Cover picture credit: 0800 505555 / www.tesco.com/clothing
ISSUE 68: October 2010 www.familiesonline.co.uk
FREE
Please remember to tell advertisers that you saw their advert in FamiliesWest To advertise contact 020 8930 4707
2
Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR
October 2010
News & Views by Joanna Parry and Roma Mahbubani
Ice in winter It may be chilly outside but there is never a season when kids don’t love ice lollies. Set up by mums Zoe Meredith and Sarah Smith, Yummy Lollies are healthy ice lollies made from nothing but 100% real fruit, with no colourings, preservatives, added sugar or water. Available in Waitrose and Holland & Barrett stores, try these tasty, healthy treats and top up your children’s 5 a day. www.yummylollies.com
Help your children enjoy learning with Mathletics Mathletics is an award winning maths program designed to encourage children to have the confidence to succeed along with a desire to learn. It is already helping over 3,000,000 children enjoy maths and improve their results. Available to schools and parents there are thousands of online activities covering the complete National Curriculum. Mathletics also adds a competitive dimension to learning, allowing children to compete against each other in live games of mental arithmetic in a completely safe, online environment. Visually stimulating, children can access Rainforest Maths, animated Times Tables and the Concept Search where they reach a deeper conceptual understanding through visual clues and interactive animations. Parents are able to closely monitor progress through the Parent Centre and children are supported by an on-line help function. As one parent says: ‘At last a single place to go for all the maths resources I need. I can see what my children get and what they don’t get and do something about it!’ www.mathletics.co.uk 0117 370 1990 E: customerservice@3plearning.co.uk
In this issue… Are you one of many thousands off parents in West London spending your evenings and weekends trawling through schools thinking, "things have really changed since I was at school!" It's a tough call- what should you be looking for? Which school will suit your child?? And if you do find one that ticks all your boxes, will your child get a place? We will help as much as we can. We print an extra magazine at this time of year that has all the usual interesting information but also concentrates on schools and education. We have printed all the remaining independent school open day dates and also found out some extra information about some of the West London schools. We tell you all about the new exciting projects going on at the schools to give you a flavour of the school. And then we tell you about some things going on in the wider field of education. Read, digest, visit and make an informed choice. We are back in the middle of November with all things Christmassy.
Contents
Families West is designed by Natalie Schmidt of www.matobodesign.com and printed by Ridgeway Press, 12 Campbell Court, Bramley, Tadley, Hampshire RG26 5EG. Tel 01252 885837. Copyright Families West Magazine 2010. Colour transparencies and any other original materials submitted for publication are sent at owner’s risk and while every care is taken, neither Families nor its agents accept liability for loss or damage. Families West is part of the Families group, established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under license. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of the advertisers nor the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.
October 2010
News & Views Education: School Noticeboard How to find the Ideal School Secondary School Fit Open Days Free Schools and Academies Dyslexia The horror of homework Out and About Half-term Workshops Theatre Do we praise too much? Classifieds
3-4 5 6 7 10-11 12 13 13-15 16-20 20 21 22 23
Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR
3
News & Views UK children join the world in walking to school this October
Free sports equipment for pre-schools and nurseries The Haven’s Fun and Fitness Sports Equipment Giveaway has been re-launched to encourage under-5’s to get the fitness habit early. The web-based scheme provides substantial boxes of sports kit especially chosen to appeal to younger users. Brightly coloured, robust and suitable for both team and individual play there are a number of different Fun & Fitness packages available to suit different early years settings. The scheme is unique amongst corporate giveaways in that no voucher collection or purchase is required. Early years settings simply need to register their interest on www.havenfunfitness.com and encourage parents to visit the website and leave a message of support.
Thousands of children from across the UK will be joining forces with over 40 countries worldwide this October to celebrate the benefits of walking to school during International Walk to School Month. From Argentina to the United States of America, the tenth annual event will see children from around the globe learn and enjoy the benefits of walking to school. Walking to school regularly is a fantastic way to help reach the recommended daily 60 minutes of activity to benefit a child's health. Over the past two decades, the number of children who walk to school has dropped from 62% to 48%, with an enormous 43% being driven to school in cars – despite the fact that the majority of primary school pupils live within a mile and a half of their school. By encouraging families to ditch the car keys and get to school on foot, this Month will show that its not just PE lessons that are needed to give children the healthiest start in life – it's how active they are in their daily life that really matters. Teachers often report that those pupils who walk to school are more attentive in class. And it's no surprise – the levels of physical activity undertaken by primary school age children are often greatly overestimated by parents. By simply walking to school and back each day, the average child will already be spending more time physically active than is provided for by the national curriculum. "If we are to avoid the Government's prediction of a quarter of our children being obese by 2050, we need to start making changes to our lifestyle now. We would love everyone who normally drives the school run to use this month as an excuse to try walking. We think you'll be amazed at how enjoyable a regular walk can be; a chance to spend real quality time together, and reap health rewards for all the family."
Join the Baby Café This autumn NCT, the UK’s largest parenting charity, has joined forces with The Baby Café to help more mums who want to breastfeed. Research has shown that although most mums start out breastfeeding, 73% stop feeding before they want to and only 25% of mums are still breastfeeding at six months. The merging of the two charities hopes to help mums to keep breastfeeding for longer, by maximising and extending The Baby Café model, combining support from the health service with a relaxed, café style environment where mums can meet, chat and learn about breastfeeding from qualified and skilled staff. Kate Williams, Director of Healthcare Professional Services at NCT, says; “This merger is great news for mums and for the health service. For over 50 years, NCT has been helping mums-to-be and new mums with their feeding choices. The Baby Café will enable us to reach out to wider communities and increase the spread and accessibility of breastfeeding drop-ins across the UK.” With over 100 drop-ins around the UK, Baby Café supports up to 10,000 mums a year. They are open to all – mothers, partners, supporters – and take place once a week in children’s centres or community venues. www.thebabycafe.co.uk. For breastfeeding support call NCT Breastfeeding Line 0300 330 0771 visit www.nct.org.uk.
4
Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR
Haven say ‘Many pre-schools and playgroups simply don’t have enough children to benefit from voucher collection schemes. We wanted to support younger children in a way that would be easy for Mums, Dads and carers and not involve them in any cost at all. The scheme is now in its third year and already hundreds of early years settings have participated and many thousands of under-5’s have benefitted from the free equipment.’ To register for the Haven Fun & Fitness giveaway click on www.havenfunfitness.com
The National Children's Orchestra calls for young musicians The National Children’s Orchestra of Great Britain (NCO), one of the world’s finest children's orchestras, is inviting children aged 7-13 from all over the UK to audition for a place in one of its renowned orchestras in 2011. Instrumentalists, who gain a place in one of its 5 age-banded orchestras, attend exciting residential courses and are given the chance to show audiences what can be achieved when passion and talent combine. The residential courses provide the highest standard of tuition the UK has to offer, with tutors drawn from major national orchestras, specialist music schools and conservatoires, and each course culminates in a full orchestral performance with the senior orchestras playing at well-known public concert venues such as Symphony Hall, Birmingham and Queen Elizabeth Hall, London. Roger Clarkson, conductor and director of music, comments: “We are opening our doors with great anticipation once again this Autumn as we embark on our mission to seek out the most talented young musicians with whom to populate our orchestras. We intend to hold auditions in almost 30 venues across the UK this year and I can’t wait to meet a whole new generation of promising and passionate young instrumentalists.” All children apply and audition for a place in one of the NCO’s orchestras each year, even if they have been an NCO member in the past. This means that every child is on an even footing. Grade exams are not a prerequisite at the NCO, as the organisation is more concerned with an individual’s level of musicianship and commitment to playing. Talent is the only criterion for winning a place and full bursaries are available, so no child or parent should be deterred from auditioning due to financial concerns. To audition, young instrumentalists must submit an application form. For more information about the NCO or to obtain an application form visit www.nco.org.uk, or phone 01934 41 88 55. Auditions in London take place between the 17th and 24th of October at the Royal Academy of Music.
October 2010
d r a o b e c i t o N l Schoo Clifton Lodge School – Now Welcoming Girls After 30 years as a boys’ preparatory school, Clifton Lodge now welcomes girls and boys, ages 4-13. ‘Our first pupil is a younger sister, Ella, who was drafted in to play Mary in our Nativity’ says Teacher, Mrs. Hockley. ‘She enjoyed being at Clifton Lodge so much that she simply asked her parents if she could stay on.’ Clifton Lodge will be the only independent school in Ealing which offers boys and girls the opportunity to prepare for 11+ as well as Common Entrance at 13+. There are a small number of spaces available in the current Reception Class and limited available spaces in other year groups. Please contact the school if you wish to attend the next Open Day on Saturday 9th October 10am-12pm, or to arrange an informal, private visit. Clifton Lodge School, 8 Mattock Lane, Ealing, W5 5BG 020 8579 3662
Eco-Garden at Avenue House School
Pupils have been inspired by their teachers to produce a colourful Eco-Garden which has transformed the entrance to Avenue House School, West Ealing. After a trip to admire Geoff Hamilton’s Barnsdale Garden in Leicester, which was featured in the well known BBC television programme ‘Gardener’s World,’ Miss Jory decided that she could create an Eco-Garden in the suburbs. Recycling had already been promoted within the school which has achieved its Eco Silver Award with students now working towards attaining their prestigious Green Flag Award. Of the many clubs on offer, The Gardening Club for children from Year 1 upwards is ever popular. Pupils have grown a multitude of vegetables which includes harvesting potatoes, tomatoes, onions, leeks, peas and dwarf broad beans. The garden contains flowers grown by the children too and they are extremely proud of their efforts. Their latest project is to create designs by arranging bulbs in boxes. But there is much more than this to see! To find out more look on the school’s website www.avenuehouse.org or even better, see the garden for yourself.
October 2010
Education CSI Forensic Science Day at St Benedict’s Thirty budding ‘detectives’, aged 13 – 15, from St Benedict’s School, Ealing recently took part in a CSI Forensic Science Day. The scenario was the kidnapping of a 21 year old man. Two rooms inside the School had been transformed, one into the kidnappers’ safe house where they held their victim, the other into their operations base. The getaway car was parked outside the School front entrance. The ‘detectives’ spent an enthralling morning learning about the techniques of forensic science, including a taste of psychological profiling. In the afternoon they investigated the three crime scenes. They had to follow precise evidence collection techniques, take fingerprints, analyse samples and logically piece together all the clues. Harry Bass (Year 8) said, “It was hard work but finally we managed to link the three scenes through the evidence and determine the actual sequence of events. I learned that the real world of CSI is very different from that which we see on television.”
Durston House The beginning of a new school year at Durston House is always an exciting time. At the initial whole school assembly they consider the achievements of the previous year and resolve to equal or surpass them. In 2010 Durston pupils gained seven foundation scholarships to St Paul’s; and the Durston ‘Green Team’ began working towards its desired green flag eco-schools status. The 1st XV enjoyed its second unbeaten season out of the last three, and the squad won three out of the four rugby sevens tournaments entered. The Parents Association held a hugely successful Christmas Glitter Ball at Pinewood Studios, and then began training for the next one during Health and Fitness week, which was attended by a record number of pupils, parents and staff. Also, throughout the year, they raised £4,000 for their targeted charities. So… a great deal to aim for as they head towards 2011!
Heathfield School At Heathfield School this year, all students in one of their year 8 classes will be given an IPOD touch to keep for the year with various educational applications installed on them to use in all their lessons. This is a pilot which enables students to use mobile technology to enhance their lessons. All teachers who are involved in teaching that class will be trained in the use of the IPOD touches and how they can use them in their lessons in relation to their schemes of work. We will be in touch with them later in the year to find out how the trial is going.
Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR
5
Education
How to find the Ideal School By Sue Fieldman
Regional Editor – Good Schools Guide
There is no shortage of information on schools; everyone from Great Grandma to beguiling dinner guests will readily share their thoughts. What matters though is not the quantity but the quality of information – sifting the gems from the junk.
Principal sources of information The school’s own prospectus. Schools are increasingly adept at employing professionals to fashion glossy marketing brochures illustrating an Aladdin’s cave of tempting treasure. Expect to encounter painstakingly picked prose infiltrating shiny, wholesome faces atop a myriad of fanciful facilities. Read? By all means indulge but, take the sales pitch with an extra large pinch of salt. Internet sites. The internet is awash with people having their say. Comments range from unctuous reports oozing sycophantic praise (the scribbling of the school marketing team?) to comments so damning you feel compelled to call Childline. In fairness there are some helpful observations but it is a minefield – tread very, very carefully. Inspection reports. Ofsted inspects all English state and an increasing number of independent schools. Estyn and HMIE inspect schools in Wales and Scotland respectively. The Independent Schools Council (ISC) oversees its own members. The formulaic reports can be helpful and if recent enough, offer a valuable insight into the leadership and direction of a school and outline academic standards. Clinically penned, they fail though, to give a flavour of a school – the atmosphere, what it is like to be a pupil, who it suits and importantly who it doesn’t and importantly what the head is like! School guides. Priced from £15 to £90+ there are many guides to schools, some little more than directories of addresses, others with stunning pictures and prose so gushing it could have been written by the schools themselves; of course, that’s because it is. It is the norm for schools to pay for their entry in school guides and to simultaneously provide the text and any images for inclusion; such guides are barely worth the paper they are printed on. The exception to this is The Good Schools Guide. No amount of money will buy a school a place in The Guide; it is exclusively reserved for those cherry-picked by its team of education editors, writers and researchers and as such sets the industry standard (see next column).
6
Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR
The Good Schools Guide. Considered ‘The Crème de la crème’ of school guides. The Good Schools Guide uniquely hand-picks schools for selection, vigorously researches them, visits, rejects those that don’t comeup to scratch and independently writes about those who pass muster. Honest, outspoken, lively, The Good Schools Guide fiercely protects its independence to ensure parents are given the very best, impartial advice; little wonder The Guide has earned very many accolades throughout the last quarter century. Advisory services. Fees for schools' advice range from £0 to £150+ per hour. Sadly there is no such thing as a free-lunch. Zero cost is only offered by agencies that take a commission from schools; beware they may not offer you truly impartial advice. To ensure the ideal match for your child we strongly advocate an independent, paid for service such as The Good Schools Guide Advice Service. Dinner parties. School gossip and insights from friends and those who know schools well are invaluable; just ensure they aren’t coated in, rivalry and one-upmanship or drowned in Pinot Noir! The school gate. A good way to find out which schools to avoid or to get the low-down on a school you are interested in but somewhat time consuming and difficult to infiltrate. The media. Newspapers and magazines love to run education stories – narrative supplied by neighbourhood schools proffer a reliable and cheap way of filling local rags. Some broadsheets run superficial league tables and produce basic information but genuine insights into individual schools are regrettably rarer than the lotto six! However, subscribers to The Good Schools Guide on-line get access to very detailed, very telling exam pdf's. For every English school, with published public data (at KS2, GCSE or A-level), subscribers will find a 30-60 page document that cuts through the headline stats to show you how good a school really is, what value it adds, what subjects it does best at, which are most popular, what should be avoided and the type of child, top, middle or bottom that thrives there. Even better QlikView our data analysis tool offers subscribers the chance to compare schools by exam performance, by subjects offered and by value added – removing the need for guesswork.
The Good Schools Guide – how they can help See which schools you are in catchment for via the Interactive Catchment Area Search. As well as producing performance tables you can scrutinise exam results and see how well schools do for different types of children: the most able, the least able, average children and those with special needs. Over the years they have introduced a number of products and services designed to meet your needs. The key ones are outlined below. What you should purchase depends on the type of school you are seeking and the level of advice and detail you need. Remember they do not review all schools but they do carry extensive information on this website on most English schools. This includes detailed exams analysis for individual schools; the ability to compare schools by exam performance and, for state schools, catchment area information.
October 2010
Education
Secondary School fit
Not all schools will suit all children. Some children are ready for big and buzzy while others suit smaller more nurturing environments. Co-ed or single sex? Academically pushy or tolerant of a range of skills? If you are looking at independent secondary schools in West London for your child, we give you a mini factfile of some of the schools and also asked them which kind of child they thought most suited their school.
Notting Hill and Ealing High School, Ealing
Thames Christian College
Number of senior girls on roll: 567 Suits: Bright, creative girls who value kindness and laughter, fun and friendship. Girls who will enjoy being part of a vibrant community where they can express their passion for learning, and for life, as well as emerging with excellent exam results. Not suitable for: This is an academically selective school, and we take great care to choose girls we believe will flourish here.
Number of senior school children on roll: 121 Suits: This unique independent school accepts boys and girls of mixed academic ability (gifted and talented/ mild SEN). Small well-behaved classes, a nurturing ethos, learning tailored to individual need and excellent teaching enable personal character growth and pupils achieving their full potential. Not suitable for: Pupils must demonstrate enthusiasm for learning and good behavior. Would not suit pupils with emotional/ behavioural problems or severe special educational needs.
Heathfield School GDST, Pinner Number of senior girls on roll: 351 Suits: Girls who want a friendly, happy place to achieve excellence in any chosen field, and reach their own highest academic potential. Girls who want to enjoy the widest range of activities – creative, sporting and those related to leadership and responsibility. Not suitable for: Boys! Heathfield suits all girls, unless they have serious learning difficulties. We offer support for such conditions as mild dyslexia.
October 2010
Please remember to tell advertisers that you saw their advert in FamiliesWest To advertise either email adverts@familieswest.co.uk or phone 020 8930 4707
Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR
7
Education
8
Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR
October 2010
Education
October 2010
Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR
9
Education
Open Days School
Code
Age
Dates
Contact 020 7307 8700 admin@portland-place.co.uk www.portland-place.co.uk
Portland Place School
W1
9-18
Tours: 5 Oct, 16, 23 Nov 9.15-11am. Open morning: 11 Oct 5-6.30pm. Open evening: 6 Nov 10am-12 noon.
Southbank International School (Westminster Campus)
W1
11-18
15 Nov 9.30-11.30am By appointment
020 7243 3803 admissions@southbank.org www.southbank.org
Ravenstone Day Nursery and Nursery School
W2
10 months - 5 years
By appointment
020 7262 1190 admissions@ravenstoneschoolslondon.com www.ravenstoneschoolslondon.com
Connaught House School
W2
4-8B 4-11G
By appointment
020 7262 8830 www.connaughthouseschool.co.uk
Pembridge Hall
W2
4-11G
By appointment
020 7229 0121 contact@pembridgehall.co.uk www.pembridgehall.co.uk
Barbara Speake Stage School
W3
3.5-16
By appointment
020 8743 1306 speakekids3@aol.com www.barbaraspeake.com
International School of London
W3
3-18
By appointment
020 8992 5823 www.islondon.com
Arts Educational School
W4
11-18
5 Oct 6.30pm
020 8987 6600 www.artsed.co.uk
Orchard House School
W4
3-11
9 Oct 10am-12noon
020 8742 8544 info@orchardhs.org.uk www.orchardhs.org.uk
Heathfield House School
W4
4-11
By appointment
0208 994 3385 www.heathfieldhouse.co.uk
Chiswick and Bedford Park Preparatory School
W4
4-7B 4-11G
By appointment
020 8994 1804 info@cbppschool.co.uk www.cbppschool.co.uk
The Falcon Pre-Prep School for Boys
W4
3-7B
By appointment
020 8747 8393 admin@falconschool.com www.falconschool.com
The Falcon School for Girls
W5
3-11G
By appointment
020 8992 5189 admin@falconsgirls.co.uk www.falconschool.com
Clifton Lodge School
W5
4-13
9 Oct 10am-12noon
020 8579 3662 info@cliftonlodgeschool.co.uk www.cliftonlodgeschool.co.uk
Durston House
W5
4-13B
19 Oct 10.15am-12.30pm
020 8991 6532 info@durstonhouse.org www.durstonhouse.org
3-18
Junior & Senior Open Mornings: 7 Oct, 16 Nov Senior School Open Morning: 2 Dec Open Evenings: All other years 21 Oct Advance booking only
(Junior & Nursery) 020 8862 2054, (Senior) 020 8862 2254 enquiries@stbenedicts.org.uk www.stbenedicts.org.uk
(Junior) Parents Only: 8 Oct 2pm, 4 Nov 8.45am, 12 Nov 8.45 am, 19 Nov 8.45am Year 7 Open Mornings at 10.45am for parents only - advance booking only - 5 Oct, 3 Nov Year 7 Open Evening, Parents and girls welcome - no need to book 13 Oct 4.30pm onwards, last tour 6pm
Booking essential. Admissions (Mrs Barwell) 020 8991 2165 enquiries@nhehs.gdst.net www.nhehs.gdst.net
St Benedict's School
W5
4-18G
10
Credit: Tesco Clothing
We printed these dates in our September issue, but if you haven't got round to booking your visit to see the schools in West London, don't worry! It's not too late. Most schools are running tours throughout the autumn term. Here are the dates that are still available.
Notting Hill and Ealing High School (GDST)
W13
Entry at 4+, 7+, 11+ and 16+
St Augustine’s Priory
W5
4-18G
14 Oct for Prep and Reception 17th Nov Sixth Form Taster Day 18 Nov for Form 3 and Year 7
020 8997 2022 www.staugustinespriory.org.uk
Bute House Preparatory School
W6
4-11G
By invitation after registration
020 7603 7381 www.butehouse.co.uk
Ravenscourt Park Preparatory School
W6
4-11
By appointment
020 8846 9153 secretary@rpps.co.uk www.rpps.co.uk
Latymer Prep School
W6
7-11
Open days throughout the Autumn term - please phone for an appointment
0845 638 5700 mlp@latymerprep.org www.latymerprep.org
Latymer Upper School
W6
11-18
6 Nov 11+ entrance only. Tickets required by advance booking
0845 638 5721 registrar@latymer-upper.org.uk www.latymer-upper.org
St Paul’s Girls School
W6
11-18G
2 Oct, 6 Oct, 1 Nov (For entry at age 11.)
020 7603 2288 www.spgs.org
Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR
October 2010
School
Code
Age
Godolphin and Latymer School
W6
11-18G
Hawkesdown House
W8
3-8B
Dates
Contact
7 Oct 4.45-7pm No need to book
020 8741 1936 registrar@godolphinandlatymer.com www.godolphinandlatymer.com
By appointment
020 7727 9090 www.hawkesdown.co.uk
Thomas’s Kensington
W8
3-11
By appointment
020 7361 6500 (Preparatory school) 020 7361 6501 (Lower School) kensington@thomas-s.co.uk www.thomas-s.co.uk
The Lloyd Williamson School
W10
6 months -14 yrs
By appointment
020 8962 0345 www.lloydwilliamsonschools.co.uk
Bassett House School
W10
3-11
2 Oct 10am-12noon. Parents tours every Tues and Thurs 9.20 By appointment
020 8969 0313 www.bassetths.org.uk
Notting Hill Preparatory School
W11
4.5-13
By appointment
020 7221 0727 www.nottinghillprep.com
Southbank International School (Kensington Campus)
W11
3-11
22 Oct 9.30-11.30am By appointment
020 7243 3803 admissions@southbank.org www.southbank.org
Norland Place School
W11
4-8B 4-11G
By appointment
020 7603 9103 office@norlandplace.com www.norlandplace.com
Avenue House School
W13
3-11
By individual appointment
020 8998 9981 www.avenuehouse.org
St James Junior School
W14
4-11B 4-10G
16 Oct 10-12 Open Morning Book beforehand
020 7348 1793 admissions@stjamesjunior.org
St James Senior Girl’s School
W14
10-18G
6 Oct 5.30-8pm Open Evening 9 Oct 9.30-12.15pm Open Morning 13 Oct 5.30-8pm Open Evening 10 Nov 9-10.45am School in Action
020 7348 1748 admissions@sjsg.org.uk www.stjamesgirls.co.uk
Fulham Prep School
W14
8-13
By appointment
020 7386 2444 www.fulhamprep.co.uk
Eaton Square School
SW1
2.5-13
By appointment
020 7931 9469 admissions@eatonsquareschool.com www.eatonsquareschool.com
Westminster Under School
SW1
7-13B
By appointment
020 7821 5788 www.westminsterunder.org.uk
Westminster School
SW1
13-18B Girls in Sixth Form
By appointment
020 7963 1003 www.westminister.org.uk
Fulham Pre Prep School
SW6
4-7
By appointment
020 7371 9911 www.fulhamprep.co.uk
Ravenstone Preparatory School and Nursery
SW7
2.9-11
By appointment
020 7225 3131 www.ravenstoneschoolslondon.com
Thames Christian College
SW11
11-16
2 Oct 10am-2pm
020 7228 3933 info@thameschristiancollege.org.uk www.thameschristiancollege.org.uk
The Harrodian School
SW13
4-18
By appointment
020 8762 6321 admissions@harrodian.com www.harrodian.com
Ibstock Place School
SW15
3-18
Junior School: 17 Nov 9.30am Senior School: 9 Oct 9.30am-12.30pm
020 8876 9991 sparsons@ibstockplaceschool.co.uk office@ibstockplaceschool.co.uk www.ibstockplaceschool.co.uk
Hampton School
TW12
11-18B
Various dates for open afternoons – phone to book
020 8979 9273 admissions@hamptonschool.org.uk www.hamptonschool.org.uk
Orley Farm School
HA1
4-13
9 Oct 10am-12pm or Wednesday morning by appointment
020 8869 7634 www.orleyfarm.harrow.sch.uk
Harrow School
HA1
13-18B
2 Oct, 9 Oct, 6 Nov, 27 Nov
020 8872 8007 admissions@harrowschool.org.uk www.harrowschool.org.uk
Quainton Hall School
HA1
2-13B 2-7G
By appointment
020 8427 1304 www.quaintonhall.org.uk
The John Lyon School
HA2
11-18B
9 Oct 10am-1pm
020 8872 8443 www.johnlyon.org 020 8868 2346 admissions@hea.gdst.net www.heathfield.gdst.net
Heathfield School
HA5
3-18G
Open Evening: Open Day: 16 Oct 9.30am-12.30pm. School at work open morning: 4 Nov 10.30am-12 pm. Pre-booking not required.
Northwood College GSA Independent Day School GSA IPS
HA6
3-18G
2 Oct 9.30am-12.45pm (last tour 12pm) 5 Oct Open Day (school at work) 14 Oct 6pm for Sixth Form. Book ahead.
01923 825446 admissions@northwoodcollege.co.uk www.northwoodcollege.co.uk
Merchant Taylors School
HA6
11-18B
By appointment
01923 845514 admissions@mtsn.org.uk www.mtsn.org.uk
Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School
WD6
5-18B
9 Oct 1-4pm
020 8266 1700 office@habsboys.org.uk www.habsboys.org.uk
Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for Girls
WD6
4-18G
9 Oct 10am-12.30pm for Junior school 7 Oct 6-8.30pm, 9 Oct 2-5pm Senior school
020 8266 2302 (Junior School and Sixth form entry) 020 8266 2338 (age 11+) admissions@habsgirls.org.uk www.habsgirls.org.uk
SL4
13-18B
By appointment
01753 671000
Eton College October 2010
Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR
11
Education Credit: Tesco Clothing
By Joanna Moorhead
Free Schools and Academies – the New Big Idea
Education, education, education. That was another government’s mantra – Tony Blair adopted it as his slogan in 1997 – but it could as easily fit the bill for the new Conservative/Liberal Democrat coalition. Why so? Well, according to education secretary Michael Gove, major changes are afoot... and they’re the sort of changes that many parents have campaigned for over the last few years. In an age when an increasing number of mothers and fathers have questioned all sorts of issues around their children’s schools, Gove has a new message: do it yourself. ‘Free schools’ are the government’s Big New Idea, and here’s how the idea will work. First, you need a group of parents (plus maybe teachers, and other interested parties) who feel there’s a need for a brand new school in their area. Next, you need to gather your case – and get as many supporters as possible. You also need to put together evidence for why the school you’re planning is necessary – which may be, for example, that it’s providing a secondary school in an area that doesn’t already have one, and where a lot of children have to travel large distances to get to where they’re being educated. Or, you may want to set up a school with a particular faith bias. Alternatively, you may think that the existing schools in your area are too large, and that some children would benefit from a much smaller establishment. There’s an organisation called the New Schools Network whose job is to talk through whether plans for a new school are viable – their website is packed with useful advice on how to 12
Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR
go about gathering the momentum, the documents, the funding and the premises you need to make a school happen. Setting up a new school, as the site says, isn’t easy – but the network aims “to make it as easy as possible” and promises that it will “shortly be publishing data on sites, budgeting, and detailed guides on the process of setting up a school from start to finish”. Despite the major cuts that lie ahead in public spending, Mr Gove has promised £50 million to cover start-up costs for free schools. And he’s also given his word that the current planning laws and building regulations, which conspire to make life difficult for parents’ groups trying to set up schools, will be reformed. The government believes that ‘free schools’ have the potential to raise achievement in areas where local authority-run schools aren’t providing a good education – and he points to the US for evidence that his scheme will work. There, he says that some of the most successful schools have been set up by groups backed by parents and teachers – and he’d like to see the same thing happen here. There’s a similar scheme, too, in Sweden, which again has seen the foundation of many successful schools. But the free schools scheme is only part of the new government’s plans for education. The other main policy concerns academies; shortly after being appointed education secretary,
Mr Gove wrote to every primary, secondary and special school in England inviting them to apply for academy status. Academies, like free schools, are outside of local authority control and are funded by private organisations, or by central government. Earlier this summer, Mr Gove said seven in ten top secondary schools had expressed an interest in getting academy status – and he hoped that the ones who did forge ahead with this would help drive academic standards higher, because it would give them more autonomy than they have at the moment. Parents and teachers have worried about academies being too exclusive, and discriminating about special needs pupils; but Mr Gove has promised that academies will be governed by admissions codes which will guarantee fair access to all, and safeguard the inclusive character of comprehensive schools. In all, the reforms Mr Gove is promising have the potential to provide the biggest shake-up in state education in a century, with parents in the vanguard. Watch this space!
Where to find out more: The Department for Education website, at http://www.education.gov.uk, has lots of information about both academies and free schools The Free Schools Network is at www.newschoolsnetwork.org
October 2010
Education
Credit: BHS
I think my child might be dyslexic. What should I do now?
Dyslexia
– common myths and how to recognise it
Dyslexia is often misunderstood, hard to diagnose and those affected by it often do not receive adequate support. So what is it and how does it affect children? Corinna Shepherd explains. My interest in dyslexia and my passion to help those who struggle with it started around five years ago. At the time, my son was struggling with literacy and lost interest in learning. At the same time, I was on a course for work on dyslexia and other learning difficulties. This caused me to realise he might be dyslexic, I had him assessed by an educational psychologist who confirmed that he was indeed mildly dyslexic. In response the school did not offer much support and advice as they felt he was performing adequately, but I knew he was not reaching his potential. My interest in this subject and the fact that dyslexia is often not picked up or addressed satisfactorily led me to establish The Chilterns IDL (Dyslexia) Centre in January 2007, and two further centres over the next few years.
So what is dyslexia? The word dyslexia comes from the Greek, literally meaning ‘difficulty with words’. The condition can affect spelling and reading, and many people believe that’s all it is. But it can also affect individuals in other areas such as confusing dates and times; confusing left and right; difficulties getting ideas down on paper; difficulties sequencing numbers and information; and following verbal instructions. Working memory is often also poor. This shows itself when new information needs to be processed effectively and quickly. While dyslexia can be viewed as a learning difficulty, it can also be seen as a gift. Some talents shared by dyslexics include the ability to think in pictures, being creative and intuitive and being good with their hands. They’re often highly aware of their environment and have vivid imaginations. Children with dyslexia often have above average intelligence, yet they struggle with words and processing new information.
Who is affected? The exact percentage of the population is debated, but it’s generally thought to affect between 8% and 15%, 4% severely. That means that in a class of 30 children, 3 are likely to have dyslexic tendencies, maybe mild or possibly severe. So everyone is likely to know at least October 2010
one child or adult who is dyslexic. Children with dyslexic tendencies are likely to be resistant to traditional teaching methods and benefit from a one-to-one, multi-sensory learning environment. Dyslexia often runs in families, with a parent, grandparent, sibling, aunt, uncle or cousin struggling with it, too. Most are born with it and don’t grow out of it, although they do learn to cope with it. It’s not directly linked to intelligence. Children and adults with other learning difficulties or sensory disabilities may also have dyslexic difficulties.
How to recognise dyslexia Sometimes it is hard to get a diagnosis of dyslexia. However, there’s a lot you can pick up about your child just by sitting down together with them and a good book, appropriate to their developmental stage and interest level. Areas of difficulty to look out for include: • Does your child struggle with reading or spelling? • Do they avoid picking up a book? • Do they guess at a word, looking at the whole word or just the initial letter? • Do they forget how to read or spell a word as soon as they’ve turned the page? • Do they find it hard to sound out individual letters in simple 3 letter words, for example cat, bat? • Do they find it hard to rhyme simple words? • Do they skip little words such as, and or the? • Do they miss out words when reading? These are all potential indicators of dyslexia. Other non-language indicators in primary-age children include difficulty with tying shoe laces, tie or dressing generally; difficulty telling left from right, ordering the days of the week, months of the year etc; having a poor sense of direction; lacking confidence; and having a poor self-image. The presence of any, most or all of them does not necessarily mean your child is dyslexic, but I would recommend further investigation if you have any concerns.
Speak to an educational specialist, such as your child’s teacher. Or ask to speak to the SENCO (special educational needs co-ordinator). Every school must now have a teacher with this responsibility. If your child is at nursery, their nursery teacher or health visitor will be able to point you in the right direction, although there is often a relucatance to consider dyslexia at this early age. You could also look at the Code of Practice, which sets out the way schools and Local Education Authorities (LEAs) should provide extra support to meet children’s special educational needs. The Code of Practice is available free from DCSF Publications, tel: 0845 60 222 60, CoP Ref: DfES/581/2001, copies can also be downloaded from www.beingdyslexic.co.uk/pages/information/ parents-guardians/education/specialeducational-needs-code-of-practice.php.
Can you grow out of dyslexia? As children grow up, they learn to compensate for their difficulties, the more successful ones using their strengths to overcome their condition. Support during the formative years is vital to help overcome difficulties and unlock their potential in literacy and in other areas. As a parent, you can help your child at home by encouraging them to enjoy the world of words through fun books. Books that are relevant to their interest and developmental age are best, particularly if they have been designed with the dyslexic child in mind. Children struggling with dyslexia love pictures and colours, so colourful illustrations relevant to the words are engaging and helpful for these children. The multi-sensory approach is best, so supporting reading and writing with games or activities will help your children in an enjoyable way. This may help your child be less resisitant to more formal learning tasks, such as homework set by school. Keep talking to key members of staff at your child’s school to ensure your child gets the best help and support that they need. Seek out extra private tuition, if you feel more help is needed and you can afford it. One-to-one tuition based on a multi-sensory approach with a dyslexia specialist is best.
Further information: Corinna can be contacted for a confidential chat on 07721 368978, or visit the Chilterns IDL Centre website at www.cstraining.info British Dyslexia Assocation, www.bdadyslexia.org.uk. Dyslexia Action, www.dyslexiaaction.org.uk. For more information on Corinna’s new series of books developed specifically for dyslexic children and a mini test visit www.dancingkites.co.uk.
Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR
13
The horror of homework When it comes to homework, the more they get, the more they learn, right? LYDIA WHITTLE searches for the evidence among parents, teachers, students and official statistics.
In her recent article, ‘Homework? A total waste of time’, Dr Eleanor Updale regrets ever supporting her three children in their homework and berates the toll ‘homework inflation’ has taken on family life. She recalls how, for years, she, ‘nagged, shouted, bullied and bribed’ her children to complete their work. Sound familiar? Perhaps as the new term starts such scenes have already played out around your kitchen table? It has long been recognised that playtime is beneficial for learning in a number of ways, such as information processing, perceptual skills, language learning and other aspects of brain development. So why are such activities now apparently being asked to take second place to vigorous homework assignments? ‘The boys get far too much homework with hardly any time to play’, says Sara, who tells of how when her 6 year-old sons attended a private school, they were given an hour and a half of homework a night in preparation for their 7+ exams. She continues, ‘If any of the homework wasn’t completed by the deadline, they were sent home from school!’ Surely this sort of pressure is unhealthy for such young minds, let alone for parents who have to urge and cajole their tired children to keep on working? No wonder so many parents resort to desperate measures. ‘I have seen many parents do their children’s homework’, Pascale told us, ‘I completely see why … but I never do, if children can’t do it, then they won’t do it.’ Helen feels that homework puts a lot of pressure on both her and husband Adam; ‘the homework my 5 year-old is given encroaches on our family time making it difficult to complete. In turn he has to stay up later to complete reading tasks’. Indeed, of all the parents we spoke to, few thought the amount of homework their child received was about right and in most cases it was too much. As Susan, mother of another 5 year-old, says, ‘I don’t really feel that children should be given compulsory homework until they are much older’. Indeed, it seems that if children feel they have the freedom to decide for themselves, they are more motivated. ‘My 6 year-old has homework once a week that takes no more than 10 minutes; in fact she often asks for more or makes it up herself,’ Sara told us.
Credit: Tesco Clothing
Felice, is one of the few mothers who felt her children were given the correct amount of work during their school days but perhaps it’s telling that her girls attended a European School not subject to UK guidelines? ‘Homework was set in manageable chunks from age 6 which helped the children to work in an organised and independent way and to feel responsible.’
14
Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR
October 2010
Education
Shockingly, there was a prevalent feeling that the completed homework was a reflection of their parental competence and an indication of their management of family life. Annette points out that ‘children need the right environment to work in’. Similarly, Helen believes her 5 year-old son Oscar at such a young age needs support with all of his homework. But home life can be diverse and complicated, so does this prerequisite not promote inequality? Surely this could be a major disadvantage to children who, though no fault of their own, don’t have a certain set of domestic circumstances to return home to? What about children from non-English speaking families, whose parents can’t understand the homework themselves, for example? Izabella, originally from Poland says, ‘My parents initially spoke very little English, they would have been in no position to help us with reading or writing if we had been set homework’. I spoke to a head teacher whose primary school has two outstanding Ofsted reports; she explained what teachers do to ensure a level playing field. ‘In terms of creating good learning environments’, she says, ‘the school runs homework workshops throughout the school day, after school and during the evening. This gives all children an equal opportunity to complete homework tasks effectively. Also, their reading books and tasks are translated to help parents of any ethnic origin give this essential support to their children.’ But perhaps the focus is not about improving skills, as we so often think? Anna B and Anna A, 11 and 8 years old both dutifully answered ‘to improve’ when I asked what homework was for. They also recognise that doing homework limits their play time. Maybe the real value of homework is about preparation for the future? Sarah A says, ‘Luckily my daughters didn’t get much homework through primary school, on the other hand now my eldest is at high school and receives untold amounts of homework which she hasn’t been prepared for by her primary school.’ Pascale, who has five children, told us, ‘All our children on leaving primary school were able to get on with their own homework without me bossing them around (too much). The school October 2010
,,
Eight year-old daughter Anna attends a private school and Mum Tessa relates how through the winter months she goes to school in the dark and comes home in the dark with homework still to complete, ‘this was really sad, I would prefer her to get no homework at all as the schooling is so intense that when she comes home it would be nice for her to get some down time.’
Perhaps without due preparation and a gradual build up of homework children would not succeed i n the increasingly competitive international workplace?
has been very good to teach them good habits, it has served them very well in secondary. Homework is compulsory but it is not too hard.’ Perhaps without due preparation and a gradual build up of homework children would not succeed in the increasingly competitive international workplace? Maybe there are different levels of attainment in countries which put less emphasis on homework? What about Norway where children start school at age 6? By this stage English children, in education for 2 years already, as well as spending a day in formal education have completed up to one and a half hours of homework every night (add that up if you dare!) while their Norwegian counterparts simply played their days away. According to the UN’s most recent (2009) Human Development Index, yes. The composite statistic used to rank countries by level of ‘human development’ is produced with data on life expectancy, education and per capita GDP (as an indicator of standard of living.) Surprisingly (or by now, maybe not?) Norway is ranked the highest in the world, along with Australia and Iceland. The UK appears at no 21 (of 182). Undoubtedly, in some cases, homework seems to reflect very positive educational standards, with China having the most amount of set homework up to the age of 11, and a major expansion in education, increasing the number of undergraduates and doctoral degrees five fold in 10 years as well as having the literacy rates of 90.8%. Great news but China’s ranking on the UN’s worldwide Human development report is currently 92. Dr Updale notes that there have been no recent studies of the benefits of current stellar levels of homework in the UK. It is unknown whether there is even a correlation between homework levels and educational achievements.
,,
Are we even clear as parents and teachers about the actual purpose of homework? Pascale believes, ‘homework should be an extension of learning not to be done so quick that it is a chore and nothing is learnt in the process.’ But do all schools adhere to that view? It would seem that teachers are sending home mixed messages and policies are changing in some schools. Sarah B was told by the school her 6 year-old daughter attends, that when she spells the exceptionally hard words she has been set for homework correctly that, ‘it is “an indication of a good memory, not high achievement.”’ Sarah says it all; ‘It makes me wonder what the heck it's all for...?’ Claire, whose daughter is 7, was delighted when the school she goes to abandoned the weekly spelling tests quoting research which shows that it doesn't really help with their literacy. Instead they look up the words they get wrong and add them to their own dictionary. ‘Getting a break from learning spellings has been liberating! … I think that homework can really kill kids’ enthusiasm about learning.’ And as Dr Updale remarks, ‘what drives those children out of the garden, away from the kitchen table and in front of the screens in the first place? What gives them the excuse to cut themselves off? It’s homework.’ It seems that as a nation we have become entirely education-reliant in means of preparing the next generation to pave a way through our perceived underachieving, ‘broken Britain’. In doing this, could it be that we forget the foundations that truly build strong, successful characters – the family. Without time spent as a family, bonding, growing and having fun, we can’t hope to achieve this. Could it be that by exposing children to extreme schooling and intense homework, we are destroying the very qualities we are trying to promote?
Read more Eleanor Updale’s original article, originally published 7th May 2010 can be read in full at www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=6043047 For the UN’s Human Development Index, see http://hdr.undp.org/en/statistics/ See www.parentchannel.tv for tips on coping with homework stress.
Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR
15
Out & About EVENTS 7-10 Oct CYCLE SHOW Earl’s Court. Great for all the family. Includes a 2-6 yr old Kidzone, 6-12 yr old Test Area and a BMX arena. Also commuter test track and cycling for disabled people of all ages. www. cycleshow.co.uk
9 Oct ST NICHOLAS HARVEST FAIR 12noon to 3pm at St Nicholas Church, Church Street, W4. An array of stalls with things to buy and prizes to win, as well as a scarecrow competition! To enter bring your creation to the harvest fair where it will be displayed and the winner will be declared. Stalls include a home produce stall, books and flowers, tombolas, face painting, apple spearing and skittles. Proceeds go to St Nicholas’ link parish in Namacunde, Angola. 16 Oct 135 GROUP NEARLY NEW SALE Takes place at Pitshanger Methodist Church, Pitshanger Lane, W5 10am-12 noon. Items for under 5’s- nearly new clothes, toys and equipment. Tea, coffee and homemade cakes on sale. 3-7 Nov SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS FAIR is taking place at Olympia Grand Hall, Olympia Exhibition Centre. W14. It will include an extensive selection of exhibitors offering children’s toys, gifts and gadgets. 10am-6pm (Sun 7 Nov 10am-5pm). To book tickets: www.spiritofchristmasfair.co.uk
DAYS OUT
30 Oct-7 Nov THE LONDON CHILDREN’S FILM FESTIVAL An international cinematic extravaganza for London’s young film fans and their families taking place at the Barbican and 12 cinemas across London. West London venues include the Electric Cinema in Notting Hill and the Renoir in WC1. Highlights include: 30 Oct MOOMINS THEMED FINNISH BREAKFAST PARTY, FILM AND CHILDREN’S WORKSHOPS, 30 Oct FAMILY FILM QUIZ/ BACK TO THE FUTURE THEMED NIGHT, 31 Oct SPIDERWICKED! A special screening of The Spiderwick Chronicles with a lantern making workshop afterwards, 6 Nov BEAUTY AND THE BEAST/ SING-A-LONG, 7 Nov MEGAMIND 3D and INSIDE THE WORLD OF BEN 10 (FILM AND WORKSHOPS). For full listings go to www.lcff.org.uk
SOMERSET HOUSE
KEW GARDENS Kew Green, Richmond TW9. 020 8332 5655 or info@kew.org, www.kew.org Open 9.30am-6.30pm (Weekdays), 9.30am-7.30pm (weekends). £11.50/£13.30, children under 17 free. From 1st Oct. BOTANICAL PLAY Visitors will discover a brand new play area “PLANTastic Play” to celebrate International Year of Biodiversity. This new area will encourage children to learn about the importance of plants while they play. Shaped like a plant, children enter the play area via the roots, walk through the stem where they will encounter leaves, hide between fungi, disappear into a leaf maze, pretend to be bees zooming towards flowers on the zip wire, spin seeds watch birds make homes in the bird house and clamber of the timber stacks to find a variety of insects and micro-organisms. At every turn, there is something to learn – hunting for clues, solving puzzles, and enjoying science in a fun and interactive environment. Wetland Centre
Strand, London WC2 1LA 020 78454600, www.somerset.org.uk SATURDAYS 2pm-3.30pm. Free Family Workshops: Free tickets are available from 1pm from the information desk in the Seamen’s Hall on the day and are allocated on a first come, first served basis. Children 6-12yrs must be accompanied by an adult. 9 Oct. TRICK OF THE LIGHT Create your own tonal masterpiece in charcoals and chalk. 16 Oct. MINI MASKED BALL Design your own tiny ball complete with the outfits and decorations. HOLIDAY DROP-IN WORKSHOP: 23 Oct. SHADOWS ON THE WALL Make your own moveable shadow puppets and see them projected in our shadow theatre of old Somerset House. 30 Oct. GLOWING GHOSTS OF SOMERSET HOUSE! Create dazzling artworks and explore working with dark to light by scratching the surface to reveal bright colours beneath.
THE WALLACE COLLECTION Hertford House, Manchester Square, London W1U 3BN, 020 7563 9500/ 9551, www.wallacecollection.org 10am-5pm. Free. FAMILY ACTIVITIES. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Daily: FAMILY MULTIMEDIA TOUR with interactive games. Small fee. FREE ARMOUR HANDLING Daily. Find out what a brigandine is and how heavy a bullet-proof breastplate really was. FAMILY TRAILS Themed family trails available from the information desk at the front Entrance.
To advertise in Families West please email adverts@ familieswest.co.uk or phone 020 8930 4707 When you contact us, please say that you saw our advert in Families West!
16
Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR
October 2010
Out & About
WWT WETLAND CENTRE Queen Elizabeth's Walk, Barnes SW13 9WT. 020 8409 4400. www.wwt.org.uk Daily 9.30am - 5pm £4.95/ £8.95, under 4s free, family £25. A spectacular 105 acre wetland landscape of lagoons, lakes and ponds offers a safe haven for hundreds of wild bird species, dragonflies, bats and amphibians. NEW EXHIBIT: POND ZONE features interactive games, a trip down a plughole, and underwater cameras, allowing the public to watch fascinating aquatic creatures in their natural habitat. Also includes a pond safari and a stunning new digital pond that features a photo-realistic interactive floor depicting a number of different types of wetland habitats such as ponds, lilies and pools. NEW FEATURE: RAIN GARDEN With lush vegetation, a cascade of pools, flowers meadows, creature towers and a pavilion it’s an idyllic setting to relax in, and to learn how to maximise the use of rain water in your own garden. OCTOBER HALF-TERM CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES: Sat 23-Sun 31 Oct. Pond dipping, themed arts and crafts sessions and identifying creepy crawlies are just some of the ACTIVITIES that children will love during the holiday period, plus a HALLOWEEN PARTY on 31 Oct.
NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY St Martin’s Place, London WC2H 0HE, 020 7306 0055, www.npg.org.uk/events Mon, Tues, Wed, Sat, Sun 10am-6pm. Late opening Thurs, Fri 10am-9pm. FAMILY EVENTS: 9 Oct. MAKE YOUR MARK ON THE FUTURE Drop-in. 1pm-4pm. As part of the “Big Draw Campaign” this is an afternoon of fun drawing activities exploring the collection. All ages. Visit www.campaignfordrawing.org for more info. 23 Oct. STORYTELLING FOR FAMILIES 10.30am & 1.30pm. An exciting drop-in storytelling session followed by a fun art activity. 3yrs+ 23 Oct. FAMILY ART WORKSHOPS 11.30am-2.30pm. Explore portraits in the collection, followed by an exciting art activity in this enjoyable family session. 5yrs+. Wed 27 to Fri 29 Oct. Daily 11am-5pm. 3-D IDENTITY CREATION Three-day Workshop. Create your own 3-D digital character, in relation to your identity and the portraits in the Thomas Lawrence exhibition. Workshop at both the Gallery and the Roundhouse. Travel between venues will be arranged. This will culminate in a public screening on Fri 29 Oct 5pm at the Gallery.
October 2010
HALF-TERM HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES (every weekday). Mon 25 Oct-Fri 29 Oct. CHASING MIRRORS: PORTRAITS OF THE UNSEEN. A week of exciting storytelling and creative art workshops. 5yrs+. NEW FAMILY AUDIO GUIDE Exciting new audio tours for families are now available to help young visitors enjoy the Gallery’s collection.
Say that you saw it advertised in Families West Magazine
TATE BRITAIN Millbank, London SW1P 4RG, info: 020 7887 8888, www.tate.org.uk/britain Open daily 10am-5.50pm. Until 10pm the first Friday of the month.
Cooking Parties!
FAMILY TRAILS Available daily from the Information Desks. Free for 5yrs and under. Open everyday from 10am-6pm and late night until 10pm in Fri and Sat. Info: 020 7887 8888. Go on a journey around Tate Britain and post your discoveries into your POST IT! box as you go. When you get home, open up the box and show your friends what you found. Or you could follow the JOIN UP! trail: play the listening game, search for shapes, patterns and talking hands… and make your own sculptures.
• Fun, cooking parties • For boys and girls aged 5-16 years • Cooking classes
ART TROLLEY, Rotunda. Every Weekend. Free, for all ages. Kids are encouraged to imagine and create, they can make colourful collage, style a wonderful sculpture or perhaps make a sketchbook and filling it with great ideas.
Give your child the best party ever! whisking, baking, giggling, rolling, making, laughing, turning, licking, joking
A great way to learn while having fun! Call for details:
0845 601 4173 email: carola@cookiecrumbles.net www.cookiecrumbles.net
THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY GREENWICH 020 8858 4422, www.nmm.ac.uk National Maritime Museum and Royal Observatory are open 10am-5pm. Adm free. EXHIBITION: ASTRONOMY PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR 2010 From breathtaking images of deep space through telescopes, to quirky images taken with little else than a camera and some imagination. A visual feast! Free. PLANETARIUM SHOWS: Peter Harrison Planetarium £4.50/£6.50, family £17.50. VIOLENT UNIVERSE. Until 15 Oct. Visitors will embark on a journey through supernovae, black holes and gamma ray bursts, as well as the possibility of an asteroid collision with Earth. 11.45am, 1.30pm, 3.15pm, 5pm (weekends & school hol) 3.30pm (weekdays) 5yrs+. SPACE SAFARI. Join Ted the Teddy bear for live music and rhyme as he journeys throughout the solar system looking for the great bear in the sky. 11am (weekends & school hol), 7yrs+.
Need a Cleaner? Reliable local cleaning and ironing service at reasonable rates. Regular and Spring Cleaning. All cleaners are thoroughly vetted.
Call: Andrea 020 8866 8276/07702 280 987 or Katharine 020 8954 2647/07881 783 261
M&H Helpers We also supply party helpers www.mandhhelpers.co.uk
Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR
17
Out & About SKY TONIGHT LIVE. Take a tour of what can be seen in tonight’s sky with a real Royal Observatory astronomer. The journey takes in stars, constellations, planets and awe-inspiring gas clouds. 12.45pm, 4.15pm (weekends & school hol) 3.45pm (weekdays) 5yrs+. MEET THE NEIGHBOURS Other planets, hundreds of moons and millions of asteroids, a new live show narrated by a royal Observatory astronomer. 2.30pm (weekends & school hol) 5yrs+. WE ARE ASTRONOMERS. From 16 Sept. This visually striking show explores the nature of modern astronomy, from space telescopes to particle accelerators and deep space networks to the internet. 11.45am, 1.3opm, 3.15pm (weekends & school hol) 2.45pm (weekdays) 5yrs+. FAMILY EVENTS: - EXPLORE SATURDAYS: 9, 16, 23, 30 Oct. 12noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm. Meridian Courtyard. From the Prime Meridian of the World jour costumed actors in this interactive family show to bring the Observatory to life. 6yrs+. - CREEPY CONSTELLATIONS: 23-31 Oct. Royal Observatory. A Halloween trail exploring the spookier parts of the Royal Observatory. 5yrs+. Free. - SATURDAY SPACE EXPLORERS: 30 Oct. 1.30pm, 2pm, 2.30pm, 3pm, 3.30pm, 4pm. Learning Centre. Make an attractive model of the Earth-Sun system to take away in this drop-in workshop. Free.
LONDON ZOO Regent’s Park Outer Circle, Marylebone, London NW1 4RY, 020 7722 3333, www.zsl.org To 31 Dec. RAINFOREST LIFE IN LONDON ZOO A living rainforest in display containing native to the South American Rainforest. See three types of monkey, sunbittern birds, two-toed sloths and agoutis rodents which are nowadays on the endangered list. A fun and interactive display of a very fragile ecosystem that is in decline. Don’t forget to check out the special “Night Life” zone.
OSTERLEY PARK Jersey Road, Isleworth, Middx TW7 4RB 020 8232 5050 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/osterley 28 Oct DIWALI CRAFT AFTERNOON. Free Diwali celebration activities including garland and diva making. For families with children aged 5+ No advanced booking necessary. 30 Oct FAMILY VOLUNTEERING EVENT Families are invited to come and help “Stop the Rot” by sweeping up the Horse Chestnut leaves. Suitable for children of all ages. Advanced booking. 31 Oct DISCOVERY DAY “Magic and mystery” craft activities and Halloween games at Osterley Park and House. Part of the Pumpkin Festival weekend.
ENGLISH HERITAGE www.english-heritage.org.uK ELTHAM PALACE Court Yard, Greenwich, London SE9, 020 8924 2548 Every Tues during Oct. CONSERVATION IN ACTION 12pm-4pm Have a practical look at conservation in action and find out about the techniques used by the team to conserve and maintain the sumptuous textiles and veneered furniture throughout the mansion. £4.50 to £8.70, family £21.80. Sun 31 Oct. HALLOWEEN CRAFTS 10am-4pm. Join a ghostly tour and get your hands dirty with chilling crafts activities just for kids. Don’t forget to dress for the occasion; a small prize will be given to the best children’s costume. £4.50 to £8.70, family £21.80. 18
Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR
EXHIBITIONS & MUSEUMS NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM Cromwell Road, London SW7. 020 7938 9123. Info: Mon-Fri 020 7942 5000. Sat & Sun 020 7942 5011. www.nhm.ac.uk Open: Mon-Sat: 10am – 5.50pm Sun: 11am-5.50pm. Free. From 22 Oct to 11 Mar 2011. VEOLIA ENVIRONNEMENT WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR The world’s most prestigious showcase of wildlife photography is back with the latest winning entries from its annual international competition. Visually stunning and often thought-provoking, the images provide an insight into the beauty, drama and variety of nature. Gift Aid adm £4.50 to £9, family £24. www.nhm.ac.uk/wildphoto Fri 29 Oct. VISIT THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM AFTER HOURS. Until 10.30pm. World music, champagne, cocktails, tapas and ideas for gifts. DARWIN CENTRE: The hidden world of the Natural History Museum’s scientific collections and research. Brand New and Stunning! Everyday 10am-5.50pm. To book time tickets for Cocoon 020 7942 5725 or www.nhm.ac.uk/darwin-centre To 31 Oct. WILDLIFE GARDEN. Daily 10am-5pm. Set in the Museum’s grounds, the garden reveals a range of British lowlands habitats, including woodland, meadow and pond, and demonstrates the potential for wildlife conservation in the inner city. EVENTS FOR FAMILIES: check the full listing on www.nhm.ac.uk/education Here some highlights: Every Sat & Sun: 2pm-5pm. HANDS ON NATURE: CORALS. Free. Visit the handling trolley in “Lasting Impressions” and take a closer look at some interesting specimens with the help of science educators. Weekends and school Holidays: FAMILY EARTH LAB. Free. Explore the wonder of fossils, rocks and minerals. Sessions are set up to allow everyone to join at their own level and there is a range of fun activities to choose from. 6yrs+.
SCIENCE MUSEUM Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London SW7 2DD. Info & bkg 0870 870 4868. www.sciencemuseum.org.uk Open 10am-6pm. Adm is free but charges apply to some special exhibitions, IMAX cinema and simulator rides. NEW GALLERY: WHO AM I? Who am I? What makes you smarter than a chimp? What makes you smile? What makes you, you? This new exhibition presents the latest in brain science and genetics through a mixture of interactive exhibits and objectrich displays. Visit now to discover yourself! Free. LAUNCHPAD SCIENCE SHOWS Launch a rocket, turn your head into a sound box and control a magnetic cloud and play with 50 more brand new interactive exhibits demonstrating light, sound, electricity and magnetism and more amazing physics phenomena. Free. 8-14yrs.
NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea, London SW3 4HT. 020 7730 0717. www.national-army-museum.ac.uk Open daily 10am-5.30pm. EXHIBITION: THE ROAD TO KABUL: BRITISH ARMIES IN AFGHANISTAN, 1838 – 1919 Since the early 19th century, Britain’s military intervention in Afghanistan has been the cause of
debate and controversy. Examine the history and legacies of the First, Second and Third Afghan Wars and explore dramatic personal stories of the people involved. Free. From 22 Oct. NATIONAL SERVICE DISPLAY The contribution of Britain’s post-war national service conscripts as they moved from civilian to soldier. Free. HALF TERM FAMILY EVENTS: 23-31 Oct INVASION EVENT Find out more about the lives of men and women during the Second World War as they prepare Britain’s defences “if the Invader comes!” Meet soldiers and civilians, train with Home Guard, and take part in creative activities. Free. ACTION ZONES: VICTORIAN SOLDIER ACTION ZONE Quizzes, games and hands-on activities will help children to learn more about life as a Victorian Soldier. Free. THE WORLD’S ARMY – EMPIRE, COMMONWEALTH AND DOMINION SOLDIERS. 1914-45 ACTION ZONE. Children can explore the lives of people from around the world involved in the first and Second World Wars and the great advance made in technologies of warfare. KIDS’ ZONE: Live in a soldier’s tent in an army camp, look after all the king’s horses and defend your castle against invaders! The Kids’ Zone is a free interactive learning and play space, tailored for under 10s and includes a soft play area for babies. Free.
IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM Lambeth Road, London SE1 6HZ. 10am-6pm. 020 7416 5320/5321. www.iwm.org.uk EXHIBITIONS: BAGHDAD 5 MARCH 2005: A PROJECT WITH JEREMY DELLER The Museum will display a car salvaged from the bombing of the historic Al-Mutanabbi street book market in Bagdad, surrounded by some of the most powerful military hardware of the past 100 During its time on display, the car will also be the focus for a series of open conversations about the conflict in Iraq. Free. To 31 Oct 2010. HORRIBLE HISTORIES – TERRIBLE TRENCHES EXHIBITION. Unmissable family exhibition based on the Trenches Handbook by Terry Deary in the bestselling Horrible Histories series. £2.50 to £4.95, family £13. Bkg: 020 7416 5439 or www.iwm.org.uk/trenches To 3 Jan 2011. THE MINISTRY OF FOOD The public will discover how the British public adapted to a world of food shortages , and how growing your own food, eating seasonal fruits and vegetables, reducing imports, recycling and healthy nutrition were just as topical in 1940 as they are today. £2.50 to £4.95, family £13. Bkg: 020 7416 5439 or www.iwm.org.uk/food FAMILY ACTIVITIES: 9, 10 & 16/17 Oct. THE BIG DRAW 2010: ANSWERS ON A POSTCARD 11am-12.30pm & 2pm-4pm. “What is War”? Share your thoughts in writing and illustration as part of a national event that encourages people to discover their artistic side. Free. All ages with parental supervision. 27 Oct 2pm & 3pm and 28 Oct 11am. THE BIG DRAW 2010: TAIL END CHARLIE AND TAFF IN THE WAAF With Author-Illustrators Mick Manning and Brita Granstrom. Have a go at drawing and creative writing while considering the impact of war on families. All ages with parental supervision. HALF-TERM ACTIVITIES: 23-31 Oct 11am-12.30pm & 2pm-4pm. “WHAT IS WAR”? Share your thoughts in writing and illustration as part of a national event that encourages people to discover their artistic side. Free. All ages with parental supervision. October 2010
October 2010
Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR
19
HALF TERM WORKSHOPS
Out & About THE HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY MUSEUM Horse Guards, Whitehall, London SW1A 2AX. 020 7930 3070, www.householdcavalrymuseum.co.uk 10am-5pm. £4/£6, family £15. HALF-TERM ACTIVITIES: Mon 25 Oct to Fri 29 Oct. CHILDREN’S CRAFT ACTIVITIES. 11.30am (45mns). Each activities has a connection to the Household Cavalry and its history , so children can have fun planting an acorn, creating a book mark using leaves and leaf printing. 5-11yrs. All week: MUSEUM TRAIL & COLOURING COMPETITION. Tue 26 Oct. 2.15pm (30mns) STORYTELLING FOR UNDER 5s. Craft activities and storytelling are free for pre-booked children with an accompanying paying adult. Small charge for craft material. Booking recommended: 020 7930 3070.
DESIGN MUSEUM Shad Thames, London SE1 2YD. 020 7940 8783, tickets@designmuseum.org, www.designmuseum.org KIDS SUNDAY WORKSHOP – DRAWING ROOMS Sun 10 Oct. 2pm-5pm. This workshop will also celebrate the Big Draw Festival. Budding young architects can get creative, combining drawing and a variety of modelling materials, to turn 2D drawings into 3D models inspired by the designs of architect John Pawson. 5-11yrs. £4, children must be accompanied. HALF-TERM 3 DAY COURSE FOR 12-16 YEAR OLDS Wed 25 Oct-Fri 27 Oct. 12.10pm-3.30pm each day. £125. This course offers insights into professional practice and a chance to respond creatively to a design brief set by established designers. Participants will work with product designer Gregor Timlin from the design collective Propwork, exploring a range of techniques, focusing on how to generate ideas, develop them into concept designs and work from 2D to 3D model-making.
V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD Cambridge Heath Road, London E2 9PA, 020 8983 5200, www.museumofchildhood.org.uk Daily 10am-5.45pm. Free. EXHIBITIONS: From 9 Oct to 9 Jan 2011. CUT IT, FOLD IT, BUILD IT WITH PAPER Brings together an extensive collection of paper models and shows them together for the first time. As well as beautifully designed and intrinsically detailed paper models created specifically for adults there will be simpler models produced for children, including much loved marketing promotions from the back of cereal packs. Visitors will be able to make their own paper models during family workshops and these will be added to a giant 3D cityscape based in and around the East End of London To 2 Jan 2011. DOLL FACE a Series of portraits by photographer Craig Deane, depicting a variety of dolls from the Museum’s extensive behind the scenes collection. EVENT FOR FAMILIES: Sat 9 Oct. BIG DRAW – BUILT IT WITH PAPER 11am-4pm. FOLD IT, FLY IT Make a gliding paper aeroplane and see how far it will fly. Top three flyers will win a price. Drop-in, 3yrs+. Free. 11am, 1pm, 3pm (60mns) CITY IN THE SKY Help us design a 3D cityscape and your construction will go on display. Tickets 020 8983 5205 or mocbooking@vam.ac.uk 6yrs accompanied by an adult. 20
Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR
HALF-TERM ACTIVITIES: 25-31 Oct. PAPER CHASE A week of stories, trails and art activities inspired by the “Built it With Paper “ exhibition. Activities are drop-in and free unless otherwise stated. 10.30am, 11.15am, 12noon. FLAT STANLEY STORY TRAIL Search for clues to unravel the secret identity of Stanley’s destinations. Solve the riddle for a chance to win a prize. 2pm-4pm. ART SMARTS Drop-in arts and crafts session. 11am & 2pm (90mns) POP UP HOUSES Experiment with origami and paper modelling. Make your own pop up card to take home. Ticketed £3 per child. 020 8983 5205 or mocbooking@vam.ac.uk
BRITISH MUSEUM Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG, 020 7323 8000, www.britishmuseum.org FAMILY ACTIVITIES: Sat 9 Oct. THE BIG DRAW 2010 – DRAWING THE WORLD: PAST AND FUTURE 11am-4pm. A day of free drawing activities for adults, families and children, all ages and abilities. Materials supplied. Free, drop-in, some events ticketed on the day. Sat 16 Oct. AFRICAN STORYTELLING 12noon, 1.30pm &3pm. Free, no pre-bkg. 40mns. Sat 23 Oct. SOUTH ASIAN SCENES 11.30am, 1.30pm & 3.30pm. As part as the South Asian Literature festival. Free, 75mns. Sat 30 Oct. THE ANCIENT EGYPTIAN BOOK OF THE DEAD. 12noon, 1.30pm & 3pm. Join Nodjmet on her journey into the afterlife in this interactive performance. Free, no pre-bkg. 45mns. SAMSUNG DIGITAL DISCOVERY CENTRE. Make use of the latest digital technologies to explore the museum’s collection. Sun 17 Oct. MAKE A MISMATCH CREATURE. 11.30am-3.30pm. Choose pictures of animals from the Museum’s collection and combine them to create an imaginary creature. (30-40mns) Free, drop-in. Sat 16 & 23 Oct. PHOTOFIT: AFRICA. 11.30am-3.30pm. Use Photoshop and a green screen to create a picture of yourself interacting with some of the Museum’s African objects. (30-40mns) Free. Sun 24 Oct. JATAKA TALES ANIMATION WORKSHOP 11am & 2pm. Use animation software to bring ancient Buddhist stories to life. Free, bkg advised. (120mns) Sat 30 Oct. DIGITAL DISCOVERY ACTIVITIES: EGYPT. 11.30am-3.30pm. Choose from a selection of Egypt-themed digital activities to do in the Centre or the galleries. Free, drop-in. (30-60mns).
GEFFRYE MUSEUM 136 Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, London E2 8EA 020 7739 9893, www.geffrye-museum.org.uk Open Tue-Sat 10am-5pm, sun 12noon-5pm. HALF TERM ACTIVITIES: Tue 25 to Fri 29 Oct. LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE 10.30am-12.30pm & 2pm-4pm. This week workshops will be inspired by candles, gasoliers and lamps found in the Geffrye’s period rooms. “Sitting the Light Fantastic” – a new light installation in the gardens, and festivals such as Hanukkah, Christmas, Halloween, Fireworks night and Winter Solstice. Free. First come, first served basis 30mns in advance. Children under 11 must be accompanied by an adult.
A spot of cooking? ........drama? ...........sports? Plenty of workshops going on in West London over half term. Take your pick. ........................................................................................... COOKIE CRUMBLES COOKING CLASSES for children aged 2-18, held in Kensington at 58 Pembroke Rd, London W8 6NX www.cookiecrumbles.co.uk 020 8876 9912. Classes also available at Eddie Catz in Putney, Huggle in Swiss cottage and more to come. 20 Oct Harvest festival 1.30-6pm for ages 5-12 year. A day of cooking, planting or simply being creative. Use the best of the seasonal produce to create scrumptious breads in terracotta pots, fruit crumbles, delicious sticky chicken as well as pumpkin carving and creating your very own aprons. 25 Oct Little Italian Menu 10am-12.30pm for ages 4-8. Cook home-made lasagne, foccacia and ice cream chocolate kisses. 25 Oct Big Italian Menu 2-6pm for ages 9-15 years. Home-made lasagne, risotto cakes, stuffed foccacia, chocolate ice cream and more. 29 Oct Little Halloween Cooking Party 10am-12.30 for ages 4-8 years. A truly hair and spoon-raising Halloween party; spend the morning creating creepy cakes, marshmallow ghouls and ghosts, and delicious pumpkin treats. 29 Oct Big Halloween Party 2-6pm 9-15 years £60. Get ready for an afternoon filled with some spooky cookery. Create some fabulously creepy cakes, Chocolate ghosts, black pasta and more ........................................................................................... 25-29 Oct CREATIVE WIZ KIDS HALF TERM CLUBS in Notting Hill and Hampstead. 10am-1pm for ages 3-7 year olds. Activities include Art projects, painting, dancing, free play, cake decorating, music, imaginative play, story time and fun! Notting Hill Venue: St Francis of Azzizi. Pottery Lane W11 4NQ Hampstead Venue: St Luke’s Church, Kidderpore Ave NW3 7SU 020 7794 6797 www.creativewizkids.com ........................................................................................... 25-29 Oct WATERMANS DRAMA ZONE An intensive drama project for children aged 8 -13. Kenn Michaels will be guiding participants on an imaginative journey over 5 days, with a stage performance at the end of the week. Limited to 25 places only. The stage performance is on Fri 29 Oct at 5pm, Tickets: £2. Venue: Watermans, 40 High Street Brentford TW8 0DS 020 8232 1010. www.watermans.org.uk ........................................................................................... 25-29 Oct FIT FOR SPORT KIDS CAMP are for children aged 3-12. They take part in a wide range of sports and activities with a focus on healthy living. Venues: Belmont Primary School, Chiswick, Trailfinders Sports Club, Ealing, The Brentham Club, Ealing and East Acton Primary Club, Acton. 0845 456 3233 www.fitforsport.co.uk ........................................................................................... 18 and 29 Oct and 1 Nov FUN WITH FIMO CLAY Creative fun, fully supervised and non-messy! For ages 6+ Venue: Private house in Acton. Call Clare McKnight 020 8992 3767 www.funwithfimoclay.co.uk ........................................................................................... 21 Oct-3 Nov KIDS COOKERY SCHOOL WORKSHOPS Cookery workshops for ages 3+ at The Kids Cookery School, 107 Gunnersbury Lane, W3 020 8992 8882 www.thekidscookeryschool.co.uk ........................................................................................... 25/26 Oct MUSIC HOUSE FOR CHILDREN WORKSHOPS 25 Oct, 10-11am Musical storytelling for ages 0-3, and Music and Movement for ages 3-5, 11am-12 noon, Junk Orchestra workshop for ages 3-11. 26 Oct 10am-12.30pm, Musical Theatre and Singing Workshop, for ages 5-12. ........................................................................................... 25-29 Oct HOLLAND PARK ECOLOGY CENTRE HALF TERM ACTIVITIES Environmental themed activities for ages 5-10.Two sessions per day 10am-12 noon and 2-4pm. Booking essential. 020 7938 8186 www.rbkc.gov.uk/ecology ........................................................................................... 26 and 28 Oct PITZHANGER MANOR WORKSHOPS Children can create artwork in response to their visit to PM Gallery.Workshops run from 10am-12noon for ages 4-7 and 2-4pm for ages 5-11. 26 Oct Frightful Faces – Make your own spooky face. 28 Oct Haunted Houses – create a haunted house sculpture bases on Pitzhanger Manor. ........................................................................................... October 2010
Theatre Lyric Square, King Street, London W6 0OL. 0871 22 117 20. www.lyric.co.uk Saturdays shows 11am/1pm £6/£8, then “MESSY PLAY” arts and crafts activities £5, 12pm & 2pm. £9 for Show and Messy Play Workshop. Add Messy Play to your family Ticket for just £3 extra per child. Family ticket £25. SATURDAY SHOWS & FAMILY SUNDAYS Sat 9 Oct. ELMER THE ELEPHANT Elmer is not an ordinary elephant, he is every colour of the rainbow. But he doesn’t want to be different; he wants to be just like all the other elephants. 2-7yrs. Sat 16 Oct. DRUM Listen to the gentle rhythm of the big bass drum and watch the pretty shadows dancing on the surface of the small drum. Oily Cart Production present this wonderful new sensory adventure for very young children. 6mths-2yrs. Sat 23 Oct. BEGINNING WITH BLOBS Three identical playdough blobs bob around in a deep dark sea. Watch as the blob creatures grow and change over time. This highly visual show is an entertaining way to learn how we were created. 4-7yrs. OCTOBER HALF-TERM: 26-31 Oct. THE VERY NOISY NIGHT A new production based on the charming book by Dian Hendry and Jane Chapman. This is a bewitching tale about a scared little mouse with a very big imagination. £6/£8, family £25. 3-7yrs.. MESSY PLAY Sat 30 Oct 12pm & 2pm. FAMILY SUNDAY: 31 Oct THE VERY NOISY NIGHT 12pm & 2pm MESSY PLAY 1pm & 3pm.
PUPPET THEATRE BARGE Little Venice, Blomfield Rd, London W9 2PF 020 7249 6876 www.puppetbarge.com £8.50/£10. 21Oct to 31 Oct daily 3pm. THE TOWN MOUSE & THE COUNTRY MOUSE These two famous cousins visit each other and both experience exciting new sights and sounds. They end up all the wiser as a result of these adventures. A very special delight for both young and old, with music, songs and rod puppets. Suitable for the The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse youngest audience.
WATERMANS 40 High Street Brentford, TW8 0DS 020 8232 1010 www.watermans.org.uk 3 Oct THE FROG PRINCESS Suitable for ages 3-7. This Russian tale tells of three brothers who are ordered by their father to find a bride. Each prince must shoot an arrow into the air, and marry whoever finds it. Perfect princesses return the arrows to the eldest two brothers. Unfortunately a frog finds the third brother’s arrow. The Frog Princess combines storytelling and puppetry in a show full of warmth and humour, for all the family. 3pm. 10 Oct MALINA’S DREAM Suitable for ages 4+ Malina is a young girl who lives with Grandpa in the land of the midnight sun. When Malina’s dream about saving a stranger’s life becomes true she knows that she needs just a little help from Grandpa and his magic drum! The show contains puppets, shadow puppetry and live music. 3pm. October 2010
17 Oct THE CHALK GIANTS Suitable for ages 5+ The legendary tales of Jack and the Giants... but with a twist. They are retold by Giants. A world of magic and mystery is created with drawings of The Chalk Giants chalk and light, video, puppetry, storytelling and original music. 3pm. 24, 25 and 27 Oct FROM HERE… TO THERE! Suitable for ages 18months - 4 years. A show that’s all about building bridges. Building them up and knocking them down, crawling under them, hiding with a surprising peek-a-boo. Each show will include a “stay and play” session for the children and their carers. Limited to 30 children and 30 adult places per From Here... To There! session. 31 Oct WHEN THE LIGHTS WENT OUT Suitable for ages 5+ In this exciting production the audience is drawn into the world of the legendary lovers, Sita and Rama, of Hanuman the wondrous When the Lights went out monkey king, and of course of the terrifying ten-headed demon-king Ravana. Scarves, masks, dance and song, are the performers' tools as they bring to vivid life the magical world that has inspired the Festival of Divali.
To 31 Oct. THE GARBAGE KING Live music and a spectacular set made from recycled and found objects combine in a striking production that brims with the sights and sounds of the Ethiopian capital city. Strong emotions, hope and a beautiful unlikely friendship makes the world stage première of Elizabeth Laird’s novel a show not to be missed! 10yrs+. £10.50/£16.50, family £46.
BARBICAN CENTRE Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS. Info: 020 7638 4141, booking 020 7638 8891. www.barbican.org.uk FAMILY CONCERT: Sat 16 Oct 3pm. GREAT PERFORMERS 10-11 – WATCH THIS SPACE. The Houston Symphony orchestra have teamed up with NASA to produce the show, merging spectacular HD footage of NASA’s latest planetary explorations with a performance of Holst’s The Planets by the Houston Symphony. Free family activities based around the themes of space and The Planets in the Barbican foyers before the concert. For more info: www.barbican.org.uk/music/ event-detail.asp?ID=10289 and www.barbican.org.uk/greatperformers1011 HALF-TERM SHOW: Thurs 21 to Thurs 28 Oct. PARACHUTISTS (in the Pit Theatre) by Croatian children’s theatre company “Theatre Mala Scena”. Two performers play charmingly with dance, music and acrobatics to explore gravity, flying and falling showing how the descent of a feather means more than just the pull of the Earth – and how friends are the force which ultimately lifts people up. 3-8yrs. £7. 21, 24, 25, 27 & 28 Oct at 10.30am 21, 22, 24, 25, 27 & 28 Oct at 1pm Sat 23 Oct at 2pm. No perf on Tues 26 Oct.
NATIONAL THEATRE South Bank, London SE1 9PX. Info: 020 7452 3400, box office: 020 7452 3000 9.30am-8pm. Bkg online: www.nationaltheatre.org.uk 14-26 Oct. PRINCE OF DENMARK. COTTESLOE THEATRE 11.15am and/or 1.30pm. 60mns. Talented young theatre-makers have been paired with experienced NT practitioners to produce this specially commissioned new play for audiences 10 yrs and above. In royal Elsinore, the teenage Hamlet, Ophelia and Laertes rage against the roles handed down by their parents. Set a decade before the action in Shakespeare’s Hamlet, this new play is a terrific first introduction to Shakespeare’s anti-hero. 25, 26 Oct FAMILY WORKSHOPS 10am, before the morning performances. £5/£7.50. 10yrs+. SPECIAL EVENTS: 25-29 Oct. THEATRESKILLS FOR FAMILIES Suitable for 8-12yrs. www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/families
UNICORN THEATRE 147 Tooley Street, Southwark, London SE1 2HZ 020 7645 0560 www.unicorntheatre.com 5-9 Oct. THE DAY THE WATERS CAME It’s summer 2005, Maya Marshalls takes you by the hand and leads you through her landscape on the day Hurricane Katrina came. Go with her as she shows you how her world and that of thousands of black American citizens changed forever on the day the waters came. 13yrs+. £8/£10.50, family £30
Parachutists
Photocredit Irena SinkoviC
THE LYRIC HAMMERSMITH THEATRE
THE 6TH LONDON CHILDREN FILM FESTIVAL: Sat 30 Oct to Sun 7 Nov. Barbican Centre plus 10 cinemas across London. www.Icff.org. uk. Boasting the pick of the best new international children’s films and brimming with special events and previews, the LCFF is a unique opportunity for young film fans and their families to delight in little-seen celluloid treats from around the world.
BOOK AHEAD! YOUNG VIC THEATRE 66, The Cut, London SE1 8LZ, 020 7922 2922, www.youngvic.org 25 Nov-1 Jan 2011. MY DAD’S A BIRDMAN. (The Maria) An uplifting tale by David Almond, author of the Carnegie Medal Award-winning Skellig. The Great Human Bird Competition is coming to town! Lizzie and Jackie have been building their nest and are preparing for take off. Will the dynamic father and daughter duo get a chance to fly, or will sums, dumplings and headmasters get in their way? 4-7yrs. Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR
21
Do we praise too much?
– does it affect our children’s intelligence?
Pascale Gravell
“In one study on 400 nine-year-olds in New York, telling them the six words “you are so smart at this” before a test reduced their scores by 20 per cent. This after just a single sentence, let alone the barrage of praise that pummels a typical Western child at school and beyond”. I might at this point have made a conscious decision to stop praising my children, and modeled my behaviour on the well-meaning grandfather’s thrifty hard earned offerings had I not done a course with The Parent Practice. During the ten-week course we learnt and experienced how descriptive praise can motivate and improve our children’s self esteem and confidence and discovered the influence it can have on our children is far reaching in many ways, including their academic success. During the course we were made aware of Carol Dwek’s studies – which whilst showing that praising children in the conventional way “You did well in your test, you’re clever” may have adverse affects, praising the effort they put into the process in a constructive descriptive way can improve their academic ability and success. A social psychologist, Dwek recognised that children have two perceptions about their 22
Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR
intelligence, the belief that it is a fixed trait that cannot be changed versus the idea that intelligence is a malleable quality, a potential that can be developed. These beliefs affect tasks that children take on, the effort they are willing to exert, their ability to cope with setbacks and ultimately their academic performance.
,,
Shortly afterwards I read a newspaper article about a new book ‘Nature Shock’ which opened with the statement: “Don’t praise them, argue with them, and never tell them to say thank you”. The article went on to quote the work of Carol Dwek, a Stanford professor, who has looked to prove that telling a child they are bright causes the opposite result – it doesn’t prevent underperforming, but can actually cause it. The article warned of the dire consequences of praising our children:
Credit: French Connection
I had an interesting conversation with a friendly Grandfather last week, he told me he thought we over indulged our children not only with material possessions, but with praise to the point that it is meaningless to them. He divulged that his children had only been praised when it had been well earned and this was infrequently, so they lapped it up whenever given and were always striving for more.
They are more likely to value learning over looking clever, enjoy effort and challenges and thrive in the face of difficulty.
,,
Dwek carried out a number of studies in schools that showed a child who is regularly told they are bright, clever, intelligent, smart, or brilliant tends to believe that intelligence is a fixed trait. They are more susceptible to worry about how bright they are, think they are stupid
when they fail, tend to dislike and avoid effort, and are more likely to give up in the face of academic difficulty. However, those that were descriptively praised for their effort developed a growth mindset, believing intelligence is something that can be cultivated, making children want to do just that. They are more likely to value learning over looking clever, enjoy effort and challenges and thrive in the face of difficulty. There are a number of fascinating interviews with Carol Dwek on YouTube about her studies and their results. As parents we are largely responsible, the messages we give our children can mould which of the two beliefs they will adopt. If our child does well in a test and we praise them with a direct message – “Well done you’re clever”, it may give them the fixed view about intelligence with all its vulnerabilities. However, if we praise in detail, the effort that went into preparing for and completing the test, they are more likely to foster the malleable view with all its hardiness and resilience. Having adopted the skills and strategies I learned during The Parent Practice course I watch with wonder how the language I use with my children affects their self-perception and view of the world. Thankfully, not only is their confidence blossoming, but so is my mine with regard to how I am doing as a parent. I now also feel better equipped to assess and make educated judgments about the wise words of grandfathers and scaremongering media hype.
The Parent Practice run courses, workshops and consultations for families. Please visit www.theparentpractice.com for more information.
October 2010
Classifieds Parties
Education
Would you like to advertise in Families West?
Blueberry Playsongs Parties! Wonderful musical parties for 1-6 year olds. Contact us on
020 8677 6871
Services
Please email adverts@familieswest.co.uk west co ukk or phone 020 8930 4707 Don’t miss out on your copy of Families West!
Cupcakes These delightful little cakes are made to order. Any colour any topping, Why not try a banoffe or a choca-mocha dream, even a vanilla and white chocolate delight, each little cake is topped with flavoured butter cream. All occasions: Birthdays, Thank you, Baby shower, Hen parties. And many more. Special dietary cupcakes: Gluten and Wheat free, so you don’t have to miss out. Prices start from £1.50. Cupcake towers to hire with a £20 refundable deposit. Please call Tiffany 07984 548857
Tiff’s Cupcake Heaven
October 2010
Volunteers
SUBSCRIBE TODAY! For £20.00 we will send the next 10 issues straight to your door. Please complete the form below and return it to us with your cheque made payable to: Families West.
SUBSCRIPTION Name ...........................................................................................................................
HOME-START EALING – Volunteers Needed We are a children’s charity and we train volunteers to help families with young children. Do you have experience as a parent? Could you spare 2 hours each week to support a family? We run Volunteer Preparation Courses throughout the year, so please call us on 0208 842 1617 to discuss further.
Address....................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................... Postcode .................................................................................................................... Email address .......................................................................................................... Phone...........................................................................................................................
Please send your cheque and completed coupon to: Families West Subscriptions, P.O. Box 32231, London, W5 1JR
Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR
23
24
Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR
October 2010