i r ma ry ptimes
11 12 1 yrs
2 3 4 yrs
in Avon
Issue 183 23 May-22 July 2014
Pedal power!
Bristol’s Biggest Bike Ride takes to the streets. Page 4 Download the new Primary Times app, free! Page 3
Also Making maestros Family festivals Fun on the water Father’s Day
Theatre • Arty Barty • Roundabout • Save money! 14 Avon cover May Half Term 2014.indd 3
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As summer approaches, May Half Term is a chance to finalise plans for the season ahead and explore the many attractions that the West has to offer families. We look at the burgeoning range of festivals coming up, which have become increasingly child-friendly this year (P33), as well as looking at that archetypally summer sport, sailing (P6), which doesn’t have to be an assault on your wallet. Look out, too, for multi-cultural Father’s Day ideas (P32) as well as ways of bringing music into your child’s education (P30). And, if in doubt what to do of a weekend, it’s always worth checking our packed listings!
a ry ptriim mes 11 12 1
2 3 4
yrs
in Avon
the editor
4 July 201 23 May-22 Issue 183
Pedalr! powe
Jacquetta Edmonds on sailing clubs.
FATHER’S DAY P32 Alex Hurley takes us around the world to get inspiration for Dad’s treat this year. The best music and kids’ fun in the West.
PRIMARY TIMES IS NOW AVAILABLE AS AN APP https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/primary-times/id674066003?mt=8
es e Ride tak Biggest Bik Bristol’s eets. Page 4 Also Al networking to the str Safe social vals
Theatre • Arty
WATER WONDERFUL WORLD P6
FESTIVAL FEVER! P33
yrs
Download the new Primary Times app, 3 free! Page
THEATRE P8 ROUNDABOUT P13 PINBOARD P21 ADVERTISING FEATURES P26 PUPILS’ PAGE P34 CLASSIFIEDS P36
Family festi water Fun on the Father’s Day
Cover image: Chris Bahn
Save money! ndabout • Barty • Rou
Primary Times in Avon
Bristol News and Media, Temple Way, Bristol BS99 7HD. More information at www.primarytimes.net
Editor Mike Gartside mike.gartside@venue.co.uk Commercial director Paul Kimberley paul.kimberley@b-nm.co.uk 0117 934 3780 Advertising Caroline Stretton caroline.stretton@b-nm.co.uk 0117 934 3737 Ellie Pipe eleanor.pipe@b-nm.co.uk 0117 934 3730 Distribution Simon Butler 0117 934 3741 simon.butler@b-nm.co.uk Design Cath Evans, Mike Gartside Production Emma Gorton, Ruth Wood 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 biased 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 Bristol News & Media nor its contributors are liable for the consequences of any errors. Primary Times would like to thank all the schools in the counties 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 currently publishes more than two million copies per issue under franchise.
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Find these amazing offers this issue!
Cardiff Castle – Under 5s go free Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm - £2 off admission Bristol Aquarium – Kids go free Mad Science – Early bird discount on all bookings Grosvenor Hotel – Kids go free Cattle Country – 15% off voucher Cotswold Wildlife Park – Save money: e-tickets now available Primary Times has a smashing, new-look website, a portal to all the 60 regional editions of the magazine including Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire. The new site is brighter, cleaner and easier to navigate, so go ahead and explore what’s on in your area on: www.primarytimes.net MAY HALF TERM 2014
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It’s f regis ree to Brist ter for ol’s B Bike iggest Ride Sund www ay 22 Ju .bett erby ne info bike.
The bikes are back!
Get the whole family out pedalling as the city goes cycling mad for Bristol’s Biggest Bike Ride this June. Images by Chris Bahn.
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yclists of all ages will form a cast of thousands participating in Bristol’s Biggest Bike Ride on Sunday 22 June. Now in its 21st year and more popular than ever, the ride heads out of Bristol on a traffic-free Portway beneath Brunel’s magnificent Clifton Suspension Bridge and into the countryside beyond. Expect a carnival atmosphere with bikes of all shapes and sizes heading off in a blaze of colour and the ringing of bike bells. This year’s Biggest Bike Ride has four routes to choose from ranging from ‘easy-to-pedal’ to more challenging! Families with younger children can opt for the Family Fiesta route (9 miles) along the Portway, under the Suspension Bridge and then back into the city. There’s plenty of space for cycling in groups and places to stop off should you need a breather. If you are used to pedalling a bit further afield then the
Avon Gorge loop route stretches approximately 14 miles. Or another great option is the Sustrans Portishead Ride (24 miles) taking cyclists out to the North Somerset coast. For very sporty types, the first ride of the day is ‘the Clevedon Challenge’, a demanding 38 mile trip with hilly climbs and steep descents. Visit the website below to register your family or school group to take part in the Biggest Bike Ride, which is completely free. You’ll find everything you need to know about this year’s event, including maps of the routes, start times and safety information. All types of pedal bikes can be ridden on the Bike Ride – look out for ingenious machines and brightly decorated trailers. There are bike mechanics on hand at the start to give your bike a last minute check and to assist further along the route. Ffi: www.betterbybike.info
From start to finish
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iders gather in Millennium square close to the Start on Canons Way (near Lloyds Bank). Remember to take a bike lock with you to park up on your return. It’s then a short stroll up to College Green where the Bike Ride ‘after party’ takes place as part of the finale activities for Bristol’s Big Green Week festival. You will find a whole host of bike related and family friendly entertainment brought to you by the Make Sunday Special team, Big Green Week and Travelwest Roadshow. Riders can rest their weary legs in the Sustrans pedal-powered cinema or take the opportunity to try out an electric bike for free. Excitement will build for the Electric Bike Championships, which take place on Park Street at 1pm, as well as extreme mountain bike demonstrations happening throughout the afternoon. Ffi: www.biggreenweek.com
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I
f you have a taste for getting out on two wheels, then there is a whole ‘summer of cycling’ events in store for you. Here’s a flavour of some of the activities:
city’s Sustainable Travel Fayre in Victoria Park – take your bike to ride in traffic free space along Royal Avenue, try an electric bike and see how different modes of travel shape up in a special ‘multimodal travel race’ including electric cars, electric bikes, hybrid park and ride and new hire bikes. To keep in touch, visit the website. Ffi: www.betterbybike.info
Bring your bike and have a roar At the fun, free, family Dinotour! For fabulous, family fun take part in the Dinotour annual cycling treasure hunt on the Bristol to Bath railway path on Father’s Day, Sunday 15 June. Hunt the colourful dinosaurs dotted along the route, collecting clues as you go.
B
ath goes biketastic on Saturday 21 June at the
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Water
Pic: All Aboard Watersports
wonderful world
Dinghy sailing and other water sports provide great summer activities for kids, says Jacquetta Edmonds. But how can you get your children afloat without breaking the bank?
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ith all the equipment involved, you may have dismissed dinghy sailing, kayaking and paddle boarding as just too expensive for your kids. But don’t be put off! There are clubs and charities across the South West focused on getting children on the water for as little as £6 a session. Every year thousands of children take to the water in Bristol Harbour, on the River Avon and on lakes scattered across Gloucestershire and Somerset. Water sports get children out into the fresh air and closer to nature and most children are thrilled by the speed, freedom and independence that they experience. Harry Boss, a keen, 9-year-old sailor from Chew Valley Lake Sailing Club explains, “I love sailing. It’s like I’m in charge of my own large vehicle, without an adult being there.” Many clubs provide sailing dinghies, kayaks, wet suits and life jackets for beginners. Training, normally for children aged 8 or older, is usually provided by volunteers, keeping costs to a minimum. The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) also provides a youth sailing scheme, allowing clubs to award certificates as children grow from beginners to confident sailors. Once competent, many children move on to dinghy racing which promotes real physical fitness and mental focus. If you live in Bristol, All Aboard Watersports is a great place to get your children started. Based in the harbour, its water sports programs come with dinghies, kayaks, wet suits and life jackets provided. They also have equipment and training for those with disabilities. Their concessionary rates allow access for all and the confined space of the harbour is great for spectating parents. The team at All Aboard likes to keep broadening horizons 6
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tPics: here and top righ
for children as they progress, as a trustee of the organisation, Karen Lloyd, makes clear, “Once children have become competent on the water we encourage them to start racing. If they are keen, we help them to participate in competitions and events at other clubs across the south of England.” To the south of Bristol are two clubs based on reservoirs, Chew
“I love sailing. It’s like I’m in charge of my own large vehicle, without an adult being there.” Harry, aged 9.
Club Chew Valley Lake Sailing
Valley Lake Sailing Club (CVLSC) and Bristol Corinthian Yacht Club (BCYC), both of which have active sailing programs for children over the spring and summer months. On the weekends, masses of children converge on these clubs, struggle into their wet suits, clamber into dinghies and set sail. CVLSC provides teaching in both single and double handed boats (club membership is required) and BCYC runs a summer school offering sailing, windsurfing and paddle boarding throughout August. Further north in Gloucestershire, just east of Cirencester is Bowmoor Sailing Club, a centre of excellence for sailors of the Optimist dinghy. The club offers training for children from learning to sail through to club, regional and international racing. John Banbrook, Optimist Flotilla Coordinator at Bowmoor, has no doubts of the benefits of sailing: “When I see our youngest 7and 8-year-old sailors racing their Optimists against a mixed fleet of 30 or more adult and youth sailors, I know that sailing has done won-
ders for their confidence.” Lastly, Bristol Avon Sailing Club based on the river at Saltford, holds ‘Cadet Days’ for junior sailors that include team based relay racing, paddle races and ever popular capsize drills. So will your child experience sailing or paddling as a relaxing leisure experience or a high adrenaline, high-performance sport? You’ll never know until they try. As Michael Dennis, a fiercely competitive, 15 year old sailor from Bristol, reflects: “The first time I went to All Aboard I had no idea that sailing would become such a passion for me and that I would be racing internationally at the age of 15.” So go on, get your kids afloat this summer! All Aboard Watersports W: www.allaboardwatersports.co.uk Bowmoor Sailing Club W: www.bowmoor.co.uk Bristol Avon Sailing Club W: www.bristol-avon-sailing.org.uk Bristol Corinthian Yacht Club W: www.bristolcorinthian.org.uk Chew Valley Lake Sailing Club W: www.chewvalleysailing.org.uk
Pic: All Aboard Watersports
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FAMILY & CHILDREN’S SHOWS ★ BRISTOL, BATH, SOMERSET & SOUTH GLOS
BATH THE EGG Theatre Royal, Sawclose, Bath BA1 1ET. 01225 448844, www.theatreroyal.org.uk A Boy and His Box Fri 23-Sat 24 May, Fri 10am & 1pm, Sat 11.30am3pm, £7.50 (adult)/£6.50 (child) • The story of a boy, a box and his vivid imagination which aims to delight with live drawing, projection, quirky tunes and some “brilliantly ridiculous” sound effects. A celebration of the amazing imagination of a child, and a reminder to grown-ups that an adventure can begin with the stroke of a pen. Age 4+. Blast Off! Mon 26 May, 11.30am/3pm, £7.50 (adult)/£6.50 (child & student) • Blast off into outer space with Kid Carpet and The Noisy Animals on a mission to find their brand new sound. A fast-paced adventure around a rock ’n’ roll musical universe meeting noisy planets, nursery-rhyme characters and shooting stars on the way. Age 4+ The Boat and the Moon Wed 28-Thu 29 May, 10.30am/12.30pm/3pm, £7.50 (adult)/£6.50 (child & student) • Follow the tale of a boat and its dream as it dances with a fish, talks to the stars, plays with a pelican and listens to a whale, while dreaming of sailing to the moon. Enjoy the combination of words, images, sounds and music that accompany the boat’s journey. Ages 1 to 5. Jack and the Beanstalk Fri 30-Sat 31 May, 11.30am & 3pm, £7.50 (adult)/£6.50 (child & student) • The classic tale is shaken up with surprises – enormous shoes, tiny houses, showers of silver and gold and a big, leafy explosion. Age 3+. The PoetryJoe Show Sat 21 Jun, 11.30am/3pm, £7.50 (adult)/£6.50
Blast Off, the egg, Mon 26 May
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(child & student) • PoetryJoe, star of Cbeebie’s Rhyme Rocket, presents a light-up, pop-up world of famous foods, beastly bugs and peculiar pets. Experience the interactive family show which incorporates elements of magic lantern, shadow puppetry and live poetry. 1001 Nights Fri 27-Sat 28 Jun, 1.30pm & 7pm (Fri), 11.30am & 3pm (Sat), £7.50 (adult)/£6.50 (child & student) • A collection of some of the greatest folk tales ever told reimagined through the character of Shahrazad. Her new-found friend cannot understand a word she says, so Shahrazad fashions crowns from saucepans, telescopes from old pipes and a magic carpet from a mop to create the imagined world of kings, viziers and jinns. Age 7+. The Imaginaries Sat 5-Sun 6 Jul, 11.30am, 3pm & 7pm (Sat), 2pm (Sun), £7.50 (adult)/£6.50 (child & student) • Casper and Morgan are best friends, inseparable until now. But Morgan is growing up and Casper finds himself launched into a strange new world of dragons, junkyards and lost friendships as his friend moves away from him. Age 9+. Little Red Hen Fri 18-Sat 19 Jul, 11am & 1.30pm (Fri), 11am & 2pm (Sat), £7.50 (adult)/£6.50 (child) • Making bread is hard work, but it would be a lot easier if the lazy farm yard animals lent a hand. This adaption of a nursery school favourite features a host of animal puppets, sing-a-long songs and comic routines. 3+ BATH FORUM Bath Forum, 1 The Forum, 1a Forum Buildings, St James Parade, Bath, BA1 1UG. 0844 888 9991, www. bathforum.co.uk THE MAGIC OF THE BEATLES Sat 7 Jun, 7.30pm, £21/£19 (concs) • Recreating the Beatles’ legendary live performance in Bath, The Magic of the Beatles features special guests The Colin Anthony Combo who appeared alongside the famous band in 1963. The twohour spectacular promises superb costumes and a cast of skilled musicians and singers. BATH CHAPEL ARTS CENTRE Bath Chapel Arts Centre, Lower Borough Walls, Bath, BA1 1QR. 01225 461700, www.chapelarts.org The Simon and Garfunkel Story Fri 30 May, 7.30pm, £16 • Direct from London’s West End, award winning actor Dean Elliott (Buddy Holly in ‘Buddy -The Musical’) and a full cast of performers, tell the compelling story of this historic music duo in this 50th anniversary celebration.
BRISTOL THE BREWERY THEATRE 291 North Street, Southville, Bristol BS3 1JP. 0117 902 0344, www.tobaccofactorytheatre.com How Cold My Toes Wed 2-Sun 6 Jul, 4.30pm (Wed),11am & 2pm (Thu), 11am & 4.30pm (Fri), 11am & 2pm (Sat & Sun), £7 • Magical journey through the seasons, from the vitality of Spring all the way to the frosty winter, in just an hour. Award-winning theatre company Travelling Light create an exciting piece of dance theatre for the very young. THE BRISTOL HIPPODROME St. Augustine’s Parade, BS1 4UZ. 0844 871 3012, www.atgtickets.com/ bristol Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake Tue 20-Sat 24 May, 7.30pm. 2.30pm (Wed, Thu & Sat). £22.40-£46.40 • Matthew Bourne’s “powerful and original” interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake turns tradition upside down, and took the dance world by storm when it was first performed. Fame Mon 26-Sat 31 May, 7.30pm. 2.30pm (Wed & Sat). £12.90-£41.40 • This brand new production will take you on a “hi-octane roller coaster ride through dizzy heights and crashing lows” as a group of starstruck wannabes embark on their quest for the ultimate accolade. Sing-A-Long-A Grease Sun 15 Jun, 7.30pm, £24.90 • The host will lead audiences on a vocal warm-up before the show, and even teaches a hand jive, so you’ll have all the skills you need to become a T-bird or a Pink Lady for the rest of the evening. Andy Ford Comedy Clubbed Live! Sun 22 Jun. 7.30pm, £20.90 • West Country Comedy star and Panto favourite Andy Ford performs his one man stand up show for the whole family. Good, old fashioned, no swearing humour, at its best. Singin’ in the Rain Tue 22 Jul-Sat 9 Aug, 7.30pm & 2.30pm (Wed & Sat), £15-£49.50 • Packed with romance, comedy and glamour. Screen star Max Caulfield plays studio boss R F Simpson and Vicky Binns is starlet Lina Lamont. Scooby Doo-The Mystery of the Pyramid Sat 17 Aug, 6.30pm & 2.30pm, £21.40 • Follow ScoobyDoo and the gang as they solve the mystery of Pharaoh Hatchepsout’s pyramid: not such an easy task when there are mysterious mummies and an angry Pharaoh guarding the pyramid. Shrek the Musical Tue 19 Aug-Sun 7 Sep, 7pm (Tue & Sat), 2.30pm (Thu & Sat), 3pm (Sun), £15-£49.50 • Join our unlikely hero and his loyal steed Donkey as they embark on a quest
Scooby Doo - The Mystery of the Pyramid, The Hippodrome, Bristol, Sat 17 Aug
to rescue the beautiful Princess Fiona from a fire-breathing dragon. Add into the mix Lord Farquaad and a gang of fairytale misfits and you’ve got an all-singing, all-dancing extravaganza. Barnum Tue 16–Sat 27 Sep, 7.30pm (Mon-Sat), 2.30pm (Thu 25 & Sats 20 & 27), £12.50-£49.50 • The musical that follows the irrepressible imagination and dreams of Phineas T Barnum, ‘America’s Greatest Showman’. Peppa Pig’s Big Splash Tue 7-Wed 8 Oct, 1pm & 4pm (Tue), 10am & 1pm (Wed), £16.40-£22.90 • Sing along with Peppa and her friends as they have fun putting up bunting, running stalls and raising money to fix the leaking nursery roof. Grab your wellies and brollies and get splashing. THE BRISTOL OLD VIC King Street, Bristol BS1 4ED. 0117 987 7877, www.bristololdvic.org.uk Constellations Sat 24 May, 2pm/6pm, £6-£10/£25 (family) • Dance, puppetry and digital visuals, combined with playfulness, creativity and style, make for an accessible piece of dance theatre suitable for children and their families. COLSTON HALL Colston Street, Bristol BS1 5AR. 0844 887 1500, www.colstonhall. org Bristol Acoustic Music Festival Sun 25 May, 1pm, £26.88 • Join the likes of BAFTA-nominated comedian Richard Digance, folk musician Chris
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PLEASE CHECK BEFORE YOU TRAVEL . . . AND TELL THEM YOU SAW THE EVENT IN PRIMARY TIMES! Hugless Douglas at Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Thu 29 May and The Bacon Theatre, Cheltenham, Sun 20 Jul.
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wood, and rockers Stackridge, for a platter of local acts. Shreya Ghoshal Thu 29 May, 7.30pm, £32.25-£53.75 • Popular Bollywood singer, known for an extensive list of hits in India. Breakin’ Convention Sat 31 May, 7.30pm • Sadler’s Wells’ international festival of hip hop dance theatre promises some jaw-dropping performances. The hall is transformed from top to bottom “as you’ve never seen it before”. OLYMPUS THEATRE Filton College Wise Campus, New Road, Bristol, BS34 8LP. 0117 956 7463, ministheatretickets@yahoo. co.uk The Wizard of Oz Wed 16-Sat 19 Jul, 7.30pm & 2.30pm (Sat), £10 • Minis Theatre Club presents the famous tale of Dorothy and her companions including the feelgood hits ‘Somewhere over the Rainbow’ and ‘Follow the Yellow Brick Road’. Ages 9 to 14. THE PLAYHOUSE THEATRE High Street, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1HP. 01934 645544, www.theplayhouse.co.uk Old MacDonald Had A Farm Sat 24 May, 2.30pm, £10.50 (adult) £9.50 (child) • Written especially for parents to enjoy with their children, this fun filled farmyard tale brings to life all the best loved characters from the original nursery rhyme along with a magical medley of games, giggles and sing along songs. The Simon and Garfunkel Story, Fri 27 Jun, 7.30pm, £19/£17.50 (concs) • Direct from London’s West End, award winning actor Dean Elliott (Buddy Holly in ‘Buddy -The Musical’) and a full cast, tell the compelling story of this classic music duo in this 50th anniversary celebration.
FURTHER AFIELD THE ARC THEATRE College Road, Trowbridge, Wiltshire BA14 0ES, 01225 756211, www.arctheatre.org.uk Misfits Mon 7-Tue 8 Jul, 7pm, £9/£7 (concs) • New youth group, Characters Stage Company, made up of children aged 10 to 17, present a brand new play about what it is 10 MAY HALF TERM 2014
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to be different and go against the norm. THE BACON THEATRE Dean Close School, Shelbourne Road, Cheltenham, GL51 6HE, 01242 258002, www.bacontheatre. co.uk Wizard of Oz Thu 10 Jul–Sun 13 Jul, 7.30pm (Thu-Sat), 2.30pm (Sat-Sun), £8-£14 • Join Dorothy on an adventure to the world of Oz. Meet the Tin Man, the Lion and the Scarecrow as they follow our heroine and her dog on her adventure. Includes the feel-good hits ‘Somewhere over the Rainbow’ and ‘Follow the Yellow Brick Road’. History of Britain Fri 18 Jul, 7.30pm, £13 • A breathless race through the centuries in which Harold II and William the Conqueror fail to see eye to eye, Henry VIII decides five marriages just aren’t enough and Queen Victoria is not amused. Thrown into the mix are songs, sketches and silliness, suitable for all ages. Hugless Douglas Sun 20 Jul, 5pm, £10/£32 (family) • The tale of a huggable, lovable young brown bear who wakes up one morning in need of a hug, join Douglass on his search for the perfect one. Lots of music, puppetry and storytelling. EVERYMAN THEATRE Regent Street, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573, www.everymantheatre.org.uk Peppa Pig’s Big Splash Wed 4-Thu 5 Jun, 10am, 1pm, 4pm, £15.50-£17.50 • Sing along with Peppa and her friends as they have fun putting up bunting, running stalls and raising money to fix the leaking nursery roof. Grab your wellies and brollies and get splashing. ROSES THEATRE The Roses, Sun Street, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire GL20 5NX. 01684 295074, www.rosestheatre.org Hugless Douglas Thu 29 May,11.30am, 2.30pm • young fans of the huggable bear can see their favourite story brought to life in an irresistible blend of music, puppetry and high energy storytelling. Ideal for children aged between 3 and 7. A Magical Evening of Dance Thu 5 Jun, 5.30pm, 8pm, £6/£8 • Venture into the fairy tale world of childhood, and the hidden secrets
of the circus, as music box ballerinas, jack-in-the-box clowns, snakes and ladders, and Disney favourites all come to life. Beauty And The Beast Thu 12 Jun, 7.30pm, £9-£15 • Ballet Cymru bring this timeless tale to life using a blend of classical technique and storytelling. Constellations Thu 17 Jun, 6.30pm, £6.50-£10 • Dance, puppetry and digital visuals, combined with playfulness, creativity and style, make for an accessible piece of dance theatre suitable for children and their families. SALISBURY ARTS CENTRE Salisbury Arts Centre, Bedwin Street, Salisbury, SP1 3UT. 01722 321744, www.salisburyartscentre. co.uk Logic of Nothing Tue 3 Jun, 7.30pm, £12 (adult)/£10 (under 16s) • Step into the world of Oscar Boffin – an obsessive hoarder and inventor who has a home filled with gadgets, but not all of them work the way they’re supposed to. A live soundtrack sets the stage for a blend of clown, juggling, magic and invention. Ages 10+ Monski Mouse’s Baby Disco Hall Sat 7 June, 2pm, £5 • The friendliest of discos for parents and under 5s. DJ Monski Mouse brings high-energy smiling to Salisbury. Her team will have your heads and shoulders, knees and toes bopping along to lashings of retro dance tracks, pop favourites and funky nursery rhymes. A Real Fairy Story Sat 28 Jun, 11am-2.30pm, £7.50/£6.50 (concs)/£24 (family) • Expect to see comedy, shadow puppetry, wonder, mayhem and close encounters with fairies. Join Mrs. Buttersnap on her journey into another world to find out how she can help the fairies and capture one in a photograph. Ages 3-7 years. Summer Stage Fri 15 Aug, 7.30pm/ Sat 16 Aug, 6.30pm, £6 • A multimedia performance on the theme of ‘Artificial Things’ created by a group of young people, during a two-week residency. Actors, musicians and technicians are brought together to create a performance from scratch. Children aged 11 to 18 who would like to take part should email simon@ salisburyarts.co.uk. Moon Man Sat 5 July, 11am, £4 • A bored Moon Man hitches a ride to Earth on the tails of a passing comet and starts to explore the fantastical creatures and sights of a new planet. But with the Moon Man absent from his post, the world’s children are unable to sleep. SALISBURY PLAYHOUSE Malthouse Lane, Salisbury, SP2 7RA. 01722 320333, www.salisburyplayhouse.com The Frog and Princess Wed 28 May, 12pm • A poignant re-telling of the Brothers Grimm tale, the frog prince uses “exquisitely manipulated” puppetry to explore the meeting of cultures. A princess who deems a frog unworthy of being her friend, starts a journey from rejection to friendship. They discover that, deep down, they are not so different after all.
Sir Charlie Stinky Socks Thu 29 May, 10am • Let local author Kristina Stephenson take you on Sir Charlie’s most fearsome quest yet: along a treacherous track, through a spooky wood and into a deep dark cave to find a black sack which he must bring back to the Wizard! Winter’s Tale: Lari Don Thu 29 May, 12pm • Author Lari Don shares her latest collection of stories, a magical collection of folk tales from around the world about winter, snow and ice. Find out how spiders invented tinsel, why snow is really eagles’ feathers and how a hero with hairy trousers used ice to kill a dragon. Pinocchio Sun 1 June, 12.30pm, 3.30pm • Follow Pinocchio and his grasshopper friend as they set out on an adventure. But if only his nose would just stay still. Live music, puppetry, storytelling and, of course, longer and longer noses combine in this magical family adventure. Arthur’s Dreamboat: Long Nose Puppets Fri 6 Jun–Sat 7 Jun, 1.30pm (Fri), 11.30am (Sat) • Arthur has an amazing dream about a beautiful pink and green boat with a stripy mast. He can’t wait to tell everyone about it, but no one (not even his dog!) is interested. But that boat is growing on his head. Soon, Arthur is bouncing along the waves. Maybe now his family will listen! Charlie and Lola’s Best Bestest Play Sat 14 & Sun 15 Jun, 11am & 1.30pm, 4pm (Sat). 11am (Sun). £12 • Don’t miss everyone’s favourite brother and sister, Charlie and Lola, in their “wonderful” stage show! SWINDON ARTS CENTRE Devizes Road, Old Town, Swindon SN1 4BJ. 01793 614837, www.swindon.gov.uk/artscentre Theo’s Crazy Circus Tue 27 May. 2pm. £10/£8 (child)/£32 (family) • Theo the mouse is back and he is joined by Wendy Abrahams (ITV’s Sooty Show) and Wink Taylor. A Handful of Songs Wed 2-Sat 5 Jul, £9/£8 (concs) • Ray Dance and Judith Sharp serve up an evening of song and dance in aid of the Goldenhar Family Support Group. WARDROBE MUSEUM GARDENS The Wardrobe, 58 The Close, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP1 2EX, 01722 419419, www.thewardrobe.org.uk George’s Marvellous Medicine Sat 31 May, 3.30pm • George’s grumpy granny gets her comeuppance at the hands of her grandson. Illyria returns with this Roald Dahl classic full of larger-than-life characters. Picnics are welcome. THE WYVERN THEATRE Theatre Square, Swindon SN1 1QN. 01793 524481, www.wyverntheatre. org.uk Teresa’s School of Dance Sat 14 Jun, 7.30pm, £9.50 • A cast of 150 dancers, ranging from 2 years to adults, performs dance pieces in styles ranging from ballet, tap, jazz and musical theatre to break dance, to the music of stars of yesteryear. Bananas in Pyjamas Sun 22 Jun, 1pm, £13.50 • Help the Banana detectives solve the mystery in this interactive singing, dancing show. PRIMARY TIMES
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ROUNDABOUT Your ultimate family diary of what’s on, where & when
Deadlines: List your school or community group’s events in Primary Times for free. We work half a term in advance so we’re now collecting information for August and September: deadline Mon 16 Jun. If your event is to raise funds for a school or charity, and is open to the public, please let us know. E: mike.gartside@venue.co.uk. 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!
ONGOING AND REGULAR EVENTS ARE NOW LISTED AT THE END OF ROUNDABOUT
MAY UNTIL MON 26 MAY BRISTOL WALKING FESTIVAL Various Bristol locations. www. bristolwalkingfestival.co.uk • Over 100 guided walks available throughout the city and beyond, on themes such as leisure and learning, health, arts, creativity and active travel. Includes opportunities for sketching, networking and learning about the suffragettes. UNTIL SAT 31 MAY BATH SOCIETY OF ARTISTS EXHIBITION Victoria Art Gallery, Bridge St, Bath, Avon BA2 4AT. 01225 477233, www.victoriagal.org.uk, 10am-5pm (Tue-Sat), 1.30pm-5pm (Sun), £3.50 (adult)/£2.50 (conc)/ free (under 21) • This exhibition is the highlight of the gallery’s
annual calendar and assembles the cream of regional artistic talent. UNTIL SAT 31 MAY BRISTOL FESTIVAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY Various venues. www.bfop.org • Exhibitions and events across the city showcase the work of renowned and up and coming photographers. UNTIL SUN 28 SEP LAND ROVER SAFARI Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, GL2 7BT. 01453 891223, www.wwt. org.uk, 11am & 2pm (weekends and school holidays only) £5 (adult)/£3 (child) plus admission • Enjoy the opportunity to explore the reserve in the company of an expert warden and view the wild birds which live on the banks of the Severn – all from the comfort of a seat in the covered trailer. The safari is booked on arrival. UNTIL WED 29 OCT BERKLEY CASTLE OPEN Berkeley Castle, Berkeley, Gloucestershire, GL13 9PJ. 01453 810303, www.berkeley-castle. com, Sun-Wed, 11am-5pm, £10 (adult)/£5.50 (child)/£8.50 (concs/student)/£28 (family)/free (under 3s) • One of Gloucestershire’s most popular tourist attractions has reopened in time to welcome the warmer months. UNTIL SUN 2 NOV NEW WORLD, OLD MAPS American Museum in Britain, Claverton Manor, Claverton, Bath, Avon BA2 7BD, 01225 460503, www.americanmuseum.org, £10/£5.50 • A rotating display of the acclaimed historic map collection formed by Dallas Pratt, cofounder of the American Museum. UNTIL SUN 2 NOV THE COLOURFUL WORLD OF KAFFE FASSETT American Museum in Britain, Claverton Manor, Bath, Avon BA2
Popeye’s Banjo Circus, part of Bath Fringe, Tue 27 May-1 Jun
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British Olympic medallist Jason Gardener (above) opens the Chew Valley 10k and 1K Runs on Sun 22 June
7BD. 01225 460503, www.americanmuseum.org • An exhibition exploding with colour celebrates designer Kaffe Fassett’s return to the museum after fifty years working as an artist and colourist. UNTIL WED 24 DEC GUIDED WALK Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, GL2 7BT, 01453 891223, www.wwt. org.uk, 11am, £11.18 (adult)/£6.09 (child)/under 4’s free • Join one of the volunteers as they lead a walk explaining the history of the centre, and the birds you can see. The walk usually lasts an hour but visitors are free to wander at any time should something catch their eye. UNTIL WED 31 DEC TOAD HALL TALK Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, GL2 7BT. 01453 891223, www.wwt. org.uk, daily, 2.15pm (additional talk 12.30pm – weekends) £11.18 (adult)/£6.09 (child)/under 4’s free • Visit ‘Toad Hall’ and hear Jay Redbond, the centre’s amphibians expert, give an insight into the world of these watery creatures. There’s an opportunity to hold some of his collection of frogs, toads and newts and ask questions. UNTIL WED 31 DEC GEORGIANS: 18TH CENTURY DRESS FOR POLITE SOCIETY Bath Fashion Museum, Bath Assembly Rooms, Bennett Street, Bath, BA1 2QH, 01225 477789, www.fashionmuseum.co.uk, £7.75/£5.75 • The museum’s special exhibition this year includes over 30 original 18th century costumes from its world-class collection and special Georgian inspired outfits from top fashion designers. TUE 20 MAY–TUE 22 JUL BAT WATCH Lacock Abbey, Lacock, Wiltshire, SN15 2LG, 0844 2491895, www.
nationaltrust.org.uk, 8.30pm, £8 (adults)/£4 (child) • Join bat expert Tony Brazier and learn about bats living in and around the abbey. One spectacle includes the bats swooping out of the gargoyles’ mouths to hunt for bugs on summer nights. Booking essential. FRI 23 MAY CEILIDH HOEDOWN Tyntesfield, Wraxall, Bristol, BS48 1NX, 01275 461964, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/tyntesfield, 7-11pm, £10 (all ages) • Celebrate summer being ‘just around the corner’ with a good old ceilidh hoedown. There’ll be a toetappin’ band, traditional ceilidh dance caller, farm yard games, Somerset cider and hog roast. Booking essential. FRI 23 MAY-FRI 6 JUN SEA MILLS SCARECROW SPECTACULAR Sea Mills Primary School, Riverleaze, BS9 2HL. www.seamillsscarecrows.co.uk, £3 (scarecrow map) • Make a scarecrow, give it a funny name, and register it at the site above to boost the numbers of scarecrows around Bristol. Maps are on sale to guide visitors through the scarecrow hunt. Find as many as you can before the summer fair on Fri 6 Jun where prizes will be awarded. FRI 23 MAY-SAT 7 JUN SALISBURY INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL Venues throughout Salisbury, Wiltshire. 01722 332 241, www. salisburyfestival.co.uk. The annual 16-day Ageas Salisbury International Arts includes a wealth of theatre productions for children (see Theatre section), plus original performances from different artistic media, including fine art, literature, dance and music. The festival begins with the family oriented Close Encounters on Sat 24 May-Sun 25 May (see below). » MAY HALF TERM 2014
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SAT 24 MAY LET’S SK8 ROLLER DISCO Moor Leisure Centre, Westonsuper-Mare, Avon BS22 8LY. 07766 335799, www.letssk8. co.uk, 5.30pm-7.30pm (subject to change) • Roller disco with a resident DJ and disco lights.
centre rears hundreds of young birds each year and see many of the fluffy ducklings, goslings and cygnets. On the tour learn all about eggs, incubation and hatching. Just sign up to a time slot on your arrival, but arrive early to avoid disappointment.
SAT 24 MAY TUDOR BIRDS OF PREY DAY John Moore Museum, 41 Church Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5SN. www.johnmooremuseum. org, 10am-1pm/2pm-5pm, £3 (adult)/£2.50 (seniors/students)/£2 (child)/ £8 (family) • Take a step back in time and learn about the sport of falconry in Tudor times, plus meet some important birds of prey such as, a kestrel, a buzzard and a falcon.
SAT 24 MAY-SUN 1 JUN SCARECROWS Roves Farm Visitor Centre, Sevenhampton, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN6 7QG. 01793 763939, www.rovesfarm.co.uk, free with standard admission • Scarecrow hunt on the free tractor rides. Help the special scarecrow scare away the birds and make a miniature scarecrow during craft.
SAT 24 MAY BATH FOLK CLUB King Edwards Junior School, North Road, Bath, BA2 6HU. 07881 646633, rachel@bathfolkfestival. org, 10am-12.30pm, £8, ages 8-18 yrs • An opportunity for young people to get involved in folk music and learn about the music business. SAT 24 MAY ANIMATION WORKSHOP Eastwind’s Scout hut, St Anne’s Terrace, Brislington. www.discoverbrislingtonbrook.wordpress. com, 10am-4pm, £4, booking essential: rowan.matthiessen@ bristol.gov.org • An opportunity to create and animate a story with professional animator Tom Stubbs. Suitable for families with children aged 7-14 years. SAT 24–SUN 25 MAY CLOSE ENCOUNTERS Cathedral Close, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP1 2EJ, 2pm-10.30pm • Two days of free family entertainment and music opens the Ageas Salisbury International Arts Festival, ending with the traditional festival fireworks. The Sunday features more street theatre and an international market in Salisbury’s Guildhall Square, Market Place and other city centre locations. SAT 24 MAY–SUN 1 JUN SHARK AWARENESS WEEK Bristol Aquarium, Bristol Harbourside, BS1 5TT, 0117 929 8929, www.bristolaquarium.co.uk • Sharks worldwide are under increasing threat. Learn all about the secret world of these amazing creatures and what we can do to help protect them in the wild. Regular talks and feeding demonstrations throughout the week. Open daily 10am until 5pm (last entry 4pm). SAT 24 MAY–SUN 1 JUN DOWNY DUCKLING DAYS Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, GL2 7BT. 01453 891223, www.wwt.org. uk, 9.30am–5.30pm, included with admission, free to members • Go behind-the-scenes of this busy duckery to learn how the PRIMARY TIMES
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SAT 24 MAY–SUN 1 JUN MAY BANK HOLIDAY AND HALF TERM FUN Bowood House and Gardens, Calne, Wiltshire, SN11 0LZ, 01249 822422, www.bowood.org • Enjoy the adventure of Bowood House and Gardens and its famous and outdoor playground this May Bank holiday and Half Term. Special bank holiday activities include clowns performing circus skills, a balloon artist, face painting and a butterfly nature trail. If you don’t have chance to visit at the weekend, have fun on the butterfly nature trail throughout the whole of half term. SAT 24 MAY-SUN 7 SEP WALLACE AND GROMIT FROM THE DRAWING BOARD M Shed, Princes Wharf, Wapping Road, Bristol BS1 4RN. 0117 352 6600, www.mshed.org, £5.95 (adult)/£3.95 (child)/£4.95 (concs)/£14.95 (family) • Visitors explore the world behind the Wallace & Gromit characters and have a go at crafting their own stories. SUN 25–MON 26 MAY KNIGHTS’ TOURNAMENT Old Sarum, Castle Road, Salisbury, Wiltshire , SP1 3SD, 01722 335398, www.english-heritage.org.uk, £5.30 (adult)/£3.20 (child) • It is the 15th century and pride is at stake. It’s every man for himself in the ultimate skill-at-arms tournament. Lend the knights your support as you visit their encampShark Awareness Week, Bristol Aquarium, Sat 24 May-Sun 1 June
ROUNDABOUT Have Tree-mendous fun on the Downs, Bristol on Thu 29 May.
ments and enjoy the sights and sounds of medieval life. Let your little knights feel the weight of real armour and burn off some energy in the kids’ battles.
240 yard course in the quickest time. Family-friendly entertainment runs throughout the day, including magic shows, a charity auction and raffle and live music.
SUN 25-MON 26 MAY MODEL AIR SHOW Fleet Air Arm Museum, Royal Naval Air Station, Yeovilton, BA22 8HW. www.fleetairarm.com • Showcases some of the best radiocontrolled flying displays from around the world with contestants engaging in knock-out events leading up to the final.
TUES 27 MAY BRIZ BROOK STREAM DIPPING St Anne’s Well, St Anne’s Wood (off Newbridge Rd). www.discoverbrislingtonbrook.wordpress. com, 2pm-4pm, free, book: rowan. matthiessen@bristol.gov.org • Spend the afternoon searching for river creatures in the brook during a guided activity that is fun for all the family.
MON 26 MAY BRIZ MEADOWS WILDLIFE DAY Victory Park, School Rd, Brislington. www.discoverbrislingtonbrook.wordpress.com, 12pm5pm, free • Family event which unearths the secret wildlife living in Victory Park with activities starting every hour from 12pm, such as, Brilliant Bumble Bees, Butterfly Making/Insect Hotel Making, Tree Gazing, Bird Walking and Life on the Hedge. There’s also a Bat Walk in Brislington Meadows at 9pm detailing the 18 species of bat in the UK. MON 26 MAY TETBURY WOOLSACK RACES Tetbury Town Centre and Gumstool Hill. www.soglos.com, 10am, races commence from 2pm • Competitors enter in teams or as individuals, in a bid to finish the
TUE 27 MAY MEET THE ARTIST American Museum in Britain, Claverton Manor, Claverton, Bath, Avon BA2 7BD, 01225 820866, workshops@americanmuseum. org, www.americanmuseum.org • Join paper craft artist Jessica Palmer and learn to make fabulous boxes from vintage books. Included in garden-only admission. Ages 6+ TUE 27 MAY SPRINGWATCH WALK Portbury Wharf, Severn Estuary, www.avonwildlifetrust.org. uk/reserves/portbury_wharf, events@avonwildlifetrust.org. uk, 5.30pm-7pm, £5 (adult)/£7 (adult&child)/£10 (family) • Become a nature detective and bird expert with Ed Drewitt and enjoy an enchanting evening catching up with summer birds, owls and ducks during the evening chorus. TUE 27 MAY A DAY AT THE CIRCUS Salisbury & South Wiltshire Museum, The King’s House, 65 The Close, Salisbury, SP1 2EN, 01722 332151, www.salisburymuseum.org.uk, 10am-4pm, £5 (adult)/£2 (child) • Enter the world of the circus with its carousels and clowns and enjoy a day of circusthemed arts and crafts. TUE 27 MAY 50 THINGS TRAIL BLAZERS (AND HOLD A SCARY BEAST) Leigh Woods, Valley Road, Bristol, BS8 3PZ, 0117 973 1645, www. nationaltrust.org.uk/leigh-woods, MAY HALF TERM 2014
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10am-2pm • There’s more to making a trail with sticks than you might think. Take expert advice before laying your trail, then team up with another group and race the trails to see which works best. There’s also the chance to ‘hold a scary beast’ for a small donation as Avon Owls come to say hello.
PLEASE CHECK BEFORE YOU TRAVEL . . . AND TELL THEM YOU SAW THE EVENT IN PRIMARY TIMES!
Craft workshops at Ora Et Labora, Bath, Tue 27-Fri 30 May
SAT 7 JUN-SUN 8 JUN NATIONAL GARDEN SCHEME FESTIVAL WEEKEND Venues throughout the West Country, approximate admission £4 (adult)/free (child), www.ngs. org.uk • Three private gardens throughout England and Wales open their gates to the public to raise money for UK health charities. Gardens range from some of the finest stately homes to urban mid-terrace properties, allotments and school gardens.
TUE 27-FRI 30 MAY ORA ET LABORA WORKSHOPS Ora et Labora, 3 Church Street, Bath, BA1 1NL. www.ora-et-labora. co.uk, daily, 11am, £5 per workshop, booking advisable • Feeling crafty? Have a go at brass rubbing, apothecary skills and candle making. TUE 27 MAY-SUN 1 JUN THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT SPIEGELTENT CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL The Recreation Ground, off North Parade Road, Bath, www. bathfringe.co.uk • A programme of shows, performers and activities for all ages staged as part of the city’s alternative festival, The Bath Fringe. Attractions include The Talent Show (Tue-Fri, 4.30pm) activities in the food tent (Tue-Fri, 4.30pm) and Bath puppet theatre Fly in a Pie (at 44AD artspace, 7-8 Jun). WED 28 MAY INVASIVE WEED WALKS Eastwood Farm, meet in Beeses car park, Wyndham Crescent, Bristol, BS4 4SX. www.discoverbrislingtonbrook.wordpress. com, 7pm-8pm, free • Neil Green of Avon Invasive Weeds leads a guided walk around the farm followed by a drink at the famous tea gardens. WED 28 MAY INDIAN CULTURE WORKSHOPS Yate Heritage Centre. 01454 862200, www.yateheritage. co.uk, 10.30am-12.30pm/1.30pm3.30pm, booking essential • Explore Indian culture and learn traditional Gujerati games, yoga, sari dressing and cooking chapatis. Suitable for children aged 5-12. WED 28 MAY VICTORIAN AND GEORGIAN THEMED CRAFTS. Wiltshire Museum, 41 Long Street, Devizes, Wiltshire, SN10 1NS, 01380 727369, www.wiltshiremuseum.org.uk, 11am–3pm, £4 per child • Activities include quilling, rag rugs and making masks. No booking needed. WED 28-FRI 30 MAY ACTIVITY CAMPS Temple Guiting School, Temple Guiting, GL54 5RW. 07793949198, www.activity-camps.com, £25 (day) • Three days filled with bouncy castles, egg painting, water fights, camp building in the woods, treasure hunts, t-shirt making, face painting, kite making, dance, dodge ball and more. THU 29 MAY WILD FOOD WALK Nightingale Valley, meet where Hill Lawn meets Allison Rd, 16
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workshops, explosions, surviving a Zombie Apocalypse, and learning of astronauts in space.
Brislington, Bristol. www.discoverbrislingtonbrook.wordpress. com, 3pm-5pm, free • Investigate edible and medicinal plants in Nightingale Valley with Rick Wright from the Matthew Tree Project before enjoying a cup of tea in the group’s new food growing project site. THU 29 MAY MOSAIC WORKSHOPS Yate Heritage Centre. 01454 862200, www.yateheritage.co.uk, 10.30am-12.30pm & 1.30pm-3.30pm, booking essential • Create your own mosaic using traditional mosaic pieces and other decorative material. THU 29 MAY MARVELOUS MAPS American Museum in Britain, Claverton Manor, Claverton, Bath, Avon BA2 7BD, 01225 460503, www. americanmuseum.org, 1-4pm (drop in), included in garden admission • Explore the museum’s collection of historic maps, complete with sea monsters and mysterious lands, and create your own map inspired by a journey you make every day. THU 29 MAY TREE-MENDOUS FUN The Downs, Bristol. 0117 903 0609, mleivers@bristolzoo.org.uk, 10am3.30pm, £10 (child) • Become part of a tree tribe on a quest to discover facts and myths about trees before getting crafty and creating tree spirit puppets. FRI 30 MAY MAGICAL MOTH NIGHT Nightingale Valley, meet at Eastwind’s Scout Hut, St Anne’s Terrace, Brislington, 9.30pm10.30pm, free • Make an exception and let the children stay up past bedtime to be amazed by the night time world and the exciting stories that unfold. FRI 30 MAY SUNSET SPECIAL Bristol Zoo Gardens, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 3HA. 0117 974 7305, www.bristolzoo.org.uk/sunsetspecials • Visit the zoo after hours and take advantage of the rare opportunity to enjoy the animal houses as the sun goes down.
FRI 30 MAY ROBERT DOVER’S COTSWOLD OLIMPICK GAMES Dover’s Hill, Chipping Campden. 01789 8689191, www.soglos.com • This 400-year-old tradition promises a fun-packed day out for families and visitors, with a plethora of unusual sporting events, such as, throwing the sledge hammer, tug of war and spurring the barre. FRI 30 MAY-SUN 1 JUN WYCHWOOD MUSIC FESTIVAL Cheltenham Race Course, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 4SH, 01993 772580, www. wychwoodfestival.com, £125 (weekend adult)/£60 (weekend 10-15 yrs)/£20 (weekend 5-9 yrs) • Wychwood Music Festival will be celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2014, promising live music from chart-topping and emerging talent, plus poetry, film, workshops and a host of family fun, over three jam-packed days. SAT 31 MAY-SUN 1 JUN VICTORIAN DISCOVERY WEEKEND Chedworth Roman Villa, Yanworth, near Cheltenham, Gloucestshire GL54 3LJ. 01242 890256, www.nationaltrust. org.uk/chedworth-roman-villa • Chedworth’s 150th birthday is celebrated with all things Victorian, from Punch and Judy and children’s games, to Victorian re-enacters and historical photographs taken by Alex Burnham. Silver bands accompany drinks and refreshments in the upper courtyard.
JUNE TUE 3-SUN 8 JUN DEADLY SCIENCE Venues across Cheltenham. 0844 880 8094, www.cheltenhamfestivals.com • Catch Steve Backshall, star of CBBC’s Deadly 60 series, talking about his pole to pole adventures, or attend one of his talks on dinosaurs or sporting bodies. Watch a rugby player tackle a ballerina and see how their physical makeup differs, plus, activities such as, Lego
FRI 6-SUN 8 JUN LET’S ROCK BRISTOL! Ashton Court Estate, Long Ashton, Bristol, BS41 9JN, www.letsrockbristol.co.uk • With a line-up of artists offering the best of the 80s, including Bananarama, Rick Astley and ABC, this promises a packed weekend of family friendly entertainment. SAT 7-SUN 8 JUN SPORTBEAT Plock Court, Tewkesbury Road, Gloucester, GL2 9DW. 01452 234644, www.sportbeatfest.com, £39 (adult weekend)/£10 (child weekend)/£85 (family weekend)/ under 5s free • Gloucestershire’s combined sport and music festival brings together the community with the country’s biggest talents. Headlined by The Feeling. SUN 8 JUN TUDOR LADIES Berkeley Castle, Gloucestershire GL13 9BQ. 01453 810303, www. berkeley-castle.com • Have your photograph taken with a Tudor Lady as they promenade and chat. SAT 14 JUN FRESHFORD FETE Freshford Memorial Hall Playing Field, Freshford Lane, Freshford, Bath, BA2 7UR, 01225 722145, www.freshfordvillage.com/livingin-freshford/village-hall, 2–5pm, £1 entry • Enjoy a comedy circus show, circus skills workshops for all, bouncy castle, giant inflatable slide, animals, barbecue, bar, teas and cakes plus stalls. SAT 14 JUN FATHER’S DAY Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, Clevedon Road, Wraxall, Bristol, BS48 1PG. 01275 852606, www.noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk, 10.30am-5pm • Treat your dad or grandad to a trip to the zoo for £5 using the special Noah’s Ark online voucher. Otherwise usual admission charges apply. Take part in the “Who’s the daddy?” quiz, while fathers can win a keeper experience for the day. SAT 14 JUN THE WONDER OF RADIO: BUILDATHON FOR THE OVER 9S BRLSI, 16 Queen Square, Bath, BA1 2HN. www.brlsi.org/youthaactivitiesgallery, £6 per workshop, advance booking is essential go to coolbookings@brlsi.org • Build » PRIMARY TIMES
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ROUNDABOUT Gorge-ous Peregrines, Avon Gorge, Sun 13 Jul
include the chance to see if you’ve got what it takes to be a wildlife presenter with the BBC Natural History Unit and discover Bristol’s wildlife secrets with Avon Wildlife Trust and the Wild Bristol tent. Also a market packed full of local produce, a free talks programme and even a pop-up planetarium, there’s something for the whole family. (See also Advertising Feature, P.29) SUN 15 JUN DINOTOUR Bristol to Bath Cycle Path. www. betterbybike.info • Spot the colourful dinosaurs scattered along the route and find all the clues to the treasure in this family friendly bike ride. (See Feature P4.) MON 16–SUN 22 JUN RSPB BIG WILD SLEEP OUT RSPB reserves, camp sites and parks in the West, www.rspb.org. uk/sleepout • With only 1-in-4 children playing outdoors, this event encourages family groups to discover nature together, as children encounter the wildlife on their doorstep.
» a radio from scratch and receive data signals from other countries, museums and even a satellite from space. SAT 14 JUN THE JESBI FOSSILS PART ONE BRLSI, 16 Queen Square, Bath, BA1 2HN. www.brlsi.org/youthaactivitiesgallery, £6, coolbookings@ brlsi.org • Have a close encounter with prehistoric fish and many other fossils from the BRLSI Collection. Booking essential. SAT 14 JUN LET’S SK8 ROLLER DISCO Parish Warf Leisure Centre, Portishead, Somerset BS20 7DD. 07766 335799, www.letssk8. co.uk, 1.30pm-3.30pm (subject to change) • Roller disco with a resident DJ and disco lights. SAT 14-SUN 15 JUN THE FOOTMAN JAMES 35TH BRISTOL CLASSIC CAR SHOW The Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, BA4 6QN. 0117 907 1000, www.bristolclassiccarshow.co.uk, £12 (door)/£11 (adv)/£20 (two days) • Experience some of the best of motoring history at the region’s classic car show, featuring around 200 classics from 65 car clubs, along with 200 traders, an autojumble and classic auction. SAT 14-SUN 15 JUN FESTIVAL OF NATURE Millennium Square, Bristol Harbourside, Lloyds Amphitheatre, Waterfront Square and Anchor Square Bristol. www. festivalofnature.org, 10am – 5pm, majority free but may require advance booking • Festival of Nature claims to be the UK’s biggest free celebration of the natural world, bringing together over 150 organisations for two days of interactive activities. Highlights 18
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SAT 21 JUN PATCHWORK WORKSHOP American Museum in Britain, Claverton Manor, Claverton, Bath, Avon BA2 7BD, 01225 820866, workshops@americanmuseum. org, www.americanmuseum. org, 9.30am-4.30pm, £135 (nonmembers)/£120 (members) • An exciting opportunity to work with renowned textile designers Kaffe Fassett and Brandon Mably. SAT 21 JUN OUT OF AFRICA DAY Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, Clevedon Road, Wraxall, Bristol, BS48 1PG. 01275 852606, www.noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk, 10.30am-5pm • Celebrate amazing African animals and enjoy special keeper talks to raise awareness for World Giraffe Day. SAT 21 JUN SUMMER FAYRE Longwell Green School, Ellacombe Road, Bristol BS30 9BA. 0117 9837456, 12pm-3pm • Wander amongst the stalls and try to ‘beat the goalie’ – one of the many games at the fayre – including inflatables, face painting, crafts and refreshments. SAT 21 JUN SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL FAYRE: BATH GOES BIKETASTIC Victoria Park, Bath. www.betterbybike.info • Ride your bike along traffic-free Royal Avenue and try an electric bike. The ‘multi-mode travel race’ tests how different modes of travel compare including electric cars, electric bikes, hybrid park and ride and new hire bikes.
PLEASE CHECK BEFORE YOU TRAVEL . . . AND TELL THEM YOU SAW THE EVENT IN PRIMARY TIMES! (adult)/£12 (UK Athletics club) • Olympic gold medalist Jason Gardener opens this popular event, now in its second year. Primary-aged children may prefer the accompanying 1km fun run, which Jason will start and take part in. Both runs are held on a beautiful rural route near Chew Valley lake. SUN 22 JUN MIDSUMMER FOOD AT KINGS WESTON Kings Weston House, Kings Weston Lane, Bristol, BS11 0UR. 07815 308488, www.lovefoodfestival.com, 10.30am-4pm, free • Love Food Festival presents Midsummer at Kings Weston House. Visitors can browse the market stalls and taste some fabulous food in these glorious surroundings. SUN 22 JUN BRISTOL’S BIGGEST BIKE RIDE Millennium Square, Harbourside, Bristol, www.betterbybike.info, 8.30am–11am • The bike ride will take cyclists of all ages under Bristol’s iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge and into the beautiful countryside beyond. Afterwards cyclists and spectators can watch the Atmosphere Electric Bikes World Championship races up Park Street or relax in front of the pedal-powered bicycle cinema on College Green. (See Feature P4). SUN 22 JUN LET’S SK8 ROLLER DISCO Clevedon School, Valley Rd, Clevedon, North Somerset BS21 6AH. 07766 335799, www.letssk8. co.uk, 1.30pm-3.30pm (subject to change) • Roller disco with a resident DJ and disco lights. SAT 27 JUN LET’S SK8 ROLLER DISCO Moor Leisure Centre, Westonsuper-Mare, Avon BS22 8LY. 07766 335799, www.letssk8. co.uk, 5.30pm-7.30pm (subject to change) • Roller disco with a resident DJ and disco lights. SUN 29 JUN SOUTH WEST LIVE Weston-super-Mare Beach, North Somerset, BS23 1AL. www.uklive. co.uk, 12 noon, £39.65-£67.75 • This Summer the beach plays host to a musical event featuring pop artists such as Jessie J, Jason Derulo and Rizzle Kicks.
JULY WED 2-SUN 13 JUL CHELTENHAM MUSIC FESTIVAL Various venues throughout Cheltenham. 0844 880 8094 www.cheltenhamfestivals.com • Promises to have something for everyone, from live events, handson activities and the chance to meet books authors and TV characters. Percussion Extravaganza Sat 5 Jul, Parabola Arts Centre, 11am12.15pm, £8 (adult)/£5 (child) • Percussionists O Duo perform a range of music with a marimba, vibraphone, glockenspiel, drum kit, African and Brazilian drums and handheld percussion. The Family Prom with Michael Morpurgo Sun 6 Jul, Town Hall, 12.30pm, £15 (adult)/£7.50 (child) • Michael Morpurgo narrates ‘Private Peaceful’ story accompanied by English a cappella trio Coope, Boyes & Simpson. James Mayhew Paints Carnival of The Animals Sat 12 Jul, Parabola Arts Centre, 11am-12pm, £8 (adult)/£5 (child) • Author and illustrator of the Bella Ballerina series brings a carnival of animals to life painting them live to music from Saint-Saëns’ suite. Party in the Park Sat 12 Jul, Pittville Park, 1pm-4pm, free • Music, craft activities and refreshments with a hint of international flavour in the form of Indonesian gamelan, Surround Sound Great Animal Orchestra education project, and local choirs and theatre groups. SAT 5 JUL BATH OPERA SUMMER CONCERT American Museum in Britain, Claverton Manor, Claverton, Bath, Avon BA2 7BD, 01225 460 503, www.americanmuseum.org, 7.30pm, £12 (non-members)/£10 (members) • Join Bath Opera for a whistle-stop tour through twentieth-century music from the American stage and concert hall. SAT 5 JUL-SUN 6 JUL THE COTSWOLD SHOW AND FOOD FESTIVAL Bathurst Estate, Cirencester Park, Cirencester, GL7 2BU. 01285 652007, www.cotswoldshow. co.uk, 9am-6pm, £10 (adult)/£5 »
Discover the JESBI fossils at BRLSI, Bath, Sat 12 Jul
SUN 22 JUN CHEW VALLEY 10K AND 1K FUN RUN Bishop Sutton Primary School, Wick Road, Bishop Sutton, NE Somerset, BS39 5XD. www. chewvalley10k.co.uk, 9.30am, £14 PRIMARY TIMES
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PLEASE CHECK BEFORE YOU TRAVEL . . . AND TELL THEM YOU SAW THE EVENT IN PRIMARY TIMES! » (child)/£28 (family)/free (under 3s) • Over 100 stallholders take part in this celebration of countryside skills and traditions. Attractions include falconry, clay pigeon shooting, arena spectacles and dog displays. The festival is being supported by food event organiser BITE in association with food market The Cotswold Table who bring food and drink suppliers, as well as artisan potters and tableware providers, to the food element of the show. FRI 11-SUN 13 JUL FOODIES FESTIVAL Bristol Harbourside. 0844 995 1111, www.foodiesfestival. com, 11am-8pm, £12 (one day adult)/£18 (three-day adult)/free (under 12s) • Features top chefs, including, Glynn Purnell, judge of BBC’s Great British menu and MasterChef winner Mat Follas. This year the festival introduces a Chocolate, Bake and Preserves Theatre, BBQ Arena, Real Ale and Cider Farm and a Feasting Tent – which promises to be the heart of the festivities. Also a Chilli Food Market tests who can handle the heat in a Chilli Eating Challenge. FRI 11-SUN 13 JUL AIR TATTOO RAF Fairford, Kempsford, Gloucestershire GL7 4EG. www. airtattoo.com • One of the UK’s premier outdoor events returns this summer with an extravaganza of entertainment for the whole family. Air Tattoo Pit Day Fri 11 Jul, showground opens at 10am, displays begin at 1pm, £24 (day)/free (under 16s) • Extra pit stop for this summer offering access to the Red Arrows team, aircraft arrivals, rehearsals, debut of a special Red Arrows flypast and much more. Royal International Air Tattoo Sat 12-Sun 13 Jul, showground opens at 7.30am, displays begin at 10am, £34 (day)/free (under 16s) • Large military air show featuring displays from the Red Arrows and held in support of the RAF Charitable Trust. Chances to meet the crews, get close to the aircrafts and enjoy entertainment including the Techno Zone, an interactive showcase designed especially for youngsters, and the Adrenalin Zone. SAT 12 JUL HOW TO BE AN ENGINEER BRLSI, 16 Queen Square, Bath, BA1 2HN. www.brlsi.org/youthaactivitiesgallery, £6 per workshop, advance booking is essential go to coolbookings@brlsi.org • Anyone can be an engineer with this workshop, join an expert from the Royal Academy of Engineering and complete a series of projects, puzzles and tasks. SAT 12 JUL THE JESBI FOSSILS PART TWO BRLSI, 16 Queen Square, Bath, BA1 2HN. www.brlsi.org/youthaactivitiesgallery, £6 per workshop, advance booking is essential go to coolbookings@brlsi.org • Another face to face experience with prePRIMARY TIMES
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Royal International Air Tatoo, Fairford, Fri 11-Sun 13 Jul
historic fish and fossils from the BRLSI Collection. SAT 12 JUL MY GARDEN WILDLIFE Feed Bristol, Frenchay Park Rd, Stapleton, Bristol,BS16 1HB. www. avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/people/ feedbristol/feedbristol.html, 12pm-4pm, free • Be inspired by the natural environment and get involved in this festivity of garden wildlife. The site is full of fun family activities encouraging lifelong learning. SUN 13 JUL GORGE-OUS PEREGRINES Avon Gorge, Bristol. Pre-book: events@avonwildlifetrust.org. uk, 10am-11.30am, £5 (adult)/£7 (adult&child)/£10 (family) • Join nature detective Ed Drewitt and be wowed by these amazing falcons, fun for all the family. SUN 13-WED 16 JUL FESTIVAL OF ARCHAEOLOGY Berkeley Castle, Gloucestershire GL13 9BQ. 01453 810303, www. berkeley-castle.com • A week of events in conjunction with St Mary’s Church and Dr Jenner’s House utilising finds by Bristol University on the three sites over the last 10 years. SAT 19 JUL LOVE PAGE PARK Page Park, Staple Hill, Bristol. www.friendsofpagepark.co.uk, free • Join in this jam-packed day of music and arena acts, craft and food stalls, and amusements and games. Get together and celebrate all the great things the park offers as well as learning about more local activities, charities and organisations. FROM SAT 19 JUL SUMMER ACTIVITES Berkeley Castle, Gloucestershire GL13 9BQ. 01453 810303, www. berkeley-castle.com • During the school holidays there’s something on everyday: Arts & Crafts on Sundays, Storytelling on Mondays, Jester on Tuesdays and Archery on Wednesdays. SUN 20 JUL CREATIVE WALK The Folly Farm Centre, Stowey,
Pensford, Bristol, BS39 4DW. Pre book: events@avonwildlifetrust. org.uk, 2pm-6pm, £15 (adult)/£20 (adult&child)/£35 (family), materials and sketchbooks provided • Walk around the beautiful reserve, pausing to capture moments with your sketchpad.
AUGUST SAT 2 AUG WOMEN’S RUNNING 10K Blaise Castle, Henbury Road, Bristol, BS10 7QS. 03332 400 109, www.wr10k.co.uk, £24 (early bird) • An annual charity race for women organised by Women’s Running magazine. Due to its popularity, the race series is expanding from three events nationally to 10 in 2014. SAT 2 AUG REDFEST St George Park, St George, Bristol, BS5 8AJ. www.redfestbristol. co.uk, 12 noon-9pm • Bristol’s independent arts festival returns. Expect performance, music and a kids’ village. SAT 2-SUN 3 AUG SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE SHOW Westerleigh Road, Henfield, S/ Glos, BS37 8QZ. www.southglosshow.co.uk, 10.30am onwards, £10 (adult)/£6 (child)/free (under 5s) • Filled with music, air balloons, classic cars, fishing, golf, cycle show, kids zone and arts and crafts, there’s something for everyone at this family event. MON 4-FRI 8 AUG NATURAL YOUTH THEATRE SUMMER SCHOOLS Widcombe Institute, Widcombe Hill Bath BA2 6AA. 01225 469131, www.naturaltheatre.co.uk • Take part in surprising theatre in surprising places. Discover improvisation, different accents and invent comedy characters that will be performed out and around the city of Bath. Ages 8+ FRI 8-SUN 10 AUG LAKEFEST 2014 Croft Farm Waterpark, Bredons Hardwick, Nr. Tewksbury,
Gloucestershire, GL20 7EE, 0844 888 9991, www.lakefest.co.uk, £100 (Thursday entry)/£90 (Friday entry) • This familyoriented festival promises world class music and great local food and drink. With just 4,000 capacity it should offer an intimate and relaxed festival atmosphere. SAT 23-MON 25 AUG TREEFEST & LOVE FOOD FESTIVAL Westonbirt Arboretum, Westonbirt, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, GL8 8QS. 03000 680400, www.lovefoodfestival.com, 10am-5pm, £15 (adult)/£12 (concs)/free (under 18s) • Love Food Festival teams up with Forestry Commission’s National Arboretum to celebrate the link between nature and food. The beauty of nature is brought together through independent food producers, around 15,000 labelled trees at the arboretum, family activities, carving, live music, woodland skills and more.
ONGOING EVENTS ONGOING FAIRYTALE SOS At-Bristol, Anchor Road, Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5DB. 0845 345 1235, www.at-bristol.org. uk, regular shows at weekends and school holidays, free with general admission • Science comes to the rescue of well-known fairytale characters. Discover how science could help with the problems faced by children’s favourite heroes and heroines by watching explosive live demos and even becoming a gravity-defying volunteer. ONGOING CREW DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? Brunel’s ss Great Britain, Great Western Dockyard, Bristol, BS1 6TY. 0117 926 0680, www.ssgreatbritain.org, daily, free with general admission • Would you have made the grade as a Victorian crew member? Pick up an activity wheel from the ship’s visitor centre and try out a series of challenges as you explore Brunel’s famous ship. ONGOING ST MARY’S SCRAPPERS St Mary’s CofE Primary School, Church Road, Yate, South Gloucestershire. 10am-4pm, £5 for a table, optional scrapbook class most months for £2.50, susannelaw2@yahoo.co.uk • Held on the last Sunday of every month, this small group raises money for the school with members taking along crafts including scrapbooking, sewing, card making, quilting, crochet and knitting.
LISTINGS BY ALEX HURLEY AND CASSANDRA REGAN
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d r a o b n Pi Considering Broadlands Academy? In 2015, Broadlands celebrates its 80th anniversary, having served the families of Keynsham and Bristol since 1935. It has a rich heritage and strong reputation for providing a high quality education in a disciplined environment. As an academy, Broadlands saw 61% of its 2013 students achieve five A*-C including English and Maths - the best in its history - and it is set to beat that in 2014. Parents of the many Year 6 students who have not been allocated their initial school of choice may want to consider Broadlands as a possibility. There are places available for its Year 7 intake in September and the school invites any parents/carers of Year 6 students who would like to consider this, and would like to discuss the free bus service for Year 7 students, to contact the academy and book a tour. Ffi: Broadlands Academy St Francis Road, Keynsham, Bristol BS31 2DY T: 0117 986 4791 E: contactus@broadlandsacademy.org W: www.broadlandsacademy.org
Parents’ & teachers’
news, education & contacts
No room for homophobia
A group of students at Fairfield High School, Bristol, has been trained by the campaigning group Stonewall to help stamp out homophobic language and bullying. The school has had links with Stonewall since 2011, when the actor Sir Ian McKellen visited to talk about the importance of a positive approach towards lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people. Now it is working with the charity to train “champions” against homophobia. Last summer Ofsted said that homophobic bullying was rare at Fairfield “because of the extremely inclusive approach of the school.” Teacher Lee Mead said, “The students were a credit to themselves and Fairfield High School. They are working passionately on projects to run in our school.” Stonewall says that 90% of UK secondary school teachers say pupils in their schools are bullied for being – or perceived to be – lesbian, gay or bisexual. But over the past five years, the proportion of gay pupils reporting that their schools take homophobic bullying seriously has increased. Ffi: Fairfield School W: www.fairfield.bristol.sch.uk
Open evening at St Katherine’s St Katherine’s School is described by its students as, “The best place for young people to learn and grow up.” It has been a Science College since 2003 and, as a High Performing Specialist School, has a second specialism of Applied Learning as well as being a Lead School for Gifted and Talented. Its September 2013 Ofsted report said, “Student support and care is of a very high standard. There is a real sense of community and students take pride in their school. Students are typically courteous around the school and they feel safe. Students’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is a strength of the school and it is particularly enhanced through sport, art, music and drama. There is an extensive extracurricular provision.” Students are involved in a host of events and extracurricular activities. There are also many outstanding opportunities including sports and music as part of their extensive Gifted and Talented programmes. Christopher Sammons, headteacher, invites parents to a presentation at 6.30pm or 7.30pm at its Open Evening on Tue 16 Sep. Ffi: www.st-katherines.n-somerset.sch.uk
Every brick counts! e2 Young Engineers Beyond the Brick Lego Exhibition and Workshops, 15-20 July ‘Beyond the Brick’ is a collection of LEGO activities for children of all ages, organised in association with (and held at) the University of South Wales City Campus. Things for children to see and do include: • Fantastic LEGO model displays • Regular LEGO workshops held every day • Voting for your favourite LEGO model • Fairy Bricks Lego Children’s Charity • ‘Build your own’ competition • LEGO building play area • Mini Figure hunt competition • Watch LEGO films • Lego art • Photo opportunities • ‘Draw and colour your favourite model’ section • Refreshments • LEGO shop • and much, much more! Ffi: W: www.beyondthebrick.org.uk Fa: www.facebook.com/groups/beyondthebrick
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Lots to do at Noah’s Ark
Wild and medieval!
Why not meet the latest (and largest) arrival, at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm this May, beautiful Buta, the first African elephant at Elephant Eden? Learn about the Bengal tigers, white rhinos, ring-tailed lemurs and siamang gibbons on ‘Endangered Species Day’ on Saturday 17 May. Another truly unmissable date is Saturday 21 June for the farm’s ‘Out of Africa Day’ with world renowned African dancers and special keeper talks. With 12 indoor and outdoor adventure play areas including tube slides and heated soft-play, Noah’s Ark is fun for all the family. The 100 acre Somerset attraction offers a truly hands-on experience for children to feed and stroke some of the animals. Noah’s Ark is also home to the big zoo animals – with the impressive lions and tigers, the tall and graceful giraffes and the energetic and cheeky gibbons. Why not swing by? Open Mon–Sat, 10.30am – 5pm.
On Sunday 18 May, Cardiff Castle features an Edwardian picnic with a Wild West theme. Take your picnic, spread out your rug and get ready to recapture your childhood with an amazing game of cowboys and Indians. ‘Shoot out’ shows, story-telling, a bed of nails and knifethrowing displays are promised as the action takes visitors back to the era of Buffalo Bill himself, who actually staged a spectacular in Cardiff’s Sophia Gardens in 1904. So get along in costume and whipcrack away! Returning on Sat 21 & Sun 22 Jun is Cardiff Castle’s Joust Weekend, an all-action medieval adventure. The castle is transformed into a medieval showground, with the sound of clashing swords, splintering lances and galloping hooves. The Knights of Royal England bring back their brand of hair-raising horseback stunts. So, get along in costume, enjoy the spectacle and test your skills at archery, juggling and sword swirling. Under 5s free, and book in advance to save pounds.
Ffi: Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm W: www.noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk
Ffi: W: www.cardiffcastle.com
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d r a o b n Pi Splash-Happy Swimschool Making learning to swim fun. Learning to swim is fun, exciting and scary all rolled into one. This varied set of emotions can be very confusing for a young person who suddenly finds himself being changed into their swimmers and pointed in the direction of the biggest, noisiest bath they have ever seen! Needless to say, for some it can prove too much and all they want to do is be rescued from this place by their parent/carer. The Splash-Happy teaching team are very experienced in gaining a child’s trust and enticing him or her into the pool. We use toys and games along with smiles and reassurances and, once in the water, they begin to relax and enjoy the experience. At this point the parent/carer also begins to relax and enjoy the experience. Ffi: www.splash-happy.co.uk
Celebrate penguins Penguin Week, Sat 24 MaySun 1 Jun It’s Penguin Week at Bourton-on-theWater’s Birdland for May Half Term. Penguin fans will be able to put their knowledge to the test with a fun quiz and enjoy special talks about the ‘waddle of penguins’ which includes the only King Penguins on display in England and a comical gang of Humboldts. Feeding displays take place every day at 11am and 2.30pm and you could win the chance to step inside ‘Penguin Shore’ and help the head keeper feed the residents. Look out for specialist talks and bird feeding each day: kids could become a perch for a parrot or a landing pad for an owl. Climb inside the tortoise pen and go face to face with a snake at the meet the keeper session. Close encounters for all the family! Ffi: Birdland Park & Gardens Rissington Road, Bourton-on-theWater, Glos, GL54 2BN. T: 01451 820480 E: info@birdland.co.uk W: www.birdland.co.uk
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Let’s talk PANTS The thought of any children, yet alone our own, being abused is something none of us wants to think about. Yet with stories like Operation Yewtree, the investigation into the crimes of DJ Jimmy Savile and others, dominating the news, it’s sometimes difficult to get away from. We all want to protect our children from this kind of abuse but how do we talk to them about staying safe in a way that’s both understandable to them and comfortable for us? The NSPCC has developed the Underwear Rule - a simple, ageappropriate way to teach even young children that anything covered by their underwear is theirs and theirs alone. Conversations can be built into bath time, getting dressed or going swimming and don’t have to be scary or complicated. The Underwear Rule is simple: Privates are private; Always remember your body belongs to you; No means no; Talk about secrets that upset you; Speak up, someone can help. Supportive materials for parents are available now online. Ffi: www.nspcc.org.uk/underwear
What is drama?
Parents’ & teachers’
news, education & contacts
Family luxury Enjoy a luxury stay in Devon and Cornwall, home of the cream tea. The five Richardson hotels in Torquay, Falmouth, Fowey and Padstow, including Torquay’s Grosvenor Hotel, offer you the cream of Devon and Cornwall. All enjoy beautiful waterside settings, sumptuous child friendly accommodation, and excellent AA-rosette restaurants. The hotels are perfectly placed for visiting many fun attractions such as Flambards, the Eden project or Paignton Zoo to name but a few. If it’s a more relaxing stay you’re after, enjoy the spa facilities and indoor pools. The hotels’ commitment to offering mouth-watering food remains high and their talented teams of chefs work hard to produce delicious menus, featuring the best local produce, whether you want to treat yourself to fine dining in the restaurants or enjoy a more relaxed dining experience in the brassiere and lounge bars, you have the choice. Ffi: Grosvenor Hotel Belgrave Road, Torquay TQ2 5HG E: reservations@ richardsonhotels.co.uk W: www.grosvenorhoteltorquay.co.uk
Valley heaven!
You know when your toddler or teenager is creating a drama. It’s making something out of nothing, and pulling emotional strings. At Stagecoach, drama is all about making something from nothing, and with great feeling. It’s about role-play, characters, stories, scripts, mime, musical theatre, clowning, creativity, games, Shakespeare, panto, voice, body language and more. But the best drama of all is when a student walks out of a class a changed person... engaged with their peers having tried something new, having mastered a skill and boosted their confidence. Add up all those new moments from three hours of singing, dance and drama each week and, after a year, children are better equipped to handle life’s dramas. That will pull at your emotional strings, because you know you’re raising a capable human being. If you think the performing arts might bring more out of your child, call your nearest Stagecoach Theatre Arts School, or enrol online.
Avon Valley Adventure Park is set in one of the most idyllic stretches of the beautiful River Avon, bounded by the picturesque river itself, with a huge amount of activities on offer for children and adults alike. A large outside adventure playground and a huge indoor soft play area with three large slides are among the attractions. The Riverside Experience is a tranquil walk with interactive storyboard, quizzes, junior assault course, fishing lake and boating lake. It incorporates many different breeds of farm animals, some exotic. There’s a pre-school undercover inflatable area, mini steam train rides, tractor and trailer rides, pedal gocarts, trampolines and shooting range. It also offers daily pig racing and pony grooming. The electric dizzy ducks and electric quad bike rides, plus crazy golf, offer family fun aplenty. All visitor requirements are catered for with free car park (cars and coaches), restaurant and a brand new gift shop.
Ffi: www.stagecoach.co.uk.
Ffi: www.avonvalleycountrypark.com
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Adver tising Feature
Schools form early years partnership
Pick Your Own this summer at Great value family fun First pick your own strawberries ready NOW Open 7 days a week Primrose Vale Farm Shop Shurdington Rd, Bentham, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL51 4UA Please call or check online for availability Tel: 01452 863359, facebook.com/primrosevalepyo Email: info@primrosevale.com Web: www.primrosevale.com
• Redland High and QEH have announced plans to work together to offer a co-educational provision for pupils aged 3 to 7 years old from September. This joint project, which will see an environmentally sympathetic extension to Redland High Redland High headmistress Junior School’s existing building, Caroline Bateson with QEH will enable Redland High School to headmaster Stephen Holiday offer an extra 24 places for boys and girls at Early Years Foundation Stage, with a natural progression for boys to QEH in Year 3. “Although we are passionate believers in single sex education from Key Stage 2, evidence demonstrates that there are important social and emotional benefits to boys and girls being educated together at an Early Years stage,” says Caroline Bateson, headmistress at Redland High School. The alliance means that QEH is now able to welcome boys from the age of 3. While the Foundation and Key Stage 1 provision will be based on the Redland High site, the boys will feel part of QEH, wearing QEH uniform and with access to all QEH’s facilities. Stephen Holliday, headmaster at QEH, says, “Parents have been calling for us to welcome boys from the age of 3 since we opened our Junior School in 2007 and I am delighted that we are now able to do so. It is testament to the similarities in ethos and excellent relationship between the two schools that this has become possible.” Both schools remain committed to single sex education from Year 3 onwards. Ffi Redland High School for Girls W: www.redlandhigh.com QEH Bristol W: www.qehbristol.co.uk
Adver tising Feature
Preparing students the SABIS way Breach Lane Equine Centre Breach Lane, Wootton Bassett, Wilts SN4 7QR
PONY PARTIES Call now for details or to book.
PONY DAYS Each Tuesday of School holidays. (Except Christmas)
HORSE RIDING LESSONS Now Taking ADULTS & CHILDREN who are Nervous, Novice or Beginners who want to have ago at horse riding. Weight limit 12 stone, Children from age 4. All riding in an enclosed arena. For more info see web site
www.breachlaneequinecentre.co.uk Phone Alison on 01793 854 660 or Mobile 07855 755 831
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• SABIS International School UK (SIS-UK) believes in preparing students for the challenges they face at university and beyond by providing them with a solid foundation of knowledge and skills. The school promises a superior learning environment in a caring, international community. Through the SABIS Educational System, SIS-UK provides a cohesive, motivational and exciting programme for all its students. The system has been developed, refined and tested for over a century and draws on a comprehensive, rigorous curriculum that emphasises a well-balanced body of knowledge, skills and experiences. Situated in 148 acres of pristine British countryside, the school’s campus provides an environment in which students from the UK and around the world can form lifelong friendships. The excellent on-site facilities such as a football pitch, squash and tennis courts and an indoor swimming pool are available for student use at evenings and weekends, along with the option of trips and activities off campus. Houseparents are at the heart of the excellent pastoral care network at SIS-UK, providing students with a supportive, caring environment in which to flourish. The SABIS Student Life Organisation (SLO) is an integral part of school life which provides students with the opportunity to develop life skills, empowering them to make a commitment to their own personal development, and that of their community. SABIS International School UK is a member of the global SABIS School Network, established in 1886, which has been preparing students with the knowledge and skills for success for over 127 years. SABIS graduates have attended the world’s most prestigious universities and distinguished themselves in a wide variety of professions. • Ffi W: www.sabis.net
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Adver tising Feature
An aspiring community Justin Vafadari, the new head teacher of Kingfisher School this September, writes: • “As the incoming head of school, I’m eagerly awaiting the chance to work with children who love their school, who are proud of belonging to a community which values aspiration, responsibility and achievement: a school where the parents, carers and wider family are listened to and involved. “I will be moving from London with my family to Bristol, the ‘Best Place to Live in Britain’ as voted by readers of the Sunday Times, and European Green Capital 2015. This rich resource feeds the Kingfisher curriculum, bringing together all that the city offers as a learning environment: history, arts, science and commerce - a school without walls. “The Kingfisher School was opened in 2013, as a primary academy and is part of the CGS Trust. I am looking forward to helping the staff of Kingfisher achieve their ambition to be the best school in Bristol.”
MAY/JUNE OFFER
ONE ADULT GOES FREE WITH A PAYING CHILD WITH THIS VOUCHER
VALID TO 30TH JUNE, 2014 NOT TO BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH ANY OTHER OFFER
Ffi W: www.kingfisher.bristol.sch.uk
Adver tising Feature
A school for your daughter’s future • Cranwell House, the outstanding new home of Bath’s Royal High Junior School and Nursery School, is a perfect blend of old and new. The school’s girls love it there, as they explore the beautifully renovated building and extensive parkland, discovering, imagining and creating new learning experiences. It’s a fact that girls learn differently from boys and, from Nursery through to Year 6, everything in Cranwell is designed to serve its girls’ individual educational needs. Experience and evidence has taught the school, a specialist in girls-only education, that girls not only work better but develop socially and academically in a mutually supportive environment. They have more self-esteem and more confidence to stretch themselves. Cranwell’s grounds give pupils the chance to explore, challenge and discover, connecting with the environment in the process, and the school aims to develop more of these opportunities for them. At Cranwell, girls can look ahead with a sense of history, as the house has been part of the fabric of Bath for 150 years. Location, landscape and learning work together to complement and enhance each other: an irresistible combination. Your daughter can enjoy learning and excel there in this Girl’s Own adventure storybook. Ffi The Royal High Junior School, Bath Cranwell House, Weston Park East, Bath, BA1 2UZ T: 01225 422931 E: d.rejiester@rhsb.gdst.net W: www.royalhighbath.gdst.net
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Adver tising Feature
Convention buster!
pic: Belinda Lawley
• The critically acclaimed international festival of hip hop dance theatre, Breakin’ Convention, produced by Sadler’s Wells, returns to Colston Hall, Bristol, on Saturday 31 May with jaw-dropping performances by companies from around the world and around the corner. Now in its 11th year, this hugely popular show is hosted and curated by eminent UK hip hop theatre artist Jonzi D. The line-up includes performances from: Olivier Award-nominated ILL-Abilities, an international b-boy company that challenges misconceptions about people with disabilities; Ukweli Roach (UK), an ensemble performance about temptation and vice; and Wanted Posse (France) expressing the roots of their personal revolutions. Further performances come from Hype Dance, Swindon Dance YDA, RePosition and Winston Pyke. This very special theatre experience is perfect for all ages with much more on offer than just performances from some of the world’s greatest hip hop dancers. See the Hall transformed from top to bottom as you’ve never seen it before, with workshops, DJs, freestyle sessions, live aerosol art, and plenty of chances to get involved in the action. Foyer events begin at 3pm, with the main show at 7.30pm. Ffi and to book: Colston Hall T: 0844 887 1500 W: www.colstonhall.org
Adver tising Feature
Jump’s family values • Jump Bristol has experienced another busy year, with a fantastic renovation, new inflatables, and an extension of cafe seating further improving its customer experience. The indoor play centre has also started the new year with a bang by introducing its Afterschool Party at only £10 per child. If you prefer partying on the weekend you can save 20% by booking four months in advance. Are you a school, organisation or charity and looking for an excellent way to entertain children? Jump may be able to help you out with half price discounts on bookings for over 12 children made a fortnight in advance. It really does have something for everyone! Caerleon Bristol has also enjoyed its first year of opening with lots of fun and new faces. With brand new equipment, a beautiful garden and some lovely pets, the childcare centre is a wonderful place for children to learn and play in a secure environment. Naturally, being part of the Jump family, Caerleon children also receive exclusive Jump benefits. The centre is happy to accept free government places and still has a limited number of term-time only contracts available. Read more about Caerleon online or contact its childcare manager, Rachel. Ffi Caerleon Bristol T: Rachel 0117 9798980 W: www.caerleonchildcare.co.uk E: Rachel@caerleonbristol.co.uk. Ffi Jump W: www.123jump.co.uk
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PRIMARY TIMES
07/05/2014 09:44:39
Adver tising Feature
Bigger, better and wilder! • The Festival of Nature returns this summer and promises to be bigger, better and wilder than ever, featuring more than 20 events across Bristol and the West of England. The Festival of Nature Wild Weekend takes Author Hugh Warwick with place across Bristol’s hedgehog. Pic: Bob Coombe Harbourside on the weekend of Sat 14 and Sun 15 Jun. It is the UK’s biggest free celebration of the natural world, bringing together over 150 organisations for two days of free interactive activities. Highlights include the chance to see if you’ve got what it takes to be a wildlife presenter with the BBC Natural History Unit, and to discover Bristol’s wildlife secrets with Avon Wildlife Trust and the Wild Bristol tent. Visitors can also meet famous faces, including CBeebies’ Andy Day, and Mike Dilger of ‘The One Show’. With a market packed full of local produce, a free talks programme and even a pop-up planetarium, there’s something for the whole family. In 2014, the festival spreads its wings beyond Bristol for the first time, with a programme of events across the region, including Bath Goes Wild, a day-long festival in Bath’s Queen Square on Sat 7 Jun, and Wild About Chew on Sun 8 Jun. For those who want to get out in the field, the festival’s community events programme offers families the chance to discover their local patch with wildlife events on green spaces across Bristol from May to July. Check the website and get ready for a wild summer of discovery! Ffi: W: www.festivalofnature.org
Adver tising Feature
Bouncing Bubbles! Make bubbles bounce and discover Mad Science • Bubbles are awesome! With their precise spherical shape and beautiful swirling colours, they’re a true wonder of science. A bubble’s life is usually measured in seconds unless you know how to make it bounce! What you will need: • 1 cup distilled water • 2 tbsp dish soap • 1 tbsp glycerin (15ml) • Gloves • Bubble wand/pipette First, mix the measured ingredients (water, soap and glycerin) in a suitable container. Allow your bubble mixture to sit undisturbed for 24hours. This allows the bonds in your mixture to strengthen. Using the bubble wand, blow a bubble the size of your fist and have fun bouncing it on off your clothes, or try other surfaces! How does it work? The bouncing bubble is amazing because most people have never seen a bubble bounce! We know that regular bubbles burst when they come in contact with just about anything because bubbles’ worst enemies are oil and dirt. This bouncing bubble will bounce off a surface if it is free of oil or dirt particles that would normally break down the soap film. Become a real bubbleologist! Experiment with your own recipes, and put them to the test at the Bubbleology Lab at Mad Science Summer Camp hosted at great venues across the region during the school Summer Holidays! Ffi: Mad Science South Wales & Bristol W: www.madsciencesouthwales.co.uk T: 01792 348205 E: info@madsciencesouthwales.co.uk
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Making musical
maestros
Don’t let the lack of resources available in schools prevent you from including music in your child’s education, says Anne Marie Scanlon.
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hen I started writing this piece I knew very little about music or music teaching. There’s quite a lot of music in my son’s primary school and, rather naively, I thought they were all like that. But now I realise my son is in a lucky minority. I also discovered that almost everyone - parents, teachers, child-care experts, behavioural therapists, speech therapists and even government experts – are in agreement about the importance of music to school age children and the numerous benefits of learning to play an instrument. Depending on the study or survey (and they are numerous), those benefits can include increased development in the areas of the brain involved in language and reasoning; a causal link between learning music and increased spatial intelligence and increased success academically (especially for children with learning disabilities). Findings also suggest that learning music
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imbues students with discipline and a better work ethic. If children who study music are also part of a choir or an orchestra they learn early on the disciplines and advantages of teamwork. Yet despite the many surveys, studies and reports emphasising the importance of music in the classroom, parents, teachers and childcare experts are all frustrated with the lack of resources and money directed towards music in education. And no wonder: musical guidance from ‘The National Curriculum in England’ for 2014 is limited to the ‘Subject Content’ quoted verbatim in our panel. Teachers are given just those two short paragraphs, without any further guidelines or support. You can see how music can easily get side-lined or ignored. There is no specific funding for teaching music, either, and it is up to each individual school to decide how much of their budget they will spend. Laura Reineke is a parent and a music teacher who, frustrated after years of government cuts to music education, began the Henley Music School in Oxfordshire, to help children who can’t afford one-on-one lessons. She says that the impact of sustained cuts to music funding has not only stopped children from stretching themselves creatively but has begun a culture of children shunning music lessons, when they do get a chance to do them, as somehow ‘uncool’. Laura is in no doubt that learning to sing or to play an instrument is esteembuilding. “Not all children can be good at the academic subjects,” she points out. Laura’s daughter is dyslexic but “plays violin beautifully, and that gives her strength and confidence.” Families can access music education programs either through local government or funded by charities. The main problem facing parents looking for such initia-
tives is that, again due to funding, they’re not widely advertised or particularly well-known. If you would like to find out what is available to you and your family, the first step is to ask your child’s teacher or head teacher. If they can’t recommend a programme for your child, get in touch with your local council, who might fund an initiative to help less privileged children learn music. Finally, check out what music groups, clubs and choirs there are in your area. In the West Country, organisations such as the Out There Children’s Choir in Bristol, Gloucestershire Music, Wiltshire Music or Remix based at
Bristol’s Colston Hall offer a range of schemes for schools and primaryaged children. Gloucestershire Music www. gloucestershiremusic.co.uk Henley Music School www.henleymusicschool.com The Nokia MixRadio Remix Academy www.colstonhall.org/ bristol-plays-music/7-10-year-olds Out There Children’s Choir www.outtheremusic.net Sing Up www.singup.org Wiltshire Music www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk/learning Youth Music www.youthmusic.org.uk
What the National Curriculum says: Subject content Key Stage 1 Pupils should be taught to: • use their voices expressively and creatively by singing songs and speaking chants and rhymes • play tuned and untuned instruments musically • listen with concentration and understanding to a range of highquality live and recorded music • experiment with, create, select and combine sounds using the inter-related dimensions of music. Key stage 2 Pupils should be taught to sing and play musically with increasing confidence and control. They should develop an understanding of musical composition, organising and manipulating ideas within musical structures and reproducing sounds from aural memory. Pupils should be taught to: • play and perform in solo and ensemble contexts, using their voices and playing musical instruments with increasing accuracy, fluency, control and expression • improvise and compose music for a range of purposes using the inter-related dimensions of music • listen with attention to detail and recall sounds with increasing aural memory • use and understand staff and other musical notations • appreciate and understand a wide range of high-quality live and recorded music drawn from different traditions and from great composers and musicians • develop an understanding of the history of music.
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Around the
world
on Father’s Day
As children prepare to treat their fathers this Father’s Day, Alex Hurley says families could look at the traditions in other countries for new ideas.
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hile Dad will almost certainly be delighted if the kids serve him breakfast in bed this Father’s Day, he may suffer a twinge of well hidden disappointment unwrapping yet another pair of ‘super dad’ socks. Children might want to look to other cultures for inspiration to make this year’s Father’s Day on Sunday 15 June that extra bit special. Following (roughly) in the footsteps of Jules Verne’s ‘Around the World . . .’ hero Phineas Fogg, we travel to Germany, where dads entertain themselves on ‘Männertag’ by embarking on an extensive hike, hauling wagons filled with food, beer and wine. However, this is probably (and rightly) beyond the capabilities of most children in this country to organise so we head east to Romania, which was until relatively recently the only country in the European Union not to hold an official Father’s Day. But now the second Sunday in May is set aside for
A canna flower is a traditional Father’s Day gift in Thailand 32
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Canoe Safari at Slimbrid ge
dads and Romanians believe the day should showcase responsible fathers, encouraging the menfolk to step up proudly to their parenting role. Leaping continents we discover that India celebrates the day by exploring the true meaning of being a father. Schools and community groups, especially in the larger cities, set out to inspire children to pay respect to and take care of their dads. On to Thailand, where fathers share their special day with the King’s birthday, 5 December, a public holiday allowing the family a day off. Traditionally, Thai children used to present their dads with a flower called the ‘canna’, which signifies masculinity, although sadly this tradition has faded and Thai people now usually wear a colour associated with the King. Further north, the people of Taiwan celebrate the Baba holiday in appropriately 21st century fashion by sending fathers e-cards wishing them eternal peace, health and joy from the president of
Wetlands Centre
the republic. Father’s day falls on the eighth day of the eighth month, chosen because eight in mandarin Chinese sounds much like ‘bà’, meaning ‘papa’. Across the Pacific Ocean, Brazil blazes with all-you-can-eatbarbeques called ‘churrascos’, welcoming the whole family to applaud dad’s fathering skills, not to mention his abilities at the grill, as they tuck into a feast of beef, pork, chicken and sausages. From there we head to what could be described as the parent of Father’s Day itself, the USA, where the story goes, one Sonora Smart Dodd, daughter of an American Civil War veteran, celebrated the day in her Washington State home town in 1910 and campaigned for the idea to spread nationally. Fifty years later, in 1966, it was declared a national celebration by President Johnson. Back home in England, it remains an all but forgotten gesture for children to wear a rose: the tradition has a bittersweet flavour
as a white rose signifies respect for a living father while a red rose honours a deceased one. In addition to a gift or a symbol, there are lots of events geared towards father’s day in the West, such as at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm near Bristol, where Dad could be King of the Jungle for the day (see website for downloadable £5 admission voucher). Alternatively, you could take him on a canoe safari at Slimbridge Wetland Centre, where visitors discover water voles, ducks and dragonflies and much more, while roaming the waterways themselves. But, you may decide to follow a well-respected tradition of your own, after all, dads can never have enough socks. Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm: T: 01275 852 606 E: info@noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk W: www.noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk Slimbridge Wetlands Centre: T: 01453 891223 E: enquiries@wwt.org.uk W: www.wwt.org.uk Father’s Day at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm
PRIMARY TIMES
07/05/2014 10:20:44
festival fever! Get your flip flops (or wellies) ready, says Beth Middleton. The West’s festival and outdoor show organisers are offering more for families than ever before.
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he long awaited summer is cautiously edging over Britain’s countryside. Cue festival season, a great, affordable way for families to experience the West Country and really make the most of the sunshine. And what is summer about if not getting out there, trying new experiences and making new memories with the rest of the family? To that end, we’ve pulled together a selection of child-friendly events so smear on that sun cream (or, if more appropriate, put on that kagoule) and become a part of Britain’s great festival tradition. SALISBURY ARTS FESTIVAL Fri 23 May-Sat 7 Jun With a lively mix of comedy, film, workshops, music, dance and theatre, it’s no wonder Salisbury Arts Fest has been referred to as “one of the most respected festivals in the UK”. The festival brings to life children’s classics such as Pinocchio, the Princess and the Frog and George’s Marvellous Medicine. T: 01722 321744 W: www.salisburyartscentre.co.uk
events. This includes a harbourside treasure hunt, lots of music and stalls and Bristol’s biggest bike ride, with 8,000 families attending. E: info@biggreenweek.com W: www.biggreenweek.com
Clockwise from top right: Chilling at Womad; Bristol Mayor George Ferguson with festival-goers at Big Green Week; Children’s theatre (The Frog & The Princess) at Salisbury Arts Festival; and Cheltenham Science Festival (pic. Anna Lythgoe)
WYCHWOOD FESTIVAL Fri 30 May-Sun 1 Jun This “laid back, homely and family-friendly” festival is celebrating its 10th birthday this year, and there are dozens of reasons for you to celebrate with it. There’s an array of music, comedy and workshops for everyone, while the children can indulge in kids’ literature, fairground rides and children’s entertainers. T: 01993 772580 W: www.wychwoodfestival.com CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL OF SCIENCE Tue 3-Sun 8 Jun Cheltenham boasts an impressive line-up of festivals every year and the festival of science stands out as one of the most unique and exciting in the West. Enjoy learning alongside your little ones at Kaboom! The science of explosions, create a Lego robot and much more. T: 0844 880 8094 W: www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/science LET’S ROCK BRISTOL Fri 6-Sun 8 Jun Promises to be the ultimate
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‘80s festival! With names like Bananarama, Tony Hadley and Boney M, this is the place for fans who were either there first time round or who just want to discover what the fuss was all about. Look out, too, for the big top mania circus, funfair rides and children’s entertainment. E: info@letsrockbristol.co.uk W: www.letsrockbristol.co.uk BRISTOL FESTIVAL OF NATURE Sat 14-Sun 15 Jun Join the 12,000 people that visit every year to celebrate Bristol’s wildlife. This year, get lost amongst the stars at the portable planetarium and enjoy the excited flutter of hundreds of butterflies in the pop up butterfly garden. The BBC Natural History Unit will also be there, to see if you have what it takes to be a wildlife presenter. W: visitbristol.co.uk/things-to-do/ bristol-festival-of-nature-p1484133 BIG GREEN WEEK Sat 14-Tue 22 Jun As the “UK’s festival of eco ideas, art and entertainment” the BIG Green week consists of over 150
CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL OF MUSIC Wed 2-Sun 13 Jul A rich programme featuring many musical genres, headlined by internationally renowned performers including Tony Banks of Genesis and Nicola Benedetti, as well as up and coming talent, all framed by the beautiful city of Cheltenham. Children will love many of the events including the Percussion Extravaganza and James Mayhew Paints the Carnival of Animals. T: 0844 880 8094 W: www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/music WOMAD Thu 24-Sun 27 Jul Immerse yourself in the joy of diverse cultures at “the worlds festival” and enjoy talent from, unsurprisingly, all around the globe. Turn your hand to beat boxing, graffiti, t-shirt making or circus skills. Seeing as children under thirteen go free it’s a win win situation for the entire family. E: info@womad.org W: www.womad.co.uk SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE SHOW Sat 2-Sun 3 Aug Farm show meets festival at South Gloucester Show with shooting, fishing, gold competitions and a car exhibition. The music is all locally sourced, as is the food and, for families, the Kid’s Zone offers safe, interactive entertainment. T: 01454 222959 W: www.southglosshow.co.uk MAY HALF TERM 2014
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Hello Kids!
Thank you so much for the lovely pictures you send me. The standard is always high so please try again if your entry didn’t get published. This summer I have teamed up with our friends at City Sightseeing, Bristol, who have generously offered a family ticket to the five lucky winners of our art competition. Inspired by the beautiful views of the city, our subject next issue is ‘A red open top bus in my favourite Bristol location’. Please send your pictures to: Arty Barty, 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, full home postal address and school on the back: deadline Monday 16 June.
Arty Barty It was especially difficult to judge the picture selection this issue on the subject of ‘an octopus’s garden’. Well done to the winning artist who has earned an annual family pass to Bristol Aquarium. Runners up receive a fun book from the editor’s cupboard. Hermione Lloyd Bussell, 8, St Sampsons CE Junior School, and Ursula Lloyd Bussell, 6, St t Sampsons Infan e School, Crickladm A joint entry fro these talented sisters, who use mixed media to create an ne entertaining sce in enjoyably muted colours.
Have fun!
Arty
NB. PARENTS AND GUARDIANS: We need confirmation you are happy for your child to enter this competition and share the entries with our prize donors. Please read our new entry conditions at www. primarytimes.net/avon/ home-intro/tcs
RUNNER UP
Satya Putreau, 8, Holy Trinity School, Bradley Stoke Satya has created a beautifully expressive octopus, complete with details such as treasure, bushes and friendly fish in this magical composition.
RUNNER UP
WINNER!
Patrick Smith, 9, Sefton Park Junior School, Bristol What a fantastically evocative shipwreck Patrick has drawn, while his octopus is splendidly real.
Bryony Chesneau, 4, St Ursula’s E-Act Academy, Henleaze, Bristol At only 4 years old, Bryony has drawn a wonderfully realistic snail, while the octopus has suitably wriggly arms.
Nicholas 7, Kewstoke Primar y School Westonsuper-Mare Nicholas creates a la which possibly is th rge, realistic octopus hovering ominously reatened by the diver mature painting. at the surface. A very
Edie Wong, 6, Elm Park Primary School, Winterbourne, Bristol
Aged just 6, Edie has created a scene full of colour and energy. A good effort.
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Amy Newell, 10, Manor C of E Primary School, Bristol I love the fishy sculpture portrait that Amy’s Octopus has created in its garden. This picture shows lots of wit and promise.
Tilly Beat, 10, Westbury Park School, Bristol
The colours in this elegant image are luminous and delicate. Tilly shows she really has an artist’s eye.
Destine Benjamin, 10, St Michael’s CE Primary School, Winterbourne What a cheerful scene Destine has created! I love the scarf her octopus is wearing and details such as the colourful plants and the bead of sweat on its face.
PRIMARY TIMES
07/05/2014 09:55:25
Alex Hurley and Cassanda Regan review the new releases.
Body beautiful A discovery book packed full of lift-up flaps, My Body takes primary school-aged children through the fundamentals of the human body, explaining clearly and humorously how its systems work together. We discover how human life evolved out of other species and key developmental markers such as the point at which we first started to eat meat and talk. Illustrator Joelle Dreidemy not only brings the inner workings of our bodies to life with her vibrant, detailed drawings but also portrays some of the more sensitive things our bodies do in a light-hearted yet informative way. There can be no better introduction to the human anatomy for children than this volume, which manages to encompass a huge spectrum of information in very limited space. It’s probably not bed time reading but parents will enjoy sitting with their children and filling in some of the details that the authors haven’t managed to include. (Cassandra Regan) My Body Bloomsbury Discovery, £9.99, Bloomsbury, www.bloomsbury.com/uk
A fateful Quirk The second in this series sees the Quirks settle into ordinary town Normal, the 27th town the family have moved to in the 10 years since Molly and Penelope were born. They hope they can keep their family secrets hidden but their efforts to fit in are complicated by their own magical powers and the snooping Mrs DeVille. For example, the ability of Mum, Bree, to make people believe anything she tells them might work on her customers, but can she use her powers on Mrs DeVille? The Quirks have to work together as a family to keep their magic hidden, creating an enjoyable read not just for children, but for adults who share the book with them. Children as young as five will fall in love with Erin Soderberg’s characters making this book a transitional platform towards more advanced reading and learning. (Alex Hurley) The Quirks: In Circus Quirkus Erin Soderberg, £5.99, Bloomsbury, www.bloomsbury.com
Silly makes sense Getting children to read for pleasure is so important, highlighting the very essence of Andy Seed’s jam-packed book full of silly lists, facts, jokes and funny true stories about anything and everything. Random little facts provide interesting scraps of information, creating a wonderful educational source for children who may not have caught the reading bug yet. Each page boasts a new headline, eliminating the daunting task of reading a whole book – instead children can pick and choose from whatever takes their interest. Learn about the curious sport of bed racing, silly inventions like the gerbil shirt and find out what happens when a starfish gets hot. Seed’s handbook to all things silly can be enjoyed alone, but is perfect for sharing because some of the facts are just too ridiculous to keep secret. (Alex Hurley) The Silly Book of Side-Splitting Stuff Andy Seed, £5.99, Bloomsbury, www.bloomsbury.com
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Fish and fizz The circus throws up a third adventure for Fizzlebert as Fish the Sea Lion goes missing. Fans of the series will be pleased to hear that Fizz is up to his usual tricks as he tries to solve the mystery of Fish’s disappearance. Readers are directly addressed by the narrator, whose engaging personality is stamped over the whole book through the use of one-sided conversations. Author A.F. Harrold pauses to explain words, add extra information or just to comment on the proceedings of the book, requiring a reader who is happy with a friendly tale rather than fast-paced action. Harrold fills the book with plenty of wit and description – his relish for words is obvious – stretching children’s reading ability by showcasing a wide range of vocabulary and sentence complexity. With an enjoyable writing style and memorable characters, this this a fun read for both boys and girls. (Alex Hurley) Fizzlebert Stump: The Boy Who Cried Fish A.F Harrold, £5.99, Bloomsbury, www.bloomsbury.com
Embarrassing riches Everyone knows what it’s like to have an embarrassing dad but 11-year-old Nat has the most embarrassing dad of them all. His mega-rubbish old camper van, his seriously humiliating surname (which Nat is stuck with too) and the way he tries to be funny all the time, makes Nat wish that no one at her new school will find out they’re related. As Nat attempts to fit in at school, will her adventures teach her that her dad is not so embarrassing after all? Nigel Smith’s heart-warmingly funny story includes themes young girls (and boys) can relate to, calling on his TV and radio comedy writing talents to create extra embarrassing dad scenarios. While some parents may baulk at the playground humour of the title, the tone of the dialogue is well judged to connect with its target readership and the moral of the story teaches the true value of family and friendship. (Alex Hurley) Nathalia Buttface and the Most Embarrassing Dad in the World Nigel Smith, £6.99, Harper Collins, www.harpercollinschildrensbooks.co.uk
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Classifieds Business Opportunity Want To Earn £2000 per month for P/T hours • Have young children? • Struggling to balance your job, family and finances? • Been made redundant or just fancy a change? • Don’t have a pension in place for the future? ………Sound familiar? Contact Vicki Elliott for a FREE online information pack Phone: 07989 858512 or Email: Elevatinglifeinternational@gmail.com
Dance Schools AVON DANCE ACADEMY Ballet, tap, modern and jazz, from 2 ½ yrs — adults. Timsbury, Camerton, Midsomer Norton, & Chew Magna Call 01761 479026 Email info@avondanceacademy.com www.avondanceacademy.com
Holidays
Nursery
Author Visit
Honey Tots Day Nursery 21 - 23 Stokes Croft, Bristol BS1 3PY
Wish, Wonder, Surprise! Poetry book - 33 illustrated poems suitable for KS1
• Warm, caring and • Ages 3 months - 5 years experienced qualified staff • Open from 8am - 5:30 pm • 5 minute walk from • Ofsted Registered Broadmead. • Catered meals for all dietary Government funded needs - Halal, vegan etc... places for 3-5 year olds • A clean safe environment still available. For more information please contact the Nursery Manager Felicia on 0117 9243100 email:honeytotsdaynursery@yahoo.co.uk
Author and illustrator Amanda Gazidis Available for school visits Book is available to purchase through www.amandagazidis.com and www.amazon.co.uk Email agazidis@yahoo.co.uk
Community Halls
Gift Ideas
Elevating Life International
Foster Care
Opticians
Could you? Or someone you know Foster with us? Here’s five reasons why YOU or someone YOU KNOW could be the perfect person to become a foster carer with the Five Rivers Fostering Service………. One, you have room in your home Two, you want to make a difference Three, you know it’s not just a job, it’s a vocation Four, you are over 21 And five, fostering is something you were always going to do one day. Today’s the day! To find out more Visit at www.five-rivers.org/fostering Call us on 01858 412765
Dyslexia? Reading difficulties? Visual Stress?
Horse Riding
‘Stop the words moving’ We provide colour overlays and coloured glasses
191 Redland Road Bristol BS6 6XP Call us on 0117 9735600 Family friendly and here to help
Recruitment enquiries@wapleystables.co.uk www.wapleystables.co.uk Wapley Hill, Westerleigh, Bristol. BS37 8RJ 01454 321583 or 07860530199
Martial Arts
to enhance your event! Magic workshops for older children
www.richard-ballinger.co.uk Insured and CRB checked
Riding Lessons for all ages and abilities
Rugby
COMEDY MAGIC Mob: 07979 600797 Tel: 01934 418 184
Wapley Riding Stables
• Patient and friendly tuition • Good selection of horses and ponies available • All aspects of riding, horse care and stable management • BHSAI Qualified and Experienced Instructors • Floodlit outdoor riding arenas • Gift vouchers available
Party Ideas
Music, Lights, Magic, Games, bubbles but most of all....FUN!! TEL: 01275 880 427 MOB: 0779 695 8164 EMAIL: thediscoco@hotmail.co.uk WEB:www.thediscocosouthwest.co.uk Follow us on facebook
y Billy and Bobb ies Childrens Part
Fun entertainment for children of all ages. We build a package to suit your needs. Disco, Games, Face Painting, Dance Parties. C.R.B. registered. Tel: 01934 510283 or 07831200020.
HANHAM & DOWNEND TAEKWON-DO To view all classes in your area, please visit our website. To book your FREE taster session please call quoting PRIMARY.
Modern martial arts in a fun and friendly environment • Little Puma’s 4-6 yrs • Juniors 6-12 yrs • Cadets 12-16 yrs • Adults 16+ For information or to book TWO FREE trial classes contact instructor Ms Tiina Elise 07729 358691 or hdtkd@live.com
Billy and Bobbys A-Oct13.indd 1
10/1/2013 12:32:19 PM
www.bryanthemagician.co.uk
(please quote Primary Times)
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PRIMARY TIMES
07/05/2014 12:15:12
TO ADVERTISE CALL CAROLINE ON: 0117 934 3737 OR EMAIL: CAROLINE.STRETTON@B-NM.CO.UK OR ELLIE ON: 0117 934 3737 OR EMAIL: ELEANOR.PIPE@B-NM.CO.UK
Party Ideas
Swimming
WWW.WAVESSWIMSCHOOL.CO.UK Tel: 0117 908 1291 www.ezzomagic.co.uk
Book now for FREE bouncy castle hire Limited period only
QUALITY SWIMMING LESSONS FOR ALL AGES AND ABILITIES
Tuition
Tuition
on violin and recorder • Tuition offered for all ages (of any age) and more • Beginners advanced players are welcome. • I will visit if this is more convenient.
SMALL CLASSES & STROKE TECHNIQUE A PRIORITY AT ST. MARY REDCLIFFE SCHOOL EVERY WEEK DAY 4-6PM & SATURDAY 9AM ONWARDS CLIFTON HIGH SCHOOL SUNDAY 9-11AM BABY/TODDLER CLASSES: 8 WEEKS - 2.5 YEARS PRE-SCHOOL CLASSES: 2.5YRS SCHOOL AGE CLASSES: 4 YRS UPWARDS MINI SQUAD SESSIONS ADULT LESSONS ADULT FITNESS SESSIONS INDIVIDUAL LESSONS: ALL AGES FULL DETAILS SEE WEB: www.wavesswimschool.co.uk OR CONTACT JENNY 01275 877428/ JACKIE 01275 790457/CAROLINE 01275 865185
Bishopsworth Swimming Club A competitive club based at Hengrove Park. We compete at all levels and have a pathway into the City of Bristol elite.
Crime scene investigation parties and workshops for children age 7+ tel 0117 244 0053 web www.thedetectiveproject.co.uk
Staple Hill Legion VENUE FOR YOUR PARTY! HALL FOR HIRE! BRING ALL THE FAMILY! DJ AND FOOD AVAILABLE.
For more info please contact: Mike - 07825 310752 or Grace - 07879 296956 contact@bishopsworthswimmingclub.co.uk www.bishopsworthswimmingclub.co.uk
Tuition
www.staplehillbritishlegion.co.uk for more information
Tel 0117 9560805
Kendall Road, Staple Hill BS16 4NB
Kingswood Foundation BS15 8DB
ENROLLING NOW FOR GYMNASTICS AND TRAMPOLINE COURSES FOR PRE-SCHOOL/JUNIORS AND TEENAGERS
Swimming
1-1 REBOUND THERAPY SESSIONS BIRTHDAY PARTIES AND FUN SESSIONS HOLIDAY FUN SESSIONS Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10.00 am – 3.00pm Phone 0117 947 6449 e-mail: admin@kingswood-gymnastics.co.uk Visit our new website at www.kingswoodgymnastics.co.uk
Learn the Harmonica at school - it’s fun, cheap, cool and easy. Making swimming lessons fun for all abilities
Clifton:
Friday Evening: Non-swimmers to Improvers Saturday Daytime: Non-swimmers to Improvers Saturday Evening: Lane Classes, Adult Learn to Swim, Adult Improvers, Youth Swim for Fitness & Adult Swim for Fitness Monday Evening: Non-Swimmer to Improvers
Press the red button at www.HarpsCool.co.uk Harmonica themed Birthday Parties ‘Wow, that’s different!’ 07599 561514 info@harpscool.co.uk
To reach 66,000 families in your area advertise in the next issue of Primary Times. Call Caroline 0117 934 3737 or email caroline.stretton@b-nm.co.uk
Westbury-on-Trym: Tuesday Evening: Advanced Lane Classes Wednesday: Non swimmer to Improvers Sunday All Day: All abilities Register online: www.splash-happy.co.uk Email: hazel@splash-happy.co.uk Tel: 01454 228817
PRIMARY TIMES
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Or Ellie 0117 934 3737 or email eleanor.pipe@b-nm.co.uk MAY HALF TERM 2014 37
07/05/2014 15:19:55
ONE HOUR TO SAVE A LIFE
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lthough, 97% of teachers believe life-saving skills should be taught in the classroom, according to a survey by first aid charity St John Ambulance, only 21% of UK schools offer training. In an attempt to bridge this gap the charity is encouraging over 1,000 schools to take part in its first ever Big First Aid Lesson, a free, one hour, online session streamed live into classrooms across the country. As part of the initiative, St John Ambulance has developed a fun, interactive programme, which combines first aid learning with fascinating interviews and real life stories. The programme has been designed for students aged
between 7 and 16 and the only equipment schools need for pupils to watch is an internet connection and a screen (such as an interactive whiteboard). Wendy Human, director of charitable Initiatives and training, St John Ambulance, says, “We believe first aid should be as much a part of growing up as learning to cross the road. It’s so easy to learn, and can have such an incredible impact on people’s lives, but because it’s not compulsory on the national curriculum, only a minority of schoolchildren would know what to do if one of their classmates, or a member of their family became ill or injured. “It only takes an hour to learn how to save a life, but it could be the most important lesson your students ever learn. We hope teachers take this opportunity and sign up for the Big First Aid Lesson.” Ffi: www.sja.org.uk/bigfirstaidlesson
ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING
W
hile most parents and participants play an overwhelmingly positive role in the happy enjoyment of sports, it’s a sad fact that negative behaviour both off and on the arena of activity is a growing feature of today’s world. Swimming star and Olympic bronze medallist Jo Jackson is adding her support to an initiative to tackle negative attitudes in and around the pool. The Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) has introduced a new scheme for clubs to address negative behaviour and improve the experience for young swimmers. Anyone, be they parents, coaches or officials, can take part in ‘Attitudes in Sport: Make Yours Count’, a 90 minute workshop, which offers support and guidance for clubs to address negative behaviour by spectators and participants. According to Jenni Dearman, ASA’s child safeguarding officer, “The impact of negative behaviour on young people in sport cannot be underestimated. This workshop challenges that behaviour so 38
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that everyone can strive to create a positive, safe and enjoyable environment for young people to feel supported and encouraged.” The ASA has developed resources to support this workshop, including campaign posters and leaflets, free for clubs, groups and schools. “We hope that clubs and ASA members will actively engage with this fantastic resource to ensure their young members enjoy a positive experience at whatever age or ability and thrive in our sport,” says Dearman. Jo Jackson adds “The more positive people we have around poolside, the better it is for our sport. I wouldn’t have achieved my dreams if my parents hadn’t supported me along the way.” Ffi: Attitudes in Sport: Make Yours Count W: www.swimming. org/asa/clubs-and-members/ positive-behaviour-workshops
MINI MONEY MANAGERS
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uckwell Primary School, Bristol, has been recognised as a centre of excellence in financial education after taking part in a national programme run by national charity Personal Finance Education Group (pfeg) and global information services company Experian. The school has been working with pfeg educational specialists to create a programme to help pupils gain the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to manage their money. Teachers at the school have been trained to deliver effective and engaging lessons in personal finance. Luckwell Primary is one of 21 UK schools to have benefited from the programme. As a new pfeg centre of excellence, the school will now be
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supported in helping other schools in the area set up their own programmes. “We see giving our pupils the skills they need to manage money and personal finances as a crucial part of our role in preparing them for adulthood,” says Luckwell head teacher Kevin Jones. “ We are looking forward to sharing this expertise with other local schools.” “The school’s financial education programme is great news for pupils, parents and the wider community,” says Tracey Bleakley of pfeg. “It has never been more important for young people to learn how to manage money, and it is crucial their financial education starts early.” Ffi: www.pfeg.org/services/centresexcellence
ACTIVE WITH JASS
ncouraging children to be physically active is an ever present challenge for schools and parents. A new scheme founded in Edinburgh but spreading out throughout the UK, could provide some much needed inspiration. The Junior Award Scheme for Schools (JASS) describes itself as a progressive learning programme for young people, delivered by a growing number of schools nationally. JASS offers activities in four key areas: regular physical activity (Get Active Stay Active), exploring a personal interest (My Interests), working for the good of the community or environment (Me and My World) and completing an outdoor activity or challenge (Adventure). Activities can include orienteering, activities for pupils with autism or learning disabilities, working at city farms and adventure days. It is structured to allow participants to achieve Bronze, Silver and Gold statuses, each level increasing the challenge. One parent, who is also a teacher, comments, “JASS is an absolutely fantastic way of encouraging and empowering young people, as well as recognising their achievements.” The scheme promises to be flexible. Young people can join at any level and each programme can be constructed to meet the needs of the individuals and local projects. While JASS is primarily aimed
at the transition years from primary to secondary school, each school is free to run it how they choose. To introduce JASS into a school or local authority, activity packs are available for purchase and, at an extra cost, training can be provided on how to run JASS. Ffi: Junior Award Scheme for Schools W: www.jasschools.org.uk T: 0131 538 4028 PRIMARY TIMES
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