Families Cambridgeshire September October Print

Dear Reader,

As many of us make that familiar first walk back to school, there is a whiff of nostalgia in the air as the conkers ripen on the trees, the days get shorter, and the leaves start to fall and our thoughts of long summer days turn to cosy nights in and comforting food. Make the most of those end-ofsummer days with our selection of things to do in the regular ‘What’s On, things to do and fun to be had ’ pages. If you are looking to sign up your little one to a new club or class for the next school year take a look at pages XX for some local classes.

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A FAMILY TICKET* TO SEE DICK WHITTINGTON

AT KINGS LYNN CORN EXCHANGE

Between 27th and 31st December *a family ticket is for up to 4 people (maximum 2 adults)

RING OUT THE BELLS FOR PURR-FECT FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT THIS CHRISTMAS!

From the streets of London to a spectacular voyage across the seven seas, come and join Dick Whittington, his acrobatic cat and a whole host of fabulous characters –including Sarah the Cook and her wayward son Idle Jack on the adventure of a lifetime!

This year’s fairy-tale pantomime will take you on a magical journey for the whole family -

From 8th until 31st December 2023.

To enter, please visit our Facebook page @FamCambsMag and like and share our competition post. Good luck.

What's in this issue?

4. News & Views

7. Choosing a Secondary School

8. What's On

11. School Spotlights

13. Different learning styles

15. What's On Clubs & Classes

EDITOR: Lisa Exell 01945 861336, editor@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk

ASSISTANT EDITOR: Amanda Dawson, admin@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk

SOCIAL MEDIA: Amanda Dawson, admin@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk

DESIGN: Caroline Thompson-Heap, info@cheekymonkeydesigns.net

Quote of the Day ‘Enjoy the little things in life for one day you will look back and realize they were the big things’

Something for everyone at Ben’s Yard, Ely

Ben's Yard Ely is nestled amidst the scenic, 2,500-acre Stuntney Estate in Ely, Cambridgeshire. A naturally immersive experience to be enjoyed; a place where sophisticated shopping, inclusive hospitality and untamed nature meet.

Superb for busy families who have so much they need to do at the weekend and find themselves driving about all over the place just to get everything done. At Ben’s Yard everything is in one place. You can get meat for Sunday dinner at the butchers, buy that last minute birthday present in the gift shop and flowers for the house or just have 5 minutes to yourself with a coffee and a cake while the children play in the enchanting Ely Cathedral-inspired adventure playground and spend their pocket money in the gorgeous little toy shop. You can even get a blow dry in the hair salon - there really is something for everyone.

Children in England ranked fourth globally for reading

Primary school children in England have ranked fourth in the international rankings for reading.

The latest results in the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study - known as PIRLS - saw England's rank jump from eighth position into the top five.

Based on tests taken every five years, the study places countries in a global education league table. Singapore scored the highest result, with an average score of 587. Second was Hong Kong with an average score of 573, followed by Russia (567) and England (558).

The PIRLS tests are taken by children ages 9 and 10, normally Year 5 pupils in England, at the end of the school year.

Overall, girls were ahead of boys in their reading achievement in nearly all of the ranked countries but the gender gap has narrowed in the most recent testing round.

More info: www.iea.nl/studies/iea/pirls

But, it’s more than just shopping and outstanding hospitality - Ben’s Yard is a sensory and holistic experience. Guests will be able to explore the wildlife trails meandering through woodland, fenland and wildflower meadows and catch a glimpse of a Buzzard, Lapwing or Roe Deer. A thoughtfully created two-kilometre stretch designed especially for wheelchairs, bikes and buggies makes this experience accessible for all. After working up an appetite visit the superb family friendly restaurant for a meal.

Keep an eye out on the website for pop up shops and events, this month they have a sundown cinema: see our ‘what’s On’ pages for more details and a Street food festival which promises to offer a diverse selection of tempting street foods.

www.bensyard.co.uk

World’s biggest coffee morning

The World’s Biggest Coffee Morning is Macmillan Cancer Support's biggest fundraising event for people facing cancer and is dedicated to bringing people together over a cuppa to raise vital funds.

Each year, people in the UK and across the world host their own coffee morning with the donations received going to Macmillan services. This year’s official event date is 30th September but Coffee Mornings can be held at any time.

It's easy to sign up. Just go to www. macmillan.org.uk/coffee and you’ll be sent a Coffee Morning Kit with everything you need to make your coffee morning a success. More info: coffee.macmillan.org.uk

NHS 111 service to offer paediatric advice

Patients are set to receive an enhanced NHS 111 service offering increased access to specialist paediatric advice for children as part of a new, recently announced blueprint.

HERITAGE OPEN DAYS CELEBRATE CREATIVITY

Heritage Open Days (HODs) return from 8th to 17th September with thousands of free events and experiences.

From historic houses to factories, museums to music halls, formal gardens to graveyards, places, spaces and communities across the country will again host hundreds of free events this autumn.

There will be plenty of free interactive activities for children including dressing up, craft, woodland walks and railway rides, all based around this year’s theme, Creativity Unwrapped, sharing England’s colourful history of creativity. The festival will celebrate the experts and enthusiastic amateurs whose passions and skills add something special to our daily lives.

Brought to you by the National Trust, supported by People’s Postcode Lottery and run by thousands of local organisations and volunteers, HODs brings people together to celebrate their heritage,community and history. New events will be added to the festival directory every day. More info: www.heritageopendays.org.uk

Parents and carers seeking health advice for children and young people using NHS 111 by phone or online will be offered specialist advice, including support from paediatric clinicians who can help them manage their child’s illness at home or decide the best route for their care.

This will see some children referred directly to a same-day appointment with a specialist rather than attending A&E, avoiding hundreds of unnecessary hospital admissions.

The new plans will see an increased number of clinicians – including retired staff and returners – working in NHS 111 to provide the enhanced offer to patients.

More info: www.england.nhs.uk/news

Stagecoach aim to bring out the very best in every child

You’ll be amazed at how quickly your child improves…and we’re not just talking about their new-found skills in dancing, singing and acting. Students also develop excellent communication skills, grow in self-esteem and enjoy the benefits of improved co-ordination and fitness levels!

While many of Stagecoach students go on to enjoy success in the performing arts, they all learn essential life skills that will stay with them forever. Stagecoach Cambridge welcomes children of all abilities from the age of four to 18 years to their unique weekly classes which are held in Cambridge at the Coleridge Campus and Chesterton Community College and Cambourne Village College. No auditions are required.

A two week trial* costs £25 for Early Stages (4-6 year olds) and £50 for Main Stages (6-18 year olds).

www.stagecoach.co.uk/cambridge

01223 359974

Toddlers’ gut bacteria predict future obesity

Scientists can determine whether a child will go on to develop obesity by analysing their gut bacteria during their early years, a new study suggests.

Research conducted at the Université Sorbonne Paris found that changes in the gut bacteria that predispose to adult obesity begin in early childhood. The study looked at the data from 512 infants who were part of a study that tracked the lives of 18,000 children born in France.

The scientists detected a link between the children’s BMI score at age 5 and the ratio of two types of obesity-related bacteria in their gut – Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes.

Lead author Gaël Toubon said: ‘The reasons these gut bacteria affect weight is because they regulate how much fat we absorb. Our findings reveal how an imbalance in distinct bacterial groups may play an important role in the development of obesity.’ More: www.diabetes.co.uk/news

Help your local foodbanks

The charity BanktheFood has launched a free app to help people connect with their local community and donate high-priority goods to food banks.

With food prices skyrocketing and food banks struggling to meet growing demand, an app is now available that could make a difference.

BanktheFood connects you with your local food bank. Whenever the food bank runs low on essentials, the app sends you a list of their most needed items. But that's not all - the app also sends you an urgent list of needed items when you arrive at the local supermarket, so you can easily pick up a few extra items to donate before you even reach the checkout. Over thirty four thousand people are already using BanktheFood, helping three hundred and fifty food banks in communities across the UK. For an easy way to make a difference, consider giving BanktheFood a try.

More info: www.bankthefood.org

Get autumn-term ready with a free Perform class

Perform classes use a mix of drama, dance and singing to bring out every child’s potential. Run by experienced actor-teachers, the classes focus on developing the 4 Cs: confidence, communication, coordination and concentration.

From September, Perform 4-7 year olds will take to the skies with Phileas Fogg as they go on an amazing adventure Around the World. Whether walking like a wallaby in the outback or revealing the legends of the Egyptian pyramids, the new term will be filled with globetrotting fun!

Meanwhile, 7-12 year olds are going to the ball in a rags-to-riches rock show, Cinderella Rocks. This hilarious version of Cinderella features struggling band, The Ugglies, in their quest to top the charts with charming music mogul, Simon Prince.

With all abilities welcome, the children will work towards an end of term performance for family and friends. The only requirement is to get ready to have the best fun of the week! Visit www.perform.org.uk/try to find your nearest venue and to book a free class. Venues: Hills Road Sports Centre, Cambridge: Wednesdays. Newnham Croft Primary School, Newnham: Saturdays. St. Andrews Church Hall, Chesterton: Mondays. St. John’s Church Hall, Cambridge: Thursdays. Contact: T: 020 7255 9120 / E: enquiries@perform.org.uk

Experience the Eden Dance approach today

For over 40 years, Eden Dance in Cambridge has encouraged students of all ages and abilities to find pleasure in dance and to express themselves through music and movement.

Eden Dance prides itself on offering small classes and personal attention.

The children's ballet school offers classes catering for pupils from ages 3 to 18. Classes are in the Russian style, one of the most expressive of the recognised standards.

The NURSERY PLAYDANCE classes were originally created by Eden Dance for young children setting out for their first time into the dance studio. The class is fun, social and interactive and the children learn to express themselves through a mixture of story telling, mime and natural movement.

They build their confidence by working with the others and one at a time developing their coordination, timing and musicality. Term dates September to December 2023: Saturday 9th September to Thursday 19th October. Monday 30th October to Saturday 16th December Call 07867 334510 to book or find out more www.edendance.co.uk

If booking any courses, please mention Families Cambridgeshire Magazine

What’s On

Things to do, places to go and fun to be had for kids of all ages in

Cambridgeshire

Heritage Open Days

WHEN: 8th – 17th September

WHERE: Cambridgeshire

England's largest festival of history and culture, gives you the chance to discover local, hidden gems. Churches, museums, railways, gardens: lots of venues open their doors to the public. Free. Booking recommended. www.heritageopendays.org.uk

Open Cambridge

WHEN: 8th – 17th September

WHERE: Cambridge

Culture lovers can look forward to a cracking series of walks, talks, tours, and online events. The aim is to celebrate the heritage, community and history of one of the world’s most iconic cities with the theme ‘astounding inventions’. Free

www.opencambridge.cam.ac.uk

01223 766 766

Church Farm Rare Breeds Centre

WHEN: September and October, 10.00 – 17.00

WHERE: Stow Bardolph

Make friends with a wide variety of tame animals and experience all their young at close quarters throughout the season as well as enjoying their adventure playground. 01366 382162 www.churchfarmstowbardolph. co.uk/

Cambridge Aquapark, Hannam’s Wake Hub

Inflatable obstacle course for summer fun with your family and friends. Price includes lifejacket and wetsuit. All sessions must be pre-booked online.

www.cambridgeaquapark.com

01353 88695

Out of the Hat

WHEN: 10th September, 11.30 and 14:30

WHERE: The Junction, Cambridge When Doris and Delilah wake up to find something strange and sparkly has fallen from the sky, they are inspired to put on the world’s greatest magic show! But HOW do you make real magic happen? What ingredients do you need and who can help them?

Ages 2-8 From £9.50

www.junction.co.uk 01223 511511

Sundown Cinema: Encanto

WHEN: 17th September 14:00

WHERE: Ben's Yard Ely

Ben's Yard Before Sundown Films allow children to enjoy the magic of outdoor cinema before it gets dark. Experience the magic of Encanto at Sundown Cinema’s open-air screening for families! This beloved animated film takes you on a journey to a magical Colombian town where the Madrigal family lives.

Prices from £5.50

www.ticketsource.co.uk/ sundowncinema

CAMBRIDGE DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL

WHEN: 9th September WHERE: Ditton Mews

Enjoy food stalls and family friendly activities as you cheer the teams on, on Ditton Mews river banks. With more than 40 groups expected to participate and an opportunity to support Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust ACT.

Little Bugs Club –Great Fen

WHEN: 15th & 29th September 10.30 – 12.00

WHERE: Countryside Centre, Ramsey Heights

A fantastic introduction to the natural world for pre-school children. Each weekly session is packed with activities, walks and games….be prepared to get mucky. £3 per child.

www.wildlifebcn.org 01487 710420

Music in the Parks

WHEN: 17th September, 15.00 – 17.00

WHERE: Graduate Cambridge Hotel

Graduate Cambridge is sponsoring Music in the Parks for the second year running. They will be hosting a concert again in their beautiful riverside garden setting; this time 4Villages Orchestra, a 40-piece group specialising in favourite themes from film and TV, will put on a great afternoon performance!” Free

www.cambridgelive.org.uk/cityevents/Music-in-the-Parks

THERE’S A MONSTER IN YOUR SHOW

WHEN: 15th -16th October

WHERE: King’s Lynn Corn Exchange

A group of performers are preparing to start their show, but quickly discover they are not alone on stage. Little Monster wants to be part of the fun too! With an invitation to his friends, Dragon, Alien and Unicorn to join him, you can expect comedy and chaos in this magical show. Prices from £15.00

www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk/theatre/whats-on/ 01553 764864

STREET FOOD FAIR

WHEN: 21st October

WHERE: Ben's Yard, Ely

Discover an exciting street food fair, where you can relish a delightful fusion of local and international flavour and experience a diverse selection of tempting street foods.

www.bensyard.co.uk/ autumn-street-food-fair

Apple Day

WHEN: 22nd October,

10.00 – 16:00

WHERE: Cambridge University

Botanic Garden

Cambourne Wild Babies

WHEN: 22nd & 28th September, 9.30 – 11.30

WHERE: Cambourne Nature Reserve

Join Wildlife Adventurer Rebecca Neal for a gentle wildlife stroll and a simple outdoor activity aimed at adults. This is a smallgroup, sociable session for parents or carers of pre-walking babies From £3.50 www.wildlifebcn.org

07894 599020

Elgoods Family Beer Festival

WHEN: 22nd -24th September

12.00 - 22.30

WHERE: Elgoods Brewery

Wisbech

Enjoy the beautiful gardens with the family, listen to some live bands and taste over 150 real ales at Elgood’s 11th Beer festival, soft drinks and food also available. £5 a ticket 01945 583160 www.elgoods-brewery.co.uk

book ticket

Pippi Longstocking

WHEN: 24th September, 11.30 and 14.30

WHERE: The Junction, Cambridge Nine-year-old Pippi is strong, brave and fearless. When she comes to live in her new home with her monkey and horse but with no parents and no rules, she brings mischief, chaos and confusion to the folk of this ordinary and traditional town.

Age 4+ From £8.50 www.junction.co.uk

01223 511511

Autumn Colours

WHEN: 14th & 15th October 10.00 – 16.00

WHERE: Chippenham Park Gardens

Chippenham Park Gardens will be open to the public for a blaze of autumn colour. The gardens, lakes and borders are still full of colour and charm late into summer.

From £3

www.chippenhamparkgardens.info

Ely’s Apple and Harvest Fayre

WHEN: 7th October 10:00

Now in its 23rd year, this eclectic autumn fayre celebrates the great British apple and harvest, with competitions like the longest peel competition and apple and spoon race, and apple related stalls it is sure to be a day of fun!

www.visitely.org.uk

Taste over 25 heritage apple varieties and get crafty with a variety of apple activities in the Schools’ Garden for the young and young-at-heart, plus free Garden seasonal highlight tours, live music and pop-up food trucks www.botanic.cam.ac.uk

Wild in the Woods

WHEN: 25th October

10:00 – 12:00

WHERE: Cambourne Nature Reserve

Walk to Redgrave Water lake doing challenges along the way, then spend some time pond dipping before strolling back. You'll be amazed at what we find in the lake; it's as exciting for adults as it is for children!

From £5 www.wildlifebcn.org 07894 599020

Halloween Spooktacular

WHEN: 21st – 31st October

WHERE: Audley End Railway

Take the Halloween Express Train through the woods to visit the witches and their monster friends, meet Belinda the Fortune Telling Witch, visit William the Woodland Wizard and enjoy the Adventure Play Area. From £8.50 (children under 1 free)

www.audley-end-railway.co.uk

Rumble Live Action Gaming (Laser Tag)

WHEN: Weekends in September and October

WHERE: Grafham Water, Huntingdon

Get the family out in the fresh air having fun this summer at Rumble Live's action gaming arena. Compete in giant laser tag with the best weapons at beautiful Grafham Water. Suitable for those 8+. £15 per person per hour.

www.rumblelive.co.uk

01480 592135

If booking any courses, please mention Families Cambridgeshire Magazine

St Mary’s School, Cambridge

Nestled within the heart of Cambridge, St Mary’s School has been educating and empowering girls since 1898, developing engaged, compassionate young women with the aspirations, confidence, and integrity to be themselves and help shape a better world. Within Cambridge, St Mary’s all-girls offer is unique – providing a space where gender stereotypes cannot thrive and all subjects are ‘for girls’.

The school’s first-class education status was recently reinforced with the highest grade of ‘excellent’ in both aspects of the Education Quality Inspection. In addition, as a World Class High Performance Learning (HPL) school, students are taught to understand how they learn, as well as what they learn. The result is excellent academic outcomes and young adults who are curious, community-minded, resilient, and ready to go out and make a positive contribution to society. stmaryscambridge.co.uk

OPEN DAYS: Preschool and Junior School –

Saturday 30th September, 10.00 am - 12 noon

Senior School – Saturday 7 October, 9.30 am12.30 pm

Open Days

Preschool and Junior School

Saturday 30th September, 10.00 am - 12 noon

Senior School Saturday 7th October, 9.30 am - 12.30 pm

The Perse School, Cambridge

The Perse School Cambridge is a co-educational day school for children aged 3-18, who attend our Pelican, Prep, Upper or Sixth Form. We want every pupil to share a love of learning while developing a character of kindness and understanding towards one another. We value endeavour, intellectual curiosity and scholarship, breadth and balance and one another and the environment. We are a visionary school, always looking forward as we shape the exceptional education our pupils receive, knowing that the future belongs to them.

We offer several bursaries for new pupils applying for entry into Year 7 and above with awards ranging from 5-100% of annual fees. Currently, we are providing more than £1million in bursary support to pupils.

www.perse.co.uk

OPEN DAYS: Sixth Form Open Event: 30th September 2023 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Upper School Autumn Open Event: 30th September 2023 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

Pelican School Open Morning: 7th October 2023 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Wisbech Grammar School

Open Days

Sixth Form: 30th September 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Upper School: 30th September 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

Pelican School: 7th October 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Our educational approach is based on allowing our pupils to ‘discover who they are’ and this is achieved through a combination of individualised academic and pastoral care.

We have an outstanding record of academic success. This is driven by our timetable, enhanced by extensive enrichment opportunities, that allow children to explore their passions and challenge themselves beyond the confines of the classroom.

Our class sizes are small, and our teachers are passionate about ensuring every child is happy and reaches their full potential.

Education at Wisbech Grammar School is a journey where each pupil learns to take responsibility for their own learning and encouraged to be involved in all areas of the curriculum. Part of our success is undoubtedly due to the commitment of the staff, who are involved in teaching, sport, academic and pastoral leadership, clubs and societies.

To find out more, join us on the 30th September at 9.30am - Book online on our events page at wisbechgrammar.com, speak to the Admissions Team on 01945 586750 or email admissions@wisbechgrammar.com

Open Day

Saturday 30th September, 9.30 am

11 Plus preparation tips

If you have decided on selective secondary school education for your child and made your applications, the next step is entrance exam preparation.

The 11 Plus exam will almost certainly contain mathematics and English assessments as a minimum. Both sections will often contain questions on parts of the national curriculum your child has already covered in school. But not always. You may need to supplement their learning at home via online resources, targeted question books, past papers and online mock exams.

11 PLUS PREPARATION: MORE THAN MATHS AND ENGLISH

While English and maths make up the basis of most 11 Plus entrance exams, they are not the only exams that your child might sit. Some papers will contain a creative writing assessment. Some schools also test for reasoning ability. This can incorporate verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, critical and applied reasoning and spatial reasoning. Many independent schools also call in applicants for interviews or assessment days where students tour the school and take part in various activities. A lot of this content is not taught in schools so preparation outside school hours is vital in order to make sure your child is as prepared as possible. Start early and have a timetable. You might consider tuition, group classes or intensive summer courses but it’s worth working on the preparation at home too.

11 PLUS: STATE GRAMMARS VERSUS INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS

There is no set rule as to what the 11 Plus will look like for entry to your school of choice. However, expect a mathematical ability test and an English test as a minimum.

Many state grammar schools use multiple choice assessments from exam boards including GL, CSSE, SET and Future Stories. All state grammar schools within a local authority often have the same test. Independent schools can design their own papers which may include non-multiple choice questions. Some schools have grouped together to form a ‘consortium’ where your child takes just one test to apply to a

By Jemma Z Smith

variety of schools eg. The London Consortium. Consult the websites of your chosen schools for details before applying. In addition, ask the schools to add you to their mailing lists, to stay up to date with application deadlines and any changes to the exam format.

BEFORE YOU START

If you are new to the process, there are a few initial steps to take before you plunge into the world of 11 Plus. Firstly, research your area. In many parts of the UK, 11 Plus grammar schools do not exist (although there are a few schools which do not need you to live in a particular area).

Secondly, make sure that you are aware of the school registration dates: some of the dates to register with independent schools are over a year in advance.

Thirdly, be aware of the exam material. Schools do occasionally change what is included in their 11 Plus exams and you do not want to spend time preparing for an exam which is not going to be relevant for your target school. Lastly, consider more than one school application. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket: if your child doesn’t get offered a place at this one school and start Year 7 in a non-selective school, it’s much harder to subsequently find them a selective school place.

Jemma Z Smith is Director of The Education Hotel. For further advice on the 11 Plus process, visit www.educationhotel.co.uk

Celebrating different learning styles

By Lisa Wander and Catherine Loble

Just as none of us look the same, everyone is born with tendencies towards certain learning styles when developing literacy, language and motor skills. Recognising your child’s learning style is important in understanding how they access their learning, particularly if they appear to be struggling in certain areas.

VISUAL LEARNERS RELY ON WHAT THEY SEE. Encourage them to use visual aids, sit at the front of the class and write down or draw information.

KINESTHETIC LEARNERS LEARN BEST THROUGH DOING AND MOVING. They benefit from using tools, acting out or role-playing new information and having freedom of movement.

AUDITORY LEARNERS LEARN BEST THROUGH HEARING AND LISTENING. Engage in discussions about what they are learning, read stories out loud and repeat information.

SOLITARY LEARNERS ABSORB INFORMATION INDEPENDENTLY OF OTHER PEOPLE. Let them make notes and recite back, provide quiet learning spaces and give opportunities for sharing learning.

VERBAL LEARNERS RESPOND WELL TO WRITTEN OR SPOKEN WORDS. Play word games, use rhymes, acronyms and mnemonics, read their writing aloud, encourage discussion and debate.

LOGICAL LEARNERS USE LOGIC AND STRUCTURES IN ORDER TO LEARN EFFECTIVELY. Provide problem-solving tasks, challenge them to work things out for themselves and have them verbalise ideas and answers.

Identifying your child’s learning style

Observe how your child naturally interacts with the world around them and also note weaknesses: what types of tasks are challenging? Watch how your child expresses themselves. Children will be more expressive through their natural learning style. Auditory learners express themselves best through words whilst visual learners are more apt to reveal their emotions through facial expressions. Kinesthetic learners use more body language and may seem unable to stop themselves fidgeting.

CONSIDER YOUR CHILD’S INTERESTS. These will likely reflect their learning styles. Auditory learners usually show an interest in music and sounds. Visual learners often have interests both in reading, watching TV and looking at interesting objects. With kinesthetic learners, look for an interest in physical activities.

SEE HOW YOUR CHILD SOLVES PROBLEMS. Children lean into their learning styles. Auditory learners tend to talk through and discuss possible solutions whilst visual learners use their eyes to solve problems. Kinesthetic learners will usually try to solve problems with their hands.

Being flexible around learning styles

As important as it is to understand and support your child with simple strategies to help them learn in the way that suits them best, it’s also helpful to encourage and embrace new ideas and a more flexible approach to their learning.

Recent research has concluded that teaching children to use one specific learning style over others may not be entirely beneficial within the classroom setting. Sticking to what you perceive as your preferred learning style can create limitations, giving a false belief that learning can only be managed in one particular way. The most important thing is for a child to have the time to self-reflect on how they learn best and to be encouraged to experiment with tackling problems from a variety of angles.

It is also important to note that over time a child’s learning styles can change as they develop and progress through their own personal growth and their educational journey. Every child is unique and learning style is just one part of the greater way that your child learns. Lisa and Catherine are co-founders of Emparenting (www.emparenting.co.uk), supporting children, parents and families with the insights, skills and tools needed to nurture the development and well-being of the next generation.

Why different learning styles?

While the information people receive might be the same, each of our brains processes information differently, influenced by several factors, one of which is learning style.

Your child’s tendencies and preferences for learning can be influenced by peers, cultures, age, their own experiences and available educational materials. What works for one child doesn’t necessarily work for the next.

There is no ‘correct’ learning style. Each child is unique but understanding the preferred styles of different learners can greatly impact their successes in the classroom as well as contributing to their own sense of personal development and achievement.

With the help of observant parents and teachers, children can benefit from understanding and engaging their natural tendencies. However be flexible; it is a rare child who solely works best with one style alone. By understanding and practising a range of different learning styles, a child will have a bigger ‘toolbox’ to call on, finding a combination that enhances their ability to understand, recall and use the information they learn.

SIGN UP NOW FOR SPACES AVAILABLE THIS JANUARY AT CAMBRIDGE GYMNASTICS ACADEMY HEAD TO WWW.CAMBRIDGEGYMNASTICS.CO.UK/CLASS/PRE-SCHOOLTASTER-SESSIONS

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What’s On

Perform weekly drama, dance and singing classes

WHEN: Autumn Term starts 4th September – Enrol Now!

WHERE: Hills Road Sports Centre, Cambridge: Wednesdays, Newnham Croft

Cambridgeshire

Wiggle and Giggle

WHEN: Fridays during term time from 1st September, 10.30 – 11.00

WHERE: Whittlesey Library

Singing nursery rhymes has been proven to help children develop their language and pre-literacy skills. By using rhythmic language and repetition children learn how words are formed, supporting the early stages of language development. Using actions with songs improves hand-eye coordination. FREE

CGA Gymnastics Satellites

WHERE: Bottisham, Cambourne, Chesterton, Ely, Impington

Recreational classes follow the British Gymnastics proficiency award scheme with children grouped by age, gender & ability level. Each 1-hour session includes a 10-minute warm up, 15 minutes on floor skills and 3 x 10 minutes apparatus. www.cgagymnasticssatellites. co.uk

Primary School, Newnham: Saturdays, St. Andrews Church Hall, Chesterton: Mondays St. John’s Church Hall, Cambridge: Thursdays.

Confidence-building drama classes for 4-7s and 7-12s. A unique mix of fun drama games, dance and singing specially designed to boost confidence, communication, concentration and coordination.

To book a FREE class visit www.perform.org.uk/try enquiries@perform.org.uk

www.perform.org.uk

020 7255 9120

Stagecoach Performing Arts Classes

WHEN: Autumn Term starts 13th September – Enrol Now!

WHERE: Chesterton Community College; Coleridge Campus, Cambridge; and Cambourne Village College, Cambourne

Stagecoach aims to nurture and develop young potential through singing, acting and dance classes in Cambridge & Cambourne, stretching young imaginations and helping them to develop confidence, physical awareness, communication and articulation.

From £25.00 for two-week trial

www.stagecoach.co.uk

01223 359974

DISCOVER SAILING AT PAXTON LAKES SAILING CLUB (NEAR ST NEOTS)

Razzamataz Cambridge

WHEN: Autumn Term start September – Enrol Now!

WHERE: Impington Village College, Impington

Performing arts training for Razz Tots (2-3yrs), Minis (4-5yrs), Juniors (6-8), Inters (9-11yrs) to Razz Seniors (12-18yrs) along with Street Dance (7-18yrs) and Acro Arts (7-18yrs), with access to talented performers through specialist workshops and classes. Small classes to nurture a child’s confidence and self-esteem, plus a lot of fun.

From £72 for 12 weeks. Free taster session available. cambridge.razzamataz.co.uk 01223 755113 or 07895 347239

Gymnastics Academy

WHERE: North Cambridge Academy, Arbury Rd, Cambridge

A series of fun classes for young children: Creepy Crawlies and Wiggly Worms (6wks to crawling); Toddling Tigers (crawling to 2yrs); Jumpy Joeys (2-3yrs), and Marvellous Monkeys (3-4yrs). Pre-book for term. cambridgegymnastics.co.uk 07971 864653

Rugbytots

WHERE: Various locations across Cambridgeshire

Fun, structured play sessions take children on a journey of sporting imagination whilst teaching them how to catch, pass, kick, run with the ball and play as part of a team. Suitable for ages 2 – 7. From £5.00 per session

www.rugbytots.co.uk

CAMBRIDGESHIRE’S FRIENDLIEST SAILING CLUB

We’re an official RYA Training Centre and welcome people of all abilities. We have a large selection of club-owned boats & equipment available.

Booking now for October half term

Adults £130 Children £110

West Anglian Orienteering Club

WHERE: Milton, Trumpington, Ferry Meadows

Hold regular events with courses suitable for children and newcomers, many events have Training sessions for club juniors. Also provide two junior training nights each term. www.waoc.org.uk/juniors

Half Term Sailing Course

Storytime for Under 5’s

WHEN: September and October

WHERE: Libraries around Cambridgeshire

Bring your child to the library and listen to lovely stories read by the staff and volunteers and find out what the library has to offer! Cambridgeshire Libraries deliver regular Storytimes across the whole of the county. Free but donations welcome. www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/ directory/

If booking any courses, please mention Families Cambridgeshire Magazine

WHEN: 24th – 27th October, 9.30 – 12.30 or 13.30 – 16.30

WHERE: Paxton Lakes, Little Paxton

Official RYA training centre that welcomes people 8 years +, with large selection of boats and equipment available. Tuition in 4 lessons, either mornings or afternoons on 4 consecutive days.

Adult £130.00 Child (minimum age 8) £110.00

www.paxtonlakes.org.uk/index.php/sailing-school 07736 670570 (evenings only)

Things to do - drama, music & sport something for everyone in

CLASSES FOR 4 - 11 YEAR OLDS

Coleridge

Thursday - Sunday

After school and weekends

Chesterton

Wednesday

After school

Cambourne

Wednesday and Saturday

After school and weekend