Hello Spring! Finally, the most awaited season is upon us again, and we can look forward to the little things: the first daffodil, blossom on the trees, the warmth of the sun, fresh cut grass, the newborn lambs and lots of family time. We have included plenty of great places to visit this spring and Easter time, and if you have yet to find childcare over the Easter break, why not book your little one onto an Easter camp; we have something for everyone in our Easter Clubs listings on page 16.
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Based on the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Large in size and keen in nature, Zog is eager to win a golden star at Madam Dragon’s school, where dragons learn all the things that dragons need to know. Zog tries so very hard, perhaps too hard, and he bumps, burns and roars his way through years one, two and three. Luckily, the plucky Princess Pearl patches him up ready to face his biggest challenge yet… a duel with knight Sir Gadabout the Great!
EDITOR: Lisa Exell 01945 861336, editor@familiesOxfordshire.co.uk
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Would
We are currently recruiting hosts who can offer a spare bedroom, three meals per day and the required lessons and activities.
You choose who to host and when to host! Earn up to £1,000 per week.
tries post. *A family ticket (4 tickets) to see any performance between Open 8am-6pm 27 March – 14 April
Families Oxfordshire reaches over 40,000 readers and is available through schools, nurseries, hospitals, clubs and classes, selected shops and restaurants. If you would like copies for your establishment please let us know.
Tue to Fri only. 10% OFF* USE CODE FM10 Abingdon Prep School: 27-31 March | 3-6 April | 11-14 April Abingdon School: 27-31 March | 3-6 April | 11-14 April Oxford High School: 3-6 April | 11-14 April St Mary’s Preparatory School (Henley): 3-6 April | 11-14 April
While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about.
Angela Schwindt
The Little Welly is the UK’s biggest obstacle courses for children. This year the event will take place by the river in Henley on the 10th & 11th June. The Little Welly experience is all about getting kids active and outdoors. Running, jumping, climbing and of course getting muddy. There will be 30 big obstacles over 3km including foam, water, ropes, and slides.
As well as the obstacle course The Little Welly is also a ‘whole day out’. With pony rides, face painting, fun activities, live entertainment, music, food and drink you’ll find something for everyone at the family festival.
(*The competition prize is for x2 child obstacle and festival tickets and x2 adult assist obstacle course and festival tickets, worth over £70. Winners will be provided with a discount code for the full value. Tickets are valid at any day/any time between 9.30am and 4.30pm).
Are you In need of trusted childcare this Easter? SuperCamps has four camps operating in Oxfordshire, all Ofsted-registered with enthusiastic and professional staff ready to make the holiday memorable. Use the discount FM10* for 10% off any bookings at Oxfordshire Easter Multi-Activity camps.
SuperCamps is an Ofsted-registered provider of Half-Term, Easter and Summer camps in the UK for children aged 4- 14 years. They offer Multi-Activity camps that act as a convenient, flexible childcare option, bookable as individual days or a week at a time and with extended hour options to help working parents with early drop-offs and late pick-ups. With an abundance of engaging school holiday activities to keep kids entertained. From sports to outdoor explorations, arts and crafts to team games, offering a wide range of holiday activities aimed towards children aged 4-5 years, 6-9 years and 10-12 years.
These sports and skills-based courses run across multiple days (5 days) exploring techniques and ideas that enable children to grasp content quickly and understand it in a useful context
With camps in Abingdon Prep School, Abingdon School, Oxford High School and St Mary’s School (Henley). For children aged 4 and above, *Discount available until April 14.
Screen-free entertainment that doesn’t need to connect to any other device for playback is every parents dream. Award winning StoryPhones does just that! They are able to store and play audio content at any time, and come with a library full of carefully curated content, suitable for children aged 3 and up, that entertains and educates with audio stories, music and more. This carefully selected content allows parents to relax, knowing it’s not necessary to monitor what children are listening to. You can even record personalised stories or a bedtime lullaby in a loved one’s voice and stay connected with loved ones far away. An entertaining way to boost creativity and decrease screen time and great for long car journeys too. The StoryPhones are available from StoryPhones.com, Amazon UK and Harvey Norman (Ireland) with the StoryPhones Disney bundle with a Minnie or Mickey Mouse disc at an RRP of £84.99 in pink and blue and the StoryPhones bundle with two StoryShields [Travel and Relax/Creative] in grey or snow white for an RRP of £84.99.
Stocked Food is everything you want from a food subscription box, quick, easy, tasty and nutritious food. Childhood friends, Sam Moss and Charlie Gilpin together create nutritious, chef-cooked, award-winning meals, frozen into space saving, personally portioned blocks.. Make the meals you love in less than five minutes, great for busy parents, new parents or even parents that want to send their son or daughter off to university with healthy, quick and easy food while away from home.
Sam and Charlie are on a mission to make the most useful, delicious and nourishing food you can have in your freezer, they freeze an array of delicious meals into handy, easily stored little blocks that take less than five minutes to heat up and transform back into fresh and tasty meals. Each pack of Stocked contains eight blocks, enough to make 2-4 meals; simply heat and eat them as they are or use them as building blocks for an endless variety of meals.
With dishes inspired by cuisines from around the world, choose from Great Taste Award winning Chicken Tinga and Pork Rendang, or opt for specials like Sausage Arrabbiata and Saag Tempeh. Half of Stocked blocks are plant based, choose from Hearty Vegan Ragu, Harissa Jackfruit or specials like Black Dal and Smokey ‘No’rizo’.
Serve simply with rice, baked potato or pasta or use them as fillings for a lunchtime wrap or sandwiches, get creative at dinner with tacos, nachos and curries or add eggs for brunch dishes.
Prices start at £42.00 from as little as £1.10 when you pick a six-pack subscription, courier delivery included. www.stockedfood.com
Roald Dahl has scooped the top three places in a list of the UK’s favourite children’s reads from the past eighty years.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, first published in 1964 and illustrated by Quentin Blake, tops the poll of two thousand parents of children ages 1 to 12 commissioned by the CILIP Carnegie Medal.
The BFG (1982) and Matilda (1988), both also illustrated by Blake, followed in second and third place respectively.
The CILIP Carnegie Medal are the UK’s longest running children’s book awards, recognising outstanding reading experiences created through writing and illustration in books for children and young people. The poll also revealed that the majority of parents read to their kids for an average of two hours per week and over eighty percent prefer print books to e-books. To view the Top 15 go to www.thebookseller.com/news
Perform offers a different type of children’s drama class. They don’t focus on creating perfect dancers or the next child stars. Instead, they put children’s social development at the heart of their classes, using a specially formulated mix of drama, dance and singing to bring out every child’s true potential. Exciting termly themes keep young imaginations buzzing while small class sizes ensure lots of individual attention from experienced professionally trained actors, dancers and singers. Classes are for children of all abilities and they can join at any point in the term; the only requirement is to be ready to have the best fun of the week!
From April to July, 4-7s will be setting sail on the Jammy Dodger in Mermaids & Pirates whilst 7-12s will take part in The Dream, an hilarious adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Classes run in Oxfordshire. To book a FREE trial class, visit www.perform.org.uk/try
Children as young as age 3 who watch violent TV perform less well once at secondary school than their peers, according to a new study.
Researchers from the University of Montreal say children who are exposed to violence on screen are less engaged and motivated in the classroom and their grades are worse than those who don’t by the time they reach age 12.
Lead study author, Professor Linda Pagani explained: ‘Pre-school children tend to identify with characters on TV and treat everything they see as real.
‘They are especially vulnerable to humorous depictions of glorified heroes and villains who use violence as a justified means to solve problems.
‘Repeated exposure to rapidly paced, adrenaline-inducing action sequences and captivating special effects could reinforce beliefs, attitudes and impressions that habitual violence in social interactions is ‘ normal.’
More info: www.bit.ly/UniversityMontreal
Although it is tempting for parents, research shows that using screens to calm upset children backfires in the long run because they never learn how to regulate their emotions.
The study is based on over four hundred children ages 3 to 5, who were monitored for six months for signs of emotional dysregulation such as temper tantrums, hyperactivity, sudden changes in mood or refusing to listen to their parents.
Those whose parents relied on smartphones and tablets to calm them down were more likely to have frequent emotional meltdowns, particularly if they were boys. Scientists said this was because children could become dependent on screens to distract them from negative emotions and never learn to manage their own feelings or self-soothe.
More info www.bit.ly/ToddlerTantrumResearch
See, do and discover!
• Wallingford’s Saxon walls and royal castle
• Murder mystery links, including Midsomer Murders, and Agatha
Christie - ‘The Queen of Crime’
• The Wallingford Storya walk through time
• A Victorian Street Sceneto explore
• Amazing models, Wallingford Castle, Wallingford Bridge, Thames weirs and Wallingford Station
• Roman burials from Crowmarsh
• ‘Hands-on’ including much loved ‘smelly-feely’ drawers and archaeological digging in our ever popular sandpits
Exhibition for 2023
House Detectives: history behind the door, the houses in this exhibition have been chosen to reflect the changing development and use of houses in Wallingford, from the medieval period to the 20th century. (Including a fictional fun mystery house.)
On your journey through the museum you will discover how we became house detectives and how you could become one to! www.wallingfordmuseum.org.uk
Blenheim Palace is set to unveil the biggest family-themed attraction in its history this spring
‘The Lost Garden’ a giant new outdoor adventure play attraction featuring quirky wooden structures, interactive water features, play trails and winding walkways.
“The Lost Garden is the biggest project Blenheim Palace has undertaken for many years,” said Managing Director Heather Carter.
“Stepping inside the Lost Garden children will feel like they are entering a different world. The carefully designed landscape will create different moments within the garden with a diverse collection of playful experiences for the children to discover,” she added.
The attraction will echo various architectural aspects of the Palace including its boat house, gateways and a replica of Vanbrugh’s Grand Bridge incorporating features from his original design which were never built.
There is also a large seating terrace overlooking the central water play feature. An elevated Wilderness Play area featuring aerial walkways, rope bridges, tunnels and triple racing zip lines will appeal to older children and provide extensive views across the ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped parkland. www.blenheimpalace.com
Hunt the bunnies at Waterperry Gardens this Easter holiday and take in the beautiful Spring gardens at the same time. This is the time the county flower of Oxfordshire, the fritillary, flowers in the wild flower meadow and the gardens are beginning to burst back into life. The decorated bunnies are hiding all around the gardens and with a prize for every child it’s a lovely Easter day out for all the family. Don’t forget the family theatre taking place this summer in their Amphitheatre which brings you a variety of performances to enjoyvisit www.waterperrygardens.co.uk for more details.
Earth Trust Lambing Festival is back! Spring has sprung, and with that comes new life - including the newest fleecy residents at Earth Trust Farm! The environmental charity are thrilled to be back with their famous Lambing Festival, following a 3 year Covid break. Over 4 days (25th -26th March & 1st -2nd April) visitors can explore the farmyard (where you may get to see a lamb being born!). You can also enjoy tractor-trailer rides, games, stalls, meet the goats and more. Catering to be provided by Earth Trust’s tenant shepherdess, Emma’s Ewesful Acres, local roastery Horsebox Coffee and more. Earth Trust are running this event as part of their Spring to Life Season, celebrating the circle of life by noticing and nurturing the nature all around us. The festival offers a great opportunity to spend a day in nature and find out more about farming. What’s more, by coming along to an Earth Trust lambing weekend you will be helping to support the charity’s important work in championing accessible natural green spaces for everyone. Family tickets cost £28 when pre-booked online or £30 at the gate. Advance booking recommended. To find out more visit www.EarthTrust.org.uk
Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing—absolutely nothing— half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats”. Ratty and Mole’s adventures on and beside the water inspired The Oxford Boat Adventure.
This is a family run business offering children the opportunity to experience outdoor life on a private 100-acre farm. A chance for children to soak up the great outdoors by exploring on boats, surviving on land, even making pizzas on a private adventure island! From lighting campfires to navigating the old-fashioned way, children can share classic adventures with friends, both old and new, and learn some of the skills that make the countryside come alive.
Founder Amelia Wright wanted children to have the chance to escape from the trappings and distractions of modern life, replacing screen time and social pressures with a chance for imagination to come alive, and for creativity and character to shine. This adventure course aims to celebrate and rekindle the great tradition of outdoor childhood fun and wonder and create a new generation of capable and confident adventurers.
You can find out more about the different adventures available for school aged children from Reception through to Year 10, by visiting www.theoxfordboatadventure.co.uk
Lifecycles with Pond
Dipping
WHERE: Sutton Courtenay
WHEN: 21st March, 10.00 –14.00
Environmental Education Centre
Join the Wildlife Trust for a look at the wildlife that is around us on a daily basis. Investigate some fascinating creatures that you might encounter when out and about and have the panel answer any of your questions about how you can help local wildlife.
www.bbowt.org.uk/events
Nature Tots
WHERE: Sutton Courtenay
Environmental Education Centre
WHEN: 22nd, 23rd & 24th March, 9:30 – 11.00
Join friendly Nature Tots staff and volunteers to explore the nature reserves and enjoy wildlife themed activities suitable for children aged 18 months to 4 years. £7.00 (90 minutes)
www.bbowt.org.uk/events/
WHERE: Earth Trust Centre, Little Wittenham
WHEN: 25th and 26th March & 1st and 2nd April, 10.00 and 13.00
Visitors can explore the farmyard (where you may get to see a lamb being born!). You can also enjoy tractor-trailer rides, games, stalls, meet the goats and more.
Family tickets from £28 when prebooked. www.EarthTrust. org.uk
WHERE: Oxford Playhouse
WHEN: 27th – 29th March
The witch and her cat are travelling on their broomstick when they pick up some hitch hikers- a friendly dog, a beautiful green bird and a frantic frog. But this broomstick’s not meant for five and CRACK it snaps in two… just as the hungry dragon appears! Suitable for ages 3+.
From £14.50
www.oxfordplayhouse.com/
whats-on 01865 305 305
WHERE: Culham, Abingdon
WHEN: 1st – 10th April, 10.00 – 16.00
High Lodge Farm’s action-packed Easter Trail is back for a second year, running for just 10 days during the Easter holidays. Don’t forget to enjoy the outdoor games, bale maze and sit in a real farm tractor.
Ideal for toddlers to 12-year-olds.
www.highlodgefarm.com
WHERE: Waterperry Gardens
WHEN: 1st - 16th April, 10.00 – 17.30
Join the Big Easter Bunny Hunt around the ornamental gardens. The decorated bunnies are hiding all around the gardens and with a prize for every child it’s a lovely Easter day out for all the family. £3.00 per child (entrance charges apply for adults)
www.waterperrygardens.co.uk 01844 339254
WHERE: Blenheim Palace
WHEN: 7th- 10th April
Head along to the Walled Garden for a weekend of Easter trails, face-painting, circus skills, archery, street entertainment, balloon modelling, a fun fair and special appearances from Easter Bunny.
www.blenheimpalace.com
Jam Day
WHERE: Science Oxford Centre
WHEN: 20th April, 9.00 – 17.00
WHERE: Oxford Playhouse
WHEN: 5th – 8th April, 14.30 (Saturday 8th) and 19.30 (all days)
The Addams family are about to find life at their spooky mansion turned upside down by the nightmare that besets all parents of a teenager. As their daughter Wednesday has just one thing on her mind: Love! Age 7+ Tickets from £12.50 www.oxfordplayhouse.com/ whats-on 01865 305 305
WHERE: Wallingford Musuem
WHEN: 6th – 13th April, 11.00
WHERE: Greys Court, Henley
WHEN: 1st – 16th April, 10.00 – 16.30
With colourful spring bulbs blooming, the gardens and estate to explore, Greys Court makes a lovely setting for a family Easter trail. Trails are £3 each, with a chocolate, or chocolate alternative, prize when you’ve finished. Entry from £6.50 www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Make woven pictures of houses using mainly scrap materials, wool, fabric and felt. Suitable for ages 5 plus. Children must be accompanied.
A donation of £1 per child towards the cost of materials. Booking Essential.
www.wallingfordmuseum.org.uk
Make a game using Pygame Zero and join in the hackathon ‘Game Jam’ in the afternoon!
Create your own fantasy game, perhaps set in a castle, cityscape or space! For kids who enjoy coding and want to learn more. Families can join for the grand final! £35.00
Suitable for ages 12-14 scienceoxford.com/events
WHERE: Blenheim Palace
WHEN: 29th April - 1st May, 10.00 - 17.00
The Knights of Middle England are ready to take you back to the exciting and colourful era of the Middle Ages with their action packed, high octane Jousting and Stunt Show. Expect thrills - and maybe spills - in an action-packed day of discovery.
www.blenheimpalace.com
WHERE: Science Oxford Centre
WHEN: 22nd April
Make your own renewable energy at this month’s Earth Day-themed club. Spot seasonal changes in the woodland, and see how wildlife might be affected by climate change. Create electricity with a circuitchallenge in the workshop, and take a simple test to discover your carbon footprint! Suitable for ages 5-9. From £10 scienceoxford.com/events
01865 810000
WHERE: Wigod Way Wallingford
Family Centre
WHEN: Thursdays in March and April, 10.00
This session is all about play. Complete access to a hall full of toys and a garden too. Take your little people and have some fun. Suitable for ages 0 – 5 years. Free www.wallingfordfamilycentre. com 01491 832940
WHERE: Wigod Way
Wallingford Family Centre
WHEN: Tuesdays to Thursdays
Includes a toddler group inspired by the outdoors on Tuesdays, Baby Babble group on Wednesday mornings and a family session that’s all about play on Thursdays. Free.
www.wallingfordfamilycentre. com 01491 832940
WHERE: Dorchester on Thames, Wallingford
3-day adventures on the beautiful private 100-acre farm for children aged 4-15. Choose from a variety of water and land adventures, including challenges like paddle boarding, fire lighting and cooking.
www.theoxfordboatadventure.
co.uk 07979 592753
WHERE: Science Oxford Centre, Headington
WHEN: Saturdays in March and April
Children and grown-ups alike have fun experimenting with interactive exhibits in the Exploration Zone (2 hour session) - create and test flying designs at the Air Table, build a giant magnetic ball run, and test what’s hot and what’s not with the Curious Camera. Tickets include all day access to woodland and ponds.
**The ever-popular Water Lab is back with a splash from April!** From £6.00 scienceoxford.com/events 01865 810000
WHERE: Evenley Wood Garden
WHEN: 21st April - 26th May, 14.00 - 15.30
WHERE: Cogges Manor Farm
WHEN: March and April
Explore the grounds and spot super-sized colourful eggs on the Easter hunt! Say hello to the animals - goats, ponies, Cotswold sheep, chickens and rabbits – and look out for some furry friends who may be visiting for the holidays.
Prices from £6.00 under 3’s go free www.cogges.org.uk
WHERE: Evenley Wood Garden
WHEN: Fridays from 21st April - 26th May 9.30 - 11.00 and / or 11.15 - 12.45
Woodland based activities for preschool children who can walk well through rough terrain. Each session starts with a welcome circle and covers a range of activities including stories, making bird feeders, mud painting, treasure hunts, mud sliding, mini beast hunts and much, much more!
www.muddyfeettraining.co.uk 07778 928720
Six 90-minute sessions of immersive woodland fun and education - inspiring your child, as well as teaching them new skills. Each session will be full of nature based outdoor learning including shelter building, fire skills, cooking on the fire, tool use, woodland games, and natural arts and crafts. www.muddyfeettraining.co.uk 07778 928720
WHERE: Thame
WHEN: March & April
Why not head to Whizz Kidz for a fun hour or two, or more should you little one not yet be tired. Large indoor soft play / entertainment centre which has everything you could want. Prices from £2.00 www.whizzkidz-thame.co.uk/ 01844 217555
If booking any courses, please mention Families Oxfordshire Magazine
EF host families play a key role in fulfilling EF’s mission of breaking down the barriers of culture, language and geography that divide us. Become a host family for international students today and be part of this great cultural exchange.
Experience the world
Few experiences can spark interest in the world like opening up your home and becoming a host family for an international student. Being a host family with EF is a unique, rewarding, fun and educational experience for all members of the family and an opportunity to create long-lasting relationships. Hosting with EF is a great way of sharing and learning differences in languages and cultures.
Exchange cultures
With EF you’ll welcome an international student into your home. You will experience true cultural exchange and demonstrate your community to the world. As a host family you become a vital part of our students’ time abroad and their experiences, helping them to gain a deeper insight into your local culture, pick up expressions with much greater ease and return home with a more authentic accent.
Showcase your hometown
By becoming a host family you give students a chance to experience maximum cultural immersion by living as locals - with locals. EF host families become the students’ home away from home, and provide a safe and comfortable environment for students to ensure they get the best experience abroad as possible.
When I first began work as an education journalist several decades ago, schools were secretive places, convinced that they knew best and that parents should be kept firmly at the school gates.
Parents used to ring me up and say, for instance: “My son’s very interested in languages and I want to choose a school for him where there’s a strong language department. Can you find out for me whether the language department at my local secondary school is any good?”
The answer was that it was very difficult. There were no published results of examination results and no statistics to show how much progress pupils made when they were taught by different teachers. The views of other parents - not always reliable - were often the only source of information about how well a school was doing.
Yet what goes on in classrooms is of huge importance to parents and now, thankfully, the education landscape looks very different. Performance tables showing how well schools do academically are available for all primary and secondary schools. Parents can find out not just the raw results for tests and examinations but also how much progress a school’s pupils make from the time they enter to the time that they leave and how the results compare with those of similar schools.
So what are the questions parents should feel confident to ask their child’s school?
Teacher quality
Educational research shows that, after home, teachers are the single most important factor affecting pupils’ progress in school. So parents should never be afraid to ask why their child is doing less well or is less enthusiastic about their work under a different teacher. Or to find out why their child says, in maths for instance, that they can’t understand the teacher’s explanations.
Comparisons
Schools that have specialist teachers for different subjects (including secondary schools and some primary) will be looking at the performance of their teachers annually and will know whether the history department is performing better than the maths department and whether children are making more progress in one than in another. Parents shouldn’t be afraid to ask where the weak links in a school are.
Relationships matter
Any parent whose child complains of bullying should go straight into school and ask what is happening and what is being done about it. And if the bullying continues they should keep pressing for the school to take action.
Good discipline
It’s hard to learn if you are surrounded by noise and disruption and one of the research studies in our book suggests that better discipline helps to improve children’s progress in maths. So parents are right to ask questions if a child reports that a teacher shouts or that classes or school corridors are unruly.
You know your child
Finally, it’s fine to query any decision that a school makes that doesn’t fit with your child. You know your child best. One example is of children who are put in the wrong set and do less well because their teachers expect less of them. But it could apply to any area, perhaps lack of help for a child who’s struggling or an incorrect “label.” The school may think a child is badly behaved when they are simply bored.
Most of us find asking difficult questions of our child’s school difficult. Will teachers resent the complaint and therefore the child? But good schools take reasonable complaints in their stride. They may even find them helpful in dealing with under performing staff or disruptive pupils. Most parents and teachers want the best for the children in their care and it makes sense to work together to achieve that.
Judith Judd, with co-author Wendy Berliner, are authors of the book How to Succeed at School: Separating Fact from Fiction: What Every Parent Should Know. Published by Routledge and available from amazon and good book stores.
Research shows that between 7 - 8 years, children develop the attitudes, abilities and relationships that help them succeed in education.
For a taste of OLA we invite children in Years 2 - 3 and 5 to try a range of activities, meet our teachers and make new friends at our school. We are a small school that offers a wide range of subjects and activities and knows, values and cares for every child.
Small class sizes allow children to receive individual attention, and our fun and innovative learning ensures they are fully engaged and achieving excellent academic results. Pupils are also encouraged to take part in many co-curricular, confidence-developing activities.
Our outstanding system of pastoral care is at the centre of everything we do. Each child is a unique person, with talents to be nurtured.
WHOLE SCHOOL OPEN MORNING Wednesday 26th April.
www.dragonschool.org
Dragon School in North Oxford has been at the forefront of Prep education since it was founded in 1877.
The nurturing Pre-Prep, where curiosity and creativity are fostered in the youngest Dragons, is in the heart of Summertown. The Prep has an idyllic setting just a short walk from the centre of Oxford, with playing fields rolling down to the River Cherwell. The Dragon is a happy, vibrant community where children discover and develop their talents both within the classroom and beyond.
Saturday mornings have been transformed into Dragon QUEST, our exciting enrichment programme where children learn new skills and try new things. This holistic approach to education has proved incredibly popular with children and parents alike.
The Dragon offers full, weekly (there is a London bus on Sunday evenings) or flexi boarding, and the family style boarding houses offer a true ‘home from home’.
Kate Heath - Registrar, 01865 315400, admissions@dragonschool.org
UPCOMING EVENTS Prep - Saturday 13th May, Pre-Prep - Friday 19th May
www.cranfordhouse.net
Cranford House is a leading co-educational independent day school for boys and girls aged 3-18 years. It has an excellent reputation for providing pupils with a balanced, all-round education within a warmly nurturing environment.
Set in over 14 acres in the heart of Moulsford village, the small class sizes, close community and committed staff ensure each pupil is ably supported and challenged to achieve their full potential. The school was rated as ‘Excellent’ in all categories in its ISI Inspection (November 2022).
Academic attainment at Cranford House is outstanding (over 60% of all grades A*-A at GCSE). Now with a new Sixth Form Centre, the school offers 20+ A-level subject choices and an extensive co-curricular programme.
At Cranford House, the aim is to encourage pupils to achieve their full potential, becoming motivated, confident and happy individuals, recognising the importance of respect and support for others, but ready to seize life’s opportunities. Mrs K French, Director of Admissions, admissions@cranfordhouse.net, 01491 651 218
WHOLE SCHOOL OPEN WEEK from 24th – 28th April
www.doverbeocks.com
D’Overbroeck’s is built on personal relationships, a lack of stuffiness and a strong belief that every individual lies at the heart of the school. Students are creative, think for themselves, relish stretching the boundaries of their knowledge and do very well academically. It’s a forward-thinking school full of energy, laughter and achievement.
World-class staff deliver an inclusive, collaborative approach with a strong focus on learning being enjoyable as well as successful. Students gain confidence expressing themselves, questioning and being independent thinkers.
Jo Baird, Head of Admissions, registrar@doverbroecks.com, 01865 688600
OPEN DAY Thursday 11th May
Founded by Henry VIII, Christ Church Cathedral School (CCCS) is a Prep School for boys aged 3 - 13, with a Co-ed Nursery. We offer boarding for Choristers and Flexi-Boarding for day boys aged 8 - 13.
Our Nursery is housed in a 16th Century building, comprising four welcoming classrooms with a lovely garden. It’s a special place, where the children’s happiness and development are at the heart of everything. Children benefit from a seamless transition from Nursery to Reception and beyond. We pride ourselves on exceptional academic and musical achievements - over 65% of our boys achieved scholarships to leading secondary schools in 2022.
As a small school, CCCS is renowned for its family-oriented approach and close co-operation between parents and staff.
Mrs Laura Kemp, Registrar, registrar@cccs.org.uk, 01865 242561
OPEN MORNING Tuesday 7th March
Sibford School is a co-educational independent day and boarding school for pupils aged 3 - 18, focussing on a values-driven education.
Sibford is located in the peaceful Oxfordshire village of Sibford Ferris close to the Cotswolds. Nestled in 50 acres, the school benefits from a beautiful campus, forest school, indoor swimming pool, climbing wall and lots of opportunities for outdoor education.
Pupils are taught in small classes where dedicated teachers nurture, inspire, support and stretch each individual, but ultimately encouraging them to find their own talents and to simply be themselves.
In the recent ISI inspection in December 2021, Sibford was rated at ‘Excellent’.
Elspeth Dyer, Admission Officer, edyer@sibfordschool.co.uk, 01295 781200
OPEN MORNINGS Junior School Saturday 18th March and Whole School Friday 28th April
www.chandlingspst.org
Chandlings is a leading co-educational prep school for children aged 2-11 set within 60 acres of beautiful grounds just five miles from Oxford. Chandlings pupils leave school kind, curious, creative and independent. Their journey begins in Nursery or Reception and continues throughout their school life when they move on in Year 6.
Our Early Years children regularly enjoy our beautiful grounds where they meet the ponies, feed pygmy goats or go on bear hunts in the Woodland! They also have weekly swimming lessons in our pool once they turn 4.
In Reception we promote effective early learning through exploration, active learning and problem solving. The children are enabled to make decisions and become independent learners. They also have specialist teachers for PE, Music, French, Drama, Outdoor Learning and Art.
Catriona Pitt, Admissions Registrar, admissions@chandlingspst.org, 01865 730771
EARLY YEARS SPRING OPEN MORNING (interactive adventure indoors and outdoors!) - Friday 17th March
Situated in Abingdon, the Manor Preparatory School is an independent co-educational day school that welcomes children aged 2-11.
The school has a wonderfully happy, creative atmosphere where every individual is valued and nurtured to reach their potential. The Manor’s most recent ISI Inspection saw the school receive the highest possible rating of ‘Excellent’ in all areas. Inspectors commented that “Pupils approach every day with an overwhelming passion to learn and develop.”
This is in part due to the exceptionally caring and invigorating tone of the school, where laughter is an essential part of the school day. Children’s personal development is further strengthened by staff who act as excellent role models.
Every child is encouraged to push themselves to new challenges and fulfil their potential, resulting in outstanding results academically, on the sports field, and in the creative and performing arts.
Mrs Nicole Burroughs, Director of Admissions, 01235 858462, admissions@manorprep.org.
OPEN MORNING Thursday 23rd March
WHERE: The Oxford Boat Adventure, Dorchester on Thames, Wallingford
WHEN: 3rd - 5th April, 8.45 - 16.30
Little Explorers take on fun adventures and challenges that not only teach them how to light fires, build simple shelters, and cook outdoors but develop resilience and flexibility at a very formative time in their lives, ensuring they enjoy the outdoors and discover fun in every challenge. Reception to Year 2. £245.00 theoxfordboatadventure.co.uk 07979 592753
WHERE: The Oxford Boat Adventure, Dorchester on Thames, Wallingford
WHEN: 3rd - 5th April, 8.45 - 16.30
From beautiful lakes, to roaming woodland, children will take on an exciting and fun set of water and land adventures allowing them to become confident and capable in outdoor environments, and learn the fundamental skills of living, surviving and thriving in the great British outdoors.
Years 3 to 7. £245.00 theoxfordboatadventure.co.uk 07979 592753
WHERE: Science Oxford Centre
WHEN: 18th March, 10.00 - 11.30, 12.30 - 14.00 & 15.00 - 16.30.
Ages 9 - 12
Inspired by the ‘do your :bit‘ challenge, brainstorm ideas and design a prototype to tackle an environmental problem. Create clever gadgets using the micro:bit’s display, sound, and sensors - technology used from space stations to smart phones. Take part in this inspirational challenge and let your imagination run wild! scienceoxford.com
01865 810000
WHERE: Science Oxford Centre
WHEN: 1st April, 10.00 - 11.30, 12.30 - 14.00 and 15.00 - 16.30 Explore the science behind some of our favourite tricks for April Fool’s Day. Pranksters will investigate gravity-defying objects, mysteriously moving artefacts and disappearing liquids, make invisible ink and decipher secret codes and use magnets to reveal the amazing coin illusion plus much more! scienceoxford.com
01865 810000
WHERE: Heath Farm Cottages, Swerford OX7 4BN
WHEN: 4th & 5th April, 9.00 - 16.00
Rewild your child with a full day of immersive woodland fun, inspiring your children and teaching them new skills. A day of action-packed adventure in the woods, activities include shelter building, fire skills, cooking on the fire, woodland games, and natural arts and crafts. For children 5 + years.
www.muddyfeettraining.co.uk
07778 928720
WHERE: Evenley Wood Garden
WHEN: 3rd - 6th April and 11th - 14th April, 9.00 - 16.00
WHERE: Science Oxford Centre
WHEN: 5th March, 10.00 - 11.30, 12.30 - 14.00 and 15.00 - 16.30.
Ages 5 - 9
Intrepid adventurers investigate wildlife and learn how to track animals, Bear Grylls-style! Take a walk in the woodland to spot habitats and signs of life, and identify who’s-who from clues left behind. Make paw-print Plaster of Paris casts, and compare finds from fur, feathers, poo or pellets. scienceoxford.com
01865 810000
Rewild your child with a full day of immersive woodland fun, inspiring your children and teaching them new skills. A day of action-packed adventure in the woods, activities include shelter building, fire skills, cooking on the fire, woodland games, and natural arts and crafts. For children 5 + years. www.muddyfeettraining. co.uk 07778 928720
If booking any courses, please mention Families Oxfordshire Magazine
WHERE: The Oxford Boat Adventure, Dorchester on Thames, Wallingford
WHEN: 3rd - 5th April, 8.45 - 16.30
Your growing young person can experience a more challenging set of adventures both on and off water. They will tackle more complex challenges and adventures whilst enjoying increased independence across the 100 acres available, becoming stronger leaders, and developing independence and confidence through their outdoor adventures.
Years 8 to 10. £245.00 theoxfordboatadventure.co.uk 07979 592753
WHERE: Science Oxford Centre
WHEN: 4th & 13th April, 9.00 - 15.30
Your young scientists will get inspired with hands-on activities, and team up to solve problems and discover how things work. Expect messy experiments, coding challenges, interactive science shows and outdoor explorationgrowing curiosity, confidence and skills in a unique environment and in a practical way. Lunch included. £60 (including booking fee) scienceoxford.com
01865 810000
WHERE: Various locations
WHEN: 4th, 6th, 12th & 13th
April, 9.30 - 11.30 & 14.30 - 16.30
It’s the night before the Grand Opening of the Bricksville Museum and there has been a break in. Someone has stolen the Golden Egg that should take pride of place in the entrance hall. Bricksville Police department need the help of our Master Builders to catch those crooks and solve the crime! masterbuildersclub.co.uk
- Data Lab - Ages 9 - 12
WHEN: 15th April, 10.00 - 11.30, 12.30 - 14.00 and 15.00 - 16.30
WHERE: Science Oxford Centre
Young programmers get creative with tech, and design scientific experiments using a BBC micro:bit. Connect a small screen to visualise real data in real time, and run tests for noise, light or temperature changes. What can you deduce from your experiments, and how might your data help understand our world?
scienceoxford.com
01865 810000
WHERE: Various locations
WHEN: Easter Holidays, 8.15 - 18.00
Active Camps provides highquality, school holiday, multiactivity for 3-14 year olds in Oxfordshire and further afield. Children will get to participate in a wide range of sporting, outdoor, and indoor activities, making the most of the amazing facilities the host schools offer - there really is no other experience like it!
www.active-camps.com
01865 594325
- Ages 5 - 9
WHERE: Science Oxford Centre
WHEN: 22nd April, 10.00 - 11.30, 12.30 - 14.00 and 15.00 - 16.30
WHEN: 6th and 13th April, 11.00 - 12.00
WHERE: Wallingford Museum
A simple fun introduction to weaving, making woven pictures of houses using mainly scrap materials, wool, fabric and felt. Suitable for ages 5 plus. wallingfordmuseum.org.uk/ events 01491 835065
Get eco-friendly and make your own renewable energy at this month’s Earth Day-themed club. Spot seasonal changes in our woodland and discover your carbon footprint plus much more! Take home the Nature Club seed-paper bookmark for Earth Day, and plant wildflowers in a green space this spring!
scienceoxford.com
01865 810000
WHERE: Various locations
WHEN: Easter Holidays, 8.15 - 18.00
Active Adventure camps are for children with a passion for all things outdoors, muddy and adventurous and focus on building children’s independence and relationship with nature and the great outdoors. Children will experience cooking on a campfire and introduced to basic bushcraft skills e.g. whittling and shelter building. Age 6 - 14.
www.active-camps.com
01865 594325
WHERE: Various locations
WHERE: March and April
Master Builders Club fun workshops start with a short story which is “brought to life” through the models they build. They provide 1000’s of LEGO® or DUPLO® bricks in a calm and supportive environment along with the imaginative stimulus to transform a room into a world of creativity.
www.masterbuildersclub.co.uk
- Ages 5 - 9
WHERE: Yang Science Centre
WHEN: 29th April
Young ecologists investigate creatures living in our gardens, woodland or urban spaces with hands-on activities. Learn about habitats and homes, colour and camouflage, and find the best beak for finding food with the ‘duck designs’ challenge plus much more! scienceoxford.com
01865 810000
WHERE: Abingdon, Didcot and Wallingford: Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays
Oxford Headington and Woodstock: Saturdays
Henley and Marlow: Thursdays and Saturdays
Oxford Summertown and Witney: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
Bicester: Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays
Oxford Botley: Saturdays
WHEN: Summer Term starts from 15th April
Bring out the best in your child and encourage them to develop excellent communication skills, grow in self-esteem and enjoy the benefits of improved co-ordination. Suitable for children from age 2. From £15 for two-week trial. www.stagecoach.co.uk 01483 247404
Pauline Quirke Academy (PQA) of Performing Arts
WHERE: Whitelands Academy, Bicester
WHEN: Summer term starts April (Saturdays)
PQA provides outstanding performing arts tuition for 4 - 18 year old’s. Each week students rotate through specialist sessions in Musical Theatre, Comedy & Drama and Film & TV taught by leading industry professionals.
www.pqacademy.com/academies/ bicester 07444 573460
WHERE: Various locations
WHEN: Easter Holidays
Camps include Multi-Activity (mix of sports, games and arts & crafts); SuperCamps has four camps operating in Oxfordshire, all Ofstedregistered with enthusiastic and professional staff ready to make the holiday memorable. Use the discount FM10* for 10% off any bookings at Oxfordshire Easter Multi-Activity camps. *Discount available until April 14. www.supercamps.co.uk 01235 467300
WHERE: West Oxford Community Centre, Oxford: Wednesdays.
WHEN: Summer Term starts in April
The Northcourt Centre, Abingdon: Saturdays and Thursdays.
Didcot Methodist Church Hall: Fridays. Benson Youth Hall, Wallingford: Saturdays.
Kingsmere Community Centre, Bicester: Wednesdays. Marston United Reformed Church, Oxford: Saturdays
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
WHERE: Summertown, North Oxford
Monday-Thursday & Saturday
Where Maths makes sense! By producing a tailor-structured learning plan for each student according to his/her knowledge and skill level, the Mathnasium Method can help children in Years 2 - 12 better understand maths and leap ahead. Try the FREE maths skills assessment/trial session. www.mathnasium.co.uk/northoxford
Indoor and outdoor science-themed discovery for curious kids. Hands-on activities and nature trails for all to enjoy.
Family Day tickets include 2 hours in the Exploration Zone and all day access to the woodland and ponds.
New: Nature Club 25 March, 22 April (ages 5-9 & adult)
& Science Oxford Holiday Club 4 or 13 April (ages 6-11) 9am-3.30pm, unnacompanied
Book online for all Family Days and Clubs at the Science Oxford Centre and in Abingdon.
Helping children believe they can do anything ASK ABOUT OUR TWO WEEK TRIAL
Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18 year-olds
ABINGDON, DIDCOT AND WALLINGFORD abingdon@stagecoach.co.uk
OXFORD HEADINGTON AND WOODSTOCK headington@stagecoach.co.uk
OXFORD SUMMERTOWN AND WITNEY summertown@stagecoach.co.uk
HENLEY AND MARLOW henleyandmarlow@stagecoach.co.uk
BICESTER bicester@stagecoach.co.uk
OXFORD BOTLEY botley@stagecoach.co.uk
Creative Courage For Life®
At d’Overbroeck’s, our teachers get to know every student who joins us as an individual. They build a relationship of mutual respect, and work together to unlock each student’s full potential.
Find out how your child can make their mark on the world and how we’ll make every moment of their education count.
Rated Excellent by the ISI for Student Achievement and Personal Development
Contact us now to find out more and come for a tour
doverbroecks.com
