F R TAKE EE ME HOM E
IN THIS ISSUE
WIN tickets to see Woodland Tales with Granddad
Issue 93 September/October 2019 familiesonline.co.uk
familiesonline.co.uk Families Oxfordshire 1
The secret to success is…
sharing your child’s reading journey Regular deliveries of books at your child’s reading level.
Wardrobe Ensemble presents
The Deep Sea Seekers “A rollicking good time” Stage Talk
Sat 28 Sept 11am & 2pm
For children aged 3-8 and their families
Box Office: 01865 319450 www.thenorthwall.com The North Wall, South Parade, Oxford, OX2 7JN
www.readingchest.co.uk Book Rental for Children Learning to Read
30 November - 5 January | The North Wall, Oxford www.creationtheatre.co.uk 01865 766266
Snow Queen Families oxford.indd 1
16/08/2019 12:52
Contents & Competitions
Dear Reader,
Hello, I hope you all had a wonderful summer. A big shout out to all the new mums with children starting school for the first time and all the mums that have children in their final year, beginning the search for a good secondary school. We have lots in this issue to help with the search of a secondary school and some great advice from The Good Schools Guide. If you are struggling to make sense of all the data or find the best school for your child do get in touch with them and read the article on page ?? They really do help make sense of it all for you. With children back into routine and ready to start up all the extracurricular activities, take a look at pages ?&? for local clubs and classes. @familiesCambMag
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DON’T MISS A COPY! Receive Families Oxfordshire by post for just £9.30 for 6 issues (1 year) or £18 for 12 issues (2 years). Call or email editor@familiesOxfordshire.co.uk for a subscription form.
TICKETS FOR A FAMILY OF FOUR TO SEE WOODLAND TALES WITH GRANDDAD AT THE NORTH WALL ARTS CENTRE ON 26 OCTOBER 2019. Something is happening in the woods; a strange metallic smell fills the air. Laura the ladybird and her friends are worried. Velda the Vixen knows there’s one person who can help the animals of the forest – Granddad. But is there enough time? For your chance tofind out, enter the competition on the Oxfordshire Families Magazine Facebook page: @familieseastoxfordshiremag
Wise Words
ial talent. I am I have no spec tely curious. only passiona Albert Einstein
What's in this issue? 4.
News and Views
7.
Pregnancy & Baby News
8.
‘What’s on’ this Autumn
10. School Open Days 11. GCSE League Tables 13. School Spotlights 18. How to boost your child’s literacy and numeracy 20. Mental Health in Schools
EDITOR: Lisa Exell 01945 861336, editor@familiesoxfordshire.co.uk PUBLISHING ASSISTANT: Becky Lawrence, admin@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk SALES: Jean, Jean@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk SOCIAL MEDIA: Rebecca, admin@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk DESIGN: Caroline Thompson-Heap, info@cheekymonkeydesigns.net
21. Extra Activities 22. Clubs and Classes
22,000 copies of Families Oxfordshire available through schools, nurseries, hospitals, clubs and classes, selected shops and restaurants. If you would like copies for your establishment please let us know.
Families Oxfordshire is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Oxfordshire are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Oxfordshire. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families Oxfordshire its distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd, and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof. familiesonline.co.uk
Families Oxfordshire 3
News & views Oxfordshire Hospital School crowned winners in Tes Schools Awards 2019 Oxfordshire Hospital School on Raymund Road in Old Marson, Oxford has been crowned a winner in the Innovative use of Technology to influence outcomes category at the Tes Schools Awards 2019. The team were presented with their award by comedian, Harry Hill, in June at a gala awards evening at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane. The school has done incredibly well to be named the winners, beating competition from across the UK. They were specifically recognised for helping young cancer patients to take part in mainstream lessons and
extracurricular activities without physically being in the classroom, thanks to “robots” used at the school. A bed-ridden patient is linked to the school through a robot in the classroom, described as an iPad attached to a pole on wheels. Through this robot, teachers can see and hear the child via a live video stream while the child can see and hear things in the classroom. The ground-breaking ‘Robots in Schools’ project also allows pupils to join in at break time because the robots can wheel around the school outside of class.
GOLD AWARD FROM THE WOODLAND TRUST
The Pre-Prep Department of The Oratory Preparatory School near Goring Heath has been awarded the Green Tree Schools Gold Award by the Woodland Trust. It’s the first year that the school has participated in the Green Tree Schools initiative, which has seen more than 12,000 schools sign up since 2008, and is a fantastic result. The children have been involved in green activities including planting of trees, donated by the Woodland Trust, one was planted for every child in the Pre-Prep. Lizzie Johnson and Jo Jones, Forest School leaders at the school said, “We are delighted to receive this award. The children have worked hard this year and become enthusiastic creative learners through this inspiring approach to learning. In Forest School the children also take part in outdoor activities including bug hunting, identifying leaves and toasting marshmallows on the campfire.”
EVERY PRIMARY SCHOOL IN THE UK WILL RECEIVE A COPY OF #GOLDILOCKS
Vodafone will deliver a copy of #Goldilocks, a book written to help parents and children talk about social media and how to use it responsibly, to every primary school in the UK. More than 20,000 copies of the book will be sent to schools as a resource to encourage conversations about the importance of being kind to others when using social media. The Goldilocks story was reimagined for the digital age by awardwinning author Jeanne Willis (Slug Needs A Hug, Tadpole’s Promise and Who’s in the Loo?) and the UK’s number one illustrator, Tony Ross (Horrid Henry, Gangsta Granny and the Little Princess series). It was released in December 2018 to mark the launch of Vodafone’s Digital Parenting website, a go-to-guide for parents on the latest digital safety and wellbeing issues. YouGov research conducted by Vodafone in 2018 showed that many children are both aware of and using social media from a young age. This is often before parents have had conversations with them about how to use social media safely and responsibly. The findings show that 48% of children are aware of social media by the age of seven. Digital Parenting Magazine was launched in 2012 and almost seven million copies have been distributed across the UK over the past eight years. The seventh edition is available now. For more information visit: www.vodafone.co.uk/digitalparenting. 4 Families Oxfordshire
FREE FAMILY FUN WITH HERITAGE OPEN DAYS
This year, Heritage Open Days is celebrating its 25th anniversary and will be the biggest and most diverse to date. Running from 13 to 22 September, this annual celebration of England’s history and culture, allows visitors FREE access to historical landmarks that are either not usually open to the public, or would normally charge an entrance fee. Nationwide there will be hundreds of FREE interactive activities for children,including dressing up, crafting, woodland walks and railway rides With a theme of ‘People Power,’ this year’s festival will offer visitors more opportunities than ever to discover the secret history of their towns, villages and countryside. Co-ordinated nationally by the National Trust with support from the People’s Postcode Lottery, the celebration brings together thousands of organisations and properties across England. For local events visit, www.heritageopendays.org.uk
Environmentally friendly es i l i m a F school bags LOVES
Young adventurers can bravely tackle their first day back with the organic Pack-a-Snack Lunch Bag and Adventurers Backpack made from plastic recycled bottles. There’s also the accompanying Splish Splash steel bottle and Pencil Case. Mary Lawrence, Frugi buyer and technical expert, says: “Much like our outerwear, the backpacks are made from recycled plastic bottles, are shower proof and big enough to fit in an A4 folder. There are reflective patterns on the straps of the bag to help your child be seen when the winter evenings close in. There’s also a handy side pocket on the bag perfect for their FrugiSplish Splash water bottle.” www.welovefrugi.com Prices from £25.00
Most Parents Don’t Know
More than two thirds of parents don’t know how much exercise their child needs to do to stay healthy, new research has revealed. NHS guidelines state that children ages 5 to 18 should do an hour of physical activity every day, but 68% of UK adults didn’t know this or thought the target was lower. The survey of 2,000 adults, by YouGov for the Youth Sport Trust (YST), found that only a quarter knew the recommended exercise time for young people and on average people thought it was 46 minutes. Meanwhile, figures recently released by Sport England show only 17.5% of children are reaching the 60-minute target daily. More info: www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise familiesonline.co.uk
News & views
Picky Eaters Still Grow Up Healthy
Calls for Compulsory Climate Change Education in Schools
A petition launched by four Oxford schoolgirls calling for lessons on Climate Change to be made compulsory in schools has gathered over 75,000 signatures. The students are hoping to make climate change a “core part of the compulsory curriculum” to increase the next generation’s understanding of the global issue. They claim they have “barely learned about the climate crisis at school, even though it’s supposed to be part of Geography and Science.” According to the petition:“Climate change is the biggest issue of our time, and it must be a part of our education if our generation is to understand it and help us to combat its effects. That’s why we want climate change to be made a core part of the national curriculum.” More info: www.change.org
Picky eating in toddlers is a well-documented phase when children don’t want to try new foods and/or show very strong preferences. It can create much worry for parents, and has created a whole market for advice, guidance and tools to encourage young children to try lots of new tastes and textures. But researchers from the University of Bristol using data from a study of children between the ages of 7 to 17 have found that instead of being harmed by their diets, children who had been picky eaters at age 3 were growing normally as adolescents with a healthy height and weight. The researchers claim the study shows that even children who are picky as pre-schoolers usually eat well enough over time to ensure they grow properly. More info: www.bristol.ac.uk/news
Reduction in School Breaks ‘Unhealthy’
School break times are much shorter than they were two decades ago meaning children are missing out on valuable opportunities to make friends and develop social skills and exercise, according to research by the Nuffield Foundation. The study looked at how school breaks have changed over 25 years comparing data from over 1,000 primary and secondary schools. It found that despite the length of the school day remaining much the same, break times are being squeezed even further with potential serious implications for children’s well-being and development. Afternoon breaks have been virtually eliminated;they are now only available to 15% of primary school children and 1% of secondary schools. There is also a clear trend to shorter lunch breaks with reported lunchtimes of 35 minutes or less. According to the authors, break times are important for children to get physical exercise – a particular concern given the rise in obesity, and to develop important social skills that are not learned in school lessons. More info:www.nuffieldfoundation.org
Home from Home with Chilly Powder
Do you prefer winter or summer in the Alps… or both? Francesca, Paul and their three children live in Morzine in France all year round and have a good knowledge of Alpine traditions and the Morzine people. Having adapted their chalet holiday style over the years to suit the tastes of their regular guests, they offer the perfect ski and summer holidays for either families, couples or mixed groups in relaxing luxury, with fantastic food and outstanding facilities, as well as unrivalled inhouse childcare facilities. For many returning guests, Chilly Powder is considered a real home from home. For more about Chilly Powder chalets for summer and winter visit www.chillypowder.com
CLARIFICATION OF ARTICLE IN OUR JULY/AUGUST ISSUE
In our July/August 2019 issue we published an item entitled ‘Going to Nursery Improves Behaviour.’ This article was based on research of a sample population and the result was published by the British Medical Journal. As with any such research, its applicability to the wider population is not conclusive. In order to make this clear, we should have qualified the title of our article and the findings referred to in it by stating that the research shows that attending a nursery ‘may’ improve behaviour or children ‘may’ be better behaved or ‘may’ experience fewer emotional problems. We apologise to our readers if this article has led to any confusion or misinterpretation. familiesonline.co.uk
Families Oxfordshire 5
News & views
WHY DAYLIGHT IS ESSENTIAL FOR CHILDREN’S HEALTH Modern children are spending more time indoors than previous generations. An extensive survey in 2016 found that three quarters of UK children spend less time outside than prison inmates and a fifth do not play outside at all on an average day. A report by Natural England concluded that 12% of children in the UK had not been to a park or natural environment at all in the preceding year. Spending less time outside restricts children’s access to natural light and this can have an impact on their health. SHORT-SIGHTEDNESS Babies are born longsighted, with a short eyeball that grows as their bodies do. A healthy eye stops growing when it reaches its optimum shape, but it struggles to do this without access to good quality light, which is only available outdoors. Our eyes are very good at tricking us into believing that our indoor environments are well lit, but even a brightly lit room cannot match the levels of outdoor light, even on a cloudy day outside. Without the correct daylight cues, the eyeball can grow too long, making the child short-sighted, at which point, they will need lenses or surgery to correct their
vision. The NHS advises that ensuring your child regularly spends time playing outside may help reduce the risk of becoming shortsighted. THE SUNSHINE VITAMIN Sunlight helps children produce adequate levels of vitamin D, protecting them from poor bone health, cardiovascular disease and reduced muscle function. The NHS recommends that babies and children aged under 5 years should be given vitamin D supplements even if they do get out in the sun and everyone else should consider daily Vitamin D supplements, especially from October to early March.
IMPROVING YOUR CHILD’S CONCENTRATION Perform and parenting expert and child psychologist, Dr Claire Halsey offer their tips. Concentration is a vital life skill which develops from birth. Linked closely to brain development, it improves alongside a child’s memory and ability to organise their thoughts. Set Up for Success Reduce big distractions: television, music and screen time make it difficult to listen and concentrate, so limit these to set times. Make it Fun Make activities fun as your child is more likely to pay attention eg tidying up toys is less of a chore when you offer a tickle to the child who finishes first! Keep Practising Games and activities can build concentration. Choose turn-taking games like Snap or Picture Dominoes or those with simple instructions. Praise the Good Stuff Praise your child when they focus rather than highlighting when they don’t eg “Well done for sticking with that puzzle.” Seek Advice A small number of children have difficulty paying attention no matter how hard they try. Ask your child’s teacher for suggestions. If you’re still concerned, see your GP. More from Dr Claire Halsey at www.clairehalsey.com Perform offers concentrationboosting drama classes in Oxfordshire. Try a FREE noobligation class at www.perform. org.uk/try 6 Families Oxfordshire
by Andrew Campbell SAD Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a specific type of depression thought to affect around 2 million people in the UK, including children. SAD is thought to be related to lack of daylight exposure and the effect that this has on some of the brain’s chemicals and hormones. The exact nature of this effect is not fully understood, but one theory is that light stimulates the part of the brain called the hypothalamus which controls mood, appetite and sleep. In some people insufficient sunlight results in a disruption of these processes. Typical symptoms include lack of energy and motivation, sleep problems, feeling depressed or anxious and poor concentration. Making small changes, such as giving your children more access to daylight, even when it’s cloudy, and encouraging regular physical activity, will set them up for a much healthier future. Getting your children to go out and play is an essential component of their long term health. More info visit: www.nhs.uk/conditions/seasonalaffective-disorder-sad www.nhs.uk/conditions/shortsightedness www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/ how-to-get-vitamin-d-from-sunlight
Does Your Child Need Help With Maths?
There is a way to super-charge your child’s Maths confidence. Jade Lewis, a working mum of 2, was worried about her daughter: “Lola was finding maths quite tough, both at school and at home. In turn, her confidence was non-existent, meaning she struggled to enjoy maths activities. Since using Maths Club by Post, there has been a genuine shift in Lola’s attitude towards learning Maths and her confidence is flourishing! She loves receiving her maths packs! She particularly loves the games, and the sense of achievement she gets once she has completed them.” If, like Jade, you are worried about your child’s Maths, see if a FREE pack from Maths Club by Post can help your child flourish too. Go to: MathsClubByPost.co.uk
Monkey Music Oxford E: oxford@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 01235 519806
familiesonline.co.uk
Baby News
Improve your fertility naturally Dr Larisa Corda is an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist and is one of the UK’s leading Fertility experts. Most people are led to believe that getting pregnant is something that should happen naturally and easily. But the truth is that the investment needed to do this must start even before you think about getting pregnant, through a series of lifestyle changes and commitments. The best approach to improving fertility looks at several factors contributing towards making you and your partner the healthiest that you can be. Some of this will involve work on your body, your relationship with yourself and your partner and also, very importantly, your mind. We need to prepare both your mind and body ready to receive a pregnancy, and this is what my clean holistic lifestyle overhaul will help you to achieve. Studies are showing that the lifestyle we lead not only influences our own health, but also the health of our future children, through the process of gene programming or what’s otherwise known as epigenetics. The 5 main pillars of this lifestyle approach are the foundation of The Conception Plan and can be summarised as follows: • Diet: This needs to be as clean, unprocessed, nutritionally dense and as organic as possible. I am not a fan of drastic dieting as this puts stress on the body, but rather an approach that is plant based as
Dr Larisa Corda
much as possible, seasonal, and that leaves you feeling full and energetic, rather than lethargic and bloated. • Exercise: A minimum of 150 minutes per week is required as a mix of aerobic (cardiovascular) and anaerobic (resistance) training, to improve blood flow to your pelvic organs and maintain a healthy weight. • Environment: Aim to make this as toxin free as possible, from the food you eat, to what you use to prepare it, to products you use around the house and on yourself, eliminating as many of the harmful synthetic substances as you can. • Stress: It’s crucial that you become aware of any stress you carry and invest in dealing with this, whether it’s via counselling or hypnosis or acupuncture or reiki, you must align your mind and soul with what you’re asking your body to do and deal with any past experiences or traumas that may be affecting you. • Relationship: This is about making a commitment to your partner to have free and open communication about your needs and prioritise intimate time together, including sex, not just around ovulation but throughout your cycle. For more details please visit www.drlarisacorda.com
South Oxford nursery has been rated ‘OUTSTANDING’ by Ofsted
Baby Hair
Lake Street Nursery, which is based in Hinksey Park, Lake Street, has spaces for two to four year olds for up to 30 hours a week, term time. Nursery manager Catherine Morey says: “Every child has their own dedicated key person to look out for them and take good care of them. Our fun loving team is really invested in the children and provides a fun, safe and friendly environment for them to learn, grow and develop. “Our parents tell us they love our amazing garden and emphasis on outdoor play, how flexible the nursery is, and the fact that we’re next door to Hinksey outdoor pool and the park is a big plus, too!” The nursery, which runs sessions from 8.30am to 2.30pm Monday to Friday, is a registered charity. To find out more or take a look around, call 01865 727939, email lakestreetnursery@outlook.com or visit www.lakestreetnursery.org.uk.
During pregnancy, higher levels of oestrogen prolong the growth phase, resulting in less shedding of hair and thicker tresses. Some women also notice that their hair becomes shinier during pregnancy or that it changes in texture (curly hair might become straighter, for example). Once your baby’s born, your hair will naturally shed returning to its natural thickness. Although this is totally normal, you can feel at a loss, Grow Gorgeous thickening hair products help maintain your baby hair. The intense routine is the go-to for visibly thicker hair, combining active skincare ingredients with advanced haircare to keep the hair and scalp in optimum condition. Working to condition hair and to add body, strands are moisturised with active ingredients, Niacinimide and Hyaluronic Acid whilst roots are reinvigorated by caffeine and botanical complexes - GG’s light-weight water-based Hair Growth Serum, helps to increase the thickness of each hair strand by 13%. Prices start at £15, www.growgorgeous.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk
Families Oxfordshire 7
W hat’s Onto places Things to do, be had go and fun to ages in for kids of all
Oxfordshire
POP!
WHERE: Pegasus Theatre WHEN: 14 September
Join Ebb and her daughter Flo as they take you on a bubbly bath time adventure full of magic, mischief and music! For 0-3-yearolds and their families. £7/£10 www.pegasustheatre.org.uk 01865 812150
Harvest Celebrations WHERE: Greys Court WHEN: September
Celebrate the hard work of the gardeners this harvest, with house displays, apple tasting and short talks. Usual admission www.nationaltrust.org.uk/greyscourt
Super Sunflowers! WHERE: Oxford Botanic
Garden
WHEN: 11 September:
10.00-12.00 Enjoy crafts, gardening, stories and a mini guided tour. Plus, see how tall the super sunflowers have grown. For under 5s. Adults £6; £2 suggested donation per child www.obga.ox.ac.uk
One Small Step
WHERE: Oxford Playhouse WHEN: 13-15 September
An inventive, funny and surprisingly moving action-packed show that crams 50 years of history into 60 minutes! 7+yrs. £9 www.oxfordplayhouse.com Fre
e!
Heritage Open Days WHERE: Oxfordshire
WHEN: 13-22 September
Discover local, hidden gems. Churches, museums, gardens: lots of venues open their doors to the public. Booking recommended. FREE www.heritageopendays.org.uk
CotsWild Explorers-Animals in Danger Activity Trail WHERE: Cotswold Wildlife Park& Gardens
WHEN: September & October
Nature Tots
WHERE: Sutton Courtenay
WHEN: 18 - 20 September: 9.30
– 11.30 Environmental Education Centre Outdoor adventures and learning for your pre-school little ones nature play, games, stories and crafts. Booking essential. £7 www.bbowt.org.uk/events
Deep Sea Seekers
WHERE: North Wall Arts
Theatre
WHEN: 28 September
Join Alph, Betty and Gammo for an exhilarating, warm, audiencedriven children’s show that journeys through our oceans meeting incredible creatures, exploring unmapped shores and tackling unwelcome plastic. With songs, humour and lots of audience interaction. £8 www.thenorthwall.com
The Pirate Cruncher
WHERE: Cornerstone Arts, Didcot WHEN: 28 September
Captain Purplebeard and his cut-throat crew are off to find an island packed with treasure! But greed leads them into some monstrously big trouble! 4+. Adult £12; Child £10; Family £35 www.cornerstone-arts.org
PYO Pumpkins
WHERE: Millets Farm
Centre, Abingdon WHEN: From 28 September Open weekends and daily during half term. Have fun picking, wheeling and weighing your own pumpkin! www. milletsfarmcentre.com/what-s-on 8 Families Oxfordshire
Learn all about endangered animals at the Cotswold Wildlife Park with this trail for 6-11-year-olds. Available from the gift shop. 10% proceeds go to wildlife conservation. £2.50 plus usual admission www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk
Malory Towers
Robin Hood rescues the forest!
WHERE: Oxford
WHERE:
Sutton Courtenay Environmental Education Centre WHEN: 28 September: 16.00-17.30 To celebrate 50th Anniversary of the centre, watch this charming adaptation of Robin Hood. Bring a picnic for all of the family. Adult £7; Child £5 www.bbowt.org.uk/events
Playhouse WHEN: 1 - 5 October Nostalgic, naughty and perfect for now, Malory Towers is the original ‘Girl Power’ story. Join Wise Children for high jinks, high drama and high spirits. 8+. £10 to £30 www.oxfordplayhouse.com
Apple Day
WHERE: Cogges Manor
Farm
WHEN: 29 September:
Fre
11.00-16.00 Taste a variety of fresh produce from food stalls and demonstrations, and get involved in lots of foodie-based fun around the farmyard and grounds. Usual admission www.cogges.org.uk
e!
Oxford Fun Palace
WHERE: Oxford Playhouse
WHEN: 5 October: 11.00 – 15.00
Make your own rocket, complete a treasure hunt and much more, including workshops and performances. Drop-in recommended for 5+. FREE www.oxfordplayhouse.com
Unbelievable Science WHERE: Pegasus Theatre
WHEN: 27-28 September
Morgan & West present captivating chemistry, phenomenal physics, and bonkers biology in this fun for all the family science extravaganza! £13/£9 www.pegasustheatre.org.uk 01865 812150
familiesonline.co.uk
Families What’s on Autumn Fair
WHERE: Harcourt Arboretum
WHEN: 12 October: 11.00-16.00
Enjoy music, storytelling and children’s craft activities amongst the spectacular trees. Taste and take-away some delicious local produce and meet British birds of prey. Car parking limited. Adults £5.45; Child FREE www.obga.ox.ac.uk/visitarboretum
There was an Old Lady who Swallowed a Fly
WHERE: Cornerstone, Didcot WHEN: 23 October
Mini Music at the Museum
WHERE: Vale and Downland
Museum, Wantage WHEN: 14 October: 10.00 For under 5s - traditional songs and rhymes accompanied by live music played on a variety of instruments. £1 donation www.valeanddownlandmuseum. org.uk
Spooks and Ghouls WHERE: Chinnor Princes
Risborough Railway, Chinnor WHEN: 20, 27 & 31 October There may be hitch-hiking Ghosts, perhaps a haunted station and maybe even ghastly ghouls aboard - dare you ‘dress for the occasion’ and come along for a ride? Adult £11; Child £1 www.chinnorrailway.co.uk
Go and relive the delights of this most charming of tales complete with a feast of sing-along songs, colourful animal characters and heart-warming family fun. From £7.50 Child www.cornerstone-arts.org
Woodland Tales with Grandad
Something is happening in the woods, Laura the ladybird, and her friends are worried. There’s one person who can help the animals of the forest – Granddad. But is there enough time? Can they save the wood? £8 www.thenorthwall.com
A journey of laughs, storytelling and song in a show for all the family specially written for the live stage and packed with fun and excitement. 5+yrs. Adult £10; Child £8; Family £32 www.cornerstone-arts.org
familiesonline.co.uk
Search the garden for riddles and secret messages –solve the mystery to receive a treat! Pumpkin carving, and no-carve pumpkin decorating for the little ones. And Wonder Woods. Adult £6.50; Child £8.50 www.stonor.com
Halloween Trains
Half term Activities
Railway
WHEN: 26 October – 3 November
WHERE: Cholsey & Wallingford
Gifts for children aged 1-7 distributed by the ‘Witch of Wallingford’. The Witch’s grotto will be in the brake coach. Are you brave enough to ride? www.cholsey-wallingfordrailway.com
WHERE: Cornerstone Arts, Didcot WHEN: 26 October: 14.00
WHERE: Millets Farm Centre
Fun activities for families taking place during half term; craft and more. www.milletsfarmcentre. com
You’ve Got Dragons
WHEN: 26 October
Oxford
A musical play based on the book by Judith Kerr direct from a smash-hit West End season. Expect to be surprised. From £14 atgtickets.com
WHEN: 23 October – 3 November
WHERE: North Wall Arts
Basil Brush Family Show
WHEN: 21 - 23 October: 11.00
WHERE: Stonor Park
WHEN: 26 October
The Tiger Who Came to Tea
WHERE: New Theatre
Halloween Half Term
WHERE: Pegasus Theatre WHEN: 18 October
Spook-tacular Science WHERE: Sutton Courtenay
Environmental Education Centre WHEN: 29-31 October: 10.00-15.00 Spooky wildlife themed fun for all the family. Wrap up warm. Aimed at 4-11-year-olds. Pre-book. £5 www.bbowt.org.uk/events
With live, original music, this highly visual, sensitive production is a humorous and touching exploration of the dragons we all face. Relaxed performance suitable for deaf or hard of hearing audience members. £7/£5 www.pegasustheatre.org.uk 01865 812150
Stick Man
WHERE: Oxford Playhouse
WHEN: 26-30 October: 15.00 & 19.30
What starts off as a morning jog becomes quite the misadventure for Stick Man How will Stick Man ever get back to the family tree? £15.00/£10.00 www.oxfordplayhouse.com
Families Oxfordshire 9
Oxfordshire Independent School Open Days ABINGDON SCHOOL Park Road, OX14 1DE Boys 4-18 Day and Boarding Open Morning 28 September 9.30 – 12.30 01235 849011 admissions@ abingdon.org.uk
CRANFORD HOUSE
MAGDALEN COLLEGE SCHOOL
OXFORD HIGH SCHOOL
OX2 6XA Girls 4-18 Oxford, OX4 1DZ Prep School Open Morning Boys 7-18 & Girls 6th Form 24 September 9.30-11.00 Whole School Open Morning 14 September, drop-in, 9.30- Stay and Play 1 October 9.30 -11.00 12.00 Junior School Open Morning Senior School Open Evening 4 October 4.30-19.30 11 October & 8 November oxfordhigh.gdst.net/visit-us/ 9.30-11.00 ABINGDON PREPARATORY Senior School Open Evening 01865 559888 SCHOOL 8 October 17.30-19.00 Frilford, OX13 5NX DRAGON SCHOOL www.mcsoxford.org RADLEY COLLEGE Boys 4-13 Oxford, OX2 6SS 01865 253430 Abingdon, OX14 2HR Open Morning Boys & Girls 4-13 registrar@mcsoxford.org Boys 13-18 5 October 10.00 – 12.00 Day and (Flexible) Boarding Boarding admissions.manager@ Day Children Open Morning MOULSFORD BOY’S PREP Funded Places Open Day abingdonprep.org.uk 01865 21 September 9 November 2019 SCHOOL 392303 Boarding Children Open Moulsford-on-Thames, OX10 admissions@radley.org.uk www.abingdon.org.uk Morning 01235 543 174 www.radley. 9HR 12 October org.uk/Funded-Places Day & Boarding CHANDLINGS SCHOOL Boys 4-13 Pre-Prep Open Morning Oxford, OX1 5ND Whole School Open Day ST HELEN AND ST 15 November Girls & Boys 2-11 admissions@dragonschool.org 20 September: 10.00-12.00 & KATHERINE Open Morning 13.00-15.00 Abingdon, OX14 1BE 01865 315405 21 September 10.00-12.00 Whole School Open Morning Girls 9-18 www.dragonschool.org Early Years Christmas 21 September: 9.00-12.00 Open Morning Open Morning www.moulsford.com 01491 28 September HEADINGTON SCHOOL 10 December 9.30-11.00 651438 01235 530593www.shsk.org. Oxford, OX3 7TD 01865 730771 uk/admissions/Open-day Girls 3-11 admissions@chandlings.org.uk OUR LADY’S ABINGDON Day and Boarding www.chandlings.org.uk SCHOOL THE MANOR PREPARATORY Prep School Open Morning OX14 3PS SCHOOL 28 September 10.00-12.00 COKETHORPE SCHOOL Boys & Girls 3-18 Abingdon, OX13 6LN Senior School Open Morning Witney, OX29 7PU Whole School Open Morning Boys and Girls 2-11 5 October 10.00-12.30 Boys &Girls 4-18 12 October 10.00 – 12.30 Open Morning Whole School Open Morning EYFS Coffee Morning 01235 524658 (Senior School) 5 October 10.00 - 12.30 13 November 21 September 9.30 – 12.00 01235 523147 (Junior School) Year 3-6 Open Evening www.headington.org, 01993 703921 email email open-morning@olab. 6 November 19.30-21.30 register online admissions@cokethorpe. org.uk admissions@manorprep.org 01865 759 861/113 (Senior) org.uk www.olab.org.uk/Open01235 858462 www.cokethorpe.org.uk 01865 759 429 (Prep Morning www.manorprep.org Moulsford, OX10 9HT Girls 3-16 & Boys 3-11 Reception Open Morning 26 September 9.30-11.00 Whole school open morning 5 October 9.30-12.00 admissions@cranfordhouse. net.01491 651218 www.cranfordhouse.net
THE ORATORY PREPARATORY SCHOOL
Goring Heath, RG8 7SF Boarding & Day
Boys & Girls 2-13 Open Morning
28 September 10.00-12.30 0118 984 4511 registrar@ oratoryprep.co.uk.
www.oratoryprep.co.uk THE ORATORY SCHOOL
Woodcote, RG8 0PJ Boarding & Day
Opening Morning
28 September 9.30-12.30 registrar@oratory.co.uk 01491 683522
www.oratory.co.uk/
admissions/open-morning THE UNICORN SCHOOL
Abingdon, OX14 1AA
Boys & girls 6-16, Dyslexia and related Specialist Education
Open Morning
8 October & 20 November 9.00-12.00, drop-in
registrar@unicornoxford.co.uk 01235 530222
Unicorndyslexia.co.uk
MCS Families OxfordAll 180x130 July19.qxp_MCS Familes 180x130 July19check 24/07/2019 Page 1 to visiting. details are correct at time Oxford of printing. Please each 16:24 school prior
All events require booking unless otherwise indicated. Please mention Families Oxfordshire Magazine.
OPEN EVENTS Whole School
9.30am to 12 noon Saturday 14 September
Sixth Form
5.30 to 7.00pm Tuesday 24 September
Senior School (11+ and 13+)
SCHOOLS GUIDE 2019 SOUTHEAST INDEPENDENT SECONDARY SCHOOL OF THE YEAR 10 Families Oxfordshire
5.30 to 7.00pm Tuesday 8 October
Junior School
9.30 to 11.00am Friday 11 October
Junior School
9.30 to 11.00am Friday 8 November Visit mcsoxford.org/opendays to book familiesonline.co.uk
GCSE League Table School league tables can be a little controversial these days as often there are gaps in data which result in an incomplete picture of the regional or national educational landscape. State schools are still obliged to submit their exam performance figures to the Department for Education so that they can be ranked but independent schools can do as they wish. As a consequence, most independents no longer submit their exam specifics for inclusion in the governmentcompiled tables, many choosing instead to engage with independent-only league tables which feature in certain newspapers. The ‘Attainment 8’ and ‘Progress 8’ figures are still in their infancy but are now the main measure of schools’ performance. Attainment 8 shows how well a school’s year-group has performed in 8 prescribed subjects. The Progress 8 score tells us how good a school is at helping pupils progress beyond a precalculated national average by comparing each child’s levels of attainment at GCSE with their grades at Key Stage 2 five years before. A figure around 0 suggests that the school is meeting the progress average. Above 0 and the school is doing well at helping pupils progress, below 0 the opposite is the case. The top schools in 2018 are a familiar crowd with many of the same names that featured in previous years’ league tables. In the independent sector, Magdalen College School in Oxford(where 95 per cent of GCSE grades were A*-A/9-7)Oxford High School (90 per cent), Headington (84 per cent) and Cranford House (63 per cent,) were the counties leading schools in the private sector. Magdalen College School and Oxford High’s GCSE results, in fact, placed them as two of the highest performers in the country. Sometimes, one has little choice but to look to league tables and exam results when trying to form an opinion of a school. The best schools may not top every table but their quality will be reflected in good scores across the board. But remember that league tables only tell you about the academic prowess of the school. As yet, there are no league tables ranking schools for inspiring creativity
2018’s GCSE results from Oxfordshire’s state schools resulted in the county’s mean ‘attainment 8’ score of 48, slightly above the national average. or producing happy pupils. So,what else can a parent do to form an impression of a school? Ofsted and ISI (Independent Schools Inspectorate) inspect schools and the reports can be downloaded from their websites. The Good Schools Guide publishes candid and impartial reviews of more than 1,200 schools across the UK, so it’s worth seeing what our experts say. Nothing, however, can beat visiting a school, speaking to staff and pupils and getting a feel for the place. A combination of reading official reports, getting the opinion of unbiased school experts, glancing at the exam results and visiting the school in person is sure to stand you in good stead when making a decision about your child’s future. Families in Oxfordshire benefit from a local authority which places the majority of state secondary school applicants in their first choice school. On national offers day in 2019, 86% of
State-funded School
Attainment 8
children were offered a place at their preferred school – the national average is 81%. There is a greater range of options for families who can consider paying school fees,with a number of good independents spread across the county. It is worth remembering that a third of privately-educated pupils in the UK now have some kind of fee assistance. School fees don’t necessarily put private education beyond the reach of families with average incomes and if you think that your child might qualify for so called ‘fee assistance’, get in touch with The Good Schools Guide as we have the only UK directory of scholarships and bursaries. The Good Schools Guide is the leading, impartial source of information on schools in the UK, helping parents with every aspect of choosing the best education for their children. www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk 0203 286 6824
Progress 8
Grade 5/c or above in English and Maths %
The Cherwell School
60.3
0.92
74
Didcot Girls' School
55.9
0.67
65
Matthew Arnold School
55.4
0.5
66
Bartholomew School
54.1
0.38
63
Burford School
53.6
0.21
56
Faringdon Community College
52.8
0.16
52
Gillotts School
51.8
0.37
57
Langtree School
50.5
0.33
49
The Marlborough Church of England School
50.5
0.07
49
Wallingford School
50.2
0.16
57
familiesonline.co.uk
Families Oxfordshire 11
OPEN MORNING 21 September 2019 10.00am -12.00pm
Where learning happens everywhere A Co-Educational Prep School from 2-11 years • 60 acres of beautiful grounds • 5 miles from oxford • Excellent sports facilities • Excellent academic results • 60+ extra-curricular activities
For more details visit: www.chandlings.org.uk
s for
e Funded Plac
We have Funded Places that can be worth up to 100% of the fees at 13+. Radley is a top boys’ boarding school near Oxford. To find out more about Funded Places join us at Radley on
9th November 2019 To book a place please call the number below or, follow the web link.
01235 543174
www.radley.org.uk/funded-places
RADLEY
OpenMorning Saturday, 5 October 9:30am-12:00pm
SCHOLARSHIPS AND BURSARIES AVAILABLE UP TO FULL FEES
Cranford House is situated on the Oxfordshire-Berkshire border. We offer a vibrant education to girls and boys aged 2-18. Our new Sixth Form will open in September 2020, marking the same date that we will start to welcome boys to Year 7 and Year 12.
Reception Open Morning 26 September 9:30am -11:00am
Families_CranfordHouse_87x130mm_SEP 2019_AW.indd 1
cranfordhouse.net
22/07/2019 13:22
Families Education Cranford House
Cranford House continues to enjoy a growing national reputation for excellence as one of the UK's leading small independent day schools. Situated on the Oxfordshire-Berkshire border, we offer a vibrant education to girls and boys aged 2-18. Our new Sixth Form will open in September 2020, marking the same date that we will start to welcome boys to Year 7 and Year 12. Rated 'Excellent' in all categories, our school specialises in academic achievement, outstanding pastoral care and extra-curricular opportunities for all. We have an excellent reputation for providing pupils with a balanced, all-round education within a
Radley College
Radley offers an environment for boys to grow in self-confidence, thrive academically, and make the most of an enormous range of opportunities. The door is open to any talented candidate, regardless of their means or their background. Radley’s Funded Places Open Day is on Saturday 9th November 2019. You will be invited to a talk by the Warden, including a Q & A session, followed by an informal tour of the school. To book a place, please either contact us: admissions@radley.org. uk or 01235 543 174 or complete the enquiry form on our website http://www.radley.org.uk/FundedPlaces Radley has places that can be funded up to 100%
of the fees. The entry process begins early in Year 6 for 11+ candidates, who we can fund through prep school for two years, or there are scholarship places available for Year 9 entry. If you have a talented boy, who excels academically or at music, sport, art or drama then please get in touch. Radley College, Abingdon, OX14 2HR www.radley.org.uk/Funded-Places admissions@radley.org.uk 01235 543 174
Chandlings School
Chandlings is a leading co-educational prep school for children aged 2-11 set within 60 acres of beautiful grounds yet just five miles from Oxford. Alongside such an enviable location, we pride ourselves on exceptional academic achievement, genuine pastoral care and superb facilities. Our teachers are passionate about education and our children are curious, creative and independent. We offer impressive sports facilities, a huge range of enrichment activities such as yoga and archery as well as extensive private rural surroundings that include a low-ropes course in the Bluebell Wood. We won the National School’s award for Wellbeing this year highlighting the
Headington School
Headington School is an oasis of green set in 23 acres just a mile from Oxford city centre. The School draws pupils from Oxford and its surrounding towns and villages, and from all over the UK and the world thanks to a first-class, flexible boarding offering. The School is academically selective and consistently features in the top of the UK league tables, regularly in the top 50 schools at GCSE and A Level and the top 10 for IB. Alongside that, Headington offers a well-rounded education with a range of extra-curricular activities, state-of-the-art facilities and exceptional pastoral support. Girls are selected based on their academic familiesonline.co.uk
warmly nurturing environment. Set in over 14 acres of rural South Oxfordshire, our aim is to encourage pupils to achieve their full potential, becoming motivated, confident and happy individuals, recognising the importance of respect and support for others, but ready to seize life's opportunities. Cranford House, Moulsford, OX10 9HT www.cranfordhouse.net admissions@cranfordhouse.net 01491 651218
importance of developing positive mental health and emotional wellbeing within the fabric of the school community. We consistently gain outstanding academic results to highly selective senior schools and with our small class sizes we ensure that our children are both challenged and inspired. With us, your child will discover him or herself and make life-time memories. Chandlings School, Oxford, OX1 5ND www.chandlings.org.uk 01865 730771 admissions@chandlings.org.uk
potential and most achieve results which exceed their assessed potential on entry. Scholarships are available for entry at 11+, 13+ and 16+ and reward excellence in Academic, Art, Dance, Drama, Music and Sport. For exceptional candidates, a small number of scholarships are available in Academic and Music. Headington School, Oxford, OX3 7TD www.headington.org 01865 759113/861 admissions@headington.org
Families Oxfordshire 13
Open Morning 10.00–12.30 | Saturday 12 October 2019 Meet the staff and pupils. Explore our Nursery and Reception, Junior and Senior Schools. Our Lady’s Abingdon School Independent Day School for 3–18 Radley Road | Abingdon | OX14 3PS | 01235 524658 open-morning@olab.org.uk
We Achieve More Small friendly school | High personal values Small classes | Excellent exam results Highly praised pastoral support | School transport www.olab.org.uk/Open-Morning
Abingdon Prep Open Morning Saturday 5 October 10.00am-12.00pm
Ask abou
t our
“ Exceptional
- pupils’ achievement, both inside and outside the classroom.
”
ISI Inspection
abingdon.org.uk/prep
Transfer Process
to Abingd on School
Families Education Our Lady’s Abingdon School How do you decide the best nursery/junior school for your child?
Talk to friends, search online, hunt out reviews? I could tell you how good things are here at OLA but the best people to do that are the parents of our pupils. “OLA is a wonderful, nurturing school, full of happy children. It’s been delightful to see our shy daughter thrive and develop a love for learning.” Nursery Parent
Brigid Meadows – Headteacher
“OLA’s greatest asset is not just the education provided (which is fabulous) but the community that has been created around the school.”
“Oxfordshire offers many excellent junior schools but OLA stood out for its supportive atmosphere and its stress-free approach to learning.” Year 3 Parent
Why not come and see for yourself? Open Morning, Saturday 12 October 2019 10.00am – 12.30pm Our Lady’s Abingdon Junior School St. John’s Road, Abingdon OX14 2HB www.olab.org.uk/Open-Morning Bursaries available
Reception Parent
Abingdon Prep School
The boys and staff from Abingdon Prep formed the human numbers 845 on the sports field to welcome a very special visitor - a Merlin helicopter from 845 Naval Air Commando Squadron. The boys could hear the helicopter coming and then spotted it on the horizon. It flew over the school and did a circuit before setting down on the field. After the helicopter’s rotors and engines had stopped, boys and staff explored inside, strapping themselves into the seats and taking a look at the cockpit. The boys relished trying on the helmets and quizzing the crew in minute detail. This was just one of the many unusual visitors we welcome to Abingdon Prep to inspire the boys.
Our academic curriculum and extra-curricular activities are full of opportunities to explore the world outside the classroom. We believe this makes for happy boys, and happy boys enjoy learning! Abingdon Preparatory School Frilford, OX13 5NX www.abingdon.org.uk admissions.manager@abingdonprep.org.uk 01865 392303
Abingdon Senior School
At Abingdon School our teachers have a distinctive approach to teaching and learning, and we put our students’ wellbeing at the centre of school life. We are renowned for the wide range of extra-curricular activities on offer from discussion and debate, drama and ICT to film making, art, music and a myriad of sports. We want to make our education available to as many boys as possible and we understand that fees can be a barrier to applying to a school like Abingdon, so we offer means-tested discounts of up to 100% of fees. The School combines over 750 years of history and tradition with a modern outlook blending high
academic standards, music, sport and the arts in a caring and supportive environment. Abingdon is an exciting place to be, founded on ambition, endeavour and adventure. Please come and see for yourself. Abingdon School, Park Road, OX14 1DE www.abingdon.org.uk 01235 849011 admissions@abingdon.org.uk
Magdalen College Junior School Life in MCS Junior School is never dull. Boys from 7 to 11 enjoy a challenging and inspiring curriculum, with many opportunities to enrich classwork through trips, activities and workshops. The atmosphere fizzes with energy and the boys are engaged, enthusiastic and happy. The highly committed teachers encourage the boys to develop their own interests and undertake projects to strengthen their independent learning. Almost all boys go on to MCS Senior School. The 2017 ISI Inspection Report noted that ‘Pupils achievements beyond the formal curriculum are exceptional’ and that it is ‘staggering’ that pupils
familiesonline.co.uk
excel academically, whilst also reaching very high levels in Music, Sport, Drama and Art. Open Mornings: Saturday 14 September (Whole School), Friday 11 October (Junior School), Friday 8 November (Junior School) Visit mcsoxford.org/opendays to book
Families Oxfordshire 15
Open Day Independent Catholic day and boarding school for boys and girls aged 2 to 13
Saturday 28 September
Junior Department Head’s Breakfast Friday 11 October
A place with a palpable buzz and vibrancy that gets the balance between giving children the freedom to be
Book your place www.shsk.org.uk 01235 530593
themselves, whilst maintaining a focus on traditional values The Good Schools Guide Review 2018
OPEN MORNING SATURDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 10.00am-12.30pm Goring Heath, near Reading RG8 7QA (SatNav) 01189 844 511 • registrar@oratoryprep.co.uk • oratoryprep.co.uk
AMBITION School bus collection points across Oxford and the Thames Valley
An ‘Exceptional’ education from £3,000 per term Preparatory School Open Morning 24 September 2019 Pre-Preparatory School Stay & Play 1 October 2019 www.oxfordhigh.gdst.net/visit-us
Bursaries available up to 100% of fees Independent day school for girls aged 9–18 ABINGDON • OXFORDSHIRE
Families Education Oxford High School Prep
Oxford – a global centre for education Being a school in the centre of an international city, OHS Prep welcomes girls from all over the world which allows us to put our Global Studies curriculum into practise and ensure our language provision reflects our international community. Whilst Mandarin is our main foreign language, taught from Reception and culminating in the YCT Level 1 Examination in Mandarin, we offer an exciting global cultural enrichment programme to reflect the world in which our girls live and will work in in the future. Other languages are delivered through the curriculum, supported by a range of language clubs and specific language
Oratory Preparatory School
The Oratory Preparatory School is a Catholic independent day and boarding school, providing an enriched education for boys and girls aged 2 to 13. A commitment to the pastoral care of each child and an ethos of inclusive learning lie at the heart of the school. A focus on outdoor learning and Forest School are part of the curriculum for all year groups and central to the self-discovery of each child. Outstanding facilities including a Theatre, Dance Studio, Music and Art Rooms and Science Labs, ensure a stimulating and hands-on education. The school offers extensive sporting fixtures including Rugby, Football, Hockey, Netball, Triathlon and
boys’ and girls’ Cricket. Facilities include four tennis courts, a full size 3G all-weather hockey/ football pitch and multiple grass pitches. Children enjoy weekly swimming lessons from Kindergarten upwards. The After-School Activity Programme and Saturday Enrichment Programme, with activities from fencing to debating, offer many opportunities to discover new interests and talents. The Oratory Preparatory School Goring Heath, RG8 7SF oratoryprep.co.uk 0118 984 4511 registrar@oratoryprep.co.uk
The Oratory School
At The Oratory we have been providing pupils with a broad and rich education for 160 years. It is a school where each pupil is known, valued and stretched as an individual. We are delighted to announce that The Oratory School will become a coeducational school, welcoming girls alongside boys from September 2020. We are proud of our pupils’ achievements and the school sits comfortably within the top 3% of schools for value added at A Level 2018 (ALIS). The Oratory was also top school for A Level Art & Design in England in 2018 (Oxford Analytics). With our nurturing family ethos and vast array of co-curricular activities, pupils are emboldened in
St Helens and St Katherine’s
A unique bridge to secondary education The Junior Department is one of St Helen and St Katharine’s best kept secrets. In our academic, friendly and inspiring learning environment Years 5 and 6 students enjoy all the benefits of the senior school as well as being taught by dedicated primary specialists, while nestled in the very heart of the School. Eleanor,Head Girl 2018–19 began her own St Helen’s journey in Year 5 and explains: “It gave me the chance to really develop my independence. The work was more challenging and really pushed me, so that by Year 7 I had gained both ability and confidence.” With transfer into Year 7 assured for each Junior student, familiesonline.co.uk
sessions. As girls progress through the Prep, our Languages Programme is enhanced by the introduction of Latin and Classical Civilisation, taught by subject specialists from the Senior School and providing a taste of the academic rigour of Latin, alongside the fascinating historical and cultural insights afforded by those civilisations. Oxford High School Prep OX2 6XA oxfordhigh.gdst.net/admissions/ open-days/ 01865 515647 prep@oxf.gdst.net
their learning and for life. A range of scholarships and bursaries are available. The Oratory School Woodcote, RG8 0PJ www.oratory.co.uk registrar@oratory.co.uk 01491 683522
learning continues at a pace to which they will be well-accustomed, ensuring a smooth and happy transition. Means tested bursaries are available up to 100% of fees. School bus service with collection points across Oxford and the Thames Valley. Open Day 28 September – book your place: www.shsk.org.uk
Families Oxfordshire 17
Families Education
HOW TO BOOST YOUR CHILD’S LITERACY AND NUMERACY Literacy and numeracy are central to your child’s learning in primary school and will underpin many of the subjects they’ll cover during their secondary education. They are of course crucial to later life too. Whether they’re already acing their algebra or still struggling with basic sums, here are some ideas on how to give these key skills a boost. A little extra learning at home can work wonders… but don’t go overboard! Realistically, it isn’t always possible for teaching staff in busy classrooms of 30 pupils to provide the one-on-one attention children benefit from – perhaps looking at improving handwriting or listening to reading daily. By sitting with your child and working on specific areas, you can make a huge difference to their attainment. Keep it sensible though – even just ten or fifteen minutes a day for Key Stage 1 children can have an impact, yet still leaves hours and hours for Lego building, climbing trees or playing with friends. Find out about the methods their school uses to ensure consistency If you want to do some work at home, it will help your son or daughter greatly if the methods you use are consistent with those they’re being taught at school – otherwise you can do more harm than good by confusing them. Reading and aspects of numeracy are both typically taught quite differently to when most of us were children, so do attend any curriculum information evenings the school holds, or ask their teacher for more information about methods. Employ tech to your advantage There are some brilliant educational apps and websites out there with masses of kid appeal. Try to find ones which align with the National Curriculum (or at least use British English to avoid conflict with what’s done at school). Many of the best apps have an in-built system of rewards and some even provide parents with progress reports. Encourage reading Reading opens the door to almost endless learning and enjoyment. Some children are naturally enthused by books, others need more
by Liat Hughes Joshi nudging to get the reading bug. Firstly, encourage any reading at all – be it comics, magazines, the back of the cereal packet – without worrying much about what they are reading. Also try and home in on your child’s interests and give them books that work with these – reluctant readers might gain confidence with non-fiction relating to their hobbies, or a football-mad child might enjoy some sporty tales and then decide fiction is for them. Bedtime stories are a crucial opportunity to snuggle up discussing books together. They’re still beneficial even once children can read independently - parents of older kids could take on a more challenging classic together, taking it in turns to read a page before talking about what’s going on. Incorporate ‘stealth learning’ into everyday activities Sneak some maths and literacy into their day-to-day life and you can improve their skills without it feeling like schoolwork. Adding up the cost of the shopping, dividing the bill in a restaurant, playing Monopoly or snakes and ladders, budgeting for that much-longed for Christmas present or helping with cooking are all brilliant but subtle numeracy activities. For literacy, writing shopping lists, sending a postcard or email to the grandparents, or finding a pen pal might all help. Liat Hughes Joshi is a parenting journalist and the author of four books including ‘New Old-fashioned Parenting’ and ‘How to Unplug Your Child’ (both published by Summersdale) and Raising Children: The Primary Years (Pearson).
• • • •
Near Reading • 01491 683522 • registrar@oratory.co.uk • oratory.co.uk
18 Families Oxfordshire
familiesonline.co.uk
Families Education Moulsford School
Moulsford is a thriving independent Prep School of 360 boys aged 4 - 13 years, set in tranquil and picturesque grounds on the banks of the River Thames surrounded by the rolling hills of South Oxfordshire. At Moulsford, the message is straightforward. We want our boys to receive the broadest possible education, while remembering that they will learn best when happy and settled. Our down-to-earth, family-focussed approach embraces the fact that boys of this age should be having fun at the same time as learning. Boys progress, many with scholarship awards, to leading senior independent day and boarding
The Manor Prep
‘To challenge, cherish and inspire’ Situated in Abingdon, the Manor Preparatory School is an outstanding independent coeducational preparatory day school for children aged 2-11. The Manor has a wonderfully happy, creative atmosphere where each individual is valued and nurtured to reach their potential. In April 17, The Manor’s ISI Inspection rated every area of the school as ‘Excellent’. Inspectors commented that “Pupils approach every day with an overwhelming passion to learn and develop.” Every child is encouraged to push themselves to new challenges, resulting in outstanding results academically, on the sports field, and in creative
schools including Eton, Radley, Harrow, Wellington, Marlborough, St Edwards, Bradfield, Cokethorpe, Shiplake, Pangbourne and The Oratory. Pre-Prep boys visit Forest School weekly and a broad range of extra-curricular opportunities include judo, fencing, golf, cycling, stand-up paddleboarding, sailing, indoor rowing, archery, clay pigeon shooting, art club, music theory, photography, LAMDA, slacklining and circus skills. Moulsford Boy’s Prep School, Moulsford-onThames, OX10 9HR www.moulsford.com 01491 651438
and performing arts. The school has an excellent record in ensuring leavers move onto the next school that is perfectly suited to the individual. Scholarships, awards and exhibitions feature highly in all areas. The school aims to simplify family life so offer an extensive bus service and fully flexible wraparound care. For further information and details of our Open days: www.manorprep.org 01235 858462 admissions@manorprep.org The Manor Preparatory School, Abingdon, OX13 6LN
MP-451 Families Oxon 87x130mm.qxp_Layout 1 08/07/2019 16:32 Page 1
An outstanding independent day school for boys and girls aged 2-11
OPEN
DAYS Friday 2 Saturd 0th ay 21st Septem ber
Top grade of ‘excellent’ in all areas - ISI Report 2017
Open Morning
Saturday 5 October, 10:00am-12:30pm
Getting the Best out of Boys To attend an Open Day please contact
admissions@moulsford.com • 01491 651438 Moulsford Preparatory School, Moulsford-on-Thames, Oxon, OX10 9HR Independent day and boarding school for boys aged 4-13 www.moulsford.com
familiesonline.co.uk
Abingdon
To Challenge, Cherish and Inspire
01235 858462
admissions@manorprep.org
www.manorprep.org
Families Oxfordshire 19
Families Health
The Key Components of a Mentally Healthy School
By Dr Margot Sutherland Health and safety policies cover children’s bodies in schools – so why do they not exist for children’s minds and brains too? Neuroscience research is now sufficiently advanced that we have all the evidence we need on the adult-child relationship experiences that cause and heal mental health problems. Painful life experiences predominantly cause mental ill-health – especially when a child is not helped to process and make sense of what has happened. One of the biggest public health studies of our time, The Adverse Childhood Experiences Study (ACE Study), found that adverse childhood experiences are a leading determinant of all major mental and physical illnesses in the West. These experiences include childhood events like living with parental separation/divorce, suffering a major loss, witnessing domestic violence and living with a parent who has addiction issues or mental health problems. The more adverse childhood experiences a child has without an emotionally available adult to help, the more vulnerable they are to developing mental health problems. These adverse experiences also trigger toxic stress, which negatively affects the developing brain, immune system and endocrine system. However, a Government Green Paper* published in December 2017 makes the point ’meet and greet.’ Meet and greet in primary around vulnerable children to match their that appropriately trained and supported schools involves the teacher addressing developmental capabilities and experience of school staff can achieve comparable results each child individually by name, with a warm traumatic events. This would include removing to trained therapists in helping children with open expression at the school entrance. This vulnerable children in a kind, non-judgmental anxiety, conduct disorder and post-traumatic intervention calms children and has also been way from difficult situations. stress disorder, caused by adverse childhood found to dramatically increase attendance experiences. So toxic levels of stress in a child figures.** A Policy around Testing and can be reduced if a child’s school environment Exam Stress can offer such resources. Mentally healthy schools would help pupils understand that their self-worth is not solely So how can schools provide these defined by tests and exams. resources and help reduce the Finally, if schools are to become mentally toxic stress of vulnerable pupils? healthy places, the value of wellbeing has to The answer is by introducing a whole-school start at the very top, with organisations like mentally healthy culture. Practices that Reduce Stress Levels the Department for Education and Ofsted of Vulnerable Pupils balancing the scales between outcomes and What Would a Mentally Healthy Many children arrive at school in an emotional emotional wellbeing. There must be national School Look Like? state not conducive to learning. recognition of the importance of monitoring A school in which children feel listened There are a number of research-backed wellbeing in schools, and the wellbeing of to and understood at every level, and are practices designed to reduce stress levels in staff and pupils must be a key performance encouraged to engage in conversation with vulnerable children, best implemented at the indicator for schools. empathic adults about their mental state as beginning of the school day. These include Dr Margot Sunderland is a child well as being taught to label their feelings. time with animals, time outside, sensory psychologist, psychotherapist, neuroscience A mentally healthy school would validate the play, mindfulness, Tai chi and accompanied expert, award-winning author and the Director feelings underneath a child’s behaviour and drumming. A mentally-healthy school would of Education and Training at The Centre for give children and parent’s information about make these practices available. Child Mental Health, a non-profit organisation the causes and diagnoses of mental health that provides mental health training in schools symptoms as well as working with them to School Staff that are and Co- Director of Trauma Informed Schools relieve these. ‘Emotionally-Available Adults’ UK. Having daily, easy access to at least one For further information visit: A Relationship Policy for Staff specific emotionally-available adult and www.childmentalhealthcentre.org A mentally-healthy school would have a knowing when/ where to find that adult can *Green paper entitledTransforming children and young policy that ensures school staff consistently effectively bring down stress levels in pupils. people’s mental health provision engages with children in an open, warm and Staff in mentally healthy schools would be **When the Adults Change, Everything Changes Paul Dix 2017 respectful manner. It might include policies like trained to adjust their expectations and actions
Toxic levels of stress in a child can be reduced if a child’s school environment can offer such resources.
20 Families Oxfordshire
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Families Education THERE’S MORE TO SCHOOL THAN LESSONS
by Liat Hughes Joshi
These days, education is about much more than what goes on in the classroom. Most schools – whether state or private –offer a range of extra-curricular and enrichment activities and these can be fun, educational, sociable, confidence-boosting or all of these.
Is Your Child Sport Ready?
by Raymond Vestibule
Physical activity is good for children of all ages and participation in organised sports may be an enjoyable way for children to be physically active. However, sporting activities must be developmentally appropriate for your child. Enrolling your child in a sport or activity beyond their developmental ability can lead to frustration and early dropout.
Ages 2 to 5
Toddlers and pre-schoolers may be beginning to get the hang of many basic movements but are too young for most organised sports. So at this age don't stress too much if your little one isn't enrolled in a dozen different activities. According to the Mayo Clinic,toddlers who participate in organised sports typically don't gain any long-term advantage in terms of future sports performance. At this age, unstructured free play is usually best. Try running, tumbling, throwing, catching and swimming.
Ages 6 to 9
As children get older, their vision, attention span and transitional skills, such as throwing a ball for distance, improve. They're also better able to follow directions. Consider organised activities such as running, football, gymnastics, swimming, tennis and martial arts.
So how can you ensure your child capitalises on the opportunities on offer but still gets the balance right between work, rest and play? CHOOSING ACTIVITIES Follow your son or daughter’s lead when deciding which classes to sign up for – most kids have a strong feel for what appeals to them. That said, it’s also worth pointing them towards something you think they might benefit from, such as drama sessions for a shy child. DON’T FORCE A SQUARE PEG INTO A ROUND HOLE It might be ‘daddy’s dream’ for your son to be the next Beckham but if your little boy hates the idea, it’s unwise to force him into the football club. Making children take up an activity that they really don’t feel good about, in the hope it’ll grow on them, can be counter-productive. ENCOURAGE PERSISTENCE Some of us have flighty children who get super-excited about an activity but within weeks, lose enthusiasm – unfortunately only once you’ve coughed up a whole term’s fees. Consider having a rule that your child does have to see the period you paid for out before they can give up – they might well change their mind back after a few weeks anyway!
HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH? There’s no set answer about how many activities are optimal– it varies for each child. Some will get more tired than others and find just one or two classes suffice, others embrace a packed schedule of karate to clarinet without losing energy. NEEDS CHANGE OVER TIME Certainly most reception children are exhausted enough from school for the first term or so, without lengthening their day by adding extra activities. Keep things simple at this stage. Older primary children have a decent opportunity to learn a few different skills and enjoy classes, whereas once they start secondary, longer commutes, more homework and exam pressures might mean reining things in. RELAXATION TIME IS VITAL TOO Watch out for activity over scheduling – quiet contemplation and scope to be creative and relax is just as important as that second musical instrument or third sport. If your child doesn’t have space to just play and chill out, consider cutting back. Liat Hughes Joshi is a parenting journalist and the author of four books including ‘New Old-fashioned Parenting’ and ‘How to Unplug Your Child’ (both published by Summersdale) and Raising Children: The Primary Years (Pearson).
Ages 10 to 12
By this age, children have mature vision and the ability to understand and recall sports strategies. Children of this age are typically ready to take on complex skill sports, such as football, basketball, hockey and volleyball. As well as considering whether a sport is age-appropriate for your child, take into account how much they will enjoy the activity based on their maturity and abilities. Your child may show a natural preference for one activity over another, which shouldn't be ignored. Remember children change as they grow and it’s normal for them to show a keen interest in one activity one year, only to switch to another by the next. Keep monitoring their level of interest and stay involved with their progress. Be positive and encouraging by emphasising effort and enjoyment over winning and never try to persuade your child to continue with a sport they clearly don't enjoy, whatever age they are. More information visit www.mayoclinic. org/healthy-lifestyle and www.nhs.uk/ change4life familiesonline.co.uk
If your child is struggling: particularly if he or she finds their class work difficult, it might be worth putting additional effort into building skills at home or with a tutor. Talk to their teacher about what help they need to focus on. Perhaps they can suggest fun but educational games, or workbooks. Tutoring can be expensive and you need to check the tutor’s credentials (because anyone can set up and call themselves a tutor) but one-toone attention can have a remarkable impact on learning. Taking things to the next level: if your child is coping well with all that school throws at them and they’ve found their passion – be it gymnastics or music – you could contact local clubs and associations to see how they can take their talent to the next level, with matches/performances or extra training.
Families Oxfordshire 21
n W hat’ssseO s in the
PERFORM weekly drama, dance and singing classes
WHERE: Oxford, Abingdon,
Monkey Music Oxford WHERE: Oxford, Abingdon,
Thame Award-winning music classes for kids 3 months to 4 years. Educational and fun four-stage curricula designed to nurture a life-time love of music. Weekly term-time sessions. Book a FREE trial class. www.monkeymusic.co.uk 01235 519 806
Pegasus Theatre Drama Course WHEN: 10 September -
26 November Working as a team, kids use their imagination to create new drama pieces; great for those who love story-telling. A wonderful way to develop drama skills, make new friends and have lots of fun. 5-8 yrs on Tuesdays 4-5pm; 8-11 yrs Tuesdays 5.30-7pm. £90/£72 www.pegasustheatre.org.uk 01865 812150
Kids Club WHERE: Soldiers of
Oxfordshire Museum £3.50 per session Once a month on Wednesdays 3.45-5.00pm after school and regularly in the holidays, activity
sessions for kids aged 6-9 years. No Parents! Packed with trails, quizzes, games, craft, active learning, kitchen science and outdoor fun. Booking essential. 01993 810211 or email education@sofo.org.uk www.sofo.org.uk/kids-club 22 Families Oxfordshire
The Oxford School of Ballet
at Cheney WHEN: Saturdays from 12 October: 12.00-13.00 A year-long beginner’s course for children 7 years + and families designed to introduce Latin from scratch. You will learn words and grammar each week, as well more about Roman civilisation. Pre-book. info@irisproject.org.ukwww. eoccc.org.uk/beginners-latin-forchildren
Tuition in classical ballet for children from 3 years. Pre-school classes teach children the basics; children can then progress through the pre-primary and beyond. www.oxfordballet.co.uk 01865 511097
WHERE: Iris Classics Centre
Clubs & cla g region offerin lar Extra Curricu fun for kids in
Ox fords h ire
Beginners Latin for Children
Didcot, Wallingford, Thame Confidence-building fun for 4-12s. A unique mix of drama, dance and singing specially formulated to bring out every child’s true potential. Classes are kept small to ensure lots of individual attention. Call to book noobligation FREE trial sessions. www.perform.org.uk/try
Stagecoach Performing Arts
Mathnasium Learning Centres WHERE: Oxford
WHEN: Monday-Thursday &
Saturday Where Maths makes sense! By producing a tailor-structured learning plan for each student according to his/her knowledge and skill level, the Mathnasium Method can help children in Years 2-12 better understand maths and leap ahead. 01865 655968 www.mathnasium.co.uk/ northoxford
November Try out your own choreography and make friends as you work together to create a short performance to show to family and friends at the end of term. This course is open to all levels and experience and recommended for ages 8-11. Wednesdays 4-5.30pm. £90/£72 www.pegasustheatre.org.uk 01865 812150
WHERE: Oxford Sailing Club
WHEN: Tuesdays: 17.30 – 20.00
Fun session for all abilities. Nonmembers can join in up to three times - you will need RYA Stage 2 certificate. Sail for £6 using your own boat or £10 including boat hire. Call 01865 863201 on Mondays to book place www.oxfordsailing.club/youthsailing-oxford-pirates
WHERE: Cheney School,
Abingdon, Thame, Headington, Bicester, Witney, Henley & High Wycombe Bring out the best in your child and encourage them to develop excellent communication skills, grow in self-esteem and enjoy the benefits of improved co-ordination. Term starts September. From £25 for two-week trial www.stagecoach.co.uk 0800 915 0199
WHEN: 11 September – 27
Oxford Pirates
W R Soccer Schools
WHERE: Summertown,
Pegasus Theatre Street Dance Junior
WHERE: Woodstock Road Oxford
Headington WHEN: Saturdays 10.00-11.30 Super-fun sessions for boys and girls of all abilities aged 4 – 11 years. Designed to teach the basics of football and for the kids to enjoy themselves in a fun and relaxed environment! No set start dates, join any time. £33/6 sessions 01865 587 867 www.wrsportsltd.com
Saturday Clubs
WHERE: Science Oxford
& Abingdon Inspiring clubs that offer fun workshops for families, children and young people (aged 5-15) to try out science-inspired creative activities from coding to crafting, investigating and inventing. Pre-book. www.scienceoxford.com
Brookes Sport Swim School WHERE: Oxford Brookes
University Children up to 4-yrs can join Pre-school programme on Monday afternoons, and Thursday & Saturday mornings. From 4 years and up, is Swim School (Stages 1-7), on weekday afternoons from 4:00pm, and Saturday mornings from 8:30am. From £30.14/month www. brookes.ac.uk/brookes-sport/ facilities/swimming/swim-school swimming@brookes.ac.uk 01865 488 354 familiesonline.co.uk
Autumn Clubs & Classes Gymnastics
WHERE: Various locations
Jumping, bouncing, rolling, climbing – children are natural gymnasts. Encourage a healthy relationship with movement and confidence by signing your child up to a regular class with a specialist instructor. Use the British Gymnastics Organisation website to locate classes in your area. www.british-gymnastics.org/ discover
Oxfordshire Taekwon-do & Little Pumas
WHERE: Didcot, Abingdon, Grove
From £28/month A revolutionary method to encourage and motivate 4-7-yearolds as well as traditional methods for 7-14-year-olds. Get fit, learn self-defence and make friends. www.oxfordshiretkd.co.uk 07831 950 850
Baby Bumpkin &Tatty Bumpkin Yoga
WHERE: Venues across
Music Box
WHERE: West Oxford,
Summertown &Cutteslowe From £75 per 10-week term Music education and fun for toddlers to young teenagers. Foundation skills taught through songs to develop musical skills without the technical demands of an instrument. 01865 559649 birdsongmusic.co.uk
Oxford region Happy, sociable classes filled with fun, music and active movement. Routines come to life with storytelling and music. Help develop strength and coordination. Pre-book. www.tattybumpkin.com/ seoxfordshire 07772 966039
Amber’s Art Classes
WHERE: Garsington, Oxford
Private classes for both children and adults as well as afterschool classes and small group art classes. Holiday clubs available too. From £15/hour info@amber-laurenfineart.co.uk 01865 361883 or 07766 686883
ABINGDON & DIDCOT
Shaolin Mantis King Fu, Oxford
WHERE: New Marston Primary School &St Gregory The Great School
Dance Studio Practical and theoretical training, multi-level practice situations in a controlled environment. 6 – 14 years. Availability Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings. Trial classes offered. From £22.50/month www.oxfordkungfu.co.uk 07917 334 818
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Help YOUR child discover their CONFIDENCE and enjoyment in MATHS Claim your FREE pack at MathsClubByPost.co.uk Families Oxfordshire 23
PLAY TO YOUR STRENGTHS
Open Morning Saturday 5th October 10.00 am - 12.30 pm
Book your place at www.headington.org