Primary Times Avon Summer 2016 by Primary Times

in Avon Issue 198 22 July-31 August 2016

Go South Glos! The South Gloucestershire Show returns for the perfect family weekend Page 4.

Also Family festivals Ready to go back? Summer schools

Download the new Primary Times app, free! Page 3

Theatre • Arty Barty • Roundabout • Save money! 16 Avon cover Summer 2016.indd 1

04/07/2016 12:10:04

Redmaidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; High Scho Redmaidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; High School incorporating Redland High School for Girls

Book now Taster days Year 7 Tuesday 4 October

Tuesday 8 November

Tuesday 22 November

Tuesday 6 December

Other year groups Call for available dates For our full programme of event dates go to redmaidshigh.co.uk/admissions

Contact 0117 989 8252 or email admissions@redmaids.bristol.sch.uk Direct student minibuses

Together aiming high Independent day school

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Girls and boys aged 3 to 7

Girls aged 7 to 18

01/07/2016 13:51:49

It may seem strange, as most families are packing for the summer holidays, to think about going back to school but the new academic year will be upon us soon enough. With retailers already encouraging parents to stock up for the new term, we thought we’d look at early bargains out there, in our Thinking Ahead feature (P. 6). Don’t forget to allow for your kids’ growth, of course, when you buy! But before that there’s tons of fun to be had at summer schools (P.25), festivals (P.28) and enjoying the Olympics (P23). All we need now is for the weather to come good.

THEATRE P8 ROUNDABOUT P13 PINBOARD P31 ADVERTISING FEATURES P38 PUPILS’ PAGE P42 CLASSIFIEDS P45 THINKING AHEAD P6 Buy your gear for the next school year in good time, says Ellen White.

GAMES ON! P23 Anne Marie Scanlon on the Olympics.

WE ARE FAMILY P28 the editor

Avon iin A

Issue 198 2016 31 August 22 July-

Festivals can make great family getaways.

Go South Glos

Also als Family festiv Ready to go back? ls Summer schoo

The South ershire Gloucest rns Show retu ect for the perfkend family wee Page 4. Download the new Primary Times app, 3 free! Page

Theatre

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

ey! ut • Save mon y • Roundabo • Arty Bart

Primary Times in Avon

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

Editor Commercial director Advertising Distribution Design Production Sub editor Proof reader Main office

Mike Gartside mike.gartside@localworld.co.uk Tracie Simms tracie.simms@localworld.co.uk 0117 934 3165 Caroline Stretton caroline.stretton@localworld.co.uk 0117 934 3737 Juliet Hobbs 01242 278053 juliet.hobbs@localworld.co.uk Cath Evans, Mike Gartside Emma Gorton, Ruth Wood Eric Blair Ellen White 0117 934 3000

Primary Times is independently published and distributed free in Primary, Junior, Infant and Middle Schools throughout the former Avon area, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire. It is also available by subscription at £10 per year. Its aims are to inform families and children of current educational issues, forthcoming events, courses and attractions, and to give teachers, pupils and parents the opportunity to participate in the magazine by adding to its contents or joining in the competitions which we run. It is NOT our intention to publish any racist, sexist or politically biased material whatsoever. We also undertake not to carry any advertising which we would consider to be offensive to young families or harmful to the best interests of young children. While we make every effort to ensure information published is accurate, readers are encouraged to check details of all events in advance and neither Trinity Mirror Ltd 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 Trinity Mirror Ltd. 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!

Bristol Aquarium - kids go free! Bath City Farm - free entry Cattle Country - book online for savings Colston Hall - win tickets to ‘The 3 Little Pigs’ Crealy Adventure Park - save 20% on online bookings Noahs Ark Zoo Farm - £2 off admission with advert Old Down Estate - two for one offer Pin Breaks - online offers Solelution - summer sale now on Wild Place - save 10% with online bookings SUMMER HOLIDAY 2016

05/07/2016 12:31:54

Glouce The South ster Sat 6 &shire Show 2 016 Sun 7 www.so A u u g thg E: hello @southlosshow.co.u Fb: sou glosshow.c k Tw: @s thglosshow o.uk outhgl osshow

Go South Glos!

The South Gloucestershire Show returns in 2016, for the perfect family weekend

ith the sun shining and the barbeques in full swing there is no doubt summer has finally arrived. What better way to enjoy the sunshine than a family day out at the South Gloucestershire Show, which has a weekend full of family fun? Returning for the third consecutive year on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 August, the South Glos Show is bigger and better than ever. With over 24,000 visitors through the gates in 2015, the show expects to see even more descend to the Windmill Fisheries Showground in Westerleigh. This year sees the return of 2014 favourite Flyin’ Ryan, the motorcycle fire stunt show by a rider who entertains the crowds and shows no fear. Meanwhile, The Knights of the Damned are a new Main Arena addition for this year, bringing their high powered jousting performance to the South Gloucestershire audiences. This year also sees BBC Radio Bristol become the voice and host of the Main Arena. The South Glos Show expands this year with the launch of the new Country Fair, a great section for the family, including The Sheep Show (sponsored by specialist drainage company JD Pipes), which is a fun and educational display about the life of a sheep farmer, complete with some very woolly characters.

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overall Best in Show. And don’t forget over 300 exhibitors are part of the show over the weekend, offering everything from a tasty treat in the Festival of Food or something more relaxing in the Health and Wellbeing marquee. Darren Hawkins, South Glos Show event manager says, “What a great year the 2016 Show is shaping up to be, with the additional new areas making it the biggest show so far. Whatever reason you visit the show, whether it’s flaming motorbikes, talented musicians, car show, BMXing, crafts, food or all of them, there’s something here for the whole family.” Alongside this there are heavy horses, a gun-dog demo and scurry, farrier and much more! An exciting new Nominated Charity Partner joins the show for 2016 – Meningitis Now. This Gloucestershire-based charity celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, working to prevent the loss of life from meningitis and to support all those affected. The charity has an awareness stand at the show and interactive attractions encouraging the public to donate. The South Glos Show organisers are excited to announce that it will install a 20 tonne sand sculpture created by one of the artists from the famous Weston Sand Sculpture Festival in its Kids Zone this year. The sculpture design is decided by the public, via a soonto-be-announced social media

competition. And what happens to the sculpture at the end of the weekend? The winner of a Demolition Raffle raising money for Meningitis Now gets the exciting job of destroying it. South Glos Show favourites the Banana Brain Fun Show also return to the Kids Zone to keep the children (and their parents) laughing over the weekend. How about something for the mums and dads? This year’s show sees the addition of the first South Gloucestershire Beer Festival and Brewery Competition. Five local brewers, Bath Ales, Cotswold Spring Brewery, Great Western Brewery, Severn Vale Brewers and Wickwar Brewery, come together in a battle for the best beer. Be sure to cast your vote at the show in the Beer Festival area and see who wins categories including the Best IPA, Best Bitter and the

The South Gloucestershire Show 2016 Sat 6 & Sun 7 Aug, doors open 10.30am. W: www.southglosshow.co.uk E: hello@southglosshow.co.uk Fb: southglosshow Tw: @southglosshow

PRIMARY TIMES

05/07/2016 12:30:49

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SUMMER HOLIDAY 2016 5

01/07/2016 13:21:54

It seems ages away, yet, but the new school year will be upon us in no time, says Ellen White, who is already getting ready.

Thinking N

o sooner have you got the last of the sand out of your holiday shoes than it’s time to start thinking about back-to-school supplies, be that uniforms, stationery, PE kit and the rest. The chances are your child has grown an inch or so over the summer, not to mention the additional shoe sizes. New school uniforms are parents’ biggest back to school investment in terms of both time and money, but sourcing them needn’t be a stressful militarystyle operation. Check with your child’s school how strict their uniform policy is as you may be able to keep school branded items (eg. jumpers or blazers) to an absolute minimum, using generic school wear to bulk out the wardrobe. Many supermarkets offer competitive prices for uniform staples such as trousers, polo shirts and dresses in popular school colours. Asda remains one of the most affordable options with grey school trousers from only £3, gingham dresses from £4 and polo shirts from £2.50, although competitors such as Sainburys and Tesco offer very similar deals. Some schools may even hold second hand sales for uniforms where you can find some real bargains, and hand-me-downs from siblings can be a life-saver if they go to the same school. It pays to shop for uniforms sooner rather than later according to Nailsea-based School Togs, who advise buying, “Any time before the end of August which is when we tend to get very busy and a lot of stock has already sold out.” For many stores, the end of August signals the time to clear uniforms from the centre of the shop floor to make way for autumn/winter clothes and early Christmas stock. It may be worth buying some items in varying sizes while there’s a decent supply, to allow for growth throughout the school year. It’s really worth adding name tags, especially for bigger or more expensive items like blazers and 6

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ahead

A new school year can be both a daunting and exciting time, whether your child is entering their final year or making the leap from nursery to reception. See our list of stockists below for supplies in your area, and enjoy a stressfree start to the school year.

coats. Sew-on tags have the best staying power, but iron-on tags or writing names on labels with something durable like a CD marker can work well. For shoes, try SoleLution in Bristol or Portishead. You can pop in for regular checks with one of the trained fitters while your child’s feet are rapidly growing. They stock a range of sturdy and comfortable school shoes including Hush Puppies and Camper. For those not in the Avon area, Clarks shoes are present on most high streets and remain a popular choice for back to school footwear, with stores including trained fitters and measuring gauges to make sure your child’s footwear fits perfectly. The new school year is often a good time to invest in a new look bag or stationery, encouraging your children to look forward to school. Wilkinsons offers affordable lunch boxes and water bottles, with lunch bags from £3 featuring everything from robots to Frozen and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. For stationery The Works is a good bet, with bargains like a pack of 30 gel pens for £4, notebooks from 99p and packs of colouring pencils for just £1. They also stock a good range of key stage 2 study guides covering maths, English and sci-

ence for around £3-4. For branded pencil cases try WH Smith, who have something for every taste, from Peppa Pig to One Direction. Anna Cheunut, a mother of four children aged 2 to 10 says, “I always encourage the children to read over the holidays to keep their brains active. I also like to go over their times tables and other basic maths to refresh their memory. You can save time in the mornings by practicing little things like how your children do their hair, which can take time on an early morning schedule.”

Clarks 35 Broadmead, Bristol, BS1 3EU T: 0117 929 0992 W: www.clarks.co.uk John Lewis The Mall, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol, BS34 5QU T: 0117 959 1100 W: www.johnlewis.com The Famous School Branches 190 Henleaze Rd, Bristol, BS9 4NE and 140 East St, Bedminster, Bristol, BS3 4EW T: 0117 9620011/9661432 (Bedminster) W: www.store. famousbranches.com Scholars 4 Terrace Walk, Bath, BA1 1LN T: 01225 462206 W: www.scholars-uk.com School Togs Crown Glass Shopping Centre, 2 Clevedon Rd, Nailsea, Bristol, BS48 1RS T: 01275 857491 W: www.schooltogsnailsea.co.uk SoleLution T: 01275 843399 W: www.solelution.co.uk The Works 8 The Horsefair, Broadmead, Bristol, BS1 3HT T: 0117 925 1554 W: www.theworks.co.uk

PRIMARY TIMES

04/07/2016 12:54:29

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01/07/2016 13:52:54

FAMILY & CHILDREN’S SHOWS ★ BRISTOL, BATH, N. SOMERSET & SOUTH GLOS Wild Things, Colston Hall, Bristol, Tue 16-Wed 17 Aug

BATH THE EGG Theatre Royal, Sawclose, Bath BA1 1ET. 01225 448844, www. theatreroyal.org.uk The Hound of the Baskervilles Fri 26-Sun 28 Aug, 7pm plus 2pm (Sat and Sun), adults £8.50/child £7.50 • Join Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson on arguably the most famous of Conan Doyle’s detective tales. Within the eerie and desolate Devonshire moors, something evil is lurking around Baskerville Hall. When Sir Charles Baskerville is found dead with the footprints of a giant hound nearby, has the family curse struck again? Adapted by Theatre School member Milo Morris with help from Tom Wainwright. Suitable for ages 11+. We’re Going on a Bear Hunt Wed 21-Sun 25 Sep, 10am (all days), 1pm (Wed-Fri), 12 noon & 3pm (Sat & Sun), £8.50 (adults)/£7.50 (children) • Michael Rosen’s classic brought to life by Little Angel Theatre.

BRISTOL BLAKEHAY THEATRE Wadham Street, Weston-superMare BS23 1JZ. 01934 645493, www.blakehaytheatre.ticketsource.co.uk The Wizard of Oz Thu 28-Sat 30 Jul, 7.30pm/2.30pm (Thu & Sat), £12.50 • Weston Operatic Youth Productions present their version of this modern fairy tale. Follow Dorothy, Toto, the Scarecrow and friends down the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City. BRISTOL HIPPODROME St. Augustine’s Parade, Bristol BS1 4UZ. 0844 871 3012, www.atgtickets.com/Bristol The Sound of Music Tue 30 AugSat 3 Sep, 7.30pm, plus 2.30pm Wed, Thu and Sat, £20.40£46.40 • Based on Baroness Maria von Trapp’s 1949 autobiography, this new production of the tale popularised by Hollywood in the 1960s tells the story of the world-famous singing family. From their romantic beginnings as they search for happiness, they make a thrilling escape as their homeland, Austria, is taken over by Hitler’s Third Reich in the 1930s. Songs including ‘Favourite Things’ and ‘Do-Re-Me’. Peppa Pig’s Surprise Wed 7-Thu 8 Sep, 1pm/4pm (Wed), 10am/1pm (Thu), £17.15-£23.15 • The Pig family and friends are back with 8 SUMMER HOLIDAY 2016

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a brand new stage show in which Mummy and Daddy Pig have a surprise for Peppa and George. Can you guess what it is? Lots of songs and surprises. BRISTOL OLD VIC King Street, Bristol BS1 4ED. 0117 987 7877, www.bristololdvic.org. uk Under a Cardboard Sea Thu 4-Sat 6 Aug, 7.30pm (all days) & 2.30pm (Sat), £7.50-£15 • In a nameless city, beneath a cloud of smog there is a theatre. A little kingdom of its own, where secrets are hidden and lies are told but behind the curtain nothing is as it seems. With a cast of 100 young people aged 5 to 25, the award-winning Bristol Old Vic Young Company celebrate the Theatre’s 250th birthday in style

with their own blend of ensemble performance, original music and choreography. COLSTON HALL Colston Street, Bristol BS1 5AR. 0844 887 1500, www.colstonhall. org Wild Things Tue 16-Wed 17 Aug, 10am, 12.30pm, 3pm and 5.30pm, £10.75 • The Rainforest is under threat, can the Wild Things combine their skills to summon the ultimate king of the jungle to help?Join an exciting expedition in to the heart of the rainforest. Learn to dance like a monkey, craft a plumage worthy of a bird of paradise, sing like a macaw and help to animate a life size elephant to save the day. We’re Going on a Bear Hunt Thu 18 Aug, 2pm & 4pm, £18/£13

(under 16s)/free (under 2s) • Charming, immersive retelling of the beloved children’s story promising a few twists along the way. Narrated by children’s TV presenter Andy Day, expect a musical journey through long wavy grass, thick oozy mud and a swirling whirling snowstorm in search of a big furry bear. Babyhead Tom and DJ Cheeba: Lo-Fi Funky Space Quest Fri 19 Aug, 3pm, £5.38 • Calling all intergalactic tiny humans! Tom and Cheeba need a squadron of space cadets to help them overcome the mysterious “flatscreenzombierobot” virus that has bewitched the grown ups of Planet Earth.The spell can only be lifted by a show full of the funky power of hip hop, childhood imagination and cheap special FX. Three Little Pigs Wed 24-Sun 28 Aug, 11am & 2pm, £11.82-£13 • He can huff and puff until the cows comes home, but will the Big Bad Wolf get the better of the three little superstar piglets in this brand new retelling of the classic story? Full of catchy songs, jokes and japes for little ones and parents alike, this endearing musical promises to leave you squealing with glee and howling with laughter. Recommended for ages 3+. PILNING VILLAGE HALL Pilning, South Gloucestershire 01454 633786/632813. Villageplayerspilning@gmail.com Camelot, the Panto Wed 7-Sat 10 Dec, 7.30pm (weekdays), 1.30pm &

Review

Giffords Circus, The Painted Wagon Sudeley Castle, Winchcombe, Gloucestershire

t’s Calamity Jane meets the Great Blondin as our band of settlers take to their wagon trains and head west to seek their fortune in 19th century “You Ess of Ay”. Tweedy, the West’s favourite clown (both in Gloucestershire and in our fictional stateside setting), opens the proceedings with a marvellous performing chicken trick, whose very lack of spectacle makes it hilarious. The animals in this production are entirely of the farmyard variety, horses, dogs and, yes, one chicken, performing well within their comfort zone, so animal-lovers can feel fully at ease. There is plenty here to amaze and inspire you. Giffords Circus specialises in telling a story rather than simply stringing together a series of spectacular acts so every scene has its purpose in the narrative. We experience some loopy lariat skills, courtesy of Lilian Konyot, some wonderful waltzing horses, and, most inspiring of all, the acrobatic skills of the Konjowoch Troupe from Addis Ababa. The girls perform extraordinary feats, spinning patchwork quilts on their hands and feet simultaneously. The

Pic by Steven Kaack

boys (pictured) swoop up and down parallel poles in jaw-dropping displays of synchronised derring-do. It all climaxes unhappily ever after in a saloon bar brawl that would do any Hollywood Western proud, yet somehow all violence is of the cartoon variety and the show remains firmly in the family entertainment camp, with plenty for adults and children to giggle or gawp at. (Mike Gartside) PRIMARY TIMES

04/07/2016 12:48:39

“I’d like to to thank all your team who made every day fun and exciting for my daughter. So much better than any other holiday club she has been to before.”

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

6pm (Saturday) £6/£4 • Amateur production of the King Arthurrelated yarn by The Village Players in association with Ben Crocker Pantomimes. THE PLAYHOUSE THEATRE High Street, Weston-super-Mare, Somerset BS23 1HP. 01934 645544, www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk Aliens Love Underpants Sat 23-Sun 24 Jul, see website for times, £14.50 • Aliens love underpants of every shape and size but unfortunately there are no underpants in space. A zany tale based on the bestselling children’s book is brought to life on stage for the first time with special effects, madcap action, original music and lots of aliens. REDGRAVE THEATRE Percival Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3LE. 0117 315 7000. www.redgravetheatre.com The Redgrave has no permanent box office so please book directly with the visiting companies listed below. Ruff Guide to Shakespeare Sat 23-Sun 24 Jul, 2.30pm, £8, book via the Redgrave’s website • Commemorating the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death, Ruff Guide tells the tale of The Bard in silly songs, daft dance routines and some of his most famous speeches. Bad Guys Mon 1 Aug, 11.30am & 2.30pm, £12 (adult)/£8 (conc)/£33 (family), book via the Redgrave’s website • Derek, Ernie and Dick are really bored of being good. It’s just got to be more fun being a baddie, but being an evil scientist, pirate or cowboy is trickier than they thought. Can the bumbling brothers learn how to stay out of jail and be real bad guys? Comedy Club 4 Kids and CBeebies’ Three Half Pints trip and stumble their way through a brand new comic misadventure, packed with songs, slapstick and silliness. LazyTown Live Wed 3 Aug, 2.30pm, £13/£11, book via the Redgrave’s website • In this brand new stage show Robbie is at his rottenest worst while Sportacus has to be at his athletic best to save the day. Stephanie and Ziggy also star as a mix of music, movement and humour engages, entertains and motivates children to make healthier choices in their everyday lives.

CBeebies’ Andy Day is Going on a Bear Hunt at the Colston Hall, Thu 18 Aug 10 SUMMER HOLIDAY 2016

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Marty MacDonald’s Toy Machine Sun 14 Aug, 2pm, adult £10.50, conc. £9.50, book via the Redgrave’s website • The arrival of a toy machine sparks much excitement at MacDonald farm, but Crafty the Crow has been up to mischief and the animals need to fix the machine before the toymaker comes back. A musical, interactive adventure, suitable for ages 2-7. TOBACCO FACTORY THEATRE Raleigh Road, Bristol BS3 1TF. 0117 902 0060, www.tobaccofactory.com Summer School: Theatre Challenge Mon 25-Fri 29 Jul, 10am3.30pm daily, performance at 3pm Fri, £150 per child per course • Four days, four theatre challenges, each one building on the last before a special performance on Friday afternoon. Learn new skills and meet new people while developing a love of theatre. Recommended for ages 8-12.

FURTHER AFIELD THE ARC THEATRE College Road, Trowbridge BA14 0ES. 01225 756376, www.arctheatre. org.uk Honk! Tue 16-Sat 20 Aug, 7.30pm plus 2.30pm Sat, £11/£10 • An awardwinning musical based on Hans Christian Andersen’s tale The Ugly Duckling. Ugly, a cygnet mistaken for a duckling, looks for friendship and acceptance on a journey which introduces us to a series of unique animals he meets on his way. BACON THEATRE Dean Close School, Shelbourne Road, Cheltenham GL51 6HE. 01242 258002, www.bacontheatre.co.uk Robin Hood Fri 22 Jul, 7.30pm, £14/£12 • Jenny Wren’s Robin Hood and her Merry Men take on the Sheriff of Nottingham in this new adaptation. As he strives to win the Golden Arrow and the hand of Maid Marion, Robin and his crew promise to entertain all with their blend of action, adventure and appalling tights. Note, this is an outdoor performance in the Tuckwell Amphitheatre. Gulliver’s Travels Fri 29 Jul, 7.30pm, £14/£12 • Pantaloons Theatre Company embark on a fantastical and hilarious voyage into the unknown. Meet the tiny people of Lilliput and the giants of Brobdingnag as Gulliver travels through various strange worlds. Dotty the Dragon Sun 31 Jul, 5pm, £11/£9/£36 (family) • See Roses Theatre listing. Romeo and Juliet Wed 3 Aug, 7.30pm, £14/conc £12 • The critically-acclaimed Pantloons give Shakespeare’s tale of ill-fated love a fresh twist featuring live music, audience interaction and the classic balcony scene. Please note this is an outdoor performance in the Tuckwell Amphitheatre. EVERYMAN THEATRE Regent Street, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573, www.everymantheatre.org.uk

The Sound of Music Until Sat 23 Jul, 7.30pm, 2.30pm (see website for matinee performances), £23-£40 • This new production of the tale popularised by Hollywood in the 1960s tells the story of the worldfamous singing family. From their romantic beginnings as they search for happiness, they make a thrilling escape as their homeland, Austria, is taken over by Hitler’s Third Reich in the 1930s. Songs including ‘Favourite Things’ and ‘Do-Re-Me’. Robin Hood Thu 27 Jul, 7pm, £11/£8 • Jenny Wren’s Robin Hood and her Merry Men take on the Sheriff of Nottingham in this new adaptation. The Tailor of Gloucester Wed 3-Sat 6 Aug, various times please see website, all tickets £10 • Beatrix Potter’s charming tale is brought to life on stage by the Everyman Theatre Company and local community actors and singers. A poor tailor hurries to finish a coat for the mayor when he falls ill. But, not to worry, someone, or something, has finished the coat for him. FRAMPTON ON SEVERN VILLAGE GREEN Frampton on Severn GL2 7EP. 0845 4597469, www.giffordscircus.com Gifford’s Circus Thu 4-Mon 8 Aug, see website for times, £10-£29 • See Review. LACOCK ABBEY Lacock, Wiltshire SN15 2LG. 01249 730459, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ lacock-abbey-fox-talbot-museumand-village Danny, Champion of the World Thu 28 Jul, 7pm, £15 (adult)/£8 (child)/£30-£45 (family) • Follow the adventures of Danny and his father William who live in a gypsy caravan. William fixes cars for a living and secretly poaches pheasants. When a local housing developer tries to buy their land and the countryside around, the pair embark on a hilarious plan to stop him. Take a picnic for a special outdoor performance of Roald Dahl’s classic by Illyria theatre company. MINCHINHAMPTON COMMON Gloucestershire, 0845 4597469, www.giffordscircus.com. Gifford’s Circus Thu 11-Mon 22 Aug, please see website for times, £10£29 • See review. MARLBOROUGH COMMON Marlborough, Wiltshire, SN8 1DL, www.giffordscircus.com. Gifford’s Circus Thu 25 Aug-Mon 5 Sep, please see website for times, £10-£29 • See review. ROSES THEATRE The Roses, Sun Street, Tewkesbury GL20 5NX. 01684 295074, www. rosestheatre.org Pandora’s Magical Box Wed 3 Aug, 2.30pm, £8 • Indigo Moon Theatre use shadow theatre, puppetry and live acting to bring the myth of Pandora’s box to life. Pandora’s curiosity gets the better of her when she opens a forbidden box, unleashing chaos on the world. But all is not lost as she opens the box a second time and learns to follow her heart. Dotty the Dragon Wed 10 Aug, 2.30pm, £8 • Dotty loves to watch

Gulliver’s Travels, Fri 29 Jul, Bacon Theatre, Cheltenham

the children playing in the village below, but wishes she could join them. One day she has a brilliant idea and flies to the village to say hello. A Midsummer Night’s Dream Wed 31 Aug, 2.30pm, £7 • Deep in the forest, faeries wait. Award-winning company Box Tale Soup adapts Shakespeare’s enchanting story for a family audience using handmade puppets, physical theatre and original music. SALISBURY ARTS CENTRE Bedwin Street, Salisbury, SP1 3UT. 01722 321744. www.salisburyartscentre.co.uk Duvet Day Tue 30 Aug, 11am, £10 per adult and baby, additional adult £7.50 • Time to put on your snuggliest pyjamas, grab a favourite toy and crawl into bed. It’s Duvet Day,a new theatre experience for babies full of fun puppets, interactive games and gentle storytelling, it is an ideal introduction to the joys of theatre and group play. Suitable for babies aged up to 18 months, free craft activities also available for older siblings. SALISBURY PLAYHOUSE Malthouse Lane, Salisbury SP2 7RA. 01722 320333, www.salisburyplayhouse.com Summer Stage Mon 1-Sat 12 Aug, £180 per course, to book contact Melanie on 01722 343020 or email melanie@salisburyarts.co.uk • A two week residency for young people aged 11-18. Summer Stage brings together young actors, musicians and professional support from Salisbury Arts Centre and Salisbury Playhouse to create a multi-media performance from scratch. THE WYVERN THEATRE Theatre Square, Swindon SN1 1QN. 01793 524481, www.swindontheatres.co.uk The Great Jaydini Wed 10 & Wed 24 Aug, 11am, £10 per child/adults go free • Enter the magical world of this professional magician with a unique blend of magic and comedy. Suitable for ages 4+. Grease Thu 25-Sat 27 Aug, see website for times, £14-£15.50 • Summer Youth Project present their production of this rock ‘n’ roll musical following the teens of Rydell High over a summer to remember. Expect all the well-known songs including ‘You’re the One that I Want’. PRIMARY TIMES

04/07/2016 12:49:04

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PRIMARY TIMES

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9am-5pm Mon-Fri • 9am-4pm Sat

©LW

SUMMER HOLIDAY 2016 11

01/07/2016 13:25:23

“We loved every minute and can’t wait to come back again. Fear of heights conquered!”

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www.mojoactive.co.uk or call 01454 660075 Holiday clubs | Parties | High Ropes Schools | Stag & Hen Parties | Fitness Corporate Teambuilding

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SUMMER HOLIDAY 2016

www.romanbaths.co.uk PRIMARY TIMES

01/07/2016 13:28:59

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

Deadlines: List your school’s events in Primary Times for free. We work a half-term in advance so we’re now collecting information for September and October: deadline Mon 8 Aug. If your event is to raise funds for a school, a charity or your community, and is open to the public, please let us know at the address below. Please send all listings information and news/feature ideas to him at: mike.gartside@localworld.co.uk

Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, Thu 11-Sun 14 Aug Pic: Paul Box.

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!

JULY UNTIL TUE 23 AUG TUESDAY TIMES TABLES Roman Baths, Stall St, Bath BA1 1LZ. 01225 477785, www.romanbaths.co.uk. 6-8pm (Tues only), included in standard admission prices • Evening sessions looking at objects from the Roman Baths’ collection plus opportunities to handle original artefacts. UNTIL WED 31 AUG SUMMER SAFARI Prior Park, Ralph Allen Drive, Bath BA2 5AH. 01225 833422, www. nationaltrust.org.uk/prior-park, 10am-4.30pm, usual admission prices plus £1 per trail • Explore the sights and sounds of summer with a self-led safari trail around the gardens. UNTIL SAT 3 SEP SODBURY SUMMER SEARCH Chipping Sodbury, Bristol BS17. www.chippingsodburytic.co.uk, free • Pick up a trail map from one of the local libraries, the tourist information centre or under the clock tower and identify the names of 30 animals hiding in shop windows around the town. Children who hand in completed maps will be entered into a draw to win one of the animals. UNTIL MON 5 SEP SUMMER STARGAZING 3D At-Bristol, Anchor Rd, Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5DB. 0117 9151000, www.at-bristol. org.uk, term-time Mon-Fri 2.45 & 4.15pm/weekends, holidays & bank holidays 12.30, 2.45, 4.15 & 5pm, £3 plus standard admission prices • Discover the astronomy we can see from our back gardens this summer in 3D. Expect closeup views of the night sky, fly past PRIMARY TIMES

16 Avon Roundabout Summer 2016.indd 13

Saturn’s rings and witness a meteor shower. Suitable for ages 6+. UNTIL THU 8 SEP SUMMER IN THE KITCHEN At-Bristol, Anchor Rd, Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5DB. 0117 9151000, www.at-bristol.org.uk, drop-in sessions throughout the day, included in standard admission prices • Munch your way through crickets and corn tortillas in the kitchen and explore future foods and resourceful crops. Part of ‘The Crunch’, a year of activities, experiences and discussions about our food, our health and our planet (created by Wellcome Trust). UNTIL THU 8 SEP SUMMER IN THE GREENHOUSE At-Bristol, Anchor Rd, Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5DB. 0117 915 1000, www.at-bristol.org.uk, drop-in sessions throughout the day, included in standard admission prices • Unearth the secrets of soil in the greenhouse this summer. Part of ‘The Crunch’ year of activities (see listing above). UNTIL SUN 11 SEP MEET THE ROBOTS At-Bristol, Anchor Rd, Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5DB. 0117 915 1000, www.at-bristol.org. uk, drop-in sessions throughout the day, included in standard admission prices • Meet Baxter, At-Bristol’s larger-than-life robot you can interact with, plus get under the bonnet of cutting-edge robotics research in At-Bristol’s

brand new Tinkering Space. Part of ‘Robot Encounters’ across At-Bristol this summer. UNTIL WED 21 SEP SUPERHUMAN LAB At-Bristol, Anchor Rd, Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5DB. 0117 915 1000, www.at-bristol.org.uk. Drop-in sessions throughout the day, included in standard admission prices • See robots in a new light and investigate the similarities and differences between them and us. Part of ‘Robot Encounters’ across At-Bristol this summer. UNTIL SUN 25 SEP THE STORY OF CHILDREN’S TELEVISION: 1946-TODAY M Shed, Princes Wharf, Wapping Rd, Bristol BS1 4RN. 0117 352 6600, www.bristolmuseums.org. uk/m-shed, 10am-5pm, adult £5/ under-16 free • Exhibition tracing the history of children’s TV from Muffin the Mule to the multi-channel world of today. Seven decades of iconic objects, memorabilia, merchandise, clips and images plus interactive games and activities, a theme tune challenge, puppet play and TV character dressup. Look out for the Clangers hidden around the museum! UNTIL FRI 30 SEP FRANKENSTEIN IN BATH Starts at Rebecca’s Fountain by the side of Bath Abbey, Bath, BA1 1LT, 0117 902 0235, www. showofstrength.org.uk. 7.30pm, £8 • Show of Strength Theatre Company leads nightly theatrical walks on the streets of Bath to cel-

ebrate 200 years of Mary Shelley’s iconic Frankenstein. Running every night, the walk is led by professional actors with stories of the writer’s turbulent time in the city, retracing her footsteps and exploring the extraordinary, unmarked locations where she wrote her story, including her mystery address that no longer exists. UNTIL WED 19 OCT SAND SCULPTURE FESTIVAL Marine Parade, Weston-superMare, BS23 1BE, www.westonsandsculpture.co.uk 10am-5pm, £4 (adult)/£3 (children)/£10 (Family)

The Story of Children’s Television: 1946-Today, M Shed, Bristol until Sun 25 Sep

SUMMER HOLIDAY 2016

04/07/2016 12:41:55

HHHHH

St Bernadette Catholic Secondary School

‘A LITTLE GEM OF A SHOW’

Growing and Learning in Faith

Plays To See

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Open Day/Evenings

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5.00pm - 8.30pm Head’s Talk 5.00pm - Tours of School 5.30pm Head’s Talk 6.45pm - Tours of School 7.15pm

Thursday 6th October Wednesday 12th October

9.15am - 10.45am 9.15am - 10.45am

• Academic Success • High Expectations • Inclusive Ethos • Good Behaviour • Traditional Values • Strong Pastoral Care A Successful Learning Community We serve families across South & East Bristol and welcome all those seeking a quality education within a caring Christian environment.

WED 24 -SUN 28 AUG

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©LW

SATs – ‘Right or Wrong’?

TORWOOD

HOUSE SCHOOL

Call or email to arrange your personal tour on 0117 973 6620 or email hello@torwoodhouseschool.co.uk. www.torwoodhouseschool.co.uk 14

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SUMMER HOLIDAY 2016

www.stberns.bristol.sch.uk

By Mrs Dionne Seagrove, Head Teacher, Torwood House School

SATs (Standard Assessment Tests) - can we justify formal tests of a child’s ability from as young as 6 years of age? In fact, how much value do these assessments provide? Children are still developing their characters; their social, independence, questioning and thinking skills are still being honed. Should we also now, as some individuals state, place an even greater importance on grammar and punctuation at the age of 7? I am expressing the point in its most simple form and in no way mean to disregard all forms of assessments. Perhaps this sounds nostalgic, but whatever happened to the days when young children could learn through discovery, exploration and creative means? Surely a happy child is one that will truly flourish, not one that is put under the type of pressure typically reserved for older teens within high-

er education? A child’s creativity should not be stifled and that is why less emphasis is placed on formal testing at Torwood House School. SATs can serve a purpose from a benchmarking purpose, but they should not be the ‘be all and end all’. Children need not be put under such pressure at this young age or ‘pigeon-holed’. Let children be children; let’s not damage their self-esteem and burden them at such a tender and impressionable age. Torwood House School children learn without knowing it! Our approach works well and that is why our children, when they leave for their chosen secondary school at Year 6, are well-rounded individuals with an understanding that education is fun. They have acquired their own desire to continue learning and are equipped with the most important of lifeskills to tackle the challenges that may lie ahead of them with confidence and assurance.

PRIMARY TIMES

01/07/2016 13:30:45

ROUNDABOUT

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

per child • Professional artist Matt Jeanes reveals the secrets of bringing your own cartoon characters and illustrations to life. Booking essential: call 01225 820866 or use online booking form. Suitable for ages 8+.

• The theme of this popular annual exhibition of sand art is “When I grow up”, whose centrepiece is an eight metre high rocket and astronaut feature. Thirty sculptures to entertain the family in the heart of the West’s seaside Mecca. UNTIL SUN 20 NOV THE LUMINOUS ROBOT CIRCUS At-Bristol, Anchor Rd, Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5DB. 0117 915 1000, www.at-bristol. org.uk, regular shows during weekends & school holidays, included in standard admission prices • Roll up, roll up and take part in the robot circus! Meet a cast of almost inconceivable (possibly impossible) luminous robot performers who each tell a story of how we might live alongside robots in the future. Part of ‘Robot Encounters’ across At-Bristol this summer. FRI 22 JUL WILDPLACE PROJECT’S AFRICAN THIRD BIRTHDAY Wildplace Project, Blackhorse Hill, Bristol BS10 7TP. 0117 980 7175, www.wildplace.org.uk, 5.309pm, £5 • The Wildplace Project holds a special late opening with animal talks, onsite activities, live entertainment and tasty treats in the cafe as the sun goes down. FRI 22-SUN 24 JUL THE OTHER ART FAIR Arnolfini, 16 Narrow Quay, Bristol, BS1 4QA, 0117 917 2300, www.arnolfini.org.uk. Private view 5-9pm (Fri), 10am6pm/5pm (Sun), private view: £11/£8.80, entry Sat & Sun £6.60/£5.28/£8.80 (family)/ free (under 16s) • A showcase of 80 emerging artists alongside pop-up immersive experiences, an award-winning film showcase and bespoke interactive installations. The fair presents a broad range of art including photography, printmaking, painting, sculpture, mixed media, ceramics, street art and taxidermy, with prices starting from just £50. FRI 22-SUN 24 JUL THE VILLAGE PUMP FESTIVAL Westbury White Horse Country Park, Trowbridge Road, Westbury, Wiltshire, BA13 4LX, 01225 707346, www.villagepumpfolkfestival.co.uk. Site open from midday Thu 21-late eve Sun 24, weekend tickets including on-site camping and parking, adult £120, youth £60, child £10 • Longstanding friendly festival in a beautiful location nestling under the White Horse, with Morris dancing, family activities, workshops, bars, stalls and food outlets. This year’s lineup includes The Proclaimers and Neville Staples Band. SAT 23-MON 25 JUL UPFEST Bedminster, Bristol, BS3, www. upfest.co.uk. Live painting 11am7pm, family viewing day Mon 11am4pm, bars and surrounding venues open ‘til late, free • Europe’s PRIMARY TIMES

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WED 27 JUL POTS & PLATES Victoria Art Gallery, Bridge St, Bath BA2 4AT. 01225 477233, www.victoriagal.org.uk, 10.3011.30am & 12noon-1pm, free • Create patterns and shapes using pastels and tissue paper. Suitable for ages 3-6.

The Wildplace Project, Bristol, celebrates an African Third Birthday, Fri 22 Jul. Pic Mike Gartside

largest live urban art festival, returns to Bristol, bringing over 250 of the most diverse street artists into the city to paint buildings, surfaces, vehicles and canvasses live in the streets. This year, the festival runs for an extra day, encouraging families to get more involved with workshops from popular street artists. Look out for the newest member of the Mr. Men and Little Miss family, Mr.Graff. FROM SAT 23 JUL THE TINKERING SPACE At-Bristol, Anchor Rd, Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5DB. 0117 915 1000, www.at-bristol.org. uk, drop-in sessions throughout the day, included in standard admission prices • A new array of interactive exhibits and activities offers the inventors of tomorrow the chance to get inspired by new technology, including bionic hands, 3D printers and all manner of other gadgets and gizmos. SAT 23 JUL BRISTOL’S BRILLIANT ARCHAEOLOGY Blaise Castle House Museum, Henbury Rd, Bristol BS10 7QS. 0117 903 9818, www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/blaise-castle-housemuseum, 11am-4pm, pay what you think • Meet a host of Iron Age, Viking, Roman, Medieval and First World War re-enactors and have a go at being an archaeologist for the day as part of the national Festival of Archaeology. Also dressing up, crafts, tours, living history and combat displays. SAT 23-SUN 24 JUL 50 THINGS TO DO BEFORE YOU’RE 11 3/4 WEEKENDER Tyntesfield, Wraxall, Bristol BS48 1NX. 01275 461900, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/tyntesfield, 11am3pm, included in standard admission prices • Challenge yourself to complete the National Trust’s list of 50 things to do before you’re 11 3/4 by building a den, learning to read a map and compass or holding a scary beast. Wild art, mud pies and finding a geocache are also on offer. MON 25 JUL TOGAS & TUNICS Roman Baths, Stall St, Bath BA1

1LZ. 01225 477785, www.romanbaths.co.uk, 10am-1pm & 2-4pm, included in admission prices • Family activity based around what the Romans wore. MON 25-FRI 29 JUL SUMMER ART CAMP Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney St, Bath BA2 4DB. 01225 388569, www.holburne.org, 9am-4pm, £38 per day/£20 discount on booking all five days • Creative activities inspired by the museum’s collections and exhibitions led by an experienced team of artists. Booking essential. Suitable for ages 5-12. MON 25-FRI 29 JUL SUMMER THEATRE SCHOOL Theatre Royal Bath, Saw Close, Bath BA1 1ET. 01225 448844, www.theatreroyal.org.uk, 10am2pm, £85 per course • Theatre Royal Bath’s popular summer school for ages 7-9 returns with sessions to develop acting skills, build confidence and have fun. Schools for ages 5-6 and 10-12 run from Mon 1-Fri 5 Aug and cost £75 and £95 respectively. TUE 26 JUL FAMILY WOODLAND SURVIVAL DAY Leigh Woods, North Rd, Bristol BS8 3PL. 0844 2491895, www. nationaltrust.org.uk/leigh-woods, 10.30am-3pm, adult £14/child £12 • A packed day of activities for all the family to enjoy in Leigh Woods, including fire lighting, cooking on an open fire and den building. Suitable for ages 5-16.

WED 27 JUL VASSALL CENTRE OPEN DAY Vassall Centre, Gill Avenue, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 2QQ. 0117 965 9630, www.vcconferences. co.uk, 10.30am-2.30pm, free • Lots to see and do including crafts, refreshments, BBQ and appearances from the Daleks and Angel the pony. WED 27 JUL, & WED 3, WED 10, WED 17 WED 24 & WED 31 AUG WILD AND DEADLY WEDNESDAYS Secret World Wildlife Rescue, New Road, East Huntspill, Highbridge, Somerset, TA9 3PZ. 01278 783250, www.secretworld. org, 10am–4pm £4 (adults) £2 (children) • Live nature stage show every Wednesday with the opportunity to handle many of the creepy creatures featured. There’s also harvest mice and birds of prey on display, face painters, children’s activities, crafts, food and refreshments as well as fascinating talks for all the family about the various creatures. Something for everyone (even the squeamish) to enjoy! FROM THU 28 JUL (EVERY THU) HOLIDAY FAMILY FUN Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, Queens Rd, Bristol BS8 1RL. 0117 922 3571, www.bristolmuseums. org.uk/Bristol-museum-and-artgallery, 11am-3pm, pay what you think • Weekly drop-in sessions exploring the museum’s collections through creative and handson activities for the whole family.

FROM TUE 26 JUL(WEEKLY) HOLIDAY FAMILY FUN M Shed, Princes Wharf, Wapping Rd, Bristol BS1 4RN. 0117 352 6600, www.bristolmuseums.org. uk/m-shed, 11am-3pm, pay what you think • Learn more about the M Shed’s collections through creative and hands-on activities. Suitable for ages 3-10. WED 27 JUL YOUNG ARTISTS: CHARACTER DESIGN American Museum in Britain, Claverton Manor, Bath BA2 7DB. 01225 460503, www.americanmuseum.org, 10am-12noon, £10

Togas & Tunics, Mon 25 Jul, Roman Baths, Bath

SUMMER HOLIDAY 2016

05/07/2016 13:38:24

ROUNDABOUT »

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

FRI 29 JUL CRISS CROSS Victoria Art Gallery, Bridge St, Bath BA2 4AT. 01225 477233, www.victoriagal.org.uk, 10.3011.30am & 12noon-1pm, free • Design and make a mini cross stitch. Suitable for ages 6-11. FRI 29 JUL YOUNG ARTISTS: ANIMATE American Museum in Britain, Claverton Manor, Bath BA2 7DB. 01225 820866, www.americanmuseum.org, 10am-12noon, £10 per child • Join Computer Xplorers for an introduction to animation. Use digital artwork and animation software to bring your characters to life and gain computer skills along the way. Booking essential; suitable for ages 8+. SAT 30 JUL GORAM FAIR Blaise Castle House Museum, Henbury Rd, Bristol BS10 7QS. 0117 903 9818, www.bristolmuseums. org.uk/blaise-castle-housemuseum, 10am-6pm, pay what you think • Community event and fun fair celebrating the legend of Bristol giant Goram. Enjoy tasty treats from the vintage café, explore stalls and activities, ride the vintage funfair and feel like a giant in the miniature city. SAT 30 JUL WE ARE FAMILY Arnolfini, 16 Narrow Quay, Bristol BS1 4QA. 0117 917 2300, www. arnolfini.org.uk, 1-5pm, free • Embracing the energy and DIY nature of punk, artist Shaun Doyle takes over the gallery. There will be noise, destruction and creation in equal measure and help is needed to make it the biggest loudest punkest We Are Family event you have ever seen. SUN 31 JUL BUILD A CARDBOARD SPEAKER SOUND SYSTEM Arnolfini, 16 Narrow Quay, Bristol BS1 4QA. 0117 917 2300, www. arnolfini.org.uk, 11am-3pm, free • Collectively create and construct an expanding cardboard speaker sound system out on the harbourside using a variety of printing, drawing and making methods to create speakers large and small. Suitable for all ages.

AUGUST MON 1 AUG LEGIO Roman Baths, Stall St, Bath BA1 1LZ. 01225 477785, www.romanbaths.co.uk, 10am-1pm & 2-4pm, included in standard admission prices • Learn fascinating facts about the Roman army and make your very own shield. MON 1-FRI 5 & MON 22-FRI 26 AUG SUMMER ART CAMP Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney St, Bath BA2 4DB. 01225 388569, www.holburne.org, 9am-4pm, £38 per day/£20 discount on booking 16

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‘Star Wars’. Create an intergalactic battle model, light sabre or Yoda ears. ‘Episode IV: A New Hope’ will be screened from 2.30pm in the Stables. FRI 5 AUG BOOK ENDS Victoria Art Gallery, Bridge St, Bath BA2 4AT. 01225 477233, www.victoriagal.org.uk, 10.3011.30am & 12noon-1pm, free • Design a scrapbook or sketchbook to keep all your designs safe. Suitable for ages 6-11.

World Elephant Day, Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, Bristol, Fri 12 Aug

all five days • Creative activities inspired by the museum’s collections and exhibitions led by an experienced team of artists. Booking essential. Suitable for ages 5-12. MON 1-SAT 6 AUG BRONZE ARTS AWARD WEEK Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney St, Bath BA2 4DB. 01225 388569, www.holburne.org, 9.30am4.30pm, £250 per child including all materials and certification costs • The Arts Award is a nationally recognised qualification which supports young people in developing their creativity, communication and leadership skills through the arts. Pick up creative skills through printmaking and gain real-life experience working in a busy art museum. Suitable for ages 11-16. MON 1-SAT 13 AUG REPTILE FORTNIGHT Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, Clevedon Rd, Wraxall BS48 1PG. 01275 852606, www.noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk, 10.30am-5pm, normal admission prices apply • Celebrate all creatures scaly and slithery with daily venomous snake shows plus the chance to have your photo taken with one of the non-venomous reptiles (small extra charge). TUE 2 AUG GREAT BIG TREE CLIMB Leigh Woods, North Rd, Bristol BS8 3PL. 0800 0556760, www. bigtreeclimbing.co.uk, hourly slots from 10am, £20 • Two highly skilled and friendly instructors will teach you how to enter a tree’s canopy using ropes, knots and karabiners, whilst being securely attached in a harness at all times. Enjoy the amazing experience of life in the treetops before abseiling to the ground. Suitable for ages 6+. TUE 2 AUG UP FRONT Bath Fashion Museum, Assembly Rooms, Bennett St, Bath BA1 2QH. 01225 477789, www.fashionmuseum.co.uk, 10.30am-12.30pm & 1.30-3.30pm, included in admission prices • Find out about the history and creation of the waistcoat and make a special waistcoat design.

WED 3 AUG BARNEY THE BARN OWL & SPIKEY THE HEDGEHOG The Beaufort Hunt, 72 Broad St, Yate, Bristol BS37 8AG. www.sodburychamber.co.uk,11am-12noon, free • Organised by Sodbury Chamber of Commerce, this is a chance to meet a real-life barn owl and hedgehog in either the Beaufort garden or function room (weather dependent). WED 3 AUG PUPPET PEOPLE Victoria Art Gallery, Bridge St, Bath BA2 4AT. 01225 477233, www.victoriagal.org.uk, 10.3011.30am & 12noon-1pm, free • Use collage to create a character from a wooden spoon. Suitable for ages 3-6. WED 3 AUG FAIRY DAY Old Down Country Park, Foxholes Lane, Tockington, Bristol BS32 4PG. 01454 414081, www.olddownestate.co.uk/country-park, 10am-5pm, standard admission prices apply • Expect a sprinkling of fairy dust over Old Down during a special one-off activity day this summer. WED 3 & WED 24 AUG SUMMER ART ADVENTURE Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, Queens Rd, Bristol BS8 1RL. 0117 922 3571, www.bristolmuseums. org.uk/Bristol-museum-and-artgallery, 10.30am-4pm, £35 per child/accompanying adults free • Go on a summer art adventure and complete the Discover Arts Award in a single day at both Bristol Museum & Art Gallery and the RWA. Meet new friends and let the paintings and artefacts inspire you to create your own masterpiece using a special Discover toolkit and receive a certificate. Parents/carers are welcome to attend but this is not mandatory. Children should be provided with a packed lunch and snacks. THU 4 AUG IN A GALAXY FAR, FAR AWAY American Museum in Britain, Claverton Manor, Bath BA2 7DB. 01225 460503, www.americanmuseum.org, 1-4pm, included in gardens-only admission • An afternoon celebrating all things

FRI 5 AUG FLYING ROCKETS Herschel Museum of Astronomy, 19 New King St, Bath BA1 2BL. 01225 446865, www.herschelmuseum.org.uk, 1-3pm, included in standard admission prices • Design and decorate your own intergalactic space craft. Suitable for ages 3-8. FRI 5-SUN 7 AUG FESTIVAL OF BRITISH EVENTING Gatcombe Park, Hampton Fields, Minchinhampton, Stroud, GL6 9AT, 01423 339423, www.gatcombe-horse.co.uk. Day tickets £10-£18, family tickets £36-£60, under 12s free • Three days of world-class eventing, or show jumping: highlights include the British Open, Intermediate and Novice Championships, alongside everything from arena attractions and a shopping village, to family entertainment. With 2016 the Olympic year, the event is sure to be bigger and better than ever before, with some special attractions planned for the festivities. FRI 5, 12, 19 & 26 AUG FOREST FRIDAYS Stourhead, Stourton BA12 6QF. 01747 841152, www.nationaltrust. org.uk/stourhead, 11am-3pm, £5 • Greg Power is back to share his outdoor skills and teach the art of fire lighting and camouflage, plus workshops in trapeze, stone carving and story making. Each day will end with an aerial performance in the trees. SAT 6-SUN 14 AUG BATH FOLK FESTIVAL Various venues around Bath, see website for ticket prices and times. www.bathfolkfestival.org. • The annual music festival returns celebrating all things folk with a range of live performances plus musical workshops and family events. Headline acts include Lau, John Spiers and Declan Millar, see our pick of family events in the listings marked (BFF). SAT 6 AUG BATH CITY FARM FAMILY FUN DAY (BFF) Bath City Farm, Kelston View, Bath, BA2 1NW, www.bathfolkfestival.org. 11am-4pm, free • Live music from the Bath Youth Folk Band, Stepling, the Raintown Seers and John Ruddock, plus free workshops, dancing, bouncy castle, face painting and more. » PRIMARY TIMES

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2 July – 25 September Cowtastic Farm Park and Animal Trail. Bring a picnic for a perfect summer day out!

Tractor Ted Live! Friday 26th August 11am – 3pm.

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Open from 9.30am, 7 days a week. Find us just off the A362, Farrington Gurney

Exhibition tickets can be purchased at: bristolmuseums.org.uk

Friendly animals  Natural play space  Café Party venue  Family events  Toddler group OPEN MON-SAT FREE ENTRY Kelston View, BA2 1NW

Image © Aardman Animations Ltd

Exhibition entry Adult: £5, Concession: £4 Under 16s free Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

www.bathcityfarm.org.uk

PRIMARY TIMES

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SAT 6 AUG NATIONAL STITCH DAY Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, Queens Rd, Bristol BS8 1RL. 0117 922 3571, www.bristolmuseums. org.uk/Bristol-museum-and-artgallery, 10am-4pm, free • Bristol Embroiders’ Guild are on site to help you make a stitched insect of your own using the museum’s collection of bugs, beetles and butterflies as inspiration. Materials provided. SAT 6 AUG PRINTMAKING WORKSHOP Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney St, Bath BA2 4DB. 01225 388569, www.holburne.org, 10am-12noon, £5 • Printmaking fun for 5- to 12-year-olds. Facilitated by Bronze Arts Award students. SAT 6 AUG MOTH HUNT Old Sneed Park Nature Reserve, off Glenavon Park, Bristol BS9 1RW. 0117 968 6799, www.spnaturereserve.com, 9pm, free • Twilight moth hunt led by Ray Barnett. Please meet at the Glenavon Park main entrance – bring warm clothes and a torch. MON 8 AUG GEM Roman Baths, Stall St, Bath BA1 1LZ. 01225 477785, www.romanbaths.co.uk, 10am-1pm & 2-4pm, included in standard admission prices • Explore the gems found in the hot spring and find inspiration for your own designs. TUE 9 AUG FAN-TASTIC Bath Fashion Museum, Assembly Rooms, Bennett St, Bath BA1 2QH. 01225 477789, www.fashionmuseum.co.uk, 10.30am-12.30pm & 1.30-3.30pm, included in admission prices • Discover the beautiful fans on display and then make your own.

Hoo-Ha Festival, Colston Hall, Tue 16-Sat 20 Aug

SUMMER HOLIDAY 2016

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

MON 8-FRI 12 AUG FOLK ART QUARTER (BFF) Green Park Station, Bath, BA1 1JB, www.bathfolkfestival.org. 2-5.30pm, free • Arts and crafts take over the station every weekday afternoon during the festival with activities including circus skills workshops, poetry and storytelling. TUE 9 AUG FAMILY CEILIDH (BFF) Green Park Station, Bath, BA1 1JB, www.bathfolkfestival.org. 6pm, free • Back by popular demand, the Brighton Ceilidh Collective promises raucous music and dancing. They walk you through each dance and lead an evening of heelkicking steps suitable for all ages. WED 10 AUG FRUITS OF THE SEASON Victoria Art Gallery, Bridge St, Bath BA2 4AT. 01225 477233, www.victoriagal.org.uk, 10.3011.30am & 12noon-1pm, free • Make a colourful fruit picture using printing techniques. Suitable for ages 3-6. THU 11 AUG MUSEUM TOUR FROM YOUNG PEOPLE Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, Queens Rd, Bristol BS8 1RL. 0117 922 3571, www.bristolmuseums. org.uk/Bristol-museum-and-artgallery, 1.15-1.45pm, pay what you think • A special museum tour led by young people as part of the 25 Below programme. Explore a selection of treasures from the museum’s collections. THU 11 AUG AMERICAN WILDERNESS SURVIVAL American Museum in Britain, Claverton Manor, Bath BA2 7DB. 01225 460503, www.americanmuseum.org, 1-4pm, included in gardens-only admission • Drop-in session building brush shelters for camping in the wild. Learn how to make your own and leave a message for visitors using Navajo symbols. Suitable for ages 3+. THU 11-SUN 14 AUG BRISTOL INTERNATIONAL BALLOON FIESTA Ashton Court Estate, Bristol , 0117 904 6509, www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk • Expect a spectacular display of unusual airborne shapes, plus the regular colourful balloon-shaped aircraft in twice-daily mass ascents. There’s also a host of fairground and arena attractions and the usual array of eateries. Visit on Fri, Sat and Sun mornings for ‘Breakfast and Balloons’ at 6am and watch the sun rise alongside the balloons. For the evening ascents, visitors are encouraged to arrive early to get a good spot to watch pilots inflate the balloons and take off en masse at 6pm. The festival’s famous Night Glows take place on Thu 11 and Sat 13 Aug at approximately 9.15pm. As the balloons finish their performance, the skies light up over Ashton Court

Teddy Bear’s Picnic, Puxton Park, Sat 13 Aug

Estate to spectacular fireworks by Skyburst at 9.30pm on both nights. FRI 12 AUG WORLD ELEPHANT DAY Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, Clevedon Rd, Wraxall BS48 1PG. 01275 852606, www.noahsarkzoofarm. co.uk, 10.30am-5pm, included in standard admission prices • Join staff and elephants Janu and M’Changa for the third annual World Elephant Day with special keeper talks and competitions. FRI 12 AUG DESIGN A PLATE OR TABLE CENTREPIECE No.1 Museum, 1 Royal Crescent, Bath BA1 2LR. 01225 428126, www. no1royalcrescent.org.uk, 11am1pm, free with standard admission prices • Be inspired by Wedgwood and Derby to design your own paper plate or have fun constructing a magnificent centrepiece. Find out about extravagant 18thcentury dining room table displays and hear stories of those who indulged to excess.

10am-4pm, included in standard admission prices • 2015 marked the 100th anniversary of the death of Antony Gibbs’s son, Eustace Lyle, in fighting near Ypres. Commemorate all who lost their lives in the Great War and discover more about life on the frontline. SUN 14 AUG OPEN GARDEN AT TRANBY HOUSE Tranby House, Whitchurch, Bristol BS14 0BT. www.avonwildlifetrust. org.uk, 2-5pm, adult £3.50/ child free • Trust member Jan Barkworth opens her doors to share her wildlife garden with the public. There will be tea and cakes available and plants for sale. MON 15 AUG LITTLE BRITANNIA Roman Baths, Stall St, Bath BA1 1LZ. 01225 477785, www.romanbaths.co.uk, 10am-1pm & 2-4pm, included in standard admission prices • Investigate what life was like for a child during Roman times.

FRI 12 AUG TREE OF LIFE Victoria Art Gallery, Bridge St, Bath BA2 4AT. 01225 477233, www.victoriagal.org.uk, 10.3011.30am & 12noon-1pm, free • Explore trees in art and make your own 3D tree to take home. Suitable for ages 6-11.

TUE 16 AUG DISCO STEVE Ralph Allen Drive, Bath BA2 5AH. 01225 833422, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/prior-park, 11am & 2pm, included in standard admission prices • Fun and games with Puxton park’s resident DJ, Disco Steve.

FRI 12 AUG SUMMER SUNDOWN Wildplace Project, Blackhorse Hill, Bristol BS10 7TP. 0117 980 7175, www.wildplace.org.uk, 5.30-9pm, £5/under-2 free • Enjoy reduced entry fees and an evening of fun with wild games throughout the park. The Leap of Faith high adventure course will also be open, including climbing activities and 3G power swing.

TUE 16 AUG HAND IN GLOVE Bath Fashion Museum, Assembly Rooms, Bennett St, Bath BA1 2QH. 01225 477789, www.fashionmuseum.co.uk, 10.30am-12.30pm & 1.30-3.30pm, included in admission prices • Admire some of the gloves on display and create your own design.

SAT 13 AUG TEDDY BEAR’S PICNIC Puxton Park, Cowslip Lane, Hewish BS24 6AH. 01934 523500, www.puxton.co.uk, 9am-5.30pm, standard admission prices apply • Feel free to bring your own picnic or try one of the hampers from Puxton’s farm shop. SAT 13-SUN 21 AUG WW1 COMMEMORATION WEEK Tyntesfield, Wraxall, Bristol BS48 1NX. 01275 461900, www. nationaltrust.org.uk/tyntesfield,

TUE 16-SAT 20 AUG HOO-HA! Colston Hall, Colston St, Bristol BS1 5AR. 0844 8871500, www. colstonhall.org, various times & prices, visit the website or see the theatre listings for a pick of the shows • Colston Hall’s Hoo-Ha festival returns with more fun, frolics and festivities for all ages. Expect plenty of action on all floors, with interactive shows galore and plenty of free activities too. Highlights include Junior Jungle Rave, family roller disco, Blow-Up Planetarium and Lilliput family concerts. » PRIMARY TIMES

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WED 17 AUG CRAZY CATS Victoria Art Gallery, Bridge St, Bath BA2 4AT. 01225 477233, www. victoriagal.org.uk, 10.30-11.30am & 12noon-1pm, free • Make collage cats using plates, tissue paper, pastels and card. Suitable for ages 3-6. WED 17 & THU 18 AUG FAMILY WILD DAYS Horfield Common, Bristol BS7 (Wed) & Dame Emily Park, Bedminster, Bristol BS3 & The Bommie, Northern Slopes, Knowle, Bristol BS3 (Thu). www. avonwildlifetrust.org.uk, Horfield 10am-12noon, Bedminster 10-11am, Knowle 2-4pm, free • Have a go at nature photography with the kit provided, create homes for wildlife and discover creepy-crawlies on a mini-beast quest. Aimed at children aged 6-12. THU 18 AUG TOYS ALIVE! American Museum in Britain, Claverton Manor, Bath BA2 7DB. 01225 460503, www.americanmuseum.org, 1-4pm, included in gardens-only admission • Bring your favourite toy to life on paper by making an animated flick book to take away. THU 18 AUG BALLAST SEED GARDEN: THE EMERALD ISLE Arnolfini, 16 Narrow Quay, Bristol BS1 4QA. 0117 917 2300, www.arnolfini. org.uk, 2.30-4pm, adult £6/under-12 £4/under-2 free • Michael Loader leads a watery adventure on board the Ballast Seed Garden. Listen to a maritime mystery or two before reaching the island where clues, lost treasure and plants with miraculous properties all come together. Meet at the Arnolfini box office. FRI 19 AUG ART LIT UP Victoria Art Gallery, Bridge St, Bath BA2 4AT. 01225 477233, www. victoriagal.org.uk, 10.30-11.30am & 12noon-1pm, free • Create a candle holder using a bit of model magic. Suitable for ages 6-11. FRI 19 AUG DESIGN A MINIATURE PATCH OR SNUFF BOX No.1 Museum, 1 Royal Crescent, Bath

The Meadows on the move

he Meadows Holiday Club, South Gloucestershire, is moving to The Meadows Primary School in Bitton from this summer holiday. Open 8am–6pm, Mon-Thu (or Tue-Fri bank holiday weeks) for children aged 4 to 11 years, the club offers fun activities including sports coaching, arts & crafts, cooking, films and games. Ffi T: 07952 478087 E: meadowsosc@gmail.com

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BA1 2LR. 01225 428126, www.no1royalcrescent.org.uk, 11am-1pm, free with standard admission prices • Drop in and design an 18th-centurystyle miniature box which would have held a lady’s face patches or a gentleman’s snuff. Try using a quill and ink to write a love poem or a challenge to a duel and then seal it with wax as you learn about life in Georgian Bath. FRI 19-SAT 20 AUG BUMP FAMILY ROLLER DISCO Colston Hall, Colston St, Bristol BS1 5AR. 0844 8871500, www.colstonhall.org, 10.30am & 1.30pm, £8.06£12.90 incl booking fee • Hurtle into an explosion of 80s funk, glitterballs, flashing lights and skating magic as Colston Hall’s auditorium is transformed into a retro roller rink complete with old-school skates for hire and classic disco tunes. Skate hire is included in the ticket price but you’re welcome to bring your own. Suitable for ages 3+. SAT 20 AUG GEORGIAN DESSERTS No.1 Museum, 1 Royal Crescent, Bath BA1 2LR. 01225 428126, www. no1royalcrescent.org.uk, 11am, free with standard admission prices • Join food historian Jean Seymour as she demonstrates and talks about different Georgian desserts in the historic kitchen. There’ll also be a chance to see a hand-crafted replica of a Georgian desserts table in the dining room. MON 22 AUG CURIOUS COINS Roman Baths, Stall St, Bath BA1 1LZ. 01225 477785, www.romanbaths. co.uk, 10am-1pm & 2-4pm, included in standard admission prices • Find out more about some of the Roman Baths’ special coins. TUE 23 AUG BLACK & WHITE Bath Fashion Museum, Assembly Rooms, Bennett St, Bath BA1 2QH. 01225 477789, www.fashionmuseum.co.uk, 10.30am-12.30pm & 1.30-3.30pm, included in admission prices • Explore 60s fashion and make a two-tone design fit for the swinging 60s. WED 24 AUG DEEP BLUE SEA Victoria Art Gallery, Bridge St, Bath BA2 4AT. 01225 477233, www. victoriagal.org.uk, 10.30-11.30am & 12noon-1pm, free • Draw imaginary creatures from the deep using pastels, pencils and pens. Suitable for ages 3-6. WED 24 & THU 25 AUG FAMILY WILD DAYS Fishponds Park, Manor Rd, Bristol BS16 & St George Park, Church Rd, Bristol BS5 (Wed), Bennett’s Patch & White’s Paddock, Bristol BS9 (Thu). www.avonwildlifetrust. org.uk, Fishponds 10am-12noon, St. George 2-4pm, Bennett’s Patch 10am-12noon, free • Have a go at nature photography with the kit provided, create homes for wildlife and discover creepy-crawlies on a mini-beast quest. Aimed at children aged 6-12.

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

Grandparents’ Weekend, Avon Valley Railway, Sat 27-Mon 29 Aug.

SAT 27-MON 29 AUG GRANDPARENTS WEEKEND Avon Valley Railway, Bath Rd, Bristol BS30 6HD. 0117 932 5538, www.avonvalleyrailway.org, 9am5pm, standard admission prices apply/grandparents half-price • Grandparents are treated to halfprice entry accompanied by at least one paying child over the bank holiday weekend. Attractions include the restored Victorian station and diesel and steam trains. SAT 27-MON 29 AUG LIVE FROM THE LAWN 2016 Tyntesfield, Wraxall, Bristol BS48 1NX. 01275 461900, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/tyntesfield, 10am-4pm, included in standard admission prices • Tyntesfield’s daytime mini music festival showcases Bristolbased performers as well as artists from further afield, and includes children’s workshops and intimate sessions too. SAT 27-MON 29 AUG TREEFEST Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, Tetbury, Glos, GL8 8QS, 01666 880220, www.forestry.gov. uk/westonbirt. 9am-5pm, adult £15, student £12, children free • Bank holiday weekend celebration of nature, trees and woodcraft with fun family activities, around 100 exhibitors and live music. Performances for children including live puppet theatre, storytelling, den building and tree climbing. MON 29 AUG PUNCH & JUDY Old Down Country Park, Foxholes Lane, Tockington, Bristol BS32 4PG. 01454 414081, www.olddownestate. co.uk/country-park, shows at 11am, 1pm & 2pm, included in standard admission prices • Punch & Judy shows in the grounds to celebrate the Bank Holiday. TUE 30 AUG FAMILY WOODLAND ADVENTURE EVENING Leigh Woods, North Rd, Bristol BS8 3PL. 0844 2491895, www. nationaltrust.org.uk/leigh-woods, 5.30-9.30pm, adult £14/child £12 • Learn the art of building a woodland home and refuel the campfire as darkness falls. Enjoy some woodland games before heading off on a night walk and see if you can spot any bats. Booking essential.

SEPTEMBER FRI 2-SUN 4 SEP VALLEY FEST Denny Lane, Chew Magna, North East Somerset, BS40 8SZ, www. valleyfest.co.uk. Gates open 2pm Fri 2-12 noon Mon 5, adult weekend £82, child £42, under 6s free • Held on a working farm, the U.K’s all-organic festival returns with three days of all round entertainment including live music, topnotch locally-sourced food, festival feasts, street art, cookery demonstrations, farm tours, kids workshops and welly-wearing dancing. SUN 4 SEP THE GREAT AARTY PARTY M Shed, Princes Wharf, Wapping Rd, Bristol BS1 4RN. 0117 352 6600, www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/mshed, 11am-3pm, pay what you think • Celebration of Bristol’s Aardman studios on their 40th birthday. Make your own Morph plus many more activities for all ages. FRI 9-SUN 18 SEP JANE AUSTEN FESTIVAL The Jane Austen Centre, 40 Gay St, Bath, BA1 2NT, 01225 433000, www.janeaustenfestivalbath.co.uk. Various prices and times, please see website for full programme of events • Over a week of Regency and Jane Austen themed events celebrating one of Bath’s most famous visitors. SAT 17-SUN 18 SEP DOING THINGS DIFFERENTLY: EXTRAORDINARY BODIES Castle Park, Bristol, BS1 3XD, 07877 581740, www.doingthingsdifferently.org.uk. Extraordinary Bodies: Weighting performances at Castle Park 2 and 6pm Sat and 12 and 3pm Sun, free • This celebration of equality and participation encourages audiences to get involved. Highlights include circus company Extraordinary Bodies, a mass community choir and much more.

ROUNDABOUT AND THEATRE LISTINGS BY ELLEN WHITE PRIMARY TIMES

04/07/2016 12:45:56

Â©LW

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

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Open Mornings: Monday 26 September to Friday 7 October 2016 (by appointment) © National Trust Images/Beth taylor. Registered Charity Number 205846.

‘A Good school’ - Ofsted 2016

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www.broadlandsacademy.org Broadlands Academy, St Francis Road, Keynsham, Bristol BS31 2DY

In 2015 we achieved 62% 5 A*-C including English & Maths. 22

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SUMMER HOLIDAY 2016

BUS ROUTES FOR BS4, BS14, : BS15 & BS30

Discover Newark with the whole family this summer. Uncover Newark's history with the house trail, play games in the gardens and explore the estate with stunning views.

fun days out

We're open Wednesday to Sunday; find us just off the A4135 Dursley-Tetbury road. Members and under 5s go free.

01453 842644 nationaltrust.org.uk/newark-park

PRIMARY TIMES

04/07/2016 12:50:29

Going for

Gold

Anne Marie Scanlon explores the history of the Olympic Games, which unfold in Rio de Janeiro this August.

t really is hard to believe that it’s four years since “the Queen” and “James Bond” parachuted into history during the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London. This year the Olympic torch passes to Brazil where the Games of the XXXI Olympaid (commonly known as Rio 2016) will take place in the country’s former capital and global beacon city, Rio de Janeiro. For many athletes this is the goal they have been training for most of their lives. The 2016 Summer Olympic program features 28 sports, 41 disciplines and 306 events. The games organizers expect to host over 10,500 athletes from 206 countries. British athletes have competed at every single Olympic Games since they were revived by Baron Pierre du Coubertin in 1896. Coubertin drew his inspiration from the Ancient Olympic games which took place every four years from the 8th century BC to the 4th century AD. The origins of these games are shrouded in mystery and many theories have been given for their existence. Scholars can’t even pinpoint exactly when they began but 776 BC is the most widely accepted date. (Similarly, there is no agreement about when these ancient games stopped – the date that is most agreed on is 393 AD). The ancient Olympics took place in the sanctuary of Zeus in Olympia, Greece, hence the name. They were primarily religious in origin and competitors came from rival Greek factions. De Coubertin PRIMARY TIMES

16 Avon Features Summer 2016.indd 7

founded the International Olympic Committee in 1894 and the very first modern Olympic Games took place in Athens two years later. The first games had participants from 14 nations with 241 athletes taking part in 43 events. In the 2016 Games in Rio competitors from Team GB will tackle, amongst other events, boxing, canoeing, cycling, track, diving and swimming, equestrian events, hockey, fencing, football, golf, gymnastics, rowing, rugby, sailing, shooting and weightlifting. Since its inception the modern Olympic movement has grown to include Winter Games, the Paralympics and the Youth Games. The Winter Olympics began in 1924 and, until 1992, were held in the same year as the Summer Games but they now take place on a four-year cycle two years apart. The genesis of the Paralympics came in 1948 when Sir Ludwig Guttman, in an effort to promote rehabilitation of soldiers wounded in World War II, organized a multisport event to coincide with the London Summer Games of that year. This event became known as the International Wheelchair Games. In 1960 Guttman brought 400 athletes to compete in the ‘Parallel Olympics’ alongside the Summer Olympics in Rome - an event that became the first Paralympics. Since then the Paralympics has been held every four years alongside the Summer Games and these days takes place in the same host city. The Youth Games began in 2010 to accom-

ion ove) Jessica Ennis in act Sir Chris Hoy and (ab

modate athletes aged 14 – 18. The Olympic Games have evolved constantly since 1896 and many of the symbols associated with them have been added over the years. The iconic flag with the five intertwined rings was first adopted in 1914. The five rings (blue, yellow, black, red and green) symbolize the five continents Africa, Asia, America, Oceania and Europe. The Olympic Torch relay was introduced in 1936 at the Berlin Games. This year, the torch began its journey in April when it was lit at a ceremony in Southern Greece and spent a week travelling the country to Athens. It arrived in Brazil this May and is now on a 95-day tour

at London 2012

of the country visiting 83 cities, 26 state capitals and 500 towns. It is estimated that the torch will reach 90% of the population while covering approximate 20,000km (over 12,000 miles) by road and 16,000km (approximately 9,940 miles) by air. After being carried by about 12,000 bearers, the torch will end its journey at the Maracanä Stadium in Rio on Friday 5 August for the Olympic Games Opening Ceremony. Most people will watch the games on television. The first international TV broadcast came in the 1956 Winter Olympics in Cortina, Italy. In 2012 approximately 900 million people watched all or part of the opening ceremony in London on television. SUMMER HOLIDAY 2016

04/07/2016 12:14:21

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01/07/2016 13:54:00

School’s F

or children, the summer holiday is a welcome break from the routine of school, but it’s also a chance to discover or develop skills that they wouldn’t have time to explore during term time. The trend to send children to summer schools has grown in recent years, perhaps borrowed from the United States, where it’s a well-known summer phenomenon. But British parents are wising up to the advantages offering their children an intense week or two of sporting or creative activities during the holidays. Hadrian Stiff, who runs Bristolbased Elite Squash, explains the appeal of the summer camp experience. “Children get a buzz out of it,” he says. “As well as getting intense immersion in the sport,

Mad Science

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From squash and science to team building and theatre, Ellen White discovers how summer schools enhance children’s life experiences.

for summer

PGL Archery and (above) climbing with

they have longer to settle into the activity, while the social element plays an important part. During breaks they might play table tennis or go to the park. “They learn a lot more during a day in a camp, where they will do four hours of squash: they really have the chance to develop something that they might just touch upon in a weekly one-hour session. Children can come as complete novices, where they will be taught the basics, or they may have played a bit before: each level is catered for. “We in Britain are learning from the US, where the intense learning period pushes children in whatever subject they’re doing. Increasingly, professionals in this country understand how to structure camps better.” Summer schools come in all shapes and sizes, from residential to day courses, from theatre projects (including a full performance) to sporting and academic experiences, allowing children to immerse themselves in an activity for a week or two. Whether your

ees including an indoor swimming pool, tennis courts and athletics track, it’s almost impossible to be bored. What’s more, the courses offer activities and entertainment for the whole family: gala entertainment on Tuesday and Friday evenings is included in the price, with highlights this year from broadcaster Michael Palin, Illyria’s production of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ and ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ winners Collabro. Weeklong stays are available from Sunday 24 to Saturday 30 July and Sunday 31 July to Saturday 6 August, with accommodation from £229 per person per week including full board and all entertainment. Junior Troopers cost from £155 per child per week, Children’s Activities £315 per child per week, Young Adventurer’s Courses (9-12 »

children are into adventure sports, art, camping, water sports, football or science, there’s bound to be a course out there to stimulate them this summer. For sheer variety, with a record 600 courses to choose from this year, Marlborough College offers something for everyone. These residential courses are divided into four age brackets from the Junior Troopers (ages 3 to 6) up to Teenagers (13 to 17). Marlborough prides itself on offering courses that may not be easily accessible to children at school or as part of their extra-curricular activities. With everything from fly fishing to fencing, cooking, photography and circus skills, and excellent facilities available for all Summer School attend- Football at Marlborough College

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04/07/2016 12:16:38

School’s (CONTINUED) »

in for summer

years) and Teenagers (13-17 years) from £185 per child per week. The well-established children’s summer activities company PGL (widely believed to stand for “Parents Get Lost” but in reality named after the initials of its founder Peter Gordon Lawrence) has a new facility at Liddington, Wiltshire, which boasts 150 acres of landscaped lakes for water activities, a floodlit all-weather sports pitch and no fewer than 11 full size football pitches. With over 50 years’ experience, PGL offers a range of programmes from a multi-activity seven night stay, a one or two night introductory adventure and even ‘first-timer’ programmes giving children added reassurance that everyone in their group is visiting for the first time. There’s a full programme of activities including zip wire, mountain biking and canoeing in the day, followed by quizzes, films, campfires and more in the evening. Prices apply to all age ranges; choose from 7 to 10, 10 to 13 or 13 to 16 for a specially tailored age-appropriate experience. Three night multi-activity stay from £269, four nights from £385, seven nights from £599. OUTDOOR AND CAMPING Viney Hill Adventure Centre in Gloucestershire splits its activities into “water”, “rock” and “forest”, including everything from canoeing to raft building, caving, archery, bushcraft and rocket science. There’s the option for oneoff activity days or a residential stay for you and your family with wild camping only £4.50 per person per night and indoor accommodation at the Old Vicarage for £17.40 per person per night. On-site activities are £125 per group (max. 10) per three hour session, off site activities £145 per group per session. If your child is more independ-

ent, Camp Wilderness at Cornbury Park in the heart of the Oxfordshire countryside offers three day, five day and advanced camps to accommodate children of all ages and abilities. Both the three and five day camps are suitable for ages 6 to 15 and offer highlights including wilderness cooking, wild swimming, shelter-building, archery, cricket and rounders. The five day advanced camp is suitable for ages 9 to 15 and teaches more challenging bushcraft skills including tracking, knife work and wild camping. The website provides a full kit list and answers to FAQs, leaving parents safe in the knowledge their child is well prepared and having fun. Both regular and advanced five day camps are £395 per child including all food and

Raft Building at Viney Hill

activities, three day camp is £237 per child all inclusive. SPORT For any budding sports champions, Kings Camps’ multi-active programmes combine swimming, fitness and over 30 games designed for children to learn, play

ALL THE SUMMER’S A STAGE ristol Central Stagecoach, which trains youngsters in the performing arts, is running a summer school for 7 to 11 year olds at WISE Campus, New Road, Filton, Bristol, from Sun 1 Aug to Fri 5 Aug. The school runs from 9.30am-4.30pm from Monday to Thursday and 9.30-6pm on Friday, culminating in a performance at the campus’s Olympus Theatre at 5pm on the last day.

Ffi: Bristol Central Stagecoach W: www.stagecoach.co.uk/bristolcentral

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Mojo Active

and make friends with peers of a similar age. Packages are flexible with taster weeks available between 8.30am and 12.30pm through to Active Week Plus which offers activities running all day from 8.15am-5.45pm. Sessions cover everything from rounders to netball, lacrosse, aerobics and rugby plus arts, crafts and games. Multi-Active camp from £100 per week, FlexiCare from £40 per day, International Cricket School programme from £87 per week, International Soccer School from £70 per week.

Bristol’s Mojo Active offers a huge range of activities, promising multiple or consecutive days, packed with fun. The clue’s in the name, with activities designed to get kids moving in fun and unusual ways whether it’s zorb football, archery tag or something more familiar like swimming. If you still want more, see their website for a series of one-off away days including high ropes and hiking in the Brecon Beacons. £30 per child per day (9am-4pm), away day activities from £35 per child. FreeDog Trampoline Park also offers ways to burn off energy with a twist, including parkour, free running, trapeze, giant trampolines and even a lazer maze. Here you can practice basketball skills in a unique slam dunk zone, play dodgeball on one of the specially designed courts or simply enjoy the freedom to bounce on one of the centre’s many huge trampolines. One hour of jump time is £10 per person, additional hours £5, Parkour Academy is £10 per person for an hour-long introductory session. Elite Sqash runs a four day non-

residential Summer Camp for children aged 7 and over which can be booked for individual days at £35 per person or four days at £140, running from Mon 25-Thu 29 July. ART AND SCIENCE Of course not all children are interested in non-stop sport, so why not try Gloucester’s Nature in Art Museum for creative and affordable art sessions that won’t break the bank? Activities run from Tuesdays to Fridays throughout the summer holidays for only £6 per child (with free adult entry to the museum). Classes are available in every media from print making to wire sculpture, mosaic, weaving and oil pastels. Or, for any budding Einsteins, Mad Science offers a programme of summer holiday camps across Bristol and the South West with sites in Henleaze, Southville, Brentry and Keynsham. Each camp runs from 9.30am-3.30pm and costs £35 per day or £150 for a full week’s course. There’s a new topic and theme to explore daily, providing an eclectic mix of science based activities, experiments and investigations as well as physical play and games, promising an educational programme that’s so much fun children will forget they’re learning. Summing up, Hadrian mentions another crucial reason why summer camps are popular with both children and parents: “It’s an opportunity for some downtime for the parents but also an opportunity for children to make more of the holiday and do something constructive instead of kicking their heels.” Camp Wilderness T: 03332 004469 W: www.campwilderness.co.uk Elite Squash W: www.elitesquash.co.uk FreeDog Bristol T: 0117 203 4888 W: www.freedog.com Kings Camps T: 0114 263 2160 W: www.kingscamps.org Mad Science T: 01792 348205 W: www.southwales.madscience.org Marlborough College Summer School T: 01672 892388 W: www.summerschool.co.uk Mojo Active T: 01454 660075 W: www.mojoactive.co.uk Nature in Art Museum T: 01452 731422 W: www.natureinart.org.uk PGL Adventure Holidays T: 0333 3212144 W: www.pgl.co.uk Viney Hill T: 01594 516162 W: www.vineyhilladventure.org PRIMARY TIMES

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We are

Mr Tumble performs at Camp Bestival

family

Ellen White rounds up the best of the child-friendly festivals this summer.

ers Dick and Dom, Mr Tumble and LazyTown plus music from Fatboy Slim, Tears for Fears, Jess Glynne and more, there’s something for all ages. Lulworth Castle, East Lulworth, Dorset. 0203 327 4810, www. campbestival.net. Adult weekend ticket £197.50, teens £118, ages 10-12 £93, ages 5-9 £45, under 4s £15.

here are some who don’t believe summer’s truly arrived until festival season is in full swing, but the thought of taking the kids to a muddy field full of revellers may fill many families with horror. Luckily, festivals have made leaps and bounds to cater to families of all ages and tastes, with many sites now offering family specific camp sites and a range of facilities to make your stay as comfortable as possible, from pre-pitched tents to separate shower and baby changing facilities. Here are some of the best family oriented festivals in southern England and Wales so now all you need to do is get planning!

PORT ELIOT FESTIVAL Thu 28-Sun 31 Jul Set in a lavish estate including the country house, estuary and beautiful Cornish surroundings, Port Eliot claims to provide a festival experience like no other. The Hullaballoo children’s area in the estate’s garden returns with Rogue Theatre’s award-winning Wild Woodland Summer Ball, not to mention magicians, dance troupes, jugglers, clowns, and some big names in children’s literature providing bedtime stories. For those who can’t get enough of the great outdoors, expect kayaking, archery, surfing, foraging walks and wild swimming to name just a few. Port Eliot, St. Germans, Rame Peninsula, South East Cornwall, 28

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The Big Cwtch

PL12 5BQ, www.porteliotfestival. com. Adult weekend tickets from £145, child weekend (age 8-13) from £70, family weekend from £430, under 7s free.

Charlton Park, near Malmesbury, SN16 9LL. www.womad.co.uk. Adult weekend ticket £175, teenage weekend ticket £85, under 13s free.

WOMAD Thu 28-Sun 31 Jul One of WOMAD’s major attractions for families is that all children under 13 go absolutely free, making it one festival that shouldn’t cost a fortune. With a melting pot of music from all over the world plus a Brazilian Carnival themed kids’ corner there’s plenty to enjoy. Children can get moving with music and dance workshops, plus face painting, puppet making, circus tent, musical playground and animation and film making with the British Film Institute.

CAMP BESTIVAL Thu 28-Sun 31 Jul Sister of the Isle of Wight’s Bestival and four times winner of Best Family Festival, Camp Bestival aims to combine an allencompassing family festival experience with an action packed camping holiday. A large section of the festival site is dedicated to little ones, with an Upper Kids’ Garden offering circus skills, bouncy castle, separate Toddler’s Area and Mother and Baby Chill Out space. With entertainment from popular children’s entertain-

LIVESTOCK FESTIVAL Fri 29-Sun 31 Jul Livestock aims to be the perfect weekend for all the family and has put in a lot of effort to make that happen. This year’s line-up promises even more entertainment with kids comedy, kids club cinWatchet Live

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ema, pony rides, animal encounters, circus skills, tractor rides and even quiet camping areas plus the option to book a pre-erected tent. Music includes performances from The Fratellis, Reverend and the Makers and 80s stalwart Chesney Hawkes. Manor Farm, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, GL20 6AT. www. livestocklongdon.co.uk. Adult weekend ticket £110, 11-17 years £45, child ticket £1, family weekend ticket (2 adults and 2 11-17 year olds) £260.

well as being conveniently located right next to the family campsite. So much to explore including wildlife walks and nature fun in Einstein’s Garden, film screenings including Pixar’s ‘Inside Out’, kids and family yoga, plenty of interactive workshops and performances for children, and music from Laura Marling, Belle & Sebastian and James Blake. Brecon Beacons, Wales, NP8 1LP, www.greenman.net. Adult tickets £175 plus booking fee, children under 12 £20, under 4s free.

WILDERNESS Thu 4-Sun 7 Aug With a dedicated family campsite close to the Kid’s Corner plus baby changing facilities and family welfare, Wilderness festival prides itself on making a family stay as comfortable as possible. It promotes a “meet the world” philosophy, featuring wild swimming, boating, award-winning theatre, puppet making, magicians, crafts and, of course, music. There’s even an on-site nanny service if parents fancy an afternoon to themselves. Cornbury Estate, Oxfordshire, 0333 3219999, www.wildernessfestival.com. Gates open midday Thu-8pm Sun, adult tickets from £177 plus booking fee, child tickets £5, Family Plus pitch (for four people) £150.

WATCHET LIVE Fri 26-Sun 28 Aug Weekend camping tickets have already sold out for Somerset based Watchet. However, with under 12s going free and adult day tickets from only £25 there’s still plenty of fun to be had. The festival provides a children’s area from 12-6pm Saturday and Sunday with free creative activities and storytelling. With a capacity of only 5,000, it prides itself on a safe and intimate atmosphere. What’s more, any profit funds community events or is donated to local groups or charities in need, so you can relax and have fun knowing it’s all for a good cause. The Down, Brendon Rd, Watchet, TA23 0HS, 01984 639616, www. watchetfestival.co.uk. Family weekend ticket (no camping) £155, family day ticket £75, under 12s free.

SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE SHOW Sat 6-Sun 7 Aug With over 24,000 visitors last year, this event offers a great family weekend without the hassle of camping. There’s a medieval jousting tournament, stuntman Flyin’ Ryan, sheep dog demos, food festival and, new for this year, the South Gloucestershire Beer Festival and Brewery Competition. There is also entertainment from the Banana Brain Fun Show and a giant 20 tonne sand sculpture in the Kids’ Zone, plus live performances from local musicians, BMX stunts and plenty of arts and crafts. Windmill Fisheries Showground, Westerleigh Rd, BS37 8QZ, 01454 222959, www.southglosshow. co.uk. Adults £10 (adults)/ £5 (15 & under)/free (u5s). Gates open 10.30am. GREEN MAN Thu 18-Sun 21 Aug The theme for this year’s Little Folk area is the jungle, promising adventures for even the tiniest explorers as

END OF THE ROAD Thu 1-Sun 4 Sep End of the Road’s family camping area is closest to the car park and wristband exchange to save little legs, so expect quieter evenings but earlier mornings! There will be plenty of workshops for children in the Wonderlands garden area with past activities including so0ng writing sessions, yoga and origami. There’s plenty for grownups, too, with stand-up comedians including Stewart Lee and Josie Long, music from Joanna Newsom, Bat for Lashes and The Shins and a dedicated Relaxation Room to help you unwind. Larmer Tree Gardens, near Blandford, Dorset, www.endoftheroadfestival.com. Adult weekend ticket £195, teenagers £150, child (6-12) £75, child (3-5) £45, under 2s free.

WOMAD

festival’s friendly, all-inclusive vibe. Camping takes place in the beautiful lakeside Cothi Valley, a “natural playground” with a dedicated children’s area, The Walled Garden. This year’s activities include circus skills, aerial hoops, high wire, live graffiti, drumming workshops, dress up plus many more, and even better, all kid’s activities are free. Fill up on chocolatey treats from the Roald Dahl-

inspired Ministry of Mischief; enjoy music from over 30 emerging Welsh artistes and relax in this year’s new specially allocated family campsite. Glanrannel Park House, Crugybar, Carmarthenshire, SA19 8SA, www. thebigcwtch.com. Adult ticket £40, family ticket £80, ages 5-12 £12.50, under 5s free. Saturday night camping £15/£20, two night camping £30/£50.

A family enjoying Livestock

THE BIG CWTCH Fri 9-Sun 11 Sep The name means “big cuddle” in Welsh, giving a good idea of this

Port Eliot

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04/07/2016 12:23:15

Every Student a Graduate – Every Student a Leader

Join us for our Open Evening on Thursday 6th October 2016, 4.30pm—7pm

Open Mornings also available, 9am—10.30am. Every Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday between Tuesday 6th September and Thursday 20th October 2016. P lease check our website for more details www.cityacademy.bristol.sch.uk Follow us on Twitter @_City_Academy

Locations in : Henleaze, Brislington, Southville, Brentry, Clevedon, Keynsham & Bath Weston

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01/07/2016 13:48:47

ADVERTISING FEATURE

d r a o b n Pi Go underground! This holiday, go underground to see the impressive caves at Clearwell! You can explore nine atmospheric caverns, each connected by winding passageways, going down 100ft underground. Displays of tools and equipment tell the story of the iron miners from over 4,500 years ago to 1945, when deep mining finished (although ochre is still mined here to make artists’ pigment). The caves are a great backdrop for filming, with television productions ‘Dr Who’, ‘Merlin’, ‘Atlantis’ and ‘DaVinci Demons’ all recently filmed there. There is a gift shop, café and children’s play area. If you are looking for excitement, their Try Caving activities allow people to join a group to go well beyond the public pathways, and see incredible workings exactly as the miners left them. Try Caving trips involve some crawling, simple scrambling and getting dirty, they are an exhilarating experience. No experience is necessary and they will spice up the school holidays! Ffi: Clearwell Caves W: www.clearwellcaves.com/events.

Sole mates SoleLution in Portishead and Clifton Village offers some tips for making buying school shoes less painful: • Be patient and prepared. This is one of SoleLution’s busiest times and staff like to give every family the best service they can. • Your child’s feet are likely to grow over the summer, so it may not be advisable to buy in the first few days of the holidays. • No challenge is too great: SoleLution stocks a wide range of brands and widths, including Start-rite, Ricosta, Geox and Lurchi by Salamander. • Ask your child to wear their new shoes around the house to make sure they feel comfortable – and remember to keep the box and receipt. If you’ve any concerns, pop back in for another check. • Once everyone’s happy, put on some polish and wear them in. Remember your child’s feet won’t like being back in school shoes after the summer. Ffi: SoleLution W: www.solelution.co.uk

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Parents’ & teachers’

news, education & contacts

Making sums fun The Maths Factor is a primary maths website that’s been helping children unlock their confidence in maths since 2010. It combines video tutorials from Carol Vorderman with practice sessions and games, and it certainly makes maths look fun (there are lots of games and a beautiful, parkthemed learning environment). It’s rewarding too (with a sums counter, a marbles counter and a ‘Tower of Achievements’), and if your child completes a practice session every day for a month, they will receive a real medal in the post. To help you help your child with maths the website also has parent-friendly videos to make sure you’re up to speed with teaching methods. The Maths Factor has a summer club offer open to Primary Times readers which gives you three months’ access for £14.99. Simply add this special offer code: TMF-3M15-PTSC at the checkout. Ffi: The Maths Factor W: www.themathsfactor.com

Starting school? With over 25 years’ experience, School Togs is the place to visit for all your school items, and “after school” activities gear. With its reputation for providing quality school wear that offers real value for money, School Togs works closely with schools, and suppliers to ensure that it offers a dedicated service, tailored to the individual needs of its customers. School Togs has everything you need for that first day at school including: uniforms, trousers, shirts, socks, tights, PE kits, sportswear, swimwear, footwear, bags, name tapes and waterproofs. The shop is delighted to announce that it is stocking a range of school shoes for back to school this year. Keep an eye out for further news on this exciting development. School Togs offers a comprehensive “after school range” including uniforms, shoes and accessories for ballet, tap, modern and jazz. It also supplies uniforms and accessories for Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Beavers, Cubs and Scouts, recently adding swimwear and accessories by Zoggs to its portfolio. Get along to the new shop in the heart of the Nailsea shopping area, situated in Clevedon Walk, close to Waitrose, and free car parking choices. And visit the website for further directions and all the latest news from your local store. Ffi: School Togs Nailsea W: www.schooltogsnailsea.co.uk

Time to tinker

This summer At-Bristol Science Centre will expand its array of interactive exhibits with the launch of The Tinkering Space. From 23 July onwards the inventors of tomorrow will be able to get inspired by a range of activities, including the chance to meet robots, get crafty and play with future technology. From helping Baxter, At-Bristol’s larger-than-life robot, to getting to grips with incredible new tech like bionic hands, 3D printers and a host of other great gadgets and gizmos, it’s a chance to learn new skills, test out your ideas and get inventive with everything from cutting-edge tools to good oldfashioned plasticine. In addition to the new exhibition, At-Bristol Science Centre has more than 200 other hands-on activities exploring everything from the secrets of Aardman’s intricate animations to awesome astronomy in the UK’s first 3D Planetarium. Ffi: At-Bristol T: 0117 915 1000 W: www.at-bristol.org.uk

Be bowled over! Pin Breaks UK is a Welsh company offering fun, action packed skittle weekends from just £181 per person. Its weekends are open to all and have something for everyone, whether you’re “professional” skittle players, a group of friends or work colleagues looking for a weekend break with a difference. The company has chosen great venues on the beautiful Welsh coastline. You’ll get incredible value for money including two nights half board accommodation, three guaranteed games of skittles, great entertainment, the chance to win prizes, return coach transfers and a delicious Sunday lunch before you head home. Visit Pin Breaks UK’s website below for information about its venues, competitions and discounts. Just pick a venue, get 10 or more friends together (ladies, men’s or mixed teams welcome), pack a case and let them do the rest. Book now quoting PRIMARY TIMES to take advantage of a £50 discount off the cost of your team’s weekend. Ffi: Pin Breaks UK W: www.pinbreaks.co.uk

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04/07/2016 12:36:29

Summer clubs offer! Please enter TMF-3M15-PTSC at checkout.

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V618b

Boost you child’s maths confidence this summer! Special offer: £14.99 for the first 3 months (RRP £27.50)

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01/07/2016 13:49:52

ADVERTISING FEATURE

d r a o b n Pi A warm welcome to all St Katherine’s in Bristol’s Ham Green is a dynamic and aspirational school with high standards of behaviour built on the collaborative relationships fostered between staff and students. The school values effort, nurtures opinion and encourages breadth of thought in order to create successful independent learners who are prepared for any path they should wish to follow. It’s a relatively small secondary school which means that staff know every student and help them to fulfil their potential. Set in a beautiful semi-rural location with views across the city, St Katherine’s welcomes students from all over Bristol and North Somerset. You can find out more at the school’s next open evening on Thursday 15 September. Ffi: St Katherine’s School, Ham Green BS20 0HU T: 01275 373737 E: school@stkaths.org.uk W: www.stkaths.org.uk

Parents’ & teachers’

news, education & contacts

A farm on your doorstep

With open spaces and glorious views, Bath City Farm offers something for everyone and is open to visitors free of charge. There are tame farm animals, The Fort play area with slides, climbing walls and a sandpit, flower and vegetable gardens planted by volunteers and a wildlife trail through beech woodland and hay meadows where you can stumble across a Forest School and play on rope swings and climbing chains. The farm’s Trough Cafe opens from Thursday-Sunday, serving delicious refreshments made by volunteers on the Training at the Trough project for people with learning difficulties. August sees the launch of a new Walk Through History Trail – a journey through time from the Jurassic era to the Second World War with interactive sculptures and information boards. Bath City Farm also runs lots of projects for the local community especially those who are disadvantaged and donations are very gratefully received.

Fun palace If you visit Blenheim Palace this summer, you’ll be able to enjoy a fun and memorable day out with your whole family. Pack a picnic and dine al fresco amongst more than 2,000 acres of landscaped parkland or enjoy a sizzling favourite from the BBQ. There are a whole host of fun family activities and events taking place in the Pleasure Gardens that you can get involved in throughout the summer holidays – including animal encounters, miniature pony rides, history variety shows and a range of creative workshops. The dedicated family area, too, includes lots of permanent attractions, including a butterfly house, Marlborough giant hedge maze, an adventure playground and a bouncy castle. Ffi: Blenheim Palace W: www.blenheimpalace.com

Ffi: Bath City Farm W: www.bathcityfarm.org.uk

Pick of the bunch Picking your own fruit and veg is a great, healthy and good value way to get out with the kids this summer – and there’s always something to pick at Primrose Vale from May to October. There’s no entry fee: you just pay for what you pick. Strawberries are always firm favourites for pick your own, and with Primrose Vale’s raised table-top growing system, there’s no breaking your back picking them! Raspberries have many fans and have a long picking season too. Blackberries, currants and gooseberries are all available in season, as are various vegetable crops, including broad and runner beans. If time is short, all crops are available readypicked from the farm shop, which stocks loads more besides. The Potting Shed Café is now open too, selling delicious ice-creams and sundaes, light lunches and refreshments. Ffi: Primrose Vale W: primrosevale.com

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Free rein

Go underground!

Opened three years ago, Rein & Shine Riding Centre has gone from strength to strength. It boasts first class facilities including viewing areas, hot and cold drinks and snacks, plus a clean and tidy yard. Progressive riding tuition or riding for fun is available seven days per week. Rein & Shine riding centre welcomes anyone from the age of 4 upwards, from beginner to experienced level. Children’s lessons, adult lessons, jumping, cross country and dressage tuition are available. The centre has over 20 horses in the riding school to suit all abilities with classes taught by BHS instructors as private or group lessons. Hoof Club activities for kids without a pony, pony days and horsey fun days, plus parent/child lessons are also available. Booking in advance is required.

This holiday, go underground to see the impressive caves at Clearwell! You can explore nine atmospheric caverns, each connected by winding passageways, going down 100ft underground. Displays of tools and equipment tell the story of the iron miners from over 4,500 years ago to 1945, when deep mining finished (although ochre is still mined here to make artists’ pigment). The caves are a great backdrop for filming, with television productions ‘Dr Who’, ‘Merlin’, ‘Atlantis’ and ‘DaVinci Demons’ all recently filmed there. There is a gift shop, café and children’s play area. If you are looking for excitement, their Try Caving activities allow people to join a group to go well beyond the public pathways, and see incredible workings exactly as the miners left them. Try Caving trips involve some crawling, simple scrambling and getting dirty, they are an exhilarating experience. No experience is necessary and they will spice up the school holidays!

Ffi: Rein & Shine Riding Centre T: 01666 860068 W: www.reinandshine.co.uk E: info@reinandshine.co.uk

Ffi: Clearwell Caves W: www.clearwellcaves.com/events.

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04/07/2016 12:37:46

The constant

u l j gg e

Discover ways of getting the work/life balance right with Anne Marie Scanlon

t’s the ultimate modern dilemma – trying to be a good parent and a good employee. It’s called a ‘Juggling Act’ for good reason. What is the secret to juggling your family and career? Unfortunately, there isn’t one. When you are juggling, it is inevitable that balls will drop occasionally. But imagine, if you were single, childless and with no other responsibility, balls would still drop. Likewise, if you were at home full-time, dedicating yourself solely to your children, balls would also still drop. The fact is that none of us are perfect and things do go wrong sometimes. So while there is no magic secret to juggling life and work commitments there are steps you can take to make it slightly easier. The first is to manage your expectations. Forget everything you’ve ever read in glossy magazines for a start. Unless you earn a six figure salary and have live-in help, there is simply no “having it all’. DITCH GUILT Most of us who work full time spend our journeys to work anxious about the fact that we’re not giving our children or our employer 100%. Hard as it may be, ditch the guilt. It isn’t doing anyone any good at all: it has no positive effect on your children while having a negative one on you. CHORES You work all day during the week and then at the weekend, a time for rest, relaxation and family, you spend your time cleaning, doing laundry, ironing, grocery shopping and generally running errands?

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This is true for most of us and, let’s face it, it’s not good for any of us. I’ve had my own young child get upset and tell me that I preferred cleaning to him. Meanwhile I was resentful that I had to spend a lovely weekend elbow deep in bleach. What to do? Well you simply divide up the chores that need to be done and divvy them out between everyone. Once children are at primary school they are old enough to be given some responsibility around the house. If every family member is doing their share then you will be able to reclaim the weekend. Shop online and get groceries delivered to your door. Let go of the idea of preparing fresh food from scratch each evening. Plan meals for a period of two weeks to a month, cook large batches of curry, casseroles, stew and chilli (the kids can all help with this, chopping, stirring, measuring), divide into individual portions and freeze. You can serve with salad or fresh veg and save yourself a lot of time. FORWARD PLANNING Mornings: Need I say more? A lot of morning stress can be alleviated by getting things ready the night before. Lists: Make a list of everything that has to happen the following day – family, personal, work and then see what can be done ahead of time. If someone has theatre rehearsal or rugby the following day now is the time to look for the kit, not five minutes before you go out the door in the morning. Ownership: Get your children into the habit of getting their own stuff

ready for the next day, preparing their school bag, leaving their uniform and underwear out ready for the morning and making sure they have the right football kit/ musical instrument etc. Also get your children into the habit of making their beds in the morning and putting their dirty clothes into the laundry. Lunch: Encourage your children to have school dinners or get them to help prepare their own lunch boxes. Certain items can be put in the night before like fruit and snacks. Networking: This business buzzword is also vital for working parents. At some point you will receive a call asking you to collect your child from school as they are sick. If it’s going to take two hours to get back from work what should you do? Be sure to have at least one person close by and available during working hours to go to the school in case of an emergency. Know your rights: In the event that you need to take time off work for a sick child, discuss it with your employer. Employers are increasingly enlightened about employee’s needs to balance their work and family but unfortu-

nately not all of them. If you have no option but to stay home with a sick child and your employer can’t, or won’t understand then talk to your trade union representative if you have one. Otherwise check www.gov.uk/time-off-for-dependants/your-rights. The Advisory, Conciliation & Arbitration Service (ACAS) also has advice on their website www.acas.org.uk. PRIMARY TIMES

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

Beat boredom this summer! At Wilko, we love family time and with the summer holidays just around the corner, it’s a great time to start thinking about activities to keep the kids (and adults) busy.

Wow £12!

Thinking of things to do to keep the 6 weeks action-packed can seem a bit daunting, and not to mention costly, but we’ve got some great ideas that’ll help keep the kids entertained, making memories that’ll last a lifetime and all without breaking the bank! As well as a host of super suggestions, we’re also giving your little scribblers a chance to win a Back to School Bumper Pack, which contains all the essentials, worth £50. You can find out more by visiting www.wilko.com/page/colourcomp – so what are you waiting for? Dig out the colouring pencils and get them to give it a go!

Start with a holiday planner Making a plan for each week is a great starting point. It’ll help keep you organised, space out activities and give everyone in the family things to look forward to. It’s also handy when you’re working to a budget and making arrangements for any childcare that’s needed – or roping in the grandparents! When planning, try and schedule in craft days, mini sports days or themed activity days throughout the holidays, leaving little to no room for the word ‘bored’ to make an appearance!

Be prepared – whatever the weather! We all know that the British weather’s unpredictable, raining cats and dogs one minute with glorious sunshine the next! So make sure you’ve got a few things up your sleeve – at your local Wilko you’ll find plenty of activities that can be enjoyed come rain or shine. Crafts – Crafting indoors and outdoors can be great fun, and craft kits are perfect for keeping kids busy. Visit wilko.com where we’ve got heaps to choose from, all at fantastic prices. Our favourite summer holiday heroes include the bumper craft kit which contains a whopping 700 pieces for just £5 – why not use it to create colourful creatures, cool cards and

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fantastic photo frames? Our scrapbooks are also great for keeping little ones entertained all summer long. Encourage them to stick in bits and bobs from their summer adventures – think family pics, tickets from days out and dried flowers from the garden. Painting – Kids love getting messy and painting is a great activity for encouraging kids to get creative. Use our colourful child-friendly paints to make hand prints, foot prints, beautiful portraits and more! You could even roll out a length of lining paper and get the whole family to run along it with painted feet... you may not make a masterpiece, but it’ll be a priceless family keepsake and a whole load of fun!

Be a good sport It’s set to be a summer of sport with Euro 2016 in France and the Olympic Games in Rio, which may inspire your little ones to kick a ball about, run around the garden or throw a javelin... ok, maybe not the last one! Little ones love an assault course, and they’re super easy to set up. You’ll just need a bit of equipment like a hoop to climb through, a ball to kick or throw into a goal and somewhere to run. It’s a great way to get the kids to use their imagination and burn off a bit of energy. Check out your local store or visit us online at wilko.com where you’ll find a huge range of outdoor equipment – everything from trampolines to tennis sets, pools to playhouses!

Little hands, green fingers... There are bound to be some warm, dry days, so why not get the kids to help out in the garden? Gardening’s a great activity for all ages – if you can spare the space, dedicate a small patch that’s just for the kids, and get them started with our great range of compost, seeds and tools.

Pass the summer holiday test with flying colours! Research shows that even a bit of learning during the summer can help kids get ahead, no matter what their age. And to give you a helping hand, we’ve got a great range of exercise and activity books, covering everything from basic phonics to Key Stage 2 English, Science and Maths. After all that learning, why not relax with a bit of colouring? It’s a fantastically calming activity that also encourages creativity, which is crucial to your little one’s development – and it’s also great for helping adults to de-stress! So, pop into your local store where you’ll find a fantastic range of colouring books, activity books and stationery. For more ideas to keep the kids busy this summer check out our blog – life. wilko.com. And when it’s time to go back to school, visit your local Wilko store or wilko.com for all your stationery essentials.

Check out the Wilko Small Sketchers Colouring Competition for your child’s chance to win a Back to School Bumper Pack, worth £50. Visit www.wilko.com/ page/colourcomp for more information.

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Adver tising Feature

TV times • Take a trip down memory lane with the whole family this summer as you come face to face with favourite characters past and present in M Shed’s new exhibition, ‘The Story of Children’s Television from 1946 to Today’, which runs from 2 July until 25 September. You can meet original characters and objects, from Mummy Woodentop and the original Tracy Island model from ‘Blue Peter’ to Gordon the Gopher, The Wombles, Morph, Rastamouse and the singing veggies from ‘Mr Bloom’s Nursery’ – and kids under 16 go free. From the earliest days of Muffin the Mule to the multi-channel world of today, the exhibition traces the fascinating history of children’s television, bringing together seven decades of iconic objects, memorabilia, merchandise, clips and images. Knowledge can be put to the test with interactive games and activities including a ‘Who Said It?’ catchphrase game, a theme tune challenge, puppet play and TV character dress-up. You can also get selfies with Shaun the Sheep and the Teletubbies. ‘The Story of Children’s Television’ is part of M Shed’s ’Summer of Childhood’ – a summer-long celebration of everything that’s wonderful about being a kid. Jump aboard the trains and boats, play giant outdoor games and hop on the big green play bus for activities. There’s loads to keep the kids (and the big kids!) entertained come rain or shine, so grab a cool milkshake from M Café and think back to when summers were always sunny. Look out too for characters from the Clangers hiding all over the museum.

Nurseries and Pre schools with a focus on learning in our fun, enjoyable environments, parents can also take part by signing up to receive emails and ‘tips’ for supporting their child’s learning at home.

For more information please call Bradley Stoke Nursery & Pre school on 01454 614 411

Ffi: M Shed, Bristol W: www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/m-shed/

Farm fun and adventure this summer at

Adver tising Feature

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OPEN Lots of animals to meet 2 huge indoor playbarns 2 jumping pillows On site catering Tractor & trailer rides

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Berkeley Heath Farm, Berkeley, Glos. GL13 9EW Anyone under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult

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Donke

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• There’s a full programme of activities for all ages going on at the Roman Baths in Bath over the summer holidays. In July and August, the baths are staying open late, giving you the chance to enjoy the historic site on a summer’s evening and see the Great Bath lit by spectacular fiery torches until 10pm (last entry 9pm). Every Tuesday from 12 July until 23 August inclusive, too, there is a series of special evening sessions from 6-8pm when you can get the chance to look at objects from the Roman Baths’ various collections more closely and even handle some of the original artefacts. There are plenty of family-friendly daytime activities throughout the summer as well. You can find out how the Romans dressed at ‘Togas and Tunics’ on Monday 25 July; investigate the Roman army and make a shield in ‘Legio’ on Monday 1 Aug; explore the gems found in the hot spring and makes some great designs for yourself in ‘Gem’ on Monday 8 Aug; investigate life as a child in Roman times at ‘Little Britannia’ on Monday 15 Aug; and find out about some very special coins in ‘Curious Coins’ on Monday 22 Aug. Each session runs from 10am-1pm and 2-4pm on the day. There’s no need to book and all of them are included in the normal admission price. Ffi: Roman Baths, Bath W: www.romanbaths.co.uk

PRIMARY TIMES

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Adver tising Feature

Broadlands’ achievement recognised • Broadlands Academy is a school with a strong reputation for excellent academic progress and achievement balanced with exceptional pastoral support for its students. Ofsted visited Broadlands in January 2016 and were full of praise for the rapid improvement that has taken place and the strong position that the academy now finds itself in as officially a “good” school. The Ofsted inspection team observed all aspects of the academy during their visit and the published inspection report overwhelmingly reflects the improvement work that has taken place and the determination of all at the school to continue to foster a culture of high expectations and ambition. In particular, Ofsted stated: “Pupils’ achievement is continuing to rise at the academy. Pupils’ attainment is above the national average: in 2015, 62% of pupils achieved 5 GCSEs including English and mathematics at grade C and above. “Pupils are able to thrive and become confident young people at the academy. This is because the small size of the academy and the caring attitude of the staff create a sense of ‘family’. Pupils are known as individuals and feel valued by others.” Broadlands is part of the new National Schools Commissioner’s ‘Race to Outstanding’ programme and the “good” grading is a stepping stone towards “outstanding”. It is also testament to the community working together to ensure that Keynsham now has two officially graded “good” secondary schools. If you are interested in securing one of the limited spaces available for this year’s year-seven intake, please contact the academy on 0117 986 4791. Ffi: Broadlands Academy T: 0117 986 4791 W: www.broadlandsacademy.org, @BroadlandsBS31

Adver tising Feature

Celebrities go quackers for Dusty • The summer highlight at Slimbridge this year is the launch of the Wetlands Centre’s Celebrity Dusty Duck Trail on Saturday 9 July. The new trail is part of Slimbridge’s 70th anniversary celebrations and features 14 giant models designed by celebrities as well as the original Dusty himself. An exciting adventure awaits, with lots of opportunities to explore and try new things – and of course to make new friends along the way. The six-foot-tall Dusties were made with the help of Aardman Studios while just some of the celebrity-designed ducks include Explorer Dusty by Steve Backshall, Tiger Dusty by Smarked (aka CBBC’s Sam and Mark) and Absolutely Fabulous Patsy Dusty by Joanna Lumley. Together they form part of the specially created trail which will run from its launch on 9 July until Saturday 10 September. The new activity will take you right across the stunning grounds at Slimbridge and forms part of the centre’s summer 2016 Nature Explorers programme. In fact, there will be a whole host of Nature Explorer activities throughout the summer holidays and children will receive stickers in a free passport for each one they complete, whether that’s finding out about the fascinating flamingos or outdoor nest building. Everyone who fills in a passport wins a certificate to show that they’ve learned more about wildlife. The Celebrity Dusty Duck Trail is included in normal admission prices and is free to Slimbridge members. Ffi: Slimbridge Wetlands Centre W: www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/slimbridge

PRIMARY TIMES

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SUMMER HOLIDAY 2016 39

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Adver tising Feature

Win tickets to ‘The 3 Little Pigs’ • He can huff and puff until the cows come home, but will the Big Bad Wolf get the better of the three little superstar piglets? Direct from a sellout West End season, a very curly musical tale comes to Bristol’s Colston Hall this summer in the shape of Stiles and Drewe’s ‘The 3 Little Pigs’. This well-loved story gets a musical overhaul in this “great big little West End show” for audiences of three years and up. Full of catchy songs, jokes and japes for little ones and parents alike, this endearing musical will leave you squealing with glee and howling with laughter. Book early for this fabulous family treat by calling the box office on 0844 887 1500 (calls cost 5p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge) or online at www.colstonhall.org The Colston Hall has two sets of four tickets to ‘The 3 Little Pigs’ to give away to the lucky winners of this competition. To be in with a chance of winning one of the sets, for the performance at Bristol’s Colston Hall on Friday 26 August at 2pm, simply answer the following question: What material was the third little pig’s house made of? a) Straw b) Bricks c) Sticks Answers should be submitted via email with ‘3 Little Pigs competition’ as the subject to competitions@colstonhall.org. Don’t forget to include your name and telephone number. Entries should be received by midday on Monday 8 August. The winners will be drawn at random and contacted that day. Ffi: Colston Hall W: www.colstonhall.org

Roald Dahl on Film This August at Watershed

A dazzling celebration of his best works – BFG, Gremlins, Fantastic Mr Fox, James & the Giant Peach, Matilda, Willy Wonka + more….

See it at Bristol’s

watershed.co.uk

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Adver tising Feature

A taste of success • Taster days for students moving up to senior school are a really important part of deciding on the next step for your child. Redmaids’ High School – recently formed as the result of the merger of Redland High School for Girls and Red Maids’ School – has a whole programme of events for those looking for entry in September 2017, including a series of taster days taking place throughout the autumn term. Year-seven taster days are for students who are in year six next September. The morning involves a variety of fun and challenging lessons, meeting current year-seven students and trying out school lunches. The events are free of charge but booking is essential. Girls can wear their usual school clothing. Visiting girls are asked to report to the school reception at 8.30am and are picked up after lunch at 12.45pm. Individual taster days can also be arranged if more convenient. Available dates for autumn 2016 are: 4 October, 8 and 22 November and 6 December. Redmaids’ High School is an independent day-only school for girls aged three to 18, and for girls and boys aged three to seven. The headmistress is Mrs Isabel Tobias and the headteacher of the junior school is Mrs Lisa Brown. Redland High School and Red Maids’ will continue to operate from their existing premises during 2016-17 but both schools will physically merge onto their new Westbury site by September 2017. Ffi: Redmaids’ High School T: 0117 989 8252 E: admissions@ redmaids.bristol.sch.uk W: www.redmaidshigh.co.uk/admissions

PRIMARY TIMES

04/07/2016 12:00:55

Adver tising Feature

Seaside in the city • Bristol Aquarium is inviting visitors to enjoy a trip to the seaside in the heart of the city this summer with their To The Beach! events (23 July-4 Sept). The Harbourside attraction is set to unveil a host of coastal activities and events including hands-on rockpool workshops, mermaid meet-and-greets, shipwrecked storytelling, marine crafts and learning the rules of the beach. Visitors will also be able to take part in fish-feeding sessions, learn about life in the Atlantic, take behind-the-scenes guided tours, enjoy quiz trails, colouring sheets and even build sandcastles on an indoor beach. On Mermaid Mondays (1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 Aug), Tamara Treasure of the Sea will be entertaining visitors of all ages with magical tales of life beneath the waves. (Please note the mermaid is taking a holiday from the sea to share her stories – so there won’t actually be swimming in the displays!) On 10, 17, 24 & 31 August, meanwhile, Shipwreck Sid will be in his shipwreck shack telling silly stories and tall tales of maritime adventure – so be prepared to get involved, laugh, sing, whistle, shout out answers and make silly stories together. There’ll also be a chance to step inside a sunken shipwreck and visit a bustling harbourside, Mediterranean rockpools, rainforests and spectacular tropical coral reefs. Don’t miss, too, the giant viewing windows, open-top displays, coral reef walkways, underwater tunnel and the multi-level botanical house filled with exotic plants and flowers. Bristol Aquarium is open daily from 10am and children under three go free. Ffi: Bristol Aquarium. Anchor Rd, Harbourside, Bristol T: 0117 929 8929 W: www.bristolaquarium.co.uk

Adver tising Feature

Keeping in practice

PRIMARY TIMES

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www.clearwellcaves.com

su see al an our d e web xcit site ing for act mor ivit e de ies tail s

Ffi: Kumon T: 0800 854714 W: www.kumon.co.uk

OPEN 10.00am-5.00pm Clearwell,Nr Coleford Telephone: 01594 832535

SO DIFF METHI DO EREN NG T!

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• Summer holidays are often jam-packed with energetic activities for children, including bike riding, dancing, football and trips to the beach. But it is just as important to keep their minds active over the holidays as well as their bodies. Having long breaks from study means children can sometimes require extra support to get back into the routine of daily study and they may be out of practice when the new school year comes around. Ensuring they continue educational activities throughout can mean they are confident, equipped and ready to tackle new work when they go back to school. Established for more than 50 years, daily study of the Kumon maths and English programmes can make all the difference when it comes to keeping the brain active between school terms, as well as throughout the year. As a new school year approaches, it’s especially important that your child gets to grips with the core subjects of maths and English, as well as the vital learning skills which can take students beyond their school level. Kumon Educational is the UK’s largest supplementary education provider, with more than 68,000 students studying at more than 640 study centres. The summer holidays provide an ideal opportunity for your child to settle into their new routine of daily Kumon study before getting off to a flying start in the new school year.

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Hello Kids!

With the opening of At Bristol Science Centre’s new exhibition The Tinkering Space this July, I thought I’d ask children to send me their paintings of a robot doing an important job. Three talented winners will receive a free family ticket to the centre to enjoy the exhibition. So get your crayons out and send me your pictures to: Arty Barty, Primary Times, 1 Temple Way, Bristol, BS2 0BY, or email high resolution jpegs to my editor at:

Arty Barty

mike.gartside@localworld. co.uk Don’t forget to give me your name, age, full home postal address and the name of your school. Deadline: Monday 8 August. Have fun!

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

You sent some brilliant entries to my photography competition and I’m very impressed by your pictures of my favourite animal or plant. Well done to the winners who receive a children’s book. WINNER!

6, Thomas French, ary, Ashton Gate Prim Bristol a Thomas has taken kin picture of his pump will s pe ho plants, which he kins in grow into big pump. They time for Halloweent just in look lush – and noaning of the Bristolian me the word!

Kate Murray, 8, Horfield CEVC Primary School, Bristol Even our most entertaining furry friends need a rest sometimes. Kate has tapped into the popularity of Meerkats, which she likes, she says, because they’re funny when they stand up and look round. Here she has pictured them in a less usual pose, cuddled up and having a snooze, but with one member of the group still on the lookout.

ary Nicholas Nikiforou, 9, Locking Prim School, Weston-super-Mare caught a Our regular contributor Nicholas haslion-tailed great expression on the face of this graphy macaque at Bristol Zoo. Great photolas! skills, as well as painting, Nicho

Catherine Bristol 4, Southville Nursery, etty flowers for me,” pr “My nana grew these ve them because they lo “I e. m lls te e Catherin ed urs!” You have fram lo co ite ur vo are my fa o ot ph therine, and the them beautifully, Ca the wall. would look lovely on Joe Hourne, Look at these cuddly 6, Ashton Gate Primary, Bristol dandelion leaves! This guinea pigs, Ziggy and Stardust, nibbling on is a well framed picture of two pets tucking in to their favourite grub. Well done, Joe.

Eddie Murray, 6, Horfield CEVC Primary School, Bristol Eddie says his favourite book is ‘Esio Trot’ (or tortoise, backwards) by Roald Dahl, which is why he has taken a picture of a back to front tortoise. Great idea, Eddie!

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WINNER!

PRIMARY TIMES

04/07/2016 12:03:36

Ellen White reviews the new releases.

Big Science P

rofessor Robert Winston builds on the success of his previous award-winning DK books for children with ‘Home Lab’, a colourful hardback jam-packed with 28 simple science experiments to try at home. Helpfully split into four chapters, ‘Food for Thought’, ‘Around the Home’, ‘Water World’ and ‘The Great Outdoors’, experiments cover everything from edible treats to home-grown stalactites, bath bombs and even an erupting volcano. The usual high quality expected of DK publications is here, with clear step-by-step instructions and accompanying colour photography for every experiment. The time required and degree of difficulty are also clearly stated so children can pick the best project for their ability. It’s clear a lot of thought has been put into making science fun and accessible, with a ‘how it works’ section to increase children’s scientific knowledge and explain exactly how and why their experiment functions. It’s recommended for ages 9+ but younger children could certainly join in with a little help. Home Lab: Exciting Experiments for Budding Scientists Robert Winston, £12.99, Dorling Kindersley, www.dk.com

The saga continues ...

Open and shut case

The sixth in Ali Sparke’s ‘Shapeshifter’ series, ‘Feather and Fang’ sees protagonist Dax Jones in a difficult spot. Fenton Lodge, school and home to himself and the other Children of Limitless Abilities (COLA), is being turned into a prison. The new prime minister has set up a crack force of experts to manage, contain and use COLA resources in the best interests of the public. It’s up to Dax and his amazing shapeshifting abilities to save them, but he needs some help from his spoilt little sister Alice first. While borrowing many tropes from the popular ‘X-Men’ series (characters have powers including telepathy, pyrokinesis and telekinesis), the characters are well formed and the story moves along at an exciting pace, cramming in elements of fantasy, science, spy novels and action thrillers. Judging by the glowing quotes from fans of the series inside the front cover, this is a welcome addition to the saga, although the complicated backstory means newcomers would be better off reading the previous five instalments first.

This brightly coloured board book appears deceptively simple at first, but each glossy two-page spread reveals possibilities for imaginative play beyond the page – hence the title. Turn it on its side to form a pretend piano or laptop, hold it out in front of you and try to balance like a tightrope walker or snap things up with the gaping monster mouth hidden on the inside cover. The book aims to challenge young readers to see things differently and think creatively about other objects in their everyday lives. One for younger children, although there’s nothing to stop older siblings playing with it and seeing what games spark in their imaginations.

The Shapeshifter: Feather and Fang Ali Sparkes, £6.99, Oxford University Press, www.oup.com

This Is Not A Book Jean Jullien, £6.95, Phaidon Press Limited, www.phaidon.com

Survival of the clickest

Here be lions

The mania for Mojang’s ‘Minecraft’ shows no sign of slowing and the pocketsized ‘Minecraft: The Survivors’ Book of Secrets’ is sure to inspire renewed fervour in fans. Presented as if written by an underground, guerrilla-style band of survivors led by The Chief, it aims to show players how to thrive in ‘survival’ game mode where they must collect resources, build structures, battle mobs, manage hunger and explore the land. The khaki green cover and chapters titled ‘Briefing’, ‘Combat on the Home Front’ and ‘Combat in the Field’ all add to the military impression and the idea that readers are part of an elite group of secret survivors does add to the appeal. Attack and defence strategies are clearly laid out with illustrations, as are ideas for weapons and the pros and cons of different base styles. The text and style conjures an almost oldfashioned ‘boy’s adventure book’ feel, although ‘Minecraft’’s appeal is certainly not limited to boys. Overall, a very useful little book for avid gamers which even has some blank pages at the back for your own strategies and inventions.

Freddie Mole can’t believe his luck when he hears about a job going at the circus. Who wouldn’t want to hear the roar of the crowds in the big top or fly through the air on a trapeze? However, there’s a different roar in store when he’s asked to tame four fierce, growly lions – and it’s time for Freddie to be very brave indeed. Freddie and his family are sweet and likeable protagonists, and you root for him as he strives to help his dad earn more money. At just over 130 pages and with short chapters broken up by illustrations, the price of ‘Freddie Mole: Lion Tamer’ is a slight downside for such a slim book. However, for children starting to read independently it’s a nice, simple story and the circus illustrations are charming.

Minecraft: The Survivors’ Book of Secrets Stephanie Milton, £5.99, Egmont, www.egmont.co.uk

Freddie Mole: Lion Tamer Alexander McCall Smith, illustrated by Kate Hindley, £9.99, Bloomsbury, www.bloomsbury.com

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enquiries@wapleystables.co.uk www.wapleystables.co.uk Wapley Hill, Westerleigh, Bristol. BS37 8RJ 01454 321583 or 07860530199 SUMMER HOLIDAY 2016 45

01/07/2016 14:04:57

KIDS CATCH NEW BUGS

TAKE THE BIG FRIENDLY CHALLENGE

here’s nothing better than unwinding over the long summer holidays with a good book. Or indeed half-a-dozen books. And that’s precisely what this year’s Big Friendly Read Summer Reading Challenge is encouraging children to do. Organised by The Reading Agency, the annual challenge sees some three quarters of a million children aged from 4 to 11 visiting their local library throughout the summer and reading at least six books while they’re off school. Children can read whatever types of books they like – from fun to factual, poetry to prose – and when they complete the six-book challenge, they’ll receive a special certificate. To help children find the books they’ll enjoy most, the challenge has also published a list of 72 titles to choose from, including work by new and emerging authors as well as classic favourites. This

year, too, the challenge is linking up with the global Roald Dahl 100 celebrations and, as its name suggests, there’s a distinctively Dahlian theme to the Big Friendly Read, with his much-loved yarn ‘The BFG’ right at the top of the list. “The Summer Reading Challenge is a wonderful initiative – what could be better than getting our children into libraries? I can’t recommend it highly enough,” says popular author Maggie O’Farrell. “My son has always been a listener but now he’s also a reader.” To get involved, children can simply head down to their local library while there are also loads of resources available for children, parents, carers and schools online. Ffi: The Big Friendly Read Summer Reading Challenge W: summerreadingchallenge.org.uk

hildren have been catching bugs this year, and they’re all the better for it! More than 850 people – including 374 kids – took part in Bristol BioBlitz during the Festival of Nature in May, discovering plants and animals new to the area. Held at the city’s new conservation park, the Wild Place Project, the 24-hour race to record as much wildlife as possible resulted in the identification of 372 species, including six entirely new to South Gloucestershire (three lichens, a seedbeetle, a barklouse and a species of bamboo). Over the course of the event, participants spotted wildlife during guided activities like pond dipping, bat and bird walks, spider hunts and moth trapping, with every one of the 671 individual sightings recorded and added to the overall tally by Bristol Regional Environmental Records Centre. “It was a pleasure to host BioBlitz at Wild Place Project and see so many turn up to find out more about wildlife,” says Nigel Simpson, head of operations at Wild Place. “It was great to see that some six new species to the area were discovered, among hundreds of other findings. Everyone had a great day and the information gathered will help us inform our guests about all the wildlife that can be seen here on site.” The identifications made will

SUMMER HOLIDAY 2016

16 Avon Features Summer 2016.indd 18

power – whether face to face or online,” explains Lauren Seager-Smith, the national coordinator of the Anti-Bullying Alliance. “And this year we want to support the whole community: children, teachers, parents and carers to work together to use their power for good to stop bullying wherever and whenever it happens and create safe environments where children can thrive.” Ffi: Anti-Bullying Alliance W: www.anti-bullyingalliance. org.uk/

Ffi: Bristol BioBlitz W: ww.festivalofnature.org.uk

SCRAPSTORE’S EU PLAY

TACKLING THE BULLIES

he Anti-Bullying Alliance has launched a nationwide search to find teachers and school staff who go above and beyond the call of duty to support students around issues such as bullying, relationships, family life and mental health. Part of this year’s Anti-Bullying Week (14-18 Nov), the new Power for Good award gives children and young people the opportunity to nominate those teachers and staff who are making a lasting difference by taking action against bullying and going the extra mile to make sure that every child feels safe, secure and supported. As well as the new award, this year’s Anti-Bullying Week will also let students and staff showcase their creativity by entering a film which highlights the importance of preventing bullying and which may go on to be chosen as the official film of the campaign. Other activities during the week will help children and young people understand about individual and collective action against bullying, help parents support their children with issues relating to bullying and encourage school staff to value the difference they can make by acting against it. “Bullying is an abuse of

count towards the Festival of Nature’s Connect with Nature campaign which encourages people to support nature in their area while the information gathered will also influence the management and conservation work which takes place at the Wild Place Project.

hile the politicians argue, one Bristol charity continues to promote international cooperation under a European Union scheme. Children’s Scrapstore is working with organisations in France and Spain to enhance play opportunities for children within the EU. Funded by the EU’s Erasmus+ programme, the project has seen a play team from the charity – best known for turning waste things into play things – spending time with French and Spanish nursery staff, schools and play workers and sharing their knowledge and experience. “The play team were fascinated to see how play is approached in France and Spain and have been able to expand their knowledge through seeing the way play works

abroad in schools and nurseries within the EU,” Scrapstore says. The French children’s play development organisation Jouer Pour Vivre, for example, is interested in Scrapstore’s approach to loose parts play and in its PlayPod – a custom-built play structure filled with scrap material donated by business – and is working to make similar resources available in France. “Although education in France is totally different to that in the UK, the process of opening the first French PlayPod at Ecole Wurtz School in Paris has transferred identically,” adds Scrapstore. “The scrap donated, the children’s play, the feedback from both children and adults and the barriers faced have been identical to that of an English school. This project has highlighted that children’s play is very much a universal language.” Scrapstore and Jouer Pour Vivre are now setting up the first exchange between schools in England and Paris while a research report on the project will be presented at the European Education Fair in Paris in November. Ffi: Bristol Scrapstore W: www.childrensscrapstore.co.uk PRIMARY TIMES

04/07/2016 12:31:43

ardiff

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Present this coupon for 2 weekday entries into the country park for the price of one. A4042

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

“...excellence in all it does within and beyond the classroom...” ISI Inspection Report, October 2015

Whole School

Open Evening

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Friday 7 October 2016 4.00pm–8.00pm (until 6.30pm for BGS Infants and Juniors)

Daily Visits and Taster Days

available on various dates during term-time.

Fr ie

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Learning

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01/07/2016 13:58:17