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MAY - JUNE 2017 ISSUE 39

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Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield

…for parents with children aged 0 - 12

Fantastic family days out Dealing with separation anxiety Competitions and giveaways FEWER doctor visits, FEWER missed school days, FEWER soft drinks

100% Fruit & Veg - Better Health - FREE for Kids

Web: Lwoodstock.juiceplus.com

Email: Lwoodstock.juiceplus@gmail.com

Mobile: 07943112186

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email: info@mocktestmasters.com or visit

Email: info@tuition-plus.co.uk www.tuition-plus.co.uk

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Issue 39

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Under 16s go freethe Birmingham Bears C

ome along and see the Birmingham Bears return for fun-packed, adrenalin-fuelled sporting action. The Bears come back to the NatWest T20 Blast this summer at the world-renowned Edgbaston Stadium. Under 16s go completely FREE to all seven group games.

10% off tickets with code FAM2017

Under-16s go free!

Friendly Fan Zone; for four dedicated family days July 8th, 16th, 23rd & 30th they will have a designated Kids Zone that opens two hours before the start of play. Here, the kids can play for FREE in a safe environment, before heading off to complete the unique Bear Hunt around the stadium. Also, why not take advantage of the many giveaways with clappits, hairy headbands and much more to keep as souvenirs from the day.

and explosive three-hour window. There’s never a dull moment with music and entertainment that will have the family on the edge of their seats till the very last ball.

Fast paced for families NatWest T20 Blast is the best of cricket, repackaged with plenty of big hits and delivered in a quick, sharp,

Come and support the Bears’ this summer. For full schedule & tickets: birminghambears.com | Tel: 0844 847 1902

As well as getting to see world class sport, there’s a special kids’ food offering and on-site parking to make your day even easier and enable you to enjoy a fun-filled and great value day out for the whole family.

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Contents

www.familiesonline.co.uk

In this Issue...

4 6 7 8 9 12 14 15 16 17 18 19 Competitions 20 What’s On

News Health & Wellbeing Clubs & Classes Music Activities Education Family Fun Early Years Holiday Clubs Books Summer Events Photography

4 2 steps to 11 plus success

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Can you believe that in just 4 months, your child will be sitting their 11plus exam? Don’t worry! KSOL’s team of tutors have created a two-step plan to help you in these final months: Step 1. Develop a regular study routine and keep sessions short but intense. Julia, a lead tutor at KSOL, recommends KSOL’s online intensive revision courses: “These personalised, daily online tests are perfect for the run up to the real exam. They cover the entire 11+ syllabus and highlight any areas of weakness, providing immediate focus.”

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Step 2. Practice! KSOL mock exams in Birmingham are designed to help prepare children for the academic rigour of the exam paper as well as the stressful nature associated with the whole experience.

With over 10 years of CEM experience, KSOL are pioneers in preparing children for 11+ entrance exams in Birmingham.

Call 0121 733 6558 or visit www.ksol.co.uk to discover more about KSOL’s “2 Steps to Success” offer including 12 week online intensive revision course + a KSOL mock exam (24th June or 5th Aug at Light Hall School, Shirley).

Award-Winning 11+ Specialists

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Hello and welcome to another action-packed issue of Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield.

This May-June period is a very exciting time to be West Midlands parents, with a huge bounty of opportunities to get out and about, making lasting memories with our young families. The possibilities within our fabulous region do seem endless!

As always, Families brings you the very best of what’s on, places to go and things to do. There’s an abundance of great offers and savings throughout this issue, not to mention our regular competitions page.

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11+ Tuition For children in Year 4 & 5

Is your child ready for the 11+ exam?

2 Steps to 11+ Success

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12 Week Intensive Revision Course

Just remember to tell everyone that you read about the best local information right here – in Families Magazine!

Personalised daily online tests

Suzanne Brown, Editor

Weekly tutor feedback

Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield

Next Issue:

Advertisers: Book now for our July - August ‘Summer Holidays’ issue.

Call: 07807 352087 or email: editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk before Friday 9th June 2017 Design: Matt Walton Design

Print: Warners Midlands PLC, Manor Lane, Bourne. PE10 9PH Copyright Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield, May 2017. ©Families Birmingham is part of a registered trademark. Families® Magazines Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Magazine Birmingham are protected by copyright. We take every 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 for any consequence.

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News

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Watch out! Dinosaurs are coming to Birmingham!

There’s no escaping it - this summer an immersive, liveaction dinosaur adventure, Dinosaurs in the Wild, is heading straight to Birmingham NEC. The experience, which will take visitors back by time machine, combines theatre, theme park fun, and the latest science – along with cuttingedge computer-generated animatronics - to create a totally believable prehistoric world. Visitors will feel as though they are really there, in the time of the dinosaurs.

You and your family will be able to examine dinosaur skin under a microscope and test your arm strength in comparison to a Tyrannosaurus Rex. The brand-new 70-minute family adventure includes a thrilling drive across the Cretaceous plains surrounded by herds of dinosaurs – you’ll see amazing views of the wildlife from the huge windows of the research station’s lookout.

Visitors will witness “live” dinosaurs as never seen before – and will see for themselves for the first time what it was really like to be there.

Dinosaurs in the Wild Birmingham NEC | 24 June – 24 August | Tickets £25+ | dinosaursinthewild.com

Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom – Live on stage And for more dinosaur danger ….

From the producers of the hugely successful Peppa Pig theatre tours, Fiery Light Productions, comes a very special visit of the live stage show, Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom.

Fiery Light Productions have brought all the magic of the show from the small screen to the stage in this exciting musical adventure. Ben and Holly have fun and games helping Gaston clean up his messy cave; they go on a trip to The Big World with tooth-fairy Nanny Plum; and still have time to plan a surprise for King Elf’s birthday party, complete with an unplanned jelly flood.

Packed full of games, songs and laughter, this promises to be a stage adventure to delight all the family.

Wed 28 – Thurs 29 June |Birmingham, New Alexandra Theatre atgtickets.com |0844 871 3011

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Issue 39

Meet a Triceratops, a Diplodocus and a T-Rex at Birmingham Botanical Gardens this summer for their dinosaur extravaganza Jurassic Kingdom.

There will be more than 30 life-size, animatronic dinosaurs visiting the Gardens – you and the kids will have an unforgettable experience! jurassickingdom.uk/birmingham 20 May - 4 June Also, why not head over to the recently redeveloped Lapworth Museum of Geology, Edgbaston, to see their dinosaur exhibition. birmingham.ac.uk/facilities/lapworth-museum

Walk to School Week Monday 15-Friday 19 May 2017.

Join thousands of children across the country celebrating the benefits walking brings.

We know that walking to school makes children feel healthier and happier, while reducing congestion and pollution outside the school gates. Yet less than half of primary school children currently walk to school. Living Streets, who organise the annual event, want to reverse this decline and see every child that can, walk to school.

For more information or to order a challenge pack see: www.livingstreets.org.uk/what-we-do

News

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Childline launches new app to offer counselling for kids The NSPCC’s Childline service has just launched a new iPhone app to provide counselling for kids directly through their mobile phones. The ‘For Me’ app allows kids to access Childline’s online services, including 1-2-1 live chats with a counsellor, the ‘Ask Sam’ problem pages and entrance to their private ‘lockers’ – areas where they can write down their own personal thoughts and track their mood.

It was invented by four teenagers who wanted to use technology to address the urgent need for support among young people. Childline founder Esther Rantzen said: “We know hundreds of thousands of young people use our website for help and support, with more than half those visits coming via mobile devices. Now young people can get immediate access to our counsellors through this brilliant, innovative app”.

The App is free to download via iTunes and is designed for discreet usage. www.childline.org.uk

Language skills are vital for our kids’ future UK parents see Mandarin Chinese as the most important nonEuropean language for their children to learn.

French, Spanish and German were still the top languages of choice but a majority of parents saw value in learning Mandarin. More than half (56%) of those questioned in a Populus survey thought that learning Mandarin Chinese would significantly boost their kids’ future career prospects.

Mark Herbert, of the British Council says: “With the global economy becoming more interconnected and the drive to boost exports, language skills are increasingly vital for work and life. If the UK is to remain competitive on the world stage, we need far more of our young people leaving school with a good grasp of Mandarin in order to successfully work abroad or for businesses here in the UK”.

Four out of ten parents have no time for hobbies

Parents of young children will be aware that their time is split between caring for and feeding their children, working and undertaking household chores. But a new survey by Pod Space has revealed that many parents are finding no time for themselves at all.

The survey asked 2,000 adults to note how much time they spent on their own interests and hobbies.

The results showed that 32% of respondents said they spent too much time on chores to have any time for personal matters. Around a third said they were too busy to exercise.

40% said they had no time for hobbies and that the needs of the family had to come first.

Issue 39

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Health & Wellbeing

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Ways to increase your family’s daily water intake Did you know that we don’t function at full capacity when we’re dehydrated?

There are many simple ways to make sure you and your family are drinking enough fluids each day: 1. Start every day with a refreshing glass of water.

It can help boost your metabolism.

2. Try switching soda and fizzy drinks for citrus, mint and apple-infused water.

A delicious, flavoursome punch without all the calories!

3. Add fresh pineapple to a Juice Plus Complete Smoothie to boost your immune system and bone strength.

4. Simply add a squeeze of lemon juice into your water.

It has tons of health benefits and ups the flavour.

By Lesha Woodstock |

For sporty families: 5. Before playing sports - try a watermelon juice drink. It contains an amino acid that prevent sore muscles.

6. For post-sports recovery, why not have a pineapple and ginger juice drink, or try a Juice Plus Complete French Vanilla smoothie. Yum! Make an effort to increase your fluid intake and you and your children will be functioning better in no time.

Another simple change for healthier lifestyle is to add Juice Plus trio capsules to your diet every day to incorporate 30 different fruits and veg every day for optimal health and nutrition.

You’ll need a new bottle for all your tasty new drinks! Get a FREE Infused Water bottle by texting “FREE” to Lesha’s mobile 07943 112186 @WaterInfusedWithLove |

Claim your free Juice Plus+ bottle NOW!

@WaterInfusedWithLove Enter Juice Plus+ competition on page 19

TCPS is a Midlands based, comprehensive psychological service for children and young people and we are rated as Outstanding by Ofsted. If you are concerned about your child’s emotional well-being or mental health and need top quality care quickly it’s likely that we can help.

We specialise in: Autistic Spectrum difficulties Assessment and diagnosis Direct work with children Consultation to professionals and parents Training

Attachment and Trauma

Looked After Children Adoption Separation from parents (e.g. medical treatment, divorce)

General emotional well-being and Mental Health e.g.

Anxiety Depression Behaviour problems

Phobias And many other issues

Just get in touch and our very friendly team will talk through your needs and how we can help!

Office Telephone Number: 01283 840051 Email: enquiries@thechildpsychologyservice.co.uk | Website: www.thechildpsychologyservice.co.uk 6

Issue 39

Clubs and Classes

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A shout out to the boys!

At Masquerade Musical Theatre pupils enjoy a wide variety of experiences, from on-stage productions to examinations. During weekly lessons young budding performers are taught how to excel in drama and musical theatre. Students are encouraged to let their imaginations run wild as they try to portray some well-known characters, such as the Artful Dodger from Oliver or Bugsy Malone himself.

Being a member of Masquerade Musical Theatre will help young people to grow in confidence as they learn many new skills. The boys and girls are encouraged to develop their creative sides and express their emotions in a supportive environment. Pupils will learn to work independently as well as in a team, whilst making many new friends along the way.

If you want to try something a little different, something fun and exciting, and boost your confidence, go along to Masquerade! Boys help to bring drama to life, and Masquerade would love to welcome more boys to their group.

Masquerade Musical Theatre www.masquerademusicaltheatre.com Visit us on Facebook!

Stagecoach Theatre Arts Schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals.

BE GOOD AT BEING YOURSELF

ASK ABOUT OUR TWO WEEK TRIAL

Unlock your child’s potential with Stagecoach Performing Arts Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18 year olds, where students learn to embrace life with creativity and courage

Find us at www.artattheheartltd.co.uk

ART Club

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Stagecoach is a registered trademark of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Ltd.

Boys, would you like to be a pirate sailing the open seas? How about a cowboy in the Wild West? Or even a gangster about the town? You can do all of this and more when you take part in performing arts and step into the magical world of musical theatre.

Art at the Heart Ltd

Learn from Leonardo, paint like Picasso... let your creative potential loose!

Have fun painting, sculpting, drawing and exploring the world through art Build confidence, self-identity and develop communication skills

Find out more today: stagecoach.co.uk/edgbaston edgbaston@stagecoach.co.uk

Run by experienced artist educators in Solihull ™

01926 651159

Creative Courage For Life

CLUBS & CLASSES DANCE & DRAMA CENTRAL STAGE SCHOOL Tap Street Jazz Musical Theatre Solihull: Adult & Children’s Classes Free places for nursery children Tel: Claire 07939 529 227 info@centralstageschool.co.uk

DUBARRIE SCHOOL OF DANCE Ballet, Tap and Jazz age 2 ½ + Branches in Yardley and Solihull Telephone: 0121 744 1422 www.dubarrieschoolofdance.com

®

Tel: 07772 319303 info@artattheheartltd.co.uk

DIRECTORY MASQUERADE MUSICAL THEATRE

MUSIC 1-to-1 drum tuition, City Centre location B I R M I N G H A M Rock School grades 1-8.

Ages 4 upwards.

Book online @ www.birminghamdrumschool.co.uk

Youth Theatre Group, Age 5+

Garretts Green Lane, Sheldon, B26 2SA

Telephone: 0121 722 3761 www.masquerademusicaltheatre.com

Solihull Young Dancers Ballet & Tap Lessons Classes from age 2 ½ + Tel: Kate on 07722 732678

www.solihullyoungdancers.co.uk

TO ADVERTISE HERE CALL 07807 352087

SWIMMING TUITION Swimming lessons

from 3.5 years +

Lessons held in Solihull area.

Learn the 4 strokes for all swimmers using fun themes!

Tel: 0121 405 0550 www.makeasplash.co.uk Promote your little one’s natural reflexes and teach them to swim.

Babies from 6 weeks and older can join the fun!

Tel: 0121 405 0440 www.waterhugs.co.uk

Issue 39

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Music Activities

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BCMG family concert returns this June

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f your children show musical inclinations then a visit to BCMG’s popular Families@4 concert is a must.

These relaxed, hour-long concerts are especially created with children aged 7+ in mind, although younger children are very welcome. Families@4 returns on Sunday 10 June at 4pm, at Birmingham’s CBSO Centre.

The June concert looks at the work of famous composer Harrison Birtwistle, and in particular the musical work, Secret Theatre.

BCMG’s Nancy Evans explains that, “In Secret Theatre, the performers behave as if they are a group of noisy voices on a stage, with each instrument having its own voice and character trying to be heard above the general hubbub. In the Families@4 concert the audience will be asked to imagine what the instruments are saying – it’s a chance to playfully examine a piece of music.”

Arrive at 3pm for free pre-concert craft and music activities in the foyer.

BCMG present Families@4 Sunday 10 June 2017, 4pm Pre-concert activities in the foyer from 3pm CBSO Centre, Birmingham B1 2LF. £5 all tickets No charge for children under 3 years of age. Buy three tickets and the fourth family member gets in for free.

Tickets can be booked in advance via: The Town Hall and Symphony Hall Box Office, Broad Street, Birmingham, B1 2EA Box Office: 0121 780 3333 bcmg.org.uk

Families@�

An hour-long concert for the whole family

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Inspire your child with music

The Strings Club continues to offer its award-winning, Ofsted and EYFS registered, musical Holiday Camps this coming half term and throughout the summer holidays in Harborne, Birmingham, and Sutton Coldfield - offering a great opportunity for children try out a new instrument, make new friends, build confidence and learn new skills whilst having a lot of fun.

Each day at camp is wonderfully different, including a range of creative workshops alongside high quality small group instrumental classes, with a child being able to choose from ukulele, violin, guitar, and cello.

Saturday �� June ���� Concert �pm, fun activities from �pm CBSO Centre, Birmingham B� �LF Join BCMG for a family concert exploring Harrison Birtwistle’s piece Secret Theatre – where all the musicians are imagined as a group of characters on stage, everyone trying to get their voice heard!

What stands out about The Strings Club’s Holiday Camps is the passion and dedication to promoting the learning and development of children in their care - something that has made their Holiday Camps popular with families looking for something fun and educational for their children to do in the holidays. And with 100% of children at recent Holiday Camps saying they wanted to return it is obvious The Strings Club’s Holiday Camps are very popular with the young people in attendance too!

£� all tickets (under-�s go free) Tickets: bcmg.org.uk / ���� ��� ����

Sessions start at £17.50 for a half day and bookings are flexible to allow the right solution for your family’s childcare needs. Visit thestringsclub.org or call 0121 296 9204 for more information.

Issue 39

Education

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Empowering educational experiences

Parents and schools sign up for global movement to learn outdoors Up to half a million children are to learn outside on Outdoor Classroom Day on May 18th 2017 A special day is dedicated to school children across the UK, along with thousands of other schools all over the world, to celebrate Outdoor Classroom Day- a global initiative that encourages teachers to take lessons outside.

Outdoor Classroom Day, now an annual event, is designed to raise awareness of the fact that the outdoors is not just good for health and wellbeing, it also has strong links to improved attention and concentration, increased productivity and learning, better behaviour, and more positive teacher/pupil relationships.

Outdoor Classroom Day will be celebrated in as many as 52 countries with the aim of getting as many children as possible learning and playing outside of their classrooms.

The initiative is being led globally by Project Dirt with the help of the charity Learning through Landscapes, that will lead the campaign in the UK & ROI. Resources for Outdoor Classroom Day can be found at: www.outdoorclassroomday.org.uk

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The centre is built on the belief that learning should be a fun, interactive, and social experience that builds confidence and gets results.

edgbaston tuitioncentre

“Learning Today Leading Tomorrow”

D ITE ES LIMPLAC

dgbaston Tuition Centre’s mission is to provide an empowering learning journey for both child and parent alike, encompassing the educational, the developmental, and the social. They believe that to do so requires a wellrounded approach, balancing the pursuit of academic excellence with the support of life skills and social development.

Centrally located in Edgbaston, it is run by a team of motivated and dedicated staff, who bring with them decades of experience in the education sector, are fully CRB checked, and were specially selected for this Centre.

Edgbaston Tuition Centre aims to: • Help students to excel academically, whatever that means for them • Make learning enjoyable for all • Free up children’s time at home, allowing for more quality family time • Encourage social interaction amongst peers • Build children’s confidence across all areas of their life

0121 455 9211 | edgbastontuitioncentre@gmail.com | www.edgbastontuition.com

Does your child need a tutor?

Children are expected to find their school work challenging, as this drives them forward and helps them to learn. However, if the obstacles to learning seem too high, it can leave a child feeling demoralised and disinterested, and might even result in them falling behind their classmates. The same can happen when a child finds their work is not challenging enough - the lessons can become boring and the child can slip behind through a lack of effort.

If you suspect that your child is having problems with school work for any reason, perhaps support from a private tutor may be beneficial.

Sometimes it can be easy to tell when tuition might help. If you child has a natural aptitude for a certain subject and performs above their expected level, they might enjoy being challenged by a private tutor who can concentrate on their own abilities. Similarly, if you know your child has particular educational needs, you may want to address those requirements with individual support.

For more information try contacting the tuition centres featured in this magazine.

Enjoy Learning | BUILD CONFIDENCE | MAKE FRIENDS

HOMEWORK CLUB MathS SCLMAASLLS English SIZES

11+ ARABIC QURAN

Daily Fun

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REGISTER NOW! Central Edgbaston Location

0121 455 9211

www.edgbastontuition.com

Holi Courses

Boostdaery

e-mail: hello@edgbastontuition.com 6 Greenfield Crescent, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 3BE Issue 39

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Education

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Explorer Sir Ranulph inspires EHS students E

dgbaston High School (EHS) recently had the pleasure of the company of adventurer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, a man widely recognised as the ‘world’s greatest living explorer’. Pupils and parents gathered in the Octagon to listen as Sir Ranulph gave a vivid and amusing account of his incredible feats of physical and mental endurance and extraordinary expeditions.

Sir Ranulph gives his address to EHS girls

The address served as the keynote speech in ‘Humanities Day’, an event dedicated to demonstrating the range of academic disciplines and careers available to young women interested in pursuing Humanities subjects.

Pupils in Years 9 - 10 were fascinated to hear a wide range of lectures on topics including systematic theology: ‘Harry Potter and the Politics of Evil’ and the Lapworth Museum of Geography’s presentation on fossils, entitled: ‘Dangerous Dinosaurs’.

This event is just one aspect of a broad educational offering at EHS, where girls between 2 ½ - to 18 years benefit from a 21st century education based on traditional values. As pupils make excellent academic progress and achieve high standards in their work, they benefit from a distinctive system of pastoral care where emphasis is placed on nurturing each girl’s strengths.

Parents are warmly invited to visit one of our open days:

Kind-hearted girls at EHS support children born with half a heart.

Westbourne (Pre-Prep) Open House, Thursday 15 June 2017, 9.30am - 11.45am; Senior School Open Evening, Thursday 29 June 2017, 4.30pm - 7.00pm.

Contact EHS on 0121 454 5831 or email admissions@edgbastonhigh.co.uk

Why choose 11+ Mock Masters as your child’s 11+ mock test provider?

1. We are an established mock test provider

Our first centre opened in 2009 in London. We now have 18 successful mock test locations in the South East with over 20,000 pupils having taken our mock tests. Due to numerous requests, we have now opened our Birmingham centre. We are confident we can offer your child a quality mock test experience and comprehensive feedback to enable them to feel thoroughly prepared for their exam.

E vailable!

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2. We provide comprehensive detailed feedback

11+ Mock Masters will give you ranked results, a comprehensive report of your child’s strengths and weaknesses, useful mock test statistics and access to the mock test questions and answers.

11+ Mock Tests

Sat 10.6.17 Time: 10.30-12.30pm Sat 15.7.17 Time: 10.30-12.30pm Sat 26.8.17 Time: 10.30-12.30pm Was Now only £56 £70 with 20% off Where: St Thomas Aquinas Catholic School, Kings Norton, Birmingham, B38 8AP Detailed feedback Free 11+ checklists Free online tests link Strength and weaknesses report Access to questions & answers

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Issue 39

3. Parents often recommended us to other parents

We have been featured in The Times national newspaper and have testimonials on our website.

Take a look for yourself on www.mocktestmasters.com

4. We send results to you promptly

At 11+ Mock Masters we recognise the necessity for swift marking and feedback to help your child. We know

receiving results a month after a test could render the experience obsolete.

5. What are you are getting for the mock test fee?

Our fees include quality 11+ questions, superb feedback reports and all questions and answers. We also give you free access to valuable online software.

At 11+ Mock Masters we fully realise your child only has one chance at gaining their best possible mark in their 11+ exam.

To receive our FREE e-book ‘How To Use Mock Tests To Gain An Advantage In The 11+ Exams’ Email: info@mocktestmasters.com

Education

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The world is changing - so it’s time for education to change A

t Kimichi School, they’re reimagining the way that school looks and feels to meet the needs of a whole new generation.

Learning through relationships:

Relationships are fundamental to community and to learning. Kimichi is a small, friendly school.

• Small, mixed age classes: With no more than 12 children in each class, true friendships develop between students of all ages.

• Collaboration: Learning is a social activity. Kimichi actively fosters a culture of collaboration and debate – encouraging children to learn with and from each other.

Supporting wellbeing:

Kimichi School is committed to helping children become good people as well as good learners.

• Taking children seriously: Individuality is valued over conformity. Each child is listened to, and their point of view respected.

• Attending to the ‘whole’ child: The physical, emotional, social and spiritual aspects of each child is acknowledged, as well as the academic.

Fostering deep learning:

Students actively construct and explore

ideas rather than passively absorb information. With greater responsibility for their learning children become creative problem solvers and critical thinkers.

• Authentic, interdisciplinary approach: Practical, ‘real-world’ activities – in school and out in the world – are relevant and meaningful to children’s lives.

• Developing skills for learning: Key skills for effective lifelong learning, including literacy and numeracy but also creative thinking, strategic awareness and resilience are highly valued.

Music:

Kimichi School loves music. For students who wish to make it a career, they have the flexibility to offer extra lessons, practise time, help with auditions, time with professionals from the global stage.

If students don’t wish to follow that path, then Kimichi believes (and there’s scientific proof ) that music enhances linguistic, mathematical and academic abilities.

Go along to an Open Day in May and see for yourself what Kimichi can offer YOUR child. kimichischool.co.uk enquiries@kimichischool.co.uk

Wednesday 10th May, 6-8pm; Saturday 13 May, 11-1pm

Issue 39

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Family Fun

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Picture This!

Tap into your inner artist and go to Aston Hall for a family interactive drawing exploration.

Find out about some of the people who lived and visited Aston Hall in the past and the secrets hidden in their portraits. Awaken your creativity by having a go at some of our drawing challenges!

An active way to explore the house and portraits inside, this event is suitable for children aged 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12 and accompanying adults. Prebooking essential.

Wednesday 31st May | birminghammuseums.org.uk/aston

Ironbridge Gorge Museums for super days out Discover more about your favourite heroes of history, engineering and sport during half term, 27th May â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4th June, at a variety of fun family events across the Ironbridge Gorge Museums, Shropshire.

There will be hands-on activities, interactive workshops and demonstrations. The events are part of the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trustâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 50th anniversary celebrations, which will continue throughout the year. Find out about Victorian engineering heroes, or have a go at packing tea in the grocers. You can even transform your smartphone into a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Box Brownieâ&#x20AC;? camera! ironbridge.org.uk

Discover Birmingham Museums Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum ([SORUH WKH 3ODQHWDULXP DQG WKH RXWGRRU 6FLHQFH *DUGHQ 'RQoW PLVV WKH 7KLQNWDQN LFKWK\RVDXU

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Issue 39

31/03/2017 14:54

Family Fun

www.familiesonline.co.uk

RYA Push the Boat Out, 13 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 21 May Parents, want your kids to try something completely different this year? Something that gets them outdoors and active, builds confidence, promotes independence, is heaps of fun and you can all do together as a family? Sailing could be your answer.

Sailing? In Birmingham? Yes, you did read that right! And for nine days from Saturday 13 to Sunday 21 May you can all try sailing and windsurfing for free or low cost across the city with RYA Push The Boat Out 2017.

RYA Push The Boat Out is all about getting people afloat who might never have known there was even the chance to try sailing near them and experience messing about in boats. There are also heaps of activities on shore for kids, often from face painting to treasure hunts and other games.

Last year there were seven Push The Boat Out events in Birmingham with a similar number expected this year. Every Push The Boat Out event will provide all the equipment you need.

So grab a towel and some old trainers, and sail into summer with Push The Boat Out. Look for your nearest event at www.rya.org.uk/PTBO2017

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rya.org.uk/onboard

Families_Magazine_Ad2.indd 1

06/04/2017 11:40 Issue 39

13â&#x20AC;&#x201A;

Early Years

www.familiesonline.co.uk

Teaching toddlers to be kind V

ery young children are more tuned into others than we parents may realise. Explaining feelings helps them understand emotions and care for others.

Young children are less egocentric than many imagine. Recent studies have also identified links between parents talking about people’s needs with toddlers and those children becoming more caring towards others – developing their ‘prosocial’ skills.

We can cultivate this skill in real life situations, saying to your toddler, for example: “Is Daddy trying to find his keys? Shall we help him, so he can go and do the shopping?” Or if a sibling is upset and needs help, a parent might provide words to describe how the sibling is feeling and help their toddler know what he or

2008|2009

29008|2009 002|8002

RUSSELL NURSERY SCHOOL Children aged from 3 months to 5 years.

she can do to make the sibling feel better.

Also, try using words to explain how and why adults are being helpful and kind to others. The way we talk to young children seems to alter the way they think about people and the social world. It’s as if putting words to what children are already observing in other people’s feelings and goals—and making those thoughts and feelings into objects of conversation— enhances their importance and the children’s understanding.

Extract from study by Newton EK, Thompson RA & Goodman M, November 2016.

Ofsted Outstanding • Qualified friendly staff.

• Daily home cooking.

• Interactive Whiteboard/Table.

• CCTV cameras in every room.

• Free Grant places available for age 2, 3 & 4 years

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

Selly Oak Nursery School Rated as ‘OUTSTANDING’ in our last three OFSTED Inspections, we offer Full and Part Time places for 3 & 4 year olds.

Visit us and see the quality of our Teaching and Learning, our wonderful environment, the Forest School area.

Talk to our children and parents. Visit our website.

Separation anxiety How to help your baby – and you – cope with being apart.

It can be very upsetting for a parent when their baby screams and cries as they try to leave them with someone else, whether it is at a nursery, with a child minder or a relative. This distress is called separation anxiety and it is more extreme than just being clingy. It is very common and completely normal.

Separation anxiety often starts at around the age of eight months and usually improves around the one year mark. However, the anxiety sometimes returns at around the age of two, when children become more aware of the world around them.

Practical tips for dealing with separation anxiety: • Practice leaving your child for short spells (15 minutes at a time to start with) with a friend or relative

REGISTER NOW! We also have a Breakfast and After School Club Come and see what makes us so special!

Car Park available

• If you know in advance which child minder you will be using, invite her over a couple of times to meet your baby with you around or if your baby will be going to a nursery, pay a few short visits with her before she starts there • Have a ‘bye bye’ routine so saying or waving bye bye to you is a fun thing • Always reassure your baby you will be returning

Selly Oak Nursery School, 26 Tiverton Road, Selly Oak, Birmingham B29 6BP 0121 472 1700 www.sellyoak-nur.bham.sch.uk enquiry@sellyoak-nur.bham.sch.uk

14

Issue 39

• When you’ve said goodbye, GO. Don’t nip back or lurk around watching her unless you are absolutely certain you won’t be spotted. emmasdiary.co.uk

Holiday Clubs

www.familiesonline.co.uk

Half term childcare options For working parents, the concept of holiday camps providing activity-based childcare is an absolute godsend. We’re spoilt for choice here in the West Midlands, so the great news is that you are bound to find a camp to suit your child’s interests. Parents have found that packing their youngsters off for the day to develop a skill and make new friends is the perfect answer to the old conundrum: “What will shall we do with the kids this school holiday?”, especially if there is no nearby support from aunties or grandparents.

Sport and activity camps are always popular. They allow children to keep fit and burn off pent up energy. However, not all camps cater for active miniathletes. For the less boisterous, there are art, music, technology, languages camps and other academic options.

Cost is a consideration for most families, especially if they have more than one child to pay for. Many companies accept Childcare Vouchers, some give sibling discounts, or discounts for multiple or early-bird bookings.

Holiday activity camps can provide a character-building experience for children allowing them to flourish and find their own confidence.

Spend time selecting, look at each camp’s suitability, and be prepared to witness your child thriving in a new enriching experience.

For further holiday camps information visit:

C�URSE� FOR ACTIV��IES AND THE SC�O�L NG RI CHILDREN �U HOLIDAYS

CADBURY DAME ��IZABE�H E IN BOURNVIL� , 8�M - 6PM MONDAY - FRIDAY�D REGIST�RED ST OF AGES 4 - 12 • VE 15% WITH C�DE

SA

FAMIL�ES17

FROM

£PER3DA4Y

www.familiesonline.co.uk

Action-packed childcare this

Ofsted

registered

May

Half Term Tuesday 30th May - Friday 2nd June Open from 8am - 6pm Choice of venues

Solihull

Inspire your child this summer -

Learn new skills

-

Build confidence

-

Make new friends

We accept childcare vouchers

Alderbrook School

Sutton Coldfield Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School

Walsall

Queen Mary’s Grammar School

Book before 12th May and take advantage of our

Early bird offers!

Lots of activities and sports to choose from

For more info visit aspire-sports.co.uk or call 0121 663 1979

Award winning Ofsted registered Holiday Camps for children aged 4-11 in Harborne, Sutton Coldfield and coming soon to Solihull

Quote FAMILIESWM2017 for up to 10% off! thestringsclub.org/westmidlands | 0121 296 9204 Issue 39

15

Books

www.familiesonline.co.uk

Ed’s Reading Room H

i kids, parents, grandparents, teachers – and book lovers everywhere!

I’m Ed and here is my early Summer book selection for you to enjoy. Ed’s Reading Room is an exciting free book review website for primary children in homes and schools. See these reviews, download the specially written reading activities for these books and buy the books online at www.EdontheWeb.com Have fun reading!

FOR AGES 5-7 YEARS

FOR AGES 7 YEARS PLUS

by Laura James (Bloomsbury £5.99)

by Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre (Oxford £8.99) ED SAYS: ‘Jinks and O’Hare are the repair team at Funfair Moon that boasts the highest helter-skelter and the scariest ghost train in the universe. Emily loves helping them and as her school, the Learny-Go-Round, is open only every other day she has plenty of time. But when the Funfair Inspector arrives everything seems to go wrong and chaos ensues. It seems someone is sabotaging the funfair. Will the whole fair spin out of control and be shut down? Or will Emily’s dream of becoming a funfair repairer come true?

Cowboy Pug: The Dog Who Rode for Glory

Jinks & O’Hare: Funfair Repair

ED SAYS: ‘Pug and Lady Miranda are saddled up ready for an exciting adventure. There are plenty of fun things in store for them like the county fair and candyfloss but they also have to deal with the runaway train, a water jump and even bandits.

When Lady Miranda gets into trouble will she be able to smooth things over with the police officer and will Pug be able to earn his spurs?

‘This is part of a super new series with very funny illustrations. It is a great story for newly confident readers, boys and girls alike.’

‘Here is another fantastic book from this wonderful writer and illustrator partnership. It is fast-moving, funny and entertaining – a rollercoaster of a story.’

Evie’s Magic Bracelet: The Silver Unicorn

by Jessica Ennis-Hill (Hodder £5.99)

The Jamie Drake Equation

ED SAYS: ‘Evie is settling into her new home. The day she starts her new school, she receives a gift from Grandma Iris in Jamaica – a beautiful bracelet with a message. ‘Have a magical time!’ Evie is amazed when she understands what the seagulls and the animals at the city farm are saying. She gradually realises this all started when she put on the bracelet from Grandma Iris. She hopes her magic ability will keep the spirits at bay during the children’s paper chase and she hopes to help the silver unicorn out of his trouble.

by Christopher Edge (Nosy Crow £6.99) ED SAYS: ‘Imagine your father was an astronaut! It would be so exciting especially when he is orbiting the Earth in the International Space Station. Jamie’s dad is an astronaut and, although at first he thinks it’s really cool that his father will be doing a spacewalk, he is actually just missing him being at home. When parts of the family solar system start to shake, Jamie becomes very worried. And when Jamie picks up a strange signal on his mobile, things start to get really complicated. Can Jamie prove that he’s a hero too?

‘This is a very exciting story that is brilliantly written. If you’ve ever wondered what’s out there with the stars, you will find this book a real page-turner.’

‘This is a warm-hearted story with lovely illustrations. It is ideal for children reading on their own or reading together.’

Ed’s Reading Room is at www.EdontheWeb.com, a DTI award-winning website. It was created by Maggie Humphreys, a teacher of more than 25 years, and Les Snowdon, who together are authors of several books on fitness walking and healthy eating. See Maggie’s latest ebooks at www.WalkWalk.co.uk

Families Birmingham loves: My London: Colour, Draw, Explore by Majel van der Meulen and published by Laurence King in March 2017, is a fun and unique, London themed activity book for children of all ages.

Take a trip through London with this fun colouring and activity book. Can you draw the people on the London Eye, design your own skyscrapers and colour the boats along the Thames? £7.99 Amazed, by Aleksandra Artymowska and published by Laurence King in May 2017 is a picture book adventure for maze explorers of all ages. Featuring ten compelling mazes to solve, this innovative and beautifully illustrated picture book is guaranteed to delight maze adventurers of all ages. £12.99

Make and Move Minibeasts: 12 Paper Puppets to Press Out and Play. Sato Hisao creates amazing moving puppets which require no glue or scissors, and are perfect for making as a family. These minibeasts come from all over the world, from bees and butterflies to scorpions and the praying mantis. They are perfect for teaching children about insects (as they are anatomically accurate), or would be great at storytime! Suitable for ages 6+. £8.99 The Painting-In Book: 30 Paint and Play Activities

by Anna Rumsby teaches simple painting techniques to kids while also stretching their imaginations with activities such as ‘Paint a dragon breathing fire’, ‘Paint a sparkler’ and ‘Paint your own honeycomb’. Suitable for all ages. £12.99

Coming soon…

Make and Move Mega Dinosaurs by Sato Hisao arrives in July 2017. It will contain five amazing dinosaur puppets to press out, slot together and play! £12.99 www.laurenceking.com

16

Issue 39

Summer Events

www.familiesonline.co.uk

A fun filled family day out… & kids go free at the weekend!

BBC Good Food Show & BBC Gardeners’ World Live Birmingham NEC 15 – 18 June 2017 Enjoy a great day out for all the family at BBC Gardeners’ World Live and the BBC Good Food Show, returning to Birmingham’s NEC this June. Their biggest Show will be packed with live entertainment, family fun, and a stellar line-up of top chefs and gardening favourites – plus, kids go free at the weekend!

There’s plenty of inspiration for all ages from gardening tips with Blue Peter’s Skinny Jeans Gardener to creative ideas for growing a whole recipe in a wheelbarrow in the school’s Meal in a Barrow competition. Kids can enjoy hands on activities on Picnic Hill including plant pot painting, cupcake decorating and face painting, plus the new large sandpit, sponsored by Bathgate.

Pick up healthy recipe ideas for the family at the Healthy Kitchen stage, tips for growing your own with Matt Biggs on the VegTrug demo stage, and enjoy live entertainment from the best UK chefs and gardening experts including Tom Kerridge, James Martin, Monty Don and more. Queen of baking Mary Berry is joined by gardening expert Alan Titchmarsh for a unique mix of plot to plate inspiration, and family favourite Nadiya Hussain shares recipes for all the family.

BOOK NOW and save 20%* on tickets – Quote FAM20

www.bbcgardenersworldlive.com | 0844 581 1340 | www.bbcgoodfoodshow.com | 0844 581 1363 “It’s THE Show for Gardeners!”

“A cracking day out”

Monty Don

Mary Berry

+++++

+++++

SAVE 20%* QUOTE FAM20

& Shows sponsored by:

15 - 18 June | Birmingham NEC

Monty Don

Alan Titchmarsh

Carol Klein

Joe Swift

James Martin

Michel Roux Jr

Mary Berry

Joe Wicks

Kids go free at the weekend!† One ticket, two great shows! | bbcgardenersworldlive.com *Valid on advance tickets only. Not valid with VIP, VIP Luxe or with any other offer. Not all celebrities appear on all days. £1.95 ful�ilment fee per booking. † Up to 4 under 18s free per paying adult to BBC Gardeners’ World Live, includes free entry to BBC Good Food Show. Gardeners’ World logo and Good Food word mark and logo are trademarks of BBC. © BBC. Organised and presented by River Street Events.

GFSS-GWL Families ad 180x130mm 2.indd 1

Issue 39

31/03/2017 10:16

17

Photography

www.familiesonline.co.uk

Unique photographs for your family Meet the owner and managing director of Inessa Gulik Photography: “My name is Inessa. I’m a Russian lady living in Knowle with my family for one and a half years now. I’m a mum, a wife, a daughter, a friend. And I’m a portrait photographer.

“With my portraits I try to show something unique in every person I photograph. I love to create very personal portraits for people to cherish that moment, that time when the image was taken and purpose for which it was taken. For people to see their beauty and feel beautiful. I try to capture connections between people and with themselves, and to show emotions and character.

“I joined Knowle Camera Club in 2015 and I have enjoyed learning and developing my skills; some of my work has been exhibited in international and local exhibitions.

I’m proud of what I have already achieved and also so excited to learn and explore more as learning in the world of photography and creation never ends.

“I look forward to creating a very personal portrait for you!”

You can contact Inessa to book a photography session or to talk through your requirements.

Mobile: 07539 136474 Tel: 01564 774572 Mail: inessayr@mail.ru Website: inessagulikphotography.co.uk

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Issue 39

Competitions

www.familiesonline.co.uk

WIN a birthday party in the tree-tops

Hang about! Go Ape is giving away a Tree Top Junior birthday party for eight. One lucky winner will have a fun filled hour in the tree-tops with their friends on a Go Ape! adventure especially designed for kids (1m+).

To be in with a chance of winning answer the following: Q: How tall do you need to be for Tree Top Junior? a. 1.4m b. 1.0m c. 0.7m Enter via email by Friday 2nd June. Put ‘Go Ape Birthday’ in the subject line of your message, and send your answer, your name, postal address and best contact number to editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk goape.co.uk | 0845 838 1612 | Quote FAMCA7 for 10% discount

WIN

a supply of Juice Plus+ Fruit & Veg Chewables

The Core Theatre: WIN a family* ticket to see Dotty the Dragon Dotty is a baby Fire Dragon who has brilliant idea one day. She will fly down to the village and say hello to all the children! After all, everybody loves surprises, don’t they?

With lots of laughs and plenty of surprises, this is the perfect treat for 3 - 7 year olds and their grown-ups.

For a chance to WIN a set of family* tickets (*2 adults, 2 children) for the 3pm show answer the following question: Who does Dotty want to say hello to? Is it: (a) The chipmonks (b) The chickens, or (c) The children Enter via email by Friday 4th August. Put ‘Dotty the Dragon Competition’ in the subject line of your message, and send your answer, your name, postal address and best contact number to editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk Tickets: £10 | 0121 704 6962 | thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk | Thursday 31st August, 12pm and 3pm

Juice Plus+ offers child size servings of whole food based nutrition from 20 different fruits, vegetables, and grains in a small, tasty, soft chewable form.

The appealing taste comes from natural sweeteners.

For a chance to WIN a supply of Juice Plus chewables for your family simply name a Juice Plus+ product you have read about in this magazine (hint see page 6!)

Enter via email by Friday 9th June. Put ‘Juice Plus Competition’ in the subject line of your message, and send your answer, your name, postal address and best contact number to editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Don’t Dribble on The Dragon A feelgood show about growing up

Lwoodstock.juiceplus.com | Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @waterinfusedwithlove

Mrs L Woodstock Juice Plus+® Representative 07943112186 LWOODSTOCK.JUICEPLUS@GMAIL.COM

And remember you can claim your FREE Juice Plus+ bottle by texting “FREE” to 07943 112186 Sat 27 May, 2.30pm Tickets £9.50

Tue 30 May, 11am & 2pm Tickets £10 ch. £12 adult

Theatre in the Park

The Young Actors Studio

Bring your own seat/blanket & picnic

A 5 day course for age 8-16 See website for full details.

25 & 26 July, 7pm in Brueton Park Advance tickets £11 (£10 child)

31st July - 4 Aug, 10am-3pm Course fee £120 per person

Based on the best-selling novel

Book giveaway Kat Patrick and Lauren Marriott have created another hilarious Doodle Cat tale.

Doodle Cat is Bored is full of silliness and magic, and is perfect for children up to the age of 4.

Families Birmingham has copies of Doodle Cat is Bored to give away to five lucky readers. To be in with a chance of a free book email your full postal address to editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk Only the first five entrants will receive a copy, so HURRY! Be sure to put ‘Doodle Cat Competition’ in the subject header of your email. Good luck!

See page 21 for T&Cs scribepublications.co.uk

See the website for a full list of shows and events.

www.thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk

Box Office: 0121 704 6962 (10.30am - 4pm) Issue 39

19

What’s On OUT & ABOUT

Find us on May Half Term Special Dates: 27 May – 4 June Opening Time: 10am Cost: From £5 per person

Half term special offer - £1 off per person for all rounds started before 10.30am!

Check out their website for lots more offers. Come and enjoy this family-friendly indoor leisure attraction with 36 holes of themed adventure golf.

FREE secure car-parking.

Aston Hall

Trinity Road, Aston, Birmingham, B6 6JD, birminghammuseums.org.uk/aston 0121 348 8038

Baddesley Clinton & Packwood House

Baddlesley Clinton, B93 0DQ; Packwood House, B94 6AT nationaltrust.org.uk, 01564 783294 Dates: May half term Come along and enjoy the freedom of the countryside and the intriguing stories in the houses. Rain or shine, there is plenty of fun to have this half term.

Barber Institute of Fine Arts University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TS barber.org.uk 0121 414 2261 education@barber.org.uk

Ackers Adventure

Golden Hillock Road, Sparkbrook, Birmingham, B11 2PY ackers-adventure.co.uk 0121 772 5111

Adventure Island Mini Golf Units 20/21, Star City, Watson Road, Birmingham, B7 5SB, adventureminigolf.co.uk, 0121 328 7474

Picture This - Family Drawing Tour

Dates: Wed 31 May Times: 11.30am - 12.30pm; 1.30pm -2.30pm Admission: £8 (£3) Age Guidance: 6 – 12 years This half term, how about trying an exciting and interactive drawing exploration of Aston Hall? Find out about some of the people who lived and visited Aston Hall in the past and the secrets hidden in their portraits. Awaken young creativity in Aston’s drawing challenges!

An active way to explore the house and its portraits.

c i s s a r u J Kingdom

WHERE DINOSAURS COME TO LIFE THE BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS

20TH MAY – 4TH JUNE

BOOK TICKETS @ JURASSICKINGDOM.UK/BIRMINGHAM PRICES FROM A D U L T £ 1 1 . 5 0 I C H I L D £ 9 . 5 0 *CONCESSIONS £10.50 *GROUP TICKET £9.50 *FAMILY TICKET £38 BUY ON THE DOOR AND ALL PRICES GO UP £1.50* T E R M S & CO N D I T I O N S A P P LY A N D A R E O N T H E W E B S I T E

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS EVENT @ BIRMINGHAMBOTANICALGARDENS.ORG.UK/WHATSON

FIND US ON: YOUR SUPPORT KEEPS THE GARDENS GROWING

20

Issue 39

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery

Chamberlain Sq., Birmingham, B3 3DH, 0121 348 8000 birminghammuseums.org.uk/bmag

Weekend Family Arts

Dates: every weekend until 25 June Times: 11am - 1pm; 2pm - 4pm Admission: £2 per child Age: The activities are designed for all ages but younger children may need some help.

Activity schedule: (This may be subject to change) • 6th/7th May – Trade Union Banners for May Day • 13th/14th May - Stained Glass Windows • 20th/21st May - Make and Play Senet • 27th/28th May - Magnetic Amulets • 3rd/4th June - D-Day Medals • 10th/11th June - Make and Play Hnefetafl • 17th/18th June - Tiles • 24th/25th June - Magnetic Fridge Picture Frames.

Blakesley Hall

Thrillseeker Days

Date: 1 July; 16 Sept Time: 9.30am – 2.30pm Cost: £22.00 per person Age: 5+ Come and try a range of different activities on one of Acker’s Thrillseeker Taster Days. You can choose from skiing, climbing, canoeing, kayaking, jungle challenge, archery, zip wire and fan descender. Free tobogganing for under 12s with a paying adult.

@familiesbirmingham

Creative Sunday Workshops

May dates: 7, 14, 21, 28 June dates: 4, 18, 25 4 – 8 age times: 11am – 12.30pm 8 – 12 age times: 1.30pm – 3pm Admission: £5 per child Pre-booking essential A broad range of artistic skills and techniques are covered in these weekly sessions, including: Charcoal drawings, watercolour, textile pictures, screen printing, colour blending, 3D clay caricatures and mosaics.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Westbourne Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 3TR birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk 0121 454 1860

Jurassic Kingdom

Dates: 20 May – 4 June Opening time: 10am Admission: from £11.50 (£9.50) Go along to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens this Summer, for a Dinosaur extravaganza!

They will have more than 30 life-size, animatronic dinosaurs visiting the Gardens – bring the kids along for a truly unique experience!

Birmingham Contemporary Music Group CBSO Centre, Berkley Street, Birmingham, B1 2LF bcmg.org.uk/whats-on 0121 616 2616 info@bcmg.org.uk

FREE!

Music Maze (8-11 years), and ZigZag Ensemble (12–16 years)

Date: Sunday 28 May; Sunday 2 July Time: 10am – 2.30pm Children of all musical abilities, get the priceless experience of composing original pieces of music, alongside the world class musicians of Birmingham Contemporary Music Group.

Pre-booking essential.

Blakesley Road, Yardley, Birmingham, B25 8RN, birminghammuseums.org.uk/blakesley Day: Sat 3 June Time: 9am - 11am Admission: £3.50 (£2.50)

Morning Explorer

Blakesley Hall will be opening their doors early for families with children on the autistic spectrum.

Children and families will be able to explore in a quiet and welcoming environment, before the museum opens to the public.

Admission half price.

Edgbaston Stadium – The Birmingham Bears

Edgbaston Stadium, Edgbaston Rd, Birmingham, B5 7QU birminghambears.com/tickets 0844 847 1902 email: t20@edgbaston.com

Gates open 2 hours before play Tickets: Under 16s FREE; Adult from £15

(Get 10% off tickets with promo code FAM2017)

Saturday 8th July-7.00pm- Birmingham Bears vs Notts Outlaws Friday 14th July- 7.00pm- Birmingham Bears vs Northamptonshire Steelbacks Sunday 16th July-2.30pm- Birmingham Bears vs Leicestershire Foxes Sunday 23rd July- 2.30pm- Birmingham Bears vs Derbyshire Falcons Friday 28th July- 7.00pm- Birmingham Bears vs Yorkshire Vikings Sunday 30th July- 2.30pm- Birmingham Bears vs Lancashire Lightning Friday 4th August- 7.00pm- Birmingham Bears vs Worcestershire Rapids.

Hatton Adventure World Dark Lane, Hatton, Warwick CV35 8XA Book online for DISCOUNTS hattonworld.com 01926 843411

Pirate Festival

27 May - 4 June Ahoy there! Bring your young scallyways along to enjoy an exciting pirate adventure at ol’ Hatton.

Shiver me timbers!

What’s On

Always check the organiser’s website in case of changes to schedule NEC, Birmingham

North Avenue, Marston Green, Birmingham, B40 1NT 0121 780 4141

‘Magical Lands’ the Sequel

Date: Saturday 13th May Times: 10am – 1pm and 1.30pm – 4.30pm Admission: £6 pp or Family Ticket £20 Experience Selly Manor as it is transformed into magical kingdoms from classic stories and fairy tales. Meet Snow White, Peter Pan, Cinderella and Jack and his beanstalk.

Tamworth Castle

Holloway, Ladybank, Tamworth B79 7NA tamworthcastle.co.uk 01827 709626

Dragon Hunt

Paw Patrol

Dates: 27 May - 2 June Times: 11.30am - 4.00pm Admission: £7.50; £6.50; £5.50; £3.50; Child under 2 years free Visitors are invited to help Ruby the Castle dragon in her search for her brother Hafgrim, and participate in a selection of activities to show they are dragon

13 & 14 May Chase and Marshall from PAW Patrol will be at Hatton Adventure. Go and see the heroic pups during story time sessions throughout the day.

The Ironbridge Gorge Museums Tile Decorating Workshops

Address: Jackfield Tile Museum, Jackfield, near Ironbridge, Shropshire TF8 7LJ Dates: Tues 2, 9, 16 & 23 May Time: 10am – 2.30pm Admission: £9.75; £8.75; £6.25; under 5s free Join a drop-in tile decorating workshop to produce your own ceramic masterpiece.

**ALWAYS check the venue’s website in case of changes to schedule. Thank you.

The Baby Show

Dates: 19-21 May Times: 9am – 5pm Admission: £11+ thebabyshow.co.uk/birmingham Book online and quote FAMILIES for 40% off entry fee.

Everything you need for bump, baby and you under one roof. Leading brands, unbeatable savings and expert advice.

STAR CIT Y, M 6/J 6 ADbarber_FF_advert_solihull_families_SUMMER17_PRESS.pdf VENTUREMINIGOLF.CO.UK Challenging Steam Road Run around the Ironbridge Gorge

Date: Saturday 13 May This spectacular Steam Road Run will visit many of the Ironbridge Gorge Museum’s sites and historic monuments in The Gorge.

Superheroes clay modelling workshop

Dates: Sat 27 – Wed 31 May Admission: £9.75; £8.75; £6.25; under 5s free Address: Coalport China Museum, Coalport, near Ironbridge, TF8 7HT Times: 10am - 4pm Have a go at hands-on superheroes themed workshops to sculpt your own character, paint your own design on to a paper plate, and follow a fun trail around the museum.

Jewellery Quarter Museum 75-80 Vyse Street, Birmingham, B18 6HA, birminghammuseums.org.uk/jewellery 0121 348 8140

Snake Bracelets

Date: Thur 1st June Time: 1pm - 3pm, drop-in Admission: £1.50 (child) Your child can create their own bracelet inspired by Smith & Pepper jewellery using paper beads and wire!

Competitions. Terms and conditions.

1. Only one entrant from the same email account will be accepted.

2. Under 16s must obtain parental consent before entering.

3. Entries must be received by the closing date stated on each individual competition. Proof of entering cannot be taken as proof of receipt.

4. All decisions of Families Birmingham are final and no correspondence will be entered into.

5. No prize is exchangeable for cash or any other prize.

6. Winners’ contact details will be supplied to the Promoter of each competition.

Not valid with any other offer, only valid for 1 person per voucher.

ironbridge.org.uk 01952 433 424

friendly. They also need to be on their guard against the dragon catcher who will try to trick visitors into helping them capture Ruby or Hafgrim

1 18/04/2017 14:31:03

KIDS GO FREE!

The Good Food Show & Gardeners’ AMG_87x60mm_Advert.indd World Live

1

05/04/2017 10:22

Dates: 15-18 June Admission: £25+

To save 20%, quote FAM20

The ultimate summer day out - seasonal flavours, entertainment and two Shows with one ticket!

The UK’s top chefs will be cooking up fresh recipes live on the numerous stages across the Show, and Pimms and picnics galore. Plus - unique to this Show – your ticket includes FREE entry to BBC Gardeners’ World Live.

RYA

Various locations: 13 – 21 May, at Edgbaston Watersports; Bartley Sailing Club; Olton Mere Sailing Club, Solihull; Sutton Sailing Club; Kingsbury Water Park, Sutton Coldfield; Himley Hall Sailing Club, S Staffs; Tamworth Sailing Club rya.org.uk/onboard Why not get involved with Push The Boat Out this year? It is all about getting people boating who have not had the chance before. Lots of children’s activities included, face painting, treasure hunt, etc.

Selly Manor

Maple Rd, Birmingham, B30 2AE busyparentsnetwork.yapsody.com, 0121 439 9215 7. Families Birmingham is not liable for any delay or failure by the Promoter to deliver any prize or for the quality of the prize or for any loss or damage arising in connection with the competition.

8. By entering the competition, entrants will be deemed to have accepted and agreed to these terms and conditions.

9. Winning entries will be randomly drawn from all correct entries and contacted via the email account provided by the entrant. If Families Birmingham does not obtain a response from the winner within 24 hours, we reserve the right to select another winner at random.

10. This competition is restricted to residents of the West Midlands only.

TIC S T N A A F

A RTKSHOPS WOR

SUMMER ART SCHOOLS! 8,9 & 10 AUG 22, 23 & 24 AUG

�4�8YRS AND 8�12YRS�

£25 PER CHILD!

BOOKING ESSENTIAL

EARLY YEARS SESSIONS!

LITTLE ARTISTS 5&19MAY, 16&30 JUNE 14&21 JULY £5,PLEASE BOOK

Families First at the Barber Institute

Issue 39

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What’s On Theatre & Concerts New Alexandra Theatre Suffolk Street Queensway, Birmingham, B5 4DS atgtickets.com 0844 871 3011

Notelets: Beasts and Bugs

Date: Fri 30 June – Sat 1 July Time: 11am; 1.30pm Tickets: £8 Pre-booking recommended Waggly tails, furry manes, and everything that buzzes, flies or crawls about: it’s all about beasts and bugs, as a mini-version of the CBSO takes the youngest members of the family on a magical musical safari – from the King of the Beasts to the squiggliest creepie-crawlie!

The Core Theatre

Solihull Theatre Square, Touchwood, Homer Road, Solihull, B91 3RG, thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk, 0121 704 6962

Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom

Date: Wed 28 - Thur 29 June Times: 10am; 1pm; 4.30pm Tickets: £16.15 - £18.15 Join Ben and Holly, and their friends on this exciting, enchanting and magical musical adventure packed full of games, songs and laughter. This beautiful story of elves, princesses and childhood innocence will delight all the family!

Birmingham Hippodrome Hurst St, Southside, B5 4TB birminghamhippodrome.com 0844 338 5000

FREE EVENT! Summer in Southside 2017

Date: Sat 17 & Sun 18 June Time: 7:30pm Tickets: N/A Escape to the Countryside… on the streets of Southside this June! The Hippodrome celebrates the great outdoors where wildlife roams, folk dance and live music fills the air.

Watch maypole garlands weave in the air to the sights and sounds of street-dance and beatboxing.

CBSO Centre

CBSO Centre, Berkley St, Birmingham, B1 2LF, bcmg.org.uk, 0121 780 3333

Date: Sat 27 May Time: 2.30pm Tickets: £9.50 Age: 3+ Tom is a toddler with a cool older brother, a secret dragon… and a dribbling problem that just won’t stop!

Date: Tue 30 May Time: 11.30am & 2.30pm Tickets: £10 (£8) Age: 3+ Based on the bestselling children’s book

by Anna Kemp and Sara Ogilvie, this fabulous feel-good show features music, songs, hand-crafted puppets and Biff, the ballet-dancing dog. Brought to the stage by the acclaimed theatre company Blunderbus, it’s a very funny tale of a small dog with big dreams.

Sarah & Duck

Dates & times: Sun 18 & Mon 19 Jun, 1.30pm & 4pm; Tue 20 Jun, 10am & 1.30pm Tickets: £12 (£10) Age: 3+ Join Sarah and Duck on a flappy, quacky Great Big Adventure! For the first time ever, the adorably curious Sarah and her endearing feathered friend Duck can be seen off the TV screen and live on stage.

Date: Monday 15 May Time: 7:30pm Tickets: £28.93 - £73.93 The Harry Potter film series delights millions of fans around the world. Go along to relive the magic of Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone in high-definition on a giant screen while hearing a full live orchestra perform John Williams’ unforgettable score.

Barclaycard Arena King Edwards Rd, Birmingham, B1 2AA, barclaycardarena.co.uk, 0844 33 88 222

Old Rep Theatre

47 Station Place, Birmingham, B5 4DY, oldreptheatre.co.uk, 0121 359 9444

The Chris & Pui Show!

Date: Tues 30 May Time: 11am; 2pm Tickets: £12; £10 Age: 2+ Chris & Pui present their family show with songs, comedy sketches, a dash of magic and heaps of joining in for all the family.

Familiar Chris & Pui TV characters including Incy Wincy, Twinkle, Old MacDonald, Humpty, Granny Humpty will be dropping in.

Birmingham Youth Theatre present The Little Mermaid Jnr

Dates: 15 – 17 June Time: 2.30pm; 7.30pm Tickets: £14.50; £12.50 The Birmingham Youth Theatre celebrate their 30th Anniversary with a musical double bill. Act One is a musical montage, and Act Two is an hour-long adaptation of The Little Mermaid. Great family entertainment.

Symphony Hall, Birmingham

Broad Street, Birmingham, B1 2EA, thsh.co.uk, 0121 780 3333

FREE EVENT! Musical Picnic: Midweek Explorer – May

Date: Weds 10 May Time: 10.30am Tickets: N/A Age: 0 – 5 years Take time out in a relaxing and friendly space with your little ones. Explore music, dance and story- telling whilst making new friends.

Families@4 Concert

Issue 39

Blunderbus: Dogs Don’t Do Ballet

Don’t Dribble on The Dragon

Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham B12 9QH macbirmingham.co.uk 0121 446 3232 info@macbirmingham.co.uk

22

pictures, animation and noises, nearly all of which will make you laugh. Featuring stand-up, interactive digital animation, sound effects, jokes and lots and lots and lots of clever nonsense (WARNING! some of the clever nonsense will be extremely stupid).

Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone

mac birmingham

Date: Sat 10 June Time: 4pm Tickets: £5 all tickets (under-3s go free) Age: 7+ Pre-booking recommended Enjoy another afternoon of fine family BCMG musical performance. This concert explores Harrison Birtwistle’s piece Secret Theatre – you’ll see all the musicians are imagined as a group of characters on stage, with everyone trying to get their voice heard! *Pre-concert activities in the foyer of CBSO Centre start at 3pm.

www.familiesonline.co.uk

Peter, Rita and the Wolf Big Howard’s LOL-tastic Yukfest for Kids and well-trained adults Date: Sat 27 May Time: 2pm Tickets: £10 (£8) Age: 5+ Howard is a massive kid. He makes words,

Date: Sunday 14 May Time: 2.30pm Tickets: £12 Peter’s a boy who likes an adventure – even if silly old Grandad says there’s a wolf just outside the garden gate. And Rita’s trying to find out who stole the fabulous Crocodiamond – with a bit of help from a French Hornithologist.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show

Date: Sat 27 May Time: 12.30pm; 2.30pm Tickets: £12.50 This timeless classic makes its way off the page and onto the stage. Created

by Jonathan Rockefeller, the critically acclaimed production features a menagerie of 75 lovable puppets, faithfully adapting four of Eric Carle’s stories. The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse, Mister Seahorse, The Very Lonely Firefly, and of course, The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

Town Hall, Birmingham Victoria Square, Birmingham, B3 3DQ, thsh.co.uk, 0121 780 3333 ***ALWAYS check the venue’s website in case of changes to schedule.

Thank you.

Explore Learning

www.familiesonline.co.uk

Seven ways to make homework fun!

‘Homework? Boooring!’ Is this a regular moan in your house? We’ve all been there! We want our children to progress and do well at school but after a long day, many youngsters will feel reluctant to sit down to get on with their homework - and no amount of nagging seems to help!

1. Set up a fun and creative space Having a special place to work can really help children to focus. Avoid busy areas and make sure there are no other distractions, like technology or televisions.

2. Magical motivators

Keep homework battles at bay by using incentives to keep your child on track, such as a sticker chart, or time on the iPad. Make sure your child understands the value of developing good homework habits, rather than just receiving a reward!

5. Get outside

If the weather is good, why not let your child do their homework outdoors?

6. Be positive

Always be upbeat about school and homework and give your child bags of encouragement.

7. Make it visual

Make a list or chart on a white board or special planner and get them to cross each task off as it is completed.

explorelearning.co.uk

Call 030 3003 4006 or visit explorelearning.co.uk to book your FREE trial today!

3. Find a study buddy

Hold a homework playdate where your child and one of their friends do their homework together. Set some rules ahead of time and reward them afterwards with an activity of their choice.

4. Turn it into a game

Turn learning into a fun game. For spellings, try writing words in foam, or for maths, you could use sweets like Smarties to help visualise numbers.

When they get a right answer, they get to eat one!

EducationInvestor

Awards 2016

EducationInvestor

Awards 2016

/explorelearning

@exploretutors Issue 39

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