Avon Primary Times Back to School 2014

In association with

in Avon Issue 185 1 Sept-24 Oct 2014

Also Online safety School open days Child friendly restaurants Download the new Primary Times app, free! Page 3

A Baaa-rilliant Shaun the Sheep design challenge

Inspire your pupils to join the flock and get their thinking caps on with a cracking design challenge! Page 4

Theatre • Arty Barty • Roundabout • Save money!

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27/08/2014 14:41:29

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL FOR BOYS 7–18 FOUNDED 1590

Sixth Form EveninCTgOBER

MONDAY 13 O

at Redland High

by appointment

Open Mornings SENIORS Saturday 4 October JUNIORS Friday 10 and Saturday 11 October 2014

Experience life at Redland High at one of our open events: Visiting Morning – Thursday 25 September Open Morning – Saturday 18 October

no appointment necessary

Redland High School for Girls JUNIOR

Contact Mrs Carolyn Mathews 0117 930 3068 www.qehbristol.co.uk

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SENIOR

SIXTH FORM

Redland Court, Bristol BS6 7EF 0117 924 5796 | admissions@redlandhigh.com www.redlandhigh.com

27/08/2014 15:57:54

Welcome to our Shaun the Sheep special this September as we discover a wonderful design competition (P4) and peek behind the scenes of the new movie (P6), in preparation for Shaun’s big year in 2015.

We also explore a range of topics high on parents’ priority list, from online safety (P11) to lighter hearted issues like autumn festivals (P35) and child-friendly restaurants (P8).

On a personal note, I’m really excited as I become a primary school dad this year. My four-year-old, Joe, takes his first steps at school, so good luck to him, his classmates and all the other children starting their educational journey this month.

In association

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Avon iin A Oct 2014 1 Sept-24 Issue 185

-rilliant

Also ty Online safe days School open Child friendly restaurants Download the new Primary Times app, 3 free! Page

A Baaa e Sheep Shaun th allenge design ch

the editor

THEATRE P12 ROUNDABOUT P17 PINBOARD P39 ADVERTISING FEATURES P42 PUPILS’ PAGE P48 CLASSIFIEDS P53 SHAUN TO BE WILD P6 Frances Stewart meets the makers of Shaun.

ONLINE SAFETY P11 Becki Murray on an accessible, safe web.

SCHOOL OPEN DAYS P30 How to ask the right questions and find the right secondary school for your child.

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

ock and join the cracking r pupils to ha Inspire you king caps on wit ge! Page 4 llen thin design cha get their

Theatre • Arty

Save money! ndabout • Barty • Rou

Primary Times in Avon

Bristol News and Media, Temple Way, Bristol BS99 7HD. More information at www.primarytimes.net

Editor Mike Gartside

mike.gartside@venue.co.uk Commercial director Abbie Grant

abbie.grant@b-nm.co.uk

0117 934 3626 Advertising Caroline Stretton

caroline.stretton@b-nm.co.uk

0117 934 3737 Distribution Simon Butler

0117 934 3741

simon.butler@b-nm.co.uk Design Cath Evans, Mike Gartside Production Emma Gorton, Ruth Wood Main office 0117 942 8491

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

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

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

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

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

PRIMARY TIMES

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Find these amazing offers this issue!

Brislington School of Dance – Free Trial Class Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm – £2 off admission Razzamataz Theatre Schools – Free taster sessions Explore Learning – Free trial Swimstart - buy five lessons and get two free Primary Times has a smashing, new-look website, a portal to all the 60 regional editions of the magazine including Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire. The new site is brighter, cleaner and easier to navigate, so go ahead and explore what’s on in your area on: www.primarytimes.net BACK TO SCHOOL 2014

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27/08/2014 14:42:43

A Baaa-rilliant Shaun the Sheep design challenge

Luckwell Primary School in Bristol is ready to take on ‘Shaun’s Cracking Design Challenge’

Schools across the country are being invited to take part in Shaun’s Cracking Design Challenge, an exciting national schools programme which will take place in 2015.

P

upils are being asked to take up the challenge to design an innovative mode of transport to get Shaun and his friends back to the farm after he gets lost in the big city!

The winning design will be created around a giant five foot high Shaun the Sheep sculpture which will feature in an exhibition, before being presented to the winning school. In addition to the challenge, schools can register for a free interactive pack full of creative ideas to engage pupils, model making workshops, top tips on how to draw Shaun the This project is from the Sheep and ideas to inspire new same team that create d ‘Gromit Unleashed’, which raised £4.5m for inventions that can transport Bristol’s Children’s Hos pital.

Shaun out of the city.

Participating schools across being the Chinese Year of the the country will also have the ideas generation and intellectual Sheep. This makes it the ideal time opportunity to purchase a Shaun property, essential to safeguardfor children across the country to in the City ‘lamb’, a 70cm high ing the careers of future British take part in an exciting challenge sculpture to keep and decorate as innovators. Schools and youth while at the same time learning they wish. The first 100 schools to groups can now take up the chalabout animation, inventions and register will get a special introduclenge of getting Shaun back home artistic design. tory price. to the farm in unique and innovaAardman Animations have ‘Shaun’s Cracking Design tive ways. I look forward to seepartnered with The Intellectual Challenge’ gives schools and chiling some of the ‘cracking ideas’ Property Office to create ‘Shaun’s dren across the country a chance entered into the competition.”

Cracking Design Challenge’, and to join the flock and engage with The schools programme in the project has been endorsed by one of the world’s most-loved aniBristol and the South West is supBaroness Neville-Rolfe, Minister mated characters. porting Wallace & Gromit’s Grand for Intellectual Property. “Shaun Next year is a fantastic year for Appeal, the Bristol Children’s in the City is an eye-catching and Shaun, with the ‘Shaun in the City’ Hospital Charity, as part of a wider colourful initiative,” she says. arts trails, the release of ‘Shaun arts initiative to raise money for “It reinforces the importance of the Sheep Movie’, and with 2015

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children in hospital around the UK. ‘Shaun in the City’ will see 120 giant sculptures of one of the world’s best loved animated characters, designed by artists and released onto the streets of Bristol and London in two ‘ewe-nique’ arts trails.

Schools across the UK can take part in ‘Shaun’s Cracking Design Challenge’, supported by the Intellectual Property Office and Pasta King, which will run from September 2014 to May 2015.

Register now for your free schools pack by visiting www. shauninthecity.org.uk/schools ©&™Aardman/W&G Ltd 2014.

All rights reserved. Reg. Charity 1043603

PRIMARY TIMES

27/08/2014 16:20:08

PRIMARY TIMES

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Kelloggs.co.uk BACK TO SCHOOL 2014 5

27/08/2014 15:58:43

Shaun to be

wild

As ‘Shaun the Sheep Movie’ prepares to wow families next year, Frances Stewart gets a glimpse of the frenetic activity behind the scenes.

E

arly one Thursday morning, a taxi drops me off in a nondescript business park near Aztec West. I begin to wonder if I’m in the right place, or if I’m the victim of a strange practical joke. I’m here for a studio tour of Aardman Animations’ newest project ‘Shaun the Sheep Movie’, scheduled for release in February next year. Surely, an internationally renowned animation company making a Hollywood movie would be based somewhere more glamorous? Eventually, I spot an ‘Aardman Animations’ sign on a vast, unprepossessing shed-like building.

But inside it’s a different story. I’m ushered into a room packed with displays of Aardman’s many awards.

Posters of previous blockbusters adorn the walls, and a table of international Shaun the Sheep merchandise is a sight to behold.

But what really grabs my attention is the genuine passion and enthusiasm of the people who work here.

This becomes increasingly evident as the tour progresses. Everyone from the model makers to the directors and producers love what they do

with an utterly infectious passion.

Shaun made his screen debut, I learn, in Aardman’s third Wallace and Gromit short film, 1995’s ‘A Close Shave’. It was only a six minute appearance but long enough to propel him into the hearts of the nation.

Aardman co-founder Dave Sproxton jokes, “It was partially as a result of Baby Spice being photographed

Primary Times reporter Frances Stewart holds an international movie star in the palm of her hand

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wearing a Shaun the Sheep rucksack.” However, Shaun’s appeal has endured as he recently topped the poll of favourite BBC children’s characters of the past 70 years so it’s hardly a surprise that he now takes centre stage in his own feature film.

‘Shaun The Sheep Movie’ will see our woolly hero and his flock enter The Big City to fearlessly retrieve their farmer and rectify life on the farm after a harmless prank goes wrong.

We are treated to a short introduction to the film and the Shaun heritage by Sproxton and producer Paul Kewley. Sproxton is visibly pleased with the movie’s progress and points out that Aardman “started as a kitchen table hobby in 1976” and is now globally acclaimed. Kewley talks us through the plot, explaining that Aardman has remained faithful to the original concept of Shaun as a non-speaking character, which certainly presents its challenges over a feature-length film.

However, with expressive “baaa”-ing from Shaun and his flock, bemused mumbling from the farmer and stern “ruffs” from Bitzer the sheep dog, the dialogue will almost certainly be more entertaining than some movie

scripts we could think of. As director Mark Burton remarks, the style of humour is undeniably slapstick so words aren’t always necessary.

Next up, is the studio tour. The amount of effort put into the models is astonishing. As one model maker remarks, it is very much a labour of love. We are shown some of the clothes worn by the sheep and I’m sorely disillusioned when I discover that they are not all little plasticine items. Nowadays, a more hi-tech foam latex is used, while senior model maker Anne King explains that using solid moulds is much better for continuity, as several pieces of the same item will be exactly the same size in every scene. But plasticine still has its place with an array of farm animals used in the film.

We’re shown an impressive street scene whose buildings stand about four feet tall. It’s packed with detail: there’s a miniature ATM machine in the wall of one building, tiny black bin bags tied up on the pavement, even miniature stickers stuck in a bedroom window. Art director Matt Perry says that the film has “an ultrarealistic feel to it. But it’s our job to make sure that you don’t really notice all this detail. It should just fit in.” As we continue around the studio, more details reveal themselves miniature graffiti under a motorway bridge, hanging baskets outside a fancy restaurant and a bicycle propped up against a wall.

Over a cup of tea, directors Richard Starzak and Burton, and producers Julie Lockhart and Kewley muse over the changing audience of animated films. Starzak and Burton both agree that whenever they make a film, they always want to make something that they themselves will find entertaining. And that’s the magic of Aardman; offering stories both childlike yet nuanced, broad yet detailed. Everyone is invited to join in.

PRIMARY TIMES

27/08/2014 14:52:38

A world-class education in the heart of Bristol.

Open Evening Tuesday 7th October

Open Morning Wednesday 8th October

To book your place, please contact our Admissions Department.

Phone: 0117 905 5271 • Email: admissions@badmintonschool.co.uk • Twitter: @AcorntoOakBris www.badmintonschool.co.uk

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27/08/2014 15:59:21

The egg Cafe, Bath

Please can I get down now?

Struggling to find a restaurant you can take the children to?

Ellen White seeks out local eateries where parents can relax even after that dreaded question.

H

Farringtons Farm Café Home Farm, Main St, Farrington Gurney, Bristol, BS39 6UB. 01761 452266. www.farringtons.co.uk.

Farringtons has recently launched its Family Food Nights, running from Wednesday to Friday. Great, fresh, seasonal menu using produce sourced from the surrounding farm and fields. Dishes include homemade pate, omelettes, quiches, Sunday roasts and daily specials alongside delicious homemade cakes.

aving young children shouldn’t mean having to give up the pleasures of a meal out. And more restaurants than ever are understanding that it’s vital to keep the kids happy if the parents are to have a relaxing time. Here is our guide to some of Bath and Bristol’s most familyfriendly places to eat.

The Swan Bath Rd, Bristol, BS30 6LN. 0117 932310. www.bathales. com. Food served Mon-Sat 12 noon-9pm, Sun 12 noon-8pm.

One of a network of Bath Ales pubs in the area, this traditional country pub features a spacious outdoor area with plenty of picnic benches and a wooden children’s play area. A full children’s menu includes mini fish and chips, sausages, fishcakes and beef or lamb roast on Sundays.

Mains include steak and mushroom pie and 28 day aged sirloin steak.

Giraffe Glass House, Cabot Circus, Bond St, Bristol, BS1 3BX. 0117 930 0603 and 8 Dorchester St, Bath, BA1 1SS. 01225 463333.

9am-10pm/10.30pm (Sat)/9pm (Sun). www.giraffe.net.

A chain of family-oriented restaurants with an impressive children’s menu, including breakfasts served until noon.

Mains feature omelettes, grilled salmon salad and chicken schnitzel alongside fresh juices, milk and smoothies. The staff are specially trained to provide a patient, accommodating environment with children in mind.

The egg Café The egg Theatre, Sawclose, Bath, Avon, BA1 1ET. 01225 823409. www.theatre-

®

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Farrington’s Farm Cafe

royal.org.uk/theegg. 9am or 10am (Sat & Sun) to 10.30pm.

Situated within Bath’s theatre dedicated to children, young people and their families. There’s plenty of pushchair space and an indoor play area for little ones.

Menu includes sandwiches, panini’s, jacket potatoes, children’s sandwich plates and delicious cakes. The staff pride themselves on welcoming children.

The Bear 6-10 Wellsway, Bath, BA2 3AQ. 01225 425795. 8am2.30pm/6pm-9.30pm (Mon-Fri), 8am-4pm/6pm-9.30pm (Sat), 8am-4pm/6pm-8.30pm (Sun).

The Bear offers a children’s menu for lunch and dinner as well as a children’s play area with vintage mini tables, chairs and wooden toys. The ‘cubs’ menu is reasonably priced, offering a main, drink and pudding for £6.50. Also plenty of highchairs, private parking and a courtyard garden.

The Malborough Tavern 35 Malborough Buildings, Bath, BA1 2LY. 01225 423731. www.malborough-tavern.com. Open 12pm-11pm/ Midnight.

Traditional, home cooked food and the children’s menu is fresh, healthy and well thought out, offering a range of starters such as vegetable sticks and hummus, to mains including pea and mint risotto and roast chicken breast. There’s a competitively priced set lunch menu of two courses for £12 or three for £15.

The Mill House Emersons Way, Emersons Green, Bristol, BS16 7AE. 0117 970 2023. www.fayre-square. com/pub/mill-house-emersonsgreen. 11/11.30am-11pm.

The Mill House’s main advantage for families is the addition of a Wacky Warehouse soft play and activity area for children, with aerial runs, cargo nets and astro slides, plus a safe toddler area. Huge kids menu with starters, mains, meal deals, sides, tortillas, roasts and puddings.

The Alma Tavern and Theatre 18-20 Alma Vale Rd, Bristol, BS8 2HY. 0117 973 5171. www.almatavernandtheatre.co.uk. Food served 12pm-3pm/6pm-9.30pm (Mon-Sat),12pm-5.30pm(Sun).

Highchairs, baby changing facilities and colouring paper and pencils welcome younger children, while the menu includes homemade burgers, fish and chips, pastas and Sunday roasts.

Most dishes can be adjusted to child-sized portions on request.

The Eastfield Inn 219 Henleaze Rd, Bristol, BS9 4NQ. 0117 239 1466. www.theeastfieldinn. co.uk.

Food served 11.30am-3pm/59.30pm (Mon-Fri),11pm-9pm (Sat), 12pm-8pm (Sun).

Fully refurbished, traditional pub boasting an outdoor softplay area and cosy interior.

All chips from the children’s menu come unsalted unless requested. Plus a range of extra activities specifically for families, with drop in baby massage sessions 10am Tuesdays, drop in post natal classes 10am Thursdays and free sunny soft play mornings every Tuesday and Thursday.

Supporting breakfast clubs for 16 years 27/08/2014 14:54:23

Achievement

Community

Aspiration

Responsibility

Aspire Open Evenings Tuesday 7th October Thursday 6th November 6.00 - 8.00 pm T. 0117 942 4328 E. admissions@colstonsgirls.bristol.sch.uk www.dolphinschool.bristol.sch.uk

Open Evenings (Yr 7) Wednesday 10th September Tuesday 16th September 6.00 - 8.00 pm T. 0117 942 4328 E. admissions@colstonsgirls.bristol.sch.uk www.colstonsgirls.bristol.sch.uk

SHAPING THE FUTURE

A new primary school for Montpelier 60 Reception places available September 2015 in the newly refurbished primary school on this site

Apply now at www.bristol.gov.uk All applications by 16th January 2015. Telephone Admissions on 0117 910 8412 Fairlawn Primary School, Fairlawn Road, Montpelier, Bristol, BS6 5JW

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The Fairlawn Site

Fairlawn Primary School

27/08/2014 16:00:01

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

GOOD

Open Mornings

Open Evening

Thursday 18th September Friday 19th September Monday 22nd September 08:50 – 11:00

Wednesday 17th September 18:30 – 21:00

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

www.kingsoakacademy.org.uk Brook Road, Kingswood, Bristol, BS15 4JT Telephone: 01454 866538

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BACK TO SCHOOL 2014

PRIMARY TIMES

28/08/2014 10:55:45

The safety net The internet is a fact of life for most 21st century children. Becki Murray explores ways to make sure it’s safe.

F

rom the child who runs up hundreds of pounds in phone bills on inadvertent “in-app” purchases to the 10-year-old who stumbles across adult content online, parents are frequently reminded of the new dangers brought to us by the internet age. Online activity is a growing component of young people’s lives as Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, reported in 2013.

It said that 82% of 5 to 7 year olds and 96% of 8 to 11 year olds now use the internet while the same figures reported that 11% of 9 to 16 year olds have encountered sexual images online in the last 12 months.

Whether using search engines to help with their homework or social media to talk to friends, children clearly face risks online. It’s equally clear, however, that they can’t be barred from using their devices entirely and parents need to proactively manage their children’s internet activities to reduce the risks to an absolute minimum.

As many experts pointed out, the world wide web is a public place where anyone can create

PRIMARY TIMES

of controls parents can deploy if they’re not one hundred percent confident of their child’s sense of internet safety. Many internet search engines now have easily activated ‘SafeSearch’ features, while child-friendly search engines such as Swiggle only display search results appropriate for children.

Other measures include establishing time limiting rules and only allowing internet use in a parent’s presence.

More advanced technology can monitor and control your children’s browsing.

For example Kate Power NetGenie, a product by UK anti-virus specialist Cyberoam, offers security solutions already used by schools to the home. It filters content based on your child’s age and sets internet-off ‘bedtimes’, without affecting parents’ online activity. Simon Muir of the Bristol IT Company, which supplies the product says, ‘It does what any responsible parent needs, protecting children, without making them feel constrained.”

Meanwhile, you can be confident of online safety in your child’s school, says Nick Yates of North Somerset Council, if it has an E-Safety Mark. This recognises “a good level of policy and provision of e-safety across the whole

school community.”

Schools in North Somerset, he says, also use a broadband service, the South West Grid for Learning, which will not permit access to any sites listed by the online monitoring organisation Internet Watch Foundation.

The internet itself has plenty of advice on protecting children online. The NSPCC and Internet Matters websites, as well as the Police’s Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP), engage all ages with internet safety. They contain information for parents such as how to start conversations about children’s computer use as well as explaining how to report online activities which have upset or unnerved either themselves or their child.

If you’re at all worried about your child’s internet activity, of course, don’t hesitate to suspend their computer usage and turn to CEOP or the NSPCC for guidance.

Bath and North East Somerset Council www.bathnes.gov.uk Bristol City Council www.bristol.gov.uk CEOP www.thinkuknow.co.uk Internet Matters: Online Help www.internetmatters.org My Underpants Rule! by Kate Power www.ustarnovels.co.uk, £6.99 Net Genie www.bristolitcompany.com/netgenie.

North Somerset Council www.n-somerset.gov.uk NSPCC Online Safety www. nspcc.org.uk South Gloucester Council www. southglos.gov.uk BACK TO SCHOOL 2014

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14 Avon Features BTS 2014.indd 9

content, while any content you or your children post may be visible to a global audience. In the same way that they discuss the dangers of the outside world with their children parents can have a similar conversation with children about online safety.

Author and former police officer Kate Power stresses that there’s no substitute for discussing these issues with your children. She suggests using scenarios to make conversations interactive, a method she has used with her own children.

“Instead of telling a child, ‘Don’t talk to strange people online!’, parents can ask specific questions about situations children may encounter,” says Power. “Try asking, ‘What would you do if you accidentally clicked on something which made you uncomfortable?’” Her book ‘My Underpants Rule’, which chimes with the NSPCC’s PANTS campaign, offers practical, easily understood advice to 4 to 8 year olds about their private areas. The overriding message is “What’s under my pants belongs only to me.” This approach allows children to think for themselves, Power insists, and ensures they understand how to react in the event of an inappropriate suggestion.

The method avoids distress by focusing on proactive prevention rather than the consequences of making a mistake and children feel that their safety comes before any punishment for the actions they report.

Beyond this, there are a range

11

Feeding 80,000 people breakfast across the UK, every day 27/08/2014 14:56:39

FAMILY & CHILDREN’S SHOWS ★ BRISTOL, BATH, SOMERSET & SOUTH GLOS Shrek the Musical, The Hippodrome, Bristol, until Sun 7 Sep

BATH BATH FORUM Bath Forum, 1a Forum Buildings, St James Parade, Bath, BA1 1UG. 0844 888 9991, www.bathforum. co.uk The Snowman Tue 23 Dec, 4pm. £16.50 (adult)/£8.80 (child) • Experience Raymond Briggs’ wonderful film classic with Howard Blake’s score performed by a live orchestra. With carols, lots of audience participation, a visit from Santa and a Christmas themed fancy dress parade for children.

THE EGG Theatre Royal, Sawclose, Bath BA1 1ET. 01225 448844, www.theatreroyal.org.uk The Queen’s Knickers Sat 20-Wed 24 Sep, various times. £7.50 (adult)/£6.50 (child/students) • What would you do if you lost the Queen’s pants? Find out when Dilys, the Queen’s maid does, causing a national state of emergency in this comedy piece by two actors. Suitable for 3+.

The Curious Scrapbook of Josephine Bean Fri 26- Sat 27 Sep, various times. £7.50 (adult)/£6.50 (child/student) • Discover who Josephine Bean was in this scrapbook of memories which slowly becomes a window into a secret world. Suitable for 7+.

Strictly Balti Thu 2 Oct, 1pm & 7pm. £7.50 (adult)/£6.50 (child/student) • Join Saikat as he dances precariously through his dual-identity childhood, torn between Birmingham and Bangladesh. Take a humorous look at what it means to be British from someone who had to learn the hard way with ballroom dancing, Latin, werewolves and no one getting your name right. Suitable for 10+.

Once in a Blue Moon Fri 3-Sat 4 Oct, 1pm (Fri), 11.30am, 3pm (Sat). £7.50 (adult)/£6.50 (child/

student) • It’s the moon’s birthday and he is having a party. With dance, live music and audience participation, this journey into space introduces you to some curious characters. Suitable for 3+.

Where the White Stops Sat 11-Mon 13 Oct, 11.30am, 3pm (Sat), 7pm (Mon). £7.50 (adult)/£6.50 (child/student) • Using polyphonic song and playful physical storytelling, this piece tells the adventure of Crab and her tragic obsession with the unknown as she leaves the safety of her village to journey across a vast and desolate frozen landscape. Suitable for 6+.

One Giant Leap Thu 16-Sat 18 Oct, various times. £7.50 (adult)/£6.50 (child/student) • Funny and serious, intelligent and silly, cosmic and personal, this true story examines about what we take for granted as one actor attempts to bring the whole universe into the theatre using a tennis ball, a wastepaper basket and a dash of theatrical invention. Ages 10+.

The Falcon’s Malteser Mon 20-Sat 25 Oct, various times, no Tue performance. £11 (adult)/£8 (child/student)/£30 (family)/£7.50 (schools) • Follow the adventures of the hopelessly inept private detective Tim Diamond and his sharp-witted brother Nick

The Little Table of Delights, Bristol Old Vic, Wed 24 Sep-Sat 4 Oct 12 BACK TO SCHOOL 2014

14 Avon Theatre listings BTS 2014.indd 8

as they set off on a thrilling case to discover just what is so important about a box of Maltesers. Anthony Horowitz’s book is adapted for the stage by New Old Friends. Ages 8+.

Little Howard and the Magic Pencil of Life and Death Tue 28-Wed 29 Oct, 11.30am, 3pm. £7.50 (adult)/£6.50 (child/student) • Little Howard has discovered the magical pencil that drew him but also, on the other end, is the eraser of death. If that wasn’t enough, Big Howard has a real-life baby who is getting a little too much attention. An interactive stand-up show with 3D animation and lots of songs for the whole family. Suitable for 5+.

The Assembly of Animals Sat 1-Sun 2 Nov, 11am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm, 4pm (ages 3+), 5.30pm (ages 7+). £7.50 (adult)/£6.50 (child/student) • Puppetry, magic and scientific-demonstration combine as young audiences and families experience the delicate inner workings of this new performance

by Tim Spooner.

Mucky Pup Fri 7- Sun 9 Nov, various times. £7.50 (adult)/£6.50 (child/student) • A funny and touching story about a tidy boy, a scruffy dog and a very special friendship. Suitable for 5+.

Rumpelstiltskin Thu 27 Nov– Sun 4 Jan, various times. £17 (adult)/£12 (children and students) • A musical show for the family.

This modern production retells the Grimm Brothers’ classic tale with plenty of magic, mischief and menace. Suitable for 8+.

THEATRE ROYAL Sawclose, Bath, BA1 1ET. 01225 823409. www.theatreroyal.org.uk.

Cinderella Thu 11 Dec-Sun 11 Jan, various times. £8-£29 • Classic fairy tale starring Tracy Beaker’s Dani Harmer as Cinderella.

Treated as a servant by her wicked (not to mention ugly) stepsisters, Cinderella needs all the magic

her fairy godmother can muster, along with help from her best friend, Buttons, if she is to meet her Prince Charming and find true love before the clock strikes midnight.

ROYAL VICTORIA PARK BA1 2NQ. 020 3375 3970. www. moscowstatecircus.com Moscow State Circus: Park Gorkogo Wed 17-Thu 21 Sep, 5pm & 7.45pm (Wed, Thu, Fri), 3pm & 6pm (Sat), 2pm & 5pm (Sun), £10-£35 • This new production by one of Russia’s greatest cultural exports promises thrills, spills and laughs aplenty as it recreates Moscow’s cultural quarter as the backdrop to its world class circus performances.

BRISTOL BLAKEHAY THEATRE Wadham Street, Weston-superMare, BS23 1JZ. 01934 645493 www.blakehaytheatre.ticketsource.co.uk Unpacked Lunch Children’s Performance Sun 28 Sep, 6pm start, £2.50-£5 • Watch the mini musical created by this weekend’s children’s workshop all about food and its journey through our bodies.

Nutcracker Sweet Wed 17-Mon 22 Dec, various times, £7.50 • A family Christmas musical by David Wood. Follow the struggles of the nuts as they fight against the villainous confectioner Professor Jelly Bon Bon who wants to use them in his chocolate assortments.

THE BRISTOL OLD VIC King Street, Bristol BS1 4ED. 0117 987 7877, www.bristololdvic.org. uk The Little Table of Delights Wed 24 Sep-Sat 4 Oct, various times. £8/£5 • Join pirouetting beetroots, eggs telling bad yolks, and a feast of food tales in this participatory picnic. Children can sample bite-size tasters (nut-and meat-free with gluten/dairy-free options available) and learn about the provenance of food while award-winning chefs transform raw ingredients in front of their eyes. This theatrical tasting will tickle their taste-buds and ignite their imaginations. Suitable for ages 7-12.

Bristol Family Arts Festival Sat 18 Oct–Sat 1 Nov, various times • Over the October half term, the Bristol Old Vic will be a hub of excitement and activity. The Bristol Family Arts Festival will feature daily shows including

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Brislington School of Dance Musical Theatre classes

Tel: 01761 472109

Fr e cl e t as ria s l

St Peter’s church hall, Brislington Fridays 5.30pm to 7.00pm Ages six years and over Children will gain confidence and learn all aspects of musical theatre in a friendly and encouraging atmosphere.

DANCE? THE BRISTOL SCHOOL OF DANCING… ……naturally! www.thebristolschoolofdancing.co.uk

Independent day school where girls shine

Visiting Morning Thursday 9 October Open Morning Saturday 8 November redmaids.co.uk

For more information please contact: Junior School, Mrs Lynn McCabe 0117 962 9451

@RedMaidsSchool /redmaidsschool

Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol BS9 4DP

PRIMARY TIMES

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

The Gruffalo, Bristol Old Vic, Mon 27-Wed 29 Oct.

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‘The Great Big Story Mix Up’ (see below) and foyer performances.

Suitable for children of all ages.

The Gruffalo Mon 27-Wed 29 Oct, various times, £12.50/£45 (family) • Based on the book

by Julie Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, this Tall Stories production full of songs and laughs brings the beloved children’s tale to life.

The Great Big Story Mix Up Wed 29 Oct- Sat 1 Nov, various times, £12/£7 • What do you get if you cross a dressing up box, musical instruments and a treasure trove of extraordinary objects with a group of actors brimming with storytelling and silliness? This unique treat for children in the half term break allows children to create the story. Special Halloween performance on 31 Oct. Ages 7+.

War Game Tue 11 Nov-Sat 22 Nov, various times, £7.50-£12 • Inspired by Michael Foreman’s novella for young readers, this production tells the story of the opening months of World War I through the eyes of a village football team which signs up and is despatched, before playing in the famous Christmas Day match with the enemy in No Man’s Land.

The Magic Elves Wed 26 Nov-Sun 3 Jan, various times. £13/£7.50 • Life is a party for the Magic Elves. They love to play, dance and be very silly! But they get a shock when they move to an old shoe shop and realise not everyone is as happy as they are.

The Magic Elves must help put a smile back on the shoemaker’s face in time for the Christmas Disco. Ages 3+.

Swallows and Amazons Thu 27 Nov-Sat 17 Jan, various times, £5-£30 • Back by popular demand, this family musical is a story of an idyllic era, of endless summer evenings and the beauty of youthful imagination.

Follow Captain John and his able crew as they set sail to Wildcat Island on an exotic adventure to encounter savages, capture dastardly pirates and defeat mortal enemies.

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THE BRISTOL HIPPODROME St. Augustine’s Parade, BS1 4UZ. 0844 871 3012, www.atgtickets. com/bristol Shrek the Musical Until Sun 7 Sep, 7pm (Tue & Sat), 2.30pm (Thu & Sat), 3pm (Sun), £15£49.50 • Join our unlikely hero and his loyal steed Donkey as they embark on a quest to rescue the beautiful Princess Fiona from a fire-breathing dragon.

Add into the mix Lord Farquaad and a gang of fairytale misfits and you’ve got an all-singing, all-dancing extravaganza.

Barnum Tue 16–Sat 27 Sep, 7.30pm (Mon-Sat), 2.30pm (Thu 25 & Sat 20 & 27), £12.50-£49.50 • This Cameron Mackintosh and Michael Harrison musical charts the irrepressible imagination and dreams of Phineas T Barnum, “America’s Greatest Showman”.

Brian Conley stars as P.T. with Linxi Hateley as Chairy.

Riverdance Tue 30 Sep–Sun 5 Oct, 8pm, 2.30pm (Sat & Sun), £31.90-£48.40 • A chance for UK Riverdance fans old and new.

Twenty years after its debut, this demonstration of Irish dancing entertainment is back by popular demand.

Peppa Pig’s Big Splash Tue 7-Wed 8 Oct, 1pm & 4pm (Tue), 10am & 1pm (Wed), £16.40£22.90 • Sing along with Peppa and her friends as they have fun putting up bunting, running stalls and raising money to fix the leaking nursery roof. Grab your wellies and brollies and get splashing.

Calamity Jane Tue 21–Sat 25 Oct, 7.30pm, 2.30pm (Wed, Thur & Sat), £12.90-£38.90 • Jodie Prenger and Tim Lister star in this tale of wild west derring do, with a hint of romance, as rival law enforcers Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickock attempt to keep the peace in rowdy Deadwood City.

Sister Act Tue 28 Oct–Sat 1 Nov, 7.30pm, 2.30pm (Wed & Sat) £14.40-£28.40 • When a criminal boss puts her on his “hit list”, lounge singer Dolores

disguises herself as a nun and takes refuge in a nunnery. While evading the unwelcome attentions of the underworld, Dolores also performs miracles with the nunnery choir.

Coppelia Tue 4-Sat 8 Nov, 7.30pm (Tue, Wed, Fri), 2pm, 7.30pm (Thu), 2.30pm, 7.30pm (Sat). £11.90-£48.90 • A comic family ballet about an eccentric toymaker and his mechanical doll. Love triumphs over all in this comedy of mistaken identity set to Delibes’ melodic score, performed by English National Ballet’s full orchestra.

Dick Whittington Sat 6 DecSun 5 Jan, 2pm & 7pm, £10£39.50 • Britain’s Got Talent winners Ashleigh and Pudsey star in this year’s family pantomime. Also starring CBeebies star Ben Faulks and popular panto dame Eric Potts.

DURDHAM DOWNS Stoke Road, BS9 1FG 020 3375 3970. www.moscowstatecircus. com Moscow State Circus: Park Gorkogo Wed 1-Tue 12 Oct, 5pm & 7.45pm (Wed, Thu, Fri), 3pm & 6pm (Sat), 2pm & 5pm (Sun), no shows Tues. £10-£35 • This new production by one of Russia’s greatest cultural exports promises thrills, spills and laughs aplenty as it recreates Moscow’s cultural quarter as the backdrop to its world class circus performances.

THE PLAYHOUSE THEATRE High Street, Weston-superMare, Somerset, BS23 1HP. 01934 645544, www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk Milkshake Live Sat 13 Sep, 1pm, £13.50 (adult)/£11.50 (child)/£46 (family) • Starring some of your favourites from TV’s Milkshake, this musical is sure to have children up on their feet and singing along to new songs, classic favourites and dance routines. There will be plenty of laughter, audience interaction and lots of fun for the whole family Peter Pan Thu 11 Dec-Sun 4 Jan, various times, £13.95 (group/ school/family rates available) • Be transported to Neverland in this production of the classic children’s family favourite.

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

War, Women and Song Until Tue 2 Sep, 8pm, £12/£10 • More than 600 performers signed up for a tour of duty with The Lena Ashwell YMCA Concert Parties between 1914 and 1919.

They played wherever and whenever they were needed, bringing comfort to those on the front. Inspired by archives and recently discovered private notebooks, the Redgrave presents powerful stories from the First World War performed

with evocative music. T: 0117 902 0344 to book.

Alice in Wonderland and What She Found There Fri 28 Nov-Thu 18 Dec, 10am, 2pm & 7pm, £8-£17 • Following last year’s sell-out production of ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’, Bristol Old Vic Theatre School presents the adventures of Lewis Carroll’s Alice and her encounters with the White Rabbit, Mad Hatter, Queen of Hearts and many more. T: 0117 973 3955.

FURTHER AFIELD EVERYMAN THEATRE Regent Street, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573, www.everymantheatre.org.uk The Gruffalo Tue 16-Wed 17 Sep, various times, Studio Theatre. £12 (adult)/£10 (child) • Tall Stories’ hit musical stage adaptation of the award winning picture book, a family treat with plenty of songs, laughs and scary fun. Suitable for 3+.

Alice In Wonderland Sat 11 Oct, 2pm. Studio Theatre. £10.50/£9 (conc) • Lewis Carroll’s Wonderland is brought to the stage in a whirl of strange contraptions, handmade puppets and extraordinary characters which brings Alice’s adventure to life.

PARABOLA ARTS CENTRE Parabola Arts Centre Auditorium, Parabola Rd, Cheltenham, GL50 3AA. 01242 707338. www.parabolaartscentre.co.uk Tweedy’s Magic and Mayhem Show Sat 20 Sep, 1.30pm,. £7.50 • Tweedy has had enough of being the magicians’ assistant and has decided it’s time to be a magician instead.

Unfortunately, all does not go to plan, leading to more mayhem than magic in this funny, family show.

SALISBURY ARTS CENTRE Salisbury Arts Centre, Bedwin Street, Salisbury, SP1 3UT. 01722 321744, www.salisburyartscentre. co.uk Pied Piper Sat 13 Sep, 11am & 2pm, £7.50 (adult)/£6.50 (concs)/£24 (family) • Norwich Puppet Theatre brings this classic tale to life with a skilful mix of puppetry, foot-tapping music and storytelling.

THE WYVERN THEATRE Theatre Square, Swindon SN1 1QN. 01793 524481, www.swindontheatres.co.uk What the Ladybird Heard Sat 13-Sun 14 Sep, 1.30pm (Sat), 10am & 12.30pm (Sun), £12 • Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks’ colourful farmyard adventure is brought to life, as the ladybird is all that stands between two crafty robbers and the farmer’s fine prize cow.

Barmy Britain Tue 16-Sat 20 Sep, various times, £14-£18 • Horrible Histories presents its brand new show, complete with 3D special effects. Learn about history in a slapstick way with William the Conqueror, Queen Victoria and others.

Give a child a breakfast: one box = one bowl 27/08/2014 15:46:39

Our students leave with much more than the best exam results

Visiting Morning Thursday 9 October Open Morning Saturday 8 November redmaids.co.uk

Lizzie: Favourite subject - Geography Dinghy racer, taking part in RS Feva World Championships Violinist, Chamber and Symphony Orchestra Green Leader

Aoife: Favourite subject - Geography Hockey captain, left midďŹ elder and county player British Youth Fencer, South West of England team Green Leader

For more information please contact: Senior School, Mrs Liz Bamber 0117 989 8252

@RedMaidsSchool /redmaidsschool

Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol BS9 3AW

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First Steps and Carly Elizabeth

Brand new live show!

SCHOOL OF DANCE

All England Dance Final Winners w w w. f i r s t s t e p s d a n c e . c o . u k

with over 25 years of experience

CLASSES HELD AT STANBRIDGE SCHOOL, DOWNEND OR ST. STEPHEN’S CHURCH HALL, SOUNDWELL 2 ½ to 18 years

Ballet Modern Tap Jazz

National

Song & Dance

Exams ★ Shows ★ Displays ★ Competitions ★ TV work Or just for fun!

Please contact: Kathryn Pearce AISTD.DDE Tel: 0117 9495357 Email: info@firststepsdance.co.uk

Tue 7 - Wed 8 October

0844 871 3012*

St Augustine’s Parade Bristol BS1 4UZ

www.atgtickets.com/bristol* *Subject to booking/transaction fee.

www.peppapiglive.com Peppa Pig © Astley Baker Davies Ltd / Entertainment One UK Ltd 2003

Stonar is changing Senior boys from 2016 22 international partner schools

Stonar values tradition Exceeding parents’ expectations since 1895 Academic excellence – renowned for adding value

Open Morning Saturday 27 September A British school with a global perspective Girls 2–18 Boys 2–11 Atworth Wiltshire

Exceed Shine Belong www.stonarschool.com

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PRIMARY TIMES

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

Deadlines: List your school or community group’s events in Primary Times for free. We work half a term in advance so we’re now collecting information for October, November and December 2014: deadline Mon 22 Sep. If your event is to raise funds for a school or charity, and is open to the public, please let us know.

E: mike.gartside@venue.co.uk.

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

SEPTEMBER UNTIL THU 4 SEP GET CREATIVE AT M SHED Princes Wharf, Wapping Road, Bristol, BS1 4RN. www.mshed.org, 0117 352 6600. Free with a ticket to Wallace & Gromit: From The Drawing Board • Fun for all ages.

Create a character from scratch through drawing or creative writing, have a go at finger painting or even make a whole story board. Let your imagination run wild!

UNTIL SUN 7 SEP SUMMER KITCHEN At-Bristol, Anchor Rd, Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5DB. 0117 909 2000. www.at-bristol.org.uk. Drop in sessions throughout the day. Standard admission applies • Don your apron, grab a chopping board and join the At-Bristol team in their brand new kitchen to deconstruct some classic summery treats.

UNTIL SUN 7 SEP SUMMER 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. Standard admission applies • Things will be hotting up in the new green house in At-Bristol’s new Food exhibition.

Drop in, get some soil under your fingernails and have a go at growing your own delicious food.

UNTIL SUN 7 SEP WALLACE AND GROMIT FROM THE DRAWING BOARD M Shed, Princes Wharf, Wapping Rd, Bristol, BS1 4RN. 0117 352 6600. www.bristolmuseums.org. uk/m-shed. 10am-5pm. Adults £5.95/concs £4.95/children £3.95/family ticket £14.95 • Aardman Animations takes over M Shed to present an insight into much loved Bristol creations Wallace and Gromit. Find out how funny storylines are dreamt up, what inspires their creators and how the characters have developed over time.

UNTIL MON 15 SEP SUMMER NIGHT SKY PLANETARIUM SHOW The Planetarium, At-Bristol, Anchor Rd, Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5LL. 0845 345 1235. 10am.

Shows run at regular intervals throughout the day. £1.50 (not including entry to At-Bristol) • Sit back and discover some of the amazing things in the night sky this summer. Learn about star colours and what they reveal, how to identify the Summer Triangle constellation and much more.

UNTIL MON 29 SEP FLAVOUR LAB 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 • Put your tastebuds to the test and get your senses working together as you investigate how smells and sounds can influence our experience of food, with some surprising results.

Behind the scenes at the BBC. Just one of over 60 Bristol buildings open to the public on Doors Open Day, Sat 13 Sep.

UNTIL SUN 5 OCT THE INCREDIBLE EDIBLE SHOW At Bristol, Anchor Rd, Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5DB. 0117 909 2000, www.at-bristol.org. uk. Regular shows at weekends and school holidays, free with standard admission • Experience a cookery show with a difference as you explore the chemistry of cake! Expect a hands-on exploration of classic cake ingredients: how stretchy can flour be, or how foamy can you make eggs?

Discover more about the science behind smell as bakery aromas are recreated, then find out just what happens to food once you’ve swallowed it - all with plenty of audience participation, of course!

UNTIL THU 30 OCT BRISTOL HARBOURSIDE WILD PLAY TRAIL 16 Narrow Quay, Bristol, BS1 4QA. www.arnolfini.org.uk, 0117 917 2300, 11am-6pm, free (donations welcome) • Parents 4 Play, Playing Out and the Arnolfini have grouped together to produce the wild play trail. The trail offers a great way to see the Harbourside as a family. Start your urban adventure at the Arnolfini box office.

UNTIL SUN 2 NOV NEW WORLD, OLD MAPS American Museum in Britain, Claverton Manor, Claverton, Bath, Avon BA2 7BD, 01225 460503, www.americanmuseum.org, £10 (adult)/£5.50 (child) • A rotating display of the acclaimed historic map collection formed by Dallas Pratt, co-founder of the American Museum.

Wallace & Gromit from the Drawing Board, M Shed, Bristol until Sun 7 Sep

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UNTIL SUN 2 NOV ‘PARADISE’ COMES TO TYNTESFIELD AND LEIGH WOODS Tyntesfield, Wraxall, Bristol, BS48 1NX and at Leigh Woods near Bristol. www.nationaltrust.org. uk/tyntesfield. House and chapel open 11am-5pm, estate and gar-

den open 10am-6pm.Tyntesfield prices: Adults £14.60/child £7.60/ family £36.50. Leigh Woods: free • National and international artists display contemporary art at both locations, with materials ranging from ceramics, textile, wood and edible plants. Visitors will have the opportunity to interact with the artworks through touch, smell and taste.

UNTIL SUN 2 NOV THE COLOURFUL WORLD OF KAFFE FASSETT American Museum in Britain, Claverton Manor, Bath, Avon BA2 7BD. 01225 460503, www.americanmuseum.org • An exhibition exploding with colour celebrates designer Kaffe Fassett’s return to the museum after 50 years working as an artist and colourist.

UNTIL SUN 14 DEC PORTRAIT OF A LADY? No.1 Royal York Crescent, Bath, BA1 2LR. 01225 428126. www. no1royalyorkcrescent.org.uk.

10.30am-5.30pm (12pm opening on Mondays). £4 or free with standard admission ticket • Subtitled ‘Ruin And Reputation In The Georgian Era’ this exhibition of Georgian mezzotints portrays women from different levels of society including actresses, courtesans and duchesses. Learn how women of the 18th century viewed themselves and how they were seen by society.

UNTIL THU 18 DEC BEING CAROLINE – A SECOND SELF Herschel Museum of Astronomy, 19 New King Street, Bath, Avon, BA1 2BL. www.herschelmuseum. org.uk, 01225 446865 • The Caroline Herschel exhibition at explores the life of a truly remarkable woman; told by her father that she was too poor and unattractive to marry, Caroline went on to become a world class astronomer. She was the first woman who was paid for her contribution to science and she was presented » BACK TO SCHOOL 2014

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Fairfield High School Fairfield High School

Open Evening Thursday 25th September 6.00 - 9.00pm

Achieving Excellence

...a good school

Open Mornings Thursday 2nd, Friday 3rd, Tuesday 7th & Wednesday 8th October 9.15 - 10.30am

With Outstanding Features

Phone: 0117 9527100 or Email: fairfield.s@bristol.gov.uk

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

with the Gold Medal for Science by the King of Prussia on her 96th birthday. This exhibition will be as fascinating and inspirational for children as it is for parents.

UNTIL WED 31 DEC GEORGIANS: 18TH CENTURY DRESS FOR POLITE SOCIETY Bath Fashion Museum, Bath Assembly Rooms, Bennett Street, Bath, BA1 2QH, 01225 477789, www.fashionmuseum.co.uk, £7.75 (adults)/£5.75 (child) • The museum’s special exhibition this year includes over 30 original 18th century costumes from its world-class collection and Georgian-inspired outfits from top fashion designers.

UNTIL WED 18 FEB HORSE TRAIL AROUND BATH Museum of East Asian Art, 12 Bennett St, Bath, BA1 2QJ. 01225 464640. www.meaa.org.uk. Book at least five days in advance • According to the Chinese Zodiac, this is the Year of the Horse. Join this trail to find horses in art in six different collections around Bath, including the Roman Baths, Victoria Art Gallery and the Museum of East Asian Art. FRI 5–SUN 7 SEP BRISTOL WOOL FAIR Durdham Down (by the water tower), www.bristolwoolfair.co.uk, 10am-6pm, £9 (adult)/free (under 16s) • A celebration of all things woolly with free knitting and crochet tuition, demonstrations of spinning, weaving and felt making, sheepdog displays and craft sessions for the kids. Plus food, drink, acoustic music and a bar.

SUN 7 SEP MEET THE ARTIST… JESSICA PALMER The Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney Street, Bath BA2 4DB. www.holburne.org, 01225 388569, 2.30pm. Adult with up to four accompanied children £5 • A brief talk or demonstration followed by a hands on workshop. Illustrator and paper artist Jessica Palmer shares her trade secrets and shows how to create a silhouetted image from paper.

MON 8 SEP- MON 17 NOV EGG CLUB DANCE The Egg, Theatre Royal, Sawclose, Bath BA1 1ET. 01225 448844, www. theatreroyal.org.uk. 4pm-5.30pm, Every Monday. £75 for course, financially assisted places available • Learn the basics of street dance and discover a variety of techniques to help create fantastic routines as you work towards an end of term demonstration of your progress to family and friends. For 8-11 years.

WED 10 SEP-WED 12 NOV AUTUMN KITCHEN At Bristol, Anchor Rd, Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5DB. 0117 909 2000, www.at-bristol.org. uk, 10am-5pm (6pm weekends & school holidays), free with standard admission • With drop in sessions throughout the day, join the At Bristol team in their interactive

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kitchen and really get under the skin of this year’s crops.

WED 10 SEP-WED 12 NOV AUTUMN IN THE GREENHOUSE At Bristol, Anchor Rd, Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5DB. 0117 909 2000, www.at-bristol.org.uk, 10am-5pm (6pm on weekends and school holidays), free with standard admission • Get hands-on with growing your own! It’s time to bring in the harvest and investigate the science behind the plants grown in At Bristol.

THU 11 SEP-THU 20 NOV EGG CLUB ACTING The Egg, Theatre Royal, Sawclose, Bath BA1 1ET. 01225 448844, www. theatreroyal.org.uk. 4pm-5.30pm, every Thu, 11.30am-1pm, every Sat (5-6 years), 1.30pm-3pm every Sat (7-9 year olds). £75 for course, financially assisted places available • Children learn key drama skills with experienced practitioners through a variety of games and improvisation activities on this weekly course. They can explore their imaginations, build confidence and have the opportunity to showcase what they have learnt to family and friends at the course’s end.

SAT 13 SEP FAMILY OPEN DAY AT BRLSI Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution, 16-18 Queen Square, Bath, BA1 2HN. 01225 312084, www. brlsi.org, 1pm-4pm, free • Drop in to this award-winning institution to meet Adelard, the first English mathematician, see distant galaxies using the Faulkes telescope in S.E. Australia, juggle with geometry or find out how to measure the height of distant objects. A day of educational fun.

SAT 13 SEP BRISTOL DOORS OPEN DAY Various Venues. www.bristoldoorsopenday.org. 0906 711 2191 (Bristol Tourist Information) 10am-4pm.

Free though some events need advance booking • This annual architectural extravaganza is a must for anyone interested in Bristol’s built heritage. Over 60 buildings not usually accessible to the public open their doors to display usually hidden treasures.

Explore buildings including The Wills Memorial Building, The Old Fire Station, 117 Wilder Street and Bristol Record Office and enjoy a

ROUNDABOUT range of free events and activities.

Look out for the ‘C’ symbol for venues offering special activities for children.

TUE 16 SEP-SUN 30 NOV AUTUMN NIGHT SKY PLANETARIUM SHOW At Bristol, Anchor Rd, Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5Db, 0117 909 2000, www.at-bristol.org.uk. Regular daily shows, £1.50 plus standard admission • Shorter evenings are perfect for some stargazing – so pick up some top tips on what to look out for this autumn from At Bristol’s presenters. Hear adventurous tales of Andromeda and Perseus, take a breath-taking trip to the Andromeda Galaxy, and discover how astronomers are using science to search for strange planets far beyond the limits of our own solar system.

FRI 19 SEP HARVEST HOE DOWN AT TYNTESFIELD Tyntesfield, Project Office, Bristol BS48 1NT. www.nationaltrust.org. uk/tyntesfield, 01275 461900, 7pm, £10 per ticket (not including food and drink) • Celebrate the end of the harvest with a ceilidh hoedown at Tyntesfield. There’s a live band, a ceilidh caller, a barbecue and Somerset cider bar.

SAT 20 SEP YATE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL Yate & District Heritage Centre, Church Road, Yate, BS37 5BG. 01454 862200. www.yateheritage. co.uk. 10.30am-4.30pm, excluding Sundays and Mondays • Different cultures and traditions are brought together in this community event.

Experience Indian, Chinese, English and European performances, demonstrations, activities and food throughout the day.

SAT 20-SUN 21 SEP AMERICAN CIVIL WAR WEEKEND AT THE AMERICAN MUSEUM Claverton Manor, Claverton, Bath, BA2 7BD. 01225 460503, www. americanmuseum.org, 12pm-5pm • The Southern Skirmish Association recreates scenes from the American Civil War. Take the family to brush up on historical knowledge and experience the action-packed excitement of live battle reconstructions.

American Civil War Weekend, the American Museum, Bath, Sat 20-Sun 21 Sep

Tree Play at Leigh Woods, Bristol, Sat 20-Sun 21 Sep

SAT 20-SUN 21 SEP TREE PLAY AT LEIGH WOODS Leigh Woods, Bristol, 0117 9731645, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/leighwoods. 10am-4pm, free • Outdoor fun for children of all ages in a stunning setting. Children are supervised but left to their own devices to explore the woods and let their imaginations run wild.

SUN 21 SEP TEDDY BEARS PICNIC Bath Road, Bristol, BS30 6HD. 0117 932 5538. www.avonvalley.org. £7 (adult)/£5.50 (child/free (for any child who brings a teddy) • Explore Avon Valley Railway with your favourite furry friend. There will also be balloon modelling, Punch and Judy, arts and crafts, a teddy bear hunt and picnic baskets available at the buffet.

FRI 26 SEP BRISTOL BRIGHT NIGHT BRINGS SCIENCE TO THE CITY Various locations, www.bnhc.org. uk/festival-of-nature-type/bristolbright-night, 12pm-12am, free • The city streets come to life with a programme revealing the wealth of scientific research on your doorstep. Activities include a pop up science theatre, robots vs animals and learning about bugs which glow in the dark.

FRI 26 SEP TODDLER TAKEOVER: FANTASTIC FEAST At Bristol, Anchor Rd, Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5DB, 0117 909 2000, www.at-bristol.org.uk. 10am-4pm, reduced entry prices • Bring your little ones for a fun-packed day of foodie activities, just for the underfives. Cook up some extraordinary cuisine in the pop-up restaurant, go shopping in the toddler supermarket, join in with a special ‘Mud, Slugs and Scarecrows’ storytime, and get mucky in the greenhouse as you plant your own seeds to take home and grow!

FRI 26 SEP-SUN 5 OCT BATH CHILDREN’S LITERATURE FESTIVAL 2014 (BCLF) Various locations throughout Bath. www.bathfestivals.

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

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Two literature festivals this autumn, Bath Children’s Literature Festival (Fri 26 Sep-Sun 5 Oct) and Cheltenham Literature Festival (Fri 3-Sun 12 Oct) attract authors including (clockwise from top left) Cressida Cowell, Malorie Blackman, Michael Rosen, Laurence Anholt, Steve Cole and Henry Winkler.

Podium, Northgate St, City Centre, Bath BA1 5AL. 01225 463362. www.bathfestivals.org.uk/ childrens-literature. 3pm-3.45pm. £5 (Age 5+) • Get your knightly gear on for this session of stories, drawing and medieval activities with John McLay and Horrible Histories illustrator Martin Brown.

Prize for the best fancy dress.

SAT 27 SEP SERIOUSLY SILLY STUFF (BCLF) Guildhall, High St, Bath, City Centre BA1 5AW. 01225 463362. www.bathfestivals.org.uk/ childrens-literature. 3.15pm4pm. £5 (age 8+) • Join poet and author Andy Seed for funny facts, jokes, puzzles, silly poems, wordplay, games and challenges based on the fantastic ‘The Silly Book of Side-Splitting Stuff’ and the ‘AntiBoredom Book of Brilliant Things To Do’. org.uk/childrens-literature.

01225 463362 • Claiming to be the UK’s largest dedicated children’s literature festival, and sponsored by The Telegraph and Waterstones, this festival offers over 80 public, ticketed events and an extensive programme of events in schools. Attracting some of the biggest children’s authors such as Michael Morpurgo and Cathy Cassidy, it aims to engage children in reading with activities ranging from book readings and signings to arts and crafts.

Individual events are listed below and marked (BCLF).

FRI 26 SEP THE BIG, BIG BATH BOOK QUIZ! (BCLF) Guildhall, High St, Bath, City Centre BA1 5AW. 01225 463362. www.bathfestivals.org.uk/childrens-literature. 5pm-6.15pm. £6 (child 7+ & family) • Show off your big book brains and win some fantastic prizes with children’s author Andy Stanton as quizmaster.

Book individually then on the day enter teams of one, two or three children. Special prizes for book character fancy dress.

SAT 27 SEP MAYHEM WITH DENNIS THE MENACE! (BCLF) Guildhall, High St, Bath, City Centre BA1 5AW. 01225 463362. www.bathfestivals.org.uk/childrens-literature. 10am-10.45am. £5 (age 7+) • Join Steven Butler, author of ‘Diary of Dennis the Menace’, for a sneaky peak into the chaotic life of the naughtiest boy in Beano.

SAT 27 SEP HORRIBLE HISTORIES WITH MARTIN BROWN (BCLF) Guildhall, High St, Bath, City 20

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Centre BA1 5AW. 01225 463362. www.bathfestivals.org.uk/childrens-literature. 10am-10.45am. £6 (age 8+) • From the ‘Terrible Trenches’ to the ‘Rotten Romans’, Horrible Histories illustrator Martin Brown brings art to life in his action-packed show full of jokes, stories and live drawing.

SAT 27 SEP THE MEADOW VALE PONIES (BCLF) Bath Central Library, 19 The Podium, Northgate St, City Centre, Bath BA1 5AL. 01225 463362. www.bathfestivals.org. uk/childrens-literature. 11.45am12.30am. £5 (Age 7-11) • Join Che Golden as she reads from her new book, ‘Mulberry to the Rescue’ and shares photos and stories of her own ponies.

SAT 27 SEP LAUREN CHILD- RUBY REDFORT (BCLF) Guildhall, High St, Bath, City Centre BA1 5AW. 01225 463362. www.bathfestivals.org.uk/childrens-literature. 11.45am-12.30pm. £6 (Age 9+) • Listen to Lauren Child, the creator of characters such as ‘Charlie and Lola’, ‘Clarice Bean’ and ‘Ruby Redfort’ as she talks to Julia Eccleshare about her inspirations and hear about the fourth title in the Ruby Redfort series, ‘Feel the Fear’.

SAT 27 SEP PIRATES, DINOSAURS AND SWASHBUCKLING ADVENTURES (BCLF) Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney St, Bath BA2 4DB. 01225 463362. www.bathfestivals.org.uk/childrens-literature. 1.30am-2.30pm. £10 (Age 7-10) • Bring your pirate characters to life and find out how to summon dinosaurs with ‘The

Phoenix’ comic’s Neil Cameron as you take part in this comic-creation workshop.

SAT 27 SEP TOM GATES: A TINY BIT LUCKY (BCLF) Guildhall, High St, Bath, City Centre BA1 5AW. 01225 463362. www.bathfestivals.org.uk/childrens-literature. 1.30pm-2.15pm. £6 (age 9+) • Listen to Liz Pichon, winner of the Blue Peter Book Award and the Road Dahl Funny Prize, read from the new Tom Gates book, ‘A Tiny Bit Lucky’, in an event full of drawing games and fun.

SAT 27 SEP SHAKESPEARE! WITH CHRIS LLOYD (BCLF) Guildhall, High St, Bath, City Centre BA1 5AW. 01225 463362. www.bathfestivals.org.uk/childrens-literature. 1.30pm-2.15pm. £5 (age 6+) • Chris Lloyd brings the plays of Shakespeare to life and explores the world of human emotion by using his coat of many pockets and the new ‘What on Earth? Wallbook of Shakespeare’.

SAT 27 SEP GEORGE’S AMAZING ADVENTURES (BCLF) Mission Theatre, 32 Corn St, Bath BA1 1UF. 01225 463362. www. bathfestivals.org.uk/childrensliterature. 1.30pm-2.15pm. £5 (age 4+) • Charlotte and Adam Guillain perform their latest picture book, ‘Doughnuts for a Dragon’ and venture back in time in search of a dragon. Expect strange noises, silly dressing up and funny songs.

SAT 27 SEP THE DRAGON’S DENTIST (BCLF) Bath Central Library, 19 The

SAT 27 SEP FIRESTATION CHILDREN’S BOOK SWAP (BCLF) Mission Theatre, 32 Corn St, Bath BA1 1UF. 01225 463362. www. bathfestivals.org.uk/childrensliterature. 3.30pm-4.15pm. £5 (age 7+/family) • Bring your old books to swap and ask your silliest questions to Scott Pack and authors Tamsyn Murray and Guy Bass.

SAT 27 SEP MEET HORRID HENRY (BCLF) Guildhall, High St, Bath, City Centre BA1 5AW. 01225 463362. www.bathfestivals.org.uk/ childrens-literature. 4pm-4.45pm. £6 (age 5+) • Join storyteller Liz Fost to hear tales of Henry’s adventures. Test your knowledge with a ‘horrible’ quiz and even meet Henry himself.

SAT 27 SEP MURDEROUS MATHS WITH KJARTAN POSKITT (BCLF) Mission Theatre, 32 Corn St, Bath BA1 1UF. 01225 463362. www.bathfestivals.org.uk/childrens-literature. 5.15pm-6pm. £6 (age 8+) • ‘Murderous Maths’ author Kjartan Poskitt brings the weird and wonderful world of maths to life in his non-stop show full of jokes, puzzles and stories.

SAT 27 SEP CELEBRATING AGE FESTIVAL M Shed, Princes Wharf, Wapping Rd, Bristol, BS1 4RN. 0117 352 6600. www.celebratingage.org. uk. 10am-4pm. Free admission • Bristol Age UK presents a range of stands, activities and music to raise money to reduce isolation and loneliness amongst Bristol’s elderly. Also including the ‘Super Citizens’ award to highlight what those over 55 can achieve.

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OPEN 10.00am-5.00pm Clearwell,Nr Coleford Telephone: 01594 832535 www.clearwellcaves.com

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Saturday 25th October Sunday 2nd November

Walk through an underground forest, following cakes and sweets, before arriving at the witch’s candy house!

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…see our website for details - www.clearwellcaves.com

NOAH’S ARK

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ROUNDABOUT

PLEASE CHECK BEFORE YOU TRAVEL . . . AND TELL THEM YOU SAW THE EVENT IN PRIMARY TIMES! behind Holly Webb’s animal stories and make a kitten or puppy mask to take home.

SUN 28 SEP STEVE COLE: SECRET AGENT MUMMY (BCLF) Mission Theatre, 32 Corn St, Bath BA1 1UF. 01225 463362. www.bathfestivals.org.uk/childrens-literature.

1.15pm-2pm. £6 (age 7+) • Discover the loopy origins of author Steve Cole’s creations, ‘Astrosaurs, Cows In Action’, ‘Z Rex’ and the new ‘Secret Agent Mummy’. Then hear his story-writing tips and get help as you dream up your own funny ideas.

Discover the joy of kippers at Weston Super Food Festival, Sat 27-Sun 28 Sep.

»

SAT 27-SUN 28 SEP WESTON SUPER FOOD FESTIVAL Winter Gardens Pavilion and Town Square, Weston super Mare. 10am5.30pm, free • Perfect for the serious foodie, or for a day of family fun, the festival provides cookery demonstrations, gourmet street food, food based science, Lego workshops and an edible garden.

Lyncombe House, Lyncombe Vale, Bath, BA2 4LT. 01225 463362. www.bathfestivals.org.uk/childrensliterature. 11am-12.30pm. £12 (age 9+) • Your plane has crashed in the Amazon rainforest and you must find your way to safety. Learn to scream like a spider monkey and much more as Simon Chapman shows you how to survive in the jungle in this workshop.

SAT 27- SUN 28 SEP UNPACKED LUNCH CHILDREN’S WORKSHOP Blakehay Theatre, Wadham Street, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1JZ. 01934 645493, www.blakehaytheatre.ticketsource.co.uk. 10am-4pm. £40. Ages 5-11 • Children create a mini musical in a weekend and perform it in a unique visual setting of their own making, based on food and its journey through our bodies.

Dance and singing fun with the Epic Dance Education team. Limited places available.

SUN 28 SEP LAURENCE ANHOLT’S BIG DRAWING WORKSHOP (BCLF) The Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney Street, Bath BA2 4DB. 01225 463362. www.bathfestivals. org.uk/childrens-literature. 11.15am12.45pm. £12 (age 7+) • Make art with author and artist, Laurence Anholt, creator of the internationally famous ‘Anholt’s Artists’ series.

Followed by . . .

SUN 28 SEP HENRY WINKLER (BCLF) Guildhall, High St, Bath, City Centre BA1 5AW. 01225 463362. www. bathfestivals.org.uk/childrensliterature. 10am-10.45pm. £6 (age 8 +) • Meet Henry Winkler, aka the Fonz in ‘Happy Days’ and author of the Hank Zipzer books (now a CBBC series). Hear him talk about overcoming dyslexia and how, together with children’s newspaper ‘First News’, he is on a mission to show children that everyone can succeed in life.

SUN 28 SEP BORGON THE AXEBOY WITH KJARTAN POSKITT (BCLF) Mission Theatre, 32 Corn St, Bath BA1 1UF. 01225 463362. www.bathfestivals.org.uk/childrens-literature.

11am-11.45pm. £6 (age 7+) • Learn what the most dangerous breakfast of all time might be and learn about Borgon the barbarian when Kjartan Poskitt talks about the first book in his new series, ‘Borgon the Axeboy and the Dangerous Breakfast’.

SUN 28 SEP JUNGLE CRASH! (BCLF) The Paragon Junior School,

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SUN 28 SEP LAURENCE ANHOLT’S AMAZING ART SHOW (BCLF) Bath Central Library, 19 The Podium, Northgate St, City Centre, Bath BA1 5AL. 01225 463362. www.bathfestivals.org.uk/childrens-literature, 3pm-3.45pm. £5 (age 7+) • A unique opportunity to hear Laurence Anholt talk about his books on Van Gogh and Picasso in his funny and informative style.

SUN 28 SEP THE TALE OF KING HARALDTHE LAST VIKING ADVENTURE (BCLF) Guildhall, High St, Bath, City Centre BA1 5AW. 01225 463362. www.bathfestivals.org.uk/childrens-literature.

11.45am-12.30pm. £6 (age 9+) • Learn about the feared Viking warriors and their last king, King Harald Sigurdsson with Thomas Williams, the project curator for the ‘Vikings: Life and Legend’ exhibition at the British Museum.

SUN 28 SEP HOLLY WEBB’S ANIMAL STORIES (BCLF) Guildhall, High St, Bath, City Centre BA1 5AW. 01225 463362. www.bathfestivals.org.uk/childrens-literature.

11.45am-12.30pm. £5 (age 5-8) • Find out about the real animals

SUN 28 SEP MEET YOUR BATH RUGBY HEROES! (BCLF) Guildhall, High St, Bath, City Centre BA1 5AW. 01225 463362. www.bathfestivals.org.uk/childrens-literature.

1.30pm-2.15pm. £6 (family event) • Meet a group of Bath Rugby players, ask them questions and collect autographs and pictures as they reveal what inspires them, their favourite stories and how they became professional.

SUN 28 SEP STINKBOMB AND KETCHUPFACE (BCLF) Bath Central Library, 19 The Podium, Northgate St, City Centre, Bath BA1 5AL. 01225 463362. www.bathfestivals.org.uk/childrens-literature, 1.30pm-2.15pm. £5 (age 6+) • Join John Dougherty, his guitar and his ridiculous sense of humour for songs, silliness and Stinkbomb & Ketchup-Face’s new adventure ‘The Quest for the Magic Porcupine!’

SUN 28 SEP TURNING NIGHTMARES INTO STORIES WITH ROSS MONTGOMERY (BCLF) The Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney Street, Bath BA2 4DB. 01225 463362. www.bathfestivals. org.uk/childrens-literature. 2.30pm4pm. £12 (age 9+) • Learn to write spellbinding stories about fears and adventure on this workshop with Costa Book Award shortlisted author and writer of ‘The Tornado Chasers’, Ross Montgomery.

SUN 28 SEP LEGO AND STAR WARS WITH DUNCAN TITMARSH (BCLF) Guildhall, High St, Bath, City Centre BA1 5AW. 01225 463362. www.bathfestivals.org.uk/childrens-literature.

3.45pm-4.30pm. £10 (age 6+) • Are you mad about Star Wars and Lego?

Then join Duncan Titmarsh for a brick-tastic event and build your own Star Wars-inspired Lego model to take home, before meeting members of the 501st UK Garrison in their Star Wars costumes.

SUN 28 SEP BOYFACE AND HIS QUANTUM CHROMATIC DISRUPTION MACHINE (BCLF) Guildhall, High St, Bath, City Centre BA1 5AW. 01225 463362. www.bathfestivals.org.uk/childrens-literature, 5pm-5.45pm. £5 (age 6+) • Learn all about Boyface Antelope and what a stripemonger is when you hear James

Campbell talk about his hilarious children’s book series: ‘Boyface’.

MON 29 SEP SCHOOLS PROGRAMME: MEET MICHAEL ROSEN (BCLF) Guildhall, High St, Bath, City Centre BA1 5AW. 01225 463362. www.bathfestivals.org.uk/ childrens-literature, 10am-11am. £3 (age 6+) • Meet the former Children’s Laureate for a hilarious rollercoaster of poems, jokes and stories.

MON 29 SEP SCHOOLS PROGRAMME: MARVELLOUS MATHS WORKSHOP (BCLF) Guildhall, High St, Bath, City Centre BA1 5AW. 01225 463362. www.bathfestivals.org.uk/childrens-literature, 11.30am-12.15am. £3 (age 7+) • With their book ‘Marvellous Maths’ shortlisted at the Blue Peter Book Awards 2014, Jonathan Litton and Thomas Flintham host a workshop looking at everything from the invention of zero to the geometry of a donut.

MON 29 SEP SCHOOLS PROGRAMME: DESIGN YOUR PERFECT SCHOOL: YOUNG CURATOR’S DISCUSSION (BCLF) Guildhall, High St, Bath, City Centre BA1 5AW. 01225 463362. www.bathfestivals.org.uk/childrens-literature, 11.30am-12.15am. £3 (age 9+) • Join a panel of experts and young people for an interactive session where you can help design your perfect school, from the shape of the building to what you would eat for lunch.

MON 29 SEP SCHOOLS PROGRAMME: WORLD WAR ONE AND FOOTBALL@ THE SCRAPBOOK OF WALTER TULL WITH MICHAELA MORGAN (BCLF) Guildhall, High St, Bath, City Centre BA1 5AW. 01225 463362. www.bathfestivals.org.uk/ childrens-literature, 1.15am-2pm. £3 (age 8+) • Learn about the remarkable Walter Tull, the first black professional football star and then the first black British army officer. Explore his story with the help of notes and pictures.

MON 29 SEP SCHOOLS PROGRAMME: WILD BOY (BCLF) Guildhall, High St, Bath, City Centre BA1 5AW. 01225 463362. www.bathfestivals.org.uk/ childrens-literature, 1.15am-2pm. £3 (age 7-12) • Trace back through 1,000 years of history and discover some of the amazing events that taught author, Rob Lloyd Jones, writer of ‘Wild Boy’ and its sequel ‘Wild Boy and the Black Terror’, all he knows about storytelling on this interactive tour.

TUE 30 SEP SCHOOLS PROGRAMME: WRITING, COMICS AND CHARLIE MERRICK’S MISFITS (BCLF) Guildhall, High St, Bath, City Centre BA1 5AW. 01225 463362.

Kelloggs.co.uk 27/08/2014 15:28:06

Now

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www.avonvalleycountrypark.com

Book tickets: at-bristol.org.uk/food

OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND Now with more attractions open in the winter Pixash Lane, Bath Road, Bristol BS31 1TP

Limited places available for girls and boys.

Now also accepting registrations for entry in 2015 and 2016.

at Redland High

Experience life at Redland High Infants with QEH at one of our open events.

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Redland High Infants with QEH Redland Court, Bristol BS6 7EF 0117 924 5796 | admissions@redlandhigh.com www.redlandhigh.com

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27/08/2014 16:11:40

ACHIEVE MORE Open Morning Invitation Sixth Form Open Evening Friday 3rd October 2014 Senior School Open Morning Saturday 4th October 2014 Junior School Open Morning Saturday 4th October 2014 For more information and to register, visit: www.kesbath.com

Open Evening: 18th September 5-8pm Russell Town Avenue, Redfield, Bristol BS5 9JH

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0117 941 3800 cityacademybristol.org

Pre-Prep and Nursery School Saturday 4th October 2014 Open Morning Tours available 9.15am, 10.15am and 11.15am.

To book your tour please visit www.kesbath.com For admissions enquiries please contact our Registrar on: 01225 820399 or email: admissions@kesbath.com

www.kesbath.com

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27/08/2014 16:16:03

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

www.bathfestivals.org.uk/childrens-literature, 10am-10.45am. £3 (age 8-12) • Join Dave Cousins on his journey to becoming a writer, from drawing his own football comics to his years as a minor rock star and ‘sleep-typing’ in the attic. Discover the inspiration for ‘Charlie Merrick’s Misfits’ and hear extracts from the book, plus top tips for creating your own stories.

TUE 30 SEP SCHOOLS PROGRAMME: MARTHA AND THE BUNNY BROTHERS (BCLF) Guildhall, High St, Bath, City Centre BA1 5AW. 01225 463362. www.bathfestivals.org.uk/childrens-literature, 10am-10.45am. £3 (age 4+) • Listen to stories and get involved in craft activities with Clara Vulliamy, the author of ‘I Heart Holidays’.

TUE 30 SEP SCHOOLS PROGRAMME: MY BIG ART SHOW (BCLF) Guildhall, High St, Bath, City Centre BA1 5AW. 01225 463362. www. bathfestivals.org.uk/childrensliterature, 11.30am-12.15am. £3 (age 8+) • Play this game show with an arty twist and go on a whirlwind tour through art history with art historian Susie Hodge.

TUE 30 SEP SCHOOLS PROGRAMME: NINJA MEERKATS; LIVE & KICKING (BCLF) Guildhall, High St, Bath, City Centre BA1 5AW. 01225 463362. www. bathfestivals.org.uk/childrensliterature, 11.30am-12.15pm. £3 (age 7+) • Hold onto your nunchucks as award winning author, Gareth P. Jones brings his books to life, featuring a specially written interactive story, a chance to create your own Ninja Moves and an encounter with a Real Ninja Meerkat.

TUE 30 SEP SCHOOLS PROGRAMME: BARRY LOSER (BCLF) Guildhall, High St, Bath, City Centre BA1 5AW. 01225 463362. www.bathfestivals.org.uk/childrens-literature, 1.15pm-2pm. £3 (age 7+) • Enjoy an hour of stories, belly laughs and burps as Jim Smith, creator of the Roald Dahl Funny Prize-winning ‘Barry Loser’ series, teaches you how to draw Barry and his mates.

OCTOBER WED 1 OCT SCHOOLS PROGRAMME: REINTRODUCING ‘RATTY’ (BCLF) Guildhall, High St, Bath, City Centre BA1 5AW. 01225 463362. www.bathfestivals.org.uk/childrens-literature, 10am-10.45am. £3 (age 7-12) • Listen to Tom Moorhouse’s enthralling insight into the lives of water voles, an animal he studied for eight years and discover how he transformed their lives into his fictional adventure tales.

WED 1 OCT SCHOOLS PROGRAMME: TRACEY CORDEROY AND STEVEN LENTON (BCLF) Guildhall, High St, Bath, City Centre BA1 5AW. 01225 463362. www.bathfestivals.org.uk/childrens-literature, 10am-10.45am. £3 (age 4-7) • Meet Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam, two hapless robber dogs when Tracey Corderoy and Steven Lenton’s live drawings bring them to life.

WED 1 OCT SCHOOLS PROGRAMME: WHAT I WANT TO READ: YOUNG CURATOR’S DISCUSSION (BCLF) Guildhall, High St, Bath, City Centre BA1 5AW. 01225 463362. www.bathfestivals.org.uk/childrens-literature. 11.30am-12.15pm. £3 (age 8+) • With plenty of opportunities for questions, a panel of young people discusses the books they love to read and the reading lists drawn up for them.

WED 1 OCT SPACE! THE GREAT DUSTBIN IN THE SKY: (BCLF) Guildhall, High St, Bath, City Centre BA1 5AW. 01225 463362. www.bathfestivals.org.uk/childrens-literature, 1.15pm-2pm. £3 (age 7+) • Did you know there are tonnes of rubbish in space? Join Cas Lester for quizzes, fun facts and extracts to find out exactly what is done about it.

Friday Fun Run, Tyntesfield, Bristol, Fri 3 Oct

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WED 1 OCT PIRANHAS, ANGELS AND HALF-CREATED WORLDS: (BCLF) Guildhall, High St, Bath, City Centre BA1 5AW. 01225 463362. www.bathfestivals.org.uk/childrens-literature, 1.15-2pm. £3 (age 9+) • Guest artistic director and best-selling author David Almond talks about his work and explores

ROUNDABOUT the nature of creativity and the power of imagination.

WED 1- WED 29 OCT FREE BIKE WORKSHOPS WITH HALFORDS In all Halford’s Bristol stores. Every Wednesday in October. 9am-8pm.

0207 896 3404. www.halfords. com/bikeclub. Age 7-11 years • Halfords help kids get bike savvy in their free bike workshops. Learn about bike repair, safety and maintenance in a fun and interactive environment. On completing the course, children receive a certificate, 10% discount voucher and entry into a drawing competition to win a bike. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Spaces limited.

THU 2 OCT SCHOOL’S PROGRAMME: MONSTERS, MONSTERS, MONSTERS (BCLF) Guildhall, High St, Bath, City Centre BA1 5AW. 01225 463362. www.bathfestivals.org.uk/childrens-literature, 10am, £3 (age 8+) • How wide were the jaws of the biggest shark?

Which dinosaur had the largest teeth? The answers plus lots more monster facts with Jon Mayhew, author of the ‘Monster Odyssey’ series.

THU 2 OCT SCHOOL’S PROGRAMME: CLAUDE AND SIR BOBBLYSOCK WITH ALEX T. SMITH (BCLF) Guildhall, High St, Bath, City Centre BA1 5AW. 01225 463362. www. bathfestivals.org.uk/childrensliterature, 11.30am-12.15pm, £3 (age 5-8) • Learn top secret illustrator tips from 2014 World Book Day illustrator Alex T. Smith, as he introduces Claude, the beret and jumper wearing dog and his sidekick Sir Bobblysock.

THU 2 OCT SCHOOL’S PROGRAMME: APRIL THE RED GOLDFISH (BCLF) Guildhall, High St, Bath, City Centre BA1 5AW. 01225 463362. www.bathfestivals.org.uk/childrens-literature, 1.15pm-2pm. £3 (age 7-11) • Help ‘April the Red Goldfish’ swim the Channel in this translation workshop with award-winning translator Sarah Ardizzone. Find out how words and pictures travel while translating part of this book, but no French knowledge necessary.

THU 2 OCT SCHOOL’S PROGRAMME: SECRET BREAKING WITH H.L. DENNIS (BCLF) Guildhall, High St, Bath, City Centre BA1 5AW. 01225 463362. www.bathfestivals.org.uk/childrens-literature, 1.15pm-2pm. £3 (age 8+) • Become a secret breaker! On the publication of the final book in the ‘Secret Breakers’ series, join H.L. Dennis to learn all about cracking codes.

FRI 3 OCT SCHOOL’S PROGRAMME: ATTICUS CLAW, CHICKENS AND MORE! (BCLF) Guildhall, High St, Bath, City Centre BA1 5AW. 01225 463362. www.bathfestivals.org.uk/ childrens-literature, 10am. £3 (age

7+) • Listen to Red House Book Award winner Jennifer Gray share her stories about Atticus Claw, the world’s greatest cat burglar, and introduce Amy Cluckbucket, the heroine of her new series, ‘Chicken Mission’.

FRI 3 OCT SCHOOL’S PROGRAMME: THE TROLL AND THE OLIVER (BCLF) Guildhall, High St, Bath, City Centre BA1 5AW. 01225 463362. www.bathfestivals.org.uk/childrens-literature, 11.30am-12.15pm. £3 (age 4-7) • A live drawing event with Adam Stower. Discover why Troll finds Oliver so hard to catch!

FRI 3 OCT SCHOOL’S PROGRAMME: IF YOU COULD SEE LAUGHTER (BCLF) Guildhall, High St, Bath, City Centre BA1 5AW. 01225 463362. www.bathfestivals.org.uk/childrens-literature. 11.30-12.15pm. £3 (age 8+) • A captivating session of poems and words that celebrate life with the poet Mandy Coe. FRI 3 OCT SCHOOL’S PROGRAMME: A NATURAL HISTORY OF THE UNMENTIONABLE (BCLF) Guildhall, High St, Bath, City Centre BA1 5AW. 01225 463362. www.bathfestivals.org.uk/ childrens-literature, 1.15pm-2pm. £3 (age 7-10) • Hippos navigate by it, sloths keep in touch through it, rabbits eat it… and most grownups prefer not to mention it at all! But poo is probably the most useful stuff on earth. Find out all you need to know in this talk from zoologists and writer Nicola Davies FRI 3 OCT FRIDAY FUN RUN Tyntesfield, Project Office, Bristol BS48 1NT. www.nationaltrust.org. uk/tyntesfield, 01275 461900, 10am, £3 • A fun run in the beautiful grounds of Tyntesfield for all ages and all abilities. Pay on the day and meet in the lower courtyard of Home Farm. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

FRI 3-SAT 4 OCT FANCY DRESS PHOTO SHOOT (BCLF) Bath Central Library, 19 The Podium, Northgate St, City Centre, Bath BA1 5AL. 01225 463362. www.bathfestivals.org.uk/childrens-literature, 10am-1pm (Friday) 10am-4pm (Saturday). Free • Head to the library and dress up as your favourite book character for a free photo shoot. The best character wins a family portrait session.

FRI 3-SUN 12 OCT CHELTENHAM LITERATURE FESTIVAL: BOOK IT! (CLF) Various venues throughout Cheltenham. Box office 0844 880 8094. www.cheltenhamfestivals. com • Cheltenham’s ‘festival within a festival’, specifically for families and young readers.

Spread over 10 days, Cheltenham welcomes over 600 of the fin»

Supporting breakfast clubs for 16 years 27/08/2014 15:28:49

ROUNDABOUT

PLEASE CHECK BEFORE YOU TRAVEL . . . AND TELL THEM YOU SAW THE EVENT IN PRIMARY TIMES! a children’s trail and cooking demonstrations.

» est writers, poets and actors, with plenty of activities and fun events for all the family. Guests include Michael Rosen, Malorie Blackman and five further former and current Children’s Laureates. Look for (CLF) in the listings below for our pick of this year’s events.

SUN 5 OCT MICHAEL ROSEN (CLF) The Inkpot, Imperial Square, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 1QB. www.cheltenhamfestivals.com.

11.45am-12.45pm. £7 • Meet the festival’s guest director as he shares his love of poetry and stories in this fun-filled and interactive event.

FRI 3 OCT MICHAEL ROSEN (CLF) The Sunday Times Garden Theatre, Imperial Square, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 1QB. www.cheltenhamfestivals.com. 4pm-5pm. £8 • Former Children’s Laureate, millionselling author and Book It! guest director Michael Rosen shows how you can use everything around you to learn more, and that the best kind of education really does start at home.

SAT 4 OCT MICHAEL MORPURGO AND HELEN STEPHENS (CLF) The Sunday Times Garden Theatre, Imperial Square, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 1QB. www.cheltenhamfestivals.com. 10-11am. £7 • There’s magic and adventure afoot when Mimi finds a baby dragon in the woodshed. Join Michael Morpurgo and Helen Stephens for this spellbinding event as Michael reads from their latest book together ‘Mimi and the Mountain Dragon’ while Helen brings the story to life before your eyes with live illustration.

SAT 4 OCT BATH FARM PRODUCE MARKET Bath City Farm, Kelston View, Bath, BA2 1NW. 01225 481269. www.bathcityfarm.org.uk . 9am5pm. Free admission • Enjoy a traditional farmer’s market. Buy fresh and seasonal vegetables, fruit, eggs, meat, preserves, plants, herbs and crafts.

SAT 4 OCT CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY (CLF) Parabola Arts Centre, Parabola Rd, Cheltenham, GL50 3AH. 01242 707338. www.cheltenhamfestivals.com. 1.45pm-2.45pm. £6 • What magical wonders await you at this unique occasion celebrating 50 years of ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’.

Join former Children’s Laureate Michael Rosen and Guardian journalist Lucy Mangan for a fun conversation about all things astonishing, perplexing and intriguing about the story, plus quizzes, film clips, readings, music and more.

SAT 4 OCT HORRIBLE SCIENCE (CLF) Parabola Arts Centre, Parabola Rd, Cheltenham, GL50 3AH. 01242 707338. www.cheltenhamfestivals.com. 5pm-5.45pm. £6 • Well known for illustrating the bestselling, multi award-winning Horrible Science series, Tony De Saulles leads an event packed with facts, drawing and fun! To

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SUN 5 OCT ANGELINA BALLERINA (CLF) The Studio, Imperial Square, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 1QB. www.cheltenhamfestivals.com.

1pm-1.45pm/2.30pm-3.15pm. £6 • Don’t miss the chance to see Angelina’s adventures brought to life before your eyes by her creator Katharine Holabird, together with a real ballerina.

Bath Farm Produce Market, Sat 4 Oct

coincide with the new editions of the Horrible Science books, the event promises to teach kids all the dreadful details the teachers won’t.

SAT 4 OCT ANIMAL WAR HEROES (BCLF) Mission Theatre, 32 Corn St, Bath BA1 1UF. 01225 463362. www.bathfestivals.org.uk/childrens-literature, 11am-11.45am. £6 (age 8+) • Mascots, messengers and even spies, David Long retells some amazing reallife stories of animals in ‘Jet the Rescue Dog’. He is joined by Damian Kelleher, writer of the novel ‘Dog in No Man’s Land’.

SAT 4 OCT DRAGON LOVES PENGUIN (BCLF) Bath Central Library, 19 The Podium, Northgate St, City Centre, Bath BA1 5AL. 01225 463362. www.bathfestivals.org. uk/childrens-literature. 11.45am12.30pm. £5 (age 4+) • Join bestselling author and illustrator Debi Gliori as she takes a journey to Antarctica. Find out where the idea for her latest book, ‘Dragon loves Penguin’, came from.

SAT 4 OCT JULIA GREEN & GILL LEWISAMAZING ANIMALS (BCLF) Bath Central Library, 19 The Podium, Northgate St, City Centre, Bath BA1 5AL. 01225 463362. www.bathfestivals.org. uk/childrens-literature, 1.30pm2.15pm. £5 (age 7+) • Join Julia Green and Gill Lewis as they talk about their new books, ‘Seal Island’ and ‘Scarlet Ibis’.

SAT 4 OCT THE WORLD OF PIG WITH EMER STAMP (BCLF) Guildhall, High St, Bath, City Centre BA1 5AW. 01225 463362. www.bathfestivals.org.uk/ childrens-literature, 3.15pm-4pm. £5 (age 8+) • Pig’s happy world is shaken when he discovers he is to become Farmer’s dinner. Author, Emer Stamp brings her book, ‘The Unbelievable Top Secret Diary of Pig’ to life.

SAT 4 OCT HOLLY BLACK AND CASSANDRA CLARE (BCLF) Guildhall, High St, Bath, City Centre BA1 5AW. 01225 463362. www.bathfestivals.org.uk/ childrens-literature, 6pm-6.45pm. £6 (age 9+) • In their first UK event together, Holly Black and Cassandra Clare talk about their first book in their Magisterium series, ‘The Iron Trial’.

SAT 4 & SUN 5 OCT FUN PALACES Watershed, 1 Canon’s Road, Bristol BS1 5TX. www.watershed.co.uk, 0117 927 5100, all day • A national event that aims to explore and celebrate arts organisations as open and fun spaces. The Watershed’s fun palace will be sci-fi themed.

SAT 4 & SUN 5 OCT MADE IN NORTH SOMERSET FESTIVAL Tyntesfield, Project Office, Bristol BS48 1NT. www.nationaltrust.org. uk/tyntesfield, 01275 461900, 10am, general admission applies • Kitchen garden trails, a cake bake competition, local food, local art and crafts,

SUN 5 OCT HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON WITH CRESSIDA COWELL (CLF) The Inkpot, Imperial Square, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 1QB. www.cheltenhamfestivals.com.

3.15pm-4.15pm. £6 • Join Cressida Cowell, author/illustrator of the fabulous book series and DreamWorks movie franchise ‘How To Train Your Dragon’. Learn some Dragonese and get the scoop on seeing book characters brought to life for the big screen.

SUN 5 OCT DENNIS THE MENACE (CLF) Parabola Arts Centre, Parabola Rd, Cheltenham, GL50 3AH. 01242 707338. www.cheltenhamfestivals.com, 11.30am-12.15pm. £6 • Becoming the master of menacing is not easy. If you want to learn the rules join Steven Butler, author of brand new book series ‘Diary of Dennis the Menace’. Expect lots of fun and games.

SUN 5 OCT HAPPY 450TH BIRTHDAY, MR SHAKESPEARE (BCLF) Guildhall, High St, Bath, City Centre BA1 5AW. 01225 463362. www.bathfestivals.org.uk/childrens-literature. 10am-10.45. £5 (Age 9+). ● Marcia Williams brings a selection of Shakespeare’s most popular plays to life using images, objects and plenty of drama.

SUN 5 OCT NICK SHARRATT (BCLF) Mission Theatre, 32 Corn St, Bath BA1 1UF. 01225 463362. www. bathfestivals.org.uk/childrensliterature, 10.30am-11.15am. £6 (age 5+) • Imagine you could go anywhere, with anyone and do anything. Join Nick Sharratt for live drawings, readings, rhymes and sock-based crafts and let your imagination soar.

SUN 5 OCT DRAWING HARRY POTTERWITH JONNY DUDDLE (BCLF) Guildhall, High St, Bath, City

Feeding 80,000 people breakfast across the UK, every day

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Create personalised bookmarks for your kids to take back to school this autumn!

Persuading children to do their reading can be a challenge, but designing and using their own bookmark is a sure fire way to encourage them!

Maggy Woodley, shares her easy steps to create an easy back to school bookmark You will need: • A copy of a favourite picture • Coloured card • Ribbon • Beads • Hole punch • Scissors (adult/children’s) • Scotch Magic Tape

Step 1 Trim your images to size and place onto the coloured card. Cut around the image leaving a 1cm border of card, ensuring you leave a larger 2-3cm section at the top of the bookmark Step 2 Secure the photo to the card with a strip of Scotch Magic Tape. Repeat this until the whole bookmark is covered with the tape, front and back Step 3 Make a mark on the top of the card with a pencil where the hole should be made for the ribbon detail and punch a hole

Step 4 Thread beads onto your ribbon and secure them with a knot. Thread the ribbon through the bookmark and secure with another knot Step 5 Place your finished bookmark in your child’s reading book. Using a pen or pencil, you and your children can write straight onto the tape to keep a track of the books they have read during the school term.

For a full step-by-step guide, and further ideas and inspiration on how to use Scotch Magic Tape for a range of everyday uses visit www.facebook.com/ScotchUK.

Scotch Magic Day?

Fancy winning your See stickered packs for your chance to win your Scotch Magic Day, including a range of activities: Spa, Beauty, Dining, Driving and more 3M, Scotch, Magic and the 3M logo, the Scotch logo, and the Magic logo are trademarks of 3M Company.

To enter and for full terms and conditions visit www.facebook.com/ScotchUK. Competition closes: 31 December 2014.

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

ROUNDABOUT com. 4.30pm-5.30pm. £6 • Lauren Child and Judith Kerr have created some of the most memorable and recognisable children’s book characters, from the ‘Tiger Who Came to Tea’ to ‘Charlie and Lola’. Together they discuss their new picture books ‘The New Small Person’ and ‘The Crocodile Under the Bed’ and how childhood memory and imagination has played into their own creativity.

Recommended for ages 9+.

Buried Treasure, The Roman Baths, Bath, Sun 5 Oct

» Centre BA1 5AW. 01225 463362. www.bathfestivals.org.uk/childrensliterature, 5pm-5.45pm. £5 (age 6+) • Watch Jonny Duddle, cover illustrator of the new editions of the Harry Potter novels, draw live on stage and ask him your questions as he tells you about the process of creating new covers for these iconic children’s books.

SUN 5 OCT BURIED TREASURE! (BCLF) The Roman Baths, Stall Street, Bath BA1 1LZ. 01225 463362. www.bathfestivals.org.uk/childrens-literature, 11.30am-12.45pm. £10 (age 8-12) • Handle coins and get step-by-step advice on writing adventures of your own with Janine Amos, author of ‘Walking on Gold’, in a workshop inspired by Bath’s Roman coin hoard.

Bring paper and pens. Book early.

SUN 5 OCT CREATE YOUR OWN ANIMAL ADVENTURE (BCLF) The Paragon Junior School, Lyncombe House, Lyncombe Vale, Bath, BA2 4LT. 01225 463362. www. bathfestivals.org.uk/childrensliterature, 1pm-2.30pm. £12 (age 9+) • Hear how meeting Road Dahl inspired Piers Torday, author of the ‘Last Wild’ trilogy to write, before following him on a nature walk and taking part in an animal adventurethemed writing workshop.

SUN 5 OCT I LOVE YOU WITH EMMA DODD (BCLF) Bath Central Library, 19 The Podium, Northgate St, City Centre, Bath BA1 5AL. 01225 463362. www.bathfestivals.org.uk/childrens-literature, 1.30pm-2.15pm. £5 (age 3-6) • Join the award-winning author-illustrator of the ‘I Love You’ series, Emma Dodd, for an interactive storytelling and craft event.

SUN 5 OCT CATHY CASSIDY: SWEET HONEY (BCLF) Guildhall, High St, Bath, City Centre BA1 5AW. 01225 463362. www.bathfestivals.org.uk/childrens-literature, 3.15pm-4pm. £6 (age 9+) • Hear tips on friendship, daydreaming and chocolate from author Cathy Cassidy PRIMARY TIMES

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SUN 5 OCT JAKE’S BONES (BCLF) Guildhall, High St, Bath, City Centre BA1 5AW. 01225 463362. www.bathfestivals.org.uk/childrens-literature, 3.15pm-4pm. £6 (age 10+) • Listen to Jake McGowan-Lowe, a 12 year old bone collector who has just published his first book, as he talks to Cbeebies presenter Jess French about how to discover treasures of your own.

SUN 5 OCT A PIRATE AND DINOSAUR ADVENTURE (BCLF) Mission Theatre, 32 Corn St, Bath BA1 1UF. 01225 463362. www.bathfestivals.org.uk/childrens-literature.

3.30pm-4.15pm. £6 (age 4+) • Go on a swash-buckling adventure with Jonny Duddle as you take part in interactive activities and listen to readings from his best-selling ‘Pirate Cruncher’ and new dinosaur title, ‘Gigantosaurus’.

SUN 5 OCT MICHAEL MORPURGO’S PRIVATE PEACEFUL: THE CONCERT (BCLF) Komedia, 22-23 Westgate St, Bath BA1 1EP. 01225 463362. www.bathfestivals.org.uk/childrens-literature.

4pm-5.30pm. £15 (age 8+/family) • Based on the award-winning book, join its best-selling author, Michael Morpurgo, as his narrative is brought to life by the songs of Coope, Boyes & Simpson.

SUN 5 OCT FRANK EINSTEIN AND THE ANTIMATTER MOTOR (BCLF) Mission Theatre, 32 Corn St, Bath BA1 1UF. 01225 463362. www.bathfestivals.org.uk/childrens-literature, 5.15pm-6pm. £5 (age 9+) • Dress up as a mad scientist and win a special prize as Jon Scieszka, US, bestselling author, talks to Jeff Norton about his science-fuelled adventure.

SAT 11 OCT CELEBRATING CLASSIC PICTURE BOOKS WITH LAUREN CHILD AND JUDITH KERR (CLF) Parabola Arts Centre, Parabola Rd, Cheltenham, GL50 3AH. 01242 707338. www.cheltenhamfestivals.

SAT 11 OCT MAGICAL MATHS PARTY Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution, 16-18 Queen Square, Bath, BA1 2HN. 01225 312084, www. brlsi.org, 1pm-4pm, £6 • Join Jayne of the University of Bath Spa to have fun fiddling with figures and shapes. Celebrate the excitement and intrigue of numbers. Book in advance.

SUN 12 OCT JACQUELINE WILSON (CLF) Town Hall, Imperial Square, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 1QB. www.cheltenhamfestivals.com, 1.30pm-2.30pm. £7 • Don’t miss this chance to hear the wonderful Jacqueline Wilson talking about her 100th book, ‘Opal Plumstead’. Set in Edwardian England, Opal is fiercely intelligent but her scholarship and dreams of university are snatched away when her father is sent to prison.

FRI 17 OCT FRIDAY FUN RUN Tyntesfield, Project Office, Bristol BS48 1NT. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ tyntesfield, 01275 461900, 10am, £3 • A fun run in the beautiful grounds of Tyntesfield for all ages and all abilities. Meet in the lower courtyard of Home Farm for 9.55am. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

FRI 17 OCT-SUN 2 NOV BRISTOL FAMILY ARTS FESTIVAL (BFAF) www.familyartsfestival.com. Various locations and prices • A national event with a range of activities taking place locally over the half term period, including a big family picnic (1 Nov) theatre, art, music, dance, literature, film, storytelling and more.

A selection of events are listed below and marked (BFAF) THU 23 OCT KACHINA DOLL MAKING WORKSHOP Claverton Manor, Claverton, Bath, BA2 7BD. 01225 460503, www. americanmuseum.org, 1-4pm • Learn all about the kachina dolls made by Pueblo Native Americans to teach children about the spirits they believe exist in the natural world.

Age 3+.

SAT 25 OCT ET FILM SCREENING AND WORKSHOP (BFAF) Watershed, 1 Canon’s Rd, Bristol, BS1 5TX. 0117 927 5100. www.watershed. co.uk. 1pm-4.30pm. Screening £3.50/workshop £2 • Enjoy a special screening of classic sci-fi movie ET, followed by an extra-terrestrial puppet and animation workshop. There’s more space-inspired activity for all

the family throughout half term as part of the BFI SciFi season.

SAT 25 OCT WE ARE FAMILY (BFAF) Arnolfini, 16 Narrow Quay, Bristol, BS1 4QA. 0117 9172300. www. arnolfini.org.uk, 1pm-5pm, free • Get creative and explore Arnolfini’s exhibitions and events through exciting and engaging activities for all the family. Most suitable for ages 5+ but children of all ages welcome.

SAT 25 OCT DROP-IN CREATIVE WORKSHOP (BFAF) Lawrence Weston Community Farm, Saltmarsh Dr, Bristol, BS11 0NJ. 0117 938 1128. www.lwfarm.org.uk.

1pm-4pm, free admission • Help the Architecture Centre and the Children’s Scrapstore create a vision for Bristol as a child-friendly city of the future. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

SAT 26 OCT NEON FIVE Weston Woods, Worlebury Hill Rd, Weston Super Mare, North Somerset, BS22 9ST. 01934 423960. www.neonfive.org.uk, 6pm. £15 • Join Weston Hospice’s “neon invasion” of Weston woods. Don your loudest clothes and neon war paint, arm yourself with glowsticks and get ready to party. Dance your way through Electric Avenue, Space Odyssey, Alice’s Wonderland, Enchanted Forest and Retro Revival – you’ll never want to go home.

SAT 25 AND SUN 26 OCT HERE, TODAY (BFAF) Arnolfini, 16 Narrow Quay, Bristol, BS1 4QA. 0117 917 2300. www. arnolfini.org.uk. 1pm-5pm. Free admission • Join artist Andy Field and children from local primary schools as they take you on a journey into the future of Bristol. See the city through a child’s eyes, imagining the city that we will leave for them.

SAT 25 AND SUN 26 OCT MUD PLAY (BFAF) Leigh Woods, Bristol. 0117 973 1645. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/leighwoods. 10am-4pm.Free admission • Join artist collective Assemble as they explore play through interactive workshops to create their ‘Spirit of Play’ toolkit.

SUN 26 OCT THE BIG DRAW TO THE BIG MAP (BFAF) M Shed, Princess Wharf, Wapping Rd, Bristol, BS1 4RN. 0117 352 6600. www.mshed.org, 10am-4pm, free • Create your own Bristol places gallery with artist Luci Gorell Barnes.

Explore the big map and use drawing to tell your own stories. Suitable for all ages.

LISTINGS BY ELLEN WHITE, FRANCES STEWART AND BECKI MURRAY

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St Mary Redcliffe & Temple School, Bristol

door

A to the future It’s vital to be well informed before deciding on a new school for your child. Frances Stewart discovers how to get the most out of school open days.

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very autumn, hoards of parents and prospective pupils descend on secondary schools for their open days. These are exciting glimpses into the future for both parent and child, so choosing the right one can seem like a monumental decision.

If approached with a sense of curiosity and interest, however, open days have a lot to offer, and while poring over school websites, studying results tables and asking fellow parents for advice on secondary schools can provide a wealth of information, often the only reliable way to help your child decide on a new school is by visiting in person.

An open day really gives parents and children a chance to gauge the feel of a learning environment. Sophie Morris, former student at The Red Maids’ School in Bristol, certainly found this. “The atmosphere of the school when I went to visit really appealed to me and helped me to make up my mind.” Although a parent’s role at an open day is important, the child is really the indicator of whether or not the school is the right place for them. For example, if an older sibling settles into a school, this doesn’t necessarily mean that a 30

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The Red Maids’ School, Bristol

younger sibling will do the same, which was the case for Sophie and her younger sister Ellie. “Ellie also went to look around Red Maids’ too, but it just wasn’t the right place for her. In the end, she decided on Bristol Grammar School because she liked the facilities and the emphasis on sport and activities.” As Sandra Morris, mother of Sophie and Ellie, emphasises, “It’s very important for children to attend, as this is a

decision which will affect the rest of their lives.”

An open day, like many other activities, benefits hugely from a bit of forward planning. “Although we didn’t always have specific questions to ask, we made a point of attending the headteacher’s talk at every school,” says Sandra.

“This usually covered everything that we wanted to know, and if we had any more questions, we could ask pupils and staff as we looked

around.” Although, as Sandra points out, you don’t need to have detailed questions in mind, do think of a list of things that are important to you and your child, such as how easy the school is for you to travel to and from. Helen Guest, staff member at Badminton School, says, “No question is too small. Usually, the current pupils will remember being in a similar situation to your child and will happily answer queries on a whole spectrum of school life to help guide you.”

Arguably, the main area that benefits from the most exploration at an open day is academic achievement. Results tables are not always reliable indicators of how well your child will do at a certain school - some children might flourish in a competitive and challenging learning environment, while others might find it demoralising. Therefore, it is important to consider your child’s academic performance and to find a school that will nurture and improve them. Helen Guest stresses the importance of checking the school’s curriculum. “If there are key aspects of the curriculum you wish your child to follow that not all schools might provide, it is imperative to be clear of that. For example, if you wish PRIMARY TIMES

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Yate International Academy

St Bede’s Catholic College, Lawrence Weston

them to study Mandarin or to follow an International Baccalaureate (IB) course rather than A level, are they viable options?” Extracurricular activities are also worth considering at an open day - look at the facilities the school offers and see what range of clubs they have on offer.

Although children go to school to be educated, extracurricular activities can enrich school life immeasurably.

Although open days are designed to be as straightforward and helpful as possible for parents and prospective students, it helps to come prepared. As Helen Guest says, “a good open day should leave you feeling you have learnt and seen everything you need to in order to make the decision on whether or not to take the next step in the admissions process.”

Local school open days NB. Some schools require visitors to book a place on an open day or evening, so please contact schools individually for further information before attending.

BS20 0HU T: 01275 373737 W: www.st katherines.n-somerset.sch.uk WED 17 SEP KING’S OAK ACADEMY Brook Road, Bristol BS15 4JT T: 01454 866538 W: www.kingsoakacademy.org.uk THU 18 SEP (SENIOR SCHOOL) & SAT 11 OCT (WHOLE SCHOOL) CLIFTON HIGH SCHOOL College Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 3JD T: 0117 973 0201 W: www.cliftonhigh.bristol.sch.uk THU 18 SEP DOWNEND SCHOOL Westerleigh Road, Bristol BS16 6XA 5.45pm T: 01454 862300 W: www.downend.com THU 18 SEP & MON 22-WED 24 SEP ST MARY REDCLIFFE & TEMPLE SCHOOL Somerset Square, Bristol BS1 6RT 6.30pm (Thu), 9.30am (Mon-Wed) T: 0117 377 2100 W: www.smrt.bristol.sch.uk THU 18, SAT 20, THU 25 SEPT & THU 9, SAT 11 OCT + THU 2 OCT (OPEN EVENING)

BRIDGE LEARNING CAMPUS William Jessop Way, Hartcliffe, Bristol BS13 0RL 9.15am (days) T: 0117 353 4472 W: www.bridge learningcampus.org.uk SAT 20 SEP ROYAL HIGH SCHOOL Lansdown Road, Bath BA1 5SZ 10am (Senior School), 1pm (Junior School) T: 01225 313877 W: www.royalhighbath.gdst.net TUE 23 SEP OASIS ACADEMY BRIGHTSTOWE Penpole Lane, Bristol BS11 0EB 5pm T: 0117 316 7330 W: www.oasis academybrightstowe.org TUE 23 (EVENING ONLY) AND THU 25 SEP NAILSEA SCHOOL Mizzymead Road, Nailsea, Bristol BS48 2HN T: 01275 852251 W: www.nailseaschool.com WED 24 SEP BRADLEY STOKE COMMUNITY SCHOOL Fiddlers Wood Lane, Bradley Stoke, South Gloucestershire BS32 9BS 8.45am, 9.45am, 11.05am, 1.35pm & 6pm T: 01454 868840 W: www.bradleystokeschool.org.uk

WED 24 SEP (EVENING) WED 1 & THU 9 OCT (MORNING) ST BERNADETTE CATHOLIC SCHOOL Fossedale Avenue, Whitchurch, Bristol BS14 9LS 9.15am & 5pm T: 0117 377 2050 W: www.stberns.bristol.sch.uk THU 25 SEP BROADLANDS SCHOOL St Francis Road, Keynsham, Bristol BS31 2DY 6.30pm T: 0117 986 4791 W: www.broadlandsacademy.org THU 25 SEP ST BEDE’S CATHOLIC COLLEGE Long Cross, Lawrence Weston, Bristol BS11 0SU 6.30pm T: 0117 377 2200 W: www.stbedescc.org THU 25 SEP HAYESFIELD GIRLS’ SCHOOL Upper Oldfield Park, Bath BA2 3LA 9am T: 01225 426151 W: www.hayesfield.com THU 25 SEP THE RIDINGS FEDERATION OF ACADEMIES YATE INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY Sundridge Park, Yate, Bristol BS37 4DX 6pm T: 01454 862626 W: www.trfyia.org.uk »

WED 10 AND TUE 16 SEP COLSTON’S GIRL’S SCHOOL Cheltenham Road, Bristol BS6 5RD, 6-8pm T: 0117 942 4328 W: www.colstonsgirls.bristol.sch.uk MON 15 SEP (EVENING) MANGOTSFIELD SCHOOL Rodway Hill, Bristol BS16 9LH 5.30pm T: 01454 862700 W: www.mangotsfieldschool.org.uk MON 15-WED 17 SEP (MORNINGS) & THU 18 SEPT (EVENING) CITY ACADEMY Russell Town Avenue, Bristol BS5 9JH T: 0117 941 3800 W: www.cityacademybristol.org TUE 16 (EVENING), TUE 23 & THU 25 SEP & THU 2 OCT (MORNINGS) ST KATHERINE’S SCHOOL Ham Green, Bristol, North Somerset PRIMARY TIMES

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door to the future

CONTINUED »

THU 25 SEP (EVENING) THU 2, FRI 3, TUE 7 & WED 8 OCT (MORNINGS) FAIRFIELD SCHOOL Allfoxton Road, Bristol BS7 9NL 9.15am & 6pm T: 0117 952 7100 W: www.fairfield.bristol.sch.uk

6.30pm T: 01225 423582 W: www.oldfieldschool.com

FRI 26 SEP SIDCOT SCHOOL Oakridge Lane, Winscombe BS25 1PD 9.30am T: 01934 843102 W: www.sidcot.org.uk

THU 2 OCT THE RIDINGS FEDERATION OF ACADEMIES WINTERBOURNE INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY Federation House, High Street, Winterbourne, South Gloucestershire BS36 1JL 6.30pm T: 01454 252000 W: www.trfwia.org.uk

SAT 27 SEP COLSTON’S SCHOOL Colston Hill, Bristol BS16 1BJ 10am T: 0117 965 5207 W: www.colstons.bristol.sch.uk

THU 2 OCT WELLSWAY SCHOOL Chandag Road, Keynsham, Bristol BS31 1PH T: 0117 986 4751 W: www.wellswayschool.com

WED 1 OCT OLDFIELD SCHOOL Kelston Road, Bath BA1 9AB

THU 2 OCT (EVENING), WED 8 & WED 15 OCT (MORNING) MARLWOOD SCHOOL

Vattingstone Lane, Alveston, S Gloucestershire BS35 3LA T: 01454 862525 W: www.marlwood.com THU 2 OCT (EVENING) BRIMSHAM GREEN Broad Lane, Yate, South Gloucestershire BS37 7LB T: 01454 868888 W: www.brimsham.com FRI 3 OCT BRISTOL GRAMMAR SCHOOL University Road, Bristol BS8 1SR 4pm T: 0117 973 6006 W: www.bristolgrammarschool.co.uk SAT 4 OCT (MORNING) QUEEN ELIZABETH’S HOSPITAL (QEH) SCHOOL Berkeley Place, Bristol BS8 1JX T: 0117 930 3040 W: www.qehbristol.co.uk SAT 4 OCT (MORNING) KING EDWARD’S SCHOOL North Road, Bath BA2 6HU T: 01225 464 313 W: www.kesbath.com TUE 7 OCT (EVENING) & WED 8 OCT (MORNING) BADMINTON SCHOOL Westbury Road, Bristol BS9 3BA T: 0117 905 5200 W: www.badmintonschool.co.uk

St Katherine’s School, Pill Royal High, Bristol

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Bristol Grammar School

SAT 18 OCT REDLAND HIGH SCHOOL Redland Court, Redland Court Road, Bristol BS6 7EF 9.15am T: 0117 924 5796 W: www.redlandhigh.com SAT 8 NOV THE RED MAIDS’ JUNIOR SCHOOL Westbury Road, Bristol BS9 3AW 10am T: 0117 962 2641 W: www.redmaids.bristol.sch.uk DATE TBC ABBEYWOOD SCHOOL New Road, Stoke Gifford, Bristol BS34 8SF T: 0117 307 5660 W: www.abbeywoodschool.com

Do’s and don’ts

DO be guided by your child.

Do they look interested in the school? Are they overwhelmed by the size?

DON’T do all the talking on your child’s behalf. As they will eventually be the ones attending, encourage them to ask questions and talk to teachers and current pupils.

DO plan your visit with your child.

Discuss what you want to gain from the visit and what you want to find out. It can be useful to plan a small list of questions before you go.

DON’T try to shorten the length of your visit. See every available classroom, sit through any presentations made by staff and talk to as many pupils as possible. The more information you can gain, the more informed your final decision will be.

DO make notes. Open days can sometimes seem to bombard visitors with information. Writing it all down at the time and then reading over it when you get home can help to refresh your memory and to decide whether you still feel the same way about the school afterwards.

Give a child a breakfast: one box = one bowl

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Open Evening

Thursday 2nd October 6.00-8.00pm

You are warmly invited to attend our Open Evening for Year 6 students looking to join this vibrant and dynamic school in September 2015. During the evening there will be tours of the school, a presentation given by the Headteacher, Andrea Arlidge, and the opportunity to talk with teachers.

For parents/carers who are unable to attend our Open Evening, there will be Open Day tours, by appointment, during weeks commencing 6th and 13th October. Please contact us to arrange your visit.

Wellsway School | Chandag Road | Keynsham | Bristol | BS31 1PH E-mail: enquiries@wellswayschool.com | Tel: 0117 9864751

www.wellswayschool.com

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 Whole School Open Morning

Thursday September 18th Saturday October 11th

0117 933 9087

www.cliftonhigh.bristol.sch.uk PRIMARY TIMES

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Independent – Co-educational – All age

A school for the whole family

Choosing your next school

Whole School Open Morning Saturday September 27 (10am -1pm)

Taster Days during Autumn Term (8.15am - 4pm) Further information from Denise Sollis Tel 0117 965 5207 denisesollis@colstons.bristol.sch.uk

Colston’s School, Stapleton Bristol BS16 1BJ www.colstons.bristol.sch.uk Registered Charity No 1079552

Scholarships and bursaries available

Let us nurture your potential Open days Winterbourne International Academy

Yate International Academy

Thursday 2nd October 6.30pm-8pm

Thursday 25th September 6pm-8.30pm

Sixth Form @ Winterbourne

Sixth Form @ Yate

Woodlands Primary Phase

Thursday 6th November 6.30pm-8pm

Thursday 16th October 6.30pm-8pm

Tuesday 7th October 9am, 2pm, 6pm

01454 252 000 34

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info@trfa.org.uk

www.trfa.org.uk PRIMARY TIMES

28/08/2014 09:57:28

Carnival season arrives in the West

Autumn

forever!

From literature festivals to carnivals, Frances Stewart discovers plenty of seasonal events to keep families entertained as the nights draw in.

W

ith the summer behind us it’s time to hibernate again and families can enjoy the lengthening evenings huddled in front of the telly, right? Wrong! It seems people in the West are keen to celebrate the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness more actively than ever and, while bonfire night and Halloween remain staples of the autumn calendar, there’s a huge variety of ways to get out and enjoy the chilly days ahead.

Here’s a small sample of events both traditional and new taking place in the region, with nature, literature, floats, fireworks and even food on the menu.

SAT 6 SEP Harvest Festival with the Avon Wildlife Trust Feed Bristol, Frenchay Park Road, Bristol, Avon BS16 1HB, free, 12-5pm. www.avonwildlifetrust.org. uk/events The Avon Wildlife Trust and Feed Bristol join forces to share the fruits of their labours for a harvest festival. Plenty of fun family activities promised.

SAT 13–SUN 14 SEP Swindon Railway Festival Steam Museum of the Great Western Railway, Firefly Avenue, Swindon, Witshire SN2 2TA. 10am5pm. www.steam-museum.org.uk This annual celebration of steam railways has plenty of activities for all age groups. See some of the largest model railway layouts in the country, enjoy displays and meet the drivers and firemen who worked on the Great Western Railway.

MON 15–SUN 21 SEP Salisbury Food and Drink Festival 87 Crane Street, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP1 2PU. www.salisburyfestival.co.uk A fantastic week of foodie events and family fun. Christine Wallace,

®

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River Cottage’s John Wri ght at Salisbury Food and Drink Festival

facts, BOV has The Great Big Story Mix Up and there’s a Big Family Arts Picnic on Sat 1 Nov at Arnolfini.

SUN 26 OCT Love Food Autumn Festival Paintworks Event Space, Bath Road, Bristol BS4 3EH, 10.30am4pm. www.lovefoodfestival.com The Love Food Festival is heading to Bristol’s new cultural hub to celebrate a bountiful time of year.

Expect seasonal activities, plenty of fresh produce and attractions for the whole family.

2013 ‘Great British Bake Off’ contestant, gives a live cookery demonstration.

Experts from Neal’s Yard hold workshops on the healing potential and dietary benefits of food, while River Cottage foraging expert John Wright takes the audience on an ever popular food foraging walk. Tickets for some events and demonstrations must be bought in advance.

FRI 26 SEP-SUN 5 OCT The Telegraph Bath Children’s Literature Festival Various venues in and around Bath, see website for times and prices. www.bathfestivals.org.uk/ childrens-literature A week of reading workshops, quizzes, talks and readings by leading children’s authors. Michael Rosen, Henry Winkler (aka The Fonz), Lauren Child and ‘Horrible Lauren Child at Bath Children’s Literature Festival

Histories’ illustrator Martin Brown are among the writers and artists taking part. Discover the secrets behind characters like Ruby Redfort, Charlie and Lola, Kipper and Dennis the Menace.

FRI 3-SUN 12 OCT The Times/Sunday Times Cheltenham Festival of Literature Various venues throughout Cheltenham. See website for times and prices. www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/literature While primarily a celebration of grown up literature there are several family events including Free Fun for All the Family in Imperial Square on Sun 5 & Sun 12 Oct, plus Waterstones Children’s Hideaway from Fri 3-Sun 12 October.

FRI 17 OCT-SUN 2 NOV Bristol Family Arts Festival Various venues in and around Bristol, see website for times and prices. www.familyartsfestival.com Many of Bristol’s leading arts organisations, including Arnolfini, Bristol Old Vic and ss Great Britain host events encouraging children to explore the arts in all their variety. The City Museum & Art Gallery has an exhibition of Mexican arte-

SAT 1 NOV Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival Bridgwater, Somerset TA6 3AR, free, but charity donations welcome. Procession starts 7pm.

Perhaps the most famous and largest of the Somerset carnivals, this day-long celebration of music, street theatre, lights and floats proceeds along a two-and-a-half mile route.

Love Food Autumn Festival

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

d r a o b n Pi

Parents’ & teachers’

news, education & contacts

A smooth adjustment From the classroom to the best seats in town!

Bristol has a wealth of intriguing history, breath-taking sights and interesting facts.

Take advantage of all that this beautiful city has to offer by booking an educational tour with Bristol Insight, part of City Sightseeing, Bristol. You can choose from a range of specially tailored, curriculum-led open top bus tours, guaranteed to educate, stimulate and excite.

The educational tours include ‘Brunel and Victorian Bristol’, ‘Where You Live’, ‘Maritime Bristol’ and ‘Bristol and World War Two’. These highly popular trips are delivered by experienced guides, with a focus on interaction between guide and students.

New tours for 2014/15: • Bristol from the Iron Age to The Normans • Bristol and World War One. The buses can carry up to 75 students and can be hired for one, or a number of trips, or all day.

Ffi: Bristol Insight W: www.bristolinsight.co.uk/schoolschildren-history-tours

Innovative approaches Mangotsfield School celebrates students’ success, both academic and personal, helping them to develop self-confidence and self-esteem. It does everything it can to ensure that each child’s learning progresses as rapidly as possible. The school is proud of the level of support and guidance that it gives.

The school’s positive working ethos is reflected in good standards of behaviour and high levels of attendance.

The school continues to develop innovative approaches to teaching and learning in co-operation with national and local educational providers, including primary school partners.

Mangotsfield School gives every student the opportunity to participate in a wide range of challenging activities.

Extra-curricular activities including sport, music and drama contribute greatly to the life of the school. Students accept levels of responsibility, for example leading one another in class, serving in student project teams, hosting visitors and participating in the selection of staff.

If you have any questions about the school please either ask them or see them at work.

Ffi: Mangotsfield School W: www.mangotsfieldschool.org.uk

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Mums and dads often worry about their children adjusting from primary to secondary school – but the transition can be difficult for parents too.

One change can be that parents go from being very involved in the school to having minimal contact with staff. But that’s not the case with Fairfield High School (FHS), which works closely with families before and after children join. Provision goes well beyond the usual induction activities for pupils from neighbouring primaries and their parents.

FHS’s Stepping Up transition programme has won national recognition.

Sport and creative activities during Year 6 are supplemented with weekly support for vulnerable students.

Holiday activities follow, so children make friends and get to know teachers. In Year 7, weekly parents’ teas give the adults similar opportunities.

Head teacher Catriona Mangham says, “We make every effort to know and understand the needs of individual children before they officially start.

We want every family to be part of the Fairfield family.”

Ffi: Fairfield High School W: www.fairfield.bristol.sch.uk

Achieving ambitions at Hayesfield Hayesfield is a thriving, vibrant school community where girls flourish. It has a strong belief in traditional values and sets high standards in work, conduct and appearance. The school places emphasis on developing skills and values to enable students to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Students benefit from being educated by highly talented, reflective, dedicated and caring professionals in an inspirational environment. The teachers ensure that all of girls make academic and personal progress, which is reflected in examination success at GCSE and A Level.

Alongside the high academic aspirations, the school enables students to develop into well-rounded and independent learners, encouraging them to take on leadership roles across the school and participate in its superb range of extracurricular activities.

Hayesfield girls become confident, articulate and well-informed young women with the attitude and skills to achieve their ambitions.

Ffi: Hayesfield Girls’ School W: www.hayesfield.com

Get performing!

Developing talents St Katherine’s School is described by its students as, “the best place for young people to learn and grow up”.

It has a second specialism of Applied Christoper Sammons, Learning and is the head, St Katherine’s only school in the country to run a fine dining restaurant with students. The school takes pride in developing a wide range of interests and talents among its student body, recognised in the September 2013 Ofsted Report: “Outcomes are high for students in humanities subjects and many make outstanding progress.

There are also good and better outcomes for students in design and technology, art, physical education, performing arts and information and communications technology.” The school has developed a programme of Latin for all in Year 8 and the option to study Classics in the upper school.

St Katherine’s offers a high level of student care and support in beautiful surroundings with excellent facilities.

Ffi: St Katherine’s School W: www.st-katherines.n-somerset.sch.uk

The Pauline Quirke Academy (PQA) is a weekend performing arts school for 4 to 18 year olds and its newest branch opens in Bath on Saturday 13 September. Actress Pauline Quirke says, “������������������������������ When we opened our first academy in 2007 our mission was simply to provide the very best performing arts education. We’ve grown a lot since then, but that mission hasn’t changed.

By working with outstanding people we aim to bring the widest, most exciting experience to our students.”

PQA offers core modules in Comedy & Drama, Musical Theatre and Film & Television together with master classes and specialist lessons in stage combat, beat boxing, street dance and magic.

All students are offered group exams through Trinity College London.

The main Academy is for 6-18 years olds, while 4 and 5 year olds join Poppets, which combines the best of movement, dance and singing.

Principal Lucy Plant said “We are so excited to bring this wonderful opportunity to the children and young people of Bath.”

Ffi: PQA Bath, Ralph Allen School, Bath, BA2 7AD T: 0845 673 2022 W: www.pqacademy.com

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

d r a o b n Pi New Bristol co-ed alliance Redland High and Queen Elizabeth’s Hospital are delighted to be offering a co-educational provision for pupils aged 3 to 7 years from this September.

This joint project, which has seen an environmentally sympathetic extension to Redland High Junior School’s existing building, has enabled Redland High School to offer an extra 24 places for boys and girls at Early Years Foundation Stage, with a natural progression for boys to QEH in Year 3.

The alliance also means that QEH is now able to welcome boys from the age of 3. While the Foundation and Key Stage 1 provision will be based on the Redland High site, the boys will feel part of QEH, wearing QEH uniform and with access to all QEH’s facilities.

Both schools remain committed to single-sex education from Year 3 onwards.

Ffi: Redland High School W: www.redlandhigh.com Queen Elizabeth’s Hospital W: www.qehbristol.co.uk

Party me hearty!

If your kids love pirates, they’ll love Pirate Attack, a birthday party experience for children aged 4–7 years.

Parents’ comments include: “Best party ever”; “Couldn’t recommend them more highly”; “Such a hit with the children and the parents”; “Fantastic, professional and entertaining”; and “Great value for money”.

A highlight of the parties is the Pirate Pillory, where the children clamour to throw wet sponges at the naughty pirate. Other activities include a pirate bouncy castle, making pirate hats or spy-glasses, walk the plank, skittles, quoits, sword-fighting, and a treasure hunt. Pirate Attack parties can be accommodated in most church or community halls in and around Bristol and Bath.

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

®

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Is your child curious about the world?

Sidcot School, set in 160 acres of countryside, yet only a short drive from Bristol, offers a range of projects for pupils to learn about their impact on nature. Children of all ages are inspired to learn in Forest School, a natural amphitheatre in a forest of beech, pines, hazels, field maples and yew trees, home to badgers, rabbits, squirrels and a multitude of birds, bats and insects. In the school gardens, pupils grow vegetables, some of which are used by the school kitchens, so they literally taste the fruits of their labours.

Bee Keeping Club combines practical experience of caring for the insects with theories learnt in science lessons.

There is even environmentally-friendly daily transport provided from Bristol to school and back. To learn how your child could benefit from an inspirational education at Sidcot, visit the website or see the impact for yourself at one of its forthcoming open days.

Ffi: Sidcot School W: www.sidcot.org.uk

Peppa returns Peppa Pig’s Big Splash, The Bristol Hippodrome, Tue 7 & Wed 8 Oct The nursery roof is leaking and Peppa and her friends need to fix it quickly. They set up a fete to raise the money for Mr Bull to do the repairs. There’s plenty of fun to be had as Peppa, George, Mummy and Daddy Pig, as well as Danny Dog, Pedro Pony and Suzy Sheep put up bunting, run stalls and organise a great day out. There’s also a Champion Puddle Jumping competition judged by Mr Potato where everyone gets wet and Peppa needs to find her golden boots. Another all-singing, all-dancing adventure full of songs, games and muddy puddles is guaranteed for all the family.

This brand new production, Peppa Pig’s Big Splash, comes fresh from the huge successes of the two previous tours, ‘Peppa Pig’s Party’ and ‘Peppa Pig’s Treasure Hunt’.

Peppa Pig returns live on stage with puppets and brilliant sing-a-long songs from BAFTA award-winning composer Mani Svavarsson.

Parents’ & teachers’

news, education & contacts

Family friendly Watershed This autumn sees a host of family events arriving at Bristol’s Watershed.

Over the weekend of Sat 4 and Sun 5 Oct, the venue takes part in Fun Palace, a national event that aims to explore arts spaces as open and fun. Watershed’s Fun Palace is going to be all about sci-fi because, they say, exploring visions of the future and what that might mean is truly exciting!

Then on 25 Oct it will screen the family classic ET, with an extra special extra terrestrial workshop, as part of Bristol’s Family Arts Festival. And if you’re looking for an unusual new way to celebrate your child’s birthday, then one of Watershed’s relaxed birthday parties might be for you.

Ffi: Watershed T: 0117 927 2082 W: www.watershed.co.uk

Where there’s wool The Bristol Wool Fair is a celebration of all things woolly. The fair takes place on Durdham Down, Bristol, by the water tower, on Fri 5-Sun 7 Sep, from 10am6pm every day.

Free knitting and crochet tuition, market marquees, and demonstrations of spinning, weaving and felt making are among the attractions. A sheepdog display with runner ducks is held each day and The Friends of The Downs and Avon Gorge run craft sessions for children.

There’s a bouncy castle and an inflatable tea room too.

The Wool Fair celebrates traditional, environmentally friendly hand crafts which have evolved over many thousands of years. Many traders are small, artisan companies offering handmade and hand dyed yarns and accessories.

With food, drink, acoustic music and a bar, the whole family can enjoy the fair. Best of all, accompanied under 16s go free.

Ffi: W: www.bristolwoolfair.co.uk

Ffi: Bristol Hippodrome W: www.atgtickets.com/venues/ bristol-hippodrome

Kelloggs.co.uk 27/08/2014 15:19:15

Adver tising Feature

Beyond the classroom • The focus of the CGS Trust, which runs Colston’s Girls’ School, the Dolphin School and the Kingfisher School, is to shape the future for every child, allowing them to achieve more than they ever thought possible. The trust does this through the creation of a challenging, engaging and values-led curriculum which focuses on characteristics, principles and habits that last a lifetime.

These include curiosity, creativity, confidence, ambition, resilience, optimism and responsibility.

The trust believes that experiencing the world beyond the classroom is an essential part of learning and personal development for all children, whatever their age, ability or circumstances. So trust schools teach a varied and exciting curriculum using Bristol’s open spaces and learning outside the classroom.

These experiences will expand the students’ horizons and build pride in their place at school and in Bristol.

A person’s love of science, maths and technology often originates at primary school and this is a critical period for encouraging children to explore and begin to understand the world around them. The trust schools have clearly defined challenging goals for the core skills: English, maths and science teach the students to be independent, curious and resourceful in their learning, seeking knowledge and opportunities. The schools work with business, industry, charitable organisations, professional bodies and others with an interest in education to facilitate close collaboration.

CGS Trust believes in fostering parental and wider community engagement, including those with businesses, bringing together all that the city offers as a learning environment: language, history, arts, science and commerce - a school without walls.

Ffi: CGS Trust W: www.cgstrust.com

Adver tising Feature

Hello

Welcome to The Royal High Junior School at Cranwell House.

We're building the brightest future for your daughter.

Please come and visit.

Open Day Thursday 2nd October 9.30-11.30am

A leading independent day and boarding school for girls

Cranwell House, Weston Park East, Bath BA1 2UZ Tel: 01225 422931 Email: royalhigh@rhsb.gdst.net www.royalhighbath.gdst.net 42 BACK TO SCHOOL 2014

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It’s all GO • GO Sports aims to allow your 3 to 16 year old to enjoy a variety of sports, flourishing in small class sizes and becoming more confident, happy and active. It runs a weekend multi-sports school on Sunday mornings, with two classes: children aged 3 to 5 attend the Pre-school Mini Sports, enjoying 1 1/2 hours of sports, fun and games. In Junior Sports, 5 to 16 year olds take part in three hours of sports, fun and activities.

GO Sports is designed both for young people with little or no sporting ability, and for those with ambitions to improve their skills under the guidance of professionals. GO Sports is ideal for both boys and girls, and aims to help youngsters find confidence, both as athletes and as people, through exposure to many different sporting activities.

The team favourites such as football, basketball, netball and volleyball are taught, as well as more unusual sports such as Uni-Hoc, handball and lacrosse. Equally, individual sports are catered for, with athletics, fencing, archery, martial arts, badminton, short tennis and many others available.

Additionally, each week GO Sports incorporates team building and motivational challenges into its programme, along with team-based games such as Ultimate Dodgeball and Capture the Flag. These are an integral part of the 12-week term.

By the end, GO Sports children will have learnt and enjoyed a wide variety of sports, games and activities.

Ffi: Peter Hancock T: 0117 907 0401 E: gosports@hotmail.co.uk. W: www.go-sports.co.uk

PRIMARY TIMES

27/08/2014 15:41:13

Adver tising Feature

Children’s view on school travel

Ffi: W: www.travelwest.info/schools

J Bewley - Sustrans J Bewley – Sustrans

• Pupils from Bristol primary schools who are part of the Active Travel to Schools programme have created a film recording their individual experiences of journeys to school.

Now out on DVD, the film and accompanying lesson ideas are a resource for teachers to support learning around active travel. They are also a unique insight into children’s thoughts and feelings about getting to school and feature interviews with other family members including parents and grandparents.

The Active Travel to Schools programme, a partnership between the cycle charity Sustrans and the travel information initiative Travelwest, which is supported by several South West local authorities, is designed to encourage families to try walking, cycling, using public transport or even scooting to school.

In-school activities include Active Travel breakfasts, Bikeability training, arts and drama sessions and events at parent’s evenings. Through promoting sustainable alternatives, the aim is to reduce traffic congestion during peak times, especially around the morning rush hour and reduce the impact of many short car trips used on the school run. There is a particular focus on helping to improve the confidence of those Year 6 pupils who are preparing for the move to secondary school.

it e k Ma active an

..

l. e v a tr

...back to school!

BD5920

www.travelwest.info •

b i k e

•

w a l k

•

s c o o t

For help planning your journeys • b u s • t r a i n •

Adver tising Feature

A shared journey • At the Royal High School (RHS), Bath, every girl is inspired, supported and championed to develop her own unique strengths and talents and to be the best that she can be. With 150 years’ experience, this warm and friendly school is a specialist in girls’ education. Its curriculum includes the arts, humanities, sciences, sport, languages and creative technologies.

For the children, the adventure starts aged 3 in RHS’s Ofsted “outstanding” rated nursery. It continues through the spectacular new Junior School at Cranwell House, Weston Park, where a lifelong love of learning begins and lifetime friendships are created. This experience is developed yet further at the welcoming and high-performing Senior School, itself a launch pad for university and for life at RHS’s vibrant Sixth Form College.

RHS is part of The Girls’ Day School Trust, the UK’s leading educational charity, which has 26 schools and academies across the UK. Education, the school believes, has the power to transform. It is not just the pursuit of academic glory, but a shared journey to develop the spirit, values and individual personalities of RHS’s girls and young women, enabling them to realise their ambitions and create their own futures. Where does your daughter want to go?

Ffi: The Royal High School, Bath W: www.royalhighbath.gdst.net

PRIMARY TIMES

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ASHTON PARK SCHOOL A warm invitation to Year 6 Students and their Parents to join us for our

Open Evening Thursday 25th September 2014 6.00 - 8.30pm Tours 6pm-7.45pm ~ Headteacher’s Speech 8pm or see the school in action

Open Mornings Monday 29th September 11.15am-12.45pm Tuesday 30th September 11.15am -12.45pm We are: A popular school committed to looking after the individual needs of every child An inclusive school that supports all students in becoming resilient, self-confident and independent A school with a state of the art learning environment set in the stunning backdrop of the Ashton Court Estate A caring school with a vibrant community spirit based on respect and with a strong emphasis on its co-operative values An innovative school focused on learning and raising achievement, aspiration and ambition for all A progressive school with an enviable enrichment programme.

Tel: 0117 377 2777 | Fax: 0117 377 2778 www.ashtonpark.net | mail@ashtonpark.net

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Adver tising Feature

Red Maids’ grade achievement • Red Maids’ students have once again achieved outstanding examination results and are now preparing to move on to some of the best courses, mainly at Russell Group universities. At International Baccalaureate Diploma 22% of subjects at higher level were awarded Level 7, the highest possible, and 80% achieved a Level 6 or 7. Five girls scored an amazing 41 points out of a possible 45.

At A2 Level, 14.5% of all entries were graded A* and 28% of students gained at least one A* The hard work was all worth it! grade.

More than half of all A2 entries, 52%, were awarded an A* or A grade and in total, 16 girls achieved three or four A* and A grades.

Headmistress Isabel Tobias comments, “Our students are academically able and motivated. With the support of outstanding teachers they have achieved the best possible outcomes.”

In Economics, German, Latin, and Philosophy and Ethics, the girls swept the board with 100% A* and A grades. In Art, Business Studies, Further Maths, Music, Physical Education, Russian and Spanish all students received A*, A or B grades.

Mrs Tobias adds, “The most important thing is that young people are able to find out what they are good at and are equipped to fulfil their dreams. The girls at Red Maids’ pursue challenging courses which will lead them into the professions and help them make an impact in the world.”

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

Adver tising Feature

Ridings’ students leap to potential • The Ridings’ Federation of Academies was established in 2009 with the core purpose of raising and sustaining educational standards. As a result, £35 million has been invested in new facilities at Winterbourne International Academy and Yate International Academy, which will ensure students, residents and businesses benefit from the best facilities and resources available in South Gloucestershire.

The Ridings’ Federation of Academies consists of: Winterbourne International Academy (11-19 academy) open day 2 Oct; Yate International Academy (3-19 all-through academy) open day 25 Sept; Sixth Form @ Yate open day 16 Oct; Sixth Form @ Winterbourne open day 6 Nov; Woodlands Primary open day 7 Oct; Woodlands Nursery; and Ridings’ Commerce Ltd (including sport & leisure provision and adult learning) An ethos of internationalism and a dynamic curriculum with a wide range of national and international qualifications prepares students for their future, no matter what pathway they choose.

Nurturing students’ potential is at the core of student life and the federation boasts an impressive range of successful alumni including Jenny Jones (Winter Olympics medallist), Nathan Filer (Costa Book of the Year winner), Dave Attwood (England rugby international), Shanie-Redd Thorne (gold winning acro-gymnast) and Cole Skuse (professional footballer).

Ffi: Ridings Federation T: 01454 252000 W: www.trfa.org.uk

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m

Ffi: Badminton School T: 0117 905 5200 E: admissions@badmintonschool.co.uk W: www.badmintonschool.co.uk Tw: @AcorntoOakBris

From Toddle to Woggle

s

• Badminton is a thriving day and boarding school for girls aged 3-18. It is enormously proud of its heritage and traditions, but certainly not constrained by them.

The size of the campus and community gives a homely, vibrant feel to the school.

This, coupled with its excellent pastoral care, lends itself to strong, mutually supportive relationships between pupils as well as between girls and staff.

While the school retains a nationally outstanding academic record, its focus continues to be on nurturing the girls’ natural curiosity and fuelling their passion for learning. Therefore, the school selects girls on their personal strengths and all round ability, as well as their academic potential. Badminton girls are thoughtful individuals, able to evaluate information and decide for themselves. This extends beyond their studies and into the day-to-day life of the school, where girls have a wide range of opportunities to grow and express themselves.

The Badminton community teaches girls to understand the viewpoints of others and to think about contributing to the world around them. Girls leave Badminton ready to face the changing and challenging wider world and, when they do, they take with them a strong network of lifelong friends developed through a wealth of shared experiences.

The best way to understand the school and enjoy its atmosphere is to visit. It looks forward to welcoming parents and daughters.

Open Evening Tue 7 Oct Open Morning Wed 8 Oct.

er ial off ec ip Sp rsh be

Nurturing passion and curiosity

em

Adver tising Feature

Swimming Lessons

Learn to swim at Parish Wharf or Strode Leisure Centre Give your child a head start with this vital life-saving skill and start them now on their swimming journey.

Swim 4 Life = Fit 4 Life Bookings now being taken.

From 6 months +

Call: Parish 01275 848494 or Strode 01275 879242

Operated by Places for People Leisure Ltd. on behalf of North Somerset Council

Adver tising Feature

100% pass rate for nearly a decade • Queen Elizabeth’s Hospital (QEH) boys have achieved 100 per cent pass rate at A-level for nine years running, with 94 per cent of grades at A* to C grade and 80 per cent at A* to B in 2014. Onethird of individuals taking the examinations at the school achieved straight A* or A grades in their 3 or 4 A-level subjects and 22 per cent were awarded at the A* grade.

QEH Headmaster, Stephen Holliday, said: “Our exceptional A-level and AS-level results again mean that about 10 per cent of boys from the year group have been offered places at Oxford and Cambridge, in addition to a raft of others who will be off to medical, veterinary and dentistry schools as well as other top universities.

“Our consistently strong record for top results is part of the much greater package that we offer to boys in preparing them for higher education and successful future careers. Boys leave QEH with not only the qualifications but the confidence to meet the challenges of the world ahead.”

Ffi: Queen Elizabeth’s Hospital T: 0117 930 3042 W: www.qehbristol.co.uk

PRIMARY TIMES

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Supporting breakfast clubs for 16 years BACK TO SCHOOL 2014

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27/08/2014 15:43:29

Adver tising Feature www.sidcot.org.uk

what matters when choosing a school?

We’re very proud of our students’ excellent exam results. We’re equally proud of their social skills, their emotional intelligence and their determination to make a difference in the world.

These are just some of the things that matter to us at Sidcot. We’d love to tell you more at one of our Open Mornings: Friday 26 September 2014 Friday 23 January 2015 Bank Holiday Monday 4 May 2015 Doors open 9am for a 9.30am start To attend call Rachael Coates on 01934 845236 or email rachael.coates@sidcot.org.uk

Weekly & flexi boarding | scholarships | bursaries Sidcot School is an independent day and boarding school for boys and girls aged 3 to 18 in North Somerset Charity number 296491

HATS ON FOR

HOMELESS PEOPLE

Get ready for Woolly Hat Day!

Friday 30 January 2015!

It’s an easy, fun fundraiser for pupils of all ages.

Get your school involved. Ask everyone to wear, make or bake a hat on the day and give a small donation to St Mungo’s Broadway.

St Mungo’s Broadway

Friday 30 January 2015

Don’t miss out on our great schools pack.

For more info please contact: Email: woollyhatday@mungosbroadway.org.uk Call: 020 8762 5512 Website www.woollyhatday.org Registered Charity No. 1149085 Company No. 8225808 (England and Wales) Housing Association No. LH0279

46 BACK TO SCHOOL 2014

14 Avon advertising features BTS 2014.indd 30

KES will ‘knock your socks off’ • King Edward’s School is one of the top 10 co-educational independent day schools in the South West for pupils aged 3 to 18 years, according to The Sunday Times.

This success has been achieved through the highest teaching standards, the quality and dedication of the school’s staff and individual guidance to pupils.

Children start in the Pre-Prep and Nursery, which specialises in early years’ education for ages 3 to 7. Children enjoy a broad and creative curriculum which includes music teaching, French, games, swimming and Forest School. The curriculum is enriched by visiting experts, trips and events and there is an extensive after school activities programme.

Pupils join King Edward’s Junior School from age 7 where they take part in a dynamic curriculum designed to encourage them to develop their talents. In the past year the school’s children have published their own book, ‘Knock Your Socks Off’, available in Waterstones. Music is a real strength, with many performance opportunities throughout the year including Young Musicians Challenge.

Last year, The Sunday Times included King Edward’s in the top 10 schools of any type in the south-west of England based on exam results, strong sports, arts, music and drama provision, excellent facilities and “outstanding” pastoral care.

The school invites parents to visit, meet staff, talk to pupils and see the excellent facilities.

Ffi: King Edwards’s School T: (registrar) 01225 820399 E: admissions@kesbath.com W: www.kesbath.com

Adver tising Feature

Stonar welcomes boys Prep parent Julie Hedley explains why she is sending her son to a newly co-ed, former girls’ school.

• “Alexander joined Reception at Stonar Prep in 2011. Although his class initially had two boys and five girls, more boys have since joined. In September he moves up to Year 3, a class of 12 with a 50/50 boy/girl split.

“When I asked him what he particularly enjoys about Stonar he said, ‘It is lots of fun, the teachers are very kind and I have lots of friends both in my class and throughout the school.’

What more could any parent ask for?

“First, we chose Stonar Prep so that Alexander could share the wonderful, caring atmosphere which saw his two older sisters blossom. We also believe that children benefit from growing and learning in a coeducational environment as that better prepares them for life.

“We are so pleased that Stonar has decided to admit boys to the Senior School from 2016. As Alexander loves sport, we look forward to seeing enough boys entering the Senior School to allow boys’ sports teams to compete with local schools.

“We want Alexander to stay in the Stonar environment so he can thrive as a big fish in a smaller pond. The smaller size of the school and emphasis on every child fulfilling their potential is extremely appealing. Whether your child is academic, sporty, creative or any combination of these, we know that Stonar will provide the opportunities and guidance to fully utilise all their talents. This has to make for a more rounded and positive individual.”

Ffi: Stonar School W: www.stonarschool.com

PRIMARY TIMES

27/08/2014 16:14:08

Adver tising Feature

Colston’s head celebrates ‘glorious’ site • Jeremy McCullough, newly appointed headmaster of Colston’s School, Bristol, has been impressed by the school’s “glorious green site” at Stapleton. The historic Colston’s buildings, including the listed Bishop’s Palace, are surrounded by 30 acres of open space.

“Families visiting the school at the Whole School Open Morning on Saturday 27 September will find that Colston’s is a vibrant, busy and diverse place where our happy students achieve excellent things,” he says.

“Fully co-educational throughout its 3 to 18 age range, the girls and boys come from a wide range of backgrounds and with a range of experience and ability to the Lower School (3 to 11) and the Upper School (11 to 18).

“Both have immediate access to extensive playing fields, a theatre, sports hall, bespoke fitness centre and concert venue, not forgetting our forest school for the younger students.

“In this atmosphere Colstonians achieve excellent results. But all we ever ask is that individuals do the best they can in everything that they do and we celebrate their achievements accordingly.

“In addition to Open Morning, I strongly recommend our Taster Days when girls and boys from other schools join a Colston’s class and experience the full timetable.”

Jeremy has taught in Bishop’s Stortford and Edinburgh, and arrived at Colston’s having been Second Master at Lancing College, Sussex. He and his wife Sally have four boys who are now all at Colston’s.

Ffi: Colston’s T: 0117 965 5207 W: www.colstons.bristol.sch.uk

Learn to Swim

Buy 5 lessons and get 2 extra FREE Terms & conditions apply.

Professional, personal & small group coaching! Accelerated learning with results that are guaranteed! Sessions are holistic, therapeutic, fun, stimulating and family orientated. Bookings available in Bristol & South Gloucestershire on days and evenings. So join us at any time, any age age from 18 months and let us help you build a lasting learning experience that will give your child the best start they can have.

For registration made before the end of September 2014

Call Mark for a FREE assessment Get a good start with Swimstart mark.swimming@btinternet.com / www.swimstart.com Tel: 01454 228 102 / 07776 292 813

©LW

Adver tising Feature

A gem in the heart of Clifton • Clifton High School is based in the heart of Clifton Village, teaching boys and girls aged 3 to 18. The school is set in the most beautiful grounds, with a leafy and sunny south facing aspect. It puts a real emphasis on its environment, ensuring pupils make the most of the outdoors. It has created wildflower meadows, developed a mature wildlife garden, has its own pond for supervised wildlife encounters and even keeps its own bees.

From Nursery through to the Junior School, visitors are struck by what a happy, vibrant and caring place Clifton High is. It offers a warm welcome that reassures both parents and children. Class sizes are small: in the Nursery School and Reception the typical staff/child ratio is one to nine. Children are taught by specialist teachers and experienced, well qualified teaching assistants.

Teaching staff are inspiring and passionate about learning. There is a real emphasis on excitement and fun in learning. Clifton High pupils are motivated, inquisitive and enthusiastic learners who embrace the opportunities life has to offer. The school enjoys an enviable reputation for the breadth of extra-curricular activities available and it follows an exciting learning programme, Education Alive, which allows children to experience diverse activities outside the curriculum.

Most parents like Clifton High’s focus on the individual and its reputation for outstanding pastoral care. Children are not pigeonholed or pushed in the same direction; the school celebrates the individuality of its boys and girls. Children flourish in an environment where they can be themselves and they proactively look for hidden talents, providing a more rounded, holistic education.

Ffi: Clifton High School W: www.cliftonhigh.bristol.sch.uk

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27/08/2014 15:44:09

Hello Kids!

Thank you so much for the lovely pictures you send me. Pressure of space means I can’t publish them all but please keep trying if you weren’t successful this time.

I am getting excited about the new school year and the season of bonfires and fireworks so next issue I would love you to send me pictures of My favourite thing about autumn.

Please send your pictures to: Arty Barty, BN&Media, Temple Way, Bristol, BS99 7HD, or email high resolution jpegs to my editor, mike.gartside@ venue.co.uk. Don’t forget to put your name, age, full home postal address and school on the back: deadline Monday 22 September.

Arty Barty You have sent me lots of pictures about ‘Making my favourite meal’. Well done to the four winners who receive a family ticket to Bristol’s fabulous science centre At-Bristol and its new Food! exhibition. , Hannah Thomas 6, St Sampson’s Infants School, Cricklade This beaming cook is happily s ou preparing a delici s meal. Hannah ha ed tur cap y successfull the fun, skill and excitement of cooking.

WINNER!

Lloyd Ca A splendid and rosi, 9, Sandford Primary Sc lemons, grapes anmouth-watering bowl of fruit, withool, Winscombe d pineapples perfe h the busy colou rs of the ctly balanced ag ainst the calm, sol bowl. The fly adds id blue humour, too.

WINNER!

Erin Rainey, 10, Beacon Rise Primary School, Kingswood Big, bold, vibrant colours spring out of this painting, rather like the carrots bursting out of Erin’s plot of land.

Have fun!

Arty NB. PARENTS AND GUARDIANS: Please read our entry conditions at www. primarytimes.net/avon/ home-intro/tcs

Nicholas Nikiforou, 7, Kewstoke Primary School, Weston-superMare Regular contributor Nicholas has a rich use of colour, which gets the taste buds tingling.

Chiharu

WINNER!

Betsy Bridges, 6, May Park Primary School, Eastville, Bristol A lovely farming landscape is dominated by this striking tomato plant. Betsy gives us a great insight into the way food is produced.

9, Elmlea Junior Scho ol Pizza is obviously th , Westbury-on-Trym e food of the momen and Chiharu has pict t, ur steps to making a yu ed all the essential m the cheese and grow my dish, from making ing tomatoes to ba king it in the oven.

Tilly Beat, 10, Westbury Park School, Bristol What a cheerful scenea of a cook making pizz in the kitchen, with allg the ingredients growin in the garden or stored in the larder. It’s making me quite hungry!

WINNER!

48

Charlotte Emmerson, 10, Warmley A precisely and organised two panels portray the picture whose kitchen. Charlotte obv garden and the cious home grown foodiously enjoys deliand it shows in her painting.

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Elana Pitts, 7, St Ann e’s School, Oldland A chef’s work is neverCommon don the realistic chicken and e! I love veg on the table.

PRIMARY TIMES

27/08/2014 14:44:54

Becki Murray reviews the new releases.

Write now!

Want to know how to switch on your brain cells and think up some great ideas?

How about ways to present your work well? Find answers to these and more in ‘How To Write A Story’. Bursting with hints and tips, it aims to help all aspiring young writers write barmy beginnings, magnificent middles and incredibly exciting ends!

With clear headings to guide youngsters along the way and help with creating crazy character names and the perfect plot, the book provides lots of activities and plenty of space for writing alongside inspiring artwork by Kate Pankhurst.

The advice is clear, simple and entertaining, great for young children itching to write.

How To Write A Story by Simon Cheshire, Bloomsbury, £5.99, www.bloomsbury.com

e lue

Noisy fun

Anything but ordinary

From the author of Pippi Longstocking, comes this reissued edition of ‘The Children of Noisy Village’. Meet Lisa, her brothers and her friends and explore the countryside in which they live, in this engaging collection of stories for younger or less confident readers. From Lisa’s seventh birthday party to her summer adventures, via the time she endured a great snow storm, these stories cover all seasons and activities, accompanied by drawings by Tony Ross.

The first person narrative and simple sentence structure mean the descriptions are easy to follow but very enjoyable, allowing children to read on their own or with the help of an adult.

Gully Potchard never meant to get into trouble. In fact he’s just an ordinary lad with few talents, trying to get by as a delivery boy.

Or is he? An unwelcome encounter with an old acquaintance gets him tangled in a whole mess of mischief, dangerous dealings and a criminal plot. Cats and dogs go astray, a child is kidnapped and ransom notes are delivered to the wrong people.

But as he tries to keep himself and others out of danger, Gully discovers he may just have an extraordinary skill and the makings of an unlikely hero. Dahl meets Dickens in this Victorian-inspired adventure mystery which takes its inspiration from classic children’s literature. This sequel to ‘The Mysterious Misadventures of Clemency Wrigglesworth’ is equally entertaining.

The Children of Noisy Village by Astrid Lindgren, Oxford University Press, £4.99, www.oup.com

Of dogs and Doc Join teen detective Darkus ‘Doc’ Knightley and his canine companion, Wilburforce, as he returns in another crime caper.

Just as Darkus feels abandoned to the drudgery of school-boy life, his father disappears once more, and he discovers a growing number of dogs going missing.

What with reports of werewolf sightings at a top London beauty spot and attacks on policemen by mysterious trained hounds at the full moon, Doc clearly cannot refuse the challenge.

He must use all his brainpower and his unique mental ‘catastrophiser’ to save the day and defeat the “evil combination” as he races to unravel the mystery behind this strange and threatening canine activity. Full of suspense, humour and doggy drama from the first pages, Rohan Gavin brings the classic detective story to life for older primary school children.

Knightley & Son: K-9 by Rohan Gavin, Bloomsbury, £6.99, www.bloomsbury.com

PRIMARY TIMES

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The Dangerous Discoveries of Gully Potchard by Julia Lee, Oxford University Press, £6.99, www.oup.com

Ellie’s dilemmas Ellie McDoodle is back to share her secret diary insights and hilarious drawings in not one but two volumes.

First, in ‘Best Friends Fur-Ever’, we’re entertained by her chaotic family life, now overrun by pet problems. When Ellie’s teacher assigns her an animalbased task, Ellie has no ideas. Until, that is, her neighbour asks her to pet-sit for her parrot, Alix, who flies the coop. Ellie needs all the help she can from her pet-obsessed family and friends to save the day.

In ‘Most Valuable Player’ our heroine attempts to play football with her friend Mo, although she can’t see to get her head or her feet around the game. Even worse, the football team has a tournament on the same day as her puzzle club. Can Ellie be in two places at once and help her teammates win, on and off the field? A charming read which reminds children that winning isn’t everything.

Both books are perfect for younger children with their entertaining, easy read sketch-diary format, and with numerous interesting facts and how-to activities, children can learn as they laugh.

The Ellie McDoodle Diaries: Best Friends Fur-Ever and Most Valuable Player by Ruth McNally Barshaw, Bloomsbury, £5.99 each, www.bloomsbury.com

BACK TO SCHOOL 2014

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27/08/2014 14:46:04

Let the memories begin

“The Very Best Circus Has To Offer” BRIGHTON FRINGE presents

TICKETS

FROM

£7

BATH

ROYAL VICTORIA PARK BA1 2NQ

WED 17 to SUN 21 SEP

BRISTOL

DURDHAM DOWNS, STOKE RD BS9 1FG

WED 1 to SUN 12 OCT

Climate Controlled Luxury Theatre Big Top • Box Office open on site 9am to 9pm on days of visit

0844 856 5555 ticketmaster.co.uk www.moscowstatecircus.com

Learn to swim like a fish Enrol on Everyone Active swimming lessons and get FREE* entry to SEA LIFE centres nationwide.

NO WAITING New spaces always available START YOUNG Learn from four months old HIGH QUALITY ASA qualified teachers *One FREE entry per full-paying individual walk-up ticket. Offer closes 31 October 2014.

See www.everyoneactive.com for full terms and conditions.

Bristol South Swimming Pool

Henbury Leisure Centre

0117 903 1618

0117 353 2555

Easton Leisure Centre

Horfield Leisure Centre

0117 955 8840

0117 903 1643

W everyoneactive.com

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Everyone Active manages these facilities in partnership with Bristol City Council.

PRIMARY TIMES

28/08/2014 10:05:51

LET’S DO LUNCH!

T

ired of the same old ham sandwich and packet of crisps each lunchtime?

Then why not take part in the NSPCC’s UK-wide Big Packed Lunch scheme and enjoy a different meal for a good cause. On Wednesday 17 September, the children’s charity is calling upon the people of Bristol and Bath to throw a lunch hour with a twist, whether it’s an indoor picnic or luxury cream tea, and donate the money spent on your regular meal to help fund the Childline Schools Service.

The service uses trained volunteers to deliver age appropriate information to 9-11 year olds, edu-

cating them about abuse, how to protect themselves and where to get help if they need it. NSPCC research shows that an average of two children in every classroom have suffered abuse or neglect.

However, whether through fear or lack of information, children are not seeking help until they are much older, something that, according to the charity, drastically needs to change.

Since its launch in 2011, the ChildLine Schools Service has visited 48 schools in Bristol and spoken to over 3,500 children.

But, with a total of 121 primary schools in the area, there is still a lot more to be done. NSPCC fundraiser Julie Richards stresses the importance of this service.

“With the support of local people we can visit every primary school in this area and give children the confidence to talk about abuse and the courage to seek help if they ever need it.

“We want people to have fun with the Big Packed Lunch. We hope that lots of local people will take part on 17 September, but if anyone wants to stage a lunch on another date that’s fine too!”

Ffi: www.nspcc.org.uk/lunch

LEAVING THE CAR AT HOME FOR THE SCHOOL RUN

SUCCESS LOOMS FOR ATHINA

S

he may be only 9 years old but Athina Michael from Weston-Super-Mare has already proved herself to be quite the business woman.

She has been busy weaving Loombands, the popular children’s craze, in order to raise money for her favourite charity,

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Streets, which encourages people to email their MPs to demand safer journeys to school for all children. If successful, Sustrans hopes dedicated funding will become available to commit to lower traffic speeds and improved walking and cycling routes. And with National Walk to School Month coming up this October, now is the perfect time to get some practice in.

Ffi: www.sustrans.org.uk/saferstreets.

Ffi: www.westonhospicecare.org.uk.

WEAR THOSE JEANS FOR GENES

L

ith many children attending primary or secondary school for the first time this year, charity Sustrans is encouraging parents to leave the car at home and walk or cycle instead.

It points out that of the 600,000 children starting at primary school this September, an estimated 42% of these pupils will be driven to school, even though the average journey distance is just 1.8 miles.

The initiative is part of Sustrans’ Campaign for Safer

Weston Hospicecare.

Founded by the community in 1989, the hospice provides physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual care to people with life-limiting illnesses such as cancer, motor neurone disease and heart or lung failure. It’s a charity close to Athina’s heart.

“I wanted to do it so the hospice can help people to feel better,” she says. “They looked after my grandad and I want to say thank you for everything they did.”

She has so far raised over £100 and plans to save even more by selling bands to friends and family. Gill Auden of Weston Hospicecare says, “It just goes to show what you can do if you put your mind to it.

We are thrilled to see someone so young doing something she loves for charity. Thank you Athina!”.

ike any primary school child, 8-year-old Amelia Crane from Gloucestershire enjoys swimming, singing, acting and bike rides with her family. Unlike most of her schoolmates, Amelia also has dwarfism, leading to unwanted attention from strangers and amusement from her peers, according to her mother Adelina Donaldson. This year, UK children’s charity Genetic Disorders UK holds its annual Jeans for Genes day on Friday 19 September, to raise money and awareness for others like Amelia. “People are often kinder when they see other disabilities than dwarfism,” says Adelina. “I wish there were more positive roles for people with dwarfism in programmes and films.”

Like nine out of ten children with dwarfism both Amelia’s parents are “average” size. They point out that dwarfism is a genetic condition which can affect any family. Additionally, the Cranes are careful to always use the adjective “average”, rather than “normal”,

to promote a more sensitive, positive attitude towards the condition, a mind-set which urgently needs to enter the public domain.

Genetic Disorders UK has other advice for families affected by the condition. They remind parents that it is not their fault and that there is support for those who need it; they advise being cautious of the internet which, while offering a tool for diagnosis and support, is also the source of much ignorance and misinformation.

Seek out other families affected by the condition and make sure you claim the government support you’re entitled to for home adaptations or an occupational therapist.

So this year, sign up for your free fundraising kit, or wear your jeans to school or work, and provide support for many more children like Amelia.

Ffi: www.jeansforgenes.org

Feeding 80,000 people breakfast across the UK, every day 27/08/2014 15:10:27

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PRIMARY TIMES

28/08/2014 10:07:55

Classifieds Party Ideas

Swimming

TO ADVERTISE CALL CAROLINE ON: 0117 934 3737 OR EMAIL: CAROLINE.STRETTON@B-NM.CO.UK

Gymnastics

Horse Riding Wapley Riding Stables

Riding Lessons for all ages and abilities

WWW.WAVESSWIMSCHOOL.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: 8 WEEKS - 2.5 YEARS PRE-SCHOOL CLASSES: 2.5YRS SCHOOL AGE CLASSES: 4 YRS UPWARDS MINI SQUAD SESSIONS ADULT LESSONS • ADULT FITNESS SESSIONS INDIVIDUAL LESSONS: ALL AGES

Book now for FREE bouncy castle hire

FULL DETAILS SEE WEB: www.wavesswimschool.co.uk OR CONTACT JENNY 01275 877428/ JACKIE 01275 790457/CAROLINE 01275 865185

Kingswood Foundation BS15 8DB

ENROLLING NOW FOR GYMNASTICS AND TRAMPOLINE COURSES

FOR PRE-SCHOOL/JUNIORS AND TEENAGERS 1-1 REBOUND THERAPY SESSIONS BIRTHDAY PARTIES AND FUN SESSIONS HOLIDAY FUN SESSIONS Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10.00 am – 3.00pm Phone 0117 947 6449 e-mail: admin@kingswood-gymnastics.co.uk Visit our new website at www.kingswoodgymnastics.co.uk

Limited period only

TELEPHONE

01761 439696

www.bryanthemagician.co.uk CRB Approved

enquiries@wapleystables.co.uk www.wapleystables.co.uk Wapley Hill, Westerleigh, Bristol. BS37 8RJ 01454 321583 or 07860530199

BRYAN THE MAGICIAN • PRE-SCHOOL • PARTIES • • FETES • SCHOOLS • • BALLOON MODELLING • • PUPPETS • GAMES • • PARTY PRESENTS • COMPLETE PARTIES ARRANGED

• 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

Tuition Making swimming lessons fun for all abilities

Clifton:

Friday Evening: Non-swimmers to Improvers Saturday Daytime: Non-swimmers to Improvers Saturday Evening: Lane Classes, Adult Learn to Swim, Adult Improvers, Youth Swim for Fitness & Adult Swim for Fitness Monday Evening: Non-Swimmer to Improvers Tuesday Evening: Non-Swimmer to Advanced Lane Classes

Westbury-on-Trym:

Tuesday Evening: Advanced Lane Classes Wednesday: Non swimmer to Improvers Sunday All Day: All abilities

Crime scene investigation parties and workshops for children age 7+ tel 0117 244 0053 web www.thedetectiveproject.co.uk

Register online: www.splash-happy.co.uk Email: hazel@splash-happy.co.uk Tel: 01454 228817

Martial Arts HANHAM & DOWNEND TAEKWON-DO

Tel: 0117 908 1291 www.ezzomagic.co.uk

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)

Tuition

Room for Hire Suitable for crèche and toddler groups.

A very welcoming community building run by the charity HWCP Additional meeting rooms and office space at competitive rates.

HWCP @Symes, Peterson Avenue, Hartcliffe, Bristol BS13 0BE Email: reception@hwcp.org.uk | Phone 0117 903 8044

PRIMARY TIMES

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To reach 66,000 families in your area advertise in the next issue of Primary Times.

Call Caroline 0117 934 3737 or email caroline.stretton@b-nm.co.uk

BACK TO SCHOOL 2014 53

28/08/2014 11:20:57

A COLLECTOR’S PASSION Adults also get some useful notes to help guide their little ones.

Previously home to architect and artist Charles Wade, Snowshill provides the setting for his stunning collection of crafted objects, ranging from Samurai armour to toys and musical instruments, begun when he was just 7 years old.

So take your family along and let their curiosity take over. Maybe your children, too, will be inspired to follow in Charles Wade’s footsteps…

Open daily until end Oct (closed Mon & Tues) and open weekends in Nov.

M

Ffi: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ snowshillmanor.

ake the most of beautiful British autumn with the new Apprentice Collectors trail at National Trust’s Snowshill Manor, Gloucestershire, which introduces children to the idea of collecting and restoring beautiful objects.

Launched in the summer, the trail gives kids the chance to collect stickers and earn a certificate.

THE SOUND OF MUSIC

T

he South Gloucestershire Music Hub is the Arts Council’s preferred provider of music education in South Gloucestershire, offering high quality music education and music opportunities to over 6,000 children and young people each week.

The hub has a widely experienced team of over 65 staff providing teaching in nearly all the area’s schools, across a broad range of instruments. Curriculum support is offered to all schools and is targeted according to their needs. The range of services includes lessons in schools, three music centres which provide orchestras, bands, flute and guitar ensembles and choirs.

The hub also runs two Saturday morning music centres in Little Stoke and Kingswood, catering for young musicians from beginner to Grade 4 with bands, orchestras and guitar groups. For more experienced performers, Monday

night is music night for many of South Gloucestershire’s most accomplished young musicians.

Once Grade 5 standard or above has been achieved, young people can become members of the South Gloucestershire Jazz, Wind and Youth Orchestras, which have a full performance diary of local and national concerts. There are also three levels of flute ensemble, meeting at Meadowbrook Primary School on Tuesdays and Winterbourne International Academy on Fridays, and for singers the South Gloucestershire Youth Chorale meets at Downend School on Tuesday evenings.

Charges for these activities range from £27.50 to £55 for 10 rehearsals, but no charge will be made if families are in receipt of certain benefits.

Ffi: South Gloucestershire Music Hub T: 01454 863147 W: www.southglosmusic.org

IT’S TIME FOR TAKE OFF WITH CHARLIE

C W

hat’s in a name? Quite a lot if you’re the The Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC) which is hoping to raise awareness of its vital work following a competition to name its new mascot, the Critical Care Bear. Five children from local schools chose the name “Charlie”, and won the opportunity to visit the air base and meet Charlie himself. GWAAC is one of the few air ambulances who work to the gold standard

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Critical Care model, which entails rushing a critical care paramedic and critical care doctor to the scene. The team fly seven days a week, 365 days a year and attend more than 100 incidents a month, making them one of the busiest air ambulances in the UK. The charity receives no government or National Lottery funding, meaning that public donations are crucial to maintain the service.

Ffi: www.greatwesternairambulance.com

ELMLEA JUNIOR STRIKES GOLD

ongratulations to Elmlea Junior School in Westburyon-Trym, Bristol, which has won the city’s first Gold Quality Mark from the independent charity the Youth Sport Trust for its “outstanding” commitment to physical education and school sport.

The award recognises the establishment of Elmlea’s outdoor education programme and the school’s success in embedding it into the curriculum and calendar.

Elmlea headteacher Clare Galliers says, “We are absolutely thrilled to be Bristol’s first Gold Quality Mark school. This symbolises our commitment to delivering the best possible sporting experiences for the young people at our school. When sport is delivered well it can transform the lives of a whole range of pupils.”

News of the award coincided with a week of outdoor activities

organised by Elmlea in partnership with local specialist providers Mojo Active and All Aboard.

These included sailing, canoeing, raft building, climbing, bush craft, woodland activities, archery, assault course and team building.

“The week’s programme aimed at developing the children’s confidence, self-esteem and leadership,” says Elmlea PE and sports coordinator Katie Atkins. “It provided an excellent foundation in outdoor activity during Years 3, 4 and 5.”

Mojo Active director Jo McConnell, who worked closely with Elmlea to help create the activities week, says, “The children seemed to love all the different activities on offer, and we have received some very favourable feedback from both pupils and parents.”

Ffi: www.elmleaj.bristol.sch.uk or www.youthsporttrust.org

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www.bristolgrammarschool.co.uk

Open Evening Friday 3 October 2014 4.00pm–8.00pm

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Whole School

e ur nt

Daily Visits and Taster Days available on various dates during term-time.

0117 933 9885 or e-mail

Fr ie

For further information or to request a prospectus, please call Hollie Skerritt on

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recruitment@bgs.bristol.sch.uk.

Learning

Infant and Junior Prospectus

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