Primary Times Gloucester: February

i r ma ry ptimes for parents, teachers & children

11 12 1 yrs

2 3 4 yrs

in Gloucestershire

Issue 113 10 Feb-30 Mar 2012

Is that

Chedworth 2012?

Extraordinary renovated mosaics go on show when Roman villa re-opens this March. Page IV. Theatre • Arty Barty • Roundabout • Save money!

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Of all the annual breaks, February half term is among the most challenging for parents. Some will book their families out for a winter break, but with the tough economic times, that’s likely to be fewer than ever, this year. Happily, the many attractions and theatres in Bristol, Bath and the surrounding areas provide a wealth of activities to help parents entertain their loved ones.

One exciting approach to free time is to reclaim your street as a play area - our feature on P16 explains how. With Mother’s Day is round the corner (Dads take note) we have some great ideas to help kids give their mum a gift she’ll always treasure. n s & childre 11yrs 12 1 s, teacher for parent 2

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Issue 113 Mar 2012

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THEATRE P8 ROUNDABOUT P10 PINBOARD P15 ADVERTISING FEATURES P18 CLASSIFIEDS P20 PUPILS’ PAGE P22 MOTHER’S DAY P6 Gifts which show kids’ appreciation PLAYTIME IN THE STREET P16 How communities can reclaim their streets for play CHILDREN’S PARTIES P21 Francesca Gibbens has some great ideas

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

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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

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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.

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.

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february half term 2012

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Advertising

History’s hidden treasures Chedworth Roman Villa unveils remarkable historic mosaics for the first time this March.

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ome of Britain’s finest in-situ Roman mosaics will be put on public display in a newly built conservation shelter at Chedworth Roman Villa, near Cheltenham, from the beginning of March.

The £3m development at the National Trustowned villa not only tells the story of life in Roman Britain but also the remarkable story of how the villa was discovered and excavated by the Victorians.

Some newly excavated mosaics, which haven’t been seen for 150 years, will be on display in the new building.

The development also includes a new Education Centre which, along with the mosaics, will create a major educational resource at Chedworth Roman Villa. The Education Centre is decorated in the style of a Roman room, complete with under-floor heating, murals and an authentic kitchen diorama.

The villa welcomes over 8,000 students a year, including Key Stage 2 pupils through to University of the Third Age groups.

Learning officer Jane Lewis says Chedworth can offer a range of activities including guided tours, primary source handling sessions and hands-on craft based activities.

“We can tailor our session to meet a school’s needs,” she says. “In some circumstances we can visit schools with our highly successful outreach programme, bringing the villa to the classroom.”

But there is also much to see for families visiting outside school hours, with costumed

interpreters and the mosaics displayed in the new shelter where visitors can experience life in the villa through the sounds, projections and smells.

The newly excavated mosaics include a 35 metre corridor mosaic - one of the longest still in-situ in the country – on display under a raised walkway, allowing visitors to look down through the mesh grating to experience the mosaics under their feet again.

The centre section of the long mosaic has still to be revealed and visitors to Chedworth this summer will be able to see archaeologists at work uncovering it for the first time in 150 years.

As National Trust archaeologist Martin

Chedworth Roman Villa Yanworth, nr. Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL54 3LJ T: 01242 890256 W: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ chedworth-roman-villa/

Papworth explains, the mosaics were first found in 1864 when a gamekeeper discovered pieces of mosaic and pottery while hunting rabbits. The villa was excavated and, unusually for Victorian times, the mosaics were left in place and some were displayed where they were found, rather than being sent to a museum. Others, including the corridor mosaic, were reburied but recently the National Trust found they were deteriorating underground.

“We were concerned that frost and weather were affecting them,” says Martin.

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A conservator studies the renovated mosaics.

“It was agreed they could be better protected by building a new environmentally controlled shelter over the whole section of the villa and excavating them for display.”

The shelters will protect the mosaics previously on display in the Victorian sheds over the bath house and dining room (Triclinium).

Over the winter conservators have been busy preparing the mosaics for display – work which will continue this year. Some methods have changed since Victorian times. Then, any gaps in the mosaics were filled with cement but now the newly excavated areas will have the gaps packed with an inert mineral, preventing further damage to the edges.

The project has been funded by a £700,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, a £100,000 grant from the Garfield Weston Foundation and generous donations from the Summerfield Charitable Trust, the Roman Research Trust and the Kinsurdy Trust together with support from individual donors.

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Mum’s the word Mother’s Day is a wonderful chance for children to show their appreciation in creative ways, says Francesca Gibbens.

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sk any child what the most important day of the year is to them and it’s likely few of them would say Mother’s Day. The celebration is often down-played by families in this country, perhaps because it’s perceived as over-commercialised or maybe just a little bit American.

But where’s the harm in celebrating the role of the most important carer in most people’s lives? There are so many ways of showing her your appreciation beyond the limited sentiment expressed in a generic greeting card or box of chocolates.

The best way to get children to really appreciate the significance of the day is to get them working on a hand-made gift which reflects the thought and care that their mothers show them.

Year Four teacher Heather Dallimore says, “It is important to encourage the love that still exists within the family unit, even as other traditions fade in the early 21st century.” Heather sets her class the task of writing a letter to

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their mother, thanking them for everything they do. “There isn’t any other day of the year when children really think about how much their mother does for them and this task makes them more appreciative and less selfish.”

Gemma Smith, a reception teacher, does something similar with her class. She holds a circle time in which the children think and speak about why their mum is special to them. She says, “It’s important to do these activities in school from an early age to encourage children to always appreciate their mother.”

There is a huge selection of activities teachers can do with their classes for Mother’s Day. Arts and crafts are a great option as they flex the children’s creative skills, while parents gain a treasured personal keepsake. “Children are always excited about giving something to their mum that they have made themselves and that they can be proud of,” says Heather.

Traditionally children make cards to give their mothers, carers or a close relative, using pastel coloured card to celebrate spring time and flowers made of tissue paper. Dried flowers are an alternative option and give the card an extra something special. A handmade picture frame containing a photo of the child can again be decorated with flowers.

There are also many local businesses which supply hand-made items with a real difference. For something completely unique, Angel Traces make personalised silver jewellery engraved with a design of your choice. Younger children may wish to create a perfect miniature print of their own footprint, handprint or fingerprint which is then imprinted onto a piece of silver and made into a necklace, bracelet or charm. Older children can use a drawing or write a signature, using the same imprinting process. Marie Harkin from Angel Traces says, “Knowing it has been touched by the one

they love makes it very precious to mothers.”

Another option is a decorated ceramic item from Paint-A-Pot. They have a huge selection of bare ceramic items to choose from, which can be decorated in your own way. Why not use your own handprints to create a really unique vase?

If your mother is a fan of handmade jewellery visit ABeadsC and create a beaded necklace or charm bracelet in a variety of glass, ceramic, and acrylic beads.

ABeadsC has a huge selection of materials and designs to choose from and also beautiful trinket boxes to put your present in.

Perhaps one of their jewellery stands would be a good idea for your mother to keep her new jewellery on?

Whatever you decide to do for your mother make sure you put some thought into your gift. We only get one mum and Mother’s Day is a chance to show you really value her.

ABeadsC W: www.abeadsc.com Angel Traces T: 0117 949 2307 W: www.angeltraces.co.uk Flying Saucers T: 0117 927 3666 W: www.flyingsaucers.co.uk Gloucestershire Arts and Crafts Centre W: www.glosartscrafts. co.uk It’s Once Upon a Time W: www. itsonceuponatime.co.uk Paint-A-Pot T: 01453 835043 W: www.paint-a-pot.co.uk Paper Arts Scrapbooking T: 01453 886038 W: www.paperarts. co.uk Pegasus Art Shop T: 01453 886560 W: www.pegasusart.co.uk Southgate Handicrafts T: 01452 520662 PRIMARY TIMES

or online at www.pagebypagetuition.co.uk

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FAMILY & CHILDREN’S SHOWS ★ GLOUCESTER, CHELTENHAM, STROUD & BEYOND

gloucestershire THE BACON THEATRE Dean Close School, Shelbourne Road, Cheltenham GL51 6HE. 01242 258002, www.bacontheatre.co.uk Lost Property Sat 11 Feb. 7pm. £12/£8 • Fresh from the circus, Tweedy the Clown gets a real job in a lost property office with hilarious results.

The Snail and the Whale Wed 22 Mar. 11am. £7/£6 • The creators of ‘The Gruffalo’ and ‘Room on the Broom’ stage shows present their latest adventure aimed at children aged 4 and over. A tiny snail hitches a lift on the tail of a humpback whale to see the world.

Together they experience sharks and penguins, icebergs and volcanoes. Disaster strikes when the whale becomes beached in a bay.

Can the tiny snail save the day?

Physical storytelling, live music and lots of laughs.

Clara’s Dream Sat 24 Mar. 2.30pm. £10/£8 • The children and students of the Hatherley Dance Centre present ‘Clara’s Dream’, an adaptation of ‘The Nutcracker’, followed by ‘A Time to Dance’, featuring ballet, tap, modern jazz and cheerleading.

EVERYMAN THEATRE Regent Street, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573, www.everymantheatre.org.uk Dreamboats and Petticoats Mon 12-Sat 17 Mar. 7.45pm. 15 & 17 Mar, 2pm. £19-£31 • Inspired by the smash hit selling albums ‘Dreamboats and Petticoats’, the West End sell out features some of the greatest hit songs of the rock ‘n’ roll era. Set in 1961, emotions run high as young musicians Norman and Bobby compete to win a national song writing competition - and, more importantly, the attention of the gorgeous Sue. Then Bobby discovers that shy Laura is no slouch on the piano and love and rock ‘n’ roll fame beckons.

PARABOLA ARTS CENTRE Parabola Road, Cheltenham GL50 3AA. 01242 707338, www.parabolaartscentre.co.uk Tiddler and other Terrific Tales Sat 14 Apr. 2pm. £25 Family ticket or £10/£8/£5 • A brand new show from the award-winning Scamp Theatre, adapted from the bestselling books by Children’s Laureate, Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler (creators of ‘The Gruffalo’). Under sea, 8

february half term 2012

over land, on the farm and in the jungle, these tales are woven together with live music, songs, puppets and a host of colourful characters.

Is Tweedy the clown the best person to look after Lost Property? Bacon Theatre, Cheltenham, Sat 11 Feb.

THE ROSES THEATRE Sun Street, Tewkesbury GL20 5NX. 01684 295074, www. rosestheatre.org The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark Sat 3 Mar. 2.30pm. £6 • Based on the classic children’s book by Jill Tomlinson, this funny, gentle and reassuring tale is written especially for small people aged three to seven (and grownups who sleep with the light on).

Join Plop, the baby barn owl, as he journeys into a night-time world of campfires, fireworks, starry nights and moonlit adventures.

THE SUBSCRIPTION ROOMS The Subscription Rooms, George Street, Stroud. GL5 1AE. 01453 76096, www.subscriptionrooms. org.uk Arthur’s Magic Sword Tue 14 Feb. 3pm. £6/£4 • Daylight Theatre presents this production, in which King Arthur sets off on a quest to find his lost sword. He encounters a blackbird, a goblin and Merlin the magician. The play features live acting, puppetry and audience participation.

WESTONBIRT SCHOOL Opp. Westonbirt Arboretum, Tetbury GL8 8QG. 01666 880333, www.westonbirt.gloucs.sch.uk Oliver Twist Fri 16 - Sat 17 Mar. 7.30pm • Westonbirt School girls perform Oliver Twist in the Orangery theatre. Last year’s production of Joseph was a sell-out, so be sure to book soon.

further afield THE ARTS CENTRE Devizes Road, Old Town, Swindon SN1 4BJ. 01793 614837, www. swindon.gov.uk Theo the Mouse in Magical Mayhem Wed 15 Feb. 1.30pm. £8.50​• A family show from the writer of TV favourites Sooty and The Basil Brush Show. Join Theo The Mouse for a fun show packed with magic, laughter and music.

BRISTOL HIPPODROME St. Augustine’s Parade, The Centre BS1 4UZ. 0870 6063406, www. bristolhippodrome.org.uk Grease Mon 2-Sat 7 April. MonThurs 7.30pm, Fri 5.30pm & 8.30pm, Sat 5pm & 8.30pm. £13-

£40 • Dust off your leather jackets, pull on your bobby-socks and take a trip to a simpler time as ‘bad boy’ Danny and ‘the girl next door’ Sandy fall in love all over again. It’s the original high school musical, featuring all the unforgettable songs.

Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker!

Tue 17-Sat 21 April. 2.30pm & 7.30pm. £15.50-£39 • This delicious theatrical feast has family-sized helpings of Matthew Bourne’s trademark magical fantasy. Nutcracker! follows Clara’s bittersweet journey from a hilariously bleak Christmas Eve at Dr Dross’s Orphanage, through a shimmering, ice-skating winter wonderland to the scrumptious candy kingdom of Sweetieland.

BRISTOL OLD VIC King Street, BS1 4ED. 0117 987 7877, www.bristololdvic.org.uk Stones and Bones Mon 13-Wed 15 Feb. Mon 2pm, Tue & Wed 11am & 2pm. £6 • Squashbox Theatre takes you on a journey back in time to prehistoric Cornwall; a land of towering rocks, ancient stone circles and strange myths and legends.

This new show is a marvellous mix of history and mystery. Find out about archaeology , say hello to one of your stone-age ancestors, hear stories of giants and wizards, see a volcano erupting before your very eyes, and even glimpse a dinosaur.

Grisly Tales from Tumblewater Thu 16-Sat 18 Feb. 2pm & 7pm. £8 • Welcome to Tumblewater. Not that it’s a very welcoming place - unless you’re an undertaker or an umbrella salesman. Caspian Prye, the twisted landowner, controls everything and everyone. Into this world stumbles Daniel Dorey, a fearless orphan armed only with his wits and a satchel of spine-chilling stories.

THE EGG Theatre Royal, Sawclose, Bath BA1 1ET. 01225 448844, www.theatreroyal.org.uk Shakes-Kids Sat 18 Feb. 11.30am & 3pm. £6 • An introduction to Shakespeare as seen through the eyes of Shakespeare’s clown, Will Kemp, brought to you by muchloved panto dame and Shakespeare expert, Chris Harris.

One Little Word Wed 7-Sat 10 Mar. £7/£5.50 • Meet two characters who play together, exploring new space, new objects, dressing up and taking turns, but who struggle when one of them wants to be the only captain of the ship. Devised by M6 Theatre Company.

The Littlest Quirky Fri 16-Sat 17 Mar. Fri 10.30am & 1pm, Sat 11.30am & 3pm. £7/£5.50 • The Littlest Quirky comes from a magical circus family. She lives in the house at the top of the hill and is locked in all day. Watching her are Tree, Wind and Rain and they hear her ask, “Why can’t I go outside?” So, they take her on a journey she will never forget.

The Owl and the Pussycat Sat 24 Mar. 11.30am & 3pm. £7/£5.50 • Follow Owl and Pussycat as they set out on the high seas with only some honey, money and a runcible spoon to help them find their way through a topsy-turvey world. Puppetry, live music and beautiful storytelling combine in this enchanting retelling of Lear’s classic poem.

THEATRE ROYAL BATH Sawclose, Bath BA1 1ET. 01225 448844, www.theatreroyal.org.uk The Wizard of Oz Tue 28 Feb-Sat 3 Mar. Tue- Sat 7.30pm. Wed, Fri & Sat 2.30pm. £12.00-£29.00 • Stage adaptation by John Kane of one of the best-loved of all movies. With music from the MGM Motion Picture Score.

TOBACCO FACTORY THEATRE Raleigh Road, Southville, Bristol BS3 1TF. 0117 902 0344, www.tobaccofactorytheatre.com Nutjellynana Sun 18 Mar. 11am & 1.30pm. £6 • Blast off with the Nutjellynana, and discover why space is the cuddly frontier. Alice, Melby and Fidge are three toys who build a rocket and “boldly go where no-one has gone before.”

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open all year Little London, Longhope, Glos. GL17 0PH

FEBRUARY HALF TERM FUN Daily 10am - 5pm

• Mother & Toddler sessions on Friday’s during term time

FOREST OF DEAN - Tourist Attraction of the year!

ONE FREE ADULT valid until 31.03.12 Free entry for one adult per paying child

As seen on TV!

Tel: 01452 831 000 www.dickwhittington.org

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

Background in Rudolf Steiner Education and Speech Therapy.

PRIMARY TIMES

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

Deadlines: List your school’s winter events in Primary Times for free. We work a half-term in advance so we’re now collecting information copy for April and May 2012: deadline Mon 27 Feb 2011. If your event is to raise cash for a school or charity, and is open to the public, we want to know. Email mike.gartside@venue.co.uk.

FEBRUARY Until Wed 29 Feb Wild Bird Feeds Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT. 01453 891900, www.wwt. org.uk, info.slimbridge@wwt.org. uk, 4pm • Watch the spectacle of daily commentated bird feeds.

See thousands of birds including the beautiful Bewick’s swans which return to Slimbridge every winter. These incredible birds can be recognised by their individual bill patterns. Hear the warden’s commentary and learn about their amazing journey from arctic Russia.

Until 11 Mar Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2011 Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, Queen’s Road, Bristol BS8 1RL. 0117 922 3571, www.bristol.gov. uk. Free entry • Enjoy the visually stunning, thought-provoking images that provide an insight into the beauty, drama and variety of nature. This world-renowned yearly touring exhibition from the Natural History Museum provides a spotlight on the wonders of the natural world.

Until Sun 15 Apr An Eye for Fashion M Shed, Princes Wharf, Wapping Rd, Bristol BS1 4RN. 0117 352 6600, www.mshed.org. £5/£4 • An

exhibition of vintage fashion photography by Norman Parkinson, one of Britain’s most significant portrait and fashion photographers of the 20th century.

Displaying over 60 rare vintage photographs, this unique portfolio evokes a sense of glamour, beauty and timeless elegance. Original 50s and 60s clothing from the museum’s collection will also feature, showcasing high street fashion designs from this period.

Until Sun 29 Apr Little Stars Planetarium Show At-Bristol, Anchor Road, Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5DB. 0117 909 2000, www.at-bristol.org.uk, 2pm. 50p, Free entry for members • Get star-struck in At-Bristol’s brand new Planetarium show Little Stars, specifically aimed for ages 4 and up. Join a member of the At-Bristol team as they lead you through a story that will take you away from this world and introduce younger adventurers to the wonders of the night sky.

Until Mon 30 Apr Cook for The Queen www.lovebritishfood.co.uk for online entry form • To celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, British Food Fortnight is inviting all schools in the UK to create a special menu featuring recipes that celebrate the best of British.

The winning schools will be invited to Buckingham Palace to see their recipes brought to life and help serve them at a reception attended by the Queen and Duchess of Cornwall. Taking part is easy. All schools have to do is design a menu fit for the Queen that celebrates the food produced in your part of the country. Include both savoury and sweet ideas and dishes that use ingredients which strongly represent your region. Entries need to be submitted by Monday 30th April.

Sat 11 Feb Identifying Mosses and Liverworts Bristol Zoo Gardens, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3HA. 0117 9030609, www.bristolzoo.org.uk, 10am3.30pm. £17.50 • Delve into the world of mosses and liverworts with expert Justin Smith. Venture into Leigh Woods to learn how to identify these flowerless plants.

Science-based fun at At-Bristol until 29 Apr

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Wooden Wonders, Westonbirt Arboretum, 14 - 16 Feb

Sat 11-Sun 12 Feb Toddlers, Toothworm and Tudors The John Moore Museum, Church Street, Tewkesbury GL20 5SN. 01684 297174, www.johnmooremuseum.org, 10am-1pm & 2pm5pm (Sat), 11am-1pm & 2pm to 4.30pm (Sun), £3.00/£2.50 • Find

a Tudor merchant and his wife in the beautifully restored house and shop. Drop in throughout the day as the couple go about their daily business including washing, dining and childcare.

Perfect for children studying the Tudors at school.

Sat 11-Sun 19 Feb Bird Box Trail Lacock Abbey, Lacock, Chippenham, Wiltshire. 01249 730459, www.nationaltrust.org. uk. Normal admission applies, NT members and under 5s free • A chance to get back to the great outdoors and see some early spring-time nature. Hunt in the beautiful Lacock Abbey grounds for bird boxes and listen carefully: what creatures are inside? A great interactive short walk for the family to enjoy together.

Sat 11-Sun 19 Feb The Glow Show At-Bristol, Anchor Road, Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5DB. 0117 909 2000, www.at-bristol. org.uk, 2pm. 50p, Free entry for members • An exciting new show for the half term holidays.

Explore rays, waves and a whole spectrum of colourful activities.

Sat 11-Sun 19 Feb Storytelling: Lights On, Lights Off! At-Bristol, Anchor Road, Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5DB. 0117 909 2000, www.at-bristol.org.uk, 2pm. 50p, Free entry for members • Have you ever spent the night in a tent before? Did you hear any strange noises in the night and wonder what they were? Join At-Bristol for a new story all about light, with some simple science experiments little ones can copy for themselves at home and lots of moving around and making noises.

Sat 11-Sun 19 Feb Make Your Own Robot!

At-Bristol, Anchor Road, Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5DB. 0117 909 2000, www.at-bristol.org.uk, Drop in sessions: 10am – 5pm. 50p, Free entry for members • Get creative and environmentally friendly during half-term and re-use everyday materials to make your own recycled robot. Cut and stick away to create your own robot friend to take home.

Sat 11-Sun 19 Feb Puzzlewood Puzzlewood, Nr Coleford, Forest of Dean GL16 8QB. www.puzzlewood. net, 10am-4.30pm. £5/£3.50 • For » PRIMARY TIMES

To reach 41,500 families in your area advertise in the next issue of Primary Times.

Call Caroline on 0117 934 3737 or email c.stretton@bepp.co.uk

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ROUNDABOUT 8-10 years £85. Fifty per cent reduction for second and subsequent siblings • Sheila Mander and a team of professional actors, singers and dancers hold half term workshops to create an exciting theatre performance in the unique setting of The Playhouse.

Love Food festivals in Bristol, 12 Feb, and Bath, 4 Mar

» a magical day out in the Forest of Dean, this fascinating maze of pathways is reputed to have inspired JRR Tolkien and will be open over the half term school holiday.

Sat 11-Sun 19 Feb Clearwell Caves Clearwell Caves, Nr Coleford, Forest of Dean, GL16 8JR. www. clearwellcaves.com, 10am-5pm. £5.30/£3.80 • Explore this extensive natural cave system, mined for iron ore to make one of Britain’s most complex and oldest mine workings; dating back well over 4,500 years. Walk through eerie tunnels, following in the footsteps of generations of miners who cut their livelihood from the rock.

Sat 11-Thu 23 Feb See the Spring Night Sky Tyntesfield, Wraxall, Bristol BS48 1NX. 01275 461900, nationaltrust.org.uk, 7.30pm9.30 pm. £5 • Wrap up warm and join the Bristol Astronomical Society for an evening of seasonal star gazing.

Sun 12 Feb Valentines Love Food Event Paintworks Bristol, Bath Road, Bristol BS4 3EH. 07815 308488 www.lovefoodfestival.com • Family event, celebrating a love of food supplied by farmers and producers on our doorstep, offering some delicious local tastes.

Mon 13 Feb Frozen Planet St George’s Bristol, Great George Street, Bristol BS1 5RR. 08454 024001, www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk, 7.30pm. £10/8 • A deeper look at the massive challenges of filming the landmark BBC natural history series ‘Frozen Planet’.

Mon 13-Thu 16 Feb Let’s Make a Show 49 Bath Road, Cheltenham GL53 7HG. 01242 522852, www.playhousecheltenham.org. 5-7 years Mon-Wed 9.30am-1pm, Thu 2pm5pm. 8-10 years Mon-Wed 9.30am1pm, Thu 1pm-5pm. 5-7 years £75, 12

FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2012

Mon 13-Fri 17 Feb ‘5 a day’ February Bristol Zoo Gardens, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3HA. 0117 974 7399, www.bristolzoo.org.uk • A child gets free entry with a selected piece of fruit or veg during February half term. Offer valid with specific piece of fruit or veg.

Mon: Apple, Tues: Carrot, Wed: Pear, Thurs: Broccoli, Fri: Lettuce Tue 14 Feb The Birds’ Wedding Day Lacock Abbey, Lacock, Chippenham. 01249 730459, www. nationaltrust.org.uk, 11-1pm and 2-3pm. Normal admission applies, NT members and under 5s free • Never heard of the Birds’ Wedding Day? It’s another name for Valentine’s day. This is a special wedding celebration where you help create dozens of paper birds to decorate a tree and create a bird badge to take home with you.

Tue 14 Feb Laugh Out Loud (7-11 Years) Tewkesbury C of E Primary School, Chance Street, Tewkesbury GL20 5RQ. 01684 292309, 10.30am-4 .30pm. £20 • A unique chance for budding comedians to learn how to write and perform their own jokes and comedy sketches, and perform a routine for friends and family at the end of the day.

Tue 14-Thu 16 Feb Wooden Wonders Westonbirt Arboretum,Tetbury GL8 8QS. 01666 880220, www. forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt, 10.30am - 3pm. £5 adults, £4 concessions and £2 children.

Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum members and accompanying children under 19 years old visit free • Join the Forestry Commission’s learning team to find out about the amazing material wood and how we use it. Follow a woodland trail and see many wonders along the way.

aged 6 and up help to create a mural that will be displayed as part of the exhibition. Messages of hope will be written on the birds and they will be sent out to the Philippines to a new Children’s Centre at the end of the exhibition.

Thu 16 Feb The Power of the Handwritten Word Embroidery Event Space, Paintworks, Bath Road, Arnos Vale, Bristol BS4 3EH. 01225 443600, www.mercyinaction.org.uk, enquiries@mercyinaction.org.uk, 10-11am. £3.50 advance, £5 on the day • After learning basic embroidery skills, children will embroider a word or phrase onto fabric - the messages can be sent out to the children in the Philippines. For ages 10 and up.

Thu 16 Feb Roman Medical Workshop Yate & District Heritage Centre, Church Road, Yate BS37 5BG. 01454 862200, www.yateheritage.co.uk, 10-11.30am, 11.30-1pm and 2-3.30pm. Admission free, donations welcome • A fun history lesson for children between 5-12 years. Discover the world of Roman surgery and make your own roman objects. Booking essential.

Thu 16 Feb Bird Box Bonanza Bristol Zoo Gardens, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3HA. 0117 903 0609, www.bristolzoo.org.uk, 10am3.30pm. £8.50 • At this time of year birds are setting up home on the Downs. Through a fun morning of games and activities discover more about birds and their nests. In the afternoon make a nest box to take home for your feathered friends. For 8-12 year olds.

Thu 16 Feb Big, Bold and Bright (3-7 years) Victoria Art Gallery, by Pultney Bridge, Bath BA2 4AT. 01225 477233, www.victoriagal.org.uk, victoria_enquiries@bathnes.gov. uk, 10.30am and 1.30pm • Put lots of colour in your art and enjoy the gallery’s special paintings.

Thu 16 Feb Family Zumba The Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury GL20 5N. 01684 295074, www.rosestheatre.org, boxo@rosestheatre.org, 10.30am1.30pm. £10 (includes one child and one adult) • Learn funky dance moves, develop fitness and rhythm and enjoy getting in the groove with the whole family in this Zumba-inspired dance workshop. Choreograph a short routine to perform to friends and family at the end of the workshop.

Fri 17 Feb Dragon Origami and Colouring Workshop Museum of East Asian Art, 12 Bennett St, Bath BA1 2QJ. 01225 464640, info@meaa.org.uk, 2-4pm. £2 • Learn about the art of origami and create some cute dragons and colourful pictures.

Fri 17 Feb Paint with Karen Burnett Event Space, Paintworks, Bath Road, Arnos Vale, Bristol BS4 3EH. 01225 443600, www.mercyinaction.org.uk,enquiries@ mercyinaction.org.uk, 10-11 am. £3.50 advance, £5 on the day • A chance for children aged 4 and up to create some of their own paintings in a fun workshop.

Fri 17 Feb Bookmark Making Event Space, Paintworks, Bath, Road, Arnos Vale, Bristol BS4 3EH. 01225 443600, www.mercyinaction.org.uk, enquiries@ mercyinaction.org.uk, 2-3 pm, £3.50 advance, £5 on the day • Hosted by Laura Izaguirre, local artist well-known for her practical art. Make your own bookmarks to take home.

Sat 18-Sun 19 Feb Beads, Findings and Jewellery-Making Fair St Margaret’s Hall, Bradford on Avon BA15 1DE. www.eventsboa. co.uk, wellie@pandoragiftshop. com, 10am-4pm • Something for everyone in both children and adult jewellery-making workshops, and a wide range of craft stalls to meet all budgets. »

Wed 15 Feb Textile Craft Workshop Yate & District Heritage Centre, Church Road, Yate BS37 5BG. 01454 862200, www.yateheritage. co.uk, 10.30am-12.30pm or 2-4pm.

Admission free, donations welcome • Ideal for children between 5-12 years to learn traditional sewing and embroidery skills in a fun environment. Booking essential.

Wed 15 Feb Messengers of Hope Mural - Birds on a Tree Event Space, Paintworks, Bath Road, Arnos Vale, Bristol BS4 3EH. 01225 443600, www.mercyinaction.org.uk, enquiries@mercyinaction.org.uk, 11am-12pm. £3.50 advance, £5 on the day • Children

Frozen Planet at St George’s, Bristol, 13 Feb looks at the challenges of filming the BBC series, while cameraman Doug Allan talks about his work on the series at At Bristol, 7 Mar

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ROUNDABOUT Tue 3-Thu 5 Apr Easter Art Camp (5-7, 8-13 years) The Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney Street, Bath BA2 4DB. 01225 388569, www.holburne. org, 9am – 4pm. £35 per day or £100 for three days • Make new friends and be creative in the school holidays with a variety of day long workshops focusing on specific crafts.

Sat 18 Feb-Sat 24 Mar Saturday Art Club (5-7, 8-13 years) The Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney Street, Bath BA2 4DB. 01225 388569, www.holburne.org, holburne@bath.ac.uk, 10.30am-12 .30pm. £8 • A chance for aspiring young artists to discover new skills and create something special to take home.

Sat 25 Feb Identifying Lichens Bristol Zoo Gardens, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3HA. 0117 903 0609, www.bristolzoo.org.uk, 10am-12 .30pm. £4 • Explore some wonderful lichens growing on trees on the Downs with local lichen enthusiast Sheila Quin. On this guided walk Sheila will help you learn to identify these strange and beautiful organisms.

Sun 26 Feb “I’m a Cartoonist…” with Joe Berger The Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney Street, Bath BA2 4DB. 01225 388569, www.holburne.org, holburne@bath.ac.uk, 2.303.30pm. £2 • See illustrator, children’s author and cartoonist Joe Berger exploring storytelling in comic strip form.

MARCH Fri 2 Mar Spring Fashion Show & Supper Westonbirt School, Tetbury, Gloucestershire GL8 8QG. 01666 880333. 7pm. £20/£15 • Presented by Friends of Westonbirt School, the fashion show offers collections of springwear from Moi, Clobber, The Tetbury Tailor, Just Maude Designs, That New Shop and The Dress Designer Agency, with jewellery by Diana Ingram. Includes Prosecco reception, two course supper and coffee, cash bar.

Sun 4 Mar Love Food Festival Green Park Station, Green Park Road, Bath BA1 1JB.07815 308488, www.lovefoodfestival. com • Love will most definitely be in the air as you celebrate your love of food, get together for a delicious festival which will feed your senses.

Wed 7 Mar Doug Allan-Life Behind the Lens At-Bristol, Anchor Road, Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5DB. 0117 909 2000, www.at-bristol. org.uk, 7.30pm. £15 • Adventures, encounters and insights from the award winning cameraman whose TV credits include the epic wildlife series ‘Blue Planet’, ‘Planet Earth’, ‘Life’, ‘Human Planet’, ‘Ocean Giants’ and ‘Frozen Planet’. Join Doug for an unforgettable evening as he takes you up close and personal with 14

FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2012

Discovery Day at Bristol Zoo,, 11 Mar

the animals that live in the wildest places on earth. See amazing film footage on the big screen and listen to Doug’s experiences of working with everyone from Sir David Attenborough to Ewan McGregor.

Thu 8-Sat 10 Mar Discover University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TH. 0117 331 8318, cpe-info@bristol.ac.uk • This free exhibition is a special opportunity to visit the world of science fiction and talk about the reality of science fact.

Suitable for children and adults, it’s a whistle-stop tour of real research with its roots in Bristol.

Bristol primary schools are invited to attend on Thursday and Friday, and it’s open on Saturday for the general public.

Sun 11 Mar Bath Half Marathon (Meningitis UK entries) 0117 303 3343 or email lizgough@ meningitisuk.org for an application pack • General public entries are now full but Meningitis UK still has a few sought-after places left in their Meningitis Musketeers team for the popular 13-mile event. Full support will be given and everyone who participates will receive a free Search 4 a Vaccine running vest or T-shirt, and a handy information pack including hints and tips on how to prepare. Everyone who runs for Meningitis UK will be part of the Meningitis Musketeers team, with the motto ‘All 4 One and One 4 All’, highlighting the devastating fact that meningitis can kill in under four hours and the importance of its Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign.

Sun 11 Mar Discovery Day at Bristol Zoo Bristol Zoo Gardens, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3HA. 0117 974 7369, www.bristolzoo.org.uk, education@bristolzoo.org.uk, £7.25 • Experience your very own animal encounter as well as an arts and craft session. Hands-on elements, live animals and lots of interactive fun. Make amazing creations from recycled materials. With a prize-giving ceremony at the end of the day.

Thu 15 Mar The Funnels Arnolfini, 16 Narrow Quay, Bristol BS1 4QA. 0117 939 3902, www. desperatemen.com • Desperate Men present an evening with The Funnels, three strangely dressed musical beasts with funnels on their heads. They play familiar tunes such as ‘Stand By Me’, ‘Blue Suede Shoes’ and ‘Blowing in the Wind’ on a series of brightly coloured plastic pipes.

Bizarre but beautiful.

Sat 31 Mar–Mon 9 Apr Easter Egg Trails Tyntesfield, Wraxall, Bristol BS48 1NX. 01275 461900, www. nationaltrust.org.uk, 10am-3 .30pm. £2.50 • Join the National Trust in the beautiful Tyntesfield ground with an abundance of fun trails and activities around the grounds with a chocolatey prize.

APRIL Sun 1-Wed 4 Apr Theatre Studio Easter Holiday Workshops The Playhouse, Bath Road, Cheltenham GL53 7HG. 01242 522852, www.playhousecheltenham.org • There are three musical theatre workshop courses available during the Easter holidays, Junior (ages 4-7), Intermediate (8-13) and Senior (14+). Work with professional tutors and create fantastic performances for family and friends to come and watch! This is a fabulous opportunity for students to meet new friends, perform on The Playhouse main stage and learn exciting, performance skills.

Tue 3 Apr The BFG (7-11 Years) Tewkesbury C of E Primary School, Chance Street, Tewkesbury GL20 5RQ. 01684 292309, 10.30am-4.30pm. £20 • A fun fantasy and fiction workshop, inspired by Roald Dahl’s The BFG and designed to develop skills in voice, movement and improvisation. Fantastic for any budding young actors.

Thu 5 Apr Bob the Builder (4-7 Years) Tewkesbury C of E Primary School, Chance Street, Tewkesbury GL20 5RQ. 01684 292309, 10.30am-1.30pm. £10 • A lively theatre skills workshop for younger years which aims to build on children’s creativity and interactive skills as they participate in a unique performance and become Bob the Builder, Wendy or any other member of the gang.

Easter Egg Trail Sun 8-Mon 9 Apr Lacock Abbey, Lacock, Chippenham. 01249 730459, www.nationaltrust.org.uk, 10.30am. Free entry • On your marks, get set and get going around Lacock Abbey’s grounds on this Easter egg trail with a sporty twist.

Tue 10-Thu 12 Apr Easter Art Camp (5-7, 8-13 years) The Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney Street, Bath BA2 4DB. 01225 388569, www.holburne. org, holburne@bath.ac.uk, 9am – 4pm. £35 per day or £100 for three days • Make new friends and be creative in the school holidays with day long workshops focusing on a large variety of specific crafts.

Sat 14-Sun 15 Apr Day Out with Thomas at Dean Forest Railway Dean Forest Railway, Norchard, Forest Road, Lydney, Glos GL15 4ET. www.deanforestrailway. co.uk. £14/£8 • Meet Thomas and his friends in the Forest of Dean and get unlimited travel on the steam train to Lydney Junction.

Storytelling, miniature railway rides, face painting, Punch & Judy, a roundabout and competition with prizes.

Sun 29 Apr Love Food Festival Dyrham Park, Bath, South Gloucestershire SN14 8ER. 07815 308488, www.lovefoodfestival. com, lorna@lovefoodfestival. com • Celebrate your love of food as families and friends get together for a delicious festival to feed your senses.

roundabout LISTINGS BY francesca gibbens

PRIMARY TIMES

ADVERTISING FEATURE

d r a o b n i P

Ffi: 01275 540173 www.horseworld.org.uk

Rose Hill Westonbirt pupils rise to the challenge In keeping with its pledge to concentrate on core academic subjects, the teaching of practical mathematics has been given a real boost this term at Rose Hill

Westonbirt School.

Activities, including the regional Maths Challenge and a workshop with Explore Learning (who provide private learning centres located in Sainsbury’s grocery stores across the UK), allowed pupils to develop problem solving and practical skills in real-life situations. Explore Learning held two interactive workshops for Years 3-4 and Years 5-6 and described Rose Hill Westonbirt’s pupils as the most focused group they had visited.

In addition, pupils were also put to the test with the school’s own Maths Challenge morning, where children were tasked with a specific brief to design and build a freestanding robot with a specific purpose.

Congratulations to the winning team who built a wonderful ‘Robot Waiter’ with built-in storage facilities. The morning ended with a maths trail around the grounds and a Brain Stretchers activity.

Ffi: Open Morning Rose Hill Westonbirt Preparatory School, Thurs 9 Feb, 9:30am–12:30pm. 01666 881375, www.rhwestonbirt.co.uk

PRIMARY TIMES

news, education & contacts

Grammar school entrance assessment

HorseWorld calling Enjoy a fantastic, value-formoney day out at HorseWorld including interactive sessions with horses, donkeys and ponies.

There’s plenty to explore in the indoor and outdoor play areas, too.

HorseWorld holds special events throughout the year while great value membership allows free return visits for 12 months. See website or call for details.

Parents’ & teachers’

Winged wonders Birdland is a natural setting of woodland, river and gardens, inhabited by over 500 birds, with the only group of king penguins in England, Wales and Ireland. Flamingos, cranes, pelicans and storks can be seen on various aspects of this water habitat. There are over 50 aviaries of parrots, pheasants, hornbills or ibises, while a Desert House protects the more delicate species. There is also the Penguin Café, Picnic areas, playground and much more.

The new Discovery Zone has a lecture theatre, Trigg Hall, a soft play area, egg and bird interpretation and displays of animals from insects to mammals.

Marshmouth Nature Reserve is a lovely environment to see wild creatures from dragonflies to kingfishers as well as the Encounter Zone where you can interact with snakes, spiders, owls, guinea pigs and more.

Ffi: 01451 820480, www.birdland.co.uk

Page by Page launches nationally recognised test.

Stroud-based tuition company Page by Page has announced the delivery of a new, independent service aimed at parents considering grammar school or common entrance exams for their children.

The new service takes the form of a diagnostic test that can easily give a clear indication of the likely success of a child prior to taking any grammar school entrance exams. (Results are based on the performance of the previous year’s intake).

Additionally, parents and children can get a real sense of how they are benchmarked against their peers across the entire academic spectrum.

Zoe Spyropoulos, managing director of Page by Page, says, “The test is administered and marked by trained tutors with the experience and knowledge to assess the child to give meaningful and honest feedback. It should enable parents to make informed decisions based on accurate and objective insight.”

The test takes approximately 90 minutes and the full cost is £30 per child.

Ffi: 074 35 781 6 0 5, www.pagebypagetuition.co.uk

To Tocelebrate celebratethe theDiamond Queen’s Jubilee Diamond British Jubilee, Food British Fortnight Food Fortnight is invitingis all schools invitingin allthe schools UK to create in the UK a special to cremenu ate a special featuring menu recipes featuring that celebrate recipes the thatbest celebrate of British. theThe bestwinning of British. menus The will winning be served menus to will Thebe Queen served andtoThe The Duchess Queen and of Cornwall The Duchess at a reception of Cornwall at Buckingham at a reception Palace at Buckingham in June. The Palace competition in June.is a tribute to The Queen for theThe Diamond top four Jubilee. winning schools will beThe invited top four to Buckingham winning schools will Palace in be June invited to see to Buckingham their menus prepared Palace inby June Buckingham to see their Palace’s menus head prepared chef and by Buckingham will help serve Palace’s their dishes. head chef and willAll help schools servehave theirto dishes. do is design a menu Schools for The have Queen to do that is design celebrates a menu the food for produced The Queen inthat theircelebrates part of the the country, food produced including in both your savoury part ofand the country, sweet dishes. including All dishes both savoury need toand be sweet easilydishes. produced Allas dishes canapés. needEntries to be by easily Monday produced 30 April. in the form of canapés. Entries need to be submitted by Monday 30th April. Ffi and to enter: Ffi: www.lovebritishfood.co.uk www.lovebritishfood.co.uk

Fish that make you go Ughh!!

Discover some of the ocean’s smelliest, squidgiest and slimiest marine animals at Bristol Aquarium this February half term (13-17 February) during its ‘Ughh!!’ week.

The event highlights the creatures’ disgusting habits and why they are essential for surviving in the depths.

Hands-on workshops, talks and feeding demonstrations will explain why some fish eat poo, while starfish can throw up their own stomachs.

Ffi: 0117 929 8929, www.bristolaquarium.co.uk

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Alice Ferguson (left) and Amy Rose, co-founders of Playing Out, show how much fun it can be organising street play

Streets alive!

Zoe Melegari and Francesca Gibbens look at how communities are making our streets safer for play, and raising children’s road awareness.

T

PRIMARY TIMES

Could schemes like Playing Out see a return to . . .

uled basis for up to a year. The council is keen to support residents where there’s popular demand for street play so if you and your neighbours have a strong application there’s a high probability it will succeed. If your local council doesn’t have a TPS scheme, you could apply for a street party road closure and/or lobby your council to introduce a similar scheme to Bristol’s.

Playing Out suggests that you advertise the event in your street with flyers and posters, ensuring that as many children as possible gain from it: find out more from Playing Out’s free workshops for residents in February and March (see website).

Of course street play is just one element of road safety. If you live in South Gloucestershire, there are plenty of ways to get your children learning about road safety. The enthusiastic team at the local council are doing all they can to offer schools a number of schemes.

Its Bikeability scheme teaches . . . the good old days? children to control and master their bikes in an environment away from cars or traffic before moving on to practise on the road, giving them a real cycling experience and enabling them to deal with traffic on short journeys such as cycling to school. Children are presented with a certificate when completing the scheme which gives them a sense of achievement.

Alan Hale, senior road safety officer at South Gloucestershire, says, “The scheme has had great feedback and it’s really important that as many schools as possible get involved. It not only presents the children with the skills to ride their bikes, but it also gives them road awareness and confidence, which is a huge factor in staying safe.”

a residential road to throughtraffic (residents still have vehicle access), giving children the freedom of the street. It shows parents how volunteer stewards at each road closure can redirect traffic and create a safe environment for children. “In the city, space is lacking and the street is a valuable and easily accessible place for children,” she says. “It’s not always possible for parents to take their children to the park, so the street is a more immediate space, allowing independent access to play. We wanted to get people thinking: showing them how the street should and could be used by everyone.”

If you like the sound of a playing out scheme in your street, it’s easy to get involved. The first step is to liaise with neighbours, get their agreement and decide on a date. If you live in Bristol you can apply to Bristol City Council for a Temporary Play Street (TPS) order, which permits residents to close a road on a regular or sched-

Pic: Hugh Warwick

he image of a group of children kicking a ball around in the street, or playing hide and seek behind the dustbins, is an ideal preserved in the memories of our grandparents and occasionally glimpsed in images from the 1960s and before. But changes in lifestyle over the last 50 years have seen a sharp decline in children’s outdoor play as parents have become ever more protective of their offspring.

According to statistics published by the Department of Education, more than one-third of today’s children never play outside. Yet, for most of us, the freedom for children to run out into the street to play with their neighbours should be one of the great pleasures of growing up.

That’s certainly how an increasing number of parents feel and some are taking active steps to bring back the ethos of street play.

Alice Ferguson, who set up the Bristol-based project Playing Out, believes, “The decline in street play is largely due to the increase in car ownership, the constant stream of traffic and our busier, more hectic lives. Children are often put into more organised after-school activities, which is different to free play where they are able to use their environment and imagination rather than being dependent on adults to provide the rules.” Instead, she believes, the emphasis should be on free, unstructured play, which teaches important life skills, encouraging a sense of belonging and independence.

Playing Out supports residents who want to turn their streets into safer places for children to play, and enables them to organise after-school street events. It offers them the knowhow to temporarily close, or partially close,

The council also offers Road Safety workshops involving three individual sessions on cycle, pedestrian and car safety. The workshops are popular due to their interactive nature and have reached almost every school in the area.

Be Safe, Be Seen assemblies are given to children during October, highlighting the importance of being seen to drivers during the dark winter months. Year Six children are also given Young Voyager books, which address the issues that occur in the transition to secondary school. “For many, it’s the first time they’ve gone to school alone,” says Alan. “At a time when they may be more vulnerable than they might otherwise be, it is important they are prepared.’’

Finally, of course, there are many ways parents can take matters into their own hands and get involved with their child’s road safety education. The walk to school is an opportunity to talk to children about the dangers of the road. Try taking them on different routes so they can experience a range of different roads. It is the small things that get your child started: learning about road safety means they really need to get out there and do it practically, so get your coats on and enjoy a walk in the spring sunshine.

Bristol City Council T: 0117 903 6857 W: www.bristol.gov.uk Children’s Traffic Club W: www. trafficclub.org Get Street Wise W: www.getstreetwise.com Gloucestershire Council T: 01452 425000 W: www.gloucestershire. gov.uk Play 4 Life W: www.nhs.uk/ Change4Life/Pages/play-for-life Playing Out T: 07896 957141 W: www.playingout.net

Road safety education in action february half term 2012

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All weather family fun

Cattle Country in berkeley, Gloucestershire, is a great day out come rain or shine for children and adults, too. best known for its indoor and outdoor play equipment, Cattle Country has a whole range of things to do and many animals to see.

Whenever the park is closed to the public, private parties can be booked for exclusive access to the centre. two huge barns house giant slides and loads of soft play equipment. Outdoor activities include britain’s biggest jumping pillow, the climbing net, a huge adventure castle, trampolines, ride on mini tractors, a willow maze, mini golf and a boating lake, to name just a few. the mini train takes visitors through the park to the animal encounters area where children can get up close to the centre’s many animals including new born Gloucester Old Spot pigs. a relaxing walk takes you past the american bison, cattle, red deer and wallabies. tractor and trailer rides in spring and summer take you right up to the herd of bison. a restaurant provides full on site catering and a gift shop offers a wide range of souvenirs for all ages and pockets.

• Ffi: 01443 810510, www.cattlecountry.co.uk

Dane Com Pic: university of bristol/

erford

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Mission invisible at Discover

What do university researchers get up to in their laboratories and libraries? the short answer is, they think about new ideas and try them out. for a longer and more fun answer visit the hands-on Discover exhibition this march in bristol. hundreds of people from bristol university will be in the Galleries shopping centre, broadmead, exploring the world we live in. aimed at families – particularly those with children of primary school age – there’s something for everyone.

People at the university of bristol work around the globe, visiting australia, brazil, China and beyond to learn more about our world. their research is connected to almost everything you can think of. for the Discover exhibition they have developed dozens of activities and games for people of all ages.

Dig up a dinosaur and piece together the secrets hidden in ancient fossils. Interpret the wartime messages carved into ancient trees or visit the world of atoms by building a giant molecule, a billion times its real size. at the last Discover, one teacher said, “Classroom learning was put into the real world in a very exciting way.” this free exhibition is a special opportunity to visit the world of science fiction and talk about the reality of science fact. Suitable for children and adults, it’s a whistle-stop tour of real research with its roots in bristol.

• Ffi: Discover thu 8 – Sat 10 march. bristol Primary Schools are

invited to attend on thursday and friday, and it’s open Saturday for the general public. T: 0117 331 8318 W: www.bristol.ac.uk/public-engagement/events/discover-2012 E: cpe-info@bristol.ac.uk

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New Head for Badminton School badminton School has announced that rebecca tear will succeed current headmistress Jan Scarrow who is retiring next summer after 15 successful years. mrs tear is currently deputy head of Wycombe abbey School, buckinghamshire. Prior to that she spent many happy years at St. George’s ascot, where she held academic and pastoral responsibilities.

She read Chemistry at exeter university before undertaking a PGCe at the Institute of education, university of london, where she is now completing an ma in educational leadership. mrs tear is passionate about helping girls to develop a broad and balanced set of skills and interests. She is equally supportive and understanding of boarding having run a Sixth form boarding house and having first hand experience of boarding herself. “the friendly atmosphere and my conversations with students, staff and Governors left me with a really positive impression of badminton,” she says. “the girls showed an enormous pride in their school, as well as the ability to be reflective and analytical in their thoughts. It is an exciting prospect to lead such a strong and distinctive community and I am looking forward to taking up the post in September 2012.”

“I am absolutely delighted that the Governors have found such an excellent candidate as my successor,” says Jan Scarrow. “We are all confident that Badminton will continue to flourish under Rebecca’s leadership. I am looking forward to working with her to facilitate a smooth handover for next September.”

• Ffi: www.badmintonschool.co.uk

adve r tising fea ture

Where your children can flourish Wycliffe Nursery believes every child deserves the best possible start in life and, with its small class sizes, individual attention and dedicated team of friendly, qualified and caring staff, you can be sure that’s what your child will have. Wycliffe provides the perfect atmosphere for pre-school children to flourish and achieve. the bright and welcoming nursery provides a secure environment where children feel at home. there are fabulous, safe outside spaces which are used every day, including free flow patios, adventure playgrounds, growing plots, fields and woodland.

Children are encouraged to develop ICt skills, using the interactive whiteboards, with a variety of software packages designed to stimulate young minds. Nursery children also take part in a variety of activities including french and dance, which are delivered by specialist teachers. the nursery has its own dedicated dining hall, where the children make their choices from a selection of healthy options. the Independent Schools Inspectorate noted in may 2010 that, “all children achieve well and, for most, the outcomes are outstanding in all areas of learning. they make particularly strong progress in phonics, reading, numeracy and personal development so that, by the end of reception year, almost all of them are achieving above average for their age.”

Wycliffe’s next open morning will be held on Saturday 3 march 2012 from 10.30am – 12.30pm.

• Ffi: mrs Wendy robertson T: 01453 820471 W: www.wycliffe.co.uk.

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Classifieds Art & Crafts

to advertise call caroline Or Ruth on: 0117 943 3737 / 0117 934 3730 Or email: C.STRETTON@BEPP.cO.UK / r.morris@venue.co.uk

Party Ideas

Tuition

Jewellery Parties Perfect party idea. Each child can make two items, necklaces, bracelets or bag charms. Held in your home.

Call Sarah to enquire 07918676539 Balm Jewellery @Taurus crafts, Lydney

COURSES SPECIALISING IN ELEVEN PLUS PREPARATION IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE

Cooking

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TEL. 0844 8700411 WWW.ELEVENPLUSSTUDY.CO.UK

HELD DURING HOLIDAYS Please visit website for details www.so-tasty.co.uk info@so-tasty.co.uk Tel: 01242 587248 07798 635312

Fancy Dress Hire

To reach 41,500 families in your area advertise in the next issue of Primary Times.

Holid Workshoayps

Horse Riding Wapley Riding Stables

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

Riding Lessons for all ages and abilities • Patient and friendly tuition • Good selection of horses and ponies available • All aspects of riding, horse care and stable management • Experienced Instructors • Floodlit outdoor riding arenas

Wapley Hill Westerleigh Bristol 01454 321583 07860530199 enquiries@wapleystables.co.uk www.wapleystables.co.uk

LESSONS AVAILABLE ON OUR RIDING SCHOOL HORSES/PONIES OR YOUR OWN HORSE/PONY

Skiing

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Classifieds Glos.indd 2

• Preparation for Grammar School Entrance • Individual or Group Tuition • To any level

Longlevens Tuition.

Help your child improve their Maths and English skills.

Grammar school entry coaching.

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

Holiday Activities

Kids Scuba diving!

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

20 february half term 2012

• Qualified Experienced Teacher • English, Maths, Verbal reasoning • Booster Lessons English & Maths

Wall Art

Call Caroline 0117 934 3737 or email c.stretton@ bepp.co.uk Call Ruth 0117 934 3730 or email r.morris@ venue.co.uk

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1/25/2012 2:40:00 PM

Take a deep breath!

Francesca Gibbens offers some tips for the dream children’s birthday party.

J

uice and jelly, candles and cakes, tea and tantrums . . . yes, your child is another year older, the birthday party is fast approaching and you want to give them a special day full of the right type of memories.

If the prospect of planning the event is sending you into a spin, relax. Help is at hand. With the growing number of children’s party planners and themed parties, the possibilities are endless.

There’s a wide range of themes to choose from if you choose to organise the party yourself. A cowboy/cowgirl theme will suit all primary school ages and genders, as will a beach party. Or, for a more unique idea, base your party on an era or a specific film. Once you’ve chosen your theme, ideas for decorations and music should fall into place. Supplies are readily available from supermarkets or specialist party shops. Party organiser Jenny Williams at CSI

Kids, warns, “You don’t need to spend a fortune on the extras as the kids often don’t notice them.”

With party bags, she points out, children don’t worry too much about what they get, but the fact they leave the party carrying something.

You can take the stress out of the planning by booking a professional. CSI Kids plans scientificbased murder mysteries for ages seven and up and are a great option for an educational and entertaining party. The crime scene is set in your home or venue and the children play detective, aiming to solve the case. They are briefed on the professional procedures, while Jenny has written a wide range of stories to select from. She specifically caters for each group of children who, she says, “Really get into it. The mystery keeps them occupied while the parents can relax.” Party bags full of mementos are included in the price, so the children won’t forget The Good Cook School (here and above, left) has some great party ideas.

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the experience. They even get to take their own fingerprints home.

Jenny has been throwing CSI parties for a year now and has some great advice for parents.

“Don’t be surprised if parents don’t RSVP and then breeze in without a word of apology,” she says.

“Call them if you need to know numbers in advance. Be selective with the children you invite. If a child is a nightmare at school they’re going to be just as bad at the party.”

If you’re looking for something to suit all ages, try The Good Cook School, which hosts and caters for children’s cooking parties. Sophie Fox, who runs the company, will host the party at your home and keep the children entertained while they cook a range of healthy and tasty courses, either chosen by the children or from a sample menu. “‘These bespoke parties are ideal for parents,” says Sophie. “They can just sit back and relax as we provide everything, including party bags and invites. And we tidy away everything afterwards.”

If you want to satisfy your children’s creativity, an arts and crafts party might be a good option.

Companies like Crafting Crazy Kids or Balm Jewellery give the children a chance to make their own items at a party. The companies both provide decorations and entertainment at no extra cost, so your event is stress-free.

Go-Karting Wiltshire offers some four wheel excitement - all children receive a certificate and a medal, while the birthday child also receives a trophy.

Whether you choose a professional, or decide to host the party yourself, the most important thing to remember is not to stress about the minor details. The more fun

you have planning it, the more your children will enjoy it, and they won’t even notice the slight hiccups.

Balm Jewellery T: 01594 844841 W: www.tauruscrafts.co.uk/artists_profiles/artisans/Balm CSI Kids W: www.csikids.co.uk T: 0117 968 3892/07971 189497 Crafting Crazy Kids W: www. craftingcrazykids.co.uk Forest Inflatables T: 01594 840763/07773 536414 W: www. forestinflatables.co.uk Go Karting Wiltshire T: 07810 113457 W: www.gokartpartywiltshire.com The Good Cook School T: 0117 983 2521/07769 665020 W: www. thegoodcookschool.co.uk Paint-a-pot T: 01453 835043 W: www.paint-a-pot.co.uk

CSI Kids in action

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Arty Barty Hello Kids!

Thank you so much for the brilliant baby animal pictures you sent to celebrate spring.

The standard was very high.

Next month I have teamed up with City Sightseeing, Bristol who are offering prizes to two lucky winners of a family pass for a fabulous tour of Bristol on their wonderful bus, valid throughout the 2012 season.

Please send me your pictures inspired by Bristol seen from an open top bus to: Arty Barty, Venue Publishing, 4th Floor, BN&Media, Temple Way, Bristol BS99 7HD, or email

Last issue, I asked you to send in your pictures of baby animals. Well done to everyone whose picture is published here. They win either a book or a ticket to the ss Great Britain, Bristol.

high resolution jpegs to my editor, mike.gartside@venue. co.uk. Don’t forget, put your name, age, address and school on the back: Deadline Monday 27 February.

Have fun!

Arty

Samuel Chilton, 4, Ellwood Community rd, efo Primary School, Col Gloucester r” Sam’s “little bea has a wonderful sense of a movement, resulting in very jolly creature.

Iman Raja, 9, Ca lto Junior School, n Gloucester A simple yet de picture of a yountailed g lion, sensitively shaded coloured pencil. in

Sophie Wyman, Ellwood Commun10, ity Primary School, Coleford, Gloucester A Bambi-esqu wobbles gently toe deer A well-executed its feet. drawing with wax crayons.

Shreekar Puran 9, Elmbridge Ju ik, School, Gloucesnior Excellent use of ter co and I also like lour, delicacy of the anthe imals’ woolly coats.

Percy’s heart-warming capers Francesca Gibbens reviews the new releases

Furry fun to read out loud Have you ever wanted a puppy? Then ‘Coming Home’ is the perfect read. The first book in the new ‘Peggylicious’ series is a bundle of rhymes and rhythmic storytelling by Claire Harrison, mingled with cute and colourful illustrations by Elinor Geller, which will be a joy for children and parents to read aloud. Peggylicious settles into her new home, explores the local park and meets a new furry friend. Younger children will fall in love with the beautiful black cocker spaniel that has a penchant for squeaky toys. An entertaining yet easy-tofollow story with vibrant pictures which children will love.

Children’s favourite Percy the Park Keeper is back in a new story with his creature companions. In this tale, Percy sets up a treasure hunt for the animals, leaving them a trail of picture clues around the park, but mistakenly ends up eating the prize.

Amidst all the confusion, clever Fox leads the animals in the wrong direction, resulting in a scare and a new friend. With over seven million books sold, Percy the Park Keeper is a classic for all children, (and admittedly even adults too) full of soft, beautiful illustrations and heart-warming stories. The autumnal colours will have parents reaching for a hot drink while children enjoy the funny mishaps of the characters.

The Treasure Hunt by Nick Butterworth, Harper Collins (paperback), £6.99. www.harpercollins.co.uk

Coming Home: Peggylicious & The Do-Good Dog Clan by Claire Harrison & Elinor Geller, Vision Marketing (paperback), £5.99. www.peggylicious.com

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