Primary Times West Midlands October 2014

for parents, teachers and children

In the Midlands and Black Country in association with

OCTOBER HALF TERM 2014 ISSUE INSIDE: Competitions, Halloween Fun, Books & More!

For every soft toy you buy, the IKEA Foundation donates 1 euro to help more children begin and stay in school.

26 October – 27 December © Inter IKEA Systems B.V. 2014

Learn more at IKEA.co.uk/softtoys

Make Your Kid’s Imagination Come Alive Enter your mini artists into the Soft Toy Drawing Competition and let their creativity take off as the winning entry will be made into an exclusive IKEA Soft Toy. Open to all IKEA Family members. Visit in-store over half term to enter.

A healthy combination After all the fun, there’s food.

Fun shaped, great tasting food.

Organic moose-shaped pasta in a cheese and tomato sauce, organic yoghurt, lingonberry drink and a piece of fruit, all for just £2.50. Available from 11am in our Customer Restaurant.

Keep the Kids Happy this October Half Term at IKEA Kid’s activities in–store 26th October – 2nd November > Kid’s Crafts > Face Painters > Soft Toy Drawing Competition

For more information visit your local IKEA website at: IKEA.co.uk

THE WONDERFUL EVERYDAY Instore | Online | Mobile

Spooky Bake & Play.

Perfect for the little horrors.

27–31 October at your local Wyevale garden centre

This half term, kids aged 3-8 can make a glorious mess and bake all sorts of cookie horrors with lots of ghoulish games too, for only £4.95 per little monster. Meanwhile, you can take advantage of the great deals on fireworks for Bonfire night. Book online now for the Spooky Bake & Play, and you can also get ahead for Christmas by booking the kids in to meet Father Christmas in his grotto or join him for Breakfast or Tea in the restaurant. He’s got a very busy diary.

Book online now at thegardencentregroup.co.uk/events or find us at: Blooms Rugby | Gardenlands | Melbicks As this is a cookie making event, product shown is not indicative of what your children will make.

Contents

Welcome!

Hello and welcome to the October Half Term issue of Primary Times. We hope the new term hasn’t been too much of a shock to the system! Our theatre and roundabout section is jam-packed with fun-filled activities to keep your little monster’s entertained this half term.

Wrap up and whack out the wellies, we have picked the best firework displays in the region so your bonfire night is guaranteed to go off with a bang! Struggling for inspiration this Halloween? Whether you are planning a spooky party or just want to make this Halloween extra special for the kids, we have the perfect selection of super tasty, child-friendly treats that would even give Mary Berry a fright!

Did you know that three-quarters of UK adults cannot speak a second language? It’s a scary truth, which is why you should introduce your child to a new language as early as possible. On page * ‘Fast-Track Your Child To Second Language Success’ will explore the benefits of bilingualism and give you lots of handy tips on how you as a parent can support your little on their language adventure.

Reading p6

Pinboard p8

Theatre p10

As usual, we have some amazing prizes up for grabs including tickets to the best pantos in town! Check out our competitions page for your chance to see Cinderella, starring Julian Clary at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre and Jack and the Beanstalk with singing sensation Jane McDonald at the Birmingham Hippodrome.

Roundabout p13

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Don’t forget to check the website for more Primary Times news, lists and reviews at www.primarytimes.net/midlands/ Primary Times in West Midlands and the Black Country

Finalist 2012

Managing Director: Andrew Riley Editorial: Elle Sixsmith Advertising Dept: 0121 631 6101 Sales: E: sales@publishingink.co.uk Design: Jonathon Hyland, Mike Raven You can now follow us on Twitter and Facebook! @PrimaryTimesDer Primary Times Derbyshire

Primary Times West Midlands and The Black Country is independently published and distributed free through primary schools in The West Midlands and The Black Country. It is also available by subscription at £10 per year. It aims to inform families and children about 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.

It is NOT our intention to publish any racist, sexist or politically-based material whatsoever. We also undertake not to carry any advertising which we would consider to be offensive to young families or harmful to the best interests of young children. The copyright on all written material, logos and advertising artwork produced by our studio remains with Primary Times or the relevant contributor.

We would also like to thank all the advertisers who have supported this publication and therefore made it possible.

Primary Times is currently publishing over 2 million copies per issue under franchise licences throughout Britain. Primary Times in Derbyshire is operated under franchise licence.

Disclaimer: All reasonable efforts have been taken to give accurate information and any facts given are true to the best of our knowledge. However, you should rely wholly on your own enquiries and take advice where appropriate. Information is correct at time of going to press..

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Ghoulishly Good Recipes Throw a fiendishly fun Halloween party with these creepy child-friendly recipes, sure to thrill your little monsters.

Slimy Gunge Graves • 4 135g packs lime or orange jelly • A variety of bug and body part sweets • 2 packs of Oreo biscuits 1 First, make up the jelly following pack instructions. Pour a third of the mixture into 12 plastic pots. Add bugs to each pot, then leave to set in the fridge.

2 For the soil topping, remove the creamy filling from the Oreos and place the chocolate wafers into a plastic bag and with a rolling pin, bash into crumbs and layer onto the top of the jelly.

3 Before serving, top with the creepy crawlies and body part sweets.

Spooky Brownies • Betty Crocker™ Original Supreme Premium brownie mix • Water, vegetable oil and eggs called for on the brownie mix box • ¼ cups Betty Crocker™ Rich & Creamy white frosting (from 16-oz container) • 16 large marshmallows • Betty Crocker™ black decorating gel 1 Heat oven to 350°F and line a 8 or 9-inch square pan with foil so foil extends about 2 inches over sides of pan. Spray foil with cooking spray. Make brownies as directed on box for 8- or 9-inch square pan. Cool completely, about 1 1/2 hours. Remove brownies from pan by lifting foil; remove foil.

For 16 brownies, cut into 4 rows by 4 rows.

TERRIFYING TREATS

2 Heat frosting in microwavable bowl uncovered on High 30 seconds, stirring every 10 seconds, until frosting can be stirred smooth and fluid. If frosting becomes too firm while decorating, microwave 5 seconds; stir.

3 Top each brownie with 1 large marshmallow. Spoon 1 tablespoon frosting over each marshmallow to coat. Let stand until frosting is set, about 30 minutes. Use black gel to make eyes and mouths.

Recipe courtesy of Betty Crooker

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OCTOBER HALF TERM 2014 ISSUE

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Apple monsters Make these ghoulish treats using ripe granny smith apples. To start, help the kids remove a segment of the apple to form the mouth, then let your little monsters decorate the apple monsters to make them as spooky as they like!

Poison Apples • 6 Granny Smith apples • 6 wooden sticks/ dowels • 1 1/2 cups sugar • 1/2 cup(s) light corn syrup • 2 teaspoons black gel paste food colouring • 3/4 cups water

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1 Wash and dry the apples thoroughly. Place on a baking sheet and poke in the sticks/ dowels. Butter the baking sheet and set aside.

without stirring until it reaches the hard-crack mark at 310 degrees.

Remove pan from heat. Carefully remove thermometer, and add food colouring and stir in.

2 Place a candy thermometer in a medium saucepan and add sugar, 3/4 cups water, and corn syrup. Place over medium heat; whisk until all the sugar has dissolved. Let the temperature rise

3 Tip the pan and carefully twirl the apple through the candy, shake off excess, and place on buttered baking sheet. Repeat with remaining apples.

OCTOBER HALF TERM 2014 ISSUE Rich in Vitamins and Minerals

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PINBOARD CBEEBIES LIVE! Experience The Christmas PRESENTS Magic at Wyevale Garden JUSTIN & FRIENDS: Centres! MR TUMBLE’S CIRCUS

From 1st December Roll up, roll up! BBC Worldwide is delighted to announce that until 24th DecemberCBeebies Live! will be bringing a brand new circus-themed spectacular to arenas across the UK. Justin & Friends: Mr 2014 Tumble’s Circus, promises the singing, dancing and fun-filled

Enjoy a delicious, freshly- surprises, all topped with comedy and the thrills and excitement of the big top. Joining Justin Fletcher MBE for this fantastic prepared breakfast or tea and meet Father Christmas andnew show will be pre-school favourite Mr Tumble, alongside more characters from the CBeebies programme ‘Gigglebiz’ and his team of Elves at Wyevale ‘Something Special’. Justin Fletcher said: “I’m really excited Garden Centres this December. about the circus theme for our next arena tour. As a child I used Each little guest, accompanied by a grown-up, will have anto love the circus and I’m really looking forward to bringing some of our CBeebies characters and friends into that world. The individual chat with Santa. But of CBeebies Live!’s great production values and the the fun doesn’t stop there –combination with magic of the big top will mean we can create something truly Santa’s help, his special guests will choose their very own unique.” Tickets for the upcoming tour are priced from £13.50 for children, with family tickets from £54 (for four people and present and receive a Christmas subject to booking fee). For tickets and the most up to date tour tree cookie to decorate. Visit information visit www.CBeebieslive.com. thegardencentregroup.co.uk/ events for more information and to book online. Dates and times vary by centre

Bring your little monsters

Visit your local Midlands IKEA store for some spooky activities during October half term from the 26th October until 3rd November.

Make every moment count whilst keeping the kids entertained with a whole host of free Halloween excitement! Enjoy spooky face painting, arts and crafts, balloons, puppet shows, entertainers and magic! You can even shop in peace and leave the little ones in the IKEA supervised play area and crèche. Why don’t you round off your visit by testing out our pick and mix range in our Swedish Food Market?

For more information visit your local stores website at www.IKEA. co.uk or see in store for details.

Cinderella at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Cinderella, the lavish family pantomime is the most magical of all! To coincide with the Grand Theatre’s 120th anniversary this year, Cinderella is the perfect celebration.

Julian Clary leads an all-star cast as Dandini alongside Hollyoaks’ Joe Tracini as Buttons and X Factor’s Niki Evans as the Fairy Godmother. Julian Clary has established himself as one of the country’s most recognisable and popular stage and television entertainers.

Cinderella’s journey takes her from rags to riches as she magically transforms into a princess before your very eyes! Off to the ball she goes, but will she find her prince before midnight?

Following the success of last year’s Sleeping Beauty, Qdos Pantomimes once again bring the magic of panto to Wolverhampton throughout the festive season. With the usual splash of sparkle and a hilarious script, Cinderella promises to be Wolverhampton’s festive highlight.

Tickets go to: www.grandtheatre.co.uk

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OCTOBER HALF TERM 2014 ISSUE

PINBOARD Spooky Science and Magical Lessons

A Baaa-rilliant Shaun the Sheep design challenge!

18 October - 02 November, 10am - 5pm Halloween half term holidays are taking over at the National Space Centre and our Mission Controllers have been let loose with the Mad Science box of tricks, the recipe to make gallons of slime and lessons in magic. The School of Science Magic will be running classes, with lessons in potions, astronomy, and even levitation, whilst the magical touch table will be showing some of the latest and most amazing images from the Hubble Deep Space Telescope.We have compiled a feast of bewitching astronomical delights that have been observed using our space magic (alright... advanced space technology).

Visitors will be guided through a tour of the night sky with a few Halloween twists. Children can make their own scary spiders, as well as learning how to become a spooky scientist to create their very own ghoulish fun green slime.

Halloween crafts have been added for our littlest visitors, including making their own Boo Glasses, Finger Puppets and Witches.

Schools across the country are being invited to take part in Shaun’s Cracking Idea’s Design Challenge, an exciting national schools programme taking place from September 2014. In partnership with the Intellectual Property Office and Pasta King, pupils are being asked to take up the challenge to invent an innovative way to transport Shaun the Sheep back to the farm after he gets lost in the big city! The winning design will be transformed into a giant contraption featuring a 5ft high Shaun the Sheep sculpture which will appear in an exhibition, before being presented to the winning school.

In addition to the challenge, schools can register for a free interactive pack full of creative ideas to engage pupils, lesson plans, top tips on how to draw Shaun the Sheep and the opportunity to purchase their very own mini Shaun sculpture.

Log on to www.shauninthecity.org.uk/schools for your FREE Shaun’s Cracking Idea’s Design Challenge pack!

Visitors are advised to buy tickets on-line to beat the queues and upgrade to a FREE Annual Pass! www. spacecentre.co.uk

SPOOKY SPECTACULAR! West Midlands Safari Park

From 4th October until 2nd November, join the witches and ghosts at WMSP for a truly spooktacular event!

Full of family fun, spooky shows and a scarecrow trail, it is the perfect way to celebrate October and brighten up the spookiest of seasons. Plus, on weekends and school holidays there will also be extended opening until 9pm with late night rides, access to Discovery Trail and spooky encounters galore.

Now in its fifth year, Spooky Spectacular will be themed with over 100 scarecrows and almost 2,500 pumpkins!

There will even be a Halloween themed Sea Lion Show performed each evening from the Sea Lion Theatre. Visitors can join in with the latest shows - all with new storylines, including Creatures and Cauldrons, Things that Nibble in the Night, The Disastrous Delivery from Witches Weekly and Do you Dig Snakes? To add to the spooky atmosphere, there will be unforgettable characters to meet too, such as Winnie the Witch, Countess von Biten and The Notorious Witch. Tickets start from £6.49.

Book online at wmsp.co.uk/home-e-tickets.php and save 10%

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HALF TERM 2014 ISSUE To discover more, OCTOBER visit Kelloggs.co.uk

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Theatre Around the Midlands and Black Country

THE OLD REP WWW.OLDREPTHEATRE.ORG.UK MON 13 OCTOBER- WED 14 JANUARY

Horrible Christmas

BIRINGHAM HIPPODROME WWW.BIRMINGHAMHIPPODROME.COM FRI 28 NOVEMBER - SAT 13 DECEMBER

Birmingham Royal Ballet: The Nutcracker

This unparalleled, world-famous production

by Sir Peter Wright is one not to be missed!

After sneaking downstairs at midnight to play with her new Nutcracker doll, Clara is swept up in a fantasy of toy soldiers, giant rats, snow fairies, magic and mystery.

When she saves her beloved Nutcracker from the King of the Rats, she is whisked away to an enchanted land and dances the night away, meeting a host of strange and exotic characters, before she is finally transformed into a beautiful ballerina. She wakes up on Christmas morning at the foot of the Christmas tree with memories that will stay with her forever. Tickets: £18-£52.

Join the magic on Saturday 29 November, 12.30pm–2.30pm for FAMILY FUN DAY, free to all matinee audience members.

THE REP WWW.BIRMINGHAM-REP.CO.UK SAT 15 NOVEMBER

Misunderstood Monsters

Two professional monster catchers who use the latest digital gadgets to fight revolting beasts are on their most dangerous mission yet. Suitable for ages four-six, let your child overcome their fear of creepy crawlies through the power of poetry and live music in this fast moving adventure. Tickets: £8. Children: £5 WED 26 NOVEMBER 14 - 24 JANUARY 15

The BFG

When Sophie spies a giant figure making his way along the road, she is spotted and snatched! Thankfully, this giant is the Big Friendly Giant who doesn’t eat ‘human beans’. The unlikely duo team up to save the world from child-eating giants from Giant Country helped by the Army and even the Queen! The pair hatch a plan to capture the giants so the BFG can once again, collect and distribute good dreams to children all over the world. This brand new epic stage show is sure to captivate the minds of the young and the young at heart.

Tickets: £7-£35 10

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Horrible Histories proudly presents the terrible tale of Christmas as it’s never been told before! When Christmas comes under threat from a jolly man dressed in red, it’s up to one young boy to save the day – but can he save Christmas? From Victorian villains to medieval monks and Tudor treats to Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer; join The Birmingham Stage Group on a spinetingling adventure through the history of Christmas. Tickets: £14-£19.50

be deceptive… In this new fantastical adaptation of Hans Christian Anderson’s The Princess and the Pea, the inventive Tutti Frutti team create a funny, original and beautiful retelling of this familiar tale.

Tickets: £8. Family Ticket £28

WOLVERHAMPTON GRAND THEATRE WWW.GRANDTHEATRE.CO.UK TUE 18-SAT 22 NOVEMBER

Peter Pan The Musical

With just a sprinkle of fairy dust, be whisked away to Never land where dreams come true and time stands still. Bilston Operatic Company presents this magnificent amateur musical production of J.M. Barrie’s classic tale of PETER PAN. Join Peter, Wendy, John and Michael as they discover the magical wonders of Never Land. Tickets: £8.50-£19 SAT 6 DECEMBER - SUN 18 JANUARY

Cinderella

A truly glamorous and lavish family show starring the master of panto, Julian Clary. As well as having an incredible cast, the show will be packed with spectacular special effects and lots of audience participation.

Tickets: £20.50-£27.50

SAT 22 NOVEMBER – SUN 7 DECEMBER

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt

A family go on an expedition of a lifetime – running down the grassy bank, wading through the cold river, squelching over the oozy mud, stumbling into the dark forest, then peering into a cave… what will they find? Little Angel Theatre brings Michael Rosen’s exhilarating and funny adventure to Mac Birmingham in a brand new puppetry production.

Tickets: £9.50. Family ticket: £34.

BELGRADE THEATRE COVENTRY WWW.BELGRADE.CO.UK WEDS 26 NOVEMBER – SAT 10 JANUARY

Aladdin

Follow poor Aladdin as he attempts to win the heart of the beautiful princess. But there’s a law commanding that she can only marry a Prince and the evil Abanazar is determined to stand in his way. How will Aladdin ever make his fortune and ensure his dreams come true? With spectacular sets, incredible costumes, and bringing a generous sprinkling of sparkle to everyone this festive season! Tickets: £13.25 £21.75. Children: £8.25 MAC BIRMINGHAM WWW.MACBIRMINGHAM.CO.UK MON 27 OCTOBER

The Princess and the Pea

Imagine a place where what you see is not what it seems. A place where the Princesses don’t know they are Princesses and the Princes don’t really want to become Kings. A place where appearances can

MON 1 – SAT 13 DECEMBER

Thumbelina’s Great Big Adventure

Join fearless Thumbelina, her adventuring Granny and a forest full of animals on a whirlwind adventure to the big bad city.

But will she find her way home in time for Christmas? Featuring a gangster mole, singing fish, motorbike-riding beetles and award-winning physical theatre company.

Dancing Brick perform an action-packed, thrilling and moving retelling of Thumbelina.

Tickets: £11-£14.50. Family Ticket: £45. www.primarytimes.net Sunshine in your bowl

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OCTOBER HALF TERM 2014 ISSUE

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Spooktacular Halloween!

decorate your spooky home this Halloween.

Bookable slots are from 12pm-1.15pm and 1.30pm-2.45pm. Tickets: £4 per pumpkin and pre-booking is essential. Call 0121 348 8120 to book your ticket.

TUE 6 DECEMBER

Green Wreath Workshops

Get ready for the festive season with a beautiful bespoke wreath! Come along to the family session from 1pm-2.30pm. Its £10 per wreath/family and places must be booked in advance. Phone 0121 348 8120 to book your ticket.

ASTON HALL FRI 31 OCTOBER

The Haunted Castle

KENILWORTH CASTLE, WARWICKSHIRE MON 27 – FRI 31 OCTOBER

Ghosts and Ghouls

Jam-packed with family fun, let your little devils scare themselves silly this half term with ghost hunting, creepy crafts and spooky activities. From 11.00 – 5.00pm.

Tickets: £9.30. Children: £5.60 THU 30 OCTOBER - SAT 1 NOVEMBER

Freaky Friday!

WARWICK CASTLE WWW.WARWICK-CASTLE.COM SAT 25 OCTOBER- SUN 2 NOVEMBER

living statues. Come along in fancy dress and join the musical parade through the Museum’s village and you could win a prize for best dressed adult or child. Tickets: £15.95. Children: £7.95. Book tickets at secure.bclmbookings.co.uk/choose-tickets

Visit Aston Hall for Freaky Friday! Listen out for the screams and rattling chains as you take a Halloween trail. Get creative and make some Halloween decorations, or have some Halloween face painting (50p per child)! Come in costume and upload a photo of you at the Hall for a chance to win a family ticket to the Old Rep’s Horrible Christmas show. From 12-4pm, tickets: £2

With haunting ghouls, wicked witches and paranormal investigations, Warwick Castle is the spookiest place to be this Halloween!

Witches have captured the Princess Tower and are looking for new recruits to join their coven. The kids will learn the ropes of witching by writing spells and dressing up as their favourite witch. Join the paranormal investigation at the base of Guy’s Tower and discover the history of the spirits said to haunt the castle. The spooky Halloween trail is devilishly fun for all the family - visit a spider’s lair, spooky graveyard and scary swamp if you dare! It gets even scarier after dark as the Castle remains open till 9pm.

Day time ticket holders are welcome to stay on into the evening.

Halloween Ghost Tour

Join our eerie evening tour around the castle and gatehouse. Hear tales of dark deeds, ghostly apparitions and scary happenings. The children’s tour is at 5pm and must be accompanied by an adult.

Purchase your tickets today by calling 0870 333 1183. Tickets: £15. Children: £7 BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM & ART GALLERY ON GOING

New Staffordshire Hoard Gallery

This October, a new gallery uncovering the fascinating story of the Staffordshire Hoard opens at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery. Hundreds of pieces from the Hoard will be on show, along with hands-on displays. Find out the items in the hoard and learn how the designs of the objects can be linked to many regions across Europe.

Younger visitors can get to grips with microscopes and see some of the unusual tools that a conservator uses while working with these precious objects. Through traditional games, dressing up and story telling, children can get a true feel of what it was like to live in this war-like time. Free.

EDGBASTON HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS MON 27 - FRI 31 OCTOBER

BLACK COUNTRY LIVING MUSEUM FRI 31 OCTOBER - SAT 01 NOVEMBER

Halloween Nights

WEOLEY CASTLE, BIRMINGHAM THU 30 OCTOBER

Pumpkin Lantern Workshop

Prepare for the witching hour and avoid all the mess at home! Create a lantern to ®

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This Halloween, visit the Museum’s eerily village where your little devils can trick or treat in SAFETY along the Museum’s cobbled streets, collecting sweets as they go. The Canalside Village will come to life as costumed demonstrators in the shops, houses and workplaces will be dishing out treats, tricks and terrifying tales as little devils collect their Halloween goodies.

Take part in ghostly face painting and electrifying street entertainment from circus performers, fire-jugglers, magicians and

Super Camps Multi-Activity Course

An exciting programme combining more than 40 sports, arts and crafts for 3-14 year-olds. The October Half Term Multi-Activity programme contains great activities that the children enjoy all year round, as well as some great new seasonal activities such as Fang-tastic Fancy Dress Friday, Face Painting Parties and Magic Lantern-Making. With a range of more than 40 activities throughout the course of the week, no two days are the same on the Multi-Activity programme!

Standard day costs: £34 per day or £153 for a 5 day week. Book your place at www.supercamps.co.uk/booking

OCTOBER HALF TERM 2014 ISSUE Rich in Vitamins and Minerals

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OCTOBER HALF TERM 2014 ISSUE

FOR BOOKINGS CALL 01865 567281 OR VISIT WWW.TRANSUN.CO.UK *Subject to availability. One per booking. Child must be travelling with three full fare paying passengers to qualify, or with two full fare paying passengers for a half-price child place.

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ROUNDABOUT THE BEST PICK OF WHAT’S ON WHEN AND WHERE

MARY ARDEN’S FARM, STRATFORDUPON-AVON SAT 25 OCTOBER - SUN 2 NOVEMBER

Hallow Hallow!

Celebrate All Hallows Eve at Mary Arden’s farm and get involved with lots of practical activities for all ages to enjoy. Carve a pumpkin, bake a soul cake and protect yourself by making your own plague charm, learning the fascinating history behind each activity at the same time.

Plus falconry demonstrations, a display of the Tudor dinner routine and have-a-go archery! Tickets: £12.50. Children: £8.00.

Book online at.shakespeare.org.uk/visit-thehouses/plan-your-visit.html and get a 10% discount and return for free.

dress competition, listen to some spooky stories as you walk round the park and take part in a scary craft activity. But be warned, monsters could jump out at any time, and resident witch, Smelly Nelly, will be lurking around. Bring a torch and warm clothing. Pre-booking is essential. Ticket: £3. Children: £2. Call to book your tickets on 0121 704 8000, this event sells out quickly.

you will need to travel to all four corners of the garden on a dangerous mission to hunt out the plants needed to complete each potion. Make your own pet puppet bat or ghost to take home. A prize to be won on every trail. Normal admission prices apply.

NATIONAL TRUST: CLENT HILLS, WORCESTERSHIRE TUE 28 OCTOBER

Ghostly and Ghastly Geocaching

Take part in a hi-tech Halloween treasure hunt, using family-friendly GPS units to track down spooky activity packs all over Clent Hills. From 11.00 am – 3.00 pm, tickets cost £10 per family. Booking essential, call 01562 712822 to book or for more information visit nationaltrust.org.uk/clent-hills/things-to-seeand-do/events WED 29 OCTOBER

Pumpkin Trails and Creepy Crafts

Go on a spooky search for the Witch’s Lair. Journey through haunted woods to complete the trail, then take part in creepy craft activities to get set for a horrid Halloween. Normal admission charges apply. No booking needed. Children: £2 NATIONAL TRUST: MOSLEY OLD HALL SAT 25 - WED 29 OCTOBER BECKETTS FARM, BIRMINGHAM WED 29- FRI 31 OCTOBER

Halloween Kitchen

Come to Becketts farm this half term for a spooky session of pumpkin carving and muffin making. Parents and kids will have their own pumpkin to create the spookiest face they can and afterwards the children will learn how to make delicious muffins with pumpkin insides in the cookery school. Dressing up is optional but there will be prizes for the scariest characters. The two hour sessions run throughout the day from 9.30am – 3.00pm. This includes all ingredients and pumpkin. Suitable for children aged 6 + although younger children are welcome if supervised throughout the whole session.

All children require adult supervision whilst carving pumpkins. Tickets: £12.50.

To find out more and to book tickets, visit beckettsfarm.co.uk/special-events/ halloween-kitchen MALVERN AND BRUETON PARK, SOLIHULL FRI 31 OCTOBER

Haunting Halloween

Bring the kids to Brueton Park this Halloween, dress in the most terrifying fancy dress for a chance to win the fancy ®

www.primarytimes.net

Pumpkin Festival

Pumpkin fun for everyone. Carve a simply wicked pumpkin, take its innards home to cook into soup, eat scary treats in the tearoom and come your scariest outfit if you dare! Normal admission charges apply, £3 per a pumpkin.

NATIONAL TRUST: KINVER EDGE AND THE ROCK HOUSES, STOURBRIDGE THU 30 OCTOBER

Pumpkin Trails and Creepy Crafts

Go on a spooky search for the Witch’s Lair. Journey through haunted woods to complete the trail, and take part in creepy craft activities to get you ready for a truly horrid Halloween. Children: £2 NATIONAL TRUST: DUDMASTON ESTATE, SHROPSHIRE MON 27 AND WED 29 OCTOBER

The Apothecary’s Apprentice

Come to Dudmaston Estate for spooky half-term fun. Do your little ones have what it takes to become the Apothecary’s Apprentice? Dudmaston’s Apothecary is busy brewing all sorts of potions and lotions, but some crucial ingredients are missing! Armed only with an ancient map,

NATIONAL TRUST: TATTERSHALL CASTLE, LINCOLNSHIRE FRI 31 OCTOBER

The Tattershall Terror

Celebrate Halloween this half term at Tattershall Castle. For Halloween fun with a family, take part in the spooky trail, children’s crafts, face painting, fancy dress competition (1pm) and more.

Ghoulish characters get in for free! Normal admission charges apply.

NATIONAL TRUST: CROOME, WORCESTERSHIRE SAT 25- WED 29 OCTOBER

Hallowe’en storytelling with a difference An interactive spooky storytelling with professional actors. Follow the Ghost detective around Croome Court and hear tales of ghostly happenings. Each session last 30 minutes, suitable for all ages.

Normal admission charges apply.

NATIONAL TRUST: SHUGBOROUGH ESTATE, STAFFORDSHIRE FRI 31 OCTOBER

Hallowe’en Spooktacular

Dust off your broomsticks and get ready as Shugborough prepares for the popular Halloween Spooktacular. From 11-5pm, there will be a fun fair (additional charges apply), free face painting, a variety of entertainment, trick or treating, apple bobbing and many different traders selling gifts, food, toffee apples, roast chestnuts and warm punch. Under 5’s go free.

Tickets: £10, in advance or £12 on the night.

Children: £7.50 in advance or £9.50 on the night. An advanced family ticket for two adults and up to three children is £30 in advance, or £37 on the night. Call the box office on 0845 459 8900 to book tickets.

OCTOBER HALF TERM 2014 ISSUE Enriched with the goodness of 5 essential Nutrients

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ROUNDABOUT THE BEST PICK OF WHAT’S ON WHEN AND WHERE

Bonfire Night Celebrations!

WEST PARK, WOLVERHAMPTON SAT 1 NOVEMBER

West Park Bonfire

A fantastic family event, younger audience can watch their own firework display set to their favourite music at 6pm. The bonfire is lit at 7.30pm and at 8.30pm witness a spectacular display set to popular music. Tickets: £4.59.

Children: £3.30. To book your ticket, call the box office on 0870 320 7000

KENILWORTH CASTLE SAT 8 NOVEMBER

Kenilworth Fireworks 2014

This event has grown over many years and is now one of the biggest firework displays in all of the Midlands, attracting people from all over the county. It’s set against the wonderful panorama of Kenilworth Castle, which is floodlit in a mass of colour for the evening. There’s also a range of food and warming drinks available from a number of tents and stalls. Tickets: £7.50. Children: £3.

Book tickets in advance at kenilworthroundtable.com/bonfire/shop.asp

TUDOR GRANGE PARK SAT 1 NOVEMBER

Solihull Round Table Fireworks Display

WEST MIDLANDS SAFARI PARK SAT 8- SUN 9 NOVEMBER

Firework Festival 2014

Free Radio kicks off the evening on the entertainment stage at 5.30pm. The main display will start at 6.30pm, there are plenty of hot food options available and with a wide range of glow sticks and all kinds of flashing toys, the kids are sure to be entertained the whole evening. There’s a minimum £1 per person donation to cover the cost of the fireworks.

Celebrate this bonfire night at WMS with spectacular fireworks and bonfire, late-night rides, safari illuminations and themed music to bring the party alive! The display starts at 7.15pm on Saturday and at Tickets: £11.99.

Children: £10.99. Book by calling the hotline on 01299 400700

Unearth the story of the

Staffordshire Hoard New gallery

now open The largest hoard of Anglo-Saxon gold ever found.

Oc tOber Half t er m • Meet an anglo-Saxon • Storytelling and games • Helmet mask making

FREE entry

birminghammuseums.org.uk Funded by:

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OCTOBER HALF TERM 2014 ISSUE

www.primarytimes.net To discover more, visit Kelloggs.co.uk

ROUNDABOUT THE BEST PICK OF WHAT’S ON WHEN AND WHERE

Mell Square, Solihull sat 22 November

Christmas in his Grotto is an additional £3.50 per child and includes a gift. For details call 01952 433 424 or visit www.ironbridge.org.uk

Christmas Lights Switch On

Let the Christmas festivities begin with the Christmas lights switch on at Mell Square.

Jam packed with entertainment, guests, choirs and a special visit from Father Christmas, this is the perfect event to kick off the festive season.

Blists Hill Victorian Town sat 6 - sun 7, sat 13 - sun 14 December

Victorian Christmas Weekend

Join the residents at Blists Hill Victorian Town as they prepare for Christmas during these special weekends. Talk to the costumed townsfolk about a bygone Christmas in their shops, cottages and places of work, all decorated for the festive season. Listen to brass bands and carol singers, see a mini pantomime and do some Christmas shopping. Take a horse and carriage ride and make time to meet Father Christmas in his grotto.

Tickets: £16.50, children: £11 and under 5s free. Family ticket: £48. Visiting Father

Festive Christmas Carols!

Join the Birmingham City Council’s choir for a festive evening of musical entertainment. A ticket includes one performance in the Long Gallery, followed by a cup of tea or coffee and mince pie in front of a roaring fire. Performances are 5.00-5.45pm or 7.00-7.45pm. Tickets: £7.50. For more information, please ring Aston Hall on 0121 348 8100 birmingham city centre thu 13 November - mon 22 December

Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market & Craft Fair

Now in it’s 13th year, Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market is the largest

DAYS OUT

THIS

GREAT

Aston Hall fri 5 December

outdoor Christmas Market in the country, with Birmingham quoted as the world’s fastest growing Christmas and New Year destination. Seasonal offering include handmade toys, Christmas decorations, jewellery and a carousel to keep the kids entertained. Try the German cuisine with mulled wine, sausages, pretzels, beer, crepes and an assortment of sweets.

HALF TERM

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See website for all information. Tickets include showguide to the value of £7.50. Entry to the auction requires purchase of a catalogue.

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www.primarytimes.net

OCTOBER HALF 2014bowl ISSUE 17 Sunshine inTERM your

FAST-TRACK

YOUR CHILD TO SECOND LANGUAGE SUCCESS Why you should introduce your child to a new language as early as possible.

I

n an increasingly globalised economy where bilingualism not only increases job prospects but improves exam results, and as we get older, improves memory and delays the onset of Alzheimer’s, there’s never been a better time for your children to learn a new language. It is common knowledge that we Brits are notoriously bad at learning languages, but a new report shows that British teenagers are the worst in Europe and, according to the British Council, three-quarters of UK adults cannot speak a second language.

Whilst the new curriculum requires primary schools to teach ages seven to 11 a new language, starting earlier on in childhood, will mean your little one will have an advantage over other single language speakers. Children absorb new knowledge like a sponge, so picking up a new language comes easier to younger minds. Those who are introduced early in childhood are significantly more likely than later learners to use, understand and achieve native-like pronunciation.

Due to children’s natural curiosity about their surroundings, they quickly absorb whatever they hear. When they are in a stimulating environment, they listen and mimic sounds at a super-fast rate – meaning they can be learning a new language without even realising it.

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OCTOBER HALF TERM 2014 ISSUE

Research suggests that children achieve a higher success rate if they start learning during the ‘critical period’, aged zero to four years old. This is when the brain is most receptive to acquiring a new language. However, whatever the age of your child, the earlier they start before they hit the teenage years, the more successful they are likely to be.

It is true that parents who immerse their child in a casual bilingual environment give them child the best chance of success. However whilst most of us don’t speak a second language, there are still lots of things that you can do to help your child discover one.

encourage your child to sing along. This will soon become part of the time you spend together and it will be fun and stimulating, so much so, your child won’t even feel like they are learning!

TOP TIPS

PRACTISE WHAT YOU PREACH

TO HELP YOUR LITTLE LINGUIST SINGING There are strong connections between music and memory. Learning through play is an ideal way to expose your child to a new language. The key thing is to keep it fun and informal so your child doesn’t lose interest. Select the language you would like them to learn and search online for nursery rhymes. Play the songs regularly learning the words yourself and

INTERACTIVE LEARNING There is no denying that many children are now brought up on screens and digital technology. The BBC’s ‘Muzzy’ is a multisensory DVD programme, designed especially for children. Based on the ‘see and say’ and ‘listen and learn’ method, Muzzy effectively engages with animated stories and music whilst using a model based on how we learn our first language.

The best way for a child to learn a new language is for them to regularly hear people speaking it. This may be difficult if nobody in your household speaks a second language but learn the very basics and integrate words into regular conversations. Whether that is simply saying ‘Bonjour’ instead of hello and ‘Comment allez-vous?’ instead of how are you? your child will soon become familiar with new words and phrases that you can introduce gradually, and best of all, you will both be learning together. www.primarytimes.net Love your Cereal

advertisement FeatUre

What children need for

NUTRITIONNEWS

MARISA PEER is a leading nutritionist who is passionate about educating people to feed their children real and natural food for both their physical and mental development and well being.

Sunshine in a bowl for breakfast: the goodness of cereal to help them learn, plus a taste they’ll love

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O

ur kids are often bundles of energy, both at home and at school. But when they’re learning, it’s important to give them the right fuel. studies show that those pupils who have a good breakfast regularly perform better at school compared with those who skip their morning meal.* Breakfast is the first chance children have to eat anything after going for hours without food while asleep. so they need to refuel before a busy day ahead at school. it’s not just their bodies, their brains need the right food too. their little brains work better with about 25 grams of glucose in their bloodstream**. But often it can be difficult for parents to get the right balance between the nutrition that they want their kids to have, and the taste their kids enjoy. a serving of Kellogg’s cereal and milk provides five nutrients that experts agree children need to grow – protein, calcium, iron, vitamin B and the ‘sunshine vitamin’, vitamin d. they’ll enjoy the sunshine in a bowl, while you

can feel reassured you’re giving them a heathy start to their day.

Cereals like oats, rice and corn release glucose slowly so that children have steady glucose levels, giving children better focus and attention levels. it also sends a message of fullness to the brain helping growing bodies feel satisfied for longer.

Kellogg’s makes balanced cereals for your kids, that taste good and are also a

and breakfast can be so quick and easy to prepare, especially if you live in a busy household where the mornings are often a rush.

Your kids will also love getting involved in thinking up their own variations, such as warm milk in the winter, and in the summer using cold milk or yoghurt, or adding some fresh fruit. a fun way to ensure they get a balanced breakfast.

Who knows? they could even make their own cereal,

B VITAMINS are found in wholegrain and help your body make energy from food. Some cereals contain 6 B vitamins .

IRON Infants, teenage girls, pregnant women and the elderly are those most at risk of iron deficiency.

giving you a few more precious minutes in bed…

We all want to send our children to school happy with enough fuel inside them to keep them healthy, alert and ready to learn. Giving them sunshine in a bowl is one great way to do it. to find out more visit kelloggs.co.uk Brought to you by

FROM CEREALS

VITAMIN D This ‘sunshine vitamin’ helps us absorb calcium so is essential for healthy bones.

A balanced breakfast sets your children up for the day ahead source of nutrients and vital vitamins. a good breakfast that will help a child do their best in class contains protein, cereals and milk to keep students full and alert for several hours. they also need carbohydrates in the form of cereals served with milk and or yoghurt and some healthy fats coming from seeds, milks and yoghurts.

These are the nutrients in cereals and milk that your children need to sustain them throughout the day

®

FROM MILK PROTEIN is essential for growth. A lack of protein can cause poor muscle maintenance.

CALCIUM maintains strong teeth and bones, nerves, muscles and the secretion of certain hormones and enzymes.

For more information visit kelloggs.co.uk * Rampersaud GC, Pereira MA, Girard BL, Adams J, Metzl JD. (2005) Breakfast habits, nutritional status, body weight, and academic performance. J Am Diet Assoc. 105:743-760 **Gibson, E. L. (2007), Carbohydrates and mental function: feeding or impeding the brain?. Nutrition Bulletin, 32: 71–83. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-3010.2007.00606.x

© 2014 Kellogg Company

GET CREATIVE THIS

HALF TERM AT COVENTRY MUSEUMS!

Crafty ‘Big Draw’ activities and family trails every day throughout the holidays – visit www.theherbert.org for the full schedule.

COVENTRY TRANSPORT MUSEUM

HERBERT ART GALLERY & MUSEUM

LUNT ROMAN FORT

PRIORY VISITOR CENTRE

61295 CC_OCT_ADVERTS.indd 1

09/10/2014 13:26

School holiday offers at TeamSport Birmingham!

Go Karting 8+ £10 GE A

15 Min race session racewear, insurance and lap reports included

S FRO M

Laser combat 6+ buy one get one free!

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Buy one 15 min laser session for just £4.50 and get a 2nd absolutely FREE!

Limited spaces available so grab them quick!

TeamSport Birmingham, Unit 7-10 Park Lane Industrial Estate, Park Lane, Oldbury, B69 4JX

To book please call

0844 998 0844 or visit www.team-sport.co.uk/birmingham

*To receive this offer you must quote Primary Times when booking and take this voucher with you to the track when racing. This offer can not be used in conjunction with other offers. All karting sessions must be pre-booked. Offers available every weekday during the School holidays. Offers not available at weekends. 1 voucher per booking. Please call for availability. Offer expires 30th April 2015.

www.primarytimes.net CAB16205 Teamsport Holidays Ad Bristol_Birmingham_AW.indd 2

OCTOBER HALF TERM 2014 ISSUE 02/10/2014 17:02

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BOOKZONE Our pick of the latest must-haves for your bookshelf and e-readers

The Quirks in Circus Quirkus by Erin Soderberg

Bloomsbury, £5.99. Ages: 7-9

friends. This book will fill your child’s mind with funny, weird and random facts, like this one …

If a vampire fed on one person every day and that person also became a vampire, it would only take 32 days for everyone in the world to become a vampire!

The Quirks is a family pixar film in book form. The Quirks are a rather special family with rather magical powers and, sometimes, when the Quirks are involved, things don’t quite go to plan. Just as the Quirks are settling in to Normal, the circus comes to town. At school, Molly, Penelope and Finn are all learning how to juggle, tightrope walk and fly the trapeze.

Meanwhile, at home they are putting similar skills to good use. It takes fancy footwork to keep their nosy neighbour, Mrs DeVille, from snooping around and uncovering the Quik family secrets – not to mention their family’s pet monster, Nibblet! One thing’s for sure: life in Normal is a high-flying adventure!

The Awesome Book Of Awesomeness by Adam Frost Bloomsbury, £6.99. Ages 7 - 11 If you unravelled a mummy, how long would be bandage be? The Awesome Book is the perfect title to inspire the back to school buzz. Children will love testing their parents and teachers with all the information they collect as well as sharing new found facts with their

House of Secrets by Chris Columbus and Ned Vizzini Harper Collins, £12.99. Ages: 8-12

An adventure that brings out traits in the Walker children that they never realised they had. Up until ‘the incident’, Cordelia (14, a book worm), Brendan (12, a big gamer) and Eleanor (8, passionate about horses) had it all: loving parents, a big house in San Francisco and all the latest video games. But all that changed when their farther lost his job … Now the family is moving into Kristoff House, a mysterious place built nearly a century earlier by a troubled fantasy writer. Suddenly the siblings find themselves launched on an epic journey to retrieve a dark book of untold power and uncover the Walker family’s secret history.

Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George Bloomsbury, £5.99. Ages: 8-12

Tuesday is Princess Celie’s favourite day.

Castle Glower magically grows a new room, a turret or sometimes an entire wing! No one quite knows how, or why, but luckily, Princess Celie has mapped out the Castle’s many twists and turns.

When the king and queen disappear and councillors from neighbouring kingdoms arrive to advise Celie, a new tower and a secret passageway appear just as Celie needs them. The Castle is definitely trying to tell her something. But it’s down to Celie to find her parents, hold on to the kingdom and protect her home before it’s too late.

Gelert: A Man’s Best Friend by Cerys Matthews Pont Books, £5.99.

Ages: 4-6

Gelert: A Man’s Best Friend is one of the best-loved traditional tales from Wales retold by singer and broadcaster, Cerys Matthews. According to legend, Gelert was medieval prince Llywelyn the Great’s faithful dog and while his master was hunting, the hound was responsible for guarding his baby son. One day a wolf appeared and tried to attack the child …

Llywelyn returns home to find his baby’s cradle overturned and blood around Gelert’s mouth. Believing that his faithful dog is responsible for savaging his child, in his rage, Llywelyn kills Gelert. He later hears his child’s cries and finds him unharmed and realises that the dog had saved his son from a vicious wold. The mournful prince buries his faithful dog with honour.

We want to hear about your favourite books! Write to us at Primary Times, Publishing Ink, Fifth Floor, White House, 111 New Street, Birmingham, B2 4EU or email us at primarytimes@publishingink.co.uk and tell us about your favourite books and why you love them. You might even see your name here in the next issue!

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www.primarytimes.net Rich in Vitamins and Minerals

Have a spooky day out at the National Trust in Warwickshire: • Baddesley Clinton • Charlecote Park • Coughton Court • Packwood House • Upton House and Gardens From pumpkin parties to ghost walks, spooky storytelling to crafts and carving, we’ve got activities for little ones, bigger ones and parents too.

See what’s in store for you this half term at nationaltrust.org.uk/midlands

www.primarytimes.net

© The National Trust 2014. Registered Charity No. 205846.

Image courtesy of NTPL / John Millar

OCTOBER HALF TERM 2014 ISSUE

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ENTERTAINMENT MOVIES Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Out Now. Certificate 12A Darkness has settled over New York as Shredder and his evil Foot Clan have the city under their thumb from the police force to the politicians. The future seems grim until four Ninjitsutrained turtles, Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo and Donatello rise from the sewers and discover their destiny. The Turtles must work with plucky reporter April save the city from super villain Shredder.

The Book Of Life 24th October 2014. Certificate U

APPS

This animated comedy with artistic visuals is set in a magical and colourful world. The Book Of Life revolves around three childhood friends, Manolo (Diego Luna), Maria (Zoe Saldana), and Joaquin (Channing Tatum)—who find themselves caught in a love triangle as the gods wager on who will win Maria’s heart.

Manolo must face his greatest fears and travel on an incredible adventure that spans three fantastical worlds in order to rewrite his destiny. Filled with love, laughter and suspense- it’s a Halloween family must see!

DVD/BLU-RAY Mr. Peabody and Sherman Certificate U The world’s smartest dog and his mischievous adopted son Sherman have the wildest adventures as they use their homemade time machine to zip back and forth in history.

However, when Sherman uses the time machine to impress his class mate Penny, he makes a catastrophic error and manages to rip a hole in the universe. Now, it is up to genius canine Mr. Peabody to repair the hole before time runs out and history is changed forever.

Postman Pat: The Movie Certificate U Everyone’s favourite post man is thrust into the limelight as he enters TV reality show ‘You’re The One’ hosted by Simon Cowbell, to win a trip for two to Europe. Against the odds, Pat’s charms Cowbell and within days is a nationwide celebrity.

But will fame tear him away from his hometown of Greendale and the friends and family he loves? Can Postman Pat foil an evil plan to replace him with 100s of Patbot robots designed to take over the world? Only one man can save the day.

Puppet Pals HD, Free Let your child unlock their creativity and create unique shows with animation and audio. Choose the actors and backdrops, drag them on to the stage, and tap record. Movements and audio will be recorded in real time for playback later. It features a wide variety of creative characters to download, limitless possibilities of story creations and buy the director’s pass and receive current and all future content.

SquiggleFish, £1.99 Perfect for 3-7 year-olds, SquiggleFish helps to encourage creativity and spark imagination. Start by drawing a fish on a piece of paper, colour it in however you like and when you’re happy with the drawing, hold the iPad over it. Watch it suddenly come to life in a digital aquarium! For best results, use a thick black felt pen, draw your fish without any gaps or broken lines.

Great British Chefs – Kids Keen to get the kids into cooking? This app features 105 child-friendly recipes from 21 top British chefs, each providing recipes perfect for cooking with the kids. Each recipe contains step by step instructions as well as 25 easy to follow videos to guide you through cooking techniques like ‘How to Melt Chocolate’.

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Enriched with the goodness of 5 essential Nutrients

Ge t yo ur kid s to tu rn of f th eir sc re en s th is ha lf te rm a nd ‘Go Wi ld’ wit h Pe ckis h Too often, children are spending their time in front of screens instead of with their families. So give your wild ones something more fun to do instead and get them to switch off and ‘Go Wild’ with Peckish. We’ve got lots of FREE fun-filled activities to keep the whole family chirpy and help you tempt more birds into your garden.

So flock to peckishbirdfood.com/gowild to download activities today!

FR E E

Fun- filled bird activ ities

WI N

a fab fam ily priz e

CHRISTMAS 2014 WARWICK ARTS CENTRE IN COLLABORATION WITH WARWICK SPORT AND WARWICK RETAIL

Tall Stories’ hit stage adaptation of the award-winning book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler

Family Weekend

Sat 29 Nov 2014 – Sun 4 Jan 2015

Winter Woodland Sat 29 & Sun 30 Nov 10am – 5pm

Age 3+

Calling all adventurers and explorers! Journey into a winter woodland at Warwick Arts Centre this Christmas. Forage inside the building and across campus to discover creative workshops, theatre shows, sports activities and delicious wintery food. More info on warwickfamilydays.co.uk.

All illustrations copyright © Axel Scheffler 1999, published by Macmillan Children’s Books.

Warwick Arts Centre

www.primarytimes.net

@warwickarts

Box Office 024 7652 4524 / warwickartscentre.co.uk

Warwick Arts Centre, The University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL

OCTOBER HALF TERM 2014 ISSUE

25

Competitions WIN A STAFFORDSHIRE HOARD GOODIE BAG!

WIN A FAMILY TICKET TO CINDERELLA AT WOLVERHAMPTON GRAND THEATRE

To celebrate the opening of the new Gallery, we have ten special Staffordshire Hoard goodie bags to give away which will include replica items, warrior wear plus Staffordshire Hoard gold chocolate coins! This October, a new gallery uncovering the fascinating story of the Staffordshire Hoard buried some 1500 years ago, opens at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery. Through traditional games, dressing up and storytelling, young visitors will get a true feel of what it was like to live in this war-like time.

The Staffordshire Hoard Gallery, like all permanent displays at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, is FREE to visit. For your chance to get your hands on some Staffordshire Hoard Treasure, just answer the following question:

The Grand Theatre has kindly donated a family ticket for the spectacular family pantomime on Tuesday 9th December at 7.15pm. Julian Clary has established himself as one of the country’s most recognisable and popular stage and television entertainers.

Cinderella will once again be produced by Qdos Entertainment who have a reputation for producing large-scale West End quality shows packed with special effects and audience participation. To win this amazing prize, just answer the following question: What were the names of the Cinderella’s ugly sisters in the Disney adaptation?

A)

Anastasia and Drizella

B)

Mickey and Minnie mouse

C)

Hansel and Grettle

How long ago was the Staffordshire Hoard buried by Anglo-Saxons?

A)

150 years

B)

1500 years

C)

150,000 years

WIN ONE OF TWO FAMILY TICKETS TO THUMBELINA’S GREAT BIG ADVENTURE AT MAC BIRMINGHAM We have two family tickets (2 adults/ 2 children) for this wonderful family show on Thursday 4th and 7th December. The awardwinning physical theatre company Dancing Brick perform a thrilling and moving version of Thumbelina filled with puppetry, clowning, live music, all topped off with a sprinkling of snow. A brand-new, brightly-coloured, action-packed musical retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale. To win this fantastic family price just answer the following questions:

A)

Roald Dahl

B)

JK Rowling

We have exclusive tickets to Britain’s most popular panto at Birmingham Hippodrome on Tuesday January 6th at 7.15pm.

Following a record-breaking production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs last Christmas, this year’s pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk stars TV personality and singing sensation Jane McDonald as The Enchantress, Blue’s Duncan James as Jack, and ITV soap personality Chris Gascoyne as Fleshcreep. With magical special effects and breath-taking musical numbers, it’s hilarious comedy entertainment for all the family. For your chance to get your hands on this coveted prize, just answer the following question:

C)

Hans Christian Andersen

What comes next in the poem?

Who wrote the fairytale Thumbelina?

To enter all our competitions, go to primarytimes.net/derbyshire/ competitions or send your answer on a postcard with the name of the competition you wish to enter, your name, address and telephone number to Primary Times, Publishing Ink, Fifth Floor, White House, 111 New Street, Birmingham, B2 4EU alternativly enter via our Twitter and Facebook pages (see page 3) by 21 November 2014. Good luck!

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WIN A FAMILY TICKET TO JACK AND THE BEANSTALK AT THE BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME

WHITSUN 2014®ISSUE

Fee-fi-fo-fum!

I smell the blood of an Englishman,

Be he alive, or be he dead,

I’ll grind his bones to make my _ A) Bread B) Shed C) Bed

www.primarytimes.net To discover more, visit Kelloggs.co.uk

King Henry VIII Senior School

www.khviii.com

TASTER DAYS AND PERSONAL TOURS available at any time King Henry VIII School welcomes boys and girls between 3 and 18 years of age, providing a first class education in a caring, supportive environment.

11+ Application Deadline: Friday 12th December 2014

T: 024 7627 1111 • E: info@khviii.net King Henry VIII School, Warwick Road, Coventry CV3 6AQ

A leading co-educational day school, since 1545