Primary Times Glos: September 2012

rima ry ptimes for parents, teachers & children

11 12 1 yrs

2 3 4 yrs

in Gloucestershire Issue 117 3 Sep-19 Oct 2012

Also First term nerves After school fun Food for thought

Sheer purrrfection!

Arty Barty • Theatre • Roundabout • Save money!

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With the dampest summer in living memory behind us, the season of mists will be greeted with muted enthusiasm by some. But, seeing children’s paintings chosen by my friend Arty Barty (P22), I was reminded why the start of the school year is so fantastic.

You’re seeing all your friends for the first time in ages. With them you can face the new beginning with its host of exciting new challenges. The children’s paintings have captured this moment so well.

If it’s your child’s first ever term at school, author Sarah Ebner describes how parents and children can get over those initial nerves and make new friends (P6). Have a great year!

a ry prtiim mes

teachers for parents,

n en & children

11 12 1 y yrs

2 3 4

y yrs

ershire in Gloucest Issue 117 3 Sep-19 Oct

2012

the editor

THEATRE P8 ROUNDABOUT P11 PINBOARD P17 ADVERTISING FEATURES P18 CLASSIFIEDS P20 PUPILS’ PAGE P22 FIRST DAY NERVES P6 Sarah Ebner has advice for the new school year.

CALL TO ACTION P16 How to keep your kids active after school.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT P21 Fiona Faulkner dispels E number myths.

Also ves First term ner fun After school ught Food for tho

rfection!

Sheer purr

VIEW THE MAGAZINE ONLINE AT www.venue.co.uk/early-times-primary-times www.primarytimes.net • www.facebook.com - Arty Barty

ney! t • Save mo Roundabou • Theatre • Arty Barty

Primary Times in Gloucestershire Venue Publishing at Bristol News and Media, Temple Way, Bristol BS99 7HD. More information at www.primarytimes.net and more places to visit at wwww.venue.co.uk Editor: Mike Gartside

Email: mike.gartside@venue.co.uk

Tel: 0117 934 3742 Commercial director: Becky Davis

Email: b.davis@venue.co.uk

Tel: 0117 934 3780 Advertising: Caroline Stretton

Email: c.stretton@bepp.co.uk

Tel: 0117 934 3737 Distribution: Simon Butler

Tel: 0117 934 3741

Email: s.butler@bepp.co.uk Design: Cath Evans, Sarah Clark, Mike Gartside Main Office: 0117 942 8491

Primary Times is independently published and distributed free in Primary, Junior, Infant and Middle Schools throughout the former Avon area, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire. It is also available by subscription at £10 per year.

Its aims are to inform families and children of current educational issues, forthcoming events, courses and attractions, and to give teachers, pupils and parents the opportunity to participate in the magazine by adding to its contents or joining in the competitions which we run. It is NOT our intention to publish any racist, sexist or politically based material whatsoever. We also undertake not to carry any advertising which we would consider to be offensive to young families or harmful to the best interests of young children.

While we make every effort to ensure information published is accurate, readers are encouraged to check details of all events in advance and neither Venue Publishing nor its contributors are liable for the consequences of any errors. Primary Times would like to thank all the schools in the county for their assistance in distributing the magazine and their contributions to its contents.

We would also like to thank all the advertisers who have supported this publication and therefore made it possible. Please support their endeavours when and where you can. The copyright on all written material, logos and advertising artwork produced by our studio remains with Primary Times or the relevant contributor.

Primary Times is currently publishing more than two million copies per issue under franchise.

PRIMARY TIMES

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Find these amazing offers this issue!

Cattle Country Adventure Park – 20% off for up to 5 people with voucher Ikea Bristol - £15 off with coupon when you spend £75

venture Park Cattle Country Ad

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Advertising As well as glittering stars like Felicity Kendal, Penelope Keith and Timothy West, The Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham has plenty of family fun this autumn.

It’s got to be purrrfect!

T

he Everyman’s eagerly anticipated annual Christmas pantomime is a festive feast of laughs, thrills and spills. This year it is Gloucestershire’s very own panto, ‘Dick Whittington’ (30 Nov–13 Jan), the story of the local lad made good. With a streetwise cat as his companion, Dick defeats the evil Queen Rat, sails to far-away lands and underwater kingdoms, finds his fortune, marries Alice and becomes Lord Mayor. This is the purrrfect Christmas family treat.

The cast includes many familiar faces from past shows, including William Elliott as Sarah the Cook and Kelli Maybank as Dick Whittington. This year the Everyman is delighted to welcome Tweedy the Clown, fresh from Giffords Circus. Tickets start from as little as £11 with a Family Special of just £58 for four tickets. Don’t delay, book your seats now as ‘Dick Whittington’ is sure to be the cat’s whiskers!

Panto clown Tweedy has his own show at the Everyman this September.

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As well as starring in the Everyman’s Panto, Tweedy also appears in his own show in the Everyman Studio Theatre on Thursday 20 September at 7.45pm. Full of madcap humour and amazing comic stunts, Tweedy has a unique contemporary, vaudeville clowning style, inspired by the great silent film clowns.

Tickets are £9.50 (£8 concessions).

If your kids are too young for panto on the main stage, the Everyman Studio Theatre is staging a magical alternative, ‘The Enormous Turnip’ (3–24 Dec). This delightful, charming tale will have old and young enthralled as you enter the world of Farmer Ted. Meet his family and friends and marvel at the array of vegetables that he grows. Some are small, some are big and some ENORMOUS. Help him care for the seeds, keep them safe and watch them grow and grow. Tickets for this delightful show are just £7.50 with a family ticket of four just £20.

And for all those budding young performers the Everyman also has its own youth theatre, the Everyman Young Company (EYC). This year it celebrated its 25th birthday and has over 150 members, divided into different age groups. EYC provides professional theatre training for young people from 7 to 18 years of age and offers a fantastic opportunity to learn about every aspect of theatre, from performance skills to writing scripts, backstage knowledge and directing. It’s also a safe place to develop confidence, self-discipline and self esteem.

The company meets weekly during term time and performs regularly on the main stage and in the Studio Theatre. This autumn, it produces two shows in the Studio Theatre (‘The Sky is Falling’, 15–17 Nov and ‘Green Jack’ on 22–24 Nov).

‘The Sky is Falling’ focuses on living life to the full: when life deals you rough cards and the sky feels like it’s falling in on you, some take cover and hide, while others have an urge to go out and do something about it. Can we, with the help of others, take a step into a bright new future?

‘Green Jack’, written especially for EYC by Martin Lytton from the Everyman’s Writer’s Lab, draws on epic themes to convey an invisible world that magically touches on the “World Visible”. Contemporary young characters meet ancient figures of legend in a story of friendship, families, suffering and salvation.

This play will have resonance for anyone who has lost a friend, experienced “sixth sense”

or has wondered about the existence of a spiritual world. Tickets for both EYC shows are £9.50 (£8 concessions).

The Everyman also offers a session for younger children aged 4 to 7 years old, which takes place on Saturday mornings at the theatre during term time. This is a wonderful introduction Also at the Everyman this to the world season, Penelope Keith of theatre and drama. With an emphasis on having fun, this group enjoys a variety of activities, including drama, art and music. In these sessions, the children enjoy playing different drama games and meeting lots of new people from different schools.

For more information on all the theatre’s events and to book tickets, call the Everyman Box Office or visit the website.

Everyman Theatre

Regent Stre et, Chelt GL50 1HQ enham, T: 012 W: www.ev 42 572573 erymanthe atre. org.uk

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Specialised in helping children with learning difficulties and school ‘phobia’.

Background in Rudolf Steiner Education and Speech Therapy.

Ballet Tap Modern Jazz Singing Drama Gymnastics Street Jazz Expert tuition in a caring environment for children age 2 to adult Classes at Quedgeley, Elmbridge, Berkeley, Slimbridge, Highnam, Brockworth more branches opening in September.

Contact Linda on 07900178699 0r 01452 722771 email: lindadaffurn4@btinternet.com

PRIMARY TIMES

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Sarah Ebner

A NEW MORNING Journalist and author Sarah Ebner explains how parents can deal with first day at school nerves.

W

hat should you expect from your child’s first term at school? In a nutshell, it’s likely to be a mixture of early mornings, silence (children are rarely good at telling their parents what they’ve been up to), some anxiety and grumpiness, new friends, and, of course, learning. But if you put it all together, it’s a great new adventure, even though there might be some tears on the way.

Starting school is a big step, for parents and children. But, as the parent, you must try not to let your child see your fears and concerns. Children always pick up on their parents’ moods, so be positive, even if you are a little nervous about this new start.

FIRST TERM TIPS • Make friends for yourself.

You might have to be confident and initiate conversation, but friends make pick-up and drop off time much more fun.

• Make sure your child gets enough sleep. You may have to start an earlier bedtime routine.

• Don’t be scared to speak to the teacher or headteacher if there’s a problem.

• But don’t speak to teachers first thing in the morning when they have 30 children arriving all at once. Instead try to catch them at the end of the day, or make an appointment via the office.

• Weigh up packed lunch vs. school dinners – and go with the one which you think your child will eat. But if time is at a premium for you, try school dinners first.

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The playground awaits

If your child is feeling anxious, try to keep the mood light. I would also recommend reading books about starting school together.

‘Topsy and Tim Start School’ by Jean and Gareth Adams, ‘Kevin Starts School’ by Liesbet Slegers and ‘I’m Absolutely Too Small for School’ by Lauren Child are among my favourites.

Once term starts, you may find that your biggest problem is crying (theirs, not yours) at school drop-off. Most people (especially teachers) agree that you simply need to leave when this happens.

After all, your child is in the hands of professionals and you should trust them.

“It’s always good to get rid of the parents,” confided one headteacher to me, while another experienced Reception class teacher added, “I have never had a child who didn’t settle after his or her parents left.”

That, of course, is all well and good. But the reality is that it can be emotionally draining to have an unhappy child grabbing onto your knees each morning, especially if they haven’t shown behaviour like this before.

If you are planning the “just go” line, then it’s sensible to have a proper plan, rather than perform a simple vanishing act. Don’t say that you will wait and say goodbye, and then not do it. This could inflame the situation, making your child feel even more insecure the next day. Instead, tell them exactly what you are going to do.

Another option, if it’s possible, is not to be the person dropping off. Sometimes children misbehave with one parent, but not with anyone else. If you organise some (hopefully temporary) help, that may prove to be a breakthrough.

“You can set up a vicious cycle, where the child dreads going to school and separating from his mum, and so the mum also begins to dreads it,” says psychologist Lucy Willetts. “The child picks up on that anxiety. It might be that if the dad or a friend can take them, it would be easier for the child.”

Another tip is to give your child what psychologist call a “transitional object”. That way, they have a reminder of you, such as a bracelet or badge, with them for the day.

Children start school when they’re very young and, even if they don’t

find it stressful, it’s often exhausting, both mentally and physically.

So, don’t be surprised by some bad or babyish behaviour (cut them some slack at the beginning). You should also hold off on organising too many after-school activities or playdates, at least at the start.

After about a month or two, school becomes less of a novelty and the excitement fades. This may be when you find that your child develops a reluctance to get up, or starts to talk about tummy aches or headaches. He or she may become clingy or unsettled on a Sunday evening. Whatever happens (within reason) you need to continue taking your child to school. They’ve got years left, and hopefully they’ll enjoy most of them. Good luck!

Sarah Ebner is editor of The Times’s School Gate, @schoolgate and author of ‘The Starting School Survival Guide: everything you need to know when your child starts school’.

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SV Severn Vale School School Lane, Quedgeley, Gloucester, GL2 4PR Tel 01452 720458 Fax 01452 724900 E-mail address: svs@severnvale.gloucs.sch.uk Headteacher: Peter Rowland B.A. (Hons) N.P.Q.H.

Severn Vale School is a popular 11-16 Academy on the southern fringe of Gloucester City, praised by OFSTED. The school has a proven track record of academic success and a thriving enrichment programme.

Excellent resources include: • A strong team of specialist teachers • Modern, well equipped classroom blocks including a new DT block • Learning Resource Centre • Seven modern computer suites and 400 networked computers throughout the school • A Drama studio • Fully equipped science laboratories • A well equipped music suite with recording studio • Excellent facilities for sport, including a floodlit all weather pitch, tennis courts, sports hall and fitness centre.

For further information please contact the school office.

Open evening: Thursday 20th September 7-9pm.

Walk rounds: Tues 18th, Tues 25th,Thurs 27th September & Tues 2nd October at 9.30am PRIMARY TIMES

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FAMILY & CHILDREN’S SHOWS ★ GLOUCESTER, CHELTENHAM, STROUD & BEYOND Children, don’t try this at home!

Grimm Tales at Parabola Arts Centre, Sat 27 Oct

GLOUCESTERSHIRE THE BACON THEATRE Dean Close School, Shelbourne Road, Cheltenham GL51 6HE. 01242 258002, www.bacontheatre. co.uk Coppélia Thu 27 Sep. 7.30pm. £17/£13 • An eccentric toy-maker makes a wonderful, life-like mechanical doll in this lighthearted family ballet with music by Leo Delibes.

Any Street, Any Town Thu 25-Sat 27 Oct. 7pm (Thu-Fri) 2pm & 6.30pm (Sat). £9/£7 • Girlguiding Gloucestershire presents Showtime 2012. Over 100 girls present a musical interpretation of life today in all its facets. Tickets by post from Showtime 2012, 6 Milton Grove, Stroud GL5 1NP. EVERYMAN THEATRE Regent Street, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573, www. everymantheatre.org.uk Tweedy Thu 20 Sep. 7.45pm. £9.50/£8 concessions • Tweedy is a quirky, comic character that stars in his own show full of madcap humour and comic stunts.

The Sky is Falling Thu 15-Sat 17 Nov. £9.50/£8 concessions • A play that focuses on living life to the full and taking steps into a bright new future.

Green Jack Fri 22-Sun 24 Nov. £9.50/£8 concessions • Brand new and written for the theatre’s youth group, about young characters who meet ancient figures of legend in a story of friendship, families, salvation and suffering.

Dick Whittington Fri 30 Nov-Sun 13 Jan. £11/family £58 • The story of a local lad made good with a streetwise cat as his companion.

The cast includes familar faces from past shows such as William Elliott and Kelli Maybank.

The Enormous Turnip Mon 3-Mon 24 Dec. £7.50/family £20 • A magical alternative to panto, Farmer Ted will enthral you in the world of his family, friends and a vast variety of vegetables.

NEW BREWERY ARTS Brewery Court, Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7 1JH. 01285 657181, www.newbreweryarts. org.uk The Three Billy Pigs Wed 24 Oct. 2pm. £7/£6 • A blend of two classic fairy tales, the Three Little Pigs and The Three Billy Goats Gruff, featuring a misunderstood wolf and a grumpy person under the bridge.

Noisy Oyster Theatre Company brings it to life.

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Little Red Robin Hood Sat 22 Dec-Sun 23 Dec & Thu 27 Dec. 11am & 2pm, £8/£6 • Garlic Theatre presents a merry mix-up in the forest involving glove puppets, false teeth and a frying pan. Is the baddie the Sheriff of Nottingham or the Big Bad Wolf and why is Robin wearing girls’ clothes?

PARABOLA ARTS CENTRE Parabola Road, Cheltenham GL50 3AA. 01242 707338, www.parabolaartscentre.co.uk Grimm Tales Sat 27 Oct. 7.30pm. £10/£8/£5 • Poet laureate Carol-Ann Duffy has adapted the dramatic stories of the Brothers Grimm, including the original Cinderella and Hansel and Gretel, in a new and original way. Suitable for children over 6.

Odyssey Wed 3–Fri 5 Oct, 7.30pm, £10/£8/£5 • Hand-drawn paper puppets offer a novel interpretation of Homer’s epic poem, written and performed by Paper Cinema.

THE ROSES THEATRE Sun Street, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire GL20 5NX. 01684 295074, www.rosestheatre.org Pam Ayres Thu 4 Oct. 7.30pm. £25 • One of Britain’s favourite poets brings her comic observations to Tewkesbury to coincide with the paperback launch of her autobiography, ‘The Necessary Aptitude’. Profits from ticket sales go to Motor Neurones Disease Association.

Trafalgar Night Fundraising Gala Sun 21 Oct. 7.30pm (7pm reception). £14.50 • Entertainment in aid of The Roses and RNLI (Tewkesbury Branch). .

FURTHER AFIELD THE ARTS CENTRE Devizes Road, Old Town, Swindon SN1 4BJ. 01793 614837, www. swindon.gov.uk Jungle Book Fri 26 Oct. 1pm and 4pm. £10/£8 (family price available) • Be transported to the jungle as you are entertained by the music and antics of Mowgli, Baloo, King Louis and more colourful characters.

THE BRISTOL HIPPODROME Saint Augustine’s Parade, Bristol BS1 4UZ. 0844 871 3012, www. bristolhippodrome.org.uk The Lion King Until Sat 17 Nov. 7.30pm/2.30pm, £22.50-£75 • This hugely popular West End stage adaptation of the Disney movie makes Bristol its first port of call in the long-awaited national tour.

THE EGG Theatre Royal, Sawclose, Bath BA1 1ET. 01225 448844, www. theatreroyal.org.uk

Little Red Hen Sat 22 Sep. 11.30am & 3pm. £7.50/£6.50 • Puppetry, storytelling and song tells the famous tale of the Little Red Hen who decides to make a delicious loaf of bread but discovers that good help is hard to find. Ages 2-5.

Ready or Not Sat 29 Sep. 11.30am & 3pm. £7.50/£6.50 • A colourful music and dance performance about playing together, making friends, and how to share and trust one another. Ages 3+.

Little Howard’s Big Show Sat 6 Oct. 11.30am & 3pm. £10 • BBC 1’s Big Howard and Little Howard come alive on stage with songs, sketches, magic, and a brand new invisible character.

The Mysterious Vanishment of Pobby and Dingan Fri 12-Sat 13 Oct. 11.30am & 3pm. £7.50/£6.50 • How do you search for imaginary friends when you can’t even see them? A poignant and funny story about family loyalty based on Ben Rice’s acclaimed debut novel. Ages 9+.

Up Down Boy Fri 19 Oct. 1.30pm & 7pm. £7.50/£6.50 • The uplifting story of a boy with Down’s syndrome and his mother as he learns to take on the real world. Ages 9+.

Portmanteau Sat 20 Oct. 11.30am & 3pm. £7.50/£6.50 • A mix of mime, movement and sign language in which two ushers have to step in and play the characters when the film breaks down. Compagnie Animotion provide the thrills for children aged 5 – 12 years.

ST GEORGE’S BRISTOL Great George Street, Bristol BS1 5RR. 0845 402 4001, www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk Drum Blondes Sun 16 Sep. 3pm, £8/£6 • Emily Morris and Claire Hasted introduce children aged 6 and over to the delights of percussion. Also a workshop at 1pm.

A Musical Mystery Tour Sun 7 Oct. 2pm, £8/£6 • A zany tour of music from around the world featuring a ‘parrot-parrot’ from ‘Hong-HongKong-Kong’ and Children’s BBC classics.

Mandiloquents Sun 7 Oct. 6pm. £12/£6 • This band of ‘off-beat strummers’ promise hot swing and fiery folk music, via Mozart and Vivaldi.

WYVERN THEATRE Theatre Square, Swindon, Wiltshire SN1 1QN. 01793 524481, www. wyverntheatre.org.uk.

Chris and Pui Sun 4 Nov. 11am and 2pm • See CBeebies’ favourites, Chris and Pui, as they take their show on the road. Laugh, sing and join in with the ‘Show Me Show Me’ duo as they perform sketches, rhymes and songs for pre-schoolers and their families.

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ROUNDABOUT Your ultimate family diary of what’s on, where & when

Deadlines: List your school’s events in Primary Times for free. We work a half-term in advance so we’re now collecting information copy for November and December 2012: deadline Monday 10 September. If your event is to raise cash for a school, community group or charity, and is open to the public, we want to know. Email mike.gartside@venue.co.uk.

Cotswold Food and Farming Festival, Sun 30 Sep

SAT 15-SUN 16 SEP FAMILY GARDEN SHOW AT BRISTOL ZOO Bristol Zoo Gardens, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3HA. 0117 974 7300, www.bristolzoo.org.uk, standard zoo admissions apply • A weekend packed with family fun from plant potting, drop in arts and crafts sessions and face painting. Also talks from nature experts and stalls to browse for some brilliant goodies.

PLEASE CHECK BEFORE YOU TRAVEL While we make every effort to ensure these listings are accurate and up to date, event information can sometimes change after we’ve gone to press. Please check with the venue or organiser before you set off to an event to make sure it’s going ahead as planned . . . and tell them you saw it in Primary Times!

SEPTEMBER UNTIL MON 3 SEP WETLAND GAMES Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT. 01453 891900 or 01453 891223 www.wwt.org.uk • Join WWT Slimbridge in their summer holiday games. With moth trapping, pond dipping and badge making you won’t be short on things to keep you busy!

UNTIL SUN 9 SEP GLOUCESTER HISTORY FESTIVAL 2012 Various venues, Gloucester, GL1 4UF. 01452 396572. www.thecityofgloucester.co.uk/whats-on • Kicking off with a parade on Gloucester Day (1 Sep), this festival celebrates the rich history of the county. Hands-on activities for the whole family, as well as visits from Roman legionaries and World War II soldiers.

UNTIL SUN 4 NOV DINOZOO Bristol Zoo gardens, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 3HA. 0117 974 7369, www.bristolzoo.org.uk, free with normal zoo admission • Twelve life-like dinosaurs are on display all around the zoo offering an uncannily realistic animatronic exhibition. The re-born residents include some of the best known dinosaur species, brought to life using state-of-the-art technology.

MON 3 SEP AT HOME WITH LADY ASHCOMBE Private Library, Sudeley Castle, Winchcombe, Gloucestershire GL54 5JD. 01242 602308/01242 604244, www.sudeleycastle.co.uk, 3pm, £24 (inc. tea and cake) • Intimate recollections of 50 years at Sudeley. Book in advance.

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SAT 15 SEP ROLLED BEESWAX CANDLES New Brewery Arts, Brewery Court, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 1JH. 01285 657181, www.newbreweryarts.org.uk 10am-1pm, £3 • Roll your own beeswax candle to take home and enjoy!

THU 6-SUN 16 SEP GIFFORDS CIRCUS Stratton Meadows, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, 11am, 2.30pm, 5pm & 7.30pm on various days.

08454597469, www.giffordscircus.com. £21/£14 • Starring four hand-balancing Russians, a young gentleman wire walker, an owl, the Victorians and Brian the goose with a supporting cast of eight English dogs.

FRI 7-SAT 8 SEP CRAFT EXTRAVAGANZA 100 Church Street, Tewkesbury, Glos GL20 5TT. 01684 855040, www.outofthehat.org.uk, 10am • Get crafty with your shopping and look at all the wonderful gifts that local craftspeople have made.

SAT 8 SEP BRISTOL OPEN DOORS DAY At-Bristol, Anchor Road, Bristol, BS1 5DB. 0845 3451235, www.atbristol.org.uk 10am–5pm (hourly tours) • Join At-Bristol’s sustainability officer for a unique tour behind the scenes of At-Bristol, as part of Bristol Open Doors Day. Discover how the unique building and focus on sustainability has earned the attraction a Gold Green Tourism award.

SAT 8 SEP SAUSAGE SATURDAY Taurus Crafts, The Old Park, Lydney, Gloucestershire, GL15 6BU. 01594 844 841, www. tauruscrafts.co.uk 11am, free • Award-winning charcutier Graham Waddington, prepares three distinctive sausages from local produce, available to taste and buy. He is joined by local suppliers offering a range of local food.

SAT 8 SEP AUTUMN FAYRE Hucclecote Playgroup, Hucclecote Community Centre, Hucclecote

Road, Hucclecote GL3 3RT. 07870 874592, tina.gaulton@ googlemail.com, 1-4pm, free admission • Hucclecote Playgroup is raising funds with the aid of Buzz Lightyear, dance displays, go karts, BBQ, face painting and much more. All funds raised go towards renovating the garden used by children during their time at playgroup.

SAT 8 SEP OPEN DOORS AT KINGS WESTON ROMAN VILLA Kings Weston Roman Villa, Long Cross, Lawrence Weston, Bristol, BS11 0LP. 0117 922 3571, www.bristol.gov.uk/page/kings-westonroman-villa, 10am-4pm • Explore the remains of Bristol’s own Roman villa and learn about what the Romans really did. (To visit the villa at other times, collect a key from Blaise Castle House Museum or Bristol Museum & Art Gallery. £5 deposit needed).

SAT 8 SEP OPEN DOORS AT BLAISE: BUTTER MAKING Blaise Castle House Museum, Henbury Road, Bristol, BS10 7QS. 0117 903 9818, www.bristol.gov. uk/page/blaise-castle-housemuseum, 10am-4pm • See butter being made the traditional way (and even try your hand) at the quaint dairy at Blaise Castle House Museum.

SAT 15 SEP BEE DAY New Brewery Arts, Brewery Court, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 1JH. 01285 657181, www.newbreweryarts. org.uk 10am-1pm • Cirencester & District Beekeepers will be on hand with their inspection hive.

Beekeeper David Chubb demonstrates the traditional craft of making bee skeps.

MON 17 SEP ENGLAND ON HORSEBACK Sudeley Castle, Winchcombe, Gloucestershire GL54 5JD. 01242 602308/01242 604244, www. sudeleycastle.co.uk, 12pm, £13 • Zara Colchester and Charlotte Sainsbury-Place show through photography how our bridleways are a national treasure. Book in advance.

TUE 18 SEP-TUE 11 DEC AUTUMN NIGHT SKY PLANETARIUM SHOW At-Bristol, Anchor Road, Bristol, BS1 5DB. 0845 3451235, www. at-bristol.org.uk regular daily shows • Discover the changing constellations of the new season with the autumn night sky. Learn about the awe-inspiring moons of Jupiter, the effects of gravity on the Milky Way and all about how the hero Perseus rescued Andromeda.

SAT 29 SEP GUIDED TOUR: THE FUNGI AT WESTONBIRT »

Giffords Circus, Cirencester, 6-16 Sep BACK TO SCHOOL 2012

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PLEASE CHECK BEFORE YOU TRAVEL . . . AND TELL THEM YOU SAW THE EVENT IN PRIMARY TIMES! Butter making at Blaise Castle, Bristol, on Open Doors Day, Sat 8 Sep

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Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, Tetbury, Gloucestershire GL8 8QS. 01666 880220, www.forestry.gov.uk/ westonbirt, 10.30am-12.30pm, 2-4pm, £8 adult/ £5 child, book in advance • Join Dave Shorten, from the Cotswold Fungus Group to explore Westonbirt’s remarkable diversity of fungi and discover the hidden roles they play in supporting our trees. Twenty places maximum.

SAT 29 SEP VICTORIAN DAY Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre, Cocklebury Road, Chippenham SN15 3QN. 01249 705500, www.wshc.eu, 10am4pm, free • Experience a panoply of Victorian fun at Wiltshire’s leading history and archaeology centre. Discover the crucial role the county played in the development of photography, try your hand at Victorian book binding techniques and dress up in Victorian clothing.

SUN 30 SEP FOREST DISCOVERY DAY Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, Tetbury, Gloucestershire GL8 8QS. 01666 880220, www.forestry.gov.uk/ westonbirt, free on admission • Join in this celebration of woods and forests taking place across the country. Family activities and trails available on the day.

SUN 30 SEP COTSWOLD FOOD AND FARMING FESTIVAL Cotswold Farm Park, Near Guiting Power, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL54 5UG. 01451 850 307, www.cotswoldfarmpark. co.uk, 10.30am, free • Promises to be a great day, offering activities and food for all. Several local food producers have stalls selling food from beef, cheese and relishes to handmade chocolate, bread and puddings.

OCTOBER MON 1, 8, 15 & 22 OCT & TUE 2, 9, 16 & 23 OCT HOLBURNE EARLY YEARS WORKSHOPS Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney Street, Bath BA2 4DB. 01225 12

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388568, holburne-education@ bath.ac.uk, www.holburne.org, 10.30am-12pm, £7.50 • Expert-led weekly workshops for yearlings (Nine-24 months) held in the Gardener’s Lodge. Have fun with sensory and creative activities while meeting other children and their adults.

FRI 5-SUN 14 OCT THE TIMES CHELTENHAM LITERATURE FESTIVAL (CLF) Cheltenham Literature Festival, Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham GL50 1UW. www. cheltenhamfestivals.com • Kofi Annan and J.K Rowling take centre stage at one of the country’s most exciting literature festivals. Over 600 of the world’s leading writers, actors and comedians gather to showcase a wide range of literature for all ages. See below for a selection of individual festival events, marked (CLF).

FRI 5 OCT SEVEN AGES OF CHILDHOOD (CLF) Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square, Cheltenham, GL50 1QA. 01242 774400, www.cheltenhamfestivals.com 2pm-3pm, £7 • John Mullan, Nick Tucker and Erica Wagner discuss their favourite child characters in classic fiction.

SAT 6 OCT J.K.ROWLING (CLF) The Centaur, Cheltenham Racecourse, Cheltenham GL50 4SH. 01242 774400, www.cheltenhamfestivals.com 6.30pm, £15 • Harry Potter author JK Rowling will be in conversation with documentary film-maker James Runcie, to discuss her new book, ‘The Casual Vacancy’. Although it’s her first book for adults, she’s unlikely to get away without fielding the occasional question about the young wizard.

SAT 6 OCT ILLUSTRATE: BASHER WAY (CLF) St. Andrews Church, Montpellier Street, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL50 1SP. 01242 774400, www.cheltenhamfestivals.com, 10am-12pm, £15 • Get a step-by-step guide on how to craft your own quirky characters, or creatures, and help make a special one-off Festival character.

SAT 6 OCT THE GRUNTS (CLF) St. Andrews Church, Montpellier Street, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL50 1SP 01242 774400, www.cheltenhamfestivals.com 4pm-4.45pm, £5 • Join Philip Ardagh and Axel Scheffler for fun adventures involving bendy railings, double-barrelled shotguns, full-fat yoghurt and a beard of bees.

SAT 6 OCT GUIDED TOUR: AUTUMN FRUITS AND BERRIES Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, Tetbury, Gloucestershire GL8 8QS. 01666 880220, www.forestry.gov.uk/ westonbirt, 11am-1pm, free on admission, book in advance • Discover the reasons behind the many shapes and sizes of seed packages and see Westonbirt’s wonderful autumn colour.

SAT 6 OCT THE BIG DRAW New Brewery Arts, Brewery Court, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 1JH. 01285 657181, www.newbreweryarts.org.uk 12-4pm in the theatre, free entry • Draw pictures of bees in charcoal and chalk, linked to the Beekeeper and the Bee exhibition in the New Brewery’s main gallery. All ages welcome!

SAT 6 OCT REALLY WILD ADVENTURES (CLF) The Playhouse Theatre, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL53 7HG. 01242 774400, www.cheltenhamfestivals.

com, 11.30am-12.15pm, £5.50 • Meet BBC presenter and author Michaela Strachan, from South Africa, who talks about her love of animals and her latest book for children, ‘Really Wild Adventures’.

SAT 6 OCT BEASTS AND EXPLORERS (CLF) St. Andrews Church, Montpellier Street, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL50 1SP. 01242 774 400, www.cheltenhamfestivals.com, 11.30am-12.15pm, £5 • Journey across treacherous terrain, performing daring deeds along the way with Chris Judge, award-winning illustrator of ‘The Lonely Beast’ and ‘The Great Explorer’.

SAT 6 OCT DRAWING THE GRUFFALO AND FRIENDS (CLF) The Playhouse Theatre, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL53 7HG. 01242 774400, www. cheltenhamfestivals.com, 1pm1.45pm, £6 • Join Axel Scheffler in drawing the Gruffalo and his other fun friends for your eyes only!

SAT 6 OCT HUGLESS DOUGLAS PARTY (CLF) St. Andrews Church, Montpellier Street, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL50 1SP. 01242 774 400, www.cheltenhamfestivals.com 2.20pm-3.15pm, £5.50 • Come and give a big hug to the loveable bear, Hugless Douglas in an afternoon of fun and creativity with the bear’s creator, David Melling.

SUN 7 OCT MY HAMSTER IS A GENIUS! (CLF) Queen’s Hotel, Promenade, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 1NN. 01242 774400, www. cheltenhamfestivals.com, 10pm10.45pm, £5 • Author Dave Lowe wants to know about your genius pets and to tell you more about what Stinky’s up to!

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Author Debi Gliori appears at Cheltenham Literature Festival, Sat 13 Oct

SAT 6 OCT CRESSIDA COWELL (CLF) The Playhouse Theatre, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL53 7HG. 01242 774400, www.cheltenhamfestivals.com, 10am-10.45am, £5.50 • Join author and illustrator, Cressida Cowell for plenty of fun as she presents ‘How to Seize a Dragon’s Jewel’, the latest title in her widely hit ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ series, which became a hit DreamWorks film.

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For details of Gloucester and Cheltenham schools contact: Sharon Isaacs - 01242 252415

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PLEASE CHECK BEFORE YOU TRAVEL . . . AND TELL THEM YOU SAW THE EVENT IN PRIMARY TIMES! The Fungi at Westonbirt, Sats 29 Sep & 27 Oct

ROUNDABOUT audiences on Sir Charlie Stinky Socks’ most terrifying quest yet.

Following a dusty map, Sir Charlie enters a spooky underground world with all manner of tricks.

SUN 14 OCT BUILD A BOOK (CLF) Parabola Arts Centre, Cheltenham, 10am, £15 • Workshop aimed at 7 to 11-yearolds. Children collaborate to imagine, write, illustrate and have published a 20 page story book.

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SUN 7 OCT ADVENTURE WRITING (CLF) Parabola Arts Centre, Cheltenham, GL50 3AA. 01242 774400, www.cheltenhamfestivals.com 10am-12pm, £15 • Perfect for budding young authors, this workshop provides tips and advice for writing the best action-packed adventure tales!

SUN 7 OCT BOB AND THE MOON TREE MYSTERY (CLF) Queen’s Hotel, Promenade, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL50 1NN. 01242 774400, www. cheltenhamfestivals.com, 10.30am-12.15pm, £5 • Simon Bartram celebrates 10 years of Bob with this new picture book.

SUN 7 OCT DROP-IN WILLOW SCULPTURE WORKSHOP Stroud District Museum Service, Stratford Park, Stroud, Gloucestershire GL5 4AF. 01453 752400, www.museuminthepark. org.uk, 11am-3.30pm, free • Help Nora Kennedy create a giant outdoor willow sculpture.

SAT 13 OCT PEPPA PIG (CLF) Parabola Arts Centre, Cheltenham, 12.45pm, £6, Members • Enjoy an interactive storytelling and the chance to meet your favourite pig in person.

SAT 13 OCT DEBI GLIORI (CLF) The Studio, Cheltenham, 11:30am, £5.50 # Award-winning author and illustrator Debi Gliori provides an insight into her latest book ‘What’s the Time, Mr Wolf?’, plus a masterclass in how to draw one of her characters.

SAT 13 OCT HARRY AND THE JAGGEDY DAGGERS (CLF) St Andrews Church, Cheltenham, 3.45pm, £5 • Take to the high seas with award-winning author and illustrator Jan Fearnley as she reads from her latest book Harry and the Jaggedy Daggers.

SAT 13 OCT JUDITH KERR (CLF) Parabola Arts Centre, Cheltenham, 2:30pm, £5.50 • Judith Kerr is the much loved creator of Mog, ‘The Tiger Who Came to Tea’ and author of the classic ‘When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit’.

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include a reading from her new book, ‘The Great Granny Gang’.

SUN 14 OCT FIREMAN SAM’S 25TH ANNIVERSARY (CLF) Parabola Arts Centre, Cheltenham, 10am, £6 • Calling all Fireman Sam fans! When a raging fire threatens Pontypandy, Fireman Sam and the Pontypandy fire crew jump to the rescue. Join Liz Fost in this interactive story event.

SAT 13-SUN 14 OCT BIG DRAW WEEKEND Stroud District Museum Service, Stratford Park, Stroud, Gloucestershire GL5 4AF. 01453 752400, www.museuminthepark. org.uk, 11am-3.30pm, free • Join Stroud School of Art staff, students and artists for the annual Big Draw at the Museum. Have a go at drawing, mapping and making.

SAT 13-SUN 14 OCT AMERICAN CIVIL WAR SKIRMISH The American Museum in Britain, Claverton Manor, Bath, BA2 7BD. 01225 460503, www.americanmuseum.org, 3:30pm, £9/£8 • Involving over 100 costumed re-enactors from the Southern Skirmish Association, this is the museum’s biggest living-history event of the season. See a hillside skirmish complete with infantry, barricades, cannon fire and lots of noise and smoke!

SUN 14 OCT MR GUM WITH ANDY STANTON (CLF) Inkpot, Cheltenham, 10, £6 • Andy Stanton is back gives his popular character Mr Gum a work out.

SUN 14 OCT MARTHA AND THE BUNNY BROS (CLF) Queen’s Hotel, Cheltenham, 4pm, £5 # Martha prepares for her very exciting first day at school. As well as telling you a story, author and illustrator Clara Vulliamy will show you how to make an amazing felt bunny.

SUN 14 OCT SIR CHARLIE STINKY SOCKS AND THE TALE OF TWO TREASURES (CLF) Parabola Arts Centre, Cheltenham, 11:30am, £5.50 • Bestselling author and illustrator Kristina Stephenson takes

SUN 14 OCT PRINCESS EVIE’S PONIES (CLF) Queen’s Hotel, Cheltenham, 2.30pm • Princess Evie’s ponies are not like any other ponies.

Whenever she rides them, she is whisked away on a magical adventure. Come to this sparkly session dressed in your best princess outfit and join author Sarah Kilbride for activities and pony fun.

SAT 20-SUN 21 OCT AUTUMN CRAFT FAIR Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, Tetbury, Gloucestershire GL8 8QS. 0117 956 4769, www.forestry.gov.uk/ westonbirt / or www.fowa.org. uk, 10am-4pm, free on admission • Cakes and preserves, jewellery, woodwork and all manner of arts and crafts for sale in aid of the Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum.

MON 22 OCT EBLEY FIREWORKS Marling School Playing Field, Cainscross Road, Stroud, Gloucestershire GL5 4HE. info@ ebleyfireworks.org.uk, www. ebleyfireworks.org.uk, 6pm, £6/ £3 under 11s • Display starts at 7:30pm followed by a bonfire.

TUE 23 OCT LAND ART WORKSHOP Stroud District Museum Service, Stratford Park, Stroud, Gloucestershire GL5 4AF. 01453 752400, www.museuminthepark.org.uk, 10.30am12.30pm, £3.50 per child, parents free, booking required • Create your own sculpture, using natural materials in Stratford Park. Explore an area, get immersed, collect materials, choose a spot and design your art work, with guidance and ideas from environmental leader, Fred Millar. The plan is to have fun, and quite possibly get mucky and muddy, so wear suitable clothes and shoes. Children must be accompanied by a parent or carer.

TUE 23 OCT LAND ART WORKSHOP FOR CHILDREN 7+ Stroud District Museum Service, Stratford Park, Stroud, Gloucestershire GL5 4AF. 01453 752400, www.museuminthepark.org.uk, 2-4pm, £3.50 per child, parents free, booking required • Join Fred

Millar and have fun creating your own outdoor sculpture, using the landscape and materials of Stratford Park as inspiration. It may get mucky and muddy, so wear suitable clothes and shoes. For children 7+. Parents welcome to join in too, children under 8 must be accompanied by a parent or carer.

WED 24-SAT 29 OCT BIG DRAW HALF TERM DROP IN Stroud District Museum Service, Stratford Park, Stroud, Gloucestershire GL5 4AF. 01453 752400, www.museuminthepark.org.uk, free • Be inspired by Andy Goldsworthy’s beautiful photographs. Create your own ephemeral art using leaves, twigs and other natural materials, with some creative indoor and outdoor fun for all ages. Bring your camera if you’d like to record your family’s creation.

UNTIL THU 25 OCT DRAW TOGETHER New Brewery Arts, Brewery Court, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 1JH. 01285 657181, www.newbreweryarts. org.uk 1pm-4pm in the Albright studio, £24 (£23 Friends) for Adult and child £12 extra child • A series of observational activities for growing and grown-up artists creating unexpected drawings together. For children and their parents/guardians, no previous experience necessary.

FRI 26 OCT ARISE SIR KNIGHT: THE ART OF HERALDRY Yate & District Heritage Centre, Church Road, Yate, Bristol BS37 5BG. 01454 862200, www.yateheritage.co.uk, 10-11am, 11.30am1pm & 2-3.30pm, free event, pre-booking required, ages 5+ • Find out about the noble art of heraldry in Gloucestershire and discover why it was so important. Get artistic and design your own coat-of-arms and make a medieval catapult to attack the castle.

SAT 27 OCT GUIDED TOUR: THE FUNGI AT WESTONBIRT Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, Tetbury, Gloucestershire GL8 8QS. 01666 880220, www.forestry.gov.uk/ westonbirt, 10.30am-12.30pm, 2-4pm, £8 adult/ £5 child, book in advance • Join Dave Shorten, from the Cotswold Fungus Group to explore Westonbirt’s remarkable diversity of fungi and discover the hidden roles they play in supporting our trees. Twenty places maximum.

LISTINGS BY SOPHIE SHORLAND, LAUREN WEYMOUTH AND LEANNE DREW

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8/22/2012 4:03:37 PM

CALL TO ACTION

Parents can fight the lure of the screen by enrolling children in after school activities say Leanne Drew and Sophie Shorland

T

he kids come home from school and switch on the TV or grab a console to play their latest game.

You urge them to get outside and kick a ball about or read a book, but you’re busy with the tea and your calls fall on deaf ears. Sound familiar? A study by the University of Montreal, reported by the BBC this July, will only confirm most parents’ suspicions. It showed that a child in the UK watches an average of 14.8 hours of television per week by the age of 4 1/2 years old, while 15% per cent of children watch 18 hours at that age. This latter group, said the study, will gain an extra 7mm of waistline by the age of 10 as a result of their physical inactivity.

The need to challenge the remorseless rise of screen-based entertainment, and encourage children into the great outdoors is clearly more compelling than ever.

Happily, after school clubs can be the saviour of the stressed parent as well as introducing children to structured exercise and new

Sublime Science

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activities that will stand them in good stead for the rest of their lives. They can contribute to the 60 minutes of activity a day children need for their basic development, while in turn improving their confidence and social skills.

Art classes, social clubs or trying out a sport are a great way for kids to get stuck into something they wouldn’t normally do. One time-honoured activity for children, The Scouts, is more popular than ever, providing fun activities for 400,000 children (some 60,000 of them girls) throughout the UK. The Gloucestershire Scouts have over 6,300 members,

offering over 200 activities from zorbing to survival skills, from paddling to abseiling. In a statement on its website, the group says all young peole have a right to adventure. It uses a programme of exciting activities to challenge young people in the 6-25 age range.

The value of this type of activity is backed up by hard facts. A 2011 survey by economic consultancy PACEC found that 88% of young people felt scouting improved their key skills, among them social skills, teamwork ability, leadership and confidence. An even higher

92% found that scouting helped them build good relationships and long-lasting friendships.

Girlguiding UK is an equally venerable institution and offers activities for about half a million girls in the UK. Its Rainbows section offers activities for girls aged five to seven, while the Brownies range from 7-10 and offer equivalent activities to the Scouts.

Of course, there are plenty of fun ways to stimulate the brain as well as the body and lots of after school activities are dedicated to making subjects like language or science enjoyable to children. For instance language club LCF runs

a ‘Fun French Club’ around the UK aimed at children aged 3 to11, promising kids a “stimulating and engaging experience which helps develop their self-esteem and selfconfidence”.

Alternatively, if your child is excited by things like outer space or loud bangs, after school science might be worth a try. “We supply science parties, workshops and shows to parents and schools,” says Mike Sweeney from Sublime Science, the after school science club founded by physicist and popular science guru Marc Wileman. “The aim is to show people that science can

actually be fun. We do things like making slime, making sweets, noisy experiments, making things fly and even launching rockets using basic chemistry and physics.

“Sublime Science is important because the number of students entering science disciplines is in decline and without science the world would be a very different place. Children come to our parties, events and workshops and go away telling their parents they want to be scientists when they grow up!”

Activity Kidz www.activitykidz. co.uk Girlguiding UK www.girlguiding. org.uk Gloucestershire Scouts www. gloucestershire-scouts.org.uk National Health Service www.nhs. uk/Change4Life LCF www.lcfclubs.com The Scouts www.scouts.org.uk Sublime Science www. sublimescience.com PRIMARY TIMES

8/22/2012 4:20:48 PM

ADVERTISING FEATURE

d r a o b n Pi Help with Fees Independent schools have not traditionally been the exclusive preserve of the very wealthy. The Dragon School in Oxford, for example, was founded by university dons and for many years taught the children of academics, teachers and clergymen.

The school today is keen to welcome pupils from a wide range of backgrounds but acknowledges that the cost of fees puts it beyond the reach of many. For this reason bursaries are offered.

At the Dragon, needs-based bursaries can cover all or a substantial portion of the fees for boarding or day places, for children starting in Year 4.

Awards of up to half the fees are also made to candidates chosen on the basis of significant promise in their academic, sporting or cultural abilities.

Neither of these types of grant has to be repaid. Applications are invited each autumn for the following year.

Ffi: W: www.dragonschool.org

Take the Stagecoach Founded in 1988 Stagecoach is celebrating its 25th birthday next year and it intends to do so in style. Stagecoach is dedicated to delivering quality education in performing arts, which is complementary to yet independent of, normal academic studies. It teaches the skills needed to act, sing and dance. Soon Stagecoach children begin to grow in confidence, speak more clearly, move with agility, act more naturally and become more self aware. Skills are learnt for life.

Stagecoach students have performed both locally and nationally; including professional tours of ‘The King And I’, ‘Joseph and His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ and ‘Fiddler On The Roof’ at The Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, as well as national performances at The NEC and at The Royal Albert Hall. Next year the company is performing ‘Fame’ in March and is proud to collaborate with the Everyman Youth Theatre, culminating in performances at The Everyman Theatre in July. The group meets on Saturdays and Sundays.

Ffi: contact Sharon Isaacs T: 01242 252415.

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Parents’ & teachers’

news, education & contacts

In the pink

A group of nine Caribbean flamingos are finding new friends at Birdland in Bourton-on-the-Water. The group arrived from Colchester Zoo in July and initially spent a few days acclimatising before being introduced to the flock.

The Birdland team says the new flamingoes are integrating well, becoming familiar with the river and bathing regularly.

The move is hoped to encourage breeding of this beautiful species, as the group has produced eggs in the past, having grown from an original six members.

The birds’ enclosure is to be revamped to encourage breeding, as Caribbean flamingos require crowded conditions to reproduce.

Birdland director Simon Blackwell says, “We’re really excited to have these fantastic flamingos at Birdland, who are settling in really well and I’m sure will prove a popular addition to our ever-expanding flock.”

Birdland is open daily from 10am, admission £8.25/£5.25/£25 (family).

Ffi: Birdland T: 01451 820480 W: www.birdland.co.uk

Severn Vale’s resources Severn Vale School is a popular 11-16 Academy on the southern fringe of Gloucester City, praised by OFSTED. The school has a proven track record of academic success and a thriving enrichment programme.

Excellent resources include: A strong team of specialist teachers • modern, well equipped classroom blocks including a new DT block • Learning Resource Centre • seven modern computer suites and 400 networked computers throughout the school • A drama studio • fully equipped science laboratories • a well equipped music suite with recording studio • excellent facilities for sport, including a floodlit, all-weather pitch, tennis courts, sports hall and fitness centre. The school’s headteacher is Peter Rowland B.A. (Hons) N.P.Q.H. Open evening Thursday 20 September 7-9pm.

Walk rounds Tuesday 18, Tuesday 25,Thursday 27 September and Tuesday 2 October, 9.30am Ffi: T: 01452 720458 W: www.severnvale.gloucs.sch.uk

Holly showcases Wycliffe’s success Emulating British Olympics success, the achievements of Year 7 Wycliffe School pupil Holly Bankes this summer is also an inspiration to youngsters.

Following her great results in the X-C season and at Severnside Athletics, the young athlete entered the Mercia Prep School Athletics Championships in June, competing in 800m and high jump.

Holly was second in the high jump, with a jump of 1.25 metres but won in the 800m in a time of 2 minutes 29 seconds. She went on to represent Wycliffe at the Independent Association of Prep Schools (IAPS) National Finals in Birmingham in July. Holly was pushed hard in a close race but won to become IAPS National 800m Champion. She also won in the South West Under 13 Counties, Exeter.

Wycliffe School holds an Open Morning on Saturday 15 September, 10–12pm.

Ffi: contact Charlotte Philips T: 01453 820412 (Seniors) or Wendy Robertson T: 01453 820471 (Prep).

Get karted!

Cheltenham Cub Karting (CCK) specialises in children’s birthday parties, for ages three to nine on a year-round basis. The company can come to you (if you have an area of at least 50 by 30 feet for the blow up track), you can book a venue of your choice or they can sort it out for you.

There are four electric karts, whose speed can be regulated to suit the ages of the children, with a maximum speed of 6mph. Events are fully supervised by trained operators at all times and the karts are completely safe: children are fully strapped in, with secure seat belting. A full visual safety talk is always given prior to operation.

The birthday child is made to feel extra special and is always the best driver on the day!

Ffi: Colin Leighton T: 07737 796947 or 01242 527095 W: www.cheltenhamcubkarting.com

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Adver tising Feature

Spirit of exploration Rendcomb College is set in 200 acres of beautiful award-winning Cotswold parkland and this natural environment plays a key role in the educational experience of its children.

The school understands the importance of high quality ‘Early Years’ education and aims to ensure that all children embark on their educational journey with enthusiasm, developing literacy and numeracy skills alongside those of creativity and imagination.

It places great emphasis on personal and social development in a friendly, positive and caring way, encouraging children to grow in confidence and self-esteem. The grounds provide a perfect opportunity to explore the outdoors while the indoor facility is structured to promote your child’s independence, and develop their decisionmaking and problem solving skills. The Forest School, manned by Rendcomb’s highly trained staff, provides a unique opportunity for the children to learn and grow in a safe, controlled but stimulating environment. The team at Rendcomb believes in the benefit of learning through play and making the most of children’s natural desire to explore and investigate.

It provides a balance of both child initiated play and adult led activities to cover all areas of development. In Nursery the sessions include Jolie Ronde French, dance, PE, music and ‘Forest School’, delivered by specialist teachers while the normal activities involve numeracy and literacy, including Jolly Phonics, cookery and art. In Reception weekly swimming lessons are also provided.

Rendcomb’s ‘Early Years’ equips children with a firm foundation for their future. The experience provides a flexible and ideal springboard for the child’s transition into the Rendcomb Juniors.

• Ffi: Rendcomb College, Rendcomb, Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7 7HA T: 01285 831213 W: www.rendcombcollege.org.uk

Adver tising Feature

Rose Hill Westonbirt pupils go for gold Pupils at Rose Hill Westonbirt Preparatory School enjoyed their own Olympic success this summer with a performance

by Year 3 – Year 6 children of ‘Go for Gold’.

The musical by Gawen Robinson, staged in the run up to London 2012, focuses on a top athlete, Suzie Swift, who considers pulling out of the Games due to lack of sponsorship. After a flashback to Ancient Greece and how the Olympics started, Suzie is inspired to compete after all and the musical ends with the Gods arriving to join in the celebration party.

The pupils all gave ‘golden’ performances, with Robert SegraveDaly’s rendition of the cool, rapping God Zeus in particular raising much laughter and the Year 5 cheerleaders ensuring an animated and fun-filled production.

Rose Hill Westonbirt’s Director of Music, Shirley Jee, was rightfully proud of all of the cast and their hard work, getting everyone in the mood for the competition itself, which has also seen many golden moments!

Rose Hill Westonbirt’s next Open Morning is Saturday 13 October 13, 09:30am–12:30pm.

• Ffi: contact Ann Slark. T: 01666 881375.

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8/22/2012 4:16:16 PM

Adver tising Feature

Kumon unlocks learning potential As parents look to the start of a new school year, many will be thinking how they can support their children’s learning. The local Kumon study centre offers individualised Maths and English study programmes tailored to all ages and abilities.

Kumon’s teams know the importance of Maths and English. At the start of a new term, they know it’s especially important that children get to grips with these core subjects and with the learning skills vital for academic progression. Kumon’s unique method of learning focuses on a child’s individual needs, providing them with skills such as concentration and time management and ensuring they progress at their own pace.

Once enrolled on a Kumon programme, a child visits the centre every week and has daily worksheets to complete at home. Working a little each day they will develop not only a strong grounding in Maths and English, but fundamental skills such as accuracy, time management and concentration, enabling them to become confident, independent learners.

Kumon’s unique method focuses on a child’s ability as an individual, providing them with life-long transferable skills and the ability to learn for themselves. With a focus on advanced study, each child, regardless of age, can realise their unlimited potential.

With over 66,000 students studying at more than 640 centres across the UK and Ireland, Kumon is among the UK’s leading supplementary education providers.

• Ffi: T: 0800 854 714 W: www.kumon.co.uk

Adver tising Feature

Maths home tutoring in Gloucestershire “Given appropriate additional support, it is possible for virtually every child over 7 to grasp maths at a level suitable to their age group,” says maths teacher James Christian. His conviction is based on his years of experience as a oneto-one home maths teacher.

Having taught many children, most of whom have struggled at school, he says scarcely a single child has failed to make progress as a result of his one-to-one lessons.

Much of the inspiration for his work comes from the educational approach and ideas of Rudolf Steiner, who described how children aged 7 and upwards can be helped to overcome their maths difficulties by acting out number processes in movements and with the imagination.

“For example, I have worked on the times-tables with many hundreds of children, using this technique,” he says. “Practically every child was able to learn the tables by these means.

“Further to this, I find that I enthuse children for maths as they come to sense the world of numbers as an ever-moving tapestry with its different threads always weaving together in a ‘wholeness’.”

Contact James if you have any questions, would like advice, or would like to discuss the possibility of lessons for your child.

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• Ffi:James Christian T: 01453 751285

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Stroud’s mixed comprehensive with Sixth Form invites prospective students and parents to our

Open Evening

Monday 1 October 2012 7.00pm – 9.00pm

Open Mornings

Wednesday 3 and Thursday 4 October Please contact the school for further details

Telephone: 01453 763242 www.archwayschool.net BACK TO SCHOOL 2012

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Classifieds Art & Crafts

TO ADVERTISE CALL CAROLINE ON: 0117 934 3737 OR EMAIL: C.STRETTON@BEPP.CO.UK

Party Ideas T he Party Bag Co Gorgeous Children’s Party Bags & Accessories • Unique, children’s party bags, for birthday’s, or wedding’s.

• Unisex, girls and boys bags and gifts

Email: info@thepartybagco.com www.thepartybagco.com Tel 07974 825797

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Weekly courses in Bristol Birthday parties available Age 8 + Contact Subaquaholics 0117 977 6227 www.subaquaholics.co.uk

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Help your child improve their Maths and English skills.

Grammar school entry coaching.

Help with SATS. Contact Mrs Manley BSc (Hons) PGCE 01452 387228

‘Rugby fun for little ones!’

Great value, fun, engaging classes for 3-6yr boys and girls. While they are busy enjoying themselves your child will learn ball skills and teamwork, improve their coordination and gain confidence.

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We also do parties!

Visit www.rugbyrockets.co.uk Contact emma@rugbyrockets.co.uk 07834 492822 20 BACK TO SCHOOL 2012

Classifieds G-Sept12.indd 1

Longlevens Tuition.

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Infant and junior clubs Pre-school sessions Parent & toddler sessions www.fun-languages.co.uk Contact Sylvie on 01242 513072

PRIMARY TIMES

8/22/2012 4:06:36 PM

Fiona Faulkner

EASY ON THE E’S?

E numbers have had a bad press over the years. But food expert Fiona Faulkner believes a few myths need to be dispelled.

H

ands up how many parents have banned the Haribo from their child’s party bag or secretly judged others who festoon theirs with all manner of sweets and treats? Equally, teachers, how many of you offer a box of raisins as a ‘healthy snack’ for kids at break time?

As a family food expert, I’m increasingly expected to speak out against E numbers in particular as well as talk about what constitutes a healthy lunchbox.

Increasingly people are surprised by my response. Many parents I speak to believe that E numbers are all a bunch of toxic chemicals to be avoided. The name alone sounds ominous, I admit.

But did you know that some E numbers are naturally occurring, or even organic? If you look at the list of ingredients in Ribena for example you’ll see that it contains something called anthocyanins (E163). This is a completely natural colouring, extracted from grape skins.

E412, meanwhile, is a plant

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12 Glos Features Back to School 2012.indd 9

fruit acids which are playing havoc with our kids’ teeth.

Dr Kathy Harley, dean of the dental faculty at the Royal College of Surgeons, was quoted earlier this year that instead of giving children the apparently healthy snack of fruit juice and a box of raisins, “it would be better for their teeth if they were given a glass of water and a handful of chocolate buttons.”

If it sounds like I’m asking more questions than I’m answering, I apologise. There’s a lot of information out there and I’m just skimming the surface. In conclusion all I can do is re-visit one of my most overused phrases: everything in moderation, including moderation. I’d also love to hear your thoughts. extract – guar gum, quite often found in your child’s ice cream.

The point is, each E is different, derived from a variety of sources, and each plays a variety of roles.

As food writer (and kids’ TV favourite) Stefan Gates says, when it comes to E numbers, “Don’t be afraid, understand.”

Let’s take an average lunchbox as another example of what we think we know about healthy food for kids. Child One has a ham sandwich, a sugar-free yoghurt, and a smoothie. Child Two has a packet of crisps, a ropey looking banana, and a processed cheese snack.

Would you be surprised if I said that Child 2’s lunchbox was arguably healthier?

Hula Hoops for example have additives including E508, potas������ sium chloride. But this is a lower sodium alternative to salt, so not without its merits.

The nitrates in that ham sandwich however are a trickier one to navigate. Nitrates are added to processed meats, such as ham and sausages, to protect against botulism. On the other hand nitrates also have links to particu-

larly nasty diseases (the NHS now advises we limit our consumption of processed meats for this very reason). Gets complicated, doesn’t it?

As for the reduced sugar yoghurt, next time you pick one of these up, take a look at the label.

Chances are there might be some artificial sweeteners in there to compensate for the sugar. It’s still open to debate whether artificial sweeteners are good for us or not.

My personal reason for disliking them is they make me feel nauseous and headache-y.

Interestingly, in May 2011, the European Food Safety Authority was asked by the European Commission to bring forward a new investigation into the safety of aspartame which has been linked in some studies to various health issues.

The debate goes on and, personally, I opt for sugar over sweeteners. But that’s not straightforward either.Take dried fruit, juices and smoothies. Many parents and teachers still don’t realise that these are rammed with sugar – albeit fruit sugar – and harmful

Fiona Faulkner is a children’s food expert for businesses including ITV to Morrisons and is the author of ‘25 Foods Kids Hate and How To Get Them Eating 24.’ You can contact Fiona via her website.

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8/22/2012 4:21:17 PM

Hello Kids!

I was amazed by the quality of the pictures you sent me for this issue’s challenge. You have perfectly captured the joy and excitement of meeting your friends again at the start of the new term. Well done!

This term I am teaming up with my friends at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, near Bristol, which has seen the arrival of lots of new babies including a giraffe, a zebra and a beautiful snow white reindeer. To celebrate, they have generously offered a family day ticket to five of the best pictures sent to me on the following theme: “My favourite baby animal”.

Please send your pictures to: Arty Barty, Venue Publishing, 4th Floor, BN&Media, Temple Way, Bristol BS99 7HD, or email high resolution jpegs to my editor, mike.gartside@venue. co.uk. Don’t forget to put your name, age, email, full postal address and school name on the back: Deadline Monday 17 September.

Have fun!

Arty Barty Last issue, I asked you to send in your pictures about “Seeing my school friends again after the summer holidays”. Well done to everyone who’s been published. They win a children’s book.

rd, 8, St Eloise Mountfo Oldland ol, Annes CE Schoon Comm . I love Well done, Eloise and the your bold colours u’ve drawn confident way yo ’re clearly your friends. They u again. pleased to see yo

sell, 6, St Hermione Lloyd Bus , Cricklade ool Sampsons Infant Sch ed a

includ Hermione has cleverly embellished it photo of her school andof lots of pupils with her own drawings iting and and teachers. It’s an exc original idea.

Arty

Macy Scott, 11, Tyndal e Primary School I love this beautifully draw n picture of two best friends meeting of term. Their warmth andup at the start wonderfully communicat happiness is style drawing, while the ed in a Mangaidea artfully suggested by theof school is pencil.

Stately secrets

From the winner of the Waterstone’s children book prize 2010 comes ‘The Great Dog Disaster’, the fourth title in the series. Written from the perspective of Anna, a young girl with an inquisitive mind, it follows her life in a frank yet funny storytelling style. After Suzanne, her next door neighbour adopts Beatrice, a smelly old Newfoundland, from her great great aunt Deidra, they both devise a plan to turn Beatrice into a proper dog.

This is a guaranteed laugh-out-loud book with comical illustrations making it an easy, accessible read for the seven and older age group and will also keep the whole family chuckling. Author Katie Davies brings to life the everyday troubles a nine year old has to face. With themes of friendship, pet ownership and the mysterious world of adults explored amusingly throughout, this fabulous addition to the series is sure to be a hit with all who read it.

Meet Paige Owens a bright, cheeky pupil who cannot wait to go to secondary school. Then there’s Curtis Okafor, wary and less confident, who is not so sure. The only thing they share in common is the first letter of their surnames, which ensures they are forced together on a school trip to Wickworth Manor, the local stately home.

Curtis finds a hidden portrait and suddenly there is a mystery to solve. Together, in their own unique ways, they begin to unravel the secrets of the house. Author Elen Caldecott delivers an exciting adventure with lots of humour and action, which also explores the history of the slave trade. Aimed at the more advanced primary school reader, she takes you on a mysterious journey in this sterling example of the kids’ detective fiction.

The Great Dog Disaster by Katie Davies, Simon and Schuster, £5.99. www.katiedaviesbooks.com

The Mystery of Wickworth Manor by Elen Caldecott, Bloomsbury. £5.99. www.bloomsbury.com

Leanne Drew reviews the new releases.

Pet chuckles

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