September/ October 2016
Issue
75
FREE T
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Oxfordshire Education Focus Clubs & classes Firework safety Independent school open days
Oxfordshire's leading distribution magazine and online resource for families with 0-12's Oxfordshire Magazine www.familiesonline.co.uk
September/ October 2016
the door is
open for
POTENTIAL
If your son is a bright spark we have Awards that can be worth up to 100% of the fees for boys at 11+ or 13+. Radley is an independent boys’ boarding school near Oxford. To find out more, come along to our informal visiting day on September 17th – 1pm to 3pm. 01235 543174
www.radley.org.uk
Junior School Open Morning Wednesday 29 September 9.30am - 11.00am
To book a place www.oxfordhigh.gdst.net/visit-us
“The quality of pupils’ achievements and learning is exceptional.” ISI Inspection Report 2016
01865 318500 admissions@oxf.gdst.net www.oxfordhigh.gdst.net Visit our fantastic new website, set to be the UK's no.1 resource for families! www.familiesonline.co.uk
Oxfordshire Magazine Editor: Ema Murphy 01993 815966 - 07733 228 038 editor@familiesoxfordshire.co.uk www.familiesoxfordshire.co.uk
In this issue...
Next issue: November/ December 2016 Booking deadline: 3 October Copy deadline: 7 October 40,000 readers per issue Printed by Warners Disclaimer: Families Oxfordshire Magazine is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families ÂŽ is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Temple House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Oxfordshire Magazine are fully protected by copyright and non of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of the publisher. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents.
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What's New? Importance of school routine School matters Independent school open days Clubs & classes news The benefits of after school clubs Clubs & classes directory Autumn 2016 Healthy snack ideas for kids Family receipe Firework safety What's on
www.familiesonline.co.uk BOOK NOW to be included in our Christmas issue Call 01993 815966 for more details or email editor@familiesoxfordshire.co.uk
Inspirational ideas for fun days out near you
Christmas gift guide - Where is Santa? Seasonal events and much more!
YOUR FUTURE IS RIDING ON US Open Day
JOINT BUS SERVICE - 25 ROUTES DAILY COVERING THE THAMES VALLEY
Abingdon School Saturday 1st October St Helen and St Katharine Saturday 1st October
WWW.JOINTBUS.CO.UK September/ October 2016
Oxfordshire Magazine
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Local news
What's New?
Unique Experiences at Oxford’s very own Castle Oxford Castle Unlocked is a visitor attraction with a past stretching far beyond your imagination! For hundreds of years the site has held both famous and infamous residents, serving time as a religious site, a home for royalty, a centre of justice and as the County Gaol. Led by a costumed character guide, the rich history of the castle will be revealed. Climb the Saxon St George’s Tower, descend deep underground into the Crypt, explore the Prison D-Wing and scale the Mound of the 11th century motte-andbailey castle. www.oxfordcastleunlocked.co.uk
Food and Theatre Lovers Ahoy! On 6 September Cornerstone launches its brand new café Nourish - a coffee lounge for food lovers. Beautiful coffee, teas, delicious cakes, homemade soups, mouth-watering burgers, locally sourced wine and beer and so much more all served in Didcot’s vibrant Cornerstone! Also with free WiFi and a children’s play area! Cornerstone’s Autumn Season is also underway with names such as Seann Walsh and Omid Djalil visiting and not to mention Didcot’s First Food Festival happening at Cornerstone from 25-27 November!
Thumb-suckers and nail-biters ‘prone to less allergies’ It may drive parents mad but it has been suggested that children who regularly suck their thumbs or bite their nails are less prone to developing allergies.
Visit rare triplets at the Park A pair of rare Asiatic Lions at Cotswold Wildlife Park have made history with their very first litter, which are the first Lion triplets to be born at the Park since it first opened in 1970! Rana arrived on Valentine’s Day 2013 from a zoological collection in France and Kanha joined him one year later from Parken Zoo in Sweden. After a gestation period of four months, Kanha gave birth to three cubs, Kali, Sita and Sonika. Lionesses rear their babies in seclusion and often reject them if they are disturbed so keepers have watched the births remotely on CCTV monitors.
The results of a study published in the New Zealand journal Pediatrics suggest that being exposed to germs at an early age can help boost the child’s immune system. The study followed 1,000 people and assessed them between the ages of five and 32. It found that suckers and biters had fewer allergies to things like house dust mites and pet dander at the age of 13.
Fresh Air. Fresh Thinking. Bus routes from across Oxfordshire, see jointbus.co.uk
FAMILIES OXFORDSHIRE MAGAZINE AND ONLINE RESOURCE IS FOR SALE If you are seeking a new challenge, have a background in sales and marketing and have a real desire to be your own boss, this could be the business for you. Individually owned, Families Oxfordshire is part of a national network of magazines that’s been operating for almost 30 years and is a well-known, growing brand within the parenting sector. The new owner of Families Oxfordshire, is likely to be highly motivated, driven by sales, an excellent communicator and someone with a good understanding of the needs of a busy parents. Maybe you’re also a parent looking for a business you can operate from home and around a young family. Or maybe you’re part of a local consultancy, looking at ways to grow your existing business. Training and support will be provided with this unique opportunity.
Open Day – Saturday 1 October Sixth Form Open Evening – Thursday 6 October Junior Department Open Afternoon – Thursday 13 October
Independent day school for girls aged 9-18 ABINGDON • OXFORDSHIRE
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BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY
01235 530593 www.shsk.org.uk
If you’d like to find out more please contact Ema Murphy on 01993 815966 or 07733 228 038 or email editor@familiesoxfordshire.co.uk
Asian-style teaching programme may help UK kids A new system for teaching maths will sweep the nation, says the Department for Education. The Department has pledged £41 million for over 8,000 schools (50% of all UK schools) to start to introduce Asian style maths tuition. Shanghai, Singapore and Hong Kong lead the world in maths performance, using a system called maths mastery. Those using the scheme have been shown to perform better than their peers.
Visit our fantastic new website, set to be the UK's no.1 resource for families! www.familiesonline.co.uk
Education focus after school, when it’s still light and you can take them to the playground or let them loose in the garden. Then it’s time for homework, dinner, bath and bed. Plan your mornings Most parents would agree; mornings can be tricky times! When tiredness prevails, we can get a bit cranky and if you’re not careful, it can descend into chaos. So having a routine that is followed every school day can help immensely. Set an alarm and whether it’s that first cup of tea, a shower or choosing what to wear, make sure you have time for you first - and everything else will go that bit more smoothly. Then it’s time to get the kids up and for them to follow their routine, too. Avoid any electronic stimulation in the morning, so ban games, X-Boxes and the TV, as time can slip away when they are distracted.
School days and dark mornings can play havoc with your child’s routine. Here’s how to keep them happy ‘and’ get them up on time! As you and your child get into the autumn and winter school term, it can be difficult to cope with changing weather and new schedule. The long evenings of summer are over, the nights draw in and the mornings are dark. Getting your child settled into a good routine is essential if you are going to ensure they get enough sleep and are able to get up on time for school without too much effort and moaning. Exercise is your best friend Even if the weather is dreadful, try to make sure that your kids have some exercise every day. Not only will it help keep them fit and healthy but it also helps them to get a good night’s sleep. The best time is just
BE GOOD AT BEING YOURSELF
Why routines work Children respond really well to a routine so you’ll thank yourself when they adapt to doing the right things at the right time each day. Have breakfast and dinner at set times, bedtime must be absolutely set in stone and homework should have appointed times too. Giving your kids too much choice over their own routine just leads to their spending too long on games or play and not enough for homework and helping with chores.
BANBURY 01908 969467 banbury@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/banbury
™
September/ October 2016
Make sure they know their routine too Having a planner on view is a great way to avoid missing tutoring sessions, music lessons and play dates. A big calendar on the fridge means everyone can see what’s happening and when.
ABINGDON 01865 390970 abingdon@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/abingdon
Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18 year olds, where students learn to embrace life with creativity and courage
Creative Courage For Life
Have rules Make sure there are rules for where things are put when your kids arrive home each day. Let them know that they can’t just dump their gear anywhere! Those school bags, shoes and coats must go in a specific place so that there is no frantic searching in the morning, with everyone getting frustrated. Sticking to this routine makes for a happier family.
®
OXFORD 01869 278600 oxford@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/oxford THAME 01865 763767 thame@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/thame
Stagecoach Theatre Arts Schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach is a registered trademark of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Ltd.
Getting your child into a good routine
Be prepared Getting things prepared the night before can really help with the morning rush, so prepare lunchboxes and get breakfast things out the night before if you can.
Oxfordshire Magazine
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Education
School Matters Help with Fees at the Dragon The Dragon is a co-educational boarding and day school which offers an outstanding educational experience for boys and girls from 4 to 13 years. The school is keen to welcome pupils from a wide range of backgrounds but acknowledges the cost of fees puts this beyond reach for many. This is why the Dragon, offers means-tested bursaries which can cover all or a substantial portion of fees for boarding or day places, for children starting in Year 4. This grant does not have to be repaid. Applications are invited each autumn for the following year. If you are interested in visiting the Dragon, you are invited to attend one of two autumn open mornings, on 24 September and 8 October, 2016. To find out more about these exceptional educational opportunities contact 01865 315405 or email admissions@dragonschool.org. www.dragonschool.org
Outstanding A level results for Magdalen Magdalen College School, Oxford, is delighted to announce a record-breaking set of A-Level results, with an all-time high of 48% at A* and 88 % A*-A and increases in many categories on last year. Dr Tim Hands, the Master, said, “This is a tremendous achievement, and marks the highest number of A*s ever obtained by pupils at MCS with almost half of all entries obtaining the maximum grade. The results demonstrate both the breadth and the depth of talent with consistently high marks across subjects, including 100% A*-A in English as well as typically strong STEM results.”
OPEN MORNING
Saturday 17th September 9.30 am - 12 noon
Importance of School routine The new school year can be daunting. No matter what year your child is beginning, try to talk positively about what they are looking forward to and practise new routines - putting on their own shoes after PE or walking home alone for the first time; each age has its challenges. Making sure you keep informed about what happens in your child's school and year group is a great way to ease anxiety. Welcome Evenings early in the term, parent handbooks and talking to teachers at the end of the school day help to answer queries quickly. Now, just one important question... Where did you put those name tapes?! Kate Gater, Head of Oxford High Junior School
Every day’s an open day Did you know, that Rye St Antony is a busy, happy school which achieves excellent results for its pupils, both academic and personal? That is why Rye believes that every day is an open day and that prospective parents are welcome to visit the school at any time. As well as visiting the classrooms, parent’s could see a charity event taking place out of class hours, a music concert performance, a sports tournament, Forest Schools in action in the surrounding woodlands or rehearsals for a drama production due to take place. To make an appointment just contact Registrar Fern Williams on 01865 762802 who will be happy to fix a date to suit you. Rye’s next main open day is on Friday 16 September at 10.00am-1pm
Popular toddler group starts again Last year’s toddler group at Cranford House Nursery School in Cholsey, was such a success that they are excited to announce that these free of charge sessions will resume on Friday 9 September, from 10am – 11:30am. For more details please contact Mrs Alison Young on 01491 651 218 to secure a place for your child/children. www.cranfordhouse.net
Changes to transfer process at Abingdon School
www.mcsoxford.org 6
The Abingdon Foundation is delighted to announce that almost two decades after Abingdon Prep joined with Abingdon School (to form the Abingdon Foundation), that the process can now be streamlined, whereby boys transfer straight from the Prep to the Senior School. It’s a most welcomed development and a reflection of the excellent continuous education offered across the Foundation. The majority of pupils at the Prep School will receive an offer of a place for Year 9 at Abingdon School, at the end of Year 5. This means there will be no pre-test for them and the offer will not be dependent on performance at Common Entrance. However, this will remain a requirement for boys from other prep schools. The offer will be based on the continuous assessment of each pupil and is conditional on the pupil maintaining his profile of achievement in Years 6 to 8.
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Award-winning tuition with a difference. For ages 5 -14.
Call 01483 447414 to book your free trial session @exploretutors
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Rye St Antony is an independent day and boarding school for girls aged 3-18 (and boys 3-11). Established in 1930 as a lay Catholic foundation, the school is situated in a beautiful 12-acre location overlooking the city of Oxford.
Open Day Friday 16 September 2016 10.00am – 1.00pm Please telephone the Registrar, Fern Williams, for further details. Pullen’s Lane, Oxford OX3 0BY
01865 762802 enquiries@ryestantony.co.uk www.ryestantony.co.uk
September/ October 2016
Big enough to challenge: small enough to care
Oxfordshire Magazine
7
Education
Autumn term Independent School Open Days Rye St Antony School Pullen’s Lane, Oxford, OX3 0BY Girls, 3-18 & Boys, 3-11 Day & boarding 01865 762802 / ryestantony.co.uk Open morning Fri 16 Sept - 10.00am-1.00pm Request an Invite or visit to the School. Contact: Fern Williams, Registrar Oxford High School Oxford, OX2 6XA Girls, 4-18 01865 559888 / Oxfordhigh.gdst. net Senior School - Meet the Head Tues 13 Sept - 9.45am - 11.45am Tues 20 Sept - 9.45am - 11.45am Tues 27 Sept - 9.45am - 11.45am Junior School - Open Morning Wed 28 Sept - 9.30am - 11.00am
Whole school open day Sat 1 Oct - 10.00am-2.30pm Junior open afternoon Thurs 13 Oct – 1.30pm Sixth Form open evening Thurs 6 Oct – 5.00pm Booking required Radley Oxford, OX14 2HR Boys, 13-18 Foundation awards 11+ & 13+ 01235 543174 Radley.org.uk Entry & assessment details online
Senior School - Meet the Head Wed 12 Oct - 9.45am - 11.45am Tues 18 Oct - 9.45am - 11.45am
Cranford House Moulsford, OX10 9HT Boys 4-13 & girls 2-16 Cranfordhouse.net
Senior School - Meet the Head Wed 2 Nov - 9.45am - 11.45am
Whole school open morning Sat 8 Oct, 9.30am until 12.30pm
Junior School - Open Morning Thurs 3 Nov - 9.30am - 11.00am
Junior school open morning Sat 5 Nov, 10.00am until 12 noon
Abingdon Preparatory School Frilford, OX13 5NX Boys 4-13 & Girls 4-7 01865 391570 Abingdon.org.uk/prep
Ferndale Preparatory School Faringdon, SN7 7JF Boys & girls 3-11 01367 240618 Ferndaleschool.co.uk Contact the school for details
Abingdon School Open Day Sat 1 Oct - 9.30am - 12.30pm Abingdon Prep School Open Morning Sat 8 Oct - 10.00 - 12.00pm Dragon School Oxford, OX2 6SS Boys & Girls 4-13 01865 315405 Dragonschool.org Boarding Saturday 24 Sept Day Saturday 8 Oct Request an Invite or visit to the School: Please telephone the school or Email: admissions@ dragonschool.org The Unicorn School Abingdon, OX14 1AA Boys & Girls, 6-14, Specialist Education 01235 530222 Unicorndyslexia.co.uk Contact: Mrs Rowan Knowles, Registrar, email: registrar@unicornoxford.co.uk. Visits welcomed by appointment
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St Helen & St Katharine Abingdon, OX14 1BE Girls, 9-18 01235 520173 Shsk.org.uk
The Kings School Witney, OX29 6TA Boys & girls 4-18 01993 778463 Tkswitney.org.uk Sat 1 Oct – 10.30am Principal’s talk at 11.00am
Sat 15 Oct: 10.30am-3.30pm
Chandlings School Oxford, OX1 5ND Girls & boys 2-11 01865 730771 Chandlings.org.uk Thurs 29 Sept – 9am & 11am
Junior: Wed 28 Sept 2.00pm-3.30pm Whole school: Fri 8 Oct: from 9.45am Sixth form: Tues 18 Oct: from 6.30pm
D’Overbroek’s College Oxford, OX2 6JX Girls & boys, 11-18 01865 310000 Doverbroeks.com Sat 8 Oct – 10.00am-1.00pm
Summer Fields School Oxford, OX3 9UW 01865 459204, Contact: Mrs Berry Summerfields.com Girls & boys 2-16 General: Sat 08 Oct Email: admissions@summerfields.com
Headington Preparatory School Oxford, OX3 7TD Girls, 3-11 01865 759100 Headington.org, register online Prep: Sat 24 Sept Senior: Thurs 29 Sept New College School Oxford, OX1 3UA Boys, 4-13 01865 285560 Newcollegeschool.org
Sibford School Banbury, OX15 5QL Boys & girls 3-18 01295 781200 Sibfordschool.org
Carrdus School Banbury, OX17 2BS Girls 3-11, boys 3-8 & Nursery 01295 263733, booking required Carrdusschool.co.uk Fri 30 Sept – 10.00am-12noon All details are correct at time of printing. Please check each school prior to visiting
Christchurch Cathedral School Oxford, OX1 1QW Boys & girls, Nursery, Pre-Prep, boys 4-6 Prep, boys 7-13 Cccs.org.uk, 01865 242561 Sat 1 Oct – 9.30am – 12noon No booking required The Manor Preparatory School Abingdon, OX13 6LN Boys 2-7 & girls 2-11 01235 858462 Manorprep.org Contact the school for details Our Lady’s Abingdon Abingdon, OX14 3PS, Boys & girls 3-18 01235 524658 Olab.org.uk Sat 8 Oct No booking required Cokethorpe School Witney, OX29 7PU Boys & girls 4-18 01993 703921 Cokethorpe.org.uk Sat 24 Sept: 9.30am-12noon
Holiday courses for children aged 7–13 who love to sing. A unique opportinity to learn about and perform a range of classical music with a dedicated team of choral professionals. December 2016 19th & 20th Worcester College, Oxford 21st & 22nd St Catharine’s College, Cambridge 22nd & 23rd Heath St. Baptist Church, London
www.oxbridgesingingschool.co.uk
Visit our fantastic new website, set to be the UK's no.1 resource for families! www.familiesonline.co.uk
Clubs & Classes news
Clubs & classes News Family Yoga in Abingdon Stretch, unwind and bond with your children in a fun (and active!) family yoga class to help you start your weekend in a calm state of mind. Aimed at primary school aged children but older/younger siblings welcome too, Tatty Bumpkin classes introduce gentle hatha yoga postures practiced both individually and in partners/family groups. Structure of class includes; warm-up, sun salutation, postures, breath work and relaxation. Held monthly on Saturdays at The Manor Prep School, Abingdon OX13 6LN. £5 per person or £15 per family. Booking advised. Please go to website for times at www.tattybumpkin. com/seoxfordshire. Email seoxfordshire@ tattybumpkin.com or call Louise on 07772 966039.
The academics taught 100 seven to 12-yearolds a few dance moves, divided them into groups and asked each group to dance for the others. They found that the children who danced in a similar way to each other felt closer and had more in common with each other. Those who danced in a different way felt no bond. The kids were questioned about their feelings for the others before and after the experiment. They found that, while they felt closer to their own group before they danced, they felt closer to those that danced the same way afterwards. Surprisingly, they did not feel close to children who danced with different moves or to a different beat. The study’s lead, Bahar Tuncgenc, a PHD student at Oxford's Institute of Cognitive and Evolutionary Anthropology. She said: "These findings may help those developing social and educational interventions for increasing cohesion and co-operation among groups where there are economic, ethnic or religious divides," she said.
Fun and fitness with a difference! At Rush UK trampoline Park in High Wycombe, there are so many classes to take part in, all with fully qualified instructors and we highly recommend you take a visit! www. rushuk.com Rush Toddler Crèche sessions (under 4’s): held daily to give parents a break in the café or to participate in a Rush fitness or toddler class! E: jump@rushuk.com. Rush Trampolining and Tumble Classes: for all ages and abilities. Increase confidence and get taught a variety of skills. E:afterschool@ rushuk.com Rush Freestyle: For the more adventurous on Mondays and Wednesdays. Work through three levels of Freestyle practice. E: afterschool@rushuk.com Rush Junior Fitness: For 5-17 year olds. Weekly, during term time. Set to music! E: getfit@rushuk.com
Children’s classical music The Oxford and Cambridge Singing School is for boys and girls aged 7–14 who love to sing! Giving children the chance to sing great classical music to a high standard, in a relaxed and fun environment. Courses also help develop children’s confidence and their ability in singing and performing. Each course is run by a local team of choral experts and the next one in Oxford will be held at Worcester College in Walton Street, on 19-20 December. For a fun and unique experience for your child book online at www.oxbridgesingingschool.co.uk
Dance like everyone’s watching How kids can bond through movement If you’ve met a special person at a disco, you’ll know that copying another dancer’s moves can create an instant bond. There may be more to this than at first appears. Researchers at Oxford University have discovered that problems and differences between children in a group can be solved by encouraging them to dance together in a similar way.
September/ October 2016
All the World’s a Stage now in Botley, Kidlington and Watlington! Though it is 400 years since Shakespeare’s death, interest in all things dramatic continues to grow! No fewer than three new Stagecoach centres open their door this September, to accommodate a pressure on places in the Oxford area. The new centres will offer weekly term time classes in drama, singing, and dance for ages 4-16 with inspirational teachers drawn from the professional world of drama. Stagecoach Oxford principal Maya Sprigg says ‘Performing arts training gives a child an added perspective on life- the perfect blend of learning and performing’. No doubt the bard would be pleased!
Find more clubs and classes news and listings on our website www.familiesonline.co.uk
Building language through fun Baby Signing & Fun with Phonics (lettersounds for toddlers) Classes in Didcot and Harwell Visit www.rhymeswithsigns.co.uk or email: rhymeswithsigns@gmail.com
QUALITY USED CARS BOUGHT AND SOLD By local trader with over 30 years experience
Contact Michael Murphy 07711 872 550
For more details call your local Principal: Oxford Headington, North Oxford, Botley and Kidlington: 01869 278600 Thame and Watlington: 01865 763767 / Abingdon: 01865 390970 / Banbury: 01908 969467 High Wycombe, Henley and Marlow: 01494 533203.
Oxfordshire Magazine
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The benefits of after school clubs and classes
Whether or not you think you may be raising the next Picasso or David Beckham, there’s no doubting the pluses of after school clubs. While finances may not permit your little ones being involved in activities every night of the week, or energy levels, there’s no doubt that a couple of wellchosen clubs can be great for giving your child an insight into areas that the school curriculum doesn’t cover.
So, why are clubs important? 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.
From 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.
Competitive sports are also great for learning difficult life lessons like being a gracious winner - and loser. However, if you’re on the lookout for team building clubs with a less competitive edge, you could consider Brownies and Scouts – kids love them! Meanwhile, learning a musical instrument is ideal for discovering the art of practice, patience and persistence. Drama clubs are perfect for shy kids who learn to find their voice singing and acting alongside others, while ballet and dance is suited for kids to learn discipline and self-expression.
For a start, after school clubs give kids the chance to let off steam outside of the classroom. When you consider that in many countries around the world, kids don’t even start school until 6 or 7 years old, a full day in the classroom for youngsters can be a big ask. That’s why an alternative to textbook learning can be hugely rewarding.
Don’t forget the fun factor! 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. However, new skills, team work and confidence building aside, the most important thing to think about when deciding which club to choose is the fun factor. Along with maintaining a healthy balance of school work, rest and play! Look out for local clubs and classes listings here in Families Oxfordshire Magazine.
Mums in Business
Come Roll with Me, say’s local mum from Kidlington! Our latest ‘mum in business’ is 39 year old Sue Cole, who I happened to meet in my local hairdressers! We soon got chatting and onto the subject of family life and working around the children, and this is what she had to say: “I have always had a love of all things Japanese: language, culture, food. Whenever I’m asked to bring food to parties, it’s always sushi and every time I am met with the usual “Oh it looks so nice, I wish I could make sushi” by at least one person. After the birth of my 2nd son two years ago, I was made redundant. Which on one hand was somewhat distressing but on the other I felt it had happened for a reason and time for a change. So, with lots of support and persuasion from my friends and family, I decided to turn my hobby into a business and I 10
set up ‘Roll with Me.’ The initial idea was to host hands-on sushimaking parties teaching others how to make (and eat) sushi. However, within days of launching the party business, I received a number of requests for ready-made sushi, which led to me making and delivering handmade sushi to people at work and home while my youngest was at nursery. I love being in control of my own business and the flexibility this gives me. I can do the school runs each day, spend lots of time with my boys, while spending time making and researching sushi for people to enjoy. Setting up my own business has felt like a great achievement. It’s a constant learning curve and it’s rewarding and challenging. If
any mums reading this are thinking about starting a new business of their own then my advice would be to do your market research and if you find a gap in the market then go for it". www.rollwithmesushi.co.uk facebook.com/rollwithmesushi
Visit our fantastic new website, set to be the UK's no.1 resource for families! www.familiesonline.co.uk
LOCAL CLUBS n CLASSES AUTUMN TERM At Families we want to provide you with up-to-date local clubs and classes and here are just some of those near you! Visit websites for more detailed information and don’t forget to drop us a line with any classes you may know about. If you do make contact with any in this list, remember to say where you saw them! FOOTBALL W R Soccer Schools 07547 29 20 12 wrsoccer.co.uk Arsenel Soccer Schools playthearsenalway.com 077921 72430 Little Kickers littlekickers.co.uk 01235 859 250
SCIENCE Headstart headstartnow.co.uk 01865 965045
MAD Academy (Oxford) madacademy.com 01869 369502 Baby College 01865 436920 babycollegeoxford.co.uk Tiny Tigers Education 01235 364371 tinytigerseducation.co.uk
SWIMMING Dippers & Divers Dippersanddivers.co.uk 01235 763328
DANCE
Oxford Swim School 01865 864537 Oxfordswinschool.co.uk
Betty Bloom Dance bettybloomdance.co.uk 07785 232 862
Water Babies 01869 325499 waterbabies.co.uk
Flair Dance Studio Flairdancestudio.co.uk 01993 813373 Mini Professionals Dance Academy miniprofessionalsdanceacademy.com 07543 167 106 Whitestar Performers whitestaryogaanddance.co.uk 07717 837 706 The Oxford School of Ballet oxfordballet.co.uk 01865 511097 The Jill Stew School of Dance jillstew.co.uk 01993 772464 Baby and Primary Ballet Aadanceacademy.co.uk 01235 553565 East Oxford Ballet eastoxfordballet.co.uk 01865 847747 McGahan Lees Irish Dance Academy marionflanagan.co.uk 07971 035 797 Vera Legge School of Dancing 01865 881173
BABY AND TOTS Boogie Beats boogiebeat.co.uk 07787 121 628 Rhymes with Signs Rhymeswithsigns.co.uk 07734 296 721 Nature Tots bbowt.org.uk 01235 862024
September/ October 2016
Oxfordshire Taekwon-do & Little Puma’s oxfordshiretkd.co.uk 07831 950 850 Shaolin Mantis King Fu oxfordkungfu.co.uk 07917 334 818 Aikido for Children shudokan-oxford.co.uk 07773 982719 Rising Spirit Academy rising-spirit-academy.co.uk 0800 019 6655 Oxford School of Martial Arts schoolofmartialarts.com 01865 370339
LANGUAGES
Youngstar Oxford youngstaroxford.tv/ 01235 539772 Perform perform.org.uk 0845 400 1276 Elite Dance and Theatre Tuition elitedanceandtheatretuition.com 0784 290 2207 Creation Theatre creationtheatre.co.uk 01865 766266 North Oxfordshire School of Drama northoxfordshireschoolofdrama.org 07884 055 057 Pauline Quirke Academy Pqacademy.com 0800 531 6282
Coyotes ELE spanishcoyotes.com
ART
Puddleducks 01666 577377 puddleducks.com
Chris Polatch 0845 450 4909 cp-fl.com/home
Creative Art lisajayne.uk.com 01608 677558
Little Monkey’s Gym n Swim 07855 324417 janebrooksgymandswim.com
YOGA
Buttermilk Art School Georgeirvinefineart.co.uk 0754 915 7855
MUSIC AND SONG
Pregnancy and baby yoga harmonyoftheheart.co.uk 07719 716 273
Monkey Music Oxford 01865 408037 monkeymusic.co.uk/area/oxford
Tatty Bumpkin Family Yoga tattybumpkin.com/seoxfordshire 07772 966039
My Sound My Self – Musicianship 07545 122 869 mysoundmyself.com
THEATRE AND PERFORMANCE
Matrix Music School & Arts Centre 01235 847264 matrixmusicschool.co.uk Clockwork Music 07528 146891 clockworkmusic.co.uk
Stagecoach Theatre Arts (Oxford) stagecoach.co.uk/oxfordshire 01869 278600 Total Vocal Academy totalvocalacademy.co.uk 01295 722 444
GYMNASTICS Abingdon Gymnastics Club abingdongymclub.co.uk 01865 340992 Oxford School of Gymnastics oxfordschoolofgymnastics.com Carterton Gymnastics Club carterton-gym.co.uk Kinetic Gymnastics kineticgymnastics.org.uk 07792 442 906
BirdSong Music 01865 559649 birdsongmusic.co.uk
TENNIS Teach Me Tennis 01491 728 081 teachmetennis.co.uk Oxford Family Tennis Club davidlloyd.co.uk/Oxford/Tennis_Club 01865 848 658 Premier Tennis 0845 475 1147 premiertennis.co.uk
MARTIAL ARTS Oxford Martial Arts Academy omaa.org.uk 01865 711 333
Oxfordshire Magazine
11
Family health
Healthy Snack ideas for kids We tend to think of snacking as a bad habit that spoils our appetite for proper mealtimes. But when it comes to toddlers and young children, this isn’t the case. With fistsized stomachs that can only cope with small amounts, snacking is a staple part of your pre-schooler’s diet. Your toddler’s calorie needs are proportionally more than yours, and with all that running around, they need to refuel regularly. This in turn stabilises their blood sugar levels and avoids those tricky meltdowns that can strike when hunger hits. And as young children often struggle to sit for more than 10 minutes at the table, providing smaller more frequent meals throughout the day makes perfect practical sense.
Healthy snacking ideas There are dozens of simple, easy-to-rustle-up nutritious ideas. Try small pick and mix snacks at home, with two or three items creating a colourful ‘tapas’ for your child.
Make snacks part of your child’s diet
Inspiration for 20 nutritious snacks
The key is to keep snacks healthy and nutrient-dense. If you are used to thinking of snacks as sweet ‘treats’, adjust your mindset and instead think of your child’s snacks as an integral part of their daily healthy diet. So instead of having three set meals a day where they get all the important nutrients, they have five to six small meals across the day, each one providing foods from the main food groups, including protein, carbohydrates, dairy and fruit and vegetables.
1.
A small slice of bread with cream cheese and grapes
2.
Dips and dunkers - cut up vegetable batons of carrots, cucumbers and red peppers to dip into cottage cheese, hummus or guacamole
3.
Peanut butter on toast or pitta with apple slices
Don’t fret that each snack has to be perfectly nutritionally balanced; as long as they receive a range of foods across the day, or even across the week, they’ll be doing fine.
4.
Half a tortilla wrap with tuna and melted cheese
5.
Banana slices with plain yogurt
6.
Summer fruit berries with yogurt or fromage frais
7.
Cubes of cheese with apple or pear slices
8.
A handful of dried fruit, such as raisins, sultanas or apricots
9.
Rice cakes with cottage cheese or peanut butter
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10. Pitta slices with hummus dip, halved cherry tomatoes and grated cheese 11. A slice of banana bread with cream cheese 12. Savoury muffins, such as carrot or cheese, or a blueberry muffin (these are easy to freeze, so make a batch and defrost one when needed) 13. A slice of carrot cake 14. Mini egg and cress sandwich with halved grapes (or a sandwich with tuna and sweetcorn, or cheese and cucumber) 15. A piece of melon 16. Frozen yogurt with mashed summer berries 17. Homemade breadsticks with cottage cheese dip
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18. Oatcakes with cream cheese topping 19. A fruit medley of whatever is to hand: melon chunks, strawberry slices, peach or nectarine slices, grapes, clementine segments 20. Baked tofu cubes with tomato salsa and grated carrot
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Chilled Cucumber and Avocado Soup Recipe Gary Durrant is the head chef at top London restaurant, Hunter 486, who has shared his recipe with us for Chilled cucumber and avocado soup with brown shrimp and dill. This rather grown-up soup is really healthy and refreshing and definitely something both children and parents will enjoy creating and sampling together! Ingredients (To serve 4) 1 medium onion finely chopped ½ clove garlic finely chopped 2 cucumbers peeled, seeds removed and sliced 650 ml vegetable stock 1 medium avocado ½ cucumber peeled, seeds removed and cut into small cubes 40g peeled brown shrimps 4 sprigs dill
Method: 1. Cook the chopped onions and garlic in a little vegetable oil until soft and translucent. 2. Add the cucumber and cook for approximately 10 minutes until the cucumber is soft. 3. Add the vegetable stock, bring to the boil and then simmer for 20 minutes. 4. Place in a liquidiser and blend until it is smooth. 5. Pass through a fine sieve into a bowl, and place this in a bowl of ice to chill the soup. 6. When the soup is cold, peel and chop the avocado, add to the soup and blend again until it is smooth and season with salt and black pepper. 7. It is very important that the soup is cold before you add the avocado otherwise it will go brown and you are looking for a bright green colour. 8. To serve pour into a chilled soup bowl and sprinkle over the peeled brown shrimps, the cubed cucumber and the chopped dill.
September/ October 2016
Firework Safety As the Diwali Festival of Light and Bonfire Night fast approaches and with all the excitement of rockets and Catherine wheels among adults and kids alike, it can be easy to overlook the potential dangers of bonfire and firework celebrations.
Tips for choosing your fireworks Did you know: Fireworks can travel at speeds of 150 mph, the cruising speed of some biplanes. Make sure the fireworks you buy are meant for home use, are suitable for the size of your garden and are marked with British Standard number (BS 7114).
You should also: Store fireworks in a metal box with a lid during the display Use a torch for checking instructions Use a taper for lighting fireworks Have a bucket of water close to hand Have a bucket or other container of soft earth to stick fireworks in Use a board or other non-flammable rigid surface for flat-bottomed fireworks
Don't forget the sparklers! Did you know: If three sparklers burn together they will do so at the same heat of a blowtorch used for joining metal and so it’s essential you follow a few guidelines for safe usage: Find somewhere safe that is open, but not too windy Remember to wear gloves so that you do not get burnt Get an adult to light the sparkler whilst you are holding the base of the stick Make sure that only one sparkler is lit at a time Remember that when they are first ignited they give off a very bright and heated initial spark Remember to hold the sparkler horizontally and as far away from your body and face as possible Once you have had fun with the sparkler (try writing your name) and it is no longer burning, make sure you put it in a bucket filled with water
Oxfordshire Magazine
13
What's on
What's On
DIARY DATES
1 Sept-31 Oct Lemur Feeding Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens, Burford, OX18 4JP cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk Visit the amazing Madagascar walkthrough at 12 noon, to find out about the fascinating creatures. A keeper will introduce visitors to the Lemurs and other species that share this exhibit. Daily. 06 Sept Adoption Information Evening Didcot Civil Hall, Britwell Road, Didcot, OX11 7JN www.didcotcivichall.co.uk Information events are a great way to learn more about adopting, the adoption process and how Adoption Focus can support you. Information events are quite informal, starting with a brief presentation before you're given the opportunity to talk, in private, with one of our experienced adoption social workers. Booking is required. 6pm-8pm Sept-Oct Bill Spectre’s Ghost Trails oxfordcastleunlocked.co.uk Held every Fri and Sat starting at the Oxford Castle at 6.30pm. Join Bill on a walking tour of Oxford’s ghosts with props and illusions. Your costumed guide (& actor) will entertain and horrify you through the streets as the spirits of Oxford are revealed! £8, £6, £4 6-10 Sept The Sound Of Music New Theatre, Oxford, OX1 2AG, atgtickets.com One of the greatest musicals of all time returns to the stage to enchant the young and the young at heart. This new staging tells the true story of the world-famous von Trapp singing family, from their romantic beginnings and search for happiness, to their thrilling escape to freedom at the start of WWll. £17.90 - £46.40 8-11 Sept Blenheim Horse Trials Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, OX20 1PP - blenheimhorse.co.uk
The 26th annual Blenheim International Horse Trials. Attracting the world's best riders and thousands of spectators from Oxon and beyond. A great day-out. 09 Sept A Little Look at… Homes Pitt Rivers Museum, Oxford, OX1 3PP/ prm.ox.ac.uk An active hands-on exploration telling the tales of objects in the museum. This is a chance for the little ones to learn interesting facts and stories. Under 5s. 10.30-11.30am. Sept-Oct Play the World Pegasus Theatre, Magdalen Road, Oxford, OX4 1RE pegasustheatre.org.uk Join Emma Boor and a host of puppet friends in an interactive installation exploring a different world each week from farmyard to outer space! This fun and engaging session for parents and toddlers is very popular. Advanced booking is essential. £3. Thursdays. 10 Sept Rabbit Hole Festival The Victoria Arms, Old Marston, OX3 0QA rabbitholemusicevents.co.uk Rabbit Hole Festival is a one day music event that promotes the talented musicians in Oxford. A family friendly event, the festival brings music, fun, food n drink in a relaxed style. Raising money for Restore and Helen Douglas House. Playing Americana, Funky Reggae, Alt Pop, Country, Jazz, and Folk. 12.30-11.30pm. £5. 10 Sept Pinocchio Burton Taylor Studio, 11 Beaumont St, OX1 2LW oxfordplayhouse.com Join Geppetto in his carpenter’s workshop for the tale of the puppet that wants to be a real boy and the puppet-maker who wants to be a real father. Puppetry, shadows, illusion and music make for a fab show for all the family. 11am/2pm. £8/£6. Ages 4+ 11 Sept
Oxford Baby & Children's Nearly New Sale The Oxford Academy, Littlemore, OX4 6JZ theoxfordacademy.org.uk Baby and Children's Markets for parents to buy, sell and save money on children's items from birth to 8 years. Many stalls selling quality baby and children's toys, clothes, etc. Refreshments, parking. Supporting local charity Oxford Baby Cafe Group. 10.30am-12.30 / £1, Kids free 11 Sept The Enormous Crocodile and Friends The Story Museum, 42 Pembroke Street, OX1 1BP oxfordplayhouse.com Join in for a special Roald Dahl weekend to celebrate all things green and snappy! With Science Oxford & Crocs of the World as the Museum brings a day of hands-on fun, and a chance to meet real crocodiles! Treasure hunt, build a crocs egg nest and hear Dahl stories brought to life. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 11am-12noon, 1-2pm. £8 / £6. 16 Sept RDA Abingdon Group Sponsored Ride Blenheim Palace, Woodstock OX20 1PP Rda-abingdon.org.uk The ride organised by Abingdon Riding for the Disabled, which has provided a unique therapy for adults and children since 1975. The ride follows the track of the Blenheim horse trials. To take part email sue. rda@greytiles.plus.com or call 01993 830908. 10.30am-3.30pm. 17 Sept I am a Poetato Cornerstone Arts, Station Rd, Didcot, OX11 8RJ cornerstone-arts.org Join John Hegley in this family friendly show as he dips into an animal alphabet of poems with pictures, dialogue, songs, fig rolls, fog, foals and guillemots. 2:00pm. £10. Ages 8+ 24 Sept Didcot & Oxon Toy / Train Fair Didcot Civil Hall, OX11 7JN didcotcivichall.co.uk With many dealers offering many toys, games, figures, models and collectables from the past 100 years. Visitors can take items from their own collection, to either sell or valued by the resident team of experts.
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Refreshments and parking. 10am3pm / £2.50, under 16s free. 27 Sept-1 Oct CATS New Theatre, George St, OX1 2AG atgtickets.com Don't miss Andrew Lloyd-Webber's record-breaking, smash-hit musical adapted from TS Eliot's Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats. A wonderful blend of fantasy, drama and romance in a sparkling fusion of music, dance and verse. £15 £44.50 During Oct Ghost Fest Oxford Castle Unlocked Oxfordcastleunlocked.co.uk Scare yourself silly in October as the castle transforms into Oxford’s only scare attraction, brave the castle overnight to complete a ghost hunt, enjoy a Spooky Tour or dress to impress the ghosts and ghouls hidden behind the prison cell doors at Trick or Treat nights! 01 Oct Pocketful of Grimms The North Wall Arts Centre, OX2 7JN thenorthwall.com Let the magical Storyteller whisk you away to a land of fables and wonder to explore some of your favourite fairy tales featuring Hansel and Gretel, the original Beauty and the Beast, Rumpelstiltskin and more. Ages 4+ 11am-12pm. £8/£6 02 Oct British Heart Foundation Half Marathon Blenheim Palace, OX20 1PP bhf.org.uk Ideal for all ages and abilities and choose from a Half Marathon, 10k Run or 2k Fun Run - perfect for littler legs, and get ready to run to power research. All participants receive a Heart Runners T-shirt! 2 Oct Family Film Favourites Edward Feild Primary School, Kidlington, OX5 2LG kidlingtonconcertbrass.org.uk A concert by the Kidlington Concert Brass for a fun afternoon for all the family. Including many soundtracks from your childhood! 2pm-4pm / £5 Adults, Under 16 Free. 7-8 Oct Sleeping Beauty New Theatre, George Street, OX1 2AG atgtickets.com A beautiful ballet production of a much loved fairy tale that highlights the magic and splendour of the triumph of good over evil. 2pm/7.30pm. £16.65 - £27.65 .
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What's on 7 Oct Family film Night with curry Pegasus Theatre, Magdalen Road, Oxford, OX4 1RE pegasustheatre.org.uk Poppadom Pictures presents an evening of film around prejudice, difference and moving borders explored through a compelling children’s story for a younger audience, followed by curry from the Everest Restaurant, then for a ground breaking documentary on migration for adults.
16 Oct The Star Seekers The Beacon, Wantage, OX12 9BX beaconwantage.co.uk Have you ever dreamt of flying to the moon or being an astronaut? Inspired by childhood wonder of the universe, children with love this unique theatre experience, showing the limitless majesty of galaxies, the solar system, shooting stars and planets to the next generation. £8/£28. Ages 3-7.
8 Oct Harvest Festival Barracks Lane Community Garden, Oxford, OX4 2AP Celebrate the community harvest and enjoy foraging, honey harvesting, apple pressing, cordial making and preserving. Bring crops to share and apple to press. 11am-4pm / Donation of £5 per household or £3 each.
19-20 Oct Peppa Pig's Surprise The New Theatre Oxford, OX1 2AG atgtickets.com See Peppa Pig, George and their friends in a brand new live stage show. Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig have got a surprise for her and George! Enjoy fun, songs and surprises in this colourful show. Times & prices vary.
9 Oct Vitality Oxford Half Marathon Oxfordhalf.co.uk A half marathon through Oxford with a flat course, perfect for regular runners and first-timers looking for a challenge! 13.1 miles never looked so good! Go online for more info and to sign up. 17+ £38/£40.
22 Oct Sponge The North Wall Arts Centre, OX2 7JN thenorthwall.com Roll, squeeze and pop yourself through a new malleable kind of family dance show, set to a 1970s-influenced score, perfect for babies, young children and families. / £8/£6.
15 Oct Free Family Fun Day The New Theatre, OX1 2AG www.atgtickets.com Presenting the theatre’s first-ever Free Family Fun Day, as part of the Family Arts Festival. For a host of family-friendly activities and events including balloon modelling and face painting. 10am - 1pm.
23 Oct Don’t Dribble on the Dragon Cornerstone Arts, Station Rd, Didcot, OX11 8RJ cornerstone-arts.org When brothers Jack and Tom’s friendship falls apart can a magical dragon help them put it back together again? Based on the new book by Steven Lee with magic designed by much loved and missed TV legend Paul Daniels. 2pm. £9/£7. Ages 3+
29th - 30th OCTOBER IT’S TIME TO BOARD THE WIZARD EXPRESS!
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Become a Chorister with The Choir of Magdalen College Oxford
B
eing a Chorister with Magdalen College Choir will bring your son many musical and academic advantages, and will give him the chance to be part of Oxford’s greatest traditions, including the ancient May Day celebrations from Magdalen’s Great Tower.
W
e are inviting applications for the next round of Choristerships this September for boys aged 6 to 8 years old. For more information on auditions, please contact choir@magd.ox.ac.uk or phone 01865 286701.
September/ October 2016
Oxfordshire Magazine 15
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