulieu Rides, Drives and Old-Time Fairground entertainments including a Big Wheel, Gallopers and Swing Boats.

Hot food and drinks are available both inside and out, as well as roast chestnuts and candyfloss. Everyone is invited to get in the spirit of the night...in 'Spy' fancy dress... with prizes going to the best dressed.

Exbury Gardens

Families Solent West

28 October

29 - 30 October

Apple Day Royal Victoria Country Park 11am – 3pm Some activities may incur a small charge. Appletastic crafts and activities with the ‘Friends of RVCP’. In and around the Empire room.

Halloween Horrors Royal Victoria Country Park 6pm or 7pm Price: £5 per person. All children must be accompanied by an adult Visit the Haunted Chapel for spooky stories and creepy crafts. Spaces are limited advance booking is essential.

Watercress Line

30 October

29 October The Big Draw! Wylie’s wonders!

Submarine Museum Be inspired by Portsmouth Harbour and maritime artist William Wylie and create your own artwork based on Portsmouth Harbour. Then either take it home or leave it for us to hang in our Wylie’s inspired gallery!

Lepe in the Dark Lepe Country Park 6pm – 8pm, £5.00 per person, booking is essential A chance to explore the park after dark, looking for signs of nocturnal life – a great alternative to Halloween.

Finish with hot chocolate and marshmallows around the bonfire.

Paper Cup Cats or Witches Itchen Valley Country Park Any time between 10.30am and 12.30pm. Cost £2.00 per cat. Why not make a seasonal cat or witch out of a paper cup?

Spooky Woodland Activity Day Itchen Valley Country Park 9.30am to 3.30pm. Cost £20.00 per child. Booking is essential. A day of spooky activities in the woodland including dens and campfire cooking for 6 – 11 year olds.

30 October Halloween Fun at Spooky Tudor House & Garden 10.30am – 3.30pm Adults £4.75, conc £3.75, children 5-16 years What better place to spend Halloween than ‘spooky’ Tudor House. Meet our friendly spirits in the banqueting hall, and pick up your witch trail. Take part in family craft activities and vampire photobooth. Come in fancy dress!

31 October Lepe in the Dark Lepe Country Park 6pm – 8pm Price: £5.00 per person, booking essential A chance to explore the park after dark, looking for signs of nocturnal life – a great alternative to Halloween.

To include your event in our what's on guide, please email your event to editor@familiesolentwest.co.uk

31 October

31 Oct - 3 Nov

Horrors of the Deep Submarine Museum Come and take part in some terrific games such as special submarine apple bobbing, spooky lantern making and listen to some chilling stories about the creatures from the deep. Free with valid museum ticket

Wizard Weekend Watercress Line Adult £14, Child (aged 2-16 yrs) £7, Child under 2 free, Family £35 It's time to board the Wizard Express! Watch the Watercress Line transform in to a place of magic and mischief on Halloween! Walk in Harry Potter's footsteps over the railway footbridge where he received his Hogwarts Express ticket; the famous film location from Kings Cross station that is now here at the Watercress Line! Come dressed as a witch, wizard or Halloween spook and find out about bats, owls and all things magical! With craft activities, face painting, witches Besom brooms and daily shows from the FalconHigh display team.

Find out more and book your tickets at www.watercressline. co.uk or pay on the day.

Manor Farm Trick or Treat Manor Farm and Country Park 6pm, 6.45pm & 7.30pm Child £6.50 (includes goody bag & treats), Adult £3.50.

Booking essential Meet witches, wizards and things that go bump in the night on this light-hearted guided family tour. Each child receives a goody bag, which they fill with treats along the way and take part in the variety of spooky activities.

Ideal for 6 -12 yrs. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at Farm Reception.

Halloween Lanterns Itchen Valley Country Park Any time between 10.30am and 12.30pm. Cost £3.00 per lantern. Come along and make a lantern out of glass jars, put a tea light in and scare the neighbours!

1 November Halloween Bushcraft and Campfire Itchen Valley Country Park 1.30pm to 3.30pm. Cost £6.00 per child and accompanying adult. For children age 5 to 9 years (and adult), spooky stories, crafts, campfire and games in the woodland.

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Free entry for Kids this Halloween at Tudor House & Garden

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Come along to ‘spooky’ Tudor House this Halloween. Meet our friendly spirits in the banqueting hall and pick up your witch trail. Take part in family craft activities and a vampire photo-booth. Fancy dress too! Please present this voucher to get free entry for children up to 12 years (must be accompanied by a paying adult). Adults £4.75.

Beaulieu

September/ October 2013

For staff use: PLU 120002 Free Child

Families Solent West

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LAST CHANCE TO SEE...

FOR LARGE VISITOR ATTRACTION

The world’s largest official collection of original James Bond vehicles at the National Motor Museum

PLUS...

26 October 3 November 2013

Spooky stories in Palace House Frightening face painting Halloween quiz trail & lucky dip Ride the Moan-A-Rail

HALF PRICE ENTRY

for children in Halloween costume.

Conditions apply (Excludes 26th October)

National Motor Museum BOND IN MOTION World of Top Gear Palace House & Gardens Beaulieu Abbey Beaulieu, New Forest, Hampshire SO42 7ZN Exit 2 M27 Open daily 10am Tel 01590 612345

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September/ October 2013

www.beaulieu.co.uk

Families Solent West