Families Cambridgeshire Sep-Oct 2014

THE TRADE MAGAZINE FOR MUMS & DADS!

FREE! Cambridgeshire

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 ISSUE #26

FRIGHT NIGHT! THINGS TO DO AS A FAMILY THIS HALLOWEEN!

Confidence Building Fun Try a Free Drama Class

Watch your child’s self-esteem soar with our weekly classes for 4–12s Child development is at the heart of everything we do. So our drama, dance and singing sessions will boost your child’s confidence, improve their concentration and give them an outlet to have fun.

Call 0845 400 1290 or visit perform.org.uk for a free class at your nearest venue.

INSIDE SCHOOL OPEN DAYS • GETTING INVOLVED WITH YOUR CHILD’S EDUCATION

★

The National Trust is an independent registered charity, number 205846

Issue 46 : (E)

Open Morning Saturday 4 October 2014 Tours at 09.15 and 10.45 Exceptional Independent Education For Girls and Boys (4-13) Book your tour on: www.stfaiths.co.uk

Ileaves

Wimpole Estate

Collect your 50 things scrapbook and start ticking them off straight away • visit a farm • catch a falling leaf • find a geocache • go on a really long bike ride #50things Call 01223 206000 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wimpole 8 miles SW of Cambridge off A603

The Leys and St Faith’s Foundation. Registered Charity No: 1144035

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Contents & Competitions

Dear Reader, Autumn marks the transition from summer into winter and the start of a new academic year.

Children return to school, and the after-school clubs and classes begin again.

To help you and your children decide which clubs and classes to book onto this term, visit the Families Cambridgeshire website and take a look at pages 14 and 15 of this issue for some inspiration. If you like to plan events in advance

then take a look at the Halloween ideas we have put together on page 8 and keep an eye on the website for details of the many firework displays across Cambridgeshire.

The website this month has lots of articles to help with back to school issues including back to school advice, lunchbox ideas, starting school and which secondary school. Please remember to mention Families Cambridgeshire if you book any events or

What’s in this issue?

4 News & Views 7 What’s On

clubs and classes.

I hope you’ve had a lovely summer!

Great days out and events to keep you and your family occupied this autumn from wakeboarding to annual apple festivals, there is sure to be something for everyone.

@familiescambs facebook.com/CambridgeshireFamilies

8 What’s On this Halloween From frightening fairy tales to Monster Balls, we’ve got the best ghoulish goings on in Cambridgeshire this Halloween.

WIN!

A £100 BOOKING DISCOUNT FOR LUXURY GLAMPING IN SUFFOLK

antern & Larks is a new luxury glamping business which opened in May this year. They are offering Families readers a generous £100 BOOKING DISCOUNT for any glamping holiday taken before the end of June 2015.

Daytime activities are great for adults and children alike – there are wonderful places to visit within an easy drive of the Lantern & Larks site. During the evening, guests can relax on the deck of their tent, toast marshmallows round their own fire pit, and watch the sun go down over the glorious rolling Suffolk countryside.

Prices vary depending on season. To enter the competition and to see what we thought to our stay at Lantern and Larks read our review at www.familiescambridgeshire.co.uk

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Families Cambridgeshire is part of the Families group, established in 1990 and headed by Families South West.

All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under license..

We take every care preparing the magazine, but the publishers and distributers cant be held responsible for the claims of advertisers, the accuracy of the contents nor for any correspondences.

17,000 copies of Families Cambridgeshire available through schools, nurseries, hospitals, clubs and classes, selected shops and restaurants. If you would like copies for your establishment please let us know.

Last month’s competition winner was Sara – Jane Cowles

DON’T MISS A COPY! Receive Families Cambridgeshire by post for just £9.30 for 6 issues (1 year) or £18 for 12 issues (2 years). Call or email editor@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk for a subscription form.

11 School Open Days With so many good schools in Cambridgeshire it can be hard to know which ones to visit.

13 How to create a healthy dialogue with your school or nursery Research shows that the better your relationship with your child’s school, the more they will enjoy learning and do well so we have put together a few tips for successful communication

14 After School Activities We take a look at some of the clubs and classes in Cambridgeshire.

EDITOR: Lisa Exell 01945 861336 editor@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk DESIGN: David Slade davidslade1@me.com

50% OFF BACK TO SCHOOL OFFER!

Under 16s get 50% OFF their next HAIRCUT when booking with Mallory!

As a busy mum it’s important to make time for yourself… Natural style and simple elegance designed for you.

01945 584272 | team@toptotoeltd.co.uk | 27 Hill Street, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 1BA

SEP T EM BER/OCTOBER 2014

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News & views

Ski to the door with young families

Winter holidays such as skiing may not be the first option that springs to mind with small children in tow, but in fact it is a great choice to suit the whole family. Ski schools will sometimes take children as young as two (and if not, three plus), and smaller children and babies can enjoy the snow, whether it be building a snowman, sledging or a sleigh ride pulled by reindeer.

However, it is crucial to find the right resort that will cater for everyone’s needs.

Ski school is often the best option for children starting to learn, as this will avoid family arguments on the slopes! It is always worth investigating an English ski school rather than the most convenient one just to make sure you can understand the instructor and your peers. If you and your partner wish to ski alone, many resorts offer excellent child-care programmes.

Finally, consider the location of the resort, ideally finding a ski in/ski out one or at least close to the lifts as walking in ski boots and carrying skis is hard work for children.

Chilly Powder, a ski holiday operator located in Morzine, in the heart of France’s famous Portes du Soleil ski area, prides itself on its facilities for families. Several fullyqualified nannies run the resort’s crèche and older children can be picked up from the nursery slopes for the afternoon kid’s club.

For the parents there are saunas, massages, the bar, fine dining and outdoor Jacuzzi. Plus, Chilly Powder offers the perfect location for families with skiing starting at the cable car opposite the chalets and finishes with blue, red or black pistes straight into the garden. www.chillypowder.com

Families guide to the new curriculum In September children across England will be returning to school with a new curriculum to face. While this has been in the government’s plans for a while now, nearly 70% of parents across London have said they are totally unaware of the changes – showing a dire need for more awareness around what the changes mean for them, and their children.

To put it simply, for most children and parents the new curriculum will appear more challenging. Many concepts in maths and English will be introduced earlier than previously and initially this may feel like quite a jump.

ENGLISH: While there is a continued focus on phonics, there is also to be a larger emphasis on grammar, punctuation and spelling. There will be more concentration on Shakespeare, with children and pupils expected to have studied two of his plays between the ages of 11 and 14.

MATHS: In maths, knowing times tables (12 x12 by the end of Year 4), calculating with fractions, using written methods of calculation and having strong mental maths skills will be

more important than ever, and there will be more opportunity to develop problem solving skills in maths.

COMPUTING: Children will be taught to write code and pupils aged five to seven will be expected to ‘understand what algorithms are’ and to ‘create and debug simple programs.’

So, why have the changes been introduced?

Well, as many mums will have read, the UK aren’t doing their best in the world’s league tables. New research commissioned by Explore Learning found that nearly three quarters (72%) of parents worry that British children aren’t leading the field in standards of education – a result of them failing to make the top 20 in reading, maths and science.

My advice to any parents keen to understand the new curriculum and help them with their homework is to attend any information sessions that your child’s school offers. In addition, for those not put off by a bit of reading, the programmes of study for each year are available from: www.gov.uk/government/collections/ national-curriculum

Cambridgeshire schools to get extra £23.2 million in government funding The 7.9 per cent increase has been welcomed

by Cambridge MP, Julian Huppert who has been driving the fight for fairer funding for the county’s children for more than a decade.

Julian says there is a commitment to full fair funding for the county’s schools which could bring even more money.

He said: “This is excellent news for every child and every teacher in our schools now and in the future. This is not just a one off payment – the funding formula is to be changed so that Cambridgeshire gets a fairer deal year on year. “Our schools have been short-changed over the last 30 years with our pupils receiving

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SEP T EM BER / OCTOBER 2014

£600 below the English average. Until now, no government has done anything about it. We have closed more than half the gap between our schools and those across the country.

The funding will increase by £311 per pupil – up to £4,261 per pupil per year.

News & views

Banish ‘back to school’ blues with new Skip Hop Zoo Designs

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You can wear a gold ribbon this Childhood Cancer Awareness Month to show you stand in solidarity with families who are coping with childhood cancer. Buy your ribbon online or CLIC Sargent shops You can also ‘go gold’ by texting ‘GOLD’ to 70030 to donate £3 Last year CLIC Sargent supported 67 families in Cambridgeshire alone. To find out more about how you can get involved in Childhood Cancer Awareness month, please visit www.clicsargent.org.uk/ccam

Two new animal-themed pals are joining the Skip Hop Zoo line-up of fun backpacks and lunch bags, and are sure to put a smile on the face of little ones heading back to school. With the cute Butterfly and cheeky Hedgehog designs now available, children will be excited to get back to the classroom after the summer holidays to show off their new animal-faced friends! www.maguari.com or 01293 774924.

Lily Cakes Online Delicious Wheat, Gluten & Dairy-free cupcakes!

Wedding Cakes & Sweet Treats!

07415 389285

www.lilycakesonline.co.uk

Coaching for Young People assertiveness / communication confidence / focus / goal setting initiative / interview skills listening skills / motivation presentation skills / resilience time management... and more.

Tel: 01359 233 510 www.unlockingyoungpotential.co

This September is childhood cancer awareness month

Energize News

EnergiZe is a community-based weight management programme for families with children aged 7 – 11 years old, who are above their healthy weight. The programme runs for 12 weeks starting this September in various community locations across Cambridgeshire.

Each week, families take part in interactive healthy lifestyle workshops followed by an activity session with an EnergiZe coach.

Contact 01480 376300 / 07538 428700 energize@nhs.net

Shanghai-style maths hubs aim to improve standards in England

The government’s £11 million programme of ‘maths hubs’ will be rolled out to 32 schools in England this September, aiming to improve maths results by using a Chinese model of teaching. The programme is to be developed by academics from Shanghai and England.

Central to this will be an exchange programme, where teachers from Shanghai will visit the ‘hub’ schools to run ‘masterclasses’ for local teachers.

Two maths teachers from each school will also work in China for at least a month to learn firsthand some of their teaching approaches, which will then be passed on to other local schools. www.ncetm.org.uk/resources/44071

Killer bags still threaten the environment A shocking 10.6 billion single-use bags will be given out over the next 18 months before the government implements its new bag charge legislation in October 2015. With the average person using 133 bags per year, the Break The Bag Habit coalition are launching a new website to encourage supporters to pledge to stop using single-use bags, in an effort to offset the environmental impacts. The website is supported by internationally acclaimed photographer Martin Brent with a series of stunning yet shocking images entitled ‘Killer Bags.’ These images feature plastic bags Martin was confronted with whilst diving, and make some difficult viewing. So don’t delay, make your pledge today! www.breakthebaghabit.org.uk SEP T EM BER / OCTOBER 2014

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SHOWING THIS MONTH AT THE LUXE CINEMA IN WISBECH…

BOX OFFICE: 01945 588808 TIMES: WWW.THELUXECINEMA.COM

The Luxe offers a lounge area for pre and post-film drinks and nibbles and a waitress service in the auditorium whilst relaxing in the comfort of a two seater sofa or an armchair!

SPECIAL OFFER! HALF PRICE CHILDREN’S TICKETS WHEN BOOKING ANY KID’S FILM WITH THIS ADVERT Family tickets £22, Children (13 and under) £6 Adults £7 Alexandra Road | Wisbech | PE13 1HQ

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The Production Exchange and the Key Theatre presents

l and best, rigina o s ’ mime ugh mily panto o r a rbo nal f ete ditio tra

Written by Daniel O’Brien Music & Lyrics by Simon Egerton Directed by Abigail Anderson

4 Dec 2014 – 4 Jan 2015

BOOK YOUR SEATS NOW ON 01733 207239 OR VISIT

vivacity-peterborough.com

Key Theatre Peterborough

Families Fun

Hannams Wakeboarding WHEN? Tuesday - Sunday until 8pm. Reception closes at 5:30pm

places Things to do, e had… to go, fun to b ll … for k ids o f a

ages!

Charlie and Lola’s Extremely New Play

WHERE? Wimpole Estate

WHERE? Cambridge Arts Theatre

WHEN? 18th -21st September

HOW MUCH? Adult £9.90, Children £5.20, Under 5’s go FREE Wimpole travels back in time to the 1940s when food was rationed and growing your own became vital to your survival. Re-inactors displays and demonsrations throughout the day.

Free for National Trust members. wimpolehall@nationaltrust.org.uk

HOW MUCH? £12 per ticket Charlie and Lola are completely excited to be back on stage with their Extremely New Play – and this time they’re bringing along Sizzles the Dog! www.cambridgeartstheatre.com

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WHERE? Sandringham Park, so please be aware that it is not at the Visitor Centre

Please quote Families when booking any of these events

HOW MUCH? Adults £12, OAPs £11, Children £4 (under 5s FREE!) Whole areas devoted to falconry, fishing, wildfowling, archery and many other country sports and pursuits, together with lots of activities for families (and their dogs!) makes this event a true celebration of country living. www.livingheritagecountry shows.co.uk

The Cambridge Food Garden & Produce Festival

WHEN? 13th - 14th September, 10am - 5pm WHERE? Parker’s Piece, Cambridge This is an annual event based in the heart of the city, there is a produce tent filled with scrumptious fruit, vegetables, cakes and other assorted baked goodies. For those keen on celeb-spotting, Sophie Grigson is already booked for the cookery demos, with more names to be announced very soon. www.oakleighfairs.co.uk

CONTACT www.hannamswakehub.com

Old MacDonald had a farm E-I-E-I-O

HOW MUCH? Child £12.50, Adult £17.50 We all want to meet people from history. The trouble is everyone is dead! So it’s time to prepare yourselves for Horrible Histories live on stage with a brand new show, Barmy Britain, with all new amazing 3D effects! www.cambridgeartstheatre.com

WHEN? 31st October, 2:30pm

celebration of the great British apple with apple identification, wood turner demonstrations, apple & spoon race, apple shy, storytelling, cookery demonstrations, folk music and morris dancing. www.visitely.org.uk

HOW MUCH? Children £9.50 Relive the delights of this most charming of tales told with a captivating combination of live action, puppetry and animation by the creators of ‘There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly’. www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk

The Sooty Show WHEN? 27th October, 11am & 2.30pm

WHERE? Vivacity Key Theatre, Peterborough

Sandringham Game KIDSR 5 & Country Fair UNDE WHEN? 13th -14th September 10am – 6pm

WHERE? Arts Theatre, Cambridge

WHERE? Kings Lynn Corn Exchange

Wimpole at War : 1940’s Weekend

WHEN? 13th -14th September

WHEN? 28th October - 1st November

WHERE? Stretham, Nr Ely

HOW MUCH? From £20 per session A BWSW accredited wakeboard facility north of Cambridge with an inspiring cable facility that will help you to progress your ability on a wakeboard or wakeskate, whether you are trying it for the first time or are a well seasoned rider. Ben and Terry Hannam are two of the first Level 2 Cable Wakeboard coaches in the UK so you know you will be getting the best tuition possible.

W hat’s On

Horrible Histories Barmy Britain

Life Above & Below Stairs WHEN? 20th - 21st September

WHERE? Audley End House and Gardens, Saffron Walden HOW MUCH? From £9.20 per child Put on your apron, get your riding crop at the ready and join Audley End as it is brought to life. www.english-heritage.org.uk

Apple Day

WHEN? 11th October from 10am

HOW MUCH? £12 per ticket, £38 family ticket Izzy Wizzy Lets get busy – It’s The Sooty Show! Direct from Citv, Sooty heads into town in a fabulous new show to delight the whole family. Joining the nations favourite bear will be Sweep , Soo and Sooty’s TV Partner Richard Cadell – who will be attempting to keep Sooty from getting up to mischief! Boy will he have his hands full!

CONTACT www.vivacity-peterborough.com

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WHERE? Burwash Manor, Cambridge HOW MUCH? £3 per adult, under 12s FREE A celebration of all things apple that includes apple identifying, juicing, hedge laying competitions, musical entertainment, facepainting, tractor rides, stalls a hogroast and a drinks tent. www.burwashmanor.com

Ely Apple Festival

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WHEN? 18th October, 10-4pm WHERE? Palace Green Ely, opposite the Cathedral

HOW MUCH? FREE The annual apple festival has become East Anglia´s biggest

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The University of Cambridge Festival of Ideas WHEN? Box office opens 22nd September 10am. Please see the website for specific event times WHERE? Events are held in lecture halls, theatres, museums and galleries around Cambridge.

HOW MUCH? Entry to most events is free.

The festival will see a host of inspiring sessions for people of all ages, including a pre-history day, a comic creation master class, a hip hop event which explores mental illness through hip hop beats and lyrics, medieval storytelling, family drawing workshops and much more.

CONTACT www.cam.ac.uk/festival-of-ideas

SEP T EM BER / OCTOBER 2014

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Ghoul School

WHEN? Friday 24th October, 6pm younger children 7.30 pm older Children

WHERE? Wisbech Grammar School Spooky tours of the oldest parts of Wisbech Grammar School will send shivers down your spine at a ‘Ghoul school’ event staged for Halloween.

With terrifying tours and ghostly tales topped off with a fearsome feast of hot dogs and pumpkin soup washed down with a blood red brew of cranberry juice, fruit juices and spices.

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pla Things to do, e had… to go, fun to b f a ll ages!

Halloween at the mill WHEN? 24th - 25th October 5.30pm – 7.30pm WHERE? Houghton Mill, Huntingdon HOW MUCH? £7.50.

Are you brave enough to visit our spooky mill after dark? Enjoy a Halloween supper of jacket spuds, bangers and beans in the tea room followed by a lantern lit spooky Halloween trail around the mill. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ houghton-mill 01480 301494

CONTACT www.wgs.cambs.sch.uk 01945 583631

Spooky spectacular

Halloween Ghost Walk

Spooks at Denny

WHEN? 25th October to 2nd November

WHEN? 28th- 31st October, 7.30pm and 8pm each night

WHEN? 29th - 30th October

WHERE? Sacrewell Farm, Peterborough In 2013, Sacrewell Farm was awarded a Certificate of Excellence

by TripAdvisor based on the fantastic reviews of their visitor centre and campsite, worth a visit for the annual spooky spectacular week with lots of fun Halloween activities. www.sacrewell.org.uk

WHERE? Peterborough Museum

Halloween trail WHEN? 27th October - 2nd November, 12pm – 4pm

HOW MUCH? £5 adults, £3 kids Beginning from outside Peterborough Museum (Priest gate), the city centre walking tours visit a number of sites which are reputed to be haunted, including the ghosts of the Cathedral precincts and even the museum itself. Not recommended for those under 8 years of age or those of a nervous disposition! www.vivacity-peterborough.com/ event/halloween-ghost-walks 01733 864 663

WHERE? Peckover House Wisbech

Halloween Maze

WHEN? 25th October - 31st October 10am - 4pm (last entry at 3pm) WHERE? Maize Maze Skylark March There will be the usual fun yard attractions plus apple bobbing, witches hat game, pumpkin carving, fancy dress, pumpkin shy and face painting. www.skylarkmaizemaze.co.uk 01354 741212

the Little Monsters Ball

WHEN? 25th October, 4pm & 6pm WHERE? Wicksteed Park

HOW MUCH?£3.50 for kids 50p for adults The annual spooktacular that is The Little Monsters Ball! There will be fun, games, prizes and fancy dress with Wicky bear and friends. www.wicksteedpark.co.uk 01536 512475

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WHERE? Denny Abbey, Waterbeach Prepare for Halloween with this spooky masterpiece. www.dennyfarmlandmuseum.org.uk

Batty Halloween WHEN? 31st October, 10.30am 12.30pm & 2.00pm - 4.00pm WHERE? Wicken Fen, Ely

HOW MUCH? £1.50 per child, plus normal admission.

Have you tried our spooky children’s trail in the garden? www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ peckover-house

HOW MUCH? £4.75 Spooky Fun at the fen with ghostly games, crafts and outside activites. Ages 3+ www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ wickenfen 0844 249 1895

F RIGHT ENING FAIRYTALES AND SPOOKY STORIES WHEN? 27th - 31st October

WHERE? Audley End, Saffron Walden HOW MUCH? From £9.20 Fearless souls required for a thrilling family adventure. Grab your cloaks and steady your nerves as you come face to face with the dark side of childrens’ tales.

Chilling storytellers delve into the fables of the Brothers Grimm and reveal the terrifying truth behind the bedtime fairytales you’ve grown to love. Show off your spooktacular costumes and frighten our fearless staff – but don’t forget your favourite teddy to hide behind! www.english-heritage.org.uk

SEP T EM BER / OCTOBER 2014

Scarefest

WHEN? 18th October - 2nd November

WHERE? Alton Towers resort Experience spine tingling spooks at the annual scarefest this year as the theme park is transformed into a haunted resort with fun and spooky Halloween excitement. With a late ride close on selected dates for those who dare to ride in the dark. Book your tickets online and save 25% CONTACT www.altontowers.com

Please quote Families when booking any of these events

… for g ho u ls o

Full Name

Restaurant Location

House name/number

Postcode

Email address

Mobile Please tick here if you do not want us to write to you with details of offers in future.

Terms & conditions: One free kid’s meal or one free junior’s meal from the childrens’ menu when at least one adult main course is purchased from the main menu. Available for children up to the age of 11. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer or discount promotion including breakfast/ lunch/set menus. Excludes Mondays after 5pm (Monday Madness). Valid at Frankie & Benny’s Bury St Edmunds, Cambridge, Haverhill, Huntingdon, Ipswich, Kettering, Kings Lynn, Norwich, Peterborough, Spalding, Wisbech and St Neots only. Data capture must be completed and voucher surrendered upon redemption. Valid until 1.12.14. Not for resale. No cash value.

frankieandbennys.com

Musica Firewo l Specta rk 1st Nov cular! e

Buy Tick mber ets Onlin e!

Spooktacular Half Term Fun!

FUN family activities BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR 28th October, 10am – 12pm or 1pm - 3pm £5 per person (5 years and over) Join us for a fun and interactive behind the scenes tour at our Godmanchester Centre.

Get hands on making fun pet toys, meet some of our animals looking for homes and make the animals some tasty treats. Drop in session no need to book.

AFTER DARK HALLOWEEN FUN! 31st October, 5pm – 6.30pm £5 per person

Spooky Halloween Maize Maze plus all these ghoulishly great activities…

Apple Bobbing • Pumpkin Carving • Fancy Dress Competitions • Face Painting Phantom Tractor Ride • Obstacle Course • Mega Slide • Zip Wire and much more!

Skylark Garden Centre, Manea Rd, Wimblington, March, Cambridgeshire PE15 0PE

Buy tickets online www.skylarkmaizemaze.co.uk Tel: 01354 741212

Join us after dark for some Halloween fun. Meet some of our nocturnal animals, face your fears in the rodent room, make a haunted hamster hotel, feed our animals some Halloween treats and join in with spooky story time. Prize for the best Halloween costume. Suitable for 5 year olds and over and booking essential.

Call: 0844 248 8181 Visit: www.woodgreen.org.uk Or Email: handson@woodgreen.org.uk Godmanchester Centre, King’s Bush Farm, London Road, Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire PE29 2NH

Registered Charity No. 298348.

Bags of energy.

Discover how our boys and girls fit it all in.

www.perse.co.uk/bag Upper Prep Pelican Sixth

27th Sept 4th Oct 11th Oct 4th Nov

Open Morning Saturday 27 September 6th Form Open Evening Wednesday 24 September

Open Morning Magdalene House Preparatory School Saturday 11 October For more details, please contact the Admissions Secretary: 01945 583 631 / 01945 586 780 Admissions@WisbechGrammar.com WisbechGrammar.com MagdaleneHousePrep.com HMC and IAPS Independent co-educational day schools for boys and girls aged 4-18 The schools are a registered charity and exist for the education of children Means tested financial support is available to assist with fees

Join us for a tour of the schools

Families Education

SCHOOL OPEN DAYS 2014

Families guide to the open days timetable for Cambridgeshire schools An open day can be an emotional experience. You will get a feeling when you walk in, and that often dictates which school you will choose for your child. Parents can look online and study a school’s brochure sent to them, but no matter how good those resources are, you can’t experience the atmosphere of the school remotely; you have to visit. Below is a list of some of the school open days in Cambridgeshire – a closer look at a some of the schools can be found on the website www.familiescambridgeshire.co.uk to help you decide which schools to visit.

FRIENDS SCHOOL Mount Pleasant Rd, Saffron Waldon, CB11 3EB 01799 523351 www.friendsschool.org.uk Sat11th October10.00 am

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ST FAITHS SCHOOL Trumpington Rd, Cambridge, CB2 8AG 01223 352073, www.stfaiths.co.uk St Faith’s high academic standards enable each individual to achieve their best across a staggering breadth of subjects and activities.

Valuing diversity with small classes and teaching by subject specialists, over a third of pupils gain scholarships to their senior schools of choice. St Faiths is recognised nationally for excellent teaching in Spanish, Science, Maths and Computer Science; as an associate school of the Spanish Embassy, the Royal Society and as a lead school in the Department for Education’s Network of Excellence. As the largest Prep School in Cambridge, it claims the best range of teaching facilities, sports facilities and wide open spaces.

Register online for Open Morning Saturday 4th October 2014 THE STEPHEN PERSE FOUNDATION Union Road, Cambridge, CB2 1HF 01223 454700 www.stephenperse.com Stephen Perse pre-prep (City and Madingley) Sat 18th October Stephen Perse Foundation Junior School Sat 11th October Stephen Perse Foundation Senior School Sat 4th October

THE PERSE UPPER SCHOOL Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 8QF 01223 403800 www.perse.co.uk/bag Education is exciting at The Perse. It is a school where it is cool to be bright and find subjects fascinating, and where pupils achieve some of the best public exam results in the country. The advantages of a Perse education are by no means confined to the classroom.

Whether through music, drama, dance, sport, outdoor pursuits or more than 100 vibrant clubs and societies, pupils develop selfconfidence and team-working skills and, more often than not, interests for life. From Pre-Prep pupils discovering the taste of campfiretoasted marshmallows on a first sleepover to sixth formers embarking on a Himalayan trek, a Perse education is an adventure.

Upper (11-18) Sat 27 Sept 9.30am - 12.30pm Prep (7-11) Sat 4 October, 9.30am - 12.00pm Nursery and Pre-Prep (3-7) Sat 11 October, 9.30am – 12.30pm Sixth Form Tues 4 November, 6.00pm - 9.00pm THE LEYS SCHOOL Cambridge 01223 508904 www.theleys.net Sat 11th October 9.45am 11+ Open Morning Sat 15th Nov 8.45am General Open Morning THE PETERBOROUGH SCHOOL Thorpe Rd, Peterborough, Cambs, PE3 6AP 01733 343357 www.thepeterboroughschool.co.uk Sat 11th October 10.30am and 3.30pm DAME BRADBURY’S SCHOOL Ashdon Rd, Saffron Waldon, CB10 2AL 01799 522348 www.damebradburys.com Sat 18th October ST MARYS SCHOOL Bateman Street, Cambridge, CB2 1LY 01223 224167 www.stmaryscambridge.co.uk Junior School Sat 4th October 09.30am -12.30pm Senior School Sat 11th Oct 09.30am - 12.30pm

KINGS ELY SCHOOL Kings Ely, Cambridgeshire, CB7 4EW www.kingsely.org King’s Ely Nursery & King’s Ely Acremont (ages 3-7) Sat 14 Sept 9.30am -11.30am King’s Ely Junior (ages 7-11) Sat 14 Sept 10am - 12pm King’s Ely Junior (11+ entry) Tues 24 Sept 5.30pm - 7.30pm King’s Ely Senior (13+ entry) Thurs 19 Sept 6pm - 8pm ST EDMUNDS COLLEGE Mount Pleasant, Cambridge, CB3 0BN 01920 824247 www.stedmundscollege.org Sat 27th September

WISBECH GRAMMAR SCHOOL North Brink, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 1JX 01945 583631 www.wisbechgrammar.com Wisbech Grammar School provides education from Reception to Sixth Form and believes that it is their duty to develop and challenge all the pupils in their care and believe that educational development is not simply confined to the classroom or laboratory, but is also to be found in the drama studio, sports fields and music practice rooms. The School is a tightly knit community who celebrate difference and diversity. Over the years staff and students get to know each other well. This gives boys and girls the confidence to approach teachers, whatever the situation, knowing they will receive a sympathetic hearing.The school boasts a 21 acre site, giving students space and a place to breathe.

Senior School Sat 27th Sept 9.30am 12.30pm Magdalene House Preparatory School Sat 11 Oct SEP T EM BER / OCTOBER 2014

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Families Feature

How to create a healthy dialogue with your school or nursery Research shows that the better your relationship with your child’s school, the more they will enjoy learning and do well. By Hannah Hunter owever it’s often impossible to know what really goes on at school – children are not very forthcoming when it comes to recounting their day. If they do raise any issues, or if you sense something is amiss, it can be difficult to know how to broach the subject with school.

As both a parent and a primary teacher, I know how hard it can be to strike the right balance. If you’re meeting a teacher outside of parents’ evening or class surgeries, it’s because there is a problem. These meetings can easily become tense, with both ‘sides’ on the defensive.

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A FEW TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL COMMUNICATION:

Helping out in n class can be fu . g and rewardin

Assume the best of your child’s teacher They are trained professionals who understand the curriculum and child development. They ultimately want the same as you – a happy child who is learning.

Let teachers know if there are problems at home You don’t have to go into graphic detail, just tell them if something’s happened which may affect your child’s behaviour.

Please don’t assume that your child always tells the truth!

After all, teachers don’t automatically believe what your child tells them about home.

Remain calm and neutral “Little Johnny came home rather upset about xxx, I wondered what your take on it is…”, rather than “Why did you shout at Little Johnny like that?”

Mediation If you have issues with a teacher’s conduct, and feel upset or angry, it’s best that an additional member of staff is present.

Talk to the teacher first Even negative feedback is appreciated. Going directly to the head is a bit like them phoning your boss whenever your child misbehaves!

Remember that teachers are human They sometimes make mistakes, so try to forgive them for it.

HELPING OUT IN SCHOOL Get an insight into how things are run and improve your

relationship with the school by volunteering.

PARENT HELPER Helping out in class can be fun and rewarding. Research shows that having a parent who volunteers improves a child’s experience of school. Organise a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check (Disclosures in Scotland) - you can then volunteer regularly or as a one-off.

SCHOOL TRIPS If you’ve had the DBS check, this one is great for ingratiating yourself. On what is invariably a stressful day, a responsible parent helping out can be a lifesaver!

USE YOUR EXPERTISE Maybe there’s a school club that would fit your skill set or interests. If not, you could talk to the class or even do an assembly. One volcanologist parent at my son’s school did a legendary presentation including exploding volcanoes.

JOIN THE PTA Fostering closer home-school links, the PTA usually organise the school’s fundraising projects, from fetes to family quiz nights. Run by committee, they may include ‘class reps’ who pass on information from other parents in the class.

SCHOOL GOVERNORS Comprising parent governors and other community members, this group of elected volunteers helps to make management decisions, such as running buildings and budgets, supporting staff and setting discipline standards.

It can be time-consuming, particularly if the school’s results are getting worse or it’s going through a big change like appointing a new head teacher, or joining with another school.

PARENT COUNCIL MEMBER Some schools have a Parent council, where parents meet to share ideas that are fed back to the school governors. This is great if you’re too busy to commit to PTA or Governors, but want to have an input.

For Back to School tips, like how to settle a child at nursery or healthy packed lunches etc, go to: www.familiescambridgeshire.co.uk SEP T EM BER / OCTOBER 2014

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Families Clubs & Classes

EXTRA CURRICULAR Why it’s important for children to do after school activities... By Susan Tomlinson rom ballet to basketball and art to archery, there’s an after school activity out there for every child. And the best thing about them is they’re brilliant for all sorts of reasons – not just learning a new skill.

Team sports like football, rugby, and netball are not only brilliant for keeping kids active but also helping them learn team work where they can begin to appreciate what’s good for the whole team, rather than just thinking of themselves. Competitive sports are also great for learning difficult life lessons like being a gracious winner - and loser. But for team building clubs with a less competitive edge, you could consider

The list is endless. There are clubs for almost anything you can imagine. Archery, chess, horse riding, computer clubs, film making and even circus skills are all proving popular alongside the more traditional arts and crafts, swimming, tennis and kung fu. There are clubs for nature lovers run by the Woodland Trust, BMX biking for tots, and even kids yoga and tai chi.

There are so many to choose from, it’s almost tempting to try them all but it’s also important not to overburden kids with too many activities. Frantically driving from one after-school club to the next

Woodcraft Folk, Brownies and Scouts.

Learning a musical instrument is great for discovering the art of practice, patience and persistence. Drama clubs are great for shy kids who learn to find their voice singing and acting alongside others, while ballet and dance is great for kids to learn discipline and self-expression.

seems to be missing the point. New skills, team work and confidence building aside, the most important thing to think about when deciding which club to choose for your child, is surely the fun factor.

Read the full article or visit our hugely popular clubs and classes listings on the website www.familiescambrideshire.co.uk

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STAGECOACH: DRAMA, DANCE AND SINGING FOR AGES 4-18 YRS Where: Cambridge, Cambourne When: Open every weekend during term time with workshops during the school holidays.

What: Stagecoach Cambridge provides quality part-time training in the performing arts for children aged 4-18yrs with an aim to nurture and develop young potential through the singing, acting and dance classes stretching young imaginations and building confidence.

Students participate in all three performing arts disciplines: drama, dance and singing helping to develop confidence, physical awareness, communication and articulation – as well as being educational and fun. www.stagecoach.co.uk 01223 359 974

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EDEN DANCE CAMBRIDGE

Inspirational Dance Classes for Children & Adults RENOWNED FOR CREATIVE THEATRE PERFORMANCES

NURSERY PLAYDANCE | BALLET | TAP FULLY EQUIPPED STUDIO AT: CHESTERTON SPORTS CENTRE GILBERT ROAD CAMBRIDGE CB4 3NY WWW.EDENDANCE.CO.UK | INFO@EDENDANCE.CO.UK | 01223 650861

Come and Join Us!

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SEP T EM BER / OCTOBER 2014

Families Clubs & Classes RUGBY TOTS: RUGBY TRAINING FOR 2-7YRS Where: St Neots, Huntingdon, Bluntisham, Cottenham What: Rugbytots was started in 2006 to fill a gap in the child development sector by using Rugby specific skills to aid in the development of young children.

The programme has been designed to develop children’s physical, psychological and social attributes, as well as gently encouraging rugby specific skills such as running with the ball, finding space, kicking, catching, scoring a try and much more.

Call 0845 313 3243 to register interest or visit www. rugbytots.co.uk for further information

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LEADA: DRAMA FOR 5 – 13 YEARS Where: Wisbech When: 5-10 years 4.15pm – 5.15pm & 10 – 13 years 5.30pm – 6.45pm on Wednesdays What: LEADA is a part time Drama club for children and young adults based in Wisbech

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EDEN DANCE: DANCE FOR AGE 3 AND UP Where: Chesterton Eden Dance was founded in 1979 and prides itself on providing small classes, personal attention and a warm and friendly atmosphere. The objective of the school is to encourage children to gain benefit from the pleasure of dancing. Eden Dance like their students of whatever age and ability to get satisfaction from the hard work and artistic expression which lead to development of character and confidence. While Eden’s aims are not purely academic the school has a record of excellence in examination results.

01223 778655 info@edendance. co.uk www.edendance.co.uk

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and Fenland. The classes are designed to be fun, improve skills, resilience and confidence.

Whatever a child’s ability or experience they are welcome at LEADA – who will work with each individual member to develop and achieve their own potential. All classes perform at least twice during the year.

FAMILIES OFFER! 10% Discount on your first term fees (first lesson free!) quote fam10 when booking 07523 712633 www.leada.biz linda@leada.biz

PERFORM: DRAMA, DANCE & SINGING FOR 4-8 YEAR OLDS Where: Classes in Cambridge, Cherry Hinton Village, Newnham What: Perform helps develop children’s confidence, co-

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ordination, communication and concentration skills.

This September to December, Perform children will be travelling through space on an interplanetary adventure with The Space Queen and The Little Green Alien. On their way they’ll eat cheese with The Man on the Moon, gravity groove with The Sparkly Spaceman, and visit Venus with the beautiful Princess Star.Their mission is to confront and stop The Cruel Commander, who plans to destroy Planet Earth… but will they stop him on time?! To book a FREE TRIAL SESSION please call 0845 400 4000 or www.perform.org.uk

SEP T EM BER / OCTOBER 2014

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fun Find us on facebook facebook.com/Stagecoachcambridge

Call: 01223 359974 cambridge@stagecoach.co.uk www.stagecoach.co.uk/cambridge

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Theatre Arts Schools

Stagecoach