Avon Back to School 2015

in Avon Issue 192 1 September-22 October 2015

Also Cancer awareness Self defence Doors open

Building for their

Download the new Primary Times app, free! Page 3

future Discover how Bristol City Council, Skanska, and the Local Education Partnership have delivered nearly 3,000 primary school places this year. Page 6.

Theatre • Arty Barty • Roundabout • Save money!

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The start of the school year is a momentous occasion for every school child, as the long summer days recede and the challenges of the school curriculum kick in again.

Happily, there are a host of events and activities that can complement and encourage this change in gear, from Bath Children’s Literature Festival (P.34) to Bristol Doors Open Day (P.28). Elsewhere we explore the fantastic work that childhood cancer charities carry out, as Child Cancer Awareness Month rolls out this September (P.4).

Finally, we discover how self defence classes can help the family take a proactive approach to life’s dangers (P.8).

THEATRE P10 ROUNDABOUT P15 PINBOARD P31 ADVERTISING FEATURES P38 PUPILS’ PAGE P42 CLASSIFIEDS P45 FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT P4 Esther Morrison discovers the good work of childhood cancer charities.

SAFE FROM HARM P8 How families can benefit from self-defence.

OPEN WIDE! P28 Avon iin A

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Discover ation Partnership this year.

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Bristol’s public buildings welcome all.

PRIMARY TIMES IS NOW AVAILABLE AS AN APP https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/primary-times/id674066003?mt=8

out • Save y • Roundab • Arty Bart

Primary Times in Avon

Bristol News and Media, 1 Temple Way, Bristol, BS2 OBY. More information at www.primarytimes.net

Editor

Commercial director

Advertising

Distribution

Design Production Sub-editor/proof reader Main office

Mike Gartside mike.gartside@localworld.co.uk Abbie Grant abbie.grant@localworld.co.uk 0117 934 3626 Caroline Stretton caroline.stretton@localworld.co.uk 0117 934 3737 Freya McTernan freya.mcternan@localworld.co.uk 0117 934 3076 Juliet Hobbs 01242 278053 juliet.hobbs@localworld.co.uk Cath Evans, Mike Gartside Emma Gorton, Ruth Wood Eric Blair/Ellen White 0117 934 3000

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 Bristol News & Media.

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

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Fight the good

fight

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Esther Morrison looks at ways schools, children and parents can help raise money to support the cause.

Cody’s experience demonstrates how cancer charities support those suffering from cancer and their families.

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en children and young people in the UK are diagnosed with cancer every day and it is the most common cause of death by disease among children and young people. A harsh reality, but the past decades have seen dramatic improvements in the outlook for children diagnosed with cancer, as statistics from cancer charity Children with Cancer UK demonstrate. Whereas 50 years ago three quarters of children diagnosed with cancer died, now more than three quarters survive.

Moreover, the number of survivors of childhood cancer, currently estimated at 35,000, is growing by around 1,300 a year.

There can be little doubt that advancements in treatment and increases in survival rates have been significantly aided by the many charities that work hard to campaign for the cause. One of the ways in which these charities do this is by getting involved in Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, which takes place in September. Characterised by its gold ribbon, sold in various venues across the UK, this international campaign aims to promote the cause and raise money to help those who suffer from the disease.

Cody’s story demonstrates how the work of the charity CLIC Sargent supports those suffering 4

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“Increases in survival rates have been significantly aided by the many charities that work hard to campaign for the cause.” from cancer and their families.

Cody is from Bristol and was in Year Four when he was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a type of bone cancer in his leg. He had to undergo six courses of chemotherapy and have a prosthetic bone fitted. CLIC Sargent was able to provide Cody and his family with one of its social workers. She gave the family information on all the services provided by the charity and told them about the CLIC Sargent nurses. “They have all been absolutely fantastic,”

says Cody’s mum, Sarah. “I could talk to the nurses about anything.

It was like having another friend, a friendly face.” The social worker was also able to help the family with applying for the benefits available to them so they could focus on caring for Cody rather than on filling out forms. Cody is now in Year 11, studying for his GCSEs and has a very positive outlook on life. While he is still growing he must continue to have leg extensions, but despite the internal prosthesis to his right leg, he loves to cycle on his ‘Fixie’ bike and mountain bike.

So how can children and schools get involved in Childhood Cancer Awareness Month? CLIC Sargent has a number of initiatives to help others raise money. The most significant is the £170 Challenge. £170 is the grant that the charity gives to families after a child is diagnosed with cancer to help with unexpected costs such as parking and petrol. There is no specific way in which people have to raise this sum and they are encouraged to be as creative as possible in doing so. CLIC Sargent is also challenging schools to take part in their Around the School in 10-Pence Pieces lesson plan, where schools try to collect enough 10-pence pieces to encircle their school building, while also practising teamwork and mathematical skills along the way.

Another great fundraising activity for children is the Readathon. Running throughout the year, this is an initiative set up to encourage children to read for pleasure while raising money for their seriously ill peers. Schools work with pupils to set a goal of how many books they will read within a certain timeframe and the children are then sponsored to read the books. The money raised is donated to four charities: CLIC Sargent, Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity, ReadWell and Together for Short Lives. Schools will also receive a Book Clubs voucher worth 20 percent of their

sponsorship total to go towards the school library.

As well as these initiatives, of course, there are always the classic ways of raising a bit of cash. Both CLIC Sargent and Children with Cancer UK offer tips and recipes to help organise the perfect cake sale.

They also provide information on organising sponsored races, fancy dress events and mini marathons.

It really is about having fun in the name of a good cause. Happy fundraising!

CLIC Sargent W: www.clicsargent.org.uk Children with Cancer UK W: www.childrenwithcancer.org.uk

Sophie’s tale Sophie from Cheltenham was diagnosed with lymphoblastic leukaemia at the age of 10 and had to undergo eight months of chemotherapy up to five times a week, followed by 19 months of programmed maintenance treatment. By the Christmas after she was diagnosed she had lost half of her hair and had put on a lot of weight due to the steroid medication she was taking.

She managed to start secondary school but was only able to attend half the time.

A nurse, Claire, arranged by CLIC Sargent, went into Sophie’s school to explain her illness to her schoolfriends. “Now Sophie’s treatment is ending, Claire is going into school to explain that Sophie is still not back to normal, will be weak some days and will need support,” says Sophie’s mum Lesley, who, with her daughter, now fundraises through concerts and Christmas card designs.

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Building for their

future Over the last 10 years, Skanska has worked in partnership with Bristol City Council and Bristol Local Education Partnership (LEP) to build over 40 new or refurbished schools in the city. This September, children at eight Bristol primary schools start their educational journey in brand new or refurbished facilities delivered by the partnership.

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hey probably won’t realise it when they first rush through the classroom doors this September, but nearly 3,000 primary school pupils in the Bristol area are starting their education in schools and classrooms designed specifically to give them the best possible learning experience.

New facilities at eight schools were recently handed over by construction company Skanska to Bristol City Council ready for the new school year, designed with the future of the children and the planet in mind.

One thousand new spaces have been created within a mile of each other in the highly populated South Bristol area alone, which until now had been identified as a particular education “hotspot” with a serious shortage of school places. Other areas benefiting from the new schools construction are Fishponds, Montpelier, Redfield and Whitchurch.

According to Bristol City Council figures, the new building means 6

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that more parents, whose children were allocated primary school places in April, received a place at their top choice school. This year, says the council, there was a 1.6 percent rise in those offered a place at one of their three top schools (95.6 percent) and a two percent rise in parents securing their favoured school (84 percent).

As befits Skanska’s status as an Official Partner of Bristol European Green Capital 2015, environmental considerations were given top priority in all the projects. Solar panels, insulation, natural ventilation and ‘smart’ motion sensor lighting are an integral part of all the new school buildings. Projects were designed to ensure that wherever possible they were sited on previously developed land. For example, at Ashton Gate Primary, the empty former Imperial Tobacco offices constructed in 1913, were “recycled” to create a double-storey hall and new classrooms. In 2013 Skanska delivered a similar re-

design at the former Redland Police Station to create a new infant annex for St John’s Primary.

At Redfield Educate Together Primary Academy materials from the old Victorian school have been re-used to create new features including a three storey high sculptural stone “fin” at the main entrance, and stone garden walls, while at Southville Primary the new building was redesigned to accommodate protected trees.

The community has been fully involved with these works at all stages of the process. At Oasis Academy, in Marksbury Road, for example, children and parents were invited for regular site tours and meetings to see how their new school was coming on. In Southville, trees planted in a community orchard by the Patchwork community group needed to be relocated. This work was carried out in consultation with the group.

These new primary school places are the latest improvements in a range of projects that Skanska has delivered, in

NEW SCHOOL PLACES READY FOR SEPTEMBER 2015.

• Oasis Academy Marksbury Road (new build): 420 new places • Ashton Gate (refurbishment): 420 places • Redfield Educate Together Primary Academy (new build and refurbishment): 420 places • Southville Primary (new build and refurbishment): 420 places • Bridge Farm (new build and refurbishment): 210 places • Compass Point (new build and refurbishment): 210 places • Colston’s Primary (new build): 210 places • Fairlawn Primary (refurbishment and re-modelling): 420 places

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partnership with Bristol City Council and Bristol LEP, since they started working together in 2006.

Over this period Skanska’s partnership with the council and Bristol LEP has completed projects for over 40 schools in the city, creating 7,000 new primary places and improved learning environments for 13,000 secondary school pupils.

This contributes to Bristol: A Learning City’s ambition to strengthen the link between education in the city and sustainable employment opportunities for our young people.

COMPETITION Win a £25 Amazon voucher!

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Southville Primary, Compass Point and Ashton Gate Primary (1,050 places, total)

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ithin one mile of each other, these three schools have been expanded to meet the needs of a rapidly growing school population. The Imperial Tobacco offices in Southville’s Upton Road are the location for 16 new classrooms at Ashton Gate Primary, plus a double-storey hall. The entire buildPrimary ing has an intelligent LED lighting Ashton Gate system which consumes less and lowered in using a crane. This energy than conventional lamps meant construction waste was and have a longer life. Movement considerably reduced, while the sensors in every room ensure building programme was quicker, lights are automatically switched with improved co-ordination off when rooms are empty and between tradespeople. contribute to an annual saving of 42 percent over conventional systems. A three kilowatt solar panel Sue Willson, headteacher of Ashton Gate Primary says: unit on the roof generates elec“Our children have been really tricity for the building and a monicramped but finding new space tor in the reception area shows was difficult. Key Stage 2 pupils how much energy the panels are will use the new building, while producing. the refurbished Victorian school At Southville Primary, Bristol will now be dedicated to Early artist Luke Jerram was commisYears and Key Stage 1 pupils. sioned to work with the architects We’re very happy with the new in order to design the building’s facilities and the sheer space front elevation. Trees both at the they have created. Skanska went back of the school and in a comout of their way to give us what munity orchard presented envithey could and consulted with ronmental challenges which were us throughout the process. They accommodated through a combihanded over the new classrooms nation of design and community early at the end of the last school consultation. year, allowing us to begin refurFinally, Compass Point used bishing the old school. I have environmentally-friendly connothing but good things to say struction methods in which new about Skanska.” classrooms were built off-site

Oasis Academy, Marksbury Road (420 places)

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he Oasis Academy is phase one of a “gateway” regeneration development for Marksbury Road and its sur-

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rounding area, which will eventually see construction of a GP practice and more housing.

Like Compass Point, the Academy was built using structural panels and components manufactured off site, saving time and resources. The local community were fully engaged with the building process as regular site tours meant that children and parents were kept informed of the progress of the new school.

a) The Rugby World Cup b) The Olympics c) Bristol European Green Capital 2015 Send your replies to Primary Times editor Mike Gartside at mike.gartside@localworld.co.uk with the subject line “Skanska Comp” before Wednesday 30 September with contact details including a mobile phone number. Winning entries will be chosen at random. Entry implies acceptance of the Terms & Conditions www.primarytimes.net/avon/home-intro/tcs

Bridge Farm, Whitchurch (210 places)

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ustainability was once again the watchword for Skanska and Bridge Farm Primary, which worked with waste recycling charity Children’s Scrapstore to ensure surplus materials could be re-used for play facilities. So, while the timber frame construction of the buildings ensured that materials were sustainably sourced, waste materials such as timber off-cuts

were creatively used to make seed planters.

Main feature images by Andrew Parish (clockwise from top left): St Werburghs Primary, Ashton Gate Primary (indoors), Ashton Gate Primary (outdoors), St Werburghs (classroom), St Werburghs (interior).

Fairlawn Primary, Montpelier (420 places)

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y using the existing structure of the old school, believed to have been attended by Hollywood legend and former-Bristolian Cary Grant, Skanska was able to reduce waste significantly. One prominent object re-used was the old school weathervane, personally refurbished by site manager Mike Gamblin. During the building work, many old school photos and previously undiscovered mementoes were discovered. Local people were kept up to date with the building work with regular scaffolding tours, offering them a unique view of both the Bristol skyline and the 26 separate roofs on the building.

BUILT-IN SUSTAINABLE FEATURES AT ALL OR MOST OF THE SCHOOLS

• Solar (PV) panels • Energy efficient lighting • Energy/water saving devices • Gas-fired boilers with low nitrogen oxide emissions • Recycled/sustainable materials used in construction • Waste recycling facilities • Native species planting and enhancements for biodiversity • A Building Management System (BMS) to control the electrical and mechanical systems and improve performance.

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Safe from

harm

As children become more independent, parents face the dilemma of preparing them for the dangers they may face, without scaring them witless. Anne Marie Scanlon explores the confidence that comes with self defence classes.

Talking to your children about danger

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he people your child meets daily are mostly caring, responsible individuals. However, on rare occasions, children might encounter people with bad intentions.

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he hardest transition for many parents is letting their children out without adult supervision. They are bound to worry when their children are out of sight. So how do you prepare your child to deal with danger, or its threat, on their own? Self defence classes are one way to address staying safe. There are a huge variety of different martial arts disciplines and classes available for children.

Increasingly, martial arts classes and self-defence classes are being run for the whole family.

Going to classes as a family unit has many benefits other than learning valuable safety tips and techniques. Leaving aside the serious reasons, this is a fun activity that will bring the whole family closer as a unit. Children will see their parents in a learning situation, and quite possibly find themselves having to teach their parents – which can boost their confidence.

Anecdotal evidence from parents also suggests that children who learn martial arts have improved grades at school. This may be because martial arts are very goal-oriented and the practice helps children to increase their focus and determination.

While it’s good to be able to defend yourself, or indeed to run 8

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away at the right time, proper defence of the self begins in the mind, according to the experts.

For you or your children to defend yourselves you first need to be aware of the dangers. When we teach our children to cross roads the first thing we do is make them stand back and look around. This is a habit we need to cultivate all the time and not just when crossing the road. Of course it’s one that’s especially difficult for parents and children as we all spend too much time plugged into some sort of device.

Children and adults alike should always stay in places that are open, well lit and well frequented. Be aware of hiding places – stairwells, behind walls and bushes. Don’t take shortcuts through alleyways or parkland after dark, even if you “know” them. Remind older children to stay in a group when out later in the evenings. Both adults and children should always let someone know where they are and if there is any change of plan.

British Karate Federation www.thebka.co.uk The British Combat Association www.britishcombat.co.uk United Kingdom Martial Arts Self Defence Association www.ukmasda.co.uk

TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS Stress to your child that they should listen to their ‘gut feeling’. If a situation feels strange or uncomfortable, they should get away as soon as they can.

FORGET MANNERS Many parents drum in the importance of being polite. As a result, children feel obliged to be ‘nice’ to adults in general including total strangers. For example, if a stranger stops your child to ask for directions, remind them to just keep moving and keep away from the car. It it is not the child’s ‘job’ or responsibility to provide directions, even when the driver is genuinely lost.

MAKE A BIG NOISE Again, parents are forever telling their children to pipe down and not make so much noise.

Just like politeness, this rule no longer applies if your child perceives a threat of some sort.

When you talk to them about ways of dealing with potential danger, remind them, often, that if someone tries to physically take them anywhere, they should make as much noise as possible. Along with shouting as loud as they can (which will often be enough to dissuade a potential assailant, as they don’t want to be caught) your child should kick, bite, scratch

and gouge. This advice probably goes against everything you’ve ever told them before about behaviour but remind them often, nonetheless.At the same time, remind them constantly that they should never willingly go off with a stranger, no matter who they say they are, or get into a vehicle with them.

KNOW WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR Unfortunately ‘baddies’ don’t come labelled. Remind your children that a potential assailant looks just like everybody else. We’ve all probably parroted to our children not to accept sweets from strangers, but remind them, too, if someone asks their help in looking for a lost puppy or kitten (what child wouldn’t want to help with that) the answer should always be “no” and to stay in sight with people they know.

WHEN TO RUN Your child’s greatest protection against any type of harm is to walk or run away from it. Remind your child that, if something feels instinctively wrong, they need to remove themselves from the situation quickly. Boys especially may try to prove something by attempting to fight, or be a hero. Remind them there is no shame in running away from a possibly desperate adult. Similarly, tell your child that if somebody theatens them with a weapon while trying to steal something like a bike or a phone, let them!

Possessions can be replaced, people can’t.

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FAMILY & CHILDREN’S SHOWS ★ BRISTOL, BATH, SOMERSET & SOUTH GLOS 12-Sat 14 Nov, 1pm/7pm (ThuFri), 11.30am/3pm (Sat), £8.50 (adult)/£7.50 (child) • Two terrible twins rule their school with turmoil and tyranny until a new headteacher with green scaly skin, sharp fangs and a long spiky tail takes over. Age 7+.

BATH THEATRE ROYAL Theatre Royal, Sawclose, Bath BA1 1ET. 01225 448844, www. theatreroyal.org.uk Jack and the Beanstalk Thu 10 Dec-Sun 10 Jan, various times, various prices • Nigel Havers stars in this classic pantomime. Jack Trott manages to sell the family’s only valuable possession, Daisy the Cow, for a handful of beans.

He must then go on a quest to defeat the evil Giant Blunderbore, win back his fortune and fight for the hand of the King’s beautiful daughter.

Tree/Boom/Umthi, Tue 13 Oct, The egg, Bath

THE EGG Theatre Royal, Sawclose, Bath BA1 1ET. 01225 448844, www. theatreroyal.org.uk We’re Going on a Bear Hunt Wed 16-Sun 20 Sep, 10am/1pm (Wed-Thu), 10am/12pm/3pm (Fri-Sat), 11am/2pm (Sun), £8.50 (adult)/£7.50 (child) • A family go on an expedition of a lifetime.

What will they find? A puppetry production that brings the funny adventure story to life. Age 2+.

Frogs and Snails and Teddy Bear Tales Sat 26-Sun 27 Sep, 11.30am/3pm (Sat), 11am (Sun), £8.50 (adult)/£7.50 (child) • It’s bear’s birthday tomorrow and the only thing that will help him sleep is a bedtime story. Bring your teddy bear along and listen to tales of spring, summer, autumn and winter. Age 3+.

Hurricane Boy Sat 3-Sun 4 Oct, 11.30am/3pm (Sat), 11am/2pm (Sun), £8.50 (adult)/£7.50 (child) • A lonely boy rebuilds his house each day from the rubbish

whipped up by the winds. A girl appears and they spend a summer of blue skies and warm sun together, but when the hurricane takes her away, the boy has to find his way on his own. Age 5+.

Me and My Cat Sat 10 Oct, 11.30am/3pm, £8.50 (adult)/£7.50 (child) • Join Detective K on her exciting and hilarious adventure full of manga clues and strange events. Based on the book by award-winning author and illustrator Satoshi Kitamura. Age 5+.

Tree/Boom/Umthi Tue 13 Oct, 2.30pm, £6.50 • Like an illustrated children’s book brought to life, this piece tells the story of a hungry man who wants to eat a peach so he decides to plant a tree. Watch the tree grow through spring into summer as the man waits for his peach to ripen. Age 2+.

Tommy Foggo Superhero Sat 17 Oct, 11.30am/3pm, free • Interactive musical adventure

Mr Gotalot’s Gotalot Shop: The Chinchilla Thriller , Kelvin Players Studio, Bristol, Sun 27 Sep & Sun 4 10 BACK TO SCHOOL 2015

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to celebrate the egg’s tenth anniversary. Dress for a party and walk the red carpet. There will even be some birthday drinks and nibbles after the show. Booking required.

Breaking the Ice Fri 23-Sun 25 Oct, 1pm (Fri), 11.30am/3pm (Sat), 11am/2pm (Sun), £8.50 (adult)/£7.50 (child) • Be part of Team Polar Bear or Team Husky and watch as the animals learn to play with each other. Interact with projected images that mirror your movements. Age 2-5.

By Hand Mon 26-Tue 27 Oct, 11.30am/3pm (Mon), 10am/12pm/3pm (Tue), £8.50 (adult)/£7.50 (child) • Told with modelled clay characters and remarkable artistry, this is the story of a small hero with a great desire to escape from the shop window of a tiny pottery shop.

Age 6+.

The Table of Delights Thu 29-Sat 31 Oct, 11.30am/3pm, £8.50 (adult)/£7.50 (child) • Children will sit around a giant table centre stage and taste, explore and discover the origins of food through stories and original music. Age 6+.

16 Singers Wed 4-Sun 8 Nov, 10am/11.30am/2pm, £12 (one baby & carer, £7.50 for additional carer/£6.50 for additional children) • This piece captures the attention of babies with rhythms and song as well as movement patterns and dance. Age 0-18 months.

Under Foot Wed 11-Sun 15 Nov, 10am/12.30pm/2.30pm, £12 (one baby & carer, £6 for additional children) • An immersive sensory experience. Explore three different floor surfaces and interact with the performers, responding to the textures and sensations through movement, dance and play. Age 1 and walking-5.

Our Teacher’s a Troll Thu

THE RONDO THEATRE St. Saviours Road, Bath BA1 6RT. 01225 463362, www. rondotheatre.co.uk Hands Up for Jonny Wilkinson’s Right Boot! Wed 30 Sep-Sat 1 Oct, 8pm (Wed-Fri)/5pm (Sat only), £12/£14 • It’s the Rugby World Cup 2015 and three ardent rugby fans find themselves arguing as to which is the greatest moment in the game’s history when the arrival of a mysterious stranger puts disagreements on hold. This is a fast-paced comedy involving song and physical theatre: prepare to travel back in time and revisit iconic moments in rugby’s history in a production from Live Wire Theatre.

BRISTOL BREWERY THEATRE 291 North Street, Southville, Bristol BS3 1JP. 0117 902 0344, www. tobaccofactorytheatre.com Bristol Festival of Puppetry Until Sun 6 Sep • The festival returns with a huge range of puppetry shows, workshops and more. Not all of it is suitable for children, but there are lots of family-friendly things to enjoy. Including the following: Arthur’s Dream Boat Tue 27 Oct-Sun 1 Nov, 11am & 2pm, £7 • A magical puppet show about one little boy and his dream. One night Arthur dreams of the most beautiful pink and green boat, but no one seems interested – not even when it begins to grow right on top of his head.

BRISTOL HIPPODROME St. Augustine’s Parade, Bristol BS1 4UZ. 0844 871 3012, www. atgtickets.com/bristol Annie Until Sat 5 Sep, 2.30pm (Thu & Sat)/ 7.30 (Mon-Sat), £15£47.50 • It’s a hard knock life for orphan Annie but she’s determined to remain positive and find her parents. Things don’t go as expected but they definitely take a turn for the better in the end. Full of musical classics that will be in your head for the rest of the evening.

BRISTOL OLD VIC King Street, Bristol BS1 4ED. 0117 987 7877, www.bristololdvic.org.uk Life Raft Mon 3-Wed 5 Sep, 7pm,

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PRIMARY TIMES

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To reach 66,000 families in your area... advertise in the next issue of Primary Times Contact Caroline tel 0117 934 3737 email caroline.stretton@localworld.co.uk

Or Freya tel 0117 934 3076 email freya.mcternan@localworld.co.uk

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25/08/2015 11:50:41

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PRIMARY TIMES

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BACK TO SCHOOL 2015 11

25/08/2015 14:32:43

PLEASE CHECK BEFORE YOU TRAVEL . . . AND TELL THEM YOU SAW THE EVENT IN PRIMARY TIMES!

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2pm (Sat mat), £10-£22 • A lifeboat filled with children is adrift at sea against a backdrop of war.

Rations begin to dwindle and fear, superstitions and madness start to take hold. Based on Gerog Kaiser’s ‘The Raft of the Medusa’. Suitable for ages 10+.

Kid Carpet and the Noisy Neighbours Thu 22-Sun 25 Oct, 11am(except Thu 22)/2pm, £12/£8 (conc)/£7 child • Ed Patrick aka Kid Carpet is back with another jam-packed, lively show full of rock music, puppetry and projection, exploring the horrors and excitements of the first day in a new house.

The Cardboard Arcade Thu 22-Sat 25 Oct, 10am-6pm, free • The theatre’s foyer is transformed into a temporary kingdom where video game legends are born with the aid of the unstable king and his custom-built retro arcade machines. Age 7+.

COLSTON HALL Colston Hall, Colston Street, Bristol BS1 5AR. 0844 887 1500, www. colstonhall.org The Nutcracker and the Snowman Sun 20 Dec, 6pm, £13.50-£26.50 incl. booking fee • Classic FM’s Tim Lihoreau and conductor Neil Thomson present a suite of music from Tchaikovsky’s much-loved ballet. After the interval, the soundtrack to ‘The Snowman’ is brought magically to life alongside a screening of the film.

KELVIN PLAYERS STUDIO THEATRE 253b Gloucester Rd, Bishopston, Bristol BS7 8NY. 0117 902 0344, www.monkeytrouserstheatre.com Mr Gotalot’s Gotalot Shop: The Chinchilla Thriller Sun 27 Sep & Sun 4 Oct, 10.30am/1pm/3.30pm, £7/£25 (family of four) • Monkey Trousers Theatre return with a special Halloween episode of their popular theatrical sitcom. There’s a shadowy customer lurking in Mr Gotalot’s shop, but the shelves are mysteriously empty. Can Sidney, the ever eager shop boy, help with this sinister task? Find out what happens when mad science meets hair-raising adventure as well as lots of laughs, songs and silliness.

PLAYHOUSE THEATRE High Street, Weston-super-Mare, Somerset BS23 1HP. 01934 645544, www.parkwoodtheatres. co.uk The Gruffalo Sat 12-Sun 13 Sep, 1.30pm/4.30pm (Sat), 10.30am/1.30pm (Sun), £12.50 • A musical stage adaptation of the award-winning picture book.

Mouse must wander through the woods, outwitting the cunning fox, the eccentric old owl and the partymad snake. But he won’t come across a Gruffalo – or will he?

Mister Maker Sun 27 Sep, 1.30pm & 4.30pm, £15/child £11.50 • Come and join arts and crafts hero Mister Maker in his first ever live theatre tour. Packed full of arty adventures, expect a big ‘make’ to get involved in, music and songs and Mister Maker’s colourful dancing friends, 12 BACK TO SCHOOL 2015

15 Avon Theatre listings Back to School 2015.indd 10

The Shapes.

Hairspray Thu 1-Sat 3 Oct, 7.30pm/2.30pm(Sat only), £16.50/£15.50 • Join larger-thanlife teenager Tracy Turnblad who has big dreams of appearing on The Corny Collins Show. A musical full of toe-tapping songs and lively routines plus a timeless message about the importance of acceptance and tolerance.

REDGRAVE THEATRE Percival Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3LE. 0117 315 7000. The Redgrave has no permanent box office so please book directly with the visiting companies listed below.

The Phantom of the Opera Thu 3-Sat 5 Sep, 7.15pm, £14/£12.

Book tickets through www. nationalacademypa.co.uk • The National Academy of Performing Arts present their youth group production of ‘The Phantom of the Opera’, based on the novel by Gaston Leroux and with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Experience the tale of the legendary masked figure who inflicts a reign of terror over the Paris Opera House in the 1880s in his quest for love.

For the Love of Musicals Sat 19-Sun 20 Sep, 7pm(Sat)/5pm(Sun), £17. Book via Pauline Quirke Academy, 0117 3157800 • Join the students of PQA Bradley Stoke as they take you on an exciting journey through some of the most popular musicals of stage and screen. Featuring songs from ‘Legally Blonde’, ‘The Lion King’, ‘Oliver’ and many more.

Hands Up for Jonny Wilkinson’s Right Boot! Tue 22 Sep, 7.30pm, £12/£10. Book through the Tobacco Factory box office, 0117 902 0344, www.tobaccofactorytheatres. com/book • It’s the Rugby World Cup 2015 and three ardent rugby fans find themselves arguing as to which is the greatest moment in the game’s history when the arrival of a mysterious stranger puts disagreements on hold. This is a fast-paced comedy involving song and physical theatre: prepare to travel back in time and revisit iconic moments in rugby’s history in a production from Live Wire Theatre.

The New Jersey Boys Fri 25 Sep, 7.30pm, all tickets £15. Box office 0117 3157607 • Join The New Jersey Boys as they take you on a nostalgic musical journey through the career of one of the biggestselling groups of all time – The Four Seasons. Features hits such as ‘Sherry’, ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry’, ‘Walk Like a Man’ and many more.

ST. GEORGE’S BRISTOL Great George Street, Bristol BS1 5RR. 0117 925 3333, www. stgeorgesbristol.co.uk MiniBeats Goes to the Proms Sun 6 Sep, 2.30pm, £8/child £6 • Join musicians from the Bristol Ensemble and presenter Laura Tanner as MiniBeats goes large for its first ever very own Proms. You will need flags to wave, horns to honk and feet to stamp. Dressing up highly encouraged.

MiniBeats: Wonderful Winds Sun 11 Oct, 10am (ages 3-5)/11.15am

CBeebies’ Mr Maker, Playhouse Theatre, Weston-super-Mare, Sun 27 Sep

(ages 5-8), £6 plus booking fees • From the floaty flute to the crooked bassoon, catlike clarinet, quacking oboe and the egg-laying cor anglais, the wonderful Woodwind family show off their beautiful sounds. And after the show, there’ll be a chance for you to come up and have a try yourself.

Wild Words: The Wild (Golden) Goose Chase Mon 26 Oct, 10am (ages3-5)/11.15am (ages 5-8), £6 plus booking fees • A magical mix of story, song and music especially for children aged 8 and under.

Come honk and waddle your way through the feast of fun as three gallant Wild Words heroes create a never-heard-before story from curious objects and your children’s imaginations, fired up by that bird of legend and magic, the goose!

TOBACCO FACTORY THEATRE Raleigh Road, Bristol BS3 1TF. 0117 902 0060. www.tobaccofactory. com Shakespeare Schools Festival Mon 9-Wed 18 Nov, 7pm (Mon-Thu only), £7/£9 • Local talent takes to the stage as each night three schools perform three different Shakespeare plays as you’ve never seen them before. List of participating schools tba: check website for details.

FURTHER AFIELD THE ARC THEATRE College Road, Trowbridge BA14 0ES. 01225 756376. www. arctheatre.org.uk.

My Pet Monster and Me Sun 27 Sep, 11am-2pm, £8/£6/£25 (family) • A fun show for little monsters and their grown-ups, brought to life by the acclaimed Blunderbus Theatre BACON THEATRE Dean Close School, Shelbourne Road, Cheltenham GL51 6HE. 01242 258002, www.bacontheatre. co.uk Back to Broadway Sat 17 Oct, 7.30pm, £18/£16 plus booking

fee • An all-singing, all-dancing journey through the magical world of musical theatre. Featuring popular songs from a diverse range of shows, including ‘Circle of Life’ from ‘The Lion King’ and ‘Defying Gravity’ from ‘Wicked’.

EVERYMAN THEATRE Regent Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573, www. everymantheatre.org.uk Hands Up for Jonny Wilkinson’s Right Boot! Wed 23-Sat 26 Sep, 7.45pm (Wed-Fri)/2pm and 5pm (Sat only), £10.50/£9 • It’s the Rugby World Cup 2015 and three ardent rugby fans find themselves arguing as to which is the greatest moment in the game’s history when the arrival of a mysterious stranger puts disagreements on hold. This is a fast-paced comedy involving song and physical theatre: prepare to travel back in time and revisit iconic moments in rugby’s history in a production from Live Wire Theatre.

ROSES THEATRE The Roses, Sun Street, Tewkesbury GL20 5NX. 01684 295074, www. rosestheatre.org Singalonga Frozen Sat 17 Oct, 10.30am/2pm, £10.75-£15.75 • Prepare to “let it go” with a full screening of Disney’s ‘Frozen’.

SALISBURY PLAYHOUSE Malthouse Lane, Salisbury SP2 7RA. 01722 320333, www. salisburyplayhouse.com Thumbelina Sat 10 Oct, 11am & 2pm, £9/£7 group ticket • Norwich Puppet Theatre use glove, rod and shadow puppets to tell the ever-popular story of a girl who’s no bigger than a thumb. Runs for approx. 40 minutes. Ages 3+.

THE WYVERN THEATRE Theatre Square, Swindon SN1 1QN. 01793 524481, www.swindontheatres.co.uk Hetty Feather Wed 23-Sun 27 Sept, 7pm (Wed)/5.30pm (Fri)/11am & 3pm (Sat-Sun), £16-£25.50 • Stage adaptation of Jacqueline Wilson’s popular story of Hetty’s escape from the Foundling Hospital to the streets of Victorian London. Age 7+.

PRIMARY TIMES

25/08/2015 11:17:08

MARLWOOD SCHOOL

‘a great underground experience for all the family!’

Working together for excellence

9 impressive caverns Caving activities Giftshop Café Ochre & blacksmith workshops Picnic area Ample free parking Educational groups welcome

Founded 1606

Open evening Thursday, 1 October 2015 Headteacher’s address 6.00pm and 6.45pm

Open MOrnings Monday, 28 September Friday, 9 October 2015 9.00am - 11.00am Please contact us to arrange a visit.

OPEN 10.00am5.00pm Clearwell, Nr Coleford Telephone: 01594 832535 www.clearwellcaves.com

DOSOMETHINGDIFFERENT!

Marlwood School Vatngstone Lane Alveston South Gloucestershire BS35 3LA Tel: 01454 862525 www.marlwood.com

unusual and exciting activities see our website for more details

Science

©LW

Calling all thrillseekers! Tighten your harnesses for Mojo Active’s brand new, purpose-built high ropes adventure course opening mid September.

e r u t n e v d a High e v i t c A o j at Mo Swing through the trees using rickety bridges, traverse nets, organ pipes, islands in the sky and zip wires as part of the exciting 15-stage course.

■ Family fun/individuals

■ Team building exercises ■ Corporate events ■ Educational/school activities ■ Sports clubs and groups ■ Stag and hen parties ■ Children’s parties

The high ropes adventure is the latest addition to a range of activities that include a 400m military assault course, 4x4 driving, low ropes course, tunnel maze, climbing wall, archery range, den building and team orienteering.

Open from 10am to 5pm weekends and school holidays. Book your 1.5 hour session online at www.mojoactive.co.uk

Mojo Active, Over Court Farm, Over Lane, Almondsbury, Bristol BS32 4DF T 01454 660075 M 07770 925022 E info@mojoactive.co.uk www.mojoactive.co.uk

PRIMARY TIMES

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BACK TO SCHOOL 2015 13

25/08/2015 11:28:58

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PRIMARY TIMES

25/08/2015 11:29:47

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 late October, November and December: deadline Monday 21 September. If your event is to raise funds for a school, a charity or your community, and is open to the public, please let the editor know at: mike.gartside@localworld.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!

SEPTEMBER UNTIL SUN 6 SEP ANIMATRONIC BIG BUGS Bristol Zoo Gardens, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3HA. 0117 974 7399, www.bristolzoo.org.uk, 9am5.30pm, standard admission applies • This summer, 13 huge animatronic bugs can be found around the zoo. Go on a big bug trail and listen to talks by the bug rangers.

UNTIL SUN 6 SEP LEGO ANIMALS WWT Slimbridge Wetlands Centre, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT. 01453 891900, www.wwt.org.

uk/wetland-centres/slimbridge, 9.30am-5.30pm, £12.70 (adult)/£7 (child)/under-4s free (10% off online booking • Giant Lego brick sculptures are spending the summer at Slimbridge. There are 10 individually designed animals to discover and lots more to see and do besides.

UNTIL SUN 6 SEP ACROBATIC SHOWS Longleat Safari & Adventure Park, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 7NW. 01985 844400, www.longleat. co.uk, 1pm/3pm/5pm (selected dates only, please check website), free with standard admission prices • Longleat plays host to a team of extraordinary Chinese performers inside a purpose-built undercover arena. ‘Za Ji’ features theatrical performance by the internationally renowned Sichuan Chunmiao Acrobatic Troupe.

UNTIL SUN 6 SEP SODBURY SHEEPDOG SEARCH From the Tourist Information Centre, The Clock Tower, High St, Chipping Sodbury BS37 6AH. 01454 326336, www.chippingsodburytic.co.uk/sheep-dog-search • Free family fun trail: pick up a trail map from the Tourist Information Centre, track down the 28 sheepdogs hiding in the town centre and fill in their names. All correct entries will go into a prize draw on 7 Sep, with 28 winners receiving one of the sheepdogs.

UNTIL THU 10 SEP SUMMER KITCHEN At-Bristol, Anchor Rd,

Nature, Camera, Action! The Secrets of Making Incredible Wildlife Films, Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery, Sun 1 Nov. Pic: John Downer Productions.

Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5DB. 0117 909 2000, www.at-bristol.org.uk, drop-in sessions throughout the day, free with standard admission • Glorious goodies galore as the At-Bristol kitchen cooks up the last produce of the summer season. Dissect a strawberry, make and taste some super speedy ice cream and explore the science of cheese-making.

UNTIL SUN 13 SEP ART FORMS IN NATURE Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, Queens Rd, Bristol BS8 1RL. 0117 922 3571, www.bristolmuseums. org.uk/bristol-museum-artgallery, 10am-5pm, free • Marvel at the beauty of nature with

Review

Cornbury Festival

The Pyronaut in action in Bristol, Sat 30-Sun 31 May.

I

f the seething masses and wide expanses of Glastonbury Festival leave you feeling a little daunted, there are many smaller festivals within easy reach of the South West which offer families with young children a gentler introduction to festival-going. Among them, Cornbury Festival in Oxfordshire allows parents to combine the giggoing experience with a wealth of entertainment and activities for the little ones.

We arrived on the Friday evening, safe in the knowledge that there’s only a short walk from the car park to an easily accessible campsite with plenty of space to pitch the tent and wonderful views of the rolling countryside beyond the site.

There’s no hostile fortress fencing here and as we enter the arena we’re greeted by friendly staff plus a vast array of food stalls with cuisine ranging from the exotic to the familiar, at the heart of which sits the pub-style bar, complete with real ale from local brewer Hook Norton.

Our five-year-old revels in the packed activities of the play area, from clay pot making and drawing to circus skills and an obsession with the tail store (pester power requires investment in a tiger tail for

PRIMARY TIMES

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Balloon antics at Cornbury Festival

the lad). We are all able to enjoy musical thrills ranging from Razorlight and Lulu, through to The Trevor Horne Band, fronted by Seal and joined by Police drummer Stuart Copeland (a real time machine for anyone with the vaguest memories of 80s music).

The attention span of our son means we can only sample a few songs from each set (all of which he enjoys enthusiastically). But by Saturday night he is happy and exhausted enough to allow himself to be brought back to the tent for bedtime, while my other half stays out to enjoy a blistering set by Sir Tom Jones. (Mike Gartside) Cornbury Festival W: www.cornburyfestival.com

this touring exhibition of Karl Blossfeldt’s photography. As a sculptor Blossfeldt was fascinated by the intricate designs of nature which can be seen in his captivating images of close-up plants.

UNTIL WED 16 SEP SUMMER IN THE GREENHOUSE At-Bristol, Anchor Rd, Bristol BS1 5DB. 0845 345 1235, www.at-bristol.org.uk, 10am-6pm (weekends & school holidays), 10am-5pm (termtime weekdays), included in general admission • Find out what’s going on in the greenhouse. Take a closer look at what’s been growing during the summer season and cultivate your own kitchen garden.

Sow your own seasonal salads to take home and find out more about bees. Be prepared to get involved and get your hands dirty.

UNTIL SUN 20 SEP SPACE EXPLORERS At-Bristol, Anchor Rd, Bristol BS1 5DB. 0845 345 1235, www.atbristol.org.uk, shows throughout the day, £2 • Blast off into space and discover the planets, stars and galaxies of the universe. An interactive show where you learn about space to become a “qualified space explorer”. Suitable for under-6s.

UNTIL MON 21 SEP SUN LAB At-Bristol, Anchor Rd, Bristol BS1 5DB. 0845 345 1235, www. at-bristol.org.uk, 10am-4pm (term-time weekdays)/10am-5pm (weekends & school holidays), included in general admission price • Investigate the power of the Sun by making your own equipment for some sunshine experiments. You can also discover how At-Bristol makes energy from the Sun. BACK TO SCHOOL 2015

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25/08/2015 16:54:13

“The unwavering belief that everyone can achieve the highest possible goals is woven into leadership and management at every point.”

Ofsted June 2013

Open Evening: Wednesday 16th September 18:30 – 21:00

Open Mornings: Thursday 17th September Friday 18th September Monday 22nd September 08:50 – 11:00

'KK

Open Evening: Thursday 15th October 18:30 – 19:30

Open Mornings: Monday 19th October Tuesday 20th October 08:45 – 09:45

Parents/carers wishing to attend one of these Open Mornings should book with King’s Oak Reception

ǁǁǁ͘ŬŝŶŐƐŽĂŬĂĐĂĚĞŵLJ͘ŽƌŐ͘ƵŬ Brook Road, Kingswood, Bristol, BS15 4JT Telephone: 01454 866538 16

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PRIMARY TIMES

21/08/2015 10:04:43

PLEASE CHECK BEFORE YOU TRAVEL . . . AND TELL THEM YOU SAW THE EVENT IN PRIMARY TIMES! »

ROUNDABOUT to the Georgian ‘Bellamy’s House’ complete with original furniture.

UNTIL MON 21 SEP SUMMER STARGAZING At-Bristol, Anchor Rd, Bristol BS1 5DB. 0845 345 1235, www.atbristol.org.uk, regular daily shows, £2 (2D)/£3 (3D) in addition to standard admission • Take a tour of the Solar System in the comfort of your seat and get close to the stars you normally see in your back garden in the UK’s only 3D planetarium. 3D only available for ages 6+ due to health restrictions.

UNTIL THU 31 DEC BLUE MARVEL (3D) At-Bristol, Anchor Rd, Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5DB. 0117 909 2000, www.at-bristol.org.uk, 12.30pm/2.45pm/4.15pm, £3 plus standard admission • See planet Earth in a whole new light. Created to celebrate Bristol as European Green Capital 2015, Blue Marvel will reveal our home in space like never before. 3D shows not suitable for under-6s.

UNTIL SUN 27 SEP WESTON SAND SCULPTURE FESTIVAL Marine Parade, Weston-superMare, North Somerset BS23 1BE. www.westonsandsculpture. co.uk, 10am-5pm, £2.50-£3.50 • This popular attraction returns to Weston for its 10th year and remains a favourite for families.

Interactive features and a chance to watch new sculptures being created amongst the existing collection. This year the theme is ‘The Best of 10 Years’.

UNTIL SUN 27 SEP NEW YORK CITY APARTMENT Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, Queens Rd, Bristol, BS8 1RL, 0117 9223571, www.bristolmuseums. org.uk/bristol-museum-and-artgallery. 10am-6pm, free • Contemporary artist Do Ho Suh invites you inside a fabric replica of his New York City home, right in the heart of Bristol.

Translucent fabrics, soft corridors and a staircase made from material, be immersed in a fabric world.

UNTIL WED 30 SEP CANOE SAFARI Slimbridge Wetlands Centre, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT. 01453 891900, www.wwt.org. uk, 11am-4pm, £5 • Go for a relaxing paddle along the waterways of Gloucestershire and see wildlife including water voles, ducks, dragonflies and rare birds. Closed during bad weather.

UNTIL THU 1 OCT THE GREAT ESCAPE – A FAMILY TRAIL Lacock Abbey, Lacock, Wiltshire SN15 2LG. 01249 730459, www. nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock, 10.30am-5.30pm, free with standard admission • Some of the birds and animals in the cloisters have escaped. Can you help find them all? Explore the Abbey grounds to find the lost creatures and discover fascinating facts about the folklore behind them.

UNTIL SUN 4 OCT A BRUSH WITH GENIUS: THE ART OF FOX TALBOT’S DAUGHTERS Lacock Abbey, Lacock, Wiltshire SN15 2LG. 01249 730459, www. nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock, 10.30am-5.30pm, free with standard admission • Discover more about William Henry Fox Talbot through the paintings of his daughters, which have a particular focus on botany and travel.

PRIMARY TIMES

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Za Ji, by Sichuan Chunmiao Acrobatic Troupe, Longleat, until Sun 6 Sep

UNTIL SUN 4 OCT JANE AUSTEN’S BATH Victoria Art Gallery, Bridge St, Bath BA2 4AT. 01225 477233, www.victoriagal.org.uk, 10am-5pm (1.30-5pm Sun), £3.50/under21s free • Explore the Bath of Austen’s era with the gallery’s collection of prints and watercolours and experience the sights, sounds and places vividly depicted in her novels.

UNTIL FRI 16 OCT FORWARD TO FREEDOM Bristol Record Office, B Bond Warehouse, Smeaton Rd, Bristol, BS1 6XN, 0117 9224224, www. bristolmuseums.org.uk/bristolrecord-office. 9.30am-4.30pm (Tue-Fri), 10am-4pm(Sat), free • Forward to Freedom explores the fight to end apartheid, across Britain and here in Bristol.

Discover how the British antiapartheid movement, including Bristol’s Action for Southern Africa group, campaigned to support the people of South Africa in their struggle against oppression.

UNTIL SAT 31 OCT WITHDRAWN Leigh Woods, Bristol BS8 3PZ. www.bristol2015.co.uk/events/ withdrawn, free • Artist Luke Jerram invites visitors to experience an unexpected encounter with a flotilla of abandoned fishing boats installed in the depths of the woodland. At night the navigation lights turn on, see if you can spot them through the trees!

UNTIL SAT 31 OCT VOICES FROM A WORKING CITY The Museum of Bath at Work, Julian Rd, Bath BA1 2RH, 01225 318348, www.bath-at-work.org. uk. 10.30am-5pm, free • Be transported back in time and learn what it was like to work in Bath in the early 20th century based on interviews with real-life workers.

UNTIL SUN 1 NOV NATURE, CAMERA, ACTION! THE SECRETS OF MAKING INCREDIBLE WILDLIFE FILMS M Shed, Princes Wharf, Wapping Rd, Bristol BS1 4RN. 0117 352 6600, www.brisolmuseums.org. uk/m-shed, 10am-5pm, £5 (adult)/ free (under-16s) • Through films and interactive exhibits families can discover what it takes to get that perfect shot. An exciting opportunity to explore the challenges wildlife filmmakers and photographers must overcome and what kit they need along the way.

UNTIL SUN 1 NOV DINOSAURS ALIVE: A PREHISTORIC ADVENTURE Longleat, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 7NW. 01985 844400, www. longleat.co.uk, opening times & prices vary, see website for details • Dinosaurs are coming to Longleat. Find 20 full-size prehistoric creatures around the park and watch them come to life.

UNTIL MON 2 NOV ESCAPE ARTIST Lacock Abbey, Lacock, Wiltshire SN15 2LG. 01249 730459, www. nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock, 10.30am-5.30pm, free with standard admission • A colourful exhibition of Fran Forman’s dream-like paintings that tell stories of a world outside the one we know.

UNTIL SUN 8 NOV SMALL WORLDS: AN EXHIBITION OF DOLLS’ HOUSES FROM THE 18th AND 19th CENTURIES No.1 Royal Crescent, Bath BA1 2LR, 01225 428126, www.no1royalcrescent.org.uk, 10.30am-5.30pm (12noon-5.30pm Mon), free with standard admission • A unique collection of the small but perfectly formed, from ‘The Fry House’, made for the children of local chocolate maker Francis Fry,

UNTIL FEB YOU MAKE BRISTOL WHAT IT IS … GREEN M Shed, Princes Wharf, Wapping Rd, Bristol BS1 4RN. 0117 352 6600, www.bristolmuseums. org.uk/m-shed, 10am-5pm TueFri/10am-6pm Sat-Sun, free • M Shed is celebrating Bristol’s status as European Green Capital. Find out about the 10 most significant people and organisations on Bristol’s green agenda and what the city is doing to stay green.

UNTIL 3 JAN 2016 DRESS OF THE YEAR Bath Fashion Museum, Assembly Rooms, Bennett St, Bath BA1 2QH. 01225 477789, www.fashionmuseum.co.uk, 10.30am-5pm (4pm from Nov), included with standard admission • See the latest Dress of the Year as well as past selections from the Dress of the Year Collection.

FROM TUE 1 SEP PERFORM WEEKLY DRAMA CLASSES Various locations around Avon incl. Redland, Clifton, Westbury Park & Weston-super-Mare, & also in Bradford on Avon, Chippenham & Salisbury, Wilts. 020 7255 9120, www.perform.org.uk, see website for info on fees, dates and times • Perform’s weekly workshops and drama classes are back for the autumn term. Four to seven-yearolds can enjoy being whisked away to the world of The Magician’s Chamber for an Arthurian adventure, while 7-12-year-olds have the chance to put together a specially written show, promising original music, high-energy dance and lots of laughs. This term features a modern, streetwise adaptation of Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’, set on the streets of London.

TUE 1 SEP WILDFLOWER WALKS Westonbirt Arboretum, Tetbury, Gloucestershire GL8 8QS. 01666 880220, www.forestry.gov.uk/ westonbirt, 10.30am, standard admission prices apply • Discover the wealth of wild flowers that grow in Westonbirt’s beautiful grounds.

TUE 1-WED 30 SEP SCRAPTORS SCULPTURE TRAIL Stourhead, Stourton, Wiltshire BA12 6QF. 01747 841152, www. nationaltrust.org.uk/stourhead, 9am-6pm, standard admission BACK TO SCHOOL 2015

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25/08/2015 11:11:16

ROUNDABOUT

PLEASE CHECK BEFORE YOU TRAVEL . . . AND TELL THEM YOU SAW THE EVENT IN PRIMARY TIMES! Sodbury. www.chippingsodburytic.co.uk • Cafes, pubs and restaurants around the town showcase a huge range of food and drink.

FRI 11-SUN 13 SEP SALISBURY FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL Salisbury Festival, 87 Crane St, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP1 2PU. 01722 332241, www.salisburyfestival. co.uk, times TBA, free • Get ready to loosen your belts and enjoy a whole weekend of food-themed fun, including foraging walks, local restaurant deals, street theatre performances and over 80 delectable food and drink stalls.

Jane Austen Festival, Bath, Fri 11-Sun 20 Sep

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charges apply • The Scraptors are a group of West Country artists who specialise in making sculpture from recycled materials. Come and visit this exciting project on a journey around the Stourhead estate and discover three sculptures, each reflecting the effect of World War I on the local community.

SAT 5 SEP HARVEST FESTIVAL Feed Bristol, Frenchay Park Rd, Bristol BS16 1HB. www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk, 12noon-6pm, free • Come and celebrate the bounty of summer and see the progress made at the Feed site.

Also the grand opening of the Ark Greenhouse and straw bale packing shed.

SAT 5 SEP BALLAST SEED GARDEN TOUR Arnolfini, 16 Narrow Quay, Bristol BS1 4QA. 0117 9172300, www. arnolfini.org.uk, 2.30-4pm, £7/£5 • Join a tour of the Ballast Seed Garden led by a University of Bristol Botanic Garden volunteer guide. Learn about the principles behind the design, how the plants are raised and how the display will be developed in the future. Please meet in the Arnolfini foyer 10 mins prior to departure time.

SAT 5 SEP THE SECRET GARDEN Tyntesfield, Wraxall, Bristol BS48 1NT. 0344 8004966, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/tyntesfield, 7.30pm, £15/child £8/family £31/£46 • Join Mary Lennox on her journey of discovery and unlock the mystery of the secret garden.

Chapterhouse Theatre Company present their adaptation of the Frances Hodgson Burnett classic, complete with music, song and puppets.

SAT 5-SUN 6 AND SAT 24-SUN 25 SEP MAYFLOWER RIDES M Shed, Princes Wharf, Wapping Rd, Bristol BS1 4RN. 0117 352 6600, www.bristolmuseums.org. uk/m-shed, 11am-4pm, £6/£4 • 18

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Explore the harbour aboard the world’s oldest steam tug, The Mayflower, built in Bristol in 1861.

Trips last approx. 30 mins.

SUN 6 SEP OPEN GARDEN AT TRANBY HOUSE Tranby House, Whitchurch, Bristol BS14 0BT. 0117 9177270, www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk, 2-5pm, free • Enjoy tea and cakes in a beautiful wildlife garden and browse the plants for sale.

FROM FRI 11 SEP AUTUMN KITCHEN At-Bristol, Anchor Rd, Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5DB. 0117 909 2000, www.at-bristol.org.uk, drop-in sessions throughout the day, free with standard admission • It’s time to make the most of this year’s harvest and taste the benefits of the summer growing season too. Come and explore the science of food, gets hands on and create seasonal specials in the kitchen.

FROM FRI 11 SEP AUTUMN IN THE GREENHOUSE At-Bristol, Anchor Rd, Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5DB. 0117 909 2000, www.at-bristol.org. uk, drop-in sessions throughout the day, free with standard admission • Get planting in At-Bristol’s very own greenhouse. Plant and take home a ‘green manure’ crop, using the growing nutrient nitrogen.

FRI 11 SEP FAMILY BAT WATCH Lacock Abbey, Lacock, Wiltshire SN15 2LG. 01249 730459, www. nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock, 7-9pm, £8/child £4 • Ever seen a bat fly out of a gargoyle’s mouth?

You might do at Lacock Abbey’s fabulous bat watch. Join bat expert Tony Brazier to watch for and listen to bats living in locations in and around Lacock Abbey.

FRI 11-SAT 12 SEP CHIPPING SODBURY FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL Various venues, Chipping

FRI 11-SUN 20 SEPT JANE AUSTEN FESTIVAL Various venues, Bath. www. janeaustenfestivalbath.co.uk/ see website for individual events, times & prices • City-wide celebration of the great author who lived in Bath for a short while, including costumed parades and other Regency-related activities.

SAT 12 SEP BRISTOL DOORS OPEN DAY Various venues, Bristol. www. bristoldoorsopenday.org.uk, 10am-4pm, free • A chance to visit many of Bristol’s most significant historic and contemporary buildings as they throw open their doors to the public (sometimes for the only time in the whole year). From ancient churches to ultramodern ecobuildings, Avonmouth Docks to the Create Centre, more than 70 buildings will be offering special public access this year. For some, you’ll need to book onto a special tour, but for many you can simply turn up and walk in. See feature and highlights below.

SAT 12 SEP BRISTOL OPEN DOORS DAY: RED LODGE MUSEUM Red Lodge Museum, Park Row, Bristol, BS1 5LJ, 0117 9273807, www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/ red-lodge-museum. 10.30am4pm, free • What secrets lie behind the bright red door? Step inside the TARDIS and experience more than 400 years of history in the museum where you feel you have left the modern world behind. From the ‘royal party house’ of the 16th Century to Victorian reform school for girls, see how the lodge has changed over time.

SAT 12 SEP BRISTOL OPEN DOORS DAY: THE GEORGIAN HOUSE MUSEUM Georgian House, 7 Great George St, Bristol, BS1 5RR, 0117 9211362, www.bristolmuseums.org. uk/georgian-house-museum.

10.30am-4pm, free • Discover what a Bristol sugar plantation and slave owner’s home might have looked like around 1790.

Eleven rooms spread over four floors reveal what life was like above and below stairs, from the kitchen in the basement where

servants prepared meals to the elegant formal rooms above.

SAT 12 SEP BRISTOL OPEN DOORS DAY: BLAISE CASTLE HOUSE MUSEUM Blaise Castle, Henbury Rd, Bristol, BS10 7QT, 0117 9039818, www. bristolmuseums.org.uk/blaisecastle-house-museum. 10.30am4pm, free • Have a go at making butter by hand, dressing up as a dairymaid and tasting fresh butter made in a hand churn. A unique opportunity to see inside the dairy, designed in 1804 by architect John Nash.

SAT 12 SEP HERITAGE OPEN DAY: LACOCK ABBEY Lacock Abbey, Lacock, Wiltshire SN15 2LG. 01249 730459, www. nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock, 10.30am-5pm, free • Think you know Lacock Abbey? Come and see some of the changes made over the past few years and enjoy free entry on this one-off Heritage Open Day. SAT 12 SEP BIG BIRD BONANZA Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, Clevedon Rd, Wraxall, Bristol BS48 1PG. 01275 852606, www.noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk, 10.30am-5pm, £17/ conc £16/child £11 • Join in some fun activities based on the farm’s wide range of bird species, both large and small. Events include arts and crafts, treasure trails and keeper talks.

SAT 12 SEP BEHIND THE SCENES SUSTAINABILITY TOURS At-Bristol, Anchor Rd, Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5DB. 0117 909 2000, www.at-bristol.org.uk, tours throughout the day, free • Especially for Bristol’s Open Doors Day: take an exclusive behind the scenes tour of one of the UK’s most advanced, low-energy buildings with At-Bristol’s sustainability manager Chris Dunford.

SAT 12 SEP ART CLUB FOR 5-13-YEAROLDS: CITY CONSTRUCTION Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney St, Bath BA2 4DB. 01225 388569, www.holburne.org, 10.30am12.30pm, £9 • Inspired by Canaletto’s cityscapes, produce your own relief-constructed building, then work in small groups to produce a map of your dream fantasy city.

SAT 12-SUN 13 AND SAT 26-SUN 27 SEP BRISTOL HARBOUR RAILWAY TRAIN M Shed, Princes Wharf, Wapping Rd, Bristol, BS1 4RN, 0117 3526600, www.bristolmuseums. org.uk/m-shed. 11am-5pm, £2 single/£3 return to ss Great Britain • Take a train ride on the Bristol Harbour Railway and be transported back to the days of steam.

Ride on Britain’s only dockside steam railway behind one of the Bristol-built locomotives. Buy tick- » PRIMARY TIMES

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Join us at our Open Evening on Thursday 17th September 5pm - 8pm or visit us now at www.merchantsacademy.org

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PLEASE CHECK BEFORE YOU TRAVEL . . . AND TELL THEM YOU SAW THE EVENT IN PRIMARY TIMES! nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock, 10.30am-5.30pm, standard admission prices apply • Experience the joy of standing amongst over 90 brightly coloured, 8ft batik flags.

Hear them rustle in the breeze and feel surrounded by light and colour.

ets on-board on the day. Trips run every 40 minutes.

SAT 12-SUN 13 SEP FALCONRY WEEKEND Puxton Park, Cowslip Lane, Hewish, North Somerset BS24 6AH. 01934 523500, www.puxton.co.uk, 9am-5pm, included in standard admission prices • Come and join Gary and his falconry team and get up close and personal with a variety of birds of prey plus lots of other fun activities.

THU 17 SEP AND THU 12 OCT DISCOVERY TOUR OF THE VILLA Chedworth Roman Villa, Yanworth, Cheltenham GL54 3LJ. 01242 890256, www.nationaltrust.org.uk-chedworth-romanvilla, 2-3pm, standard admission prices apply • Join the man who found the villa in 1864 – gamekeeper Thomas Margetts – as he takes you on a journey through time from the Victorian Cotswolds back to the villa’s grandest days and on to the latest archaeological finds.

SAT 12-SUN 13 SEP NORTHLEACH STEAM AND VINTAGE SHOW Eastington Rd, Northleach GL54 3PJ. 07765 692758, www.northleachsteamshow.co.uk, 10am-5pm (4pm Sun), £5/£3/under-16s free • A relaxed, family-friendly day promising something for everyone, from steam engines to vintage tractors and classic cars.

SAT 12 SEP-SUN 4 OCT ART EXHIBITION AT THE VILLA Chedworth Roman Villa, Yanworth, Cheltenham GL54 3LJ. 01242 890256, www.nationaltrust.org. uk-chedworth-roman-villa, 10am4.30pm, standard admission prices apply • A display of contemporary art works from regional artists, mosaicists and sculptors. The chosen artwork reflects some of the themes found in and around Chedworth.

SUN 13 SEP FRAMPTON COUNTRY FAIR Frampton Court Estate, Manor Farm, Frampton-on-Severn, Gloucester GL2 7EP. 01452 740152, www.framptoncountryfair.co.uk, 9am-5.30pm, £7 adv/£9 on the day/£3/under-5s free • Frampton’s popular country fair returns featuring a variety of fun country activities, including gun dog competitions, fly fishing and clay pigeon shooting. Also enjoy a wide range of stalls, refreshments and entertainment from tribute band The Mangledwurzels.

SUN 13 SEP MOSAICS TOUR OF THE VILLA Chedworth Roman Villa, Yanworth, Cheltenham GL54 3LJ. 01242 890256, www.nationaltrust.org. uk-chedworth-roman-villa, 2-3pm, standard admission prices apply • Join Dr Nick Humpris for a presentation and tour to learn more about the villa’s fascinating mosaics, including how they were made and the people who made them.

SUN 13 SEP GRANDPARENTS’ DAY Puxton Park, Cowslip Lane, Hewish, North Somerset BS24 6AH. 01934 523500, www.puxton. co.uk, 9am-5pm, standard admission/special rates for grandparents • A day the whole family can enjoy thanks to Puxton’s playbarn, tea rooms and large variety of farm animals. And to say thanks to Grandma or Grandad, grandparents get free entry with each paying grandchild.

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Bristol Half Marathon, Sun 13 Sep

SUN 13 SEP I’M A VENETIAN MASK MAKER Holburne Museum, Pulteney St, Bath BA2 4DB. 01225 388569, www.holburne.org, 2.30-3.30pm, £3 adult/£2 child • Join artist Laura Jones to learn about the history of Venetian masks before decorating an eye mask of your own to take home. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

SUN 13 SEP BENNETT’S PATCH AND WHITE’S PADDOCK OPEN DAY Portway, Sneyd Park, Bristol. www.avonwildlifetrust.org. uk, 1-5pm, free • A rare opportunity to visit the nature reserve and Avon Gorge in a more tranquil environment as the Portway’s closed for the day. There will also be guided walks, refreshments and children’s activities.

SUN 13 SEP BRISTOL HALF MARATHON Bristol. www.runbristol.com • One of the UK’s leading road races returns, with thousands of athletes leaving the Harbourside/city centre to pound their way along a route out and back along the Portway through Avon Gorge.

SAT 13 SEP AUTUMNAL PLANTS OF THE AVON GORGE Avon Gorge, meeting point details given on booking. 0117 903 0609, www.bristolzoo.org.uk, 4.306.30pm, £5 • Discover some of Avon Gorge’s rare and interesting plants with botanist Libby Houston and take advantage of a traffic-free gorge on this special Portway Sunday walk.

TUE 15-SUN 20 SEP ENCOUNTERS SHORT FILM & ANIMATION FESTIVAL Watershed & other venues, Bristol.

0117 929 9188, www.encountersfestival.org.uk, programme to be confirmed, prices vary • A week celebrating new talent in film-

making. There will be a number of masterclasses and screenings throughout the week. Tickets to each event must be booked in advance.

WED 16 SEP A DAY IN THE WOODS: HEDGEROW HARVEST Stourhead, Stourton, Wiltshire BA12 6QF. 01747 841152, www. nationaltrust.org.uk/stourhead, 10am-4pm, adult £85/child £55 • Pull on your walking boots and join local bushcraft instructor Greg Power for a day exploring the ancient Stourhead woods. Thanks to Greg’s expertise, you’ll learn about trees and fungi, how to identify medicinal plants and helpful ways to use them.

THU 17 AND TUE 22 SEP WALK: OLD CITY Meet at M Shed, Princes Wharf, Wapping Rd, Bristol, BS1 4RN, 0117 3526600, www.bristolmuseums. org.uk/m-shed. 10.30am-12.30pm, free, donations welcome • M Shed’s expert walk leaders point out locations which saw the birth of the city, its growth and later decline as a major seaport and centre of commerce. Discover some of the events, people and places that earned Bristol a place in national history, culture and the arts.

THU 17 SEP TYNTETOTS Tyntesfield, North Somerset BS48 1NX. 01275 461964, www. nationaltrust.org.uk/tyntesfield, 10-11.45am, £6 (1 child & 1 accompanying adult)/£1 (additional adult) • Monthly, ever-popular under-5s session. Expect stories, games, crafts and a chance to discover tales behind the beautiful house and gardens.

THU 17-MON 28 SEP BATIK FLAGS AT LACOCK ABBEY Lacock Abbey, Lacock, Wiltshire SN15 2LG. 01249 730459, www.

FRI 18 SEP TODDLER TAKEOVER: FANTASTIC FEAST At-Bristol, Anchor Rd, Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5DB. 0117 909 2000, www.at-bristol.org.uk, 10am4pm, reduced entry fees apply • Stimulate little senses with a funpacked day of food-themed activities especially for tiny ones. Explore and transform food textures in the pop-up toddler restaurant, shop in the toddler supermarket and create a tasty fruit or veg salad in the kitchen.

SAT 19 SEP COWBOYS AND INDIANS HOEDOWN Puxton Park, Cowslip Lane, Hewish, North Somerset BS24 6AH. 01934 523500, www.puxton.co.uk, 9am-5pm, included in standard admission prices • Get ready for a showdown! There will be a DJ in the park providing Wild West-themed music and games. Anyone dressed as a cowboy/girl or Indian gets £1 off the entry price.

SAT 19 SEP JOY OF SINGING WORKSHOP WITH JULES OLSEN Tyntesfield, North Somerset BS48 1NX. 01275 461 964, www. nationaltrust.org.uk/tyntesfield, 11am-12.30pm, £10 • Try your voice out with group singing and join in with some uplifting harmonies. An informal workshop suitable for all ages and levels.

SAT 19 SEP YATE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL Yate Heritage Centre, Church Rd, Yate, Bristol BS37 5BG. 01454 862200, www.yateheritage.co.uk, 10.30am-4.30pm • Once again Yate Heritage centre is host to some of the best international entertainment in the South West, bringing together different cultures and traditions for a fun community event.

Expect Nigerian drummers, Irish folk and much more.

SAT 19 SEP THE LITTLE SWING Colston Hall, Colston St, Bristol BS1 5AR. 0844 8871500, www.

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St Bernadete Catholic Secondary School Growing and Learning in Faith

Open Day/Evenings Wednesday 23rd September 5.00pm - 8.30pm Head’s Talk 5.00pm - Tours of School 5.30pm Head’s Talk 6.45pm - Tours of School 7.15pm Thursday 1st October

9.15am - 10.45am

Wednesday 7th October

9.15am - 10.45am

• Academic Success • High Expectatons • Inclusive Ethos • Good Behaviour • Traditonal Values • Strong Pastoral Care

I N S P I R E D . A LWAY S .

A Successful Learning Community We serve families across South & East Bristol and welcome all those seeking a quality educaton within a caring Christan environment.

Fossedale Avenue, Whitchurch, Bristol, BS14 9LS

Tel: 0117 377 2050 www.stberns.bristol.sch.uk

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SIXTH FORM OPEN EVENING FRIDAY 9 OCTOBER 2015, 18.00–20.00 SENIOR, JUNIOR, PRE-PREP & NURSERY SCHOOL OPEN MORNING SATURDAY 10 OCTOBER 2015, 09.00–12.00 For further information please visit www.kesbath.com or contact our Registrar on 01225 820 399

©LW

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PLEASE CHECK BEFORE YOU TRAVEL . . . AND TELL THEM YOU SAW THE EVENT IN PRIMARY TIMES! as well as tucked away gems like the Hermit’s Cave and the remains of the city’s Water Gate.

FRI 25 SEP-SUN 4 OCT BATH CHILDREN’S LITERATURE FESTIVAL Various locations and times, see website for full programme listings. 01225 463362, www.bathfestivals.org.uk/childrens-literature • The fun-packed Children’s Literature Festival is back, with a programme of over 100 events featuring some of the biggest authors and illustrators from the wonderful world of children’s books. Highlights include appearances from ‘Gruffalo’ author Julia Donaldson, Jacqueline Wilson and Chris Riddell alongside masterclasses, stars from CBeebies and CBBC, TV favourites such as ‘Doctor Who’ and much, much more. We don’t have space to list absolutely everything, but we’ve picked out a few of our favourites here. See feature too.

Autumn Stargazing from Tue 22 Sep.

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colstonhall.org, 5pm, £10.75 incl. booking fee • Put on your dancing shoes and learn the art of swing dance with Bristol Jazz and Blues Festival. The event kicks off with a special swing lesson for children of all ages, before Lucy Moon and the Paper Moon Band get everyone dancing their socks off.

SAT 19 SEP EDWARD JENNER SCHOOL OPEN DAY 4 Pitt St, Gloucester, GL1 2BH, 01452 380808, www.edwardjennerschool. org.uk. 1-4pm, free • Edward Jenner School specialises in dyslexia screening and support, as well as a focus on confidence building individual programmes. They have now extended their age range from 5-16 years so come down and explore what they have to offer. Some special feathered friends will also be making an appearance.

SAT 19 SEP- SUN 3 JAN 2016 ERDKUNDE: THE STUDY OF THE EARTH Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, Queens are, Bristol, BS8 1RL, 0117 9223571, www.bristolmuseums.org. uk/bristol-museum-and-art-gallery.

10am-6pm, free • Artists John Wood and Paul Harrison present a new video inspired by the museum’s geology collections.

SAT 19-SUN 20 SEP AND SAT 3-SUN 4 OCT JOHN KING TRIPS M Shed, Princes Wharf, Wapping Rd, Bristol BS1 4RN. 0117 352 6600, www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/mshed, 11am-4pm, £6/£4 • Take a trip along the harbour on the John King – a 1935 diesel tug built to tow cargo ships from Bristol City Docks to the mouth of the River Avon. Trips last approx. 30 mins.

SAT 19-SUN 27 SEP PHOTOGRAPHY AND ART EXHIBITION Stourhead, Stourton, Wiltshire 22 BACK TO SCHOOL 2015

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BA12 6QF. 01747 841152, www. nationaltrust.org.uk/stourhead, 10am-5pm, standard admission charges apply • Help support Stourhead’s fundraising appeal to restore the garden structures whilst enjoying a selection of paintings and drawings created by the Stourhead staff and volunteer team. All works will be available for sale throughout.

SUN 20 SEP TEDDY BEARS PICNIC Avon Valley Railway, Bath Rd, Bristol BS30 6HD. 0117 932 5538, www.avonvalleyrailway.org, 9am5pm, adults from £7.50/children from £5.50 • When you go down to the station today you’re in for a big surprise ... Children who bring a teddy bear will receive free travel on both the steam- and diesel-hauled trains. There will also be plenty of activities throughout the day to keep little ones amused.

SUN 20 SEP WALK AT ARNOS VALE CEMETERY Arnos Vale Cemetery, main entrance on A4 Bath Rd, Bristol BS4 3EW. 0117 940 0706, www. avonwildlifetrust.org.uk, 2-5pm (please arrive 15 mins early for registration at Bath Rd main entrance), free • Join a local volunteer group for a wildlife walk at Arnos Vale Cemetery, where plants and creatures thrive in this unusual location.

FROM TUE 22 SEP AUTUMN STARGAZING At-Bristol, Anchor Rd, Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5DB. 0117 909 2000, www.at-bristol.org.uk, regular daily shows, £2 (2D)/£3 (3D) plus general admission • Discover the astronomy you can see from your back garden this autumn using the latest technology to get close-up views like never before in the UK’s first 3D digital planetarium.

FRI 25 SEP AT-BRISTOL: BRISTOL BRIGHT NIGHT At-Bristol, Anchor Rd, Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5DB. 0117 909 2000, www.at-bristol.org.uk, 12 noon • Celebrate clever ideas and local brightness at At-Bristol with an exciting night of free activities, offering the chance to discover a wealth of scientific research right on your doorstep.

Part of the Bristol Bright Night collaboration between Festival of Nature, University of Bristol and UWE. FRI 25 SEP WILD WALKS Stourhead, Stourton, Wiltshire BA12 6QF. 01747 841152, www. nationaltrust.org.uk/stourhead, 11am-1pm, all tickets £3 • Don’t miss this guided tour of the woodland, it’s the last one of the year.

FRI 25 SEP JUDITH KERR (BATH CHILDREN’S LIT FESTIVAL) Guildhall, High St, Bath BA1 5AW. 01225 463362, www.bathfestivals.org.uk, 7-8pm, £7 • A rare opportunity to hear much-loved author and illustrator Judith Kerr, creator of classic read ‘The Tiger Who Came to Tea’. Julia will be discussing her life’s work alongside new book ‘Mr Cleghorn’s Seal’ in this opening night event for Bath Children’s Literature Festival (to Sun 4 Oct). See feature P.34.

FRI 25 SEP-SUN 4 OCT A SCRIBBLE OF ILLUSTRATORS Walcot Chapel, off Walcot St, Bath BA1 5UG. 12noon-5pm daily, free • For 10 days Bath’s Walcot Chapel will be filled to bursting with original artwork, prints and signed books from 12 of the West Country’s finest illustrators and authors. Expect a show of techniques and skills alongside a host of family events, readings and workshops. Visit the Facebook page for full details: https://goo. gl/PR5q7m

FRI 25 SEP THE B-LINES PROJECT Folk Hall, Portishead BS20 6PR. 01275 843160, www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk, 7.30-9pm, £2 (includes tea or coffee) • Illustrated talk on the B-lines project, in partnership with Buglife, by Avon Wildlife Trust’s living landscapes programme manager, Janice Gardener.

B-lines aims to link wildflowerrich areas across the West of England, from the cities to the countryside and coasts to the hills.

SAT 26 SEP FAMILY FILM SCREENING Arnolfini, 16 Narrow Quay, Bristol BS1 4QA. 0117 9172300, www. arnolfini.org.uk, 11am-1pm, free (donations welcome) • Come and relax in the Dark Studio as the Arnolfini takes you on an adventure through film to explore a theme or idea taken from one of their exhibitions. All films are rated U unless otherwise stated.

FRI 25 SEP WALK: REDCLIFFE Meet at M Shed, Princes Wharf, Wapping Rd, Bristol, BS1 4RN, 0117 3526600, www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/m-shed. 1.30pm, free, donations welcome • Venture on a guided walk through the once autonomous township of Redcliffe and discover historical landmarks including Temple Meads, St.Mary Redcliffe church,

SAT 26 SEP WILD WESTONBIRT Westonbirt Arboretum, Tetbury, Gloucestershire GL8 8QS. 01666 880220, www.forestry.gov.uk/ westonbirt, 10am-4pm, booking essential please call 0300 067 4854 for info and prices • An exciting bushcraft and survival youth club for young people aged 14-18. Participate in a range of traditional forest and survival » PRIMARY TIMES

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Small classes Affordable fees Caring environment 4 -11 year old boys and girls Before & after school care

onfusion c e h t t u o e k a T to flooring s e m o c it n e h w

CORONAT

ce to grow! a l at p e r ag

Gracefield School 266 Overndale Road, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 2RG Telephone: 0117 956 7977 enquiries@gracefieldschool.co.uk www.gracefieldschool.co.uk

Sporty? You don’t have to be!

Confdence building, raising self-esteem, learning in a FUN safe environment Team Sports, Individual Sports Term Starts Sunday 20th September 2015 Redland Green School, BS6 7EH

Pre-School Sports 3 – 5yrs 9.30 - 11.00 Junior Sports 5 – 16yrs 9.30 - 12.30 Come and have a go at GO Sports For enrolment or further information Call GO Sports NOW on: 0771 784 7649 Email: gosports@hotmail.co.uk www.go-sports.co.uk ©LW

0117 966 1541 www.nandsflooring.co.uk sales@nandsflooring.co.uk

Choose Clifton High School. 10 reasons why: 1

Co-educational – because in life, men and women work together

6

Excellent sports facilities including an indoor heated pool on-site

2

Boys and girls taught separately – when it matters most

7

Spacious grounds in a sunny aspect to play, socialise and learn

3

Small enough so everyone is known but big enough to offer a wide variety of opportunities

8

Nursery school with fully-qualified and trained teaching staff

4

Small class sizes with excellent pupil:teacher ratios

9

5

Outstanding support and guidance for university selection and applications

Outstanding teacher-pupil relationships based on trust and respect

10

Forward looking, embracing change and providing an education relevant for the 21st Century

Senior School Open Evening: Thursday 17th September 2015 Whole School Open Morning: Saturday 10th October 2015

0117 933 9087

www.cliftonhigh.bristol.sch.uk PRIMARY TIMES

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Open Morning Friday 25 September 9am – noon To register, call 01934 845236 or visit curiousparents.org.uk • Scholarships and bursaries • Daily school buses • A Levels and International Baccalaureate Independent day and boarding school set in glorious Somerset countryside, for boys and girls aged 3 to 18.

Less than 30 minutes drive from Bristol’s city centre on the A38 – Winscombe BS25 1PD.

Autumn Open Events Open Evening: Tuesday September 2015 To make22our best better...

6:30pm - 8:30pm

Principal’s Presentation at 6:30pm and 7:30pm

Open Mornings:

Monday 28 September to Friday 9 October 2015

Tours at 9:15am & 10:15am (by appointment)

Best Ever GCSE Results in 2014 We achieved 68% 5 A*-C including English & Maths.

0117 986 4791 contactus@broadlandsacademy.org @BroadlandsBS31

www.broadlandsacademy.org

NEW ACADEMY BUS ROUTE FOR OM SOUTH GLOS. FR SEPTEMBER!

Broadlands Academy, St Francis Road, Keynsham, Bristol BS31 2DY

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PLEASE CHECK BEFORE YOU TRAVEL . . . AND TELL THEM YOU SAW THE EVENT IN PRIMARY TIMES!

ROUNDABOUT vintage afternoon tea, jive lessons, the Old Tyme fairground and stalls selling everything from plants to vintage clothes.

A Scribble of Illustrators, Walcot Chapel, Bath, Fri 25 Sep-Sun 4 Oct. Pictured: the work of Henning Löhlein and (below) Steven Lenton.

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skills including den building, wildlife watching and woodland crafts.

SAT 26 SEP HORRIBLE HISTORIES (BATH CHILDREN’S LIT FEST) Guildhall, High St, Bath BA1 5AW. 01225 463362, www.bathfestivals.org.uk, 10-10.45am, £7 • Fancy learning secrets of the vicious Vikings or rotten Romans? Then join Horrible Histories illustrator Martin Brown for an action-packed show full of jokes, fun facts and drawing tips. See feature.

SAT 26 SEP MICHAEL ROSEN AND CHRIS RIDDELL (BATH CHILDREN’S LIT FEST) The Forum, 1A Forum Buildings, Bath BA1 1UG. 01225 463362, www.bathfestivals.com, 2-3pm, £7.50 • Two of the most popular literary talents for children team up to celebrate their first book together, ‘A Great Big Cuddle’.

Michael will perform poems from the book while Chris draws live on stage. Interactive, entertaining and lively fun for all ages. See feature.

SAT 26 SEP WE ARE FAMILY: EXPLORING SPACE Arnolfini, 16 Narrow Quay, Bristol BS1 4QA. 0117 917 2300, www. arnolfini.org.uk, 1-5pm, free • Join Arnolfini, Artrageous, Bristol Children’s Scrapstore and At-Bristol on a journey through space, creatively exploring the connections to the Arnolfini’s current exhibition by Richard PRIMARY TIMES

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Long. Drop into the Light Studio to make space-themed costumes and props ready for an intergalactic procession.

SAT 26 SEP FAMILY STORYTELLING BOAT TRIP From Arnolfini, 16 Narrow Quay, Bristol BS1 4QA. 0117 917 2300, www. arnolfini.org.uk, 2.30-4pm, £5/£3/ free for under-5s • Join international storyteller Cassandra Wye on a nautical adventure to the Floating Ballast Seed Garden. Discover the secret skills of plants in a magical blend of fact and fiction for all ages.

SAT 26 SEP-SUN 27 SEP WESTON SUPER FOOD FESTIVAL Winter Gardens, Royal Parade, Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset BS23 1AJ. www.westonsuperfoodfestival.co.uk, 10am-5.30pm, free • A packed programme of food markets, demonstrations and competitions with an emphasis on the local community. Visit the kids’ zone and Food is Fun pavilion for familyfriendly workshops and activities.

SAT 26-SUN 27 SEP MALVERN AUTUMN SHOW Three Counties Showground, Malvern WR13 6NW. 01684 584924, www.threecounties.co.uk/malvernautumn, 9am-6pm, £15.50/£5.50 adv/£18/£7 on the day • The Malvern Autumn Show is set to celebrate seasonal food, the countryside, gardening and nostalgia with a host of cooking demonstrations, giant vegetables, television personalities and a whole range of family entertainment over the weekend. Enjoy

SAT 26-SUN 27 SEP VE DAY CELEBRATION 1940S WEEKEND Avon Valley Railway, Bath Rd, Bristol BS30 6HD. 0117 932 5538, www. avonvalleyrailway.org, prices and times TBA, see website for details • Join in a weekend of vintage fun as Avon Valley Railway takes a lighthearted look at what life was like during World War II and get in the street party mood for the 70th anniversary of VE day.

SAT 26-SUN 27 SEP BOUNCE WEEKEND Puxton Park, Cowslip Lane, Hewish, North Somerset BS24 6AH. 01934 523500, www.puxton.co.uk, 9am5pm, included in standard admission prices • Make sure those energy levels are nice and high and enjoy a bouncy castle alongside many other inflatable attractions down on the farm.

SUN 27 SEP COLOUR FUN RUN Oldbury Court Estate, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 2JH. 07794 529803, www.thecolourfunrun.co.uk, early bird £11.50/adult £13.50/child £6.50, registration opens 11.30am, run begins 1pm • The Colour Fun Run in aid of local recovery charity St.Vincent’s is back. Runners, joggers and walkers of all ages are invited to take part in the 5k course and, as always, it’s not about who’s the fastest, but who can get the brightest, as the race marshalls do their best to cover you in powder paint in all colours of the rainbow.

SUN 27 SEP SHAUN THE SHEEP MODEL MAKING (BATH CHILDREN’S LIT FEST) Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney St, Bath BA2 4DB. 01225 463362, www.bathfestivals.org.uk, 11am-12 noon & 1-2pm, £10/accompanying supervising adults free • Join Aardman Animation’s specialist model maker for a hands-on workshop creating your own Shaun the Sheep. Following a series of fun, simple stages, you can enjoy making a personal clay model to take home.

See feature.

WED 30 SEP ROMAN MOSAICS TOUR Chedworth Roman Villa, Yanworth, Cheltenham GL54 3LJ. 01242 890256, www.nationaltrust.org. uk-chedworth-roman-villa, 3-4pm, standard admission prices apply • Join Dr Nick Humpris for a presentation and tour to learn more about the villa’s fascinating mosaics, including how they were made and the people who made them.

OCTOBER THU 1-FRI 23 OCT POETREE TRAIL Lacock Abbey, Lacock, Wiltshire SN15 2LG. 01249 730459, www.

nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock, 10.30am-5.30pm, standard admission prices apply • Discover the magic of Lacock’s ‘poetrees’ and be inspired to create your own leaf poem on this self-led trail.

THU 1 OCT-SUN 1 NOV AUTUMN COLOURS AT LACOCK ABBEY Lacock Abbey, Lacock, Wiltshire SN15 2LG. 01249 730459, www. nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock, 10.30am-5.30pm, standard admission prices apply • Lacock’s wooded grounds, botanic garden and orchards are full of wonderful colours over the autumn months, so they’re perfect for a gentle stroll.

See a whole range of plants, from apple trees to Japanese anemones.

FRI 2-SUN 11 OCT CHELTENHAM LITERATURE FESTIVAL Various locations and times, see website for full programme. 0844 8808094, www.cheltenhamfestivals.com • The Times Cheltenham Literature Festival returns, including the popular Book It! family programme featuring some of the most popular authors for children and teens. This year’s jam-packed programme includes a talk from current and former children’s laureates Chris Riddell and Michael Rosen, as well as talks from David Almond, Lauren Child and Julia Donaldson.

Adults certainly won’t be missing out either, with appearances from six Booker Prize winners, including Peter Carey, as well as delicious food served up by a host of celebrity chefs.

SAT 3 OCT VINTAGE FLEA MARKET St John’s Church Centre, Wickwar Rd, Chipping Sodbury, South Glos BS37 6BQ. 01454 885552, 10am4pm, free • In aid of Bristol’s Cots for Tots, enjoy 18 fabulous vintage stalls selling everything from retro clothes to furniture, toys, books and jewellery. Come and browse the stalls and relax with some tea and cake in the church’s tea room.

SAT 3 OCT NEEDLEFELT BIRD WORKSHOP Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT. 01453 891900, www.wwt.org.uk/wetlandcentres/slimbridge, 10am-2.30pm, £32 • Run by experienced craft teacher Sophie Buckley, this needle felt workshop will show you how to make beautiful bird decorations.

Price includes all materials and refreshments. Suitable for ages 7+.

SAT 3 OCT AUTUMN FAIR Somerset Hall, Portishead BS20 6AH. 01275 843160, www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk, 10-11.45am, free • Autumn fair with refreshments, crafts, tombola and lots for sale, from plants to books and much more.

SAT 3 OCT LAND AND FOOD FORUM Feed Bristol, Frenchay Park Rd, Bristol BS16 1HB. 0117 965 7086, www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk, BACK TO SCHOOL 2015

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Autumn Open Events Open Evening: Thursday 24th September 2015 6:00-9:00pm Open Mornings: Thursday 1st, Friday 2nd, Tuesday 6th & Wednesday 7th October 2015 9:15-10:30am

Bristol’s best kept secret - Prospective parent, March 2015

In the top 15% nationally for Value Added www.fairfield.bristol.sch.uk p26.indd 1

...good with outstanding features 21/08/2015 12:47:24

PLEASE CHECK BEFORE YOU TRAVEL . . . AND TELL THEM YOU SAW THE EVENT IN PRIMARY TIMES! »

11am-4pm, free • Join the conversation with Bristol Food Network and other growing projects to find ways to upscale urban architecture. Fun family event including live music, children’s activities and an organic, seasonal BBQ. SAT 3 OCT INTRODUCING ALICE (BATH CHILDREN’S LIT FEST) Midsomer Norton Library, 119 High St, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2DA. 01225 463362, www.bathfestivals.org.uk, 10.30-11.15am, £3/adults free • Come and join the fun as Chrissie Weltike introduces Lewis Carroll’s magical ‘Alice in Wonderland’ specially for pre-schoolers. Bursting with interactive fun, including white rabbits, storytelling and song.

See feature.

SAT 3 OCT JACQUELINE WILSON (BATH CHILDREN’S LIT FEST) The Forum, 1A Forum Buildings, Bath BA1 1UG. 01225 463362, www.bathfestivals.org.uk, 2-3pm, £7.50 • Join much-loved author Jacqueline Wilson as she discusses her life as a writer and the inspiration behind some of her most popular books. Grab the chance to ask your own questions and hear a sneak preview of her latest book, ‘Little Stars’. See feature.

SAT 3-SUN 4 OCT CRANE RIDES M Shed, Princes Wharf, Wapping Rd, Bristol BS1 4RN. 0117 352 6600, www.bristolmuseums. org.uk/m-shed, 11am-4pm, electric cranes £2/Fairbairn steam crane free • Experience a working crane on the dockside with trips inside the electric cranes and the Fairbairn steam crane, M Shed’s biggest exhibits. Watch the impressive landmarks at work and find out about the vital part they played in the working life of the dockside. Trips last approx. 20 mins.

SUN 4 OCT PETER RABBIT (BATH CHILDREN’S LIT FEST) Mission Theatre, 32 Corn St, Bath BA1 1UF. 01225 463362, www.bathfestivals.org.uk, 11.45am-12.30pm, £5 • Once upon a time there were four rabbits: Flopsy, Mopsy, Cottontail and Peter. You may know how the story goes, but hop along to a fun, interactive storytelling of Beatrix Potter’s classic, brought to life for all the family. There’s even a chance to meet Peter himself. See feature.

FRI 9 OCT OTTERS ON MY DOORSTEP Baptist Church Hall, High St, Keynsham BS31 1DZ. 01225 874259, www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk, talk 7.30-9pm, arrive earlier to enjoy the various stalls, £2.50/child £1 • Illustrated talk by Gill Brown, leader of her local otter group.

Also a secondhand book stall, PRIMARY TIMES

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ROUNDABOUT

plus bird food and Avon Wildlife Trust cards for sale and refreshments.

SAT 10 OCT FUNGUS FORAY: WESTON BIG WOOD Weston Big Wood, Portishead.

01275 849200, www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk, 10am-2pm (arrive 15 mins earlier for registration), free • Search for and identify the different fungi species which thrive in one of Avon’s largest ancient woodlands. Walk led by Bill Dixon and Roy Betts from the Portishead Volunteer Group.

SAT 10 OCT MOSAIC WORKSHOP Chedworth Roman Villa, Yanworth, Cheltenham GL54 3LJ. 01242 890256, www. nationaltrust.org.uk-chedworthroman-villa, 10am-4pm, £50 • Join professional mosaic maker Erica Bibbings to create your own mosaic to decorate your home just as the Romans decorated the villa.

All materials and lunch included; booking essential.

SAT 10 OCT SALUD DINERO AND AMOR: AN ILLUSTRATED TALK Folk Hall, 95 High St, Portishead BS20 6PR. 01275 843160, www. avonwildlifetrust.org.uk, 7.309pm, £2 (includes tea or coffee) • Enjoy an illustrated talk by Wendy Conway about life along the Texas coast and Rio Grande Valley.

Suitable for all ages, especially armchair travellers.

SAT 10-SUN 11 OCT REPTACULAR REPTILES Puxton Park, Cowslip Lane, Hewish, North Somerset BS24 6AH. 01934 523500, www.puxton.co.uk, 9am-5pm, included in standard admission prices • Reptacular Reptiles is back, bringing everything you ever wanted to know about reptiles and spiders.

Talks about these fascinating creatures will be running at regular intervals throughout the day.

SUN 11 OCT RIVER DIPPING IN KEYNSHAM By the bridge, Dapp’s Hill, Keynsham BS31 1ES. 0117 940 7968, www.avonwildlifetrust.org. uk, 2-5pm (arrive 15 mins earlier for registration), free • Have a go at river dipping and see what underwater creatures you can find. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

MON 12 OCT-SUN 15 NOV AUTUMN COLOUR GARDEN TOURS Stourhead, Stourton, Wiltshire BA12 6QF. 01747 841152, www. nationaltrust.org.uk/stourhead, 11.30am-12.30pm/1.30-2.30pm, standard admission charges apply • Experience Stourhead in all its golden glory on a free guided tour of the garden. Running every day except Wed 21 Oct. TUE 13 AND TUE 20 OCT FAMILY STORYTELLING Arnolfini, 16 Narrow Quay, Bristol

Fungus Foray, Weston Big Wood, Sat 10 Oct.

BS1 4QA. 0117 917 2300, www. arnolfini.org.uk, 10.30-11.15am, free • A morning of storytelling fun for the under-5s, with stories read by local children’s authors or friendly volunteers.

THU 15 OCT TYNTETOTS Tyntesfield, North Somerset BS48 1NX. 01275 461 964, www. nationaltrust.org.uk/tyntesfield, 10-11.45am, £6 (1 child & 1 accompanying adult)/£1 (additional adult) • Popular monthly under5s session. Expect stories, games, crafts and a chance to discover tales behind the beautiful house and gardens.

SAT 18-SUN 19 OCT SUPERHEROES WEEKEND Puxton Park, Cowslip Lane, Hewish, North Somerset BS24 6AH. 01934 523500, www.puxton.co.uk, 9am-5pm, included in standard admission prices• Calling all superheroes! Puxton Park needs you for a weekend of crime-fighting fun. Come dressed as your favourite superhero and receive £2 off standard admission prices.

WED 21 OCT TALL TREES TERRIFIC TALES Stourhead, Stourton, Wiltshire BA12 6QF. 01747 841152, www. nationaltrust.org.uk/stourhead, 2-4pm, adult £10/child £5• Join head gardener Alan for a very special tour of Stourhead’s magnificent tree collection at its most colourful. Discover the fascinating origins of champions and rarities and learn the stories of the adventurous plant hunters who brought them here.

THU 22 OCT FAMILY FUN: CELEBRATION MEDALS American Museum in Britain, Claverton Manor, Claverton, Bath BA2 7BD. 01225 460503, www.americanmmuseum.org, 1-4pm, included with gardensonly admission • Drop in and use recycled materials from Wiltshire Scrapstore to make a medal celebrating something you’ve achieved this year. Suitable for ages 3+.

THU 22 OCT-SUN 25 OCT FAMILY DISCOVERY DAYS Various locations, 11am-3pm, free • Discover the museum’s collec-

tions through creative activities, experiments and unexpected goings on. A variety of arts, crafts, storytelling, dressing up and trails for all members of the family.

Thu 22: Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, Fri 23: Blaise Castle House Museum, Sat 24: The Red Lodge Museum, Sun 25: The Georgian House Museum.

FRI 23 OCT WILDLIFE FILM ROADSHOW M Shed, Princes Wharf, Wapping Rd, Bristol BS1 4RN. 0117 352 6600, www.bristolmuseums. org.uk/m-shed, 11am-4pm, free entry (donations welcome) • Ever wanted to know what’s involved in making wildlife films and TV? Meet industry experts, from producers to camera crews, hear insider secrets, handle some specialist kit and have a go at being a presenter.

SAT 24 OCT CHEDDAR MALE CHOIR CHARITY CONCERT Draycott Memorial Hall, Larches Lane, Draycott, Cheddar BS27 3UE. 01278 760354, www.cheddarmvchoir.co.uk, 7.30pm, tickets available from choir members or on the door • An evening of music to raise funds for Hope for Tomorrow, a national cancer charity dedicated to bringing cancer treatment closer to patients’ homes. Join the Cheddar Male Choir for a range of musical numbers and traditional pieces and help raise money for a very worthy cause.

SAT 24-SAT 31 OCT HALLOWEEN AT PRIOR PARK Prior Park Landscape Garden, Ralph Allen Drive, Bath BA2 5AH. 01225 833422, www.nationaltrust. org.uk/prior-park, 10am-5.30pm, standard admission prices apply• Who’s haunting the garden? Enter if you dare and discover spooks, spirits and ghouls on a terrifying Halloween trail.

THEATRE AND ROUNDABOUT LISTINGS BY ELLEN WHITE

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Open

wide!

I

A family enjoys a view of The Wills Memorial Building

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t’s not every day you get the chance to go behind the scenes at Bristol Old Vic, venture into Redcliffe Caves, climb church towers and explore the secrets of some of Bristol’s hidden treasures.

Every September, though, that’s precisely what you can do on the city’s Doors Open Day. It’s been running now for 22 years and this time around more than 70 venues across the city are throwing open their doors to give you unprecedented access to buildings and places you may never have seen before.

This year, too, Bristol is the European Green Capital so there’s a special ‘green’ theme, with some of the city’s most environmen-

tally friendly buildings open to the public. You can find out how Avonmouth Wind Farm generates electricity for nearly 5,000 homes, visit the rooftop wildflower and vegetable garden at the Environment Agency’s HQ and investigate the revolutionary low-energy technology installed in At-Bristol.

Elsewhere, the BBC has teamed up with Avon Wildlife Trust to create a wildlife garden outside Broadcasting House on Whiteladies Road while the Create Centre in Smeaton Road is hosting a proTriados gramme of ecofriendly activities including games and workshops.

You can even travel between venues around the Harbourside for free on board the city’s very own ‘poo bus’ fuelled by human and

Circomedia

Doors Open Day is the perfect way to discover some of Bristol’s most remarkable buildings and unearth its hidden treasures, says Eric Blair.

food waste.

All sorts of other venues are opening up for the day as well, so whether you’re interested in art or architecture, history or music, PRIMARY TIMES

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there are bound to be plenty of places you’ll want to explore, from the Underfall Yard on the Docks to the Edwardian loo on Park Row and from Knowle West Media Centre to Arnos Vale Cemetery.

And even if you’ve been to some of these before, the whole idea behind Doors Open Day is to give you the chance to see places in a new way. Many venues, in fact, are laying on special events and activities. The Island, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Royal Fort House, St George’s Bristol and the Wills Memorial Building are just a handful of places where you’ll be able to take a special guided tour, while at Circomedia circus skills school you can even have a go at the flying trapeze.

Although, in the vast majority of cases, you can join these tours and activities simply by turning up on the day, for some venues – including Spike Island arts centre, Avonmouth and Royal Portbury Docks, the Engine Shed at Temple Meads and Bristol Record Office – you will need to book in advance.

Indeed, some tours are already fully booked. You can find out more at the Bristol Open Doors Day website – where, of course, you’ll also find a list of all the venues taking part this year, as well as

Redcliffe Caves

a downloadable event guide and searchable map.

Best of all, everything on the day is free and whether you come up with a carefully planned schedule or just pick up a map and make it up as you go along, you’re sure to find out lots of new things about the city.

Ffi: Bristol Doors Open Day various venues, Bristol, Sat 12 Sep W: www.bristoldoorsopenday.org.uk

Bristol Grammar School Tower

Arnos Vale Cemetery

’ Studios Jamaica Street Artists

The Create Centre

Charles Wesley’s House

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25/08/2015 10:44:20

A ‘GOOD’ School in Every Category Ofsted

Open Mornings:

Thursday 1st October Tours at 9:00am and 10:00am

Wednesday 7th October Tours at 9:00am, 10:00am and 1:45pm Bookable by appointment only

Open Evening:

Thursday 1st October 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Crèche facilities are available Headteacher talks at 6:00pm and 6:45pm

Abbeywood Community School New Road Stoke Gifford South Gloucestershire BS34 8SF

info@abbeywoodschool.com www.abbeywoodschool.com Tel: 0117 307 5660

A ‘GOOD’ School, with ‘OUTSTANDING’ Behaviour, Safety and Leadership

Ofsted

Open Day:

Thursday 24th September Tours at 8:45am, 9:45am, 11:05am and 1:35pm Bookable by appointment only

Open Evening:

Thursday 24th September 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Crèche facilities are available Headteacher talks at 6:00pm and 6:45pm

Bradley Stoke Community School Fiddlers Wood Lane Bradley Stoke South Gloucestershire BS32 9BS

admin@bradleystokecs.org.uk www.bradleystokecs.org.uk Tel: 01454 868840

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

d r a o b n Pi

Parents’ & teachers’

news, education & contacts

All aboard!

Bigger, better, hattier!

Where it’s At At-Bristol Science Centre offers all kinds of interactive activities for inquisitive minds of all ages.

With over 250 exhibits, brand new family shows and the UK’s very first 3D planetarium, there’s so much to explore!

Wannabe astronauts can blast off into space and see Earth in a whole new light in the new ‘Blue Marvel’ planetarium show featuring cutting-edge HD visuals and surround sound.

Back here on Earth, there are a host of hands-on activities to try too. In September you can enjoy investigating solar power in Sun Lab, as well as making your own animation, becoming a weather presenter and much more.

At-Bristol Science Centre aims to “make science accessible to all” with two floors full of exhibits and experiments to appeal to young and old alike.

You can also browse the shop and eat in the award-winning cafe or bring your own refreshments to enjoy in the picnic area.

Ffi: At-Bristol Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5DB W: www.at-bristol.org.uk

From rags to riches Did you know that 100 tonnes of secondhand clothing are exported for reuse each week from Bristol? Founded in 1972, Bristol Textile Recyclers is the only textile recycler in the West of England, working with schools and charities across the region, in Gloucestershire, the Midlands, the M4 corridor and Hertfordshire.

BTR works with 300 charity shops, helping with the recycling of their unsellable clothing, shoes, bags, belts, bric-a-brac and books. This helps the charities to fundraise further and keep their stock room clear for new donations.

BTR also works with schools, PTAs, community groups and other third-sector, non-profit organisations, helping them to fundraise by organising clothes drives and placing recycling banks at their premises.

To organise your own clothes drive, simply give them a call and arrange a date for collection. BTR will provide you with a personalised leaflet to share with students, parents and teachers to promote the event.

Tours of BTR’s factory can also be arranged.

Ffi: Bristol Textile Recyclers W: www.btr-ltd.co.uk

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Avon Valley Railway is a friendly, local steam railway, bringing back the sounds and smells of steam to the Avon Valley. Opened in 1869 by the Midland Railway as a through route between Birmingham and the south coast, the line was later linked to the iconic Somerset & Dorset Railway.

Closed by the Beeching Axe in the 1960s, the line was preserved by an enthusiastic group of volunteers.

Today, 40 years on, three miles of track have been re-laid, locomotives and carriages restored and the sound of steam can once again be heard along the Avon Valley.

Trains run on more than 120 days each year (mainly at weekends and school holidays) and the station buffet is open every day except Christmas Day. The railway run a wide variety of events all year, from Teddy Bears’ Picnics (20 September) to the popular Santa Steam Specials. Why not visit soon?

Ffi: Avon Valley Railway Bitton Railway Station, Bath Road, Bitton, Bristol BS30 6HD T: 0117 932 5538 W: www.avonvalleyrailway.org

A cracking idea Following the hugely popular arrival of Gromit in July 2013, students at Broadlands Academy in Keynsham are now extremely excited to be in the process of decorating their very own Shaun the Sheep. This is part of a schools-based project called Shaun’s Cracking Ideas Design Challenge and is in conjunction with the larger scale Shaun in the City sculptures which have been on display in and around Bristol throughout the summer, as organised by Wallace & Gromit’s Children’s Foundation. After much deliberation, students chose to paint Shaun with signs and symbols which reflect the academy’s four houses of Orion, Phoenix, Hercules and Pegasus.

The big unveil is due to take place in September and you’re invited to come along and see Shaun for yourself as he makes his first public appearance at the academy’s open evening on Tuesday 22 September.

Ffi: Broadlands Academy W: https://sites.google.com/a/aetinet. org/broadlands-academy/ Tw: @BroadlandsBS31

Brain Tumour Research has announced that its brain tumour awareness event, Wear A Hat Day, will be back on Thursday 24 March 2016.

Wear A Hat Day 2015 was the biggest and hattiest by far and the charity is indebted to the hundreds of schools and families across the UK who took part and joined it in funding the fight.

Brain Tumour Research is a cause close to many people’s hearts and it continues to be humbled by its supporters’ commitment to helping find a cure for a devastating disease. “Your collective participation in Wear A Hat Day is a wonderful contribution to the overall success of the annual campaign and an inspiration to all of us,” they say. “It would be #hattastic to have you join us again in 2016!”

Register now and Brain Tumour Research will send you a “fez-tastic” fundraising pack by February.

Ffi: Brain Tumour Research W: www.wearahatday.org

Green Flag success Clifton High School has been awarded the Keep Britain Tidy Eco Schools Green Flag Award.

It’s the first allthrough school in Bristol to receive the award and only the eighth school in the local area to do so.

The award builds on the silver status that the school was awarded last year and is due to the hard work and commitment of Clifton High pupils, especially those on the Eco-Committee in Eco Club and their Eco Warriors.

The boys and girls were guided and supported by Laura Giles, head of geography, and Tom Walmsley, the school’s environmental lead.

This is the highest award given by Keep Britain Tidy, which assesses schools for their environmental credentials. The assessor was impressed by both the quality and quantity of environmental work undertaken at Clifton High and by the fact that children and pupils from the nursery school to the sixth form benefited from its keen environmental focus.

Ffi: Clifton High School T: Melanie Johnson, admissions registrar, 0117 933 9087 E: admissions@cliftonhigh.bristol.sch.uk W: www.cliftonhigh.bristol.sch.uk

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We encourage our students to think differently

"Nailsea School students are well-prepared for life in modern Britain."

(Otsted, 2015)

OPEN EVENING Thursday 24th September

6 - 8.30pm 01275 852251 www.nailseaschool.com

©LW

Come and see for yourself why Ofsted recently judged us as “a good school with outstanding features.“ Quiet Open Morning: Saturday 26th September 10:00am“ 12:00pm Full Open Evening: Thursday 1st October 5:00“ 7:30pm “Academy leaders, the governors, the parents’ groups, others in the community and the pupils have worked extremely hard to create successfully a strong ethos and sense of community in the academy. Staff and pupils are proud to be part of the academy.” Ofsted

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“Behaviour in lessons and around the academy is good. Pupils of all ages get on well together and are safe.” Ofsted

Please phone or email for a personal guided tour around the school during lessons and see us as we really are: enquiries@bridgelearningcampus.com & (0117) 353 4472

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25/08/2015 12:26:52

ADVERTISING FEATURE

d r a o b n Pi What a performance!

It’s all good news

Perform is a unique type of children’s drama school.

Focusing on child development, Perform uses a specially formulated mix of drama, dance and singing to bring out every child’s true potential. Small class sizes ensure lots of individual attention by the experienced actor-teachers who focus on developing the 4 Cs: confidence, communication, coordination and concentration.

This autumn, Perform 4-7s take part in a spellbinding Arthurian adventure in ‘The Magician’s Chamber’. They’ll meet the ‘Rabbit in a Hat’ and dance ‘The Broomstick Flick’, amongst other great songs, dances and raps. The 7-12s will be tackling ‘Rome ’n’ Jewels’ – a fantastic modern-day adaptation of ‘Romeo and Juliet’ fizzing with cool hip-hop sounds, street moves and songs.

Venues include Lansdown, Larkhall, Clifton, Redland, Stoke Bishop, Westbury on Trym, Westbury Park and Weston-super-Mare.

Perform offers a no-obligation, free trial session.

Nailsea School is a good school according to its first Ofsted inspection since converting to an academy. The team of inspectors judged the leadership and management, behaviour and safety of people, the quality of teaching, achievement of pupils and the sixthform provision as good.

Inspectors said that all school leaders and governors were “very ambitious” for the success of the school: “They work tirelessly and continue to improve the quality of education students receive. Under the strong leadership of the headteacher, the school has improved significantly in recent years, so teaching and achievement is good.”

Headteacher Chris Wade said “It is very reassuring to have our hard work confirmed by Ofsted. To hear that work in students’ books indicate that students are maintaining the school’s high standards and that the vast majority of students make good progress is very encouraging. We intend to focus relentlessly on improving our school further.”

Ffi: Perform T: 020 7255 9120 E: enquiries@perform.org.uk W: www.perform.org.uk

Ffi: Nailsea School W: www.nailseaschool.com

Learning through adventure The Christian Adventure Centre at Viney Hill near Lydney provides not only a fun-filled, adventurous residential or day visit (although it does that as well), it also aims to give children an experience that supports learning in the school classroom. With links to many subjects on the national curriculum, the centre’s activities are tailored to enhance learning. One way it does this is with curriculum study days in particular subjects, with activities which deliver learning using practical skills in an outdoor environment.

During the winter period, the centre offers competitive rates while there is help with transport and free accommodation in September. “We can provide you with a memorable and beneficial experience in a beautiful environment for both your teachers and pupils,” it says.

The centre also offers birthday parties from £125 (including a venue for your party tea) and holiday activity days in the summer from £15 per child.

Ffi: Viney Hill Christian Adventure Centre T: 01594 516162 E: haley@vineyhilladventure.org W: www.vineyhilladventure.org

PRIMARY TIMES

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Parents’ & teachers’

news, education & contacts

Partnership blossoms Having opened the doors of its new purpose-built classrooms in September 2014, Redland High Infants with QEH has completed its first year. The new initiative from the two schools has proved very successful, with some parents already signing their children up for 2018 to guarantee a place.

The school accepts children from the age of three. As they reach the end of Year Two, girls naturally progress to Redland High Junior School and boys transfer seamlessly to QEH Junior School. This excellent relationship between the two schools continues throughout the age range, with joint activities ensuring these important first friendships continue to flourish. Joint activities include an annual Masterchef competition, pizza evenings and tapas and quiz nights.

Recently there was a joint politics trip to Paris and a trip to America as part of the Future Problem Solving Competition.

Ffi: Redland High School & Redland High Infants with QEH T: 0117 924 5796 E: admissions@redlandhigh.com W: www.redlandhigh.com

Pirates on the attack Looking for lots of swashbuckling birthday fun your kids and their friends will love?

Then let Captain Rocky Cliff and his First Mate lead the entertainment at your child’s next party. Ideal for kids aged four-seven years, the Pirate Attack Experience is packed with games and activities they’ll love. Parents have commented: “such a hit with the children and the parents”; “best party ever”; “couldn’t recommend them more highly”; “fantastic, professional and entertaining” and “great value for money”.

A highlight of the parties is the pirate pillory, where the children throw wet sponges at the naughty pirate. Other activities include pirate dodgeball, making pirate hats or spyglasses, walking the plank, skittles, quoits, sword-fighting, storytelling and a treasure hunt. Pirate Attack parties can take place in most halls in and around Bristol and Bath.

Ffi: Pirate Attack T: 0117 939 4311 W: www.pirateattack.co.uk

Upping the ante Following the results of the 2012 PISA tests, which ranked England and Wales 26th for maths, the government has created a new national curriculum which is more “rigorous, stretching and ambitious”. Replicating countries which fared better, a new emphasis has been placed on mastery and mental maths, with students now expected to recall multiplications up to twelve fluently by the age of nine.

Established for nearly 60 years, supplementary education provider Kumon understands the connection between mental maths and long-term memory as a way to build up fluency and mastery of a subject.

Similarly, as part of the English curriculum, schools will now have to promote reading for pleasure: a core aim of the Kumon English programme since it was devised.

If you would like to know more about how Kumon can help your child improve in maths and English, you can contact your local study centre for more information.

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

BACK TO SCHOOL 2015 33

25/08/2015 10:58:02

4

Story time!

Jacqueline Wilson

It’s

The Bath Festival of Children’s Literature is back with another packed programme of events for book-lovers of all ages. Esther Morrison picks out some of the highlights.

“T

o entertain children and to enthuse them about reading” – that’s the simple ethos behind the Bath Festival of Children’s Literature and it certainly seems to be working. The festival was founded in 2007 and since then has become the largest dedicated children’s book festival in the UK. This year literary agents Gill and John McLay are returning as artistic directors and have put together a line-up which they say is their strongest yet.

When you consider that previous guests have included muchloved favourites like Jacqueline Wilson, Michael Morpurgo, Anthony Horowitz, Lauren Child and Malorie Blackman, that’s an ambitious claim, but there’s certainly no shortage of big names and promising prospects in this year’s programme.

The 10 day festival runs from Friday 25 September until Sunday 4 October, and while book read-

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15 Avon Features Back to School 2015.indd 10

ings are a key part of the event, there are also all sorts of workshops, craft activities, quizzes and games for children to take part in. Festival face painters will be moving from venue to venue throughout and, of course, there’ll be plenty of opportunities to meet bestselling children’s authors at book signings and storytelling sessions. The programme aims to appeal to a wide range of ages too, from pre-schoolers to teens, ensuring that this is very much a family-oriented event. Here are some of this year’s highlights: JULIA DONALDSON AND LYDIA MONKS Bestselling author of ‘The Gruffalo’ Julia Donaldson and illustrator Lydia Monks go back to the farm with their sequel ‘What the Ladybird Heard Next’ in this singalong storytelling session.

Donaldson’s as popular as a performer as she is as a writer, so this should definitely keep the little

ones amused. Age 5+.

Sat 26 Sept, Forum, 10am, £7.50 SHAUN THE SHEEP MODEL MAKING While not technically a literary figure, there’s no doubting the popularity of the cheeky sheep.

A specialist model maker from Aardman Animations shows you how to make your very own clay model of Shaun in a few simple steps. Age 8+.

Sun 27 Sept, Holburne Museum, 11am, £10

running success, complete with his own TV show and film. Now the series is coming to an end with the publication of the final book, Horrid Henry’s Cannibal Curse, and author Francesca Simon celebrates by reminiscing about how it all started and the fun she’s had along the way. Age 5+.

Sun 27 Sept, Guildhall, 2pm, £6.50 THE HUNGER GAMES QUIZ How well do you know ‘The Hunger

»

HORRID HENRY – FRANCESCA SIMON Having first appeared in 1994, Horrid Henry has become a long-

PRIMARY TIMES

25/08/2015 10:47:07

Open Evenings Thursday 8th October 6 - 8pm Wednesday 4th November 6 - 8pm Monday 11th January 5 - 7pm

Open Evenings Tuesday 6th October 6 - 8pm Monday 9th November 6 - 8pm Wednesday 13th January 5 - 7pm

T. 0117 910 8429 E. info@dolphinschool.bristol.sch.uk www.dolphinschool.bristol.sch.uk

T. 0117 259 1891 E. admin@fairlawn.bristol.sch.uk www.fairlawn.bristol.sch.uk

Open Evenings

Open Day

Tuesday 3rd November 9.30am - 11am Tuesday 12th January 5pm - 7pm

Wednesday 21st October 9.30am - 3.30pm Bannerman Road Community Academy

T. 0117 377 3185 E. info@thekingfisherschool.co.uk www.kingfisher.bristol.sch.uk

PRIMARY TIMES

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T. 0117 377 2080 E. bannermanrdp@bristol-schools.uk www.bannermanroad.bristol.sch.uk

BACK TO SCHOOL 2015 35

21/08/2015 10:17:10

Story

time!

CONTINUED

shiny, bumpy, spotty, glittery ... whatever they decide. Age 3+.

Mon 28 Sept, Guildhall, 10am, £5

Games’? This official UK Hunger Games quiz hosted by eccentric quizmaster Caesar Flickerman is a chance to find out. Dress up in either Capital couture or District dress and do battle against other fans for the chance to win a prize.

One for older children.

Sun 27 Sept, Guildhall, 6.30pm, £7

HORRIBLE HISTORIES According to Martin Brown, everyone can draw and he aims to prove that’s true in this 45-minute session. The illustrator of the popular book series-turned-TV show promises plenty of jokes and interesting facts to keep both kids and adults entertained. Age 7+.

Tue 29 Sept, Guildhall, 10am, £7 JAQUELINE WILSON As one of the most successful children’s authors of recent years, Jacqueline Wilson needs very little introduction. Here she talks about her next book in the Hetty Feather series, ‘Little Stars’, as well as how she came to write some of her best-loved books.

Get your questions at the ready.

Age 8+.

Sat 2 Oct, Forum, 2pm, £7.50

THAT’S NOT MY MEERKAT! Very young children can engage physically with the story in this touch-and-feel picture book.

This session is also a chance for pre-schoolers to create their own meerkat, exploring different textures and making them fluffy,

Horrid Henry Live

not to mention exclusive clips of author Jeff Kinney talking about his books and demonstrating how he draws his characters. Don’t wimp out of this one. Age 8+.

Sun 3 Oct, Guildhall, 10am, £6

Bath Festival of Children’s Literature various venues, Bath, Fri 25 Sept-Sun 4 Oct W: www.bathfestivals.org.uk/ childrens-literature

WIMPY KID SHOW Fans of ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ won’t want to miss this chance to get involved with these fun activities. There’s a Wimpy Kid DrawAlong and the Wimp Wars Quiz,

What gives a child maths confidence?

A little practice every day!

Start Carol Vorderman’s ths fac ma t

da

e

30

n

30 Day Maths Challenge

g

3

0

e

or

th

4

It’s

y c h a ll e

before 30th September at...

www.themathsfactor.com

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PRIMARY TIMES

25/08/2015 10:48:53

advertisement FeatUre

Brilliant breakfast It’s morning, you’re hungry, but time is of the essence. So you grab a brekkie and run. But taking a few more minutes each day could mean the difference between feeling sluggish and feeling alert...

F

DID YOU KNOW?

**Corn Flakes, Coco Pops range, mini max range, rice Krispies range, Honey Loops range, Frosties

The term ‘breakfast’ can be traced back to the 15th century and means ‘breaking the fast’ because most people won’t have eaten for eight to 14 hours during the night... that we give the humble breakfast the kudos it deserves and really see the benefits of eating well at the start of each day. not only does breakfast help you get going, it’s proven to help you be more alert and perform better,* which is why it’s so important for children. We can get B vitamins, iron, and vitamin d from Kellogg’s children’s cereals**. and if you add a portion of dairy, for example milk or yoghurt, this provides calcium and protein. and guess what? With the right Kellogg’s combination, we hope you think they taste great too. so why not take a little extra time each morning to sit together as a family and start the day right with Kellogg’s...

PRIMARY TIMES

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your five-day meal plan Monday

ADULT: Kellogg’s Corn Flakes with milk, almonds and cinnamon

Tuesday

ADULT: Kellogg’s Bran Flakes, milk and banana

Wednesday Thursday Friday

CHILD: Kellogg’s Corn Flakes with milk and banana

CHILD: Kellogg’s Rice Krispies Multi-grain with milk 1 scrambled egg per person on wholemeal toast followed by Kelloggs Rice Krispies with yoghurt, honey and strawberries ADULT: Kellogg’s Corn Flakes with a carrot and apple smoothie CHILD: Kellogg’s Rice Krispies with a carrot and apple smoothie ADULT: Kellogg’s Fruit ‘n’ Fibre with yoghurt and pumpkin seeds CHILD: Kellogg’s Rice Krispies Multi grain with milk and banana

*Pollitt et al (1982) Fasting and cognitive performance. Journal Psychiatric Research 17: 169-174.

or years it’s been dubbed the most important meal of the day. So why do so many of us treat breakfast as a time to shovel down the same foods each morning? Or view it as a brekkie to be grabbed on the go as we run for the bus or train?

With busy work and family lifestyles, just getting yourself up and the kids dressed and ready for the day can sometimes mean breakfast takes a back seat.

But now, as the autumn term beckons and the kids go back to school, it’s even more important

now you can enjoy your breakfast with these exclusive bowls from Kellogg’s. the only trouble you’ll have is choosing which one!

For more info, visit kelloggs.co.uk/bowls

BACK TO SCHOOL 2015 37

21/08/2015 10:18:29

Adver tising Feature

Inspiring young minds

DOWNEND SCHOOL

OPEN EVENING THURSDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 5.45–8pm WESTERLEIGH ROAD, DOWNEND, SOUTH GLOS BS16 6XA 01454 862300 | downend.com

• Colston’s School aims to inspire all children to achieve their best. Small classes and dedicated staff ensure that work is carefully planned to meet the needs of each child. The curriculum is bright and engaging, which ensures strong foundations in the core subjects, as well as opportunities for exploration in science, humanities, art and music. The children look forward with great excitement to their weekly Forest School visits.

The Lower School is fortunate to have dedicated areas for science, art and music, but the children are also frequent visitors to the excellent facilities on the Upper School site. As well as a plethora of extracurricular activities, Colston’s also offers an excellent wrap-around care programme so that parents can drop pupils off from 7.45am and collect them up until 5.30pm.

The best way to experience the Colston’s environment is to pay a visit to the school yourself. You are sure to receive a warm welcome.

Ffi: Colston’s School Bell Hill, Stapleton, Bristol BS16 1BJ T: 0117 965 5207 W: www.colstons.bristol.sch.uk

Adver tising Feature

Discovery starts here!

Mangotsfield School Open Evening Monday 14 September 5.30–8pm Open mornings daily from 15 September by appointment.

Rodway Hill, Mangotsfield, Bristol BS16 9LH 01454 862700 www.mangotsfieldschool.org.uk

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• Within your child is a budding expert, a thinker, a dreamer, an entrepreneur. Inside them is potential, waiting to be tapped, released, explored.

Will his love of animals grow into a profession as a vet? Will her obsession with airplanes lead to training in engineering? Will a love of shapes and painting pictures be evident in a career as a camera person in a TV production company? How will your child access all that he or she can be?

The performing arts help children by promoting creativity and problem solving. Working in a group, a Stagecoach student will explore many ways to tell a story, polish a dance step or create a dynamic performance of a song. In a drama scene, the most farfetched, funny things can happen and this leads to a flexible and empathetic mind, capable of withstanding challenges.

The skills taught at Stagecoach develop a strong voice, a vivid imagination, poise and coordination, while at the same time building resilience, confidence, acceptance and generosity. The classes are full of fun – a special and safe place for children to explore, grow and thrive as themselves.

At a time when results and test scores seem to matter so much, this is a chance to give your child a space every week to explore and enjoy something much more important – who they really are and the value of their unique contribution.

Ffi: Stagecoach T: 0117 953 2500 W: www.stagecoach.co.uk

PRIMARY TIMES

25/08/2015 10:04:21

Adver tising Feature

A popular choice •According to the Department for Education’s KS4 Performance Tables (January 2015), more parents send their daughters to Red Maids’ than any other Bristol independent school.

The 380-year-old school sits in 12 leafy acres of Westbury-on-Trym and has all essential facilities on site.

Easy to reach by public and private transport, students can arrive from 7.45am for breakfast and stay until 6pm.

The school aims high for its students, seeking to bring the best out in them academically. Achieving in other activities, including sport, music, the creative arts and charitable work, is an equally important part of life at Red Maids’, however.

The school is the only one in Bristol to offer a choice of A Levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma in the sixth form.

Every year, a range of bursaries and academic, sports and music scholarships are awarded, including two 100% assisted places.

Red Maids’ Junior School makes learning fun, active and interactive. Teachers provide a rich and varied study programme, including practical, individual and group work, and make use of the latest technology to enhance the girls’ learning.

As the girls grow, the school continues to provide an environment in which girls can develop personal interests while striving to reach their potential academically. Its ‘Athena Programme’ provides additional stretch for all students, particularly those who have been identified as gifted or talented.

Year on year, Red Maids’ pupils consistently achieve excellent outcomes in their public examinations, enabling them to go to their first choice of university.

Ffi: Red Maids’ School W: www.redmaids.bristol.sch.uk

Maths and English everyday, more support and more progress.

0117 941 3800 info@cityacademybristol.org www.cityacademy.bristol.sch.uk

Open Evening Thursday 17th September.

Please contact us to find out more or to arrange a tour anytime on

01179413800

©LW

Adver tising Feature

Sporting chances • Children and young people are our future – and the people at Team Bath believe they should have every opportunity to enjoy sport in a fun and safe environment. That is why they have developed Team Bath Tots and Tribe. Their trained coaches can introduce children to new sports and develop their existing skills. The groups cater for two-yearolds upwards with a range of afterschool and holiday sessions.

They are based up at the University of Bath’s Sports Training Village, which has some of the best sporting facilities in the country. They also work closely with schools to enhance their curriculum with tailored visits to the university campus.

Tot activities (2-7 years) Team Bath Tots activities offer fun and energetic multi-skill movement sessions to encourage young children to play. These include activities in football, swimming and trampolining in the same world-class facilities used by Team Bath’s high-performing athletes. The aim is to provide a fun-first experience of sport and inspire the next generation.

Tribe activities (7-14 years) Team Bath also offer regular weekly Tribe classes throughout the school terms, providing participation and development courses in a safe and inspiring environment in sports such as badminton, judo, netball, football, tennis, swimming, athletics and trampolining.

Ffi: Team Bath W: www.teambath.com

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25/08/2015 10:05:18

Adver tising Feature

Get the best start with Swimstart

. ..

G IN N IN W E H T T O N IT’S ...it’s the running, hopping, skipping, dancing, tug-of-warring, teacher gunging, cake baking and generally feeling brilliant about pushing yourself and trying something new to help others that counts.

Sport Relief is back on Friday 18th March 2016.

So get a head start and order your free Fundraising Event Pack today at sportrelief.com/pack

• With dedicated, experienced and individualised tuition for your child, learning to swim will be a journey of discovery and a holistic experience for everyone. New this year, Swimstart offers individual parent-and-child swim support classes dedicated to self-help tuition for nervous parents.

The company also provides more dedicated and group sessions for children with MLD and SLD conditions. It specialises in helping those children and their families get the best out of the swimming experience and urges parents and carers to talk to them about their needs. Free consultations are available.

With a few remaining spaces in its programme Swimstart can offer 12 sessions for the price of 10 until the end of February. In addition, the company still gives its usual discounts on multiple bookings, friends and family referrals and loyalty bonuses.

Ffi: Swimstart T: Mark on 07776 292813

Sport Relief is an initiative of Comic Relief, registered charity 326568 (England and Wales); SC039730 (Scotland) Photo credit: Gary Moyes.

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Adver tising Feature

Wild in the country • Set in 30 acres of countryside north of Bristol, Wild Place Project takes guests on an adventure into the wilderness, where some of the world’s most exciting species live.

Whatever time of year you visit, there are always lots of things to do at this affordable family attraction.

Journey through the attraction’s expansive natural habitat and find chasing cheetahs, mischievous Madagascan lemurs leaping in their immersive walkthrough, wolves prowling in the woodland and much more.

Home of outdoor adventure, Wild Place Project invites families to let off steam in the Tower Meadow, climb in the undercover Fun Fort, explore the wonders of the woodland and discover wildlife from around the world with seasonal adventure trails.

Autumn activities include Wild Run - Jog for Giraffe, Sun 20 Sep, Bat Walk, Sat 12 Sep and a Halloween Festival, Thu 22 OctSun 1 Nov. A day out at Wild Place Project costs less than £30 for a family of four, making it a fun-filled day out that won’t break the bank.

Located just off junction 17 of the M5, near Cribbs Causeway, Wild Place Project is easily accessible to people coming from all over the south west.

Ffi: Wild Place Project W: www.wildplace.org.uk

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PRIMARY TIMES

25/08/2015 10:07:35

Adver tising Feature

Finding that sporting confidence • GO Sports runs a weekend multi-sports school on Sunday mornings for children: Mini Sports for 3 to 5 year olds, 9.30am–11am Junior Sports 5 to 16 year olds, 9.30am12.30pm.

GO Sports is designed equally for boys and girls who feel they have little or no sporting talent, and those with ambitions to improve their skills. It aims to help youngsters find confidence through exposure to many different sporting activities.

With three 12 week terms per year, GO Sports offers a variety of fun games and activities. Team favourites such as football, basketball and netball are taught along with more unusual team sports such as street-hockey, handball and lacrosse. Individual sports include athletics, fencing, archery and martial arts, to name a few.

Additionally, GO Sports incorporates motivational challenges along with team-based fun games such as dodgeball and capture the flag.

Ffi: GO Sports T: Peter Hancock 0771 784 7649 W: www.go-sports.co.uk E: gosports@hotmail.co.uk

Adver tising Feature

Fostering with Action for Children • Action for Children is one of the UK’s largest children’s charities and has over 145 years’ experience in supporting vulnerable children and their families.

The charity’s fostering service supports children who have usually had traumatic childhoods; they are older children between 10 – 18 years of age and have complex needs.

There is a national shortage of foster carers and Action for Children needs people to come forward and give these children a safe, caring home where they can thrive and develop. The charity puts children at the heart of everything it does and promises, if you foster with them, they will give you all the support you need to help make children’s lives better.

Action for Children is looking for foster carers to join its friendly and supportive team. It makes the application process clear and simple, and makes sure you get the training you need to do a great job – before and after you become a foster carer. It matches the needs of children to your skills, experience and situation to find the right placement for you and the child. Here are some carers’ comments: “I would strongly recommend people who are thinking of a career change, to really consider becoming a foster carer,” Ian. “As soon as I picked up the phone I felt reassured and welcomed, and the application process began immediately,” Steve.

Ffi: Action for Children T: Rachel 07525 731746 E: MTFCBristol@actionforchildren.org.uk

PRIMARY TIMES

15 Avon advertising features Back to School 2015.indd 29

To re ac h t h o u s a n d s of f amil ie s in y o u r a r e a ... ... a d v e r t i s e i n t h e ne x t issue of P r i m a r y Ti m e s .

Caroline on 0117 934 3737 caroline.stretton@localworld.co.uk

Freya on 0117 934 3076 freya.mcternan@localworld.co.uk

BACK TO SCHOOL 2015 41

25/08/2015 10:07:50

Hello Kids!

Thank you so much for the lovely pictures you send me. There were so many I wanted to print but couldn’t, so please keep trying if you weren’t successful this time.

With autumn coming up I’ve thought of a great theme for the next competition: broomsticks and bonfires, exploring all the fun things we do in October and November. Winners will receive a fabulous children’s book from the editor’s overflowing book cupboard. So get your crayons out and send me your pictures to: Arty Barty, Primary Times, B-N&M, Temple Way, Bristol, BS2 0BY, or email high resolution jpegs to my editor at: mike.gartside@localworld. co.uk Don’t forget to put your name, age, full home postal address (or we can’t send you your prize!) and school on the back. Deadline: Monday 21 September.

Arty Barty I was really impressed by the entries to our Summer in Space-themed competition and it was such a close call, but well done to the three winners who win a free family ticket to At-Bristol hands on science centre.

9, Scott Granger, Preshute Primary ugh School, MarlboromicI really like the co s book feel to thi drawing. There ared many well-observe ate a details that illustrch as space summer, su ol in the swimming po ristspace and the toug for like aliens lookin ts. beaches on plane

WINNER! Eleanor Goodey, 9, Lea & Garsdon CE Primary, Malmesbury What a cheerful image of Mars, with a relaxed alien enjoying the sun’s bright rays. I love the shading and the way (nearly!) all the planets of the solar system are represented.

Ella Starr, 9, Elm Park Primary, Bristol This is carefullydrawn and well thought out, representing a crescent moon or planet covered in palm trees and flowers: the ideal summer holiday destination!

WINNER!

Jessica Zhao, 11, Widden Primary School Gloucester What a very welldrawn and precisely coloured image, with almost a professionally drafted feel! The expressions of surprise on the aliens’ faces are a hoot.

Have fun!

Arty

Daisy Szynkaruk, 6, Victoria Park Primary School, Bristol What a creative approach to this topic: Daisy’s “city” is full of colour, contrasting with the black emptiness beyond. The idea of beach huts in space is irresistible!

NB. Please see T&Cs at primarytimes.net/avon/ home-intro/tcs

Peter 5, Crossways Infant School, Thornbury The smeared paint background, with a collage of characters stuck on to for someone so youn p is wonderfully inventive g. Well done, Peter!

Eleanor Dickenson, 7, Crossways Infant School, Thornbury The cheerful sight of beneath The Plough children holding hands wonderful colour with constellation combines great curiousity about the night sky.

WINNER! Chiharu Foster, 10, Elm lea

Junior School, Bristo Instead of the usual bla l drawing shows a bright ck background this yel stars and planets. I lov low space filled with centre that seems to bee the astronaut in the enjoying the heat of a space summer.

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Divija Sharma, 5, St Michael’s CEVC Primary School, Stoke Gifford The magic of summer is all over this picture, it can be seen through the bright sand and sea. The woman and planets seem to be enjoying the heat of the smiling sun.

PRIMARY TIMES

25/08/2015 10:11:59

Primary Times reviews the new releases.

The return of the

A

prince

generation of post-war children grew up with ‘The Little Prince’ at a time of geo-political turmoil, when even relatively young children had some awareness of the world events taking place around them. The author himself, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, was a French pilot who went missing in World War II, releasing this novel shortly before his presumed death. It seems extraordinary that a children’s book should contemplate the nature of humanity and the universe in such a profound way, but perhaps it makes more sense in the context of the cold war and the nuclear arms race, when many of its original readers would have first picked it up. The Little Prince is an innocent at large, leaving his tiny planet for a series of allegorical encounters with the inhabitants of larger heavenly bodies including, eventually, Earth. The story is so charmingly and wistfully told that children will love it at face value, while older readers can start to explore the mysteries it touches on. It’s hard to imagine a book like this being written these days, and for that reason alone it’s well worth introducing to your children. (Mike Gartside) The Little Prince Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Alma Books, £6.99, www.almaclassics.com

Body beautiful

Dread to think

Broadcaster and medical doctor Professor Robert Winston puts his name to this packed volume about the extraordinary body we all possess. If his own extravagant moustache is not proof enough of the wonder of the human physique, this book offers hundreds of facts and observations about our anatomy, which bring the complex world of the human interior to life for children. Did you know, for example, if you could touch your brain, it would feel like toothpaste, or that we all produce three types of tears?

More in-depth diagrams and pull-out flaps explain the workings of the eye, the lungs, the heart and the muscles as well as offering a basic introduction to the idea of DNA, the double helix molecule that forms all life and which passes our physical traits from generation to generation. This is a high quality introduction to the world of human biology which could spark a life long interest in the workings of the body. (Mike Gartside)

Danny Dread is hopeless as an evil genius. In spite of being born into generations of dastardly villains, he cannot muster the will to kill a fly. After years of preparation, the worst act he’s ever committed is to ride through a puddle on his bike too quickly, slightly splashing an old man’s trousers.

Deep down he realises he was not cut out for this work, in spite of having to play a part in his father’s own demonic plans to start World War III. Author Ben Davis places Dread Jnr. in a dilemma, trying to maintain the trust of his evil, but rather incompetent father, while attempting to thwart his plans to destroy the world once and for all. It’s an action packed, fun tale which will appeal to any under 10s with a zest for adventure. But it also has a serious undercurrent about following your own course in life, without being unduly dictated to by misguided authority figures.

(Mike Gartside)

Utterly Amazing Human Body Robert Winston, Dorling Kindersley, £14.99, www.dk.com

Danny Dread Ben Davis, Oxford University Press, £6.99, www. oxfordchildrens.co.uk

Custardy sentences Three friends, Stan, Minnie and Miles, go on the latest of their exiting and dangerous adventures at the special Superhero School.

This time Mighty High is under official inspection and the friends struggle to keep hidden the school’s secret: that they all have superpowers. If the inspectors find out, they could close the school. Dr Sinister makes matters even worse with his evil plotting and scheming. As the inspection gets underway, the villain sees the perfect opportunity to infiltrate and steal children for his evil experiments. Stan, Minnie and Miles must defeat him before he harms their friends.

It’s an exciting and funny story that will captivate readers aged 6 to 9. The book is organised in an engaging, dynamic way, with some sections resembling comic strips or diaries interspersed with more conventionally designed pages. Stan, Minnie and Miles are intelligent, lovable and funny heroes that come to life in Alan MacDonald’s writing and the excellent black and white illustrations by Nigel Baines. The story is a mix of laughter and adventure, which teaches children about fighting for what they believe in. (Caitlin Gartside) Superhero School, Curse of the Evil Custard Alan MacDonald, £4.99, Bloomsbury, www.bloomsbury.com

PRIMARY TIMES

15 Avon Books & Arty Barty Back to School 2015.indd 35

Ever the menace While most of us almost certainly enjoyed Dennis the Menace as a rebellious tot, back in the days when children still read comics religiously, he is not exactly a role model you would encourage your children to emulate. So it’s with mixed feelings that I read this out to my five year old, who enjoys every second of it.

It soon becomes evident that this is not bed time reading, with its energetic, staccato presentation, speech bubbles, ripped out diary pages and inventive scrawls

by Steve May. Author Steven Butler effectively captures the voice of the misunderstood delinquent, but over an entire paperback it makes for quite exhausting reading. To my adult mind, the clipped, off-kilter moral messages of the old Beano strips don’t quite extend to the longer format and you have to wait an entire novel before the cheeky payoff, rather than the 15 or so frames of a comic.

But there may well be a whole generation of seven, eight and nine year olds who would disagree with me. If so, they would, I’m sure, be delighted by the travails Dennis has with his parents, who insist on sending Gnasher to obedience school. They’d also enjoy the ups and downs of the X-Factor-style central theme, where our heroes pit themselves against the abominable goody-goodies. This is certainly a novel children will be able to read on their own withouth too much difficulty, and one to offer them at the start of the day when they have plenty of energy to burn off. (Mike Gartside) The Diary of Dennis The Menace Steven Butler, Puffin Books, £5.99, www.puffinbooks.com

BACK TO SCHOOL 2015

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Classifieds Party Ideas

TO ADVERTISE CALL CAROLINE: 0117 934 3737 E: CAROLINE.STRETTON@LOCALWORLD.CO.UK FREYA: 0117 934 3076 E: FREYA.MCTERNAN@LOCALWORLD.CO.UK

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Soap and bath bomb making parties

Gymnastics

Looking for aLt ativ party bags?

Party bags flled with art and craft activity kits for boys and girls aged 4-11

Creative and fun, hands-on parties.

Mobile party leader comes to you and runs a session making beautiful practical gifts to take home.

Ages 5 to adult

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PIANO LESSONS

Disability sessions and 1-1 Trampolining and Rebound Therapy.

UNSURE ABOUT

EDUCATIONAL HEALTH AND CARE PLANS FOR YOUR CHILD?

©LW

Independent Supporters provide free information & support. ericsemail@orange.net

Contact details 0117 9476111 or IS.SouthWest@kids.org.uk ©LW

Swimming

Birthday Parties and Fun sessions tel 01179476449 or visit our website

©LW

Special Educational Needs

www.bubbletastic.co.uk

Tuition in Classical, Jazz, Blues, Pop.

www.kingswoodgymnasticsandtrampolineclub.co.uk

Tuition

tel 0117 244 0053 web www.thedetectiveproject.co.uk

QUALITY SWIMMING LESSONS FOR ALL AGES AND ABILITIES 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: 6 MONTHS - 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

Unforgettable parties for ages 6+ at your local venue

nerf gun parties 07412 797900 www.boystoysparties.co.uk

Wapley Riding Stables

Riding Lessons for all ages and abilities • Tuition on Acoustic and Electric Guitar • Beginners to advanced (any age welcome!)

• Enhanced CRB/DBS clearance • Available to teach in school holidays • Discounts available for teaching small groups • Able to travel city wide

• 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

JIM JOHNSTON

Tel: 0787 0887242 E-mail: jim@jimjohnstonmusic.com

Dial-a-Violin-lesson! 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.

enquiries@wapleystables.co.uk www.wapleystables.co.uk

Kate Cullin Portbury 01275 371056

Wapley Hill, Westerleigh, Bristol. BS37 8RJ 01454 321583 or 07860530199

FULL DETAILS SEE WEB:

www.wavesswimschool.co.uk OR CONTACT JENNY 01275 877428/JACKIE 01275 790457 CAROLINE 01275 865185 ©LW

Piano, Sax, Guitar, Drums, Cello, Flute Individual lessons and group workshops Summer Supervised Practice sessions Summer Sight Reading crash course BRISTOL MUSIC SCHOOL www.bristolmusicschool.com

Limited period only

Making swimming lessons fun for all abilities

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for children from 3 to adults Book now for FREE bouncy castle hire

0117 904 8648

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www.guitarlessonsbristol.com

Crime scene investigation parties and workshops for children age 7+

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Children and Adults.

Optional ABRSM exams.

To book a free intro lesson contact Patrick Hammerman ©LW

jenny@redfoxcraftbags.co.uk redfoxcraftbags.co.uk 077 330 24940

©LW

Art and craft party kits are also available

No mess, no fuss, just lovely smells 07595 350 764 07860341351

Call 07812399467

Tuition

Martial Arts HANHAM & DOWNEND TAEKWON-DO

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 (please quote Primary Times)

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 Tuesday Evening: Non-Swimmer to Advanced Lane Classes

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PRIMARY TIMES

avon classifieds.indd 3

©LW

Fun Dance parties for kids aged 5-11rs.

Business Opportunities Part time roles... earning a full time income to fit around the school runs Working with a fantastic team, working flexible hours & having great fun!!

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Please contact Niki on 07720 887080 or visit my website www.nikiglobalacesgroup.myforever.biz Independent Distributor of Forever Living Products Aloe Vera drinking gels, supplements, skincare & personal care products.

Forever Living Products, Longbridge Manor, Warwick CV34 6RB, members of the Direct Selling Association. ©LW Ref no. Hoap0122

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PROTECT AND PREVENT

COASTLINE CLEAR-UP Clear up on Weston-super-Mare beac h, Sun 20 Sep.

T

he Marine Conservation Society is looking for volunteers to ... go to the beach! From 18-21 September, the charity is staging The Great British Beach Clean, a UK-wide event to spruce up the nation’s beaches and record the litter that’s found on them.

“Beach litter has steadily risen over the two decades we’ve been recording it on UK beaches,” says the society’s Beachwatch officer Charlotte Coombes. “Last year’s Great British Beach Clean attracted almost 5,500 volunteers to over 300 beaches. It’s a citizen science project that has become the most respected and longstanding litter survey in the UK.” In the West Country, beachcleaning events are taking place at Portishead (19 Sept, 2pm), Minehead (20 Sept, 11am) and Weston-super-Mare (20 Sept, 1.30pm), while, a little further afield, there are events along the

Dorset and South Wales coasts.

“Taking part really can make a difference,” says Charlotte.

“In previous years when we’ve highlighted increases in dog poo bags and sewage-related debris found on beaches we have seen drops in numbers subsequently.

We hope we’ll see fewer wet wipes in 2015 following our minicampaign showing why these material squares should go in the bin and not the loo.”

Cleaning and surveying a beach only takes a couple of hours and each beach has a coordinator who explains how to fill in a simple data form. Then it’s just a case of grabbing a litter picker and a bin bag and filling it with rubbish. You’ll find details of all the beaches involved on the Marine Conservation Society website.

The Marine Conservation Society W: www.mcsuk.org/ greatbritishbeachclean

BLUE PETER? GOLD PETER! ters and films.

Appearing on a Blue Peter animation special, Peter received the gold badge in recognition of his work for British animation on the world stage.

“This is fantastic,” he said.

“It’s a dream come true.”

Peter Lord (holding Morph) with the Blue Peter team Gold Blue Peter badges are awarded for outstanding ardman’s Peter Lord achievement, courage or citihas received the highzenship and only a very few are est accolade from CBBC awarded in any one year. Peter show Blue Peter: a gold joins the Queen, David Beckham Blue Peter badge. Bristol-born and JK Rowling on the presPeter is the co-owner and creatigious list of previous recipitive director of the world-famous ents. Blue Peter editor Ewan animation company. He’s also Vinnicombe said: “The Blue the co-creator of Morph, the Peter audience love watching ever-popular animated charand creating their own animaacter who was a regular fixture tions. We are delighted to award on children’s TV throughout Peter his gold badge nearly 35 the 1970s and 80s and whose years after his first appearance latest mini-adventures have on the show. Peter has created been airing on CBBC and are some of the most well-known available on his own dedicated animated characters including, YouTube channel. Peter founded of course, Morph.”

Aardman with David Sproxton Evidently, Aardman’s success in 1972 and since then the shows no sign of ... um ... petercompany has gone on to create ing out. the likes of Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep and many Aardman W: www.aardman.com other iconic animated charac-

A

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15 Avon Features Back to School 2015.indd 14

T

he British Safeguarding Children Board (BSCB) has unveiled a strategy to tackle the issue of child sexual exploitation in the city. The strategy addresses four key themes: prevention; protection; recover; disruption and prosecution. It was launched at the BSCB’s annual conference, which looked at ways to support victims and protect the vulnerable and was addressed by leading academics as well as officers from local projects. Cllr Brenda Massey, the assistant mayor responsible for services to safeguard children in Bristol, said: “The past 12 months have been a difficult time for Bristol and those working to protect the young and vulnerable in the city. The shadow cast by the terrible actions of those who seek to do harm cannot be ignored. This is why it is so important to be able to move forward and launch our strategy to deal with the abuse and exploitation of children in our city.”

The independent chair of BSCB, Sally Lewis added: “Since my appointment in autumn 2014, I have been impressed by the commitment of partners to protect and promote the wellbeing of children and young people. We have much good frontline practice to build upon and a strong

HEARING THE SIRENS’ CALL

P

rimary school pupils in Avonmouth, Shirehampton and Lawrence Weston have designed a 2016 calendar to raise awareness of the Severnside sirens. The sirens are part of a sophisticated major accident hazard alarm system and are used to alert local people in the event of an industrial accident in the Avonmouth and Severnside area. As part of a competition run by Bristol City and South Gloucestershire Councils, six local primary schools each designed two pages of the calendar, with local academies creating designs for the front cover and information pages. The calendar highlights what people should do if they hear the sirens and focuses on the key safety message of “go in, stay in, tune in”. It also reminds residents of the regular

Cllr. Brenda Massey

learning culture to support us in moving from strength to strength. I will continue working closely with partner organisations such as the council, police, health providers, educators, Barnardo’s and others to maintain the momentum from this year’s conference and deliver on the promise of a safer city for all our young people.”

BSCB W: www.bristol.gov. uk/page/children-and-youngpeople/bristol-safeguardingchildren-board

A design for one of the Severnside sirens calendar pages

siren test on the third day of the month at 3pm and contains information about the potential risk posed by industrial sites in the local area.

Bristol Lord Mayor Cllr Clare Campion-Smith announced the winners and said: “It is important that we and our children are aware of the risks, no matter how unlikely they are. In Bristol, we are lucky enough to have one of the best alarm systems of its type in the country and we should know how to react to it. I would like to congratulate the winners of this competition and thank all of the children for taking part. I hope that, whilst having fun, they have been able to learn a valuable lesson that they can share with their friends and family.”

Severnside sirens W: www. bristol.gov.uk/emergencies PRIMARY TIMES

25/08/2015 10:51:17

Independent Whole school

Open Morning Saturday 26 September

Visiting Morning Thursday 15 October

To register on-line visit our website or email admissions@redmaids.bristol.sch.uk Junior School, 0117 962 9451 Senior School, 0117 989 8252 Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol BS9 Direct student minibuses available redmaids.co.uk

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Our new Performing Arts Centre will be opening in September 2016.

www.bristolgrammarschool.co.uk

Whole School

Open Evening Friday 2 October 2015 4.00pm–8.00pm

re ntu e v Ad

(until 7.00pm for BGS Infants and Juniors) Headmaster’s Talks will be held at:

5.30pm for Infant and Junior School 4.30pm, 5.15pm, 6.00pm and 6.45pm for Senior School and Sixth Form

Daily Visits and Taster Days For further information or to request a prospectus, please call Hollie Skerritt on

Fr ie

available on various dates during term-time.

s hip s nd

0117 933 9885.

Learning

Infant and Junior Prospectus

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