Families Oxfordshire magazine Sept/Oct 2013

FREE

Issue 57

Septembe r

Free Drama Class Watch your child’s self-esteem soar with Perform’s unique drama, dance and singing classes.

Our weekly workshops will do wonders for their social, linguistic and physical development as well as being the best fun they’ll have all week.

perform.org.uk

- Octob

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Classes for 4 –12 year o lds

0845 400 1276

See Oxfordshire’s best what’s on guide on pages 18-20

Open Morning Saturday 12th October 2013

for entry at age 11+, 13+ and directly into The Sixth Form •

fully coeducational school based in North Oxford

•

highly interactive, motivating teaching in small classes (maximum 15 up to GCSE and 10 for A level)

•

‘outstanding pastoral’ care (ISI report)

•

busy, engaging activities, sports and social programmes

•

excellent results and strong record of university entrance

OPEN MORNING

Saturday 5 October, 9.30am to 12 noon Vibrant independent Oxfordshire day school near Witney for 140 girls and boys aged 4 to 11

an 11-18 independent coeducational school based in Oxford

www.cokethorpe.org.uk

www.doverbroecks.com

Maths & English tuition Explore Learning centres provide maths and English tuition to children aged 5-14, designed to improve knowledge, confidence and enjoyment of learning.

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tries new things with relish. She counts the days until she can come back here!”

Explore Parent.

Book your free trial session today to find out how Explore Learning can help your child to gain confidence, enthusiasm and new skills.

HILDCARE

USE THEM AT EXPLORE!

VO

UCHERS

?

As members, children work with tutors who are great role models, enthusiastic about learning and fantastic motivators. The individual focus allows children to work at their own pace – whether they are finding school tricky or are top of the class!

“The hesitancy and lack of confidence that held her back is gone. Now she

C

Explore helps children make fantastic academic progress, in addition the vibrant atmosphere keeps them engaged and focussed enabling them to have fun while they learn.

Families Oxfordshire.indd 1

Advertise in Families Oxfordshire call 01993 815966 or email editor@familiesoxfordshire.co.uk

01865 595 509

Inside Sainsbury’s, Oxford www.explorelearning.co.uk/oxford

01/08/2012 Front cover Stephen Perse Foundation

14:55

Contents

Oxfordshire Contact: Ema Murphy - Editor T: 01993 815966 / 07733 228 038 E: editor@familiesoxfordshire.co.uk W: familiesoxfordshire.co.uk

Social networking find us on

Families Oxfordshire artworked & designed by Dickidot Limited.

01865 400801 www.dickidot.com

Family’s reader giveaway winners from July/August: Susan Langley, East End, New Yatt

04/05

News & views

06/07

Feature - The first day at school

08

Feature - Choosing after-school activities

09

Local clubs and classes

10

School matters

11

Feature - Help your child overcome shyness

12/13

20 things to know when choosing that ‘big school’

14/15

Feature - John Watson School say’s goodbye

16

Sophie Thompson, Tetsworth The Pannett Family, East Garston

Independent school open day listing Halloween crossword

Freya Jones, Horspath Sarah Orlando, Drayton

18/19/20

Each winner will receive Easy-to-Name Off to School sets.

What’s on: `` Theatre & music `` Museums & galleries `` Dairy dates & halloween

Watch out for Family’s giveaways in forthcoming issues!

NURSERY

FRSETEER A TA

SESSIONS OPEN MORNING 21 SEPTEMBER 2013, 10.00-12 noon Little Willows, the large, newly designed Nursery School for Cranford House Specially tailored curriculum Extra-curricular programme of clubs & activities after school and during holidays For boys and girls from age 2 upwards 8am – 6pm throughout the year

to join in the fun call

01869 325 499

waterbabies.co.uk

Future open mornings 12 October 9.30–12 noon 15 November 10.00–12 noon Email: admissions@cranfordhouse.net Tel : 01491 651218

Oxfordshire 693_oxford_advert_01.indd 1

24/08/2012 16:06

September / October 2013

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News & views Our ‘Magnificent Secret’ – in the Cotswolds

Children’s birthday parties with a difference!

Didem Photography provides fun filled PHOTO-SHOOT BIRTHDAY PARTIES for children aged 8 and over. Make children’s dreams come true by giving them their very own party based on a professional photo-shoot, for a truly unique experience!

Cotswold Wildlife Park is delighted to win a Tripadvisor, Certificate of Excellence for 2013 for the second year running. The park has had some amazing reviews this year. Here at Families we feel we are very lucky to have such a fantastic place to visit on our doorstep.

Get ‘Spaghetti with the Yeti’

Photo-shoot parties provide: Mocktail drinks on arrival (healthy fruit/ juice smoothie) Mini hair and face makeover Props and accessories to choose from Red carpet catwalk photo-shoot Disco - to create the party atmosphere Party food buffet A ‘Certificate of Appreciation’ Printed catwalk photo to take home CD of pictures for the birthday child Children can change costumes, have group shots and get parents involved in the fun! An online gallery is available for the purchase of additional photos to complete their album!

Packages cost £250 for up to 10 children.

Parents can choose the location and parties last for 2-2.5 hours. Larger parties catered for. Simply call us to discuss your plans on 07919981045. Didem Coksayar is a professional photographer who has worked on Elle and Hello Magazines for 10 years, before setting up her family photography business.

Visit oxfordfamilyphotography.com.

Oxfordshire writers Adam and Charlotte Guillain of Woodstock, are celebrating the publication of their first picture book, Spaghetti with the Yeti. Published

by Egmont and illustrated by Red House Book’s Lee Wildish, it’s the first in a series about a boy’s incredible adventures involving maps, spaghetti and several monsters along the way! Why not get your copies signed by Charlotte and Adam, at this year’s Blenheim Palace Literary Festival on 21st September?

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01993 815966 www.familiesoxfordshire.co.uk

Give extraordinary thanks to the hero, angel or champion child

Baby charity Tommy’s is calling for parents and their loved ones to nominate those stand-out people who have braved pregnancy complications, or have been their rock during tough times for the 2014 Tommy’s Awards. For parents, the Tommy’s Awards are an opportunity to say thank you to those special individuals for whom there is no thank you big enough for the love and support they’ve shown throughout a complicated pregnancy. To nominate someone special in your life, visit www.bounty.com/ tommys-awards-2014 by 6 December.

Winners will receive awards at a starstudded ceremony in London in March.

Fill in the gaps with extra tuition As the summer holidays come to an end, parents and students can become anxious about the new school term. As the summer holidays can cause a learning loss of almost 2 months, Oxfrodshire based Lotus Tutors are experts in filling a child’s academic gaps. They offer one-to-one home tutoring for: Primary School subjects, eleven and thirteen plus exams, GCSE, IGCSE, I.B & AS/A2-levels.

Telephone 01865 703545 or visit www.lotustutors.co.uk for further details.

BARE HAS MOVED: Now conveniently situated in Central Oxford at The Tao Beauty Salon, 99 St Aldates, Oxford OX11BT

T: 01865 930 339 E: info@bareUK.co.uk

HILLTOP ON ICE 2013 Ice Skating at Hilltop Garden Centre Back to school with sistema’s new range

19th National Poetry Day for families On 3rd October people of all ages are invited to take part in the National Poetry Day, inspired by the theme ‘water, water, everywhere’. To find out how to get involved visit www.nationalpoetryday.co.uk.

As the term of the new school year gets underway there’s still time to assess new kit such as a new style of lunchbox. See Sistema’s new range of colourful lunchboxes, with handy little compartments for different foods and help the environment by reducing packaging because with these boxes you don’t need any! Be The First Families Readers To Email Us And Receive A New Lunchbox And Water Bottle.

New Creative APP for Oxon children

Mummy’s Maid’s help’s in more ways than one

Perform is pleased to announce the launch of the Fairy Tale Forest APP, which ties in with their termly creative and learning resources. Totally FREE, it is educational and theatrical all at the same time. Children and parents will love it.

As a provider of executive household services to busy professionals, founder Kez Luckett is excited as they look to re-launch Mummy’s Maid with a range of services specifically designed to make busy mums lives easier. As always their services offer clients flexibility with no long term contracts and peace of mind, as all staff are enhanced CRB checked. Services will include: Before 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. For more information call 0845 463 0075.

Info@mummysmaid.co.uk www.mummysmaid.co.uk

Affordable Family Fun! ICE RINK DATES:

Saturday 30th November 2013 Sunday 5th January 2014

mber 2013 Tickets on sale from Monday 2nd Septe

Experience the thrill of open air skating, whatever the weather, on our open sided, covered outdoor Ice Rink!

TICKETS FROM JUST

£5

*

PER PERSON

Find us here:

BANBURY

MORETON-IN-MARSH

A422

M40

BRACKLEY

A429 CHIPPING WE ARE NORTON HERE SHIPTONUNDERA44 WYCHWOOD

A43

BICESTER A41 A34

Visit www.hilltopgc.co.uk

Witney Rd BURFORD A40 WITNEY

rmation to book tickets or for more info

A420

A40 OXFORD

M40 A418

A34

Hilltop Garden Centre, Witney Rd, Ramsden, Oxon, OX7 3AS Tel: 01993 868403 www.hilltopgc.co.uk Open 9 - 5:30 Monday - Saturday, 10.30 - 4.30 Sunday.

Download for free: https:// itunes.apple.com/us/ app/fairytale-forest/ id666961869?ls=1&mt=8.

Filming, editing, artwork and printing on your doorstep Oxford Duplication Centre Ltd has fast become Oxfordshire’s leading digital media specialist providing a complete solution for all your requirements.

Services include filming, video editing, CD, DVD, USB duplication tape transfers, to personalised artwork, printing and packaging. Call 01865 457000 for more information.

Our café closes half an hour before the garden centre. * See online for details

Here’s a way to spend weekends that’ll have 4-18 year olds buzzing.

Enrol them in your local Stagecoach Theatre Arts school where they learn to act, sing and dance.

The skills they learn aren’t just for the stage.

Our students grow in confidence and self-esteem.

Skills for Life! There’s no audition - all they need is enthusiasm.

Summer Holiday Shows Oxford: Fiddler on the Roof / Merlin and the Mystical Unicorn Thame: Looking for Elvis Abingdon: Little Shop of Horrors / A Whole Lot of Dalmatians Banbury: Alice in Wonderland

Enrol now!

OXFORD

Maya Sprigg

ABINGDON Julia Howson

BANBURY

Melissa Allen

THAME

Nicky Goodwin

01869 278600

email: oxford@stagecoach.co.uk

01865 390970

email: abingdon@stagecoach.co.uk

01908 969467

email: banbury@stagecoach.co.uk

01865 763767

email: thame@stagecoach.co.uk

www.stagecoach.co.uk

New schools opening in Thame and Banbury

Oxfordshire

September / October 2013

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Preparing for that first day at school

How do you prepare your child for his or first day at a new school? It’s all about finding the fun, says Joanna Moorhead.

The summer before my eldest daughter started at primary school, a rather wonderful thing happened. We were having work done on our house, and by chance a friend mentioned that a friend of hers was looking for a housesitter. It suited us perfectly to move out of our home for a few months, to escape the builders’ dust, so we did just that. And our temporary home, as it happened, was next door to the primary school at which Rosie would start in September.

We moved in May, so from then until the end of July she and I would watch, each morning, as the children walked and ran and scootered past our door, in their grey and purple uniforms.

They looked happy and excited; they were meeting their friends, having fun. The street would then go quiet until about 10.30am when we’d hear them again in the playground; and then again after lunch, until at 3.30pm they’d all stream out again, and head back home with their mummies and the occasional daddy.

I’m sure I talked to Rosie about what it would be like in reception class, and I’m sure I taught her to open her lunchbox and get her own shoes on and off and all the other things you’re advised

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01993 815966 www.familiesoxfordshire.co.uk

to do before your child’s first day at school; but the truth is that nothing prepared her for school as much as those weeks of simply living next door to it. The experience normalised what was going to be a huge change in her life: it showed her, better than any words from me could, that school was where children went when they were old enough. Watching those happylooking kids skipping past our door, hearing them calling to their friends and generally picking up a sense that school was fun and exciting, was the best possible way of introducing her to her new life.

In time my three younger daughters followed their big sister to that same school, and they – like Rosie – all took it in their stride. They, of course, were well-used to the primary by then: unlike Rosie, they would be there every morning and every afternoon, dropping off or collecting a big sister or sisters. They would pick up on the excitement and happiness of school by osmosis, seeing their sisters and their friends as they bounced up alongside their buggy – and they’d be drinking it all in.

This, it seems to me, is the number one best way to get your child ready for primary school: as much as you can, show rather than tell. Try to be around the school sometimes as the children arrive or as they’re leaving for home; if you have friends with children already there, ask to go along with them sometimes for the drop-off or the pick-up. Give your child every opportunity you can to imbibe the sense that school is an exciting and interesting place to be.

Every child, and every parent, gets a bit nervous before their child starts at a new school. Even after 17 years of being a parent with children in school, I’m feeling a bit worried about my youngest daughter’s move to secondary school in September.

Open Morning Saturday 12 October

10.00am-12pm Headmaster’s address 11.30am

Abingdon Prep School tel:

01865 391570

www.abingdon.org.uk/prep

“Outstanding” Latest ISI Inspection Report

The fact that I’ve done school starts many, many times before doesn’t alter the fact that this is a first for Catriona, and because it’s a first for Catriona it’s a first for me too. But what I now know is how important it is for me to be confident, and to be positive, about the move. Of course I have mixed feelings: of course I’m a bit worried about how she’ll cope in new surroundings, about whether she’ll find it easy to make new friends, about whether she’ll like the school food and about whether she’ll settle down to the work. And when she wants to talk about those fears – because, of course, she has them too and it’s important not to deny our children’s feelings – I do.

But I always remember to talk to her as well about how exciting this new start is going to be: because every beginning is a bit scary and involves risks - but our lives move on and grow and become whole because we embrace them and we’re brave about them.

Children worry when we worry, and they’re confident when we’re confident. So if you’ve got a child starting school this autumn, the number one thing to do is find the confidence in yourself: empathise with your child, but empathise with the fact that her world is opening up and becoming more exciting as well as with the fact that there will be wobbles. Try not to worry too much about the problems: believe in your own, and believe in your child’s, ability to deal with these as they come along. Don’t even, for a minute, bother about things like maths and English and reading: no, honestly, I mean it. Those things are for further down the line: all you have to think about, this September, is delivering a child to school with a song in his or her heart. Do that, and everything else will be easy.

OPEN DAY

Saturday 5 October 10.00am-12.30pm For more details please contact: Mrs Karen Copson 01235 858462 registrar@manorprep.org Faringdon Road, Abingdon, Oxon OX13 6LN www.manorprep.org

“We couldn’t find a parent who was less than dewyeyed about the place” Good Schools Guide 2012

Oxfordshire

September / October 2013

7

Choosing the right after-school activities

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.

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 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.

After-school activities affect the whole family. No one wants to spend all their time ferrying children from one activity to another while dinner that still needs to be prepared and other children become resentful.

So only commit to out-of-school activities that fit comfortably into the schedule and budget. It may transpire that your time and money can be better spent on family activities at home.

While extra classes keep your children entertained and active, it’s also important that they have some unstructured time – even that they are allowed to feel bored. If they bounce from one organised thing to the next, they’ll never learn the important skill of amusing themselves.

Liat Hughes Joshi, author of Raising Children: The Primary Years, told Parentdish: “If you decide to do none at all, you won’t be short-changing her if her afterschool activity consists of nothing more than a TV programme, a snack and some good, old-fashioned playing.”

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. Dyspraxic youngsters, for instance, can find their coordination 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.

As Seen on

Book a FREE Trial Today Classes Now Open in Wantage, Abingdon, Kidlington & Oxford

Call now on 01235 539772

Ages 7—18

www.youngstaroxford.tv - email: info@youngstaroxford.tv

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01993 815966 www.familiesoxfordshire.co.uk

Local clubs and classes Water Babies

Monkey Music

Teaching babies to swim in various locations in Oxford core skills, in warm water pools from birth upwards, using unique methods to put babies at ease, which they’ll love! Visit www. waterbabies.co.uk for your nearest class.

Believes that music is fundamental to a pre-school child’s development and offers a progressive and educational four stage curricula to nurture a lifetime of music: from rock ‘n’ roll to ding-dong, classes are a ‘good fit’ for each separate age group. Have a look at www. monkeymusic.co.uk or email oxford@monkeymusic. co.uk. Telephone: 01865 326746

Telephone: 01869 325499

Matrix Music School & Arts Centre Matrix provides a friendly place for children and adults to enjoy music art and ballet lessons, just outside Abingdon in Sutton Courtenay. Attend the open days for Yamaha group music/ keyboard classes on Sat 12th Oct: Junior Music Course (4 – 5 years), Sun 13th Oct: Junior Music Course (4 – 5 years) and Junior Fundamental Course (6 – 7 years). Book at: mail@ matrixmusicschool.co.uk. Visit www.matrixmusicschool.co.uk.

Telephone: 01235 847264

Stagecoach Where children are taught how to sing, dance and act on stage and beyond. See your child gain confidence, rise to the challenge and build essential life skills while learning and having fun! Weekly classes held at various locations throughout Oxfordshire and half term workshops.

Email oxford@stagecoach.co.uk.

Telephone: 01869 278600

Babyballet Is a magical movement- to-music class for budding little dancers aged 6 months-5 years. Classes in Witney on Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings. For more details Email witney@babyballet.co.uk.

Salt Box Music Fun & educational group music sessions for 0- 4 year olds; Global percussion! Puppets & props! Musical games! World music! Weekly classes in Witney, Botley and Carteton.

Booking essential at www.saltboxmusic.co.uk.

Telephone: 01993 704207 / 07710154601

Stimulate baby’s senses from 0 to 13 months with a complete approach to learning and development. Book a free session at: readingnorth@ babysensory.co.uk.

Telephone: 01980 849354

Oxford Rhythmic Gymnastics For girls from ages 3-16 who enjoy rhythm and who want to master skills. Beginners, intermediate and advanced classes. Email Zuzana at gymnastics@dancegz.co.uk.

Telephone: 07866846273

Learn to Swim With Jane Brooks (ASA Swimming teacher). Classes include up to six children for non-swimmers to advanced swimmers plus one-to-one lessons. Email Janebrooks44@ hotmail.co.uk.

Telephone: 01865 841409 or 07855 324417

Rugbytots The first of its kind; Rugbytots is a specially designed play programme using

Little Monkeys Gym For all those budding gymnasts, Little Monkeys Gym teaches preschool gymnastics to children from the time they can walk up to those who are 4 years of age.

Email Janebrooks44@hotmail.co.uk.

Telephone: 01865 841409 / 07855 324417

MAD Academy High energy music and dancing classes for babies and children.

Special offer for autumn term: baby classes are £3 per week (usually £4).

Email sophie.hill@madacademy.com.

Telephone: 01869 369502

Nature Tots For pre-school little ones to interact with and learn from nature through outdoor nature play, games, stories and craft on a nature reserve in Sutton Courtenay Environment Centre.

Booking required at christinedonaldson@bbowt.org.uk.

Telephone: 01235 862024

Robert Wiecha Music Tuition Children and adults learn to play the piano or guitar by classically trained teacher.

Email musictutorials@live.co.uk.

Telephone: 07577 202 726

Telephone: 07583048496

TRAX Motor Project Offers children packed activity days for ages 8 upwards. Take part in mechanics, archery and more in a safe environment.

Email Helen@traxonline.co.uk.

Telephone: 01865 243077.

Youngstar Oxford

An exciting and fun karate based motor skills development programme for 2-6 year olds, to improve emotional and physical intelligence. Classes every weekday. Email theresa@candomartialarts.co.uk

Youngstar is an exciting part-time Drama School and specialist in TV & Film acting for children from 8-18yrs. The only one of its kind in the UK, it nurtures its talented actors wishing to follow the television and film route. Book a free trial at classes in Abingdon or Oxford.

Telephone: 01235 364371

Telephone: 01235 539772

Tiny Tigers Education

Baby Sensory

rugby skills, to create a fun and enjoyable environment whilst developing basic core motor and social skills for ages 2-7 years. For classes in Oxford visit rugbytots.co.uk or email Catherine@rugbytots.co.uk .

Telephone: 0845 313 6707

Oxfordshire

September / October 2013

9

School matters Witney school children work in Zambia

Rowing victory for local school!

Year 11s have just returned from a trip to Zambia where they have been helping in a partnering school teaching English and building a new toilet block, and the rest of our secondary school has just given over 1000 hours to acts of service to benefit people in a time of need in the local community around Witney.

They did a variety of projects including garden makeovers, painting and decorating, as well as an art project for a local Children’s Centre.

For the third year running Abingdon School won this year’s Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup at Henley Royal Regatta.

Three consecutive wins is a feat not recorded by a schoolboy crew since 1948…

Oxon pupil wins writing competition

Felix Ross of New College School, Oxford, is the National Short Story Week Young Writer 2012/13. He won the Year 8 Boys category, as well as becoming the overall winner.

Well done Felix! To enter National Short Story Week: 1117 November 2013 visit www. nationalshortstoryweek.org.uk.

New before-and after-school childcare plans expected Ministers are expected soon, to set out plans to tackle the shortage and affordability of before and after-school care for children in England.

The government’s Commission on Childcare took evidence last summer on how to overcome the barriers to parents accessing such care.

Schools are also likely to be urged to work more closely with private firms. www.bbc. co.uk/news/education.

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St Laurence Primary School’s Open Day

October walk to school month

Oxford choir boys in the limelight This summer, members of the Junior School choir at Magdalen College School enjoyed an inspiring workshop given by the Oxford-based a cappella group, Out of the Blue. During this memorable evening, the choir took part in a joint number in the group’s concert at Oxford’s New Theatre. This is the second time the boys have done this and they had a fantastic time. Not only that but they ambushed the stage, poured their hearts, spirits and souls into The Lion Sleeps Tonight, and departed to huge applause and smiles…

New nursery open’s at Cranford House Nursery School!

Little Willows welcomes Catkins from the age of two and Willows from the age of three, up to Reception.

With Forest School on site, swimming at the Cranford House pool, and a wide range of clubs and extra- curricular activities Little Willows makes learning a great adventure.

Open all year round from 8am – 6pm, come and visit us at our Open Morning on 21 September from 10 -12 noon. www.cranfordhouse.net.

01993 815966 www.familiesoxfordshire.co.uk

in Warborough will be holding an Open Morning on Tuesday 1st October from 9.15 am 10.30 am.

A small village school, St Laurence offers a friendly and caring environment for pupils in small classes and is set in wonderful grounds. It has a 100% pass rate at Level 4 and over 50% at Level 5 for English and Maths. For more details telephone them on 01865 858270 or visit www.st-laurence.oxon.sch.uk

Beat the traffic and get you and your kids out during International Walk to School Month this October.

Each year, primary school children from across the UK join over 40 countries worldwide to celebrate the benefits of walking to school at least once a week for the whole month. www.livingstreets.org.uk

Help your child overcome shyness Say goodbye to shyness…

Starting a new school, going to children’s parties and family gettogethers can all spell a worrying time if your child is shy. Take Holly’s experience with her 6 year old son, Thomas, “Thomas is a lovely little boy but when he met anyone he hadn’t met before he was unable to speak, he lost all his manners and just looked at the floor.” This is not unusual.

Shyness is a perfectly normal trait in childhood, but when lives become restricted by shyness, we must take action as there is no question that shyness robs us of opportunities that other people take for granted. The good news is that there are a lot of practical things that can gently encourage a shy child to be more outgoing.

Mixing in general Start by inviting one friend over for half an hour at home, then moving to more friends, more time and then outside the home.

Children learn social skills from watching others so model the kind of interactions you want to encourage: be warm and friendly with people you don’t know, introduce yourself to new people, ask people for help, and compliment friends.

Drama queens (and kings) Shyness doesn’t necessarily mean low self-esteem; it usually comes from fear or feeling worried about what other people think. Simple acting techniques from drama classes soon equip children with the ability express themselves more clearly in front of others.

Equally, presenting ourselves in a confident manner by sitting up straight and making eye-contact, even when we don’t feel like it, will make any child feel bolder because of the positive way others will react to them.

Facing up to it Perhaps the most effective way to help your child to be less shy is to talk openly with them about it. Refer to situations that are daunting and empathise “sometimes I feel worried about speaking up at work, but I always make and effort and feel good afterwards”. Holly added that she “used to read books to Thomas that had themes of facing fears or overcoming challenges”.

Dress Rehearsal Watch what situations trigger shyness in your child then role play them later at home, giving hints on how they can feel more courageous when next out in public.

“Thomas always felt nervous going to

birthday parties, so we decided to set up a party scene at home, using his favourite toys and acted out the different scenarios: giving the party boy their present; saying hello to other children; asking the adult where the toilet is; saying thank you on leaving. It worked a treat”, said Holly.

A karaoke machine or sing along DVD will encourage your child to be more adventurous with their speech and movement. Record them pretending to be a news reader, or presenter interviewing their ‘celebrity’ friend.

Lights, camera, action Trying new activities in a gradual way helps overcome shyness. Holly had always been encouraging Thomas to try out new things, “I knew Thomas had achieved an improved level of outgoingness when in the end-ofterm football lesson, Thomas waited 30 minutes for his turn to kick a ball through the cones and straight into the goal - in front of everyone. He has really come out of his shell” Taking trays of nibbles round guests, being photographer at a family occasion, going into a shop and asking for the price are all great ways to take their mind off their shyness. But don’t force them into doing things that make them uncomfortable, play to their strengths. Your child’s shyness will vanish if he is encouraged to get better at things he already excels at.

Above all, being calm will sooth many a shy child. Relax Kids (www.relaxkids.com) sell a range of CDs that provide ‘chill skills’ that relax children and as a result boosts their confidence.

Our attitude is crucial We all want our children to outgrow their shyness and latest research indicates that how parents respond to shyness is what makes the difference. Labelling our child as ‘shy’ would certainly be discouraged; they often turn into self fulfilling prophecies. In the same sense, we should always avoid dismissing any feelings of shyness e.g. “don’t be silly, big boys don’t get shy”.

Comments like this lead children to feel that their worries are not valid, leading to anxiety. Be supportive by combining empathy with confident assertions, “Ahh, I can see you’re feeling a bit worried, but I’m really confident you’ll be able to handle it”.

A child’s ability to comfortably relate to a wide variety of people is one of the most important ingredients to happiness and success.The thing to remember is that the majority of children will find their way through all of this with a bit of guidance, and will soon be waving their hands in the air to answer questions, belting out songs during group sings, and being the first in the queue for trying new things.

Shaking off shyness for a child with SEN Children with learning disabilities need to be given a healthy dose of praise and constructive criticism to develop into shyfree, confident adults.

• Positivity - A child with learning disabilities is prone to undergo more stress and frustration than the average child. Praise all victories, big and small • Provide simple responsibilities in social situations – distraction from feeling shy • Pair your shy child with another child in each important setting • Coordinate your efforts with those of other relevant adults • Help them find his or her areas of strength - explain the significance to them and offer many chances to use them • Discuss the various aspects of your child’s life with them: school, friends, homework, teachers etc.

Sources • www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/advice/factfile • www.babycenter.com • www.psychologytoday.com/blog “I’m shy, paranoid, whatever word you want to use.” Johnny Depp “I was just genuinely shy. I’d always been a shy kid.” Elton John I know this sounds strange, but as a kid, I was painfully shy.” Jim Carrey

Oxfordshire

September / October 2013

11

20 things to know when choosing

By Joanna Moorhead

1

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

2

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.

3

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.

4

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.

7

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.

8.

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.

9.

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?

10.

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?

11.

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.

Are they well-behaved?

12

5

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

6

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 to discuss it with your child if your instincts are different).

01993 815966 www.familiesoxfordshire.co.uk

that ‘big school’ 12.

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 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.

13.

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.

14.

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.

15.

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.

16.

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.

17.

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.

18.

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.

19.

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.

20.

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.

For boys and girls aged 3—18

Inspiring .....

a love of learning 6th Form Open Evening Tuesday 1 October 7.30pm

Open Morning

Saturday 12 October 10.00am-1.00pm

Open Morning on a school day

Wednesday 20 November 9.30-11.45am www.olab.org.uk 01235 524658 office@olab.org.uk Radley Road, Abingdon OX14 3PS

Oxfordshire

September / October 2013

13

Special Education Needs or SEN: John Here at Families we want to highlight the diverse range of education we have in Oxfordshire. John Watson is a special school in Wheatley. It’s had a momentous year as it had to say goodbye to its Head Teacher after 31 years, Sally Withey. Here she talks to Paul Gould, about what this amazing school has achieved.

The times and her role may have changed but, for Sally Withey, who is retiring as head teacher after 31 years of being at the school, feels that working in special education remains as challenging and rewarding now, as it was 31 years ago.

Within minutes of my arrival at the school to chat with Sally, she has fielded two pressing matters involving her students.

This is a brief insight into the typical day of the person at the helm of a busy special school and who is now preparing to leave.

Her relationship with the school began as a class teacher in 1982 when the school had less than 30 students on its roll.

This number had increased to 44 when Sally became head in 1996 and today it caters for 87 children from different parts of Oxfordshire, between the ages of 2 and 19 with a wide range of special needs.

The school first opened in 1965 and was named after Dr John Watson, a much-respected Medical Officer of Health who first campaigned for purpose-built facilities for children with special needs in the county.

When Sally joined in 1982, the school was still in its infancy, operating just three classes with an additional one-to-one teacher. Now, aged 55, Sally is ringing the bell on her career, a decision she made privately some time ago. While the reality of having left is still sinking in, the hectic nature of the job rarely allows time for reflection but the process of appointing her successor has given Sally the chance to take stock of her career.

“It wasn’t until we were recruiting my replacement and the candidates were talking about how impressed they were with

14

01993 815966 www.familiesoxfordshire.co.uk

the school, that I realised it was me who’d enabled those things to happen and I started taking more pride in what I’d done.”

Sally was born in the United States and came to the UK at 14, at which time she already had her sights fixed on a career in special education. After witnessing deprivation experienced some children with disabilities, she decided she wanted to do something about it. “I always wanted to facilitate more opportunities for children with disabilities and wondered why it was that certain kids didn’t play outside with us or do what we did.”

At John Watson, the evidence of her achievement is clear.

The school delivers a subject-based curriculum tailored to the needs of individual students. Specialist therapists work with experienced teaching staff to support child development and the school has nurtured strong partnerships with Wheatley Primary and Wheatley Park Schools and local colleges and community organisations.

Students at John Watson also gain rich experiences from activities such as residential trips, school events and a huge range of after-school clubs and it has led the way in introducing Post-16 provision. It is from seeing children benefit from all of these opportunities that Sally derives most pleasure.

“The joy has been being actively involved. It’s a privilege when parents trust us to look after children with complex needs and let us do things like take them ice skating or push them into a mainstream setting when their first experiences might have been of being bullied. It’s that relationship of trust with families that is so satisfying and the feeling that you’re making a real difference.”

Watson School say’s goodbye It’s not always been easy to manage such a rapidly growing school against the backdrop of changes in government policy and increased bureaucracy. Today, the school has a staff of almost 70 and operates a budget nearing £2million.

Tackling out-dated perceptions of what special schools do, has been a key part of developing relationships with families, mainstream schools and other organisations.

“Special education is often thought of as a last resort. But I always tell parents if your child was talented musician you wouldn’t send them to a sports specialist college? If they have got additional learning difficulties then why not send them somewhere with the right sized groups and staff with the right qualifications, training and experience to ensure they get the best learning from their school time.”

At the heart of this has been the commitment to high expectations of what students can achieve during their time at the school.

“I shall miss seeing those children who come in, who have either been doing very little or have been very challenging and then watching them blossom. One of our Year 11 students is doing GCSEs in History and Science and he’s going to do two more next year. He didn’t talk at the age of 5 and now he’s achieving so much. He might have been successful in another setting, but I don’t think he would have been as successful as he’s been here.”

Sally also sees the change in social attitudes towards people with disabilities as being vital to SEN and support services for families of these children. “We’re a long way from being in an ideal world but I think things are changing.

It’s not been an easy fight but it’s happened.”

Its provision for young adults with special needs that Sally believes should be the next point of focus and hints at a potential future project that she would dream of being involved in. “If I could change something for these young people it would be their adult life chances. I believe it is community based home/work which is of great benefit to their continued support and development.”

So how will she be feeling when the new school year begins in September?

“My thoughts will always be here but, it’s time to focus on my family and daughter who will be starting secondary school.

But John Watson will always hold dearly in my heart.”

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Oxfordshire

September / October 2013

15

Independent School open days Abingdon Preparatory School

D’Overbroek’s College

Our Lady’s Abingdon

Saturday 12 October 10.00 - 12.00pm www.abingdon.org.uk/prep

Leckford Place, Oxford Open Mornings: Saturday 12 October Saturday 01 February Saturday 10 May

A Co-ed Catholic school for boys and girls aged 3 - 18 Sixth Form Tuesday 01 October 7.30pm Saturday 12 October 10.00 - 1.00pm Wednesday 20 November 9.30 - 11.45am Please ring for details 01235 524658

Abingdon School Saturday 28 September: 9.30am - 12.30pm Sixth Form Open Evening: Monday 14 October 5.00pm - 7.00pm Cokethorpe School Junior and Senior Schools Saturday 05 October 9.30 - 12 noon No reservation required 01993 703921 admissions@cokethorpe.org www.cokethorpe.org.uk Cranford House School Little Willows Nursery: 21 September 10 - 12 noon Cranford House School: 12 October 9.30 - 12 noon 15 November 10 - 12 noon admissions@cranfordhouse.net Please ring for details 01491 651218

Entry to the Sixth Form 01865 310000 Entry at age 11+ and 13+ 01865 302620 Book at: www.doverbroecks.com Kids Unlimited Day Nursery Open days on Friday 20 September 9-5pm See kidsunlimited.co.uk for locations.

Rye St Antony School Wednesday 18 September www.ryestantony.co.uk enquiries@ryestantony.co.uk The Manor Preparatory School

Magdalen College School Saturday 21 September: 9.30 - 12 noon Tuesday 15 October Senior School: 2.30 - 4.30pm Thursday 7 November Junior School: 2 - 3.20pm Thursday 14 November - Senior School: 2.30 - 4.30pm Book at: www.mcoxford.org/

Saturday 05 October 10.00 - 12.30pm www.manorprep.org

Halloween is on it’s way!

Get little ones to prepare for Halloween on October 31, with this spooky crossword Across

Down

1. Small black animal that can fly.

1. What do witches use to fly?

5. A costume with an eye patch and a sword.

2. A costume ______.

6. A monster with many bandages.

7. A witch’s pet.

8. _____-or-treat!

9. _______ house.

3. Bony monster.

4. Scary thing that says boo.

5. Children carve this vegetable.

7. Kids get lots of this.

Name that monster: A _ _________ is a monster that says boo and haunts houses.

A __________ is a monster that drinks blood and doesn’t like garlic.

16

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Radley College is an independent boarding school for boys aged 13 to 18.

Radley College

The Foundation Award at 11+, 13+ and 16+ are for boys currently in state education with academic potential and interest in music, art, drama or sport.

FOUNDATION

The award provides financial support of up to 100% of full fees for two initial years at preparatory school and then for a further five years at Radley.

AWARDS AT

11+, 13+ & 16+

Entry is through assessment in English and Maths on 30 November 2013.

Applications close on 1 November 2013. Sample papers are on the website.

For details: The Registrar, Radley College, Abingdon OX14 2HR Tel: 01235 543174

www.radley.org.uk

• Boarding and day school • Girls 3-18 years • Boys 3-8 years A happy and purposeful atmosphere for learning

Rye offers an environment in which achievements are celebrated, efforts praised and pupils are enabled to thrive and grow, keen to learn and keen to succeed.

Open Day

Wednesday 18 September 10.00am - 1.00pm Rye St Antony, Pullen’s Lane, Headington, Oxford OX3 OBY Telephone: 01865 762802 Fax: 01865 763611 E-mail: enquiries@ryestantony.co.uk Website: www.ryestantony.co.uk Registered Charity No. 309685

Oxfordshire

September / October 2013

17

What’s on September / October 2013 THEATRE & MUSIC NEW THEATRE George Street, Oxford, OX1 2AG Newtheatreoxford.org.uk 20-21 Sept. English Youth Ballet: Swan Lake English Youth Ballet presents a new production of Swan Lake set in Russia about the rivalry between the seductive evil Black Swan Odile and the vulnerable White Swan Odette who compete for the affections of the Prince.

English Youth Ballet’s professional dancers lead a large cast young talented regional dancers. £13-£25 6 Oct. Gotta Sing Gotta Dance A stunning new show of spectacular song and dance numbers from stage and screen, Gotta Sing Gotta Dance.

Join the West End singers and dancers plus a superb live band, singing and dancing to MGM movie musicals of Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly to stage classics such as Phantom Of The Opera and Les Miserables. £18-£25 30 Oct-2 Nov. English National Ballet: Le Corsaire (The Pirate) is a thrilling ballet about Conrad, a dashing pirate and his love for Medora, a beautiful harem girl. A drama of captive maidens, kidnap and rescue and love and betrayal. Culminating in a shipwreck making this a spectacular ballet.

CORNERSTONE ARTS CENTRE

THE THEATRE

25 Station Road, Didcot, Oxon, OX11 7NE

2 Spring St, Chipping Norton, OX7 5NL

Cornerstone-arts.org

Chippingnortontheatre.co.uk

14 Sept. Cornerstone’s Fifth Birthday Party Attend a great birthday party full of fun and surprises where the whole theatre inside and out will be a mini festival of entertainment. FREE. Suitable for all ages.

10am-12 midnight.

14 Oct. Youth Musical Theatre Showcase The Youth Musical Theatre group will be showcasing a variety of pieces they have worked on this year!

13 Oct. Little Howard’s Big Show Fresh from smash-hit BBC One children’s show Little Howard’s Big Question, the nation’s favourite human-cartoon double goes to Cornerstone. Songs, sketches, magic, a cheeky pigeon and the Royal Monkey Philharmonic Orchestra. £8/£6. Ages 4+ 20 Oct. Pinocchio Follow Pinocchio and his grasshopper friend as they set out on an adventure to find FUN! Now, if only his nose would just stay still. This show brings to life a sparkling new version of this classic tale. With live music, puppetry, physical storytelling and long noses.

30 Oct. Sorcery, Spells & Storytelling Actress Polly Highton leads a spooky storytelling workshop! Participants will work on choral speaking, characterisation and soundscapes to create their own stories to be performed. 10.30-1pm.

JACQUELINE DU PRÉ MUSIC BUILDING St Hilda’s College, Oxford, OX4 1DY St-hildas.ox.ac.uk 20 Oct, 17 Nov, 15 Dec. Cushion Concerts Three 45 minute Sunday concerts introducing children and families to different instruments. Bring your own cushions! The first is percussion, next is a Folk Singer and Dec is Christmas Brass.

10am & 11am for under 5s 12pm for over 5s. £5, free for babies under 1.

£8/£6. Ages 4+

Book at: pegasustheatre.org.uk or call 01865 812 150

PEGASUS THEATRE

£10-£40

3 Nov. Arthur’s Dream Boat One night Arthur has an amazing dream about a beautiful pink and green boat, which starts growing out of his head and Arthur is bouncing along the waves in his own dream boat!

BURTON TAYLOR STUDIO

£8/£6. Ages 5+

NEXT TO OXFORD PLAYHOUSE

THE NORTH WALL

oxfordplayhouse.com/aboutus/btstudio

South Parade, Oxford OX2 7NN

27-29 Sept. The Grumpiest Boy in the World Grumpy 7 year-old Zachary, is fed up with feeling average and journeys into a surreal and entrancing world to discover what makes him special. With hilarious characters in this unique twist on an adventure tale.

21 Sept. Poetry Party Join Live Canon for a riotous word party with poetry pass-the-parcel, nursery rhyme hats, haiku balloons and going-home poems: a glorious celebration of words, with live music and lots of interaction.

thenorthwall.com

£16/£8/£5

12 Oct. Hullaba Lulu An eccentric couple travel their strange world in a quirky land-boat, until their lives are turned upside down by the adorable and colourful Lulu. She teaches the couple all about love, play how to say goodbye. With live music and a spellbinding story.

MILL ARTS THEATRE

£7.50/£5.50 12 Oct. SPLAT – The Paint by Numbers Show Blanche lives a black and white life until Boya comes along and takes her on a magical journey bursting with colour.

They’re going to need your help to paint their world in this ‘paint-by-numbers’ theatre show. £7.50/£5.50

KENTON THEATRE New St, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 2BP Kentontheatre.co.uk 11-14 Sept. Jesus Christ Superstar A rock opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber with lyrics by Tim Rice, this favourite classic musical traces the last seven days of the life of Christ as seen through the eyes of Judas Iscariot, the familiar songs, I Don’t Know How to Love Him, Superstar, Herod’s Song evoke the emotion of the story bringing the gospels to vivid life.

Age 5+ 27 Oct. The Three Billy Goats Gruff What really happened between the wolf and his three porky friends? Why was Goldilocks wandering in the woods? And how did the goats overcome a mighty troll?

The perplexing mysteries of fairy tales are explored and explained by the wonderful Theatre of Widdershins with the help of fun, laughter, some gorgeous puppets and a soundtrack that will stick in your head long after you’ve left the theatre. Tickets £7 // Age 3+

Magdalen Road Oxford OX4 1RE pegasustheatre.org.uk

Spiceball Park, Banbury OX16 5QE themillartscentre.co.uk/ 19 Oct. The Three Billy Pigs Once upon a time there were three little pigs and now it is time for them to set off to build their dream houses, but these homes are put to the test by a naughty wolf and some goats. The show blends two classic fairy tales with beautifully crafted puppets, story-telling, live music and a bit of eco-awareness in a pig stylie. £20(family)/£6. Ages 3 + 29 Oct. Bin Men A play with music about Don and Sam who are bin men with dreams. They want to save the world and they want to have fun doing it!

Ages 5+. £20(family)/£6.

27 Oct. Emil and the Detectives An action-packed adventure for the whole family. It’s where young Emil, travelling alone on a train to Berlin, falls asleep and is robbed of all his money. The chief suspect is the man in the bowler hat, but how to catch the thief? It calls for quick wits, a cool head and some clever detection work. A classic adventure story with a timeless energy all of its own.

28 Oct. The Princess and the Frog Ballet Once upon a time there was a beautiful princess who loved playing with her golden ball, but one day she drops it in the pond. When a friendly frog offers to retrieve it she is far from keen. But in the end the princess must agree to be his friend just to get her ball back. This beautiful ballet will charm audiences young and old. Including ‘meet the dancers’. Suitable for all ages.

Award winning music classes for babies & young children OXFORD T: 01865 326746 E: oxford@monkeymusic.co.uk

1-3 Nov. Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat This hilarious show tells the story of the trials and triumphs of Jacob’s favorite son which is told entirely in song blending 50s Rock-n-Roll, Country Western and Calypso.

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For times and prices, please visit venue websites MUSEUMS & GALLERIES THE STORY MUSEUM Rochester House, 42 Pembroke Street, Oxford OX1 1BP storymuseum.org.uk Sept 21, 19 Oct, 30 Nov. Family Print Workshops Put your pens away and discover the art of printing by hand on the Bodleian’s antique printing presses. Learn a new skill, have fun and make your own keepsake! £8.

2-4pm. Ages 8+

31 Oct. Pirates and Mermaids Find out about the pirates on the Thames many years ago and shiver your timbers with our hands-on activities.

Design a pirate or mermaid, hunt for buried treasure, make a telescope and much more – you can even learn the sailors’ hornpipe!

Free with admission. 10.30-4pm

81-83 High Street, Great Missenden, Bucks, HP16 0AL.

1 Nov. The Big Draw Comic Strip Get ideas from the Wind in the Willows Gallery to write an adventure for Mr Toad and his friends! Use our frame template and add your own drawings, story line, speech bubbles and thoughts to make a unique comic strip.

10.30am – 4pm. Free with admission.

roalddahlmuseum.org

ASHMOLEAN MUSEUM

15 Sept. Celebrate Roald Dahl’s birthday Attend the Museum’s day of Mischief and Mayhem and the ‘Puffin Virtually Live’ event with Michael Rosen, the Children’s Charity’s ‘Dahlicious Dress Up Day’, new Roald Dahl publications for a jam-packed day of events and activities. Take part in swashboggling storytelling sessions, discover fantabulous facts be mesmerised by magic and lots more!

Beaumont Street, Oxford

Roald Dahl Museum

PITT RIVERS MUSEUM Oxford University Museum of Natural History, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PW prm.ox.ac.uk The Pitt Rivers Museum will remain open throughout 2013. Admission, exhibitions and events are FREE. 7 Sept. Pitt Stop: Let’s Go Fly a Kite Hope for a blustery autumn and make your own Chinese inspired kite! 13.00-16.00 12 Sept. Under 5 event: Row, row, row your boat!

Explore the boats in the Museum and make one of your own at this special event for under 5’s. 14.00-16.00 5 Oct. Pitt Stop: Terrific Textiles Discover beautiful textiles from around the world, how they’re made and what they mean! Then make your own textile designs. 13.00-16.00 24 Oct. Under 5 event: Animal Antics Can you spot a cat? A camel? A crocodile? Read an animal story and make paw print patterns. 10.30-12.30, 14.00-16.00 28-30 Oct. Half-Term Activities: Toys for Smiles Help thousands of Syrian refugee children by donating your unwanted toys. (Unfortunately no cuddly toys are allowed.) Make new ones in return out of recycled materials! 13.00-16.00

THE OXFORDSHIRE MUSEUM Woodstock, Park Street Woodstock OX20 1PA oxfordshire.gov.uk/oxfordshiremuseum 19 Oct-9 Nov. Art in Woodstock The town’s annual visual arts festival continues with this year’s theme of portraits and will include work by John Wonnacott, Marie Boyle, Michelle Castles and Jim Kane.

In various locations including the museum.

RIVER AND ROWING MUSEUM

Ashmolean.org All family events are free, with a suggested donation £1 per child.

Children must be accompanied by an adult at all events.

19 Sept. Lion Roar!

Make a lion mask and tail and join us for a safari search to discover lions in the Museum. Under 5’s. 2–4pm.

21 Sept. Spectacular Sculptures Make a mini sculpture of a human figure and search the galleries for people, ancient and modern. 1–4pm.

12 Oct. The Ashmolean Big Draw Join artist Kerry Lemon for a doodle-tastic time in the Museum. 12-4. Drop-in.

17 Oct. Little draw for little people Bring your budding artist along to try out a range of different materials. Dress for mess! Under-5s. 10.30am12.30pm and 2-4pm, drop-in.

19 Oct. Potty about ceramics!

Be inspired by flowers and bugs and then create your own nature tile with craft potter Victoria Houghton. For ages 6+. 1-4pm, drop-in.

30 Oct-1 Nov. Holiday Happenings Flash lights!

Find out about lights, lanterns and lamps around the Museum and make your own Diwali lamp or rangoli pattern. 1-4pm, drop-in.

9 Nov. Cracking the Code Cuneiform, hieroglyphs and Linear B. Discover the secrets of ancient writing and make your own cuneiform tablet.

21 Nov. Twit Twoo Make your own owl, hear a story and find out more about Athene’s owl. 10.30am-12.30pm & 2-4pm, drop-in.

DIARY DATES & HALLOWEEN COGGES MANOR FARM Church Lane, Witney OX28 3LA cogges.org.uk 21 Sept. Harvest Festival For crafts, food and music, apple picking, toffee apples, butter making, singing and storytelling. Make a harvest crown, do weaving with sheep fleece and more!

26 Oct. Apple Day Cider and apple juice making, toffee apples, apple picking, food, music and crafts.

OXFORD CASTLE UNLOCKED 44-46 OxfordCastle, Oxford, OX1 1AY oxfordcastleunlocked.co.uk 5-6 Oct. The Big Draw Visitors to Oxford Castle Quarter will be invited to leave a chalk etching on the Castleyard paving stones, in a free nationwide annual event aimed at inspiring people to draw and explore their artistic abilities. FREE. 10-5pm.

26 Oct-3 Nov. Little Horrors Murder Mystery The characters of Oxford Castle Unlocked are embroiled in a murder mystery this Halloween half term. Visitors are invited to turn detective and investigate the mystery as they tour the castle prison. £9.25/£7.95/£6.95

Mill Meadows, Henley on Thames, RG9 1BF

26, 27 & 31 Oct. Trick or Treating Nights

rrm.co.uk

A ghoulish line-up of inmates will be locked up in the old cells of Oxford’s former prison this Halloween to put the fun and frights into trick or treating. Visitors must done their Halloween costumes and dare to knock on the doors of the creepy inhabitants!

29 Oct. Badger’s Boogie Nights What does old badger do as nights get longer and it gets colder? He scuttles into his cosy sett, that’s what. Make a badger sett with its own badger from cups and papier mache and learn the badger boogie dance to keep warm.

10.30-12.30pm. Ages 4-7 30 Oct. Float your Boat Can you make a boat that floats? Be inspired by the Museum’s collection and our Swan Upping exhibition to design and build a mini boat like those used to rescue the swans on the river. 10.30-12.30pm. Age 7-11 30 Oct. Capture the Wind Discover how the energy in water is transformed in ‘Power’, our newest display in the River Gallery, then design and build your own kite to capture the wind’s power.

2-4pm. Ages 7-11

£5. 6pm, 6.30pm, 7pm & 7.30pm 1 Oct-30 Nov. Ghost Fest 2013 Friday and Saturday nights will be filled with ghost hunts, vigils and paranormal experiments around the 1000 year old haunted site. Plus special spooky tours.

CREATION THEATRE Creationtheatre.co.uk 26 Oct-2 Nov. Put on a Play in a Week!

A wonderful chance for 6-8 and 9-12 year olds to put their acting talents to use with Creation Theatre. The first day choose three titles, tell the stories and then put it to a vote for the children to decide! Venue to be confirmed. See the website for details.

Oxfordshire

September / October 2013

19

What’s on September / October 2013 WADDESDON MANOR

WATERPERRY GARDENS

Bicester Road, Aylesbury, HP18 0JH

Waterperry, Nr Wheatley, Oxford, OX33 1JZ

Waddesdon.org.uk/

waterperrygardens.co.uk

14 Sept. Heritage Open Day & Emergency Services Day Joined by local emergency services and community teams, have a fun packed day full of activities for all the family, plus live music.

26 Oct-3 Nov. The Great Pumpkin Hunt Find 10 pumpkins hidden in the gardens and win a special prize. Just turn up and enjoy. £2 per child.

22 Sept. Love and Ladybirds craft fair 60+ handmade stalls plus lots of fun for all the family!

Face painters, craft demonstrations and more in support of Reubens Retreat. 10.30am-4.30pm.

Woodstock OX20 1PP

26, 27, 30 Oct. Half term activities Halloween colouring activities available in the Power House. Free for children.

30 Oct. Halloween Special Join us for an exciting orienteering challenge to find the hidden ingredients to the Wanda the Witch’s potion to win a prize. £2. 11-3pm.

31 Oct. Storytelling with Bill Spectre Join Bill and Colin, the world’s only mind-reading crow, for spooky storytelling every hour on the hour. 11-4pm Arts & Crafts in the Bat Cave (Power House) Create a selection of Halloween crafts to take home.

Free. 11-4pm.

Perfect Pumpkins Spooky Halloween pumpkins carved while you wait to take them home! 11-4pm.

Pumpkins £2 -£2.50.

11-13 Oct. Apple Weekend Famous for its apples, this special weekend celebrates our native fruit. Join free tours of the orchards and fruit sheds and taste different apple and juice varieties and think about growing your own apple trees. Apple bobbing and kids pottery.

10.30-4pm.

EARTH TRUST Earth Trust Centre, Little Wittenham, Oxon. earthtrust.org.uk 19 Oct. Earth Trust Autumn Festival Join us for a celebration of autumn and harvest for fun outdoors and activities!

11am - 4pm 20 Oct. Guided Walk: Fungus Foray at Wallingford Castle Meadows Join a local expert, Rod d’Ayala to find fabulous fungi fruiting in the heart of Wallingford at Castle Meadows.

As well as its fascinating history, Castle Meadows today is home to some incredibly important wildlife habitats. Deadwood piles provide habitats for a range of invertebrates…

28 Oct. Family Bushcraft A day for all the family to get that living wild feeling!

Explore in the woods, make shelters, and even learn how to make a fire. If you’ve seen survival shows on the TV and wondered ‘how do they do that?’

MILLETS FARM Kingston Rd, Frilford, Oxfordshire, OX13 5HB milletsfarmcentre.com 28 Sept. Millets Farm Dog Show With fun and competitive categories including the dog which looks most like it’s owner for a day of doggy fun!

26 Oct-2 Nov. Halloween Howl The Millets Maize Maze is transformed into a spooky world of webs and witches with bone-shaking and spooktacular experiences. 10.30-4.30pm.

BLENHEIM PALACE blenheimpalace.com 26 Oct-3 Nov. Halloween trick or treat?

Visit Blenheim Palace for lots of Halloween tricks and treats with festive entertainment for all the family this autumn.

Contact Jane Brooks on:

01865 841409 07855324417

Cotswold Wildlife Park Bradwell Grove, Burford, Oxfordshire OX18 4JP cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk Sept-Nov. Bat Feed Experience Try Animal Encounters with a Bat Feed - where you’ll meet a keeper before entering the Bat House. Go into the night-time habitat of Egyptian and Seba’s fruit bats, feed them and learn about such amazing animals. For costs and times visit the website.

31 Oct. The Halloween Show Science Oxford Live presents The Halloween Show!

Things are not what they seem in this fun and interactive family science show full of spooky surprises, eerie experiments and demonstrations - not for the faint hearted! 11am or 3pm £5/£16 (group of 5.) Book at scienceoxford.com/live or call 01865 810000.

MUSEUM OF OXFORD Oxford Town Hall, St Aldates, Oxford oxford.gov.uk/museumofoxford 19 Oct. Big Draw and Family Arts Celebrate the Nationwide Big Draw and Family Arts Festival! Try different drawing techniques and enter the ‘Spooky Skyline Drawing Competition’. 10.00-12.00 & 13.00 - 15.00.

31 Oct. Meet the Barber’s Surgeon!

Discover the gruesome ways of early medicine and meet a 17th century Barber Surgeon! Who knows, he might pull your teeth... 10.00 - 12.00 & 13.00 - 16.00.

Pre-School Gymnastic classes for children walking to 4 years at Kidlington, Stonesfield and Woodstock.

Children’s Swimming lessons from preschool classes to Advanced ASA Stage 7 at Kassam Stadium,Wendlebury, Minster Lovell, Steventon and Holiday Inn at Peartree Roundabout, Oxford.

Small groups or one to one tuition available.

For more information email:

info@janebrooksgymandswim.com

Music Tuition

Woodstock and surrounding areas.

Piano lessons for children.

Classical guitar for children & adults, all grades.

Call Robert on 07577202726 or email: musictutorials@live.co.uk

East Oxford Community Classics Centre Cheney Lane, Headington, Oxford irisproject.org.uk Sept-Nov. Classics workshop & classes Visit this vibrant new Classics learning centre for people and children of all ages to engage with the Classics in a range of ways for an exciting and accessible place for visitors to experience Classics. Attend lessons, workshops, storytelling sessions and other events. Most are free. Visit the website for autumn workshops and classes.

6 Oct. NCT Nearly New Sale Why not go to the Wallingford, Didcot and District NCT sale for second-hand bargains for your children?

To be a seller or volunteer call 07505155015 or email wallingfordnns@yahoo.co.uk. £1 entrance fee. At Abbey Sports Centre, Berinsfield, OX10 7NR. 10.30-12 noon.

21 Oct. Brightwell Village Orchard Group Have fun at the family Apple Day. Discover heritage food, healthy eating, local food, preserving village and farming history and traditions and broadening knowledge about food.

Advertise in Families Oxfordshire call 01993 815966 or email editor@familiesoxfordshire.co.uk

Oxfordshire