FREE • SOUTH BRISTOL EDITION • ISSUE 31 • SEPTEMBER 2016
INSIDE What's on this September Beat the homework blues A+ Lunch boxes and much much more HEYMAG.CO.UK
Action-packed, fast paced and fantastically funny... Thurs 8 Dec - Sun 15 Jan
Age
ROBIN HOOD
6+
'THIS PLAYFUL, WACKY SHOW IS PERFECTLY PITCHED' NEW YORK TIMES 2015
An enchanting Chr istmas adventure
««««
‘Delightful’ THE STAGE
Thurs 15 Dec - Sun 22 Jan
Age: 3 months - 3 years
Snow Mouse
Now booking for Christmas 2016
Box Office: 01225 823409 www.theatreroyal.org.uk/the-egg
HEYMAG.CO.UK | 3
WELCOME Director Tina Veater 07834 542955 | tina@ignyte-uk.co.uk Editorial Team Tina Veater info@ignyte-uk.co.uk Advertising Team Zoe Jenkins Theresa Saadeh 01761 410141 | info@ignyte-uk.co.uk Graphic Designer Pamela Evans Published by Ignyte Media Ltd Printed by Flying Colours Ltd, Weare, Somerset Business Address: Ignyte Media Ltd, Unit G5, Second Avenue, Westfield Industrial Estate, Radstock, BA3 4BH 01761 410141 info@ignyte-uk.co.uk While every care has been taken to ensure the data contained in the publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party for loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. Ignyte do not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication. All right reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system in any form without the prior permission of the publisher. Distribution: We deliver to 6,500 families through primary schools and other outlets in Keynsham and South Bristol. The next edition is in October & filling fast.
The summer is over and it’s time to get back into the routine of early mornings, homework and after school clubs. The stress of school uniform and shoe shopping is complete and all of our little ones are back into the swing of things, looking forward to the challenges the next school year will bring for them. If you have a child that has just started year six, the visits to open days and research will be just beginning. It is vitally important that the next stage of your child’s education is chosen carefully. The school needs to be right for you but also for your children and we advise that the children play an active part in the decisions that will need to be made on this journey. You will find many helpful idea’s, hints and tips within the pages of this edition of HEY! Magazine, which will help you to ask the right questions and investigate the things that are important. September is always a great time to encourage our children to take up a new sport or activity after school. These clubs help to build self-esteem and confidence as well as improve sporting ability and teamwork skills. There are a huge variety of options open to your family from singing and dancing to karate and football, the choice is yours. Homework can be some parents nemesis, with children struggling to sit still and also us not understanding or recognising a new teaching method or calculation. Read our hint and tips on the best way to make homework stress free for all involved. Both your children and you will get so much more out of it if it is easy to manage and an opportunity for you to monitor your children’s progress. Enjoy your children’s stories of their new teachers and the new things they are learning. Listen well and encourage them along the way, after all, school should be rewarding for us all!
Tina Hey Magazine
@hey_tweeter
www.heymag.co.uk
4 | HEYMAG.CO.UK
welcome to Primary School T
he idea of ‘big school’ can be very appealing for children, but it can also be quite frightening. Whatever your child’s reaction to school, remember that the teachers will have seen it all before. School isn’t easy for everyone. During the first few weeks of school, it’s essential to keep communicating with your child and take care to notice signs that things aren’t going well. How your child will learn In the first year of primary school the Foundation Stage continues and so your child should encounter the same sort of learning and activities they were used to in their early years setting. The next two years of primary school are called Key Stage 1 and the next four years are known as Key Stage 2. For each of these stages, the National Curriculum lays down which subjects are taught. Finding out how teaching and learning takes place can help you support your child to make the most of their time at school.
YOU MAY WISH TO FIND OUT ABOUT:
• methods used for teaching and learning • school rules and policies on areas like homework, behaviour, child protection, attendance and bullying • facilities available, for example a library or sports facilities • how you will be informed about your child’s progress and included in decisions about their learning • getting involved in your child’s education, for example through parent-teacher associations or by becoming a governor • how best to help your child’s learning at home, for example by talking to them about their learning and reading with them • support available if your child has special educational needs • understanding the National Curriculum • what are special educational needs • helping your child to learn
THE DAILY ROUTINE Going to school will involve a change to your child’s routine. It helps to find out: • when the school day starts and finishes • what the usual daily routine is • what happens at playtimes and lunchtimes • what arrangements the school has to help your child settle before the first day • whether the school offers additional childcare, including breakfast or after school clubs • the term and holiday dates • what happens to your child if they are ill in school • how long it takes to get ready for, and travel to, school • whether you need to buy anything before your child starts school, for example a uniform or special clothing for games or art
HEYMAG.CO.UK | 5
DECISION TIME CHOOSING A SECONDARY SCHOOL
S
electing which secondary school your child goes to is a big decision. There are a huge range of factors to take into consideration from the strengths of your child and the school, to the practical issue of travelling there and back. And, lest we forget, it is a two-way process. It’s ultimately up to the school to accept or reject an application. While it may all seem overwhelming, there is plenty you can do to make the decision making process less stressful. Here’s an at-aglance guide.
MAKING A START The deadline for making the application will depend on your local authority but tends to be around the end of October for those in their final year at primary school. So if you haven’t already done your homework, and your child is in Year 6, now is the time to start. Given this early autumn term deadline, it makes sense to start considering secondaries while your child is still in Year 5. Most schools have open days in the summer term. If you’re thinking about grammar or selective schools, you’ll definitely need to start your search early in Year 5. Many have entrance exams in the summer (for Year 5 pupils) or in September (for Year 6 pupils) – and it pays to prepare for these. The best thing to do is check your target schools’ websites and make a diary note of the admissions deadline. A quick job that can save a huge amount of stress later on.
YOUR OPTIONS Before getting too bogged with looking at individual schools, take a step back and consider the type of education that might best suit your child. Are they highly academic? Sporty? Sociable? Keen to do lots of extra-curricular activities? Perhaps they love performance art, IT or music? Do they need strong pastoral care? Would they be happier in an all-girls or all-boys school? It can help to write a list of the key attributes you would like a secondary school to have – this alone could discount some of the schools you might otherwise have perceived as a natural follow-on from your child’s primary school. You’ll probably have a good idea of your local secondaries by the time your child gets to Year 5 but it doesn’t hurt to consult your local authority’s website which will have a list of all state schools, including academies (which are free from local authority control). Consider too the logistics of how your child will get to school before you start honing in on specific schools. Think realistically
about how the commute could be made, especially if you have other children to cater for.
ADMISSIONS CRITERIA All schools have admission criteria and some are more particular than others. Some schools you consider nearby could have a catchment area that excludes your area, other schools you might have thought were oversubscribed could be easier to access than you presumed. Local authority and school websites will have details about catchment areas, but bear in mind that these can change from year to year. If you are eyeing up a faith school, your likelihood of a place will depend on the school’s specific admissions criteria and how well-subscribed it is by members of its religion. Even if you are of ‘suitable’ religious denomination, it’s worth confirming how you can prove it.
EVALUATING SCHOOLS Once you have your target schools listed, it’s time to go into the nitty-gritty detail. A good first port of call is the school’s Ofsted report. Schools are rated from grade 1 (Outstanding) to grade 4 (Inadequate). If a school has a less than glowing report then consider why. It could be that teaching is weak for gifted pupils or, on the other hand, fails to support pupils in special need of pastoral care. Weigh up if these weaknesses apply to your child and remember that all schools are in a constant process of evolution. League tables will give some idea about how a school performs academically, but can give a skewed perspective. Some schools are highly selective and so will unsurprisingly have a higher standing than a school that supports those with additional needs. You might also ask around about a school’s reputation but be aware that some people’s opinions might be out of date! Underperforming schools can be turned around by a change of head teacher or other key staff, and what works for other people’s children might not for yours. Of course, your child will most likely have a view about where they wish to go. And the chances are high that they’ll opt for the school their peers appear to prefer. Yes, some 10-year olds might have the sagacity to take into account their long-term prospects, but, if they don’t (and you clash over the matter) keep that bigger picture – your child’s future – in mind. Be strong! Last but not least, open days can be really useful for getting a feel for a school, although it’s even better to have a look round on an ‘ordinary’ day, after all that’s what your child would experience.
HEYMAG.CO.UK | 7
JOINING AN OUT OF SCHOOL CLUB F
oreign language classes, sports, clay, tutoring, dance and business skills workshops - how children’s clubs aim to extend children’s education. The learning day has changed: school’s are being encouraged to offer wrap around care and this means the school day can run from 8am-6pm and pupils are encouraged to start the day with a breakfast club and finish with an after-school club. This is great news for working parents - now you can top and tail the day with good quality childcare.
Not only are after-school clubs fun, but they also help boost children’s self-esteem and self-confidence. We want happy, selfconfident children because they are motivated and can achieve more. By offering after-school activities our children get the chance to succeed in a different area, then they can take success and use it to overcome barriers in the subjects they find difficult. Raising the self-esteem of children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, is a central mission of the extended schools programme, as is keeping children safe and healthy.
Another target of the extended schools programme is to help pupils improve attendance and punctuality by offering breakfast clubs. Many schools have been delighted with the success of the breakfast club. Schools offer a healthy breakfast and a ‘wake up and shake up’ mini-exercise circuit in the school hall with music and the children have a fantastic time. Attendance has improved, because the children want to go to the club and then they are on time to start school.
Clubs keep the children busy and active and healthy after school. The children are safe, they are engaged in learning and they are being supervised. The clubs also give peace of mind to parents while saving parents worrying about children going home to an empty house or having to make alternative arrangements.
Clubs and classes for school-age children are not only after school, but can run at weekends and during holidays. These clubs can encourage children to take part in a new hobby, meet new friends and extend their social network, all great skills for developing and growing each child. Club membership provides an opportunity to participate in new roles. The leadership roles that are available in clubs provide a valuable experience that is not generally available to young people. Other roles, such as being a helper in a service club, a soloist in a music club, or an artist making scenery in a drama club, enable identity exploration.
Tae Kwon Do
Finally, relationships formed with adult leaders and with peers at the clubs are important. Adults and peers at these organisations can serve as models and as sources of social support, friendship, and caring. Several developmental theories point to the importance of adult mentoring for child and Martial arts for children adolescent development. Mentoring relationships are important characteristics of clubs and youth programs. Adolescents who have an after-school relationship with a mentor are far less likely to use drugs or alcohol than adolescents who do not have such relationships. Peer relations might also benefit from participation in clubs. “Hanging out” unsupervised with peers contributes negatively to child and adolescent development. However, participation in supervised constructive activities provides adolescents with opportunities to gain social skills from positive interactions with peers. for building confidence Great
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Contrary to popular belief that the nation’s youngsters are couch potatoes obsessed with television and video games, millions of children are involved in five or more hobbies or interests. Girls are the more expensive of the sexes, costing their parents an average of £472 a year. More than one in 10 girls have five hobbies or interests, with ballet the most expensive. Boys’ hobbies are slightly less likely to break the bank with a price tag of £418 a year. Twelve per cent regularly participate in five activities, with football topping the bill. More than half go swimming, and just over a third see themselves as cycling champions. For girls, swimming is the most popular hobby, followed by singing and ballet. The research, commissioned by Abbey National and involving 650 parents, found that one in four children regularly take part in at least five hobbies. Swimming costs an average £92 a year, football £132 a year, cycling £69 a year, art £51 and singing £39.
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FAMILY PHOTOS TO KEEP FOREVER I
f you're like most people, images of your family are probably languishing on your smartphone or tucked away in the cupboard on an old computer. If you take a break from the selfies and invest in a professional photographer, you'll end up with beautiful family portraits that capture the love, affection and expressions that are unique to your family. Here are some on how to get memorable family photos that stand the test of time. Choose a style that reflects your family sounds obvious? Not that simple. Think about your family's unique personality, then find a photographer who has experience taking pictures similar to what you would like to display in your home. Begin with the end in mind - Think about and discuss where and how your photos will be displayed in your home. Do you have a tall, skinny spot above your fireplace for a single, iconic image of your family? Your photographer will know which type of session will give you the images you'll be proud to display in your home. Dress for success These printed photos will be around for a long time. In 10 years you don't want to be cringing and giggling over
dated styles. So when choosing outfits, pick simple, solid colours and classic, timeless styles rather than hot trends and busy patterns. Use props and pets If your preschooler won't go anywhere without his superhero cape, let him wear it. If you're a family of readers, having everyone pose with their favorite book can add a personal touch. And, of course, including your family pet is a great way to show the special bond you have with your dog or cat. Relax and go with the flow Part of having your portraits created is the "experience" of the session. Yet, all too often, parents get worked up when their child isn't looking at the photographer or smiling "right." This causes anxiety in the child and robs the photographer of good opportunities for candid portraits. So before the shoot, rest well and come well fed. You'll want to be in the best possible mood as it helps set the tone for your family. Hire a pro A professional photographer will have the artistic skills, technical training and experience taking the kind of photos you want. Plus, they will be able to provide you with printing options that will withstand the hardship of time and won't fade like most home-printed photos.
Capturing the craziness of childhood and real family life.
Your bespoke photography session can take place in your home or/and outside in a favourite place
2 hr Photo shoot from ÂŁ50 Email me : info@alisontaylorphotography.co.uk www.alisontaylorphotography.co.uk
RIVERFORD REVIEW A
few weeks ago, I was asked to review a Riverford Quick Recipe Box for HEY! to which I agreed to with excitement! Riverford are very well known for their organic veg box scheme but they also have a range of recipe boxes too. I was delivered everything I needed to make tasty home-cooked meals. Inside the box were quality organic produce, step-by-step recipe cards and all the ingredients in exact quantities. No waste. All I had to do was cook. Once home, I opened the box to find it was packaged well with meat, dairy etc. contained in a special cooler bag and everything clearly labelled. The store cupboard ingredients were separated into individual compartments relating to each recipe. It all looked fantastic and I have never been so excitied to whip on my apron!
"... and I recommend that you give it a go." Prices for the Riverford recipe boxes vary according to the plan that you choose and of course depending on how many meals or people it serves. Personally having a family of 4, I could not justify the recipe boxes on a regular basis, that being said, I would certainly order a box for a treat, birthday or dinner party. The convenience, the chance to try out great new recipes and also cooking with new foods that you might not look at otherwise is fantastic and I recommend that you give it a go.
As there was 4 of us for tea, I decided to cook 2 of the recipes at the same time. We had the Morrocan Chicken with Kissir and also Beef Fajiatas. Both of these went down a storm with the other half clearly enjoying bulgur wheat. (This is a meat and 2 veg kinda man!) The kids cleared their plates and it was such a joy not to have the battle of making them eat something new. We all enjoyed it so much that both of these recipes have been cooked again and bulghar wheat is now a cupboard stable! Cooking the meals themselves was also enjoyable and with easy to use recipe cards and ingredients I normally don’t use, it was a pleasure being in the kitchen. It really made a change from churning out the dreary spag bol! Cooking two recipes at the same time was also a breeze and all the ingredients were the exact amount and everything was easy because it was to hand.
RECIPES With thanks to www.riverford.co.uk/recipes
LEMONY CHICKEN AND SPINACH CURRY SERVES 4 This is a healthy curry with no creamy sauce which freezes really well. A pile of basmati rice and a good dollop of yoghurt will make it into a meal.
INGREDIENTS:
1 tsp cumin seeds 1 tsp coriander seeds 1 tbsp sunflower, light olive or coconut oil, plus a little extra if necessary 600g diced chicken (leg, thigh or breast) 1 large or 2 small onions, finely sliced 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped, crushed or grated 5cm piece of fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped or grated 1–2 fresh chillies, finely chopped (add the seeds too if you like it hot) 1 tsp turmeric 10 cardamom pods juice of 2–3 lemons, depending on size 400ml vegetable or chicken stock 300g spinach, tough stalks removed and leaves roughly chopped if large large handful of coriander, roughly chopped salt and black pepper
METHOD:
Lightly toast the cumin and coriander seeds in a dry frying pan until you just start to smell their aroma, then grind them with a pestle and mortar. Heat the oil in a large, heavy-based pan. Add the chicken pieces and fry over a high heat, turning once, until golden brown. (Don’t overcrowd the pan – cook in batches if you need to.) Transfer the chicken to a plate. Add the onion to the pan with a splash more oil if needed. Fry gently for 10 minutes, stirring now and then, until soft. Add the garlic, ginger, chillies and all the ground spices and fry, stirring, for another 2 minutes. Return the chicken to the pan with the lemon juice and stock. Bring to the boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes or so, until the chicken is cooked through. Stir in the spinach and let it wilt for just a minute or two before seasoning and stirring in the chopped coriander.
HEY! winners HEY! magazine gave away a family camping ticket to Camp Bestival! The lucky winners were Debbie, James & Evie.
Hi Zoe, thank you so much for our tickets to Camp Bestival, we had the best time. It was amazing, something for all the family. Fat Boy Slim was the highlight for James and I, for Evie the chance to face paint mummy and daddy! Wish we were there again this weekend. Many thanks again.
Well done to all the WINNERS who entered our summer magazine competitions Minnie Tranter - Midsomer Norton Azaria Toop - Frome Charlotte Fowler - Shepton Mallet Blake Wheeler - Bristol Corey Russell - Saltford William Clark - Midsomer Norton Jessie Angeloro - Frome Trinity Newstead - Wells
PUZZLES Wordsearch Find the 19 words listed below - they could be written forwards, downwards, back-to-front or diagonally.
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ALPHABET ART BLACKBOARD BOOK COMPUTER COMPASS DESK ERASER GYM LESSONS
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LUNCHTIME MATHS PENCIL CASE PENS SCHOOL BAG STUDIES TEACHER
ALPHABET ART
Colour me i n !
Crossword Find the answers to the questions below and fill in the crossword.
ACROSS 2. Main character in Toy Story 4. Consumed food 7. Scrambled, poached or fried 8. Half of a half 12. Opposite of sad 13. A caterpillar turns into this 15. Shreks wife, Princess? DOWN 1. Grinding teeth 3. Closes planet to the sun 5. Tallest mountain in the world 6. Type of tree 9. Capital of Egypt 10. Vegetable that grows in a pod 11. What type of fish is Nemo? 14. Young cat
10 WAYS TO BE MORE ACTIVE DURING THE WORK DAY W
e're sitting too much and it's dangerous. The average Britain spends more than seven hours sitting every day, and the more time you sit, the higher your risk of serious, potentially lifethreatening health problems such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. So, what can you do about it? Fortunately, there are simple changes you can make during the day - anywhere, even at the work place - to improve your wellness with these 10 tips for the workplace and beyond. Park a few streets away each morning and walk to work. This allows you to start off your mornings energized and ready to take on the workday. If you take public transport, get off one stop earlier to squeeze in some light exercise
effectively hash out solutions in person. Use your lunch break to move around outside. So many people today work through their lunch break. When possible, take advantage of this time to walk outside and soak in the nice weather. Fresh air and vitamin D are often all you need to stay focused and push through the afternoon slump. Stand up and stretch. If you don't have time to walk around the office every 90 minutes, use the opportunity to stand up and stretch instead. Stretching is a great way to increase energy levels, reduce muscle tension and get your body moving.
Take the stairs instead of the lift. Waiting for the lift often takes just as long as walking up the stairs, so why not use this opportunity to get your heart rate up? Plus, you'll get the chance to work your leg muscles.
Do chair exercises at your desk. You've been wanting to tone your arms - why not achieve your goals at the office? When you need a break, do a few reps of chair sits. You can even alternate between chair exercises and push ups!
Get up and move around the office once every 90 minutes. When you're nose-deep in work, it's easy to lose track of time. Set up reminders on your phone or email every 60-90 minutes to get up and do a quick lap around the office. You can use this time to fill up your water bottle, go to the bathroom or catch up with coworkers.
Hold standing or walking meetings. Many coworkers will welcome the opportunity to stand and stretch their legs for a moment. If you have a two-person meeting, consider going for a walk.
Ask questions and discuss issues face-to-face. Rather than sending an email every time you have a question, go to your coworker's office to discuss the issue face-to-face. This gives you a good excuse to get moving and a chance to more
Fidget when you work. Small movements and quick exercise breaks add up, especially in a sedentary work place, so challenge yourself to stand, stretch or even tap a foot to bring motion into otherwise still parts of your day. Just remember to keep it professional!
A+ LUNCHBOX SOLUTIONS H
eading back to school means a ramp up in routine for lots of families. One of the best ways to not only support their learning, but also show kids you care - even when you're not there - is to pack a wholesome, balanced lunch. These tips and tricks will help any parent whip up something tasty in mere minutes so kids can stay fueled throughout the day. Plus, with a few touches of creativity, mum and dad can look forward to the return of empty lunch boxes because their kids won't be able to resist gobbling up the goodies inside.
SCHOOL DAY SMOOTHIES
Smoothies are a great way to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your child's diet, plus it's a special treat that will have them grinning ear to ear when they open their lunch box. The trick is to make smoothies ahead of time then freeze them in silicon or insulated containers. Add them to a lunchbox in the morning and by lunchtime it will thaw enough to enjoy. Bonus: it keep will other foods cool.
DIY SHAPE SANDWICHES
Sandwiches are an easy go-to that kids love, and with a few simple switches, you can create a more nutritious option that's also fun to eat. Start by swapping traditional white bread for wholegrain bread. Then use a cookie cutter to create an unexpected shape. It's a fun and delicious way to get whole grains in their diet and meet the 32-48 grams of whole grains recommended per day.
FUN FRUIT FACES
Want to get a chuckle out of your child on a tough Monday? Cheer them up during test day? Encourage them to eat more fresh foods? Fun fruit faces should do the trick. Grab any fruit with a thick impermeable skin such as bananas or oranges and then use a nontoxic marker to make a face. A few fun squiggles and you have a silly fruit friend that will make lunchtime special.
DIPPING STICKS
Kids love to dip food for a hands-on eating experience. Start by adding a small container of low-fat dressing or yoghurt. Then, cut up fruit, veggies, cheese and meat into long bite-size sticks that kids can easily grab and dip to their hearts' desire. Include a rainbow of options to tantalize the eyes and taste buds, plus the more colours the more vitamins they'll be eating. For many fruits and veggies, you can cut up a week's worth on Sunday and then simply pack each day before school.
What’s On September 10
Pixash Lane Archaeology Store Heritage Open Day: Explore archaeological finds from Keynsham, including objects from the Roman and Medieval periods, and have a go at making your own Roman mosaic or Medieval tile. 11am - 3pm. Free Entry. Pixash Lane (next to recycling depot), Keynsham.
September 13 - 14
Somervale School, Midsomer Norton Open Mornings Open mornings from 9-10:30am, booking advisable on 01761 414276.
September 16 - 18
Priston Festival Enjoy a friendly and relaxed celebration of live music and familyfun around two free outdoor stages. Other activities include morris dancing, market stalls, and a special venue for kids, plus singing and music workshops. Village Green, Priston, nr Bath.
September 17
Beckington Party in the Field The Frukes, Dixieland Jazz, The Shining Wit, Sheep Racing, Family Fun, Kids Activities, Frome Town Archers, The Beckington Bake Off. Enjoy Parisian Jazz from Le Cafe Jazz at our prosecco bar before The HAMMERVILLES Tickets are £15 from Mes Amis and Beckington Motors.
September 17
September 20
Somervale School, Midsomer Norton Open Evening Teaches address at 6:00pm with guided tours starting at 6:40pm.
September 20
Selwood Academy, Frome Open Day & Evening Guided tours 9.15am, 11.15am & 2pm. Open Evening 5 – 7pm.
September 20 - 21
Crispin School, Street Open Days & Evening Tuesday and Wednesday morning, 9:15am – 12 noon and Wednesday evening, 6:30 – 8:30pm. After a presentation by the headteacher see the school in action and meet pupils and staff.
September 21 - 25
We're going on a Bear Hunt A family goes on an expedition of a lifetime - running down the grassy bank, wading through the cold river, squelching over the oozy mud, stumbling into the dark forest, then peering into a cave... what will they find? The Egg, Bath.
September 24
King Edwards School, Bath Open Morning Senior, Junior, Pre-prep and Nursery open morning from 9:00 to 12:00pm. The Headmaster's talk at the Senior School will be at 09.30 and 11.00. The talk by the Head of the Junior School will start at 10.30. Please register at www.kesbath.com or call 01225 820399.
Medieval Falconry at Bishops Palace Join us for a day of fantastic flying displays, entertaining information and beautiful birds in the romantic setting of the South Lawn. Bishops Palace, Wells.
September 24 Frome Carnival.
September 17
St Dunstan’s School, Glastonbury Open Day Tuesday morning, 9:30 – 11:30am and evening from 6:30pm.
Cholderton Charlie's Barn Dance Barn Dance, Bucking Bull Competition, Hog Roast, BBQ, Bar and lots and lots of dancing! Only £2.50 per ticket, lots of fun to be had down on the farm... Cholderton Charlies Farm.
September 18
Teddy Bears Picnic at Avon Valley Railway When you go down to the station today your in for a big surprise.' Children who bring a responsible Teddy Bears will travel FREE of charge on both the steam and diesel hauled trains. There will also be a number of other activities to keep the children amused. Avon Valley Railway, Bitton.
September 27
September 28
Oakfield Academy, Frome, Open Day/Evening Daytime tours: 9.15am & 11.20am (by appointment). Open evening: 6pm-7.30pm. Call 01373 462539.
September 29
The John of Gaunt School, Trowbridge, Open Evening Headteacher’s welcome at 6:00 and 7:00pm with tours from 6:00 to 8:30pm. Please contact Sandra Nichols on 01225 711156 or snichols@jogschool.org to book an appointment.
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October 2
Peter Pan at Victoria Hall With live original music and imaginative audience participation, this production takes inspiration from J.M. Barrie’s original novel. Expect playful theatre that will encourage everyone, big or small, to let their imaginations take flight. And it doesn’t end there! After the show, it’s the audience’s turn to take over the stage and get hands-on with our kit. You could try on Hook’s hat, make a mermaid dance or meet our puppets John and Michael Darling. 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm. Victoria Hall, Radstock.
October 7 - 9
The Boy Who Climbed into the Moon Some pretty odd ideas are floating around Paul’s street. There’s Mabel, whose brother hides under a brown paper bag. And Clarence the poodle who thinks he can fly. But Paul has the oddest idea of all. He thinks that the moon is a big hole in the sky and he’s going to climb into it. The Egg Theatre, Bath 11.30am and 3pm.
October 9
Goosebumps (PG) Get in the mood for Halloween with this pacy, quirky and entertaining comedy horror romp based on the best-selling books. Victoria Hall, Radstock.
Are you holding an event in October and November or a Christmas Fete? Please do let us know and we will include you in the What’s On pages.
It’s FREE for schools! send your details to julie@ignyte-uk.co.uk or call 01761 410141
October 14
Super Monkey Puppets with music, songs and funny poems by Michael Rosen about SuperMonkey the monkey who is not scared of anything, can ride on a cloud and can do magic! An intimate show, telling part of the same story as PuppetCraft’s bigger Monkey show, but especially made for 3 to 5 year olds. 2:00pm, Victoria Hall, Church Street Radstock.
October 14 Wincanton Carnival from 7.30pm. October 15 Castle Cary Carnival from 7pm. October 15
Open Day - Rehoming at Horseworld This Open Day focusses mainly on our Rehoming work and is a great opportunity to see what goes on at HorseWorld's Welfare Department. Horseworld, Staunton Lane, Whitchurch.
October 15 - 16
Spookley Pumpkin Festival A must do this year! Pick your own pumpkins from our own pumpkin patch, listen to the heart-warming story of Spookley, the square pumpkin plus carving, pumpkin rides and more! Farrington Farm Shop, Farrington.
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AVOID THE HOMEWORK BLUES W
e've all been there. The last minute rush to get homework done that leaves both my child and I stressed, and, in contrast, the homework session that drags on and on with him twiddling his pen, staring into space. But homework can, and should, be time well spent that connects you to your child's learning, as well as being a benefit to your child's overall education. Here's how I overcame a few pitfuls and made homework a breeze! (Well, a little easier anyway)
LOCATION IS ALL
I like to provide my son with a quiet, well-lit space, away from distractions and with all the study materials that he needs to hand — paper, pens and pencils, a dictionary, and whatever else he may need to be comfortable yet productive.
PERSONAL SPACE
I would recommend that you try to find a separate space for each of your children, or schedule quiet times for homework in designated spaces. If one child finishes their homework earlier than the other, I would encourage reading time or quiet time until the entire family is ready to do something together, or 'noisy' time.
CREATE A ROUTINE
I find that the most productive time for homework is earlier in the evening and not too close to bedtime. Sometimes he needs a little after-school play break and dinner, or at least an energising snack, before hitting the books. The most important thing is to establish a routine that works for your child.
BE THERE
I am always available to answer homework questions. We do a problem or two together, then I watch as he tries the next one. Let's face it: we are all busy parents with lots going on, but if we want our children to perceive homework as a priority then it needs to be ours too!
AVOID GIVING ANSWERS
Doing the work for my son is a no-no. It can be tempting to give him the answers to save time, but this will not support his learning. Instead, I like to ask questions that lead him to see the problem in smaller, sequential steps.
COMMUNICATE WITH TEACHERS
I make use of any means provided of giving feedback to the teachers about how my son has responded to the homework activity. Most schools will have some sort of system in place, and if there isn't, suggest one! If the tasks aren't set at the correct level, and are too easy or too difficult, your child will become demotivated.
REVIEW MISTAKES
We like to discuss the errors that he makes as this will help him understand the task he has been given. Incorrect answers are an opportunity for him to learn.
REWARD WORK
A reward system to recognise his efforts is a great motivator. Depending on your child's age, the reward could be anything from a sticker to points on a rewards chart which could be traded in for things like books, games, pens, toys and perhaps even a day trip.
BE POSITIVE
Sometimes it can be hugely frustrating to help my son when he has lost interest in his homework, but I try not to get annoyed. I count to ten, and look for a positive. It could be a neatly written word, or teacher feedback from an earlier task. I do find that praise can work wonders!
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HEYMAG.CO.UK | 19
BACK TO SCHOOL
CHILDREN WITH ALLERGIES & ASTHMA T
here are lots of things kids get excited about when they go back to school. From brand new lunch boxes to shiny packs of pencils and catching up with friends they haven't seen for awhile, anticipation is in the air. But if you're a parent of a children who suffer from allergies, or one who’s child has asthma, sending kids back to school can cause anxious moments. Many parents look forward to their child returning to the classroom but for parents of children with allergies or asthma, school raises questions about conditions that can't be controlled or monitored. They want to make sure their child is safe, has adequate resources and that systems are in place if they have an asthma or allergy attack. By following these suggestions, you can help ensure your child has a safe, fun start to the school year.
KNOW THEIR TRIGGERS
Children with pets at home can bring pet hair into school. Other common allergens such as pollen and dust will definitely find their way into the classroom. If your child suddenly develops a runny nose, has difficulty breathing or comes home with a rash, it may be related to classroom triggers.
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH AN ALLERGIST
If you think your child might have allergies or asthma, making an appointment is the first step to accurately developing a game plan. An allergist can determine what's causing your child's symptoms, as well as provide guidance to help both of you cope with allergies and asthma. Through prescribing medication and creating treatment plans, your allergist can provide the care that leads to fewer school absences.
TALK TO YOUR CHILD ABOUT LUNCH TIME
Younger children especially might be excited to share food with friends or try new things on the lunch menu. If your child has a food allergy, it's important they know why they cannot eat certain things or share food. If your child is prescribed an auto injector, make sure the staff is trained in how to use it, and knows where your child's is located.
MEET WITH THE SCHOOL
This is one of the biggest steps in preparing for the new school year. Your child's teachers, school nurse and head teacher should all be informed about your child's asthma and/or allergies, and what medications they carry with them. If your child is old enough, teach them how to use their auto injector or rescue
inhaler. Make sure they understand warning signs and symptoms, what precautions to take and who to talk to if a reaction develops.
TALK WITH YOUR CHILD'S FRIENDS AND OTHER PARENTS
Communication is always a good policy when it comes to managing your child's allergies and asthma. Talking to your child's friends, or asking their parents to talk to their children about asthma and allergies, adds another layer of support. This is important for social reasons, as the more your child's friends and classmates understand allergies and asthma, the less chance your child will feel isolated.
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KEEPING SAFE ON THE ROAD A
s we head into autumn and wave goodbye to the long summer evenings, road safety needs to be at the top of every parent’s agenda. With the clocks going back in October, children need to take extra precautions to ensure they are seen on the road, going to and from school. Safety campaigners advise parents to talk to their children about the importance of being seen and make sure they wear reflective items when they are out and about in the dark. Most importantly of all, drivers and motorcyclists need to ensure they keep a proper look-out for vulnerable road users, not least because failing to look properly is the most frequently-reported factor in accidents on our roads. They also need to watch their speed, particularly in residential areas and around schools. Cyclists should also take precautions so they can be seen easily. In the dark, they must have lit front and rear lights and reflectors must also be fitted. They should also wear brightly-coloured or fluorescent clothing in daylight and reflective clothing or accessories in the dark. But with more cars on the road and with traffic accidents responsible for almost half of all accidental deaths in childhood, the famous Green Cross Code is more important than ever.
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Despite significant reductions in road deaths and serious injuries in recent years, almost half the accidental deaths in children under 15 are on the roads. And, unlike accidents in the home, it’s not all about under fives - accidents peak in teenage years. So here’s a refresher of the updated Green Cross Code: STOP: Find the safest place to cross then stop. Stand on the pavement near the kerb or the edge if there is no kerb. LOOK: Give yourself lots of time to have a good look all around. Make sure you can see if anything is coming and drivers can see you. LISTEN: Listen carefully because you can sometimes hear traffic before you can see it. Never cross the road whilst chatting to people, listening to your iPod or talking on your mobile phone. When it is safe to cross, walk straight across the road. Do not walk diagonally. Keep looking and listening for traffic while you cross. There has been a great deal of debate about when children are old enough to be out and about on their own and road safety is central to this. There is no definitive answer as each child and environment is different but here’s a general guide: Children aged 3-5: Under fives need lots of hand-holding and supervision. Set a good example when you cross the road as children will copy you. And talk to them about road safety when you’re out, but don’t expect them to remember the rules for themselves just yet. Children aged 5-7: You can start to teach children the Green Cross Code, but they are still too little to remember everything. It’s good to start building good habits when you’re out and about. Remember, children under the age of eight can’t judge speed or distance. Children aged 7-11: Older children can start to learn why the rules are important. They are easily distracted and may run out quickly. While they may still struggle to judge speed and distances, they are ready to learn the Green Cross Code.
HEYMAG.CO.UK | 21
Pop on your aprons and prepare your mixing bowls this October to take part in Ted’s Big Bake Off – The Forever Friends Appeal’s fundraising week supporting patients and their families at the Royal United Hospital! Between Monday 17th and Friday 21st October 2016, the Appeal asking adults and children all across Bath, Somerset and Wiltshire to get baking for the RUH… from Victoria Sponge’s, tray bakes, fairy cakes, breads, pastries and pies there’s something for everyone! Whether it’s holding a bake sale, hosting a bake off competition or organising other baking themed activities at school, work or with friends and family, you can help raise some dough that will help make a real difference to the lives of hundreds of thousands of people cared for by the Hospital every year – the real icing on the cake! You can choose your own recipe for success and bake to fundraise for a ward or department close to your heart, or the RUH Cancer Care Campaign – raising a minimum £8.5 million towards a pioneering new Cancer Centre. Plus if the baking week doesn’t work for you, you’re more than welcome to hold your event on a date that does! There is also a fun Nurseries & Pre-School (for 6 & under) colouring competition AND a Schools baking competition (7-11 year olds) run by Bake Off sponsors, BuroHappold with some top prizes ...as well as a visit from Big Ted! To join in the fun all you need to do is get your school/nursery/children’s group to sign up for Ted’s Big Bake Off and get baking! They’ll receive all the competition information you need to create your show stopping entries. If you’d prefer to bake a difference with your friends and family, all you need to do is register at www.tedsbigbakeoff.com to get your oven-mitts on the Appeal’s charity baking pack filled with tips, tasty ideas and decadent decorations to help make your baking activity a piece of cake.
22 | HEYMAG.CO.UK
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