Families Herts Sep-Oct 2013

FREE Issue No. 52 Sept/Oct 2013

Made to measure: Schools Clubs & Classes

The Herts magazine with the information young families want

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From your Editor…

Hope you all had a fabulous summer break. As always, what seemed a long luxurious age in July was over in flash. The house that was buzzing from morning ‘til night is again so quiet while the children are at school or nursery; but the daily commute is back to usual with packed buses, trains and roads!

We all have to return to our usual routines and Families Herts is no exception. Our annual Schools Feature has a great piece by Joanna Moorhead on the 20 things you need to know when choosing ‘big school’. Plus, we have Schools Noticeboard and a listing of School Open Days.

This is the time of year for you and your child to choose which afterschool activities to do and our Clubs & Classes features has some good ideas to get you off to a flying start.

What’s On has October half-term activities and lots of Spooky Halloween events as well.

Before ending my regular missive I must highlight our competitions page. There is the chance to win a Caterpillar Music party, a family ticket to see ‘The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra and a great new book about a fishy little character that lives in our British seas.

News & Views: 4 Schools Feature: 6 Clubs & Classes: 12 Competitions: 19 What's On: 20 Nov/Dec deadline: 4th Oct Next Issue: Christmas

Shelley Where are we? Baldock, Bishops Stortford, Borehamwood, Chorleywood, Harpenden, Hatfield, Hemel Hempstead, Hertford, Hitchin, Kings Langley, Knebworth, Letchworth, Radlett, St Albans, Stevenage, Ware, Welwyn GC. Pick it up from cafes, playgroups, nurseries, schools, activity groups, selected shops, surgeries, leisure centres and libraries. Get in touch to request copies for your venue.

In this issue:

Subscribe to get Families Herts by post for just £9.30 for 6 issues (1 year) or £18 for 12 issues (2 years). Call or email for a subscription form.

Front cover image by Paul Michael Hughes www.paulmichaelhughes.com (www.istockphoto.com)

Families Herts, PO Box 434, Pinner, HA5 9AH Tel/Fax: 020 8428 6384 editor@familiesherts.co.uk www.familiesherts.co.uk

Say you saw it in

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News & Views

Wonderland Nursery

Staff and children at Wonderland Nursery are celebrating after achieving ‘Outstanding’ in all areas of their recent Ofsted inspection.

Located in Letchworth Garden City since

1994 it provides high quality childcare and education for children aged from three months to five years.

The report has stated that “children are very secure, thoroughly enjoy their play and learning, and are confident and selfassured. Consequently, children embark on their learning career ready to seek out new experiences and are happy to learn.”

The report says that the staff “have an excellent understanding of how to engage children in playing and exploring.”

Both of the Directors of Wonderland Nursery, Kath Cole and Emma Melvern, are very proud of all their staff for their energy and great skills.

For more information call 01462 480884 or email emma@wonderlandnursery.co.uk

Make it your Child’s BASE every holiday!

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

As part of Berkhamsted Schools Group’s on-going commitment to providing support for working parents who are juggling busy schedules, BASECAMP is open to all and has now been extended to cover all school holidays, with the exception the week between Christmas and New Year. The core day runs from 9.30am until 4.30pm, with the addition of a wrap-around care option available from 7.30am until 6.30pm.

BASECAMP at Berkhamsted School is open to all and offers a range of activities geared towards making school holidays a time to look forward to, offering a broad range of sports and activity camps for children.

Basecamp is running from 21st October until 1st November during October Half Term.

See www.berkhamstedbasecamp.co.uk

Mummy’s Maid It! Mummy’s Maid Ltd has been selected to participate in a government initiative called the Growth Accelerator designed to help up to 26,000 of England’s brightest businesses achieve their ambition and potential. As a provider of Executive household services to busy professionals, founder Kez Luckett is very excited about this development as she looks forward to re-launching the company with a range of services specifically designed to make busy mums lives’ easier.

Mummy’s Maid services offer their clients flexibility with no long term contracts and peace of mind, as all staff are enhanced CRB checked.

Services will include: before school and after school childcare, cleaning, housekeeping, laundry service, errand running, elderly care, holiday return service and personal assistant help. As the company continues to grow they are looking for caring, reliable ladies to join them for flexible working, good rates of pay and career opportunities. It is essential that you drive and have access to a car. To find out more about services offered and about working for Mummy’s Maid call 0845 463 0075, email Info@mummysmaid.co.uk or go to www.mummysmaid.co.uk

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Spook-tacular goings on at the Farms Head down to Lee Valley Park Farms to celebrate Halloween and enjoy a wonderful and wizardry experience.

There will be pumpkin carving, story telling and magical crafts to try out as well as all the animals to meet.

Lee Valley Park Farms host a number of events throughout the year and always provides a great day out for the family with lots of fun activities for all ages to enjoy.

There are hundreds of animals to meet, feed, handle and make friends with including sheep, husky dogs, reindeer, pygmy goats, giant rabbits, rare breed pigs, long-necked llamas and a loveable meerkat family.

There’s also a toboggan run, indoor and outdoor play areas as well as the Orchard Café serving freshly prepared food.

For more information on events at Lee Valley Park Farms go to visitleevalley.org.uk or call 01992 892 781.

Top of the crops – Pumpkin Festival at Willows Farm Village

The Pumpkin Festival returns to Willows Farm Village, near St Albans, between the 24th October and 3rd November. The Willows Pumpkin Patch is packed with thousands of the distinctive orange fruits – that’s right, not vegetables!

Each child who visits will be able to pick a free pumpkin to take home for a tasty, seasonal dinner or they can take their pumpkin into the Willows Carving Cavern where they can create anything from spooky pumpkin faces to farmyard animals or swirly shapes. There’s a daily prize on offer for the most creative carver! Children who are too young to carve a pumpkin can still get crafty at the Pumpkin Arts & Crafts area.

With their pumpkin masterpieces completed, it’s back outdoors to take part in the Pumpkin Olympics. Who will win the Pumpkin Obstacle, Roll a Pumpkin or Pumpkin Relay races?

Finally, get up close to some creepy creatures in the live Zootacular animal show.

To find out more call 0870 129 9718 or visit www.willowsfarmvillage.com.

New Party Venue Chiltern Open Air Museum has launched a range of new children’s birthday parties.

There are three party themes, suitable for different ages: Teddy Bears Picnic, Cake and Crafts, and Survival Camp. The parties include a party lunch, themed activities, the support of a coordinator and free tea and coffee for accompanying adults. The birthday parties have been developed by the Museum’s Learning Officer, Holly Medland, who said, “It has been great fun coming up with ideas for the birthday parties. Children on the Survival Camp party will toast marshmallows outside over an open fire.” To find out more go to www.coam.org.uk or call 01494 871117.

Say you saw it in

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Schools Feature

Which secondary is right for my child? to discuss it with your child if your instincts are different).

• .Don’t get bogged down in the detail: what you’re aiming to get is a sense of the school. Does it feel happy, productive, calm? Is there a sense of order and caring?

These things matter more than the nittygritty.

•.Think about your child’s talents and interests and ponder carefully whether they’ll be catered for. But think too about what the school offers that might be harder to pick up at home. We’re a family of journalists, where literacy is easier for us as parents; so I’m glad my girls went to a school that specialised in maths and science, even though these weren’t their strongest subjects.

• Pay attention to what’s on the walls – and not just the artwork. What are children being warned about, or encouraged to do? Are there any school visits being advertised? What clubs seem to be thriving?

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

• Where do pupils go on to from this school?

You want to see at least some youngsters doing well academically and aiming for good courses at top universities.

• Go to the head teacher’s talk and take your notebook. This is an important part of the event: not only do you need to pick up on the head’s attitude and values and what matters

Sherrardswood School (see pages 7 & 10)

Joanna Moorhead on the 20 things you need to know when choosing ‘big school’

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

• Listen to your child’s feelings as well as your own. Choosing his or her primary was down to just you and your partner; but your 10 or 11-year-old deserves a say.

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

• Nothing advertises a school like its pupils.

Do they seem happy? Are they polite? If you have time, hang around in the area at home time. Are they well-behaved?

• How about the staff – do they seem happy and fulfilled working there? Take opportunities to chat to them.

• Listen to your instincts. If a school doesn’t feel right, move on. You don’t have to explain yourself or your reasons for doing so to anyone else (although you do, of course, need

most to him or her, but you also need to pay special attention to anything that’s said about the entrance criteria. Understanding that is the crucial next stage.

• If you like a school, do your homework about whether your child fits its entrance requirements. However much you love the school, and however much you think your child would thrive there, you’ll only get a place if you fulfil the criteria. Read the school’s entrance policy through very, very carefully.

If you don’t fulfil the requirements, could you change something so you do? If not, move on: there’s no point in wasting a choice or railing against something you can’t change.

• You’re bound to talk to other parents, and you want to talk to other parents, but don’t get pulled along by their tide. Do your own research and develop your own views: knowledge is power.

• Keep telling yourself (because it’s true!) that there is no perfect school. Every school has strengths and weaknesses. There’s more than one school that can be right for your child.

• When the time comes to fill in the forms, allow yourself lots of time and do it extremely carefully. There may be supplementary forms, and there may be complicated arrangements for giving them in (especially if you’re applying to faith schools). If you find it all too confusing, talk to your child’s primary teacher or primary head, or call the education department at your local authority.

• Have a plan of action for what you’ll do if you don’t get the school you’re hoping for.

Just having that plan will make you feel more relaxed.

• Remember that there’s a lot of movement in the first few weeks after places are allocated, and many children get in from waiting lists.

• Don’t underestimate how much hard work an appeal can be, or how emotionally draining.

That’s not to say don’t do it: just be prepared.

• Remember that, at the end of the day, parents make more difference to a child’s future than a school does. Even if your child doesn’t get into your first choice of school (and one in seven didn’t last year) your attitude to that could be a much bigger factor in what happens next for your child than the school itself. Have confidence, first and foremost, in your child. And believe that, together, you will work things out if and when you come up against problems.

Get Walking to School Beat the traffic and get you and your kids out in the fresh air during International Walk to School Month this October. Each year, primary school children from across the UK join forces with over 40 countries worldwide to celebrate the benefits of walking to school and this October is no different, with the month-long activity encouraging pupils to walk to school at least once a week. Many

parents know that walking is actually quicker and less stressful than taking the car and they value the opportunity to spend quality time with their children. It also increases air quality with fewer cars on the streets and strengthens communities, where children and parents are seen in the streets! Stop moaning about the traffic … start clearing it! www.livingstreets.org.uk © Monkey Business - Fotolia.com

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Say you saw it in

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Schools Feature New Sixth Form at Egerton Rothesay School This has been an exciting year for those pupils who decided to stay on at ERS to be part of our new Sixth Form.

The structure of the school day and additional support, designed to help with a range of learning difficulties, has enabled pupils to grow in confidence and to experience different real-life situations and study courses. It has also allowed them to work independently, strengthen study skills and, by succeeding, to realise their ability to do well.

In the Sixth Form individual pupils learn to be responsible for their own learning, but with the option to seek staff help when

necessary. This has instilled a new sense of responsibility and helped to develop organisational skills across a range of subjects.

This year pupils have been taking additional GCSEs, improving previous grades, studying a variety of BTEC courses and taking an AS Art course.

We are confident that having had two years of supportive help, plus gaining a variety of different qualifications, the move to further study at college will be less daunting and this will enable pupils to achieve success at this next level. To find out more call 01442 877060 or go to www.eger-roth.co.uk

Beechwood Park School for the Best Possible Start Beechwood Park is celebrating the results of its recent Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) inspection.

The Early Years Foundation Stage provision is described as “outstanding” and the preparatory school praised for offering: • a high quality of curricular and extra-curricular provision • excellence in the learning environment, the children’s achievements and the standard of pastoral care • a safe and welcoming environment • an excellent boarding experience which boarders thoroughly enjoy

• a high level of parental satisfaction.

Housed in an eighteenth century mansion in Markyate, near St Albans, this co-educational, day and flexi-boarding school is well-served by minibuses. The Beechwood Park Montessori Nursery is located nearby at Little Cheverells. Open Mornings are held regularly and the Headmaster is always pleased to meet prospective parents.

To find out more go to www.beechwoodpark.net or call 01582 840333.

Learn to read with Reading Eggs Reading Eggs is the award-winning online reading programme for children aged 3-13. Children love working and playing on the computer and the Reading Eggs programme is all about bringing out the best in each child using unique worlds of interactive reading and writing activities.

Proven reading results • Over 90% of parents have noticed an improvement in their child’s reading ability since using Reading Eggs • The lessons' content and format are based on solid scientific research • Has a core reading curriculum of phonics and sight words supporting what children learn at school • Uses skills and strategies essential for sustained reading success • The programme is used by over 2 million children worldwide (and counting!)

• Reading Eggs has been developed by expert educators with over 20 years’ experience

Why children love Reading Eggs • There are over 512 interactive games, motivating rewards and songs • It makes reading fun – children want to learn • The programme supplies one-on-one lessons that match your child’s ability • Detailed assessment reports show and recognise progress • Suitable for children aged 3 - 13 From 26th August to 30th September your child can join thousands of children across the UK taking part in the Reading Eggs Great Literacy Challenge – a nationwide effort to inspire children to read!

This FREE event will give your child 5 weeks FREE access* to Reading Eggs – the online reading programme that teaches children aged 3-13 the literacy skills needed for lifetime reading success. Sign up for your FREE trial* today and see for yourself how your child’s reading improves by using Reading Eggs. Simply register your child at www.readingeggs.co.uk/horse. *Free trial only available for new customers who register at www.readingeggs.co.uk/horse

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Say you saw it in

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Schools Feature The Best Start

The start of school is a big step in a child’s life and also in that of its parents. There is much debate about when is the right age to start being taught, but here at Westbrook Hay we feel that it is obvious; it is when the child is ready. Children can come to us in the term in which they turn 3, some will come from nurseries, others straight from home, while some will choose to remain at the local

Outstanding opportunities at Abbot’s Hill School Abbot’s Hill is an independent school for girls aged 3-16 and boys aged 3-5 situated in over 70 acres of parkland on the outskirts of Hemel Hempstead.

Abbot’s Hill aims to ensure that every pupil achieves her full potential, discovers and develops her own individual talent and is able to shine. The school offers outstanding pastoral care, excellent teaching within small classes and a wide and varied extra-curricular programme.

Drama is one of the many opportunities open to pupils and this year over 200 girls from the Junior and Senior Departments

nursery and join us in Reception, when full time school begins.

In our purpose-built Lower School, children benefit from a secure setting, with its own playgrounds, and advantageous teacher: pupil ratios. The aim is to provide a gentle start to life here, building on children’s existing skills.

After two years or so in our Nursery, children move to Reception and this is the stage at which we see most children make the break through to literacy and numeracy.

One of the aspects that most appeals here is that the curriculum that underpins all the learning in the Nursery is delivered through children playing while they are learning. The subtlety involved requires skilled planning and delivery, but does mean that children largely remain blissfully unaware that they are being taught at this early stage.

The modern child expects to be engaged by what they are doing and here at Westbrook Hay we believe that we provide children with the best start to their learning journey.

To find out more call 01442 256143 or go to www.westbrookhay.co.uk

joined together for a rousing production of Lionel Bart’s Oliver which played to four full houses and standing ovations in the school’s Judi Dench theatre. Girls are also able to take part in a range of sporting activities and a vast array of clubs.

The school has a strong record of academic success and excellent exam results are achieved without the pressures of a hothouse environment.

The next Whole School Open Day is on Saturday 5 October 2013 2pm-4pm. There will be a Working Open Morning for the Prep School on Wednesday 9 October. If you would like to arrange a tour of the school please contact the Registrar on 01442 240333 or email registrar@abbotshill.herts.sch.uk.

Inspiring women of the future Northwood College is an Independent Day School for girls with two very special features at its heart. Our unique Thinking Skills Programme enables girls to develop independent and creative thinking that takes them far beyond an exam curriculum. Our emphasis on pastoral care meanwhile rests on the premise that a happy girl will always achieve her best. Put the two together and you have a school that buzzes with life, where pupils achieve outstanding results.

Through our Thinking Skills Programme we teach all our girls to understand how they learn best and to develop and practice good thinking habits such as risk-taking, perseverance and resilience. Over the years, the programme gives them a comprehensive understanding of themselves, their own particular strengths and weaknesses, as well as providing the tools and techniques to face new problems and situations with

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confidence. In fact, the ability to really think for themselves is one of the most important things girls gain from a Northwood College education. To find out more go to www. northwoodcollege.co.uk or call 01923 825446

The Olympic Spirit Lives On! The 2012 Olympic games were an incredible event in the UK and in June 2013 Year 6 pupils from the Rudolf Steiner School, Kings Langley, joined with pupils from Steiner Waldorf schools across the UK, Ireland and Europe to recreate the Olympic spirit. This annual gathering at Michael Hall Steiner School in Forrest Row, East Sussex is a re-enactment of the Olympic games. It is a highlight of the infamous Steiner Waldorf curriculum and a life-changing experience for the participants. Approximately 400 pupils from over 20 schools camp together. They practice their skills with new team mates and forge new friendships whilst they take part in an incredible series of games, including javelin, high-jump and a mini-marathon. This, alongside their studies of Ancient Greece, powerfully brings the Olympics to life. At the Forrest Row camp the children experience something of what the original Olympics may have been like.

Thomas Heatherwick, the innovative and inspirational designer of the beautiful Olympic cauldron seen at the Opening Ceremony, is a former pupil of the Rudolf Steiner school in Kings Langley, and this achievement is a testament to the education he received.

To find out more go to www.rsskl.org

Where Your Child Matters Sherrardswood School is a small, friendly, independent, co-educational school with an outstanding reputation for first-class care and education for 2 to 18 year olds. We have been educating and enriching the lives of young people for over 80 years and are proud of our long history of academic excellence.

From Nursery through to Senior school, we provide a seamless progression of outstanding education aimed at developing the talents, skills and personality of every pupil. An outstanding education made possible through a combination of a supportive, family atmosphere, small class sizes and exceptional teaching. This happy combination is further enhanced by our magnificent grounds and setting. As you drive through the gates you’ll immediately understand why every pupil and every teacher starts the day inspired to give their very best.

To find out more about Sherrardswood School contact the Registrar at admissions@sherrardswood.herts.sch.uk or call 01438 714282

School Open Days School

Town

Age / Dept

Date

Time

Telephone

Website

Abbot's Hill School (Girls) (Boys 3-5)

Hemel Hempstead

3-16 yrs

5 Oct

2pm-4pm

01442 240333

www.abbotshill.herts.sch.uk

Abbot's Hill School (Girls) (Boys 3-5)

Hemel Hempstead

Nursery/ Jnrs

09-Oct

10.30am

Aldwickbury School (Boys)

Harpenden

4-13 yrs

20 Sep

contact for times

01582 713022

www.aldwickbury.org.uk

Beechwood Park (Co-ed)

Markyate

4-13 yrs

18 Oct

9.30am-12noon

01582 840333

beechwoodpark.net

Duncombe School (Co-ed)

Hertford

2-11 yrs

11 Oct

am

01992 414109

www.duncombe-school.co.uk

Egerton Rothesay School (Co-ed)

Berkhamsted

5-18 yrs

17 Oct

contact for times

01442 877060

www.eger-roth.co.uk

Haberdashers' Aske's School for Girls

Elstree

Juniors

05-Oct

10am-12.30pm

020 8266 2302

www.habsgirls.org.uk

Haberdashers' Aske's School for Girls

Elstree

Seniors

10 Oct

6-8pm

"

"

"

Haberdashers' Aske's School for Girls

Elstree

Seniors

5 Oct

2-5pm

"

"

"

Haileybury School (Co-ed)

Hertford

11+

17 Oct, 22 Nov

9.30am

Haileybury School (Co-ed)

Hertford

13+

28 Sep

9.30am

"

"

"

Haileybury School (Co-ed)

Hertford

Sixth Form

5 Oct

9.30am

"

"

"

Heath Mount School (Co-ed)

Hertford

3-13 yrs

5 Oct

am

01920 830230

www.heathmount.org

Kingshott School (Co-ed)

Hitchin

3-13 yrs

16 Nov

10am-12.30pm

01462 432009

www.kingshottschool.com

Lochinver House School (Boys)

Potters Bar

4-13 yrs

28 Sep

from 10am

01707 620036

www.lochinverhouse.herts.sch.uk

Lockers Park (Boys)

Hemel Hempstead

5-13 yrs

12 Oct

am

01442 251712

www.lockerspark.herts.sch.uk

Northwood College

Northwood

3-16 yrs

21 Sep

9.30am 12.30pm

01923 825446

Northwood College

Northwood

Sixth Form

16 Oct

6pm

"

Rudolf Steiner School (Co-ed)

Kings Langley

3-18 yrs

5 Oct

1-4pm

01923 262 505

www.rsskl.org

Sherrardswood School (Co-ed)

Welwyn

2-18 yrs

12 Oct

9.30am-12.30pm

01438 714282

www.sherrardswood.co.uk

St Albans High School for Girls

Wheathampstead

4-11yrs

11 Oct

9.15-11.15am

01727 792509

www.stahs.org.uk

St Albans High School for Girls

Wheathampstead

"

16 Nov

9.30-12noon

"

"

"

St Albans High School for Girls

St Albans

Senior

5 Oct, 9 Nov

9am-12.30pm

"

"

"

St Albans High School for Girls

St Albans

Sixth Form

14 Oct

6-8.30pm

"

"

"

St Albans School (Boys)

St Albans

11-16 yrs

5 Oct, 9, 30 Nov

contact for times

St Albans School (Boys)

St Albans

Sixth Form

15 Oct

contact for times

St Christopher School (Co-ed)

Letchworth

3-18 yrs

5 Oct

9.30am-1pm

01462 650947

www.stchris.co.uk

St Columba's College (Boys)

St Albans

4-18 yrs

5 Oct

9am-12.30pm

01727 855185

www.stcolumbascollege.org

St Edmund's College (Co-ed)

Ware

3-16 yrs

28 Sep

9.30am-2pm

01920 824247

www.stedmundscollege.org

St Edmund's College (Co-ed)

Ware

Sixth Form

10 Oct

7-9pm

"

"

St Francis' College (Girls)

Letchworth

3-18 yrs

5 Oct

contact for times

01462 670511

www.st-francis.herts.sch.uk

St Josephs in the Park (Co-ed)

Hertford

3-11 yrs

18 Oct

9.30am-12noon.

01992 581378

www.stjosephsinthepark.com

Stormont School (Girls)

Potters Bar

4-11 yrs

16 Oct

am

01707 654037

www.stormont.herts.sch.uk/

The Haberdashers' Aske's Boys' School

Elstree

8-18 yrs

05-Oct

1-4pm

020 8266 1800

www.habsboys.org.uk

The King's School (Co-ed)

Harpenden

2-16 yrs

5 Oct

9.30-12noon

01582 767566

www.thekingsschool.com

The Princess Helena College (Girls)

Hitchin

11-18 yrs

5 Oct

1-4pm

01462 443888

www.princesshelenacollege.co.uk

The Princess Helena College (Girls)

Hitchin

11-18 yrs

15 Nov

9.30-11.30am

Westbrook Hay Prep School

Hemel Hempstead

3-13 yrs

28 Sep

9.30am-12.30pm

Say you saw it in

"

"

01992 706200

"

www.haileybury.com

www.northwoodcollege.co.uk "

01727 855521 "

"

www.st-albans.herts.sch.uk

"

"

01442 256143

"

" www.westbrookhay.co.uk

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Clubs & Classes

Beyond the Classroom

By Ellen Arnison

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

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

Please take a deep breath and relax. Extracurricular activities are not essential; many children do perfectly well without them.

However, there are some benefits from a few well-chosen groups, clubs or classes.

With the best will in the world, school cannot teach all the skills you might consider essential for modern life. Swimming lessons, for example, or cycling proficiency are crucial for safety. In addition, carefully selected activities can bring numerous other benefits that could help your child now and in the future.

They will get a huge confidence boost from participating in an enjoyable activity they are successful at. A shy child, for example, may flourish in a dance class. As well as learning new skills, more subtle benefits include fostering a sense of community, increasing self-sufficiency and allowing a child – particularly one in a large family – something they feel is their own. Club time can also allow one-to-one time for other children.

While these advantages are very real, care must be exercised when choosing activities.

Too many and the wrong ones will only leave everyone fed up and exhausted. The

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easy choices are the ones your children are desperate to do. Although beware of signing up for something just because your son or daughter’s best friend is doing it, this may not be a good enough reason. Ask yourself if your child gets something from the activity that they don’t get elsewhere and that it complements what’s already going on. For example, an active youngster who is already in the football team might be better balancing their activities with music or drama than adding another sport. Equally a child timid in the classroom may get great gains from being in a choir if it boosts their confidence.

A more tricky area is an activity you’d like your child to do when they’d rather spend their after-school time at home relaxing. Only you can tell if they are genuinely exhausted by a day’s education or not. Do take their views into account as there is no point in forcing a child to do something they dislike.

After-school activities affect the whole family, so only commit to activities that fit into your schedule and suit your budget. No one wants to spend all their time ferrying children from activity to activity while dinner still needs to be prepared and other children become resentful. You may decide that your time and money can be better spent on family activities at home.

When you and your child do decide on a class or club – take some time to check it out. Find out how long it has been running, do other parents recommend it, are the staff Disclosure or CRB checked?

Extra-curricular activities offer many benefits but remember that unstructured time is also important – it’s even OK for children to feel bored. If they bounce from one organised activity to the next, they’ll never learn how to amuse themselves.

© sonya etchison - Fotolia.com

SEN activities Children with special educational needs can benefit hugely from well-chosen extracurricular activities.

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

Therefore an activity they can participate in successfully is a huge boost to their selfesteem. For example a dyslexic child, for whom school is a struggle, may blossom as a leading light in the dance troupe.

Equally there are other more educational and developmental benefits that make extra-curricular activities important.

Dyspraxic youngsters, for instance, can find their co-ordination improves while doing karate or trampolining.

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

The school or local authority will be able to advise about SEN groups in your area.

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Clubs & Classes Why Jigsaw?

A Parent’s Tale The competition for children’s free time is ferocious. Tennis, ballet, cookery - they can do it all and did! They tried everything, and as they discarded one activity after another, my bank balance shrank, the pile of unused equipment and clothing grew. So when my daughter asked to join a Jigsaw performing arts class, I was reluctant to say the least.

Classes every week seemed like a huge commitment- for both of us, and Polly - a shy, timid 7 year old - had never shown any great desire to tread the boards – what on earth could she possibly get out of it?

Well, I was wrong. Eight years on it was the best investment I ever made in my daughter’s future. Jigsaw helped her achieve so much.

Apart from having a huge amount of fun,

the outstanding teachers helped Polly gain tremendous confidence, develop great social skills and learn how to work in a team.

Jigsaw Arts has many schools in London and the south-east for students aged 3-18. If you would like your child to learn performance techniques while improving their confidence and social skills, then why not sign them up?

See advert on page 17. www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk / 020 8447 4530

Sportspace The summer holidays are over and it’s back to school. What a great time to try something new. How about a new sport or activity for your child either after school or at weekends?

Children will learn new skills and keep fit, but also have lots of fun and the opportunity to meet new friends.

A brand new exciting squash course will be starting in September for 7-15 year olds at Sportspace Hemel Hempstead and will be delivered by a qualified coach who will help to develop skills and also provide pathways into local clubs and leagues if children want to progress.

There are many other courses to choose from too: Micro football courses for little ones as young as 3 years old, plus Mini Tennis, the always popular Trampoline and Football Skills for children aged 5 years+. Badminton courses are available for those aged 6 years+. There

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really is an activity or sport for all ages!

For something more adventurous we have Junior Climbing and Skateboarding courses available at XC, our extreme sports facility.

For a new outdoor activity why not try Golf at Little Hay Golf Complex?

See advert on page 13. www.sportspace. co.uk / www.thexc.co.uk / alison.adams@ sportspace.co.uk / 01442 507100.

Do you want to help your child excel in maths and learning this autumn term?

Abacus x Maths Learning is a unique maths enrichment course, mainly aimed at primary school-aged children. ​Through the use of the Japanese Abacus and other materials, the course is designed to help children excel with their mental arithmetic, school maths, and even other subjects, by developing their concentration, reasoning, visualisation, and tenacity.

The soroban abacus, a counting frame with beads used in Japan from the 1800s, and in China from the Middle Ages, is today an educational instrument used to aid millions of children around the world learn maths, especially in Japan, China, Singapore and India, where children excel in maths. The course takes a full advantage of this instrument as a tool to develop children’s learning potential.

Maths is not only calculating sums quickly and accurately, but also understanding, finding and expressing the relational patterns between numbers, objects, languages, and time. Abacus x Maths Learning helps children experience and explore these mathematical relationships. Thus, it gives them a solid foundation and enrichment in their learning of maths and other subjects, and boosts their general intelligence.

Our typical class starts with children warming up with special abacus flash cards, recalling aloud number bonds and times tables against their stop watches. Many parents are amazed how quickly their young children learn the number facts and times tables in a few lessons. Even 5-6 years olds are encouraged to master all the 1-10 times tables, using a special visualisation method. After the warm-ups with the flash cards, the teacher calls out numbers for children to add up quickly on the abacus, to train their visual, auditory processing, and fine motor skills.

After this active listening exercise, each child works on their course books and worksheets to learn the abacus operations, mental arithmetic and other maths concepts, tailored to the child’s current ability and level. They are also often tested on the meanings and applications of what they have learnt (e.g. representing times tables with objects.).

A mother of a six-year old student commented “my daughter has greatly benefited from attending Abacus x Maths Learning. Her grasp of maths using the abacus is amazing for her age (she is in year 1 but already achieved National Curriculum Level 3 in her mock test).”

Enrolment is on a rolling basis, and we are presently accepting new students. Please feel free to contact Abacus x Maths Learning for a non-obligatory introductory session.

Please visit our website www.abacusmaths.info, call 01442 800 808 or email contact@abacusmaths.info

Say you saw it in

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Clubs & Classes Dinky Dancers

Drama Llamas

Doodley Bugs

award winning classes are growing with new classes popping up everywhere! Dinky Dancers have been graded as OUTSTANDING

by Ofsted and have been a Net Mums ‘Best Activity’ winner, a What’s On For Little One’s finalist and also ‘highly recommended’

by Health and Sports Professionals. Dinky Dancers' toddler classes provide a fun-filled dance, movement and activity music and singing experience. Our programme combines creative, physical and musical elements to produce imaginative classes for pre-schoolers.

See advert on page 14.

01438 831281 / www.dinkydancers.com

interactive drama classes and parties take children through a fun-filled programme of dramatic play and movement. Drama Llamas uses an eclectic range of inspiring music and engaging props - including, of course, our lovable llamas! A new and exciting experience is offered each week, whether it be dancing at a ladybird ball, soaring through the sky with a dragon or discovering the magical power of cornflakes!

“Out of all the classes we have done it is by far the best! Thank you again. Really can't stress enough how good Drama Llamas is!”

Anne, mum to Scarlett (age 4) Free trial session available. See advert on page 14. info@dramallamas.co.uk / 07867 793407

- Come along to our fun craft sessions and let your child express themselves, develop their imagination and experiment with colours, patterns, designs and textures. Each week we offer three themed craft activities plus lots of free play using a variety of paints, collage, clay and play dough. They’ll develop handeye co-ordination, fine motor skills and, best of all, we clear up the mess and provide free refreshments! See advert on page 14. www.doodleybugs.co.uk

Artskool Academy Caterpillar Music is a lively and happy music class for parent and child. There are classes for 'Caterpillars' (babies and toddlers aged 0-18mths) plus mixed classes for 'Butterflies' (0-4 yrs).

Classes last 40 minutes and a new theme is introduced each week (e.g. colours, the farm, the jungle, the weather). Live music and exciting props add interest and stimulation to young minds. See competition on page 19.

01992 622 910 / 07966 208270 / sonia.george@caterpillarmusic.com

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Stagecoach Theatre Arts Schools offer acting, singing and dancing for children aged from 4-16 years. Classes are professionally taught in small class groups and are designed to build confidence and develop communication skills. Schools run at weekends during term-time. Some schools run holiday workshops. To find your nearest class see advert on page 1. www.stagecoach.co.uk

create and deliver a multitude of wonderfully exciting and inspiring Art sessions encouraging all ages to discover, explore and enjoy the wonderful world of Art and Craft. Experimenting and learning with drawing, painting , pastels, clay and more. We encourage, motivate and develop creativity in children in a safe, nurturing and inspiring environment.

Offering afterschool classes, weekend classes and Arty Parties throughout Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and North London.

We offer Adult classes too, see website for details. Founded by Annette O’Donnell – Artist /Tutor/Reiki All Tutors have CRB clearance. See advert on page 14.

07890 575828 / www.artskool-kids..com

Explore Learning

Perform

- An independent study into the effects of Explore Learning membership has recently been published by The University of Reading.

The study tested 1,539 Explore members compared to a control group of children who did not attend Explore, and found that: “Explore Learning members’ improvement in maths was 30% higher than that of the comparison group.”

“Building confidence, overcoming shyness to put up their hand to ask for help, being more independent and less reluctant to try without assistance were all elements that parents recognised in their children and directly attributed to Explore Learning.” To read the full report, visit www.explorelearning. co.uk/efficacy. See advert on page 13.

Borehamwood 020 3004 0096 / St Albans 01727 853992

started almost 15 years ago with a tiny class of 4 children and now works with 5000 children every week!

During Performs' Autumn term 4-8 year olds will be visiting Fairy Tale Forest and 8-12 year olds will be putting on a mini musical called “Ebenezer” based on “A Christmas Carol”.

Whilst having lots of fun acting, singing and dancing each week, they’ll be exploring the magical Fairytale Forest, meeting familiar fairytale characters and many new ones too. Classes in Bushey, Barnet, Berkhamsted, Elstree, Harpenden, St Albans, Stanmore, Radlett, Rickmansworth, Tring, Welwyn Garden City. Free trial classes are available.

See advert on page 1.

0845 400 1272 / perform.org.uk

Kip McGrath Stevenage

Tick Tock

is a purpose built education centre that provides Maths and English tuition for children of all abilities between 5-16 years old. A free assessment is offered to each new pupil and an individual learning programmes is devised.

Each child is then taught in a small mixed group (up to 6) by a fully qualified teacher.

Each 80 minute lesson is planned with a mixture of computer based, worksheet and creative tasks designed to stimulate and motivate pupils to learn within a warm friendly environment. Homework is set and marked by the teachers and parents receive regular feedback on children’s performance and achievements. See insert.

01438 365467 / stevenage@kip-mcgrath.com

Jolly Bookworms is a pre-school activity class based around children’s books. Every class features a popular children’s story plus a variety of interesting and fun activities. The ‘sound table’ introduces your child to synthetic phonics, widely used to teach reading in primary schools. Sessions always include a whole-group game, tea/ coffee/juice and homemade cake. Give your child a head-start, and a life-long love of books, by bringing them along to your local Jolly Bookworms. See advert on page 12.

07913128870 / www.jollybookworms.com.

(for ages 6 months-5 yrs) present a different performance each week and encourage their young audiences to participate in singing, actions, role-playing and song identification.

Live keyboard accompanies the songs which are linked by amusing play acting scenes full of colourful costumes props and puppets.

Classes in St Albans and Bricketwood. See advert on page 14.

07933 153054 / www.ticktockmusic.co.uk

Say you saw it in

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Clubs & Classes Hiel'and Toe Club - The Hiel'and Toe Club was formed in Harpenden in 1959 and offers a welcoming and friendly environment to learn and enjoy Scottish Country and Highland dancing.

Classes are provided for children and adults of all ages.

Scottish dancing provides energetic fun with the satisfaction of setting and achieving goals.

Recently, the Club has become a Learning Destination for the Children's University, an exciting initiative which rewards children aged 7 - 14 for taking part in learning opportunities outside school hours (www.childrensuniversity.co.uk). See advert on page 14.

01582 769607 / www.hielandtoeclub.co.uk

Little Kickers and Little Rugby provides fun and safe classes for boys & girls aged 2 years until 7th birthday to develop skills in soccer and rugby. These educational classes incorporate many early learning goals whilst offering children a very positive introduction to sport. The classes provide an environment where children are encouraged to move from parent-supported participation to active independent interaction. For classes in Harpenden, St Albans, Berkhamsted and Hemel Hempstead. call Jamie on 020 8440 6195 / jlustigman@littlekickers.co.uk. For Classes in Stevenage, Hatfield and Potters Bar call Sarve on 07930 647813. See advert on page 15.

Visit www.littlekickers.co.uk or www. littlerugby.co.uk

First Steps are exciting dance classes for children from 18 months old, taking place in Harpenden and Redbourn.

Our ‘Dance Together’ classes introduce children to movement using familiar music and exciting props, all with the comfort of you by their side. As children get older and more confident they progress into class alone, taking their ‘First Steps’ into the world of dance.

One parent said: ‘The classes are varied, lots of fun and are a brilliant introduction to musical movement. My daughter has definitely developed better co-ordination, strength and confidence with Gwen's class and we look forward to going every week.’

See advert on page 12. www.ghdance.com gwen@ghdance.com

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believes that introducing the youngest child to baby signing, music and gestural communication with speech will give the best start in life. Having the ability to express their basic needs before the development of speech avoids some of the frustrations that young babies and toddlers feel when trying to communicate. Our fun and age appropriate Baby Signing programmes explore music, singing, dance and movement. They encourage physical, emotional, cognitive, language, social and musical growth and they place the whole child at the heart of the process. See advert on page 12.

01707 886830 / 07771 766067 / iris@thebeststartclub.com / www.thebeststartclub.com

Top Hat Stage School

The Little Gym in Harpenden offers sessions for children from 4 months up to 12 years old. The weekly parent and child classes (4 months – 3 yrs) will help your child achieve new milestones in all aspects of their development, physical, social and confidence. Pre-school gymnastics for 3-6 year olds are structured sessions where gymnastics and other activities provided help your child grow in confidence at their own pace. 6 to 12 year olds are able to tackle new exciting challenges at their own skill level in segmented classes whilst their confidence grows and their determination to improve builds. Book a free introductory class at our purpose built facility in Harpenden. See advert on page 15.

Call 01582 712423 / www.thelittlegym.co.uk

The Best Start Club

is holding its annual auditions in November to offer young children with a passion for performance in Hertfordshire the opportunity to win a scholarship worth £900 to one of its six stage schools.

There will be three scholarships available for each of the six schools – St Albans, Welwyn, Stevenage, Hertford, Potters Bar and the new school in Harpenden – so a total of 18 students aged between 6 and 17 will be awarded a scholarship to attend one of the Top Hat schools from January 2014 where they will learn about dance, drama and singing from professionals for free.

For the auditions, children will take part in a fun workshop covering dance, drama and singing. Participants are not expected to be experts but will just require an enthusiasm for performing arts.

For more information, please go to www.tophatstageschool.co.uk/scholarships The next Top Hat performance will be the Christmas show and all of the stage schools will be performing Robin Hood.

Free taster sessions are available at all of the Top Hat Stage Schools in September. See advert on page 13.

Competitions

Enter at www.familiesherts.co.uk

Win a Caterpillar

Win ‘Benny the Blenny’s Shallow Sea Adventure’

Music Party for 0-4 Year Olds

Caterpillar Music has been providing amazing parties since 2001 and are now offering parties for up to 20 children in the Cheshunt and St Albans area.

Why not invite us along on your little one's special day? We will bring our exciting mix of puppets, music, songs and party games to entertain everyone from the tiniest baby, to big brothers and sisters, mums, dads and grandparents too. Each child’s party is full of fun activities and surprises.

If your party has a theme, we will select the songs that fit. If your child has favourite songs, we will include those! Regular class customers get a discount for party bookings.

Call Sonia on 01992 622 910 / 07966 208270 or email sonia.george@caterpillarmusic.com Closing date: 31st October

Win a Family Ticket to see The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra To celebrate the centenary of the birth of composer Benjamin Britten, children’s author and illustrator James Mayhew is collaborating with the de Havilland Philharmonic Orchestra to present their annual family concert. They will perform Britten’s 'Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra' with a twist. With a new narration and beautiful pictures that illustrate the sounds of the music.

The concert also includes Malcolm Arnold’s 'Carnival of Animals'. Children can also take part in a workshop where they will make animal masks and join the Carnival of Animals.

The programme will be the perfect introduction to the spectacular sights and sounds of a full orchestra for children (aged 4+) and adults. Date: 27th October at 2pm and 4.30pm at the University of Hertfordshire’s Weston Auditorium. Tickets: £12 adults, £8 children and £3.50 per child for the workshop. www.herts.ac.uk/ artsandgalleries or call 01707 281127 Closing date: 4th October

Say you saw it in

British seas are often thought of as “grey and uninteresting” but, using a wonderful blend of entertainment and education with stunning photography and fascinating facts, ‘Benny the Blenny’s Shallow Sea Adventure’ tells children all about the life of this amazing fish.

The book is narrated by Benny the Blenny, a cheeky smiley little fish with incredible tentacles on his head! Meet Benny's fishy neighbours and find out how he finds food, avoids predators, protects his territory and uses those amazing head tentacles.

The book is for 7-11 year olds but younger children will love the colourful photographs.

This captivating book is a must for wildlife lovers.

Author: Teresa Naylor. Published by Tompot publications (ISBN: 9781909648005).

Price: £8.99. www.bennytheblenny.com Closing date: 31st October

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What's On THEATRE THE ALBAN ARENA Civic Centre, St Albans AL1 3LD 01727 844488 www.alban-arena.co.uk Aliens Love Underpants 16 Sept – 1.30pm 17 Sept – 10.30am & 1.30pm Zany and hilarious tale for ages 3+, based on the bestselling children’s book.

Tickets: £12 Dinosaur Zoo 7 Oct – 1.30 & 4.30pm 8 Oct – 10.30am & 4.30pm Observe and interact with extraordinary life-like dinosaurs in this highly imaginative show.

3 yrs+. Select a date Tickets: £12-15 Andy and Mike’s Tick Tock Time Machine 28 Oct – 1.30pm Starring Andy Day from Andy’s Wild Adventures (CBeebies).

3 yrs+.

Tickets: £12 The Secret Garden 31 Oct – 7.30pm Award winning musical based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett.

Tickets: £15-16.50 BROXBOURNE CIVIC HALL High Street, Hoddesdon EN11 8BE 01992 441946 www.broxbourne.gov.uk/ whatson Stick Man 4 Oct – 1.30pm 5 Oct – 11am & 2.30pm From the book by Julia Donaldson. Ages 3+.

Tickets: £10, Family £34 HAWTHORNE THEATRE Campus West, Welwyn Garden City AL8 6BX 01707 357117 www.hawthornetheatre.co.uk The Hundred and One Dalmatians 15 Sept – 3pm Baroque Theatre Company presents this children’s classic.

5 yrs+.

Tickets: £6.50-£9.50 A Midsummer Night’s Dream 24 Sept – 7.30pm Ballet Cymru’s version of Shakespeare’s timeless play.

Snow White 13 Oct – 2.30pm (for all the family) & 5.30pm (3 yrs+ only) Vienna Festival Ballet’s new production of this timeless fairytale.

Tickets: £19.50, Conc £16.50

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Teddy Time 27 Oct – 11am & 2pm A magical introduction to theatre for 3-7 year olds.

Tickets: £6, Family £20 Theo the Mouse in Magical Mayhem 30 Oct – 2pm From the writer of TV’s Sooty and Basil Brush. Interactive show with magic, laughter & music.

Tickets: £8.50, Conc £7.50, Family £24 HERTFORD THEATRE The Wash, Hertford SG14 1PS 01992 531500 www.hertfordtheatre.com Hertford Children’s Book Festival: Lauren Child 3 Oct – 10.30am The award-winning author talks about the third book featuring Ruby Redfort. 7 yrs+ Tickets: £3 Hertford Children’s Book Festival: Holly Smale Author of the acclaimed Geek Girl series. 7 yrs+ 4 Oct – 10.30am Tickets: £3 Centrally Heated Knickers 4 Oct – 10am & 1pm 5 Oct – 2pm Adventures in science & sound with legendary children's poet Michael Rosen and The Homemade Orchestra. 7 yrs+.

Tickets: £15, Conc £13, Schools £10 Hertford Children’s Book Festival: Simon Pegg 5 Oct – 3.30pm Simon Pegg will read & re-enact some favourite children’s stories.

5 yrs+ Tickets: £3 Three Billy Goats Gruff & Other Furry Tails Puppet show for ages 3+.

5 & 6 Oct – 10am & 1pm Tickets: £8 Hertford Children’s Book Festival: Alex Scarrow 6 Oct – 2pm The best-selling author will talk about his TimeRiders series.

8 yrs+.

Tickets: £3 Stick Man - Live on Stage!

12 Oct – 1 & 3pm From the book by Julia Donaldson. 4 yrs+.

Tickets: £12, Conc £10, Family £40 THE RADLETT CENTRE 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett WD7 8HL 01923 859291 www.radlettcentre.co.uk

Pinocchio 21 Sept – 1.30pm The classic tale told through puppetry, shadows, illusion and especially composed music.

4 yrs+.

Tickets: £8.50, Family £30 Dotty the Dragon 28 Sept – 11.30am & 1.30pm Select a date. Live music, fabulous puppets and high energy storytelling for ages 3-7.

Tickets: £7 The Elves and the Shoemaker 29 Sept – 2pm Puppets, music and surprises aplenty in a show for ages 3+.

Tickets: £15 (in aid of the charity Nicki’s Smile) Stick Man 11 Oct – 1.30 & 4.30pm From the book by Julia Donaldson. 3 yrs+.

Tickets: £11, Conc £10, Family £40 THE WESTON AUDITORIUM University of Hertfordshire, De Havilland Campus, Hatfield AL10 9EU 01707 281127 www.herts.ac.uk/ artsandgalleries Finding Nemo (U) 19 Oct – 10am (FilmCRAFT workshop), 11am (screening) 5 yrs+.

Film: £2.50 per child (up to 2 adults free). Workshop: £3.50 per child The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra 27 Oct – 2 & 4.30pm Children’s author & illustrator James Mayhew has written a new narration and will illustrate the sounds conjured by the music onto a big screen. 4 yrs+.

Tickets: £12, Child £8.

Craft workshop (1pm & 3.30pm): £3.50 WYLLYOTTS THEATRE Wyllyotts Place, Darkes Lane, Potters Bar EN6 2HN 01707 645005 www.wyllyottstheatre.co.uk Stick Man - Live on Stage!

6 Oct – 1.30 & 3.30pm From the book by Julia Donaldson. 3 yrs+.

Tickets: £10, Family £36

HALF TERM ACTIVITIES GOSLING SPORTS PARK Stanborough Road, Welwyn Garden City AL8 6XE 01707 384303 bookings@goslingsports.co.uk www.goslingsports.co.uk

GO-Kids Sports Camp Oct Half Term – 9am-3.30pm (8am-6pm can be arranged) 3-16 yrs. Arts & crafts and fundamental sports skills for the youngsters. Classic sports and team building for juniors.

From £10 per day HERTS YOUNG MARINERS BASE Windmill Lane, Cheshunt EN8 9AJ 01992 628403 www.hymb.com Annual Junior Membership £5 Half-Term Activities 28 Oct-1 Nov – 9.30am-12noon & 1-3.30pm 9-18 yrs. No experience necessary.

28th: Caving (am), Bush Craft (pm); 29th: Climbing (am) Bell Boating (pm); 30th: Adventure Games (am) Caving (pm); 31st: Kayaking (am) Bush Craft (pm); 1st: Canoeing (am) Bell Boating (pm) £16.50 half day, £33 full day Introduction to BCU Paddlesport 28 Oct – 9.30am-4pm 9-18 yrs. No experience needed.

Includes canoe, kayak & bell boat. £36 Come and Try… Caving 30 Oct – 4.30-6pm 9-16 yrs £4.80 Beginners Climbing 31 Oct & 1 Nov – 9.30am-4pm Two-day course for 9-18 yrs. £67 KOOL KIDZ CAMPS St John Fisher School, Hazelmere School, St Albans AL4 9RW 0845 603 2858 www.koolkidzgroup.co.uk Half Term Camp 28 Oct-1 Nov 4-12 yrs. Half or full days.

See website for prices

THINGS TO DO & PLACES TO GO THE ALBAN ARENA Civic Centre, St Albans AL1 3LD 01727 844488 www.alban-arena.co.uk Christmas Craft & Food Fair 26 & 27 Oct – 11am-5pm (4pm on Sunday) £3, Under 12s free with an adult ALDENHAM COUNTRY PARK Aldenham Road, Elstree WD6 3BA 020 8953 9602 www.aldenhamcountrypark.co.uk

9am-6pm daily. Some activities Fridays & weekends only.

Rare breeds farm. Pony grooming & rides. Find Pooh and his friends in 100 Aker Wood. Bookable Monkey Nets (age 3+) and Tree Climbing (5+).

Farm entry: £3 with animal feed.

2 yrs & under free. Family £10.

Some activities extra charge. Car park £3.50 Folkstock www.folkstockfestival.com 21 Sept – 11am-11pm Family-friendly acoustic music festival. £25, Senior £18, 5-15 yrs £6, 4 & under £1, Parking £2. Family/ group tickets available ASHRIDGE ESTATE Visitor Centre, Moneybury Hill, Ringshall, Berkhamsted HP4 1LT 01442 851227 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ ashridge-estate Daily dawn-dusk. Visitor Centre 10am-5pm Beautiful landscape of open downland and woods.

Free entry to Visitor Centre & Estate Ashridge Autumn Trail 16 Sept-15 Nov – 10am-4pm Answer questions along the way and earn your reward!

Child £1 Fallow Deer Rut 12 & 13 Oct – 7am Wildlife walk. Booking essential. £8, Child £6 Family Deer Walk 12 & 13 Oct – 8am Booking essential. £8, Child £6 Walk in the Woods 27, 28 & 29 Oct – 10am-4pm Follow the woodland trail to see heavy horses at work; coppicing & chainsaw demonstrations; charcoal in production and a mobile saw mill in action.

Free BLETCHLEY PARK Sherwood Drive, Bletchley, Milton Keynes MK3 6EB 01908 640404 www.bletchleypark.org Family Fun 30 Oct – 12-5pm Craft & spy workshops, children's guided tours, trails, quizzes and handling collections. £15, Conc £13, 12-16yrs £9, Family £34, Under 12s free BOPPING BABES PARENT & CHILD DISCO Royal British Legion, 21 Leyton Road, Harpenden AL5 2HZ 29 Sept – 1-4pm Disco for adults and babies/

children up to age 6. Theme: Superheroes & Princesses. Face painting. Licensed bar. £5 for one adult & child. Tickets from boppingbabes@yahoo.com BUTTERFLY WORLD Miriam Lane, Off Noke Lane, Chiswell Green AL2 3NY 01727 869 203 www.butterflyworldproject.com Daily 10am-5pm (Last entry 4.30pm) £7.50, Concs £6.50, 3-16 yrs £3.30, Under 2s free 7 Sept Creepy Crawly handling (11am, 1.30 & 3pm). Story time in the giant flower pot (11.30am & 2.30pm). Talks on leaf cutter ants (12noon, 2 & 3.30pm. Face painting (12-3pm).

CHORLEYWOOD COMMUNITY ORCHARD Chorleywood House Estate, Common Road, Chorleywood WD3 5LT www.chorleywoodorchard.org.uk Apple Day 5 Oct – 11am-3pm Celebrate apples at this fun day out for all the family.

Free

Big Draw 13 Oct – 11am-4pm Try out a variety of artistic disciplines.

HATFIELD FOREST www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ hatfield-forest Wood Fest 6 Sept – 6-11pm 7 Sept – 9am-11pm 8 Sept – 9am-5pm Annual music, arts and community festival.

More info: 01279 870678, ian. pease@nationaltrust.org.uk Free Family Deer Rut Walk 2013 30 Oct – 3pm A fascinating glimpse of the secret world of fallow deer. Learn how to track & stalk in silence.

Accompanied 8+ yrs only.

Booking essential: 0844 2491895 £8

Welly Walk 12 Oct 3.2 mile family walk in aid of Helen Rollason Cancer Charity.

To book: 08456 802047 or enquiries@helenrollason.org.uk £10, Child £2 (includes access to Hatfield Park Farm & Bloody Hollow) HATFIELD PARK FARM Hatfield House as above Tues-Sun & Bank Holidays – 10am-5.30pm Traditional breeds. Tractor rides.

Miniature train ride (11am-5pm weekends, bank holidays & school holidays.) Adventure play area. £4.50, 3-15 yrs £2

HATFIELD HOUSE Hatfield, Herts AL9 5NQ 01707 287010 www.hatfield-house. co.uk

CHURCH FARM Ardeley, Nr Stevenage SG2 7AH 01438 861447 www.churchfarmardeley.com Daily from 9am Buy some feed and feed the animals yourself. Woodland play area. Cafe. Free entry & parking DOWN THE WOODS Private secret wood near St Albans. Exact details given on booking. 01707 691807 www.downthewoods.org 7 Sept, 5 Oct, 2 Nov – 10am-12noon or 1-3pm Creating with natural materials, shelter building & cooking. Ages 3-12 (Younger & older children catered for if needed). Parents & children attend together.

Child £5, Adults free FROGMORE PAPER MILL Fourdrinier Way, Apsley, Hemel Hempstead HP3 9RY 01442 234600 www.thepapertrail.org.uk Mon-Fri – 10.30am-4.30pm. 2nd & last Sundays of the month – 11-4pm £6.60, 4-16yrs/Concs £5.50.

Family tickets available Autumn Fayre 29 Sept – 11am-4pm Collectables; craft stalls & demonstrations; optional mill tours; BBQ. £1, Child 50p

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What's On THE HENRY MOORE FOUNDATION Perry Green, Much Hadham, Herts SG10 6EE 01279 844104 www.henry-moore.org Wed-Sun & bank holidays – 11am-5pm until 27 Oct Sculpture gardens. This season’s exhibition compares Moore’s work with one of the pioneers of modern sculpture – Auguste Rodin. £12.50, 5-18 yrs £6, Under 5s free, Family £27 Family-friendly Tours 8 Sept & 13 Oct – 11.30am (for 45 mins) Aimed at under 12s. Children must be with an adult.

Mask-making Workshop 22 Sept – 12-4pm. Drop in All ages. Children must bring an adult.

Free as part of general admission ticket HERTFORD CASTLE Castle Street, Hertford SG14 1HR 01992 552885 (Nikki) Heritage Open Day & Medieval Encampment 15 Sept – 1-5pm Hertford Castle Open Day 13 Oct – 12-4pm LEE VALLEY 08456 770 600 visitleevalley.org.uk A unique area that extends from London through Essex and Herts.

A great place for a family day out. From London 2012 venues to heritage sites, cycling, walking, white water rafting, horse riding, nature reserves and open spaces.

Nazeing Festival River Lee Country Park - Clayton Hill, New Nazeing Road, Nazeing, Essex EN9 2HX nazeingparishcouncil.org.festival 14 Sept – 11am-6pm Family entertainment, dog show, funfair, classic cars, face painting, BBQ. Free Big Fun Run River Lee Country Park Showground, Highbridge Street, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 1AB bigfunrun.com 14 Sept – 11am Family-friendly untimed 5k runs.

Booking required.

From £9.49 Riding Centre Customer Show Lee Valley Riding Centre, Lea Bridge Road, Leyton, London E10 7QL 020 8556 2629 22 Sept – 10am-5pm Spectators welcome to watch the horse jumping & showing classes.

Free

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Countryside Live Walthamstow & Leyton Marshes, Lea Bridge Road, Leyton, London E10 7QL 28 & 29 Sept – 10am-5pm Includes falconry; ferret racing; dancing sheep; corndolly making; wood turning; apple pressing; mini-beast challenge. £4, Child free Lee Valley Minithon Lee Valley Athletics Centre, 61 Meridian Way, Edmonton, London N9 0AR 6 Oct – 12-6pm Athletics competition for school years 3 to 7. Medals presented by top GB athlete.

Book online or 020 8344 7230. £10 per child King Harold Day Waltham Abbey Gardens, Abbey View, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 1XQ www.kingharoldday.co.uk 12 Oct – 10am-4pm Medieval re-enactments; falconry; archery; arts & crafts.

NB limited parking.

Adult £3, Conc £2, Child free Parkinson's UK Spooky Sprint River Lee Country Park Showground, Highbridge Street, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 1AB www.parkinsons.org.uk 19 Oct Put on your spookiest outfit and run in the dark for charity.

Children’s fun run too.

10K £20, 5K £15, Kids fun run £4. Free parking PISHIOBURY PARK Harlow Road, Sawbridgeworth 01279 724466 (Paula Milton) www.friendsofpishioburypark.co.uk Bat Evening 20 Sept – 7-9pm A walk to hear and hopefully see the different bats in the park.

Hot drinks & cake available afterwards. Meet in the picnic area. Wellies advisable. £2 donation appreciated ROLLERCITY Campus West, Welwyn Garden City AL8 6BX 01707 357117 www.rollercity.co.uk Go Nuts Sun (Term Time) – 11.45am-12.45pm Under 7s £4.50 Easy Like Saturday Mornings Sat – 10.30am-12.30pm Family session £7 Dizzy Rascals Sat & Sun – 1-3pm Familes & under 16s £7

Family Jam Sat & Sun – 3.30-5.30pm Familes & under 16s £7 Half Term Skates 28 Oct-1 Nov – 1 & 3pm All ages £5.25 per session SHENLEY PARK Radlett Lane, Shenley WD7 9DW 01923 852629 www.shenleypark.co.uk Apple Day 20 Oct SPORTSPACE HEMEL HEMPSTEAD Park Road, Hemel Hempstead HP1 1JS 01442 507100 www.sportspace.co.uk Beginners Squash Tues – 4-5pm. 6 weeks starting 17 Sept 7-15 yrs. Simple rules and tuition, games & fun. With former British Champion Derek Thorpe. £39.60, Members £28.80 ST ALBANS GIANT MONOPOLY Start points on St Peters Street

by Old Town Hall or Verulamium Park by beach volleyball courts.

01727 819531 (Beth Tyler) or beth.tyler@leisureconnection. co.uk 15 Sept – 11am-5pm (Start by 2pm for 2.5 mile route, 3pm for 4.5 mile route) Visit up to 20 checkpoints with different family activities at each.

Tours of old town hall and prison cells also available.

To guarantee cells trip preregister at www.surveymonkey. com/s/GMonopoly2013 Free WILLOWS FARM VILLAGE Coursers Road, London Colney, St Albans AL4 0PF 0870 129 9718 www.willowsfarmvillage.com Daily 10am-5.30pm (last entry 4.30pm) Animals, indoor & outdoor adventure play, fairground rides & children's shows.

Potato Shindig 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 & 29 Sept Harvest your own bag of super fresh spuds (one bag per child admission).

Adult £13.50, Child £14.50 WIMPOLE ESTATE Arrington, Royston SG8 0BW 01223 206000 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ wimpole-estate Wimpole at War – 1940s Weekend 21 & 22 Sept – 10.30am-5pm Re-enactors, displays and

demonstrations. £9.60, Child £5.20, Family £27.10. National Trust members free. Tickets include House, Gardens & Farm

HALLOWEEN ASHRIDGE ESTATE Visitor Centre, Moneybury Hill, Ringshall, Berkhamsted HP4 1LT 01442 851227 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ ashridge-estate Halloween Bats and Owls 28 Oct-1 Nov – 12-4pm Make a bat kite or owl mask. £2 Halloween Walk 31 Oct – 2.30pm Booking essential. £5, Child £3 BRITISH SCHOOLS MUSEUM 41/42 Queen Street, Hitchin SG4 9TS 01462 420144 www.britishschoolsmuseum.co.uk Hallowe’en Rats & Bats 31 Oct – 10.30am-12.30pm.

Drop in Spooky fun & games. £4 per child. An adult (free admission) must accompany children CHILTERN OPEN AIR MUSEUM Newland Park, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles, Bucks HP8 4AB 01494 871117 www.coam.org.uk Halloween Spectacular 31 Oct – 6-9pm Trick-or-treating in the historic buildings; spooky walk; monsters, fire-breathers & witches; family craft activities; hot food & drinks. £9, 4-16 yrs £5.50. Under 4 yrs free. Family tickets available THE FORGOTTEN GARDENS OF EASTON LODGE Little Easton, Essex CM6 2BB www.eastonlodge.co.uk Public Open Day & Spooky Halloween Fun 20 Oct – 12-6pm (last entry 5pm).

Craft & nature activities. Soup & bacon rolls available at lunch time. Complimentary guided tours 1 & 3pm. £3.50, Child free. No credit cards HERTFORD MUSEUM 18 Bull Plain, Hertford SG14 1DT 01992 582686 www.hertfordmuseum.org Spooky Spiders 31 Oct –10.30am-3.30pm. Drop in Craft activities for all the family. £1.50 per child

KNEBWORTH HOUSE Knebworth SG3 6PY (Sat Nav: SG1 2AX) 01438 812661 www.knebworthhouse.com Pumpkin Trail & Treats 29-31 Oct – 12-4pm Booking essential. £3.50, Child (2-12 yrs) £6 Pumpkin Disco 29-31 Oct – 4-5pm Children’s disco in the barns, with snack box & drink. Booking essential. £5 per child (2-12 yrs) LANGLEYBURY CHILDREN’S FARM Langleybury Lane, Nr Kings Langley, Herts WD4 8RW www.langleyburyfarm.co.uk Easter to Halloween – 11am-5pm (Weekends, bank holidays plus weekdays in school holidays) Feed the pigs, sheep, deer & goats. Play area, bouncy castle, putting green & café.

Halloween Party 26 Oct – 5-9pm BBQ, disco, children’s games, toffee apples & Haunted House! £3.50, Child £2. Cash only. Free parking LEE VALLEY PARK FARMS Stubbins Hall Lane, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 2EF. Rail: Cheshunt. 01992 892781 www.visitleevalley.org.uk/go/ farms Spook-tacular goings on at Lee Valley Park Farms 26 Oct-3 Nov £8.50, 2-16 yrs £7 NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM AT TRING The Walter Rothschild Building, Akeman Street, Tring HP3 6AP 020 7942 6171 www.nhm.ac.uk/tring Go Batty this Halloween 31 Oct – 10am-4pm Make a bat finger puppet & learn about the world of bats. All ages.

Free NCT WELWYN GARDEN CITY & DISTRICT Panshanger Hall, Moors Walk, Welwyn Garden City AL7 2BQ Halloween Party 24 Oct – 11am-1pm Aimed at under 5s. Prizes for fancy dress. Refreshments available at a small cost. Contact via NCTWGCParents Facebook page for further details. £1 per family ROYAL GUNPOWDER MILLS Beaulieu Drive, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 1JY 01992 707370 www.royalgunpowdermills.com

Spooky Secret Island 26 Oct-1 Nov Dr Gore takes to the Mad Lab for a gruesome series of experiments.

Tickets if bought online: £8.10, Conc £7.20, Child £6.30, Family £29/£34, under 3s free SHEPRETH WILDLIFE PARK Station Road, Shepreth, nr Royston SG8 6PZ 01763 262226 www.sheprethwildlifepark.co.uk Halloween Ghost Tour 31 Oct Tour of the Park grounds, encountering mystical characters! £10.95, Child/Conc £8.95, Under 2s free ST ALBANS CLOCK TOWER Near High Street, St Albans www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk Pumpkin Carving 30 Oct – 1-5pm. Drop in Free, £3 if taking the pumpkin home Halloween 2013 31 Oct Details & bookings: 01727 751810 Ghost Walk for kids 3pm. Ghost Tour 6.30pm. Clock tower open with Carved Pumpkin exhibition 6-11pm.

WILLOWS FARM VILLAGE Coursers Road, London Colney, St Albans AL4 0PF 0870 129 9718 www.willowsfarmvillage.com Pumpkin Festival 24 Oct-3 Nov – 10am-5.30pm (last entry 4.30pm) Free pumpkin for every child.

Pumpkin Carving, Pumpkin Olympics & Pumpkin Hunt.

See spiders & snakes in the Zootacular Animal Show.

Adult £13.75, Child £14.75

FIREWORK DISPLAYS ABBOTS LANGLEY Manor House Playing Fields www.abbotslangley-pc.gov.uk 8 Nov CHESHUNT PARK Park Lane, EN7 6QD www.broxbourne.gov.uk 3 Nov CRABTREE SCHOOL Crabtree Lane, Harpenden AL5 5PU 9 Nov – Gates 5.30pm, display 6.30pm 38th annual fireworks spectacular. Quiet room available

if the noise gets too much for little ones. Refreshments. £7, Family £25, Pre-schoolers and under free. Advance tickets: £6, Family £20.

On sale at Cook, News 4 U, Savills, Rollings Wine Co. and Thorns in central Harpenden, Stage Door (Southdown) and Shop by the Park.

Small Ads Parties

HATFIELD HOUSE Hatfield, Herts AL9 5NQ 01707 287010 www.hatfield-house.co.uk 2 Nov – Gates 5pm, bonfire lit 6.30pm Fireworks, funfair & food stalls. £6, Child £3, Under 5s free. Cash only if paying at the gate.

ROYAL GUNPOWDER MILLS Beaulieu Drive, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 1JY 01992 707370 www.royalgunpowdermills.com Guy Fawkes Festival 2-3 Nov Gunpowder plot story, spooky craft activities, ‘Ghost of Guy Fawkes’ children’s play, culminating in 15 minute fireworks display.

Tickets if bought online: £8.10, Conc £7.20, Child £6.30, Family £29/£34, under 3s free VERULAMIUM PARK St Albans AL3 4SW 2 Nov – Gates 6pm, Display 7.30pm Enjoy entertainment & refreshments at the Verulamium Firework Spectacular. £5 (Alban Arena Box Office or on the gate) WELWYN GARDEN CITY FOOTBALL & SOCIAL CLUB Herns Way, Panshanger, Welwyn Garden City AL7 1TA www.welwyngardencityfc.org.uk 1 Nov Fireworks plus children’s fairground rides, BBQ, refreshments & bar.

PANTO PREVIEW THE ALBAN ARENA www.alban-arena.co.uk Cinderella 6 Dec-5 Jan

GORDON CRAIG THEATRE www.gordon-craig.co.uk Cinderella 30 Nov-26 Jan HARPENDEN PUBLIC HALLS www.harpendenpublichalls.co.uk Jack and the Beanstalk 13-22 Dec HAWTHORNE THEATRE www.hawthornetheatre.co.uk Sherlock Holmes & the Case of the Christmas Carol 17 Nov The Great Santa Kidnap 1 Dec Fireman Sam: Pontypandy Rocks 7 Dec HERTFORD THEATRE www.hertfordtheatre.com Beauty and the Beast 6 Dec-1 Jan MARKET THEATRE www.markettheatre.co.uk Rumpelstiltskin RADLETT CENTRE www.radlettcentre.co.uk Aladdin 7-31 Dec

BARN THEATRE www.barntheatre.co.uk Peter Pan (musical) 20-31 Dec

RHODES THEATRE www.rhodesbishopsstortford. org.uk Aladdin 13 Dec-4 Jan

BROXBOURNE CIVIC HALL www.broxbourne.gov.uk/ whatson Aladdin 13 Dec-4 Jan

WYLLYOTTS THEATRE www.wyllyottstheatre.co.uk Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs 14 Dec-5 Jan

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Printed by Warners Midlands Plc, Bourne, Lincs., PE10 9PH. Copyright Families Herts 2013. Any original materials submitted for publication are sent at owner’s own risk and, while every care is taken, neither Families nor its agents accept liability for loss or damage. Families Herts is part of a 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 care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of the advertisers, nor for the accuracy of the contents or for any consequences.