Primary Times West Midlands Summer Issue 2014

SUMMER 2014 ISSUE

for parents, teachers and children

In the Midlands and Black Country in association with

Now shop online intu.co.uk/merryhill

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Join us for action packed fun, every day of the summer holiday at intu Merry Hill

Sun or shade we’ve got it covered

© Inter IKEA Systems B.V. 2014

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Encourage your mini Picasso

A healthy combination

Develop your little one’s creative spark with our range of MALA arts and crafts. Find everything from beads for the budding jewellery designer, to paints and brushes for the up and coming artist.

After all the fun, there’s food.

Fun shaped, great tasting food.

Visit our Children’s department to explore the full range of MALA arts and crafts.

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 summer at IKEA We know that keeping the kids entertained whilst shopping can be difficult, so we offer a few little extra services to help keep even our smallest visitors happy. > Free Children’s Creche, for kids aged 3 -10 years old, where they can play for up to 45 minutes in a themed playground. > Free unsupervised play area throughout the store. > Free fruit with any kids meal, and free baby food with any restaurant purchase over £2.75 > Free bibs, nappies, bottle warming facilities and nursing areas.

See what’s on in your nearest store at: IKEA.co.uk

Instore | Online | Mobile

huge main stage

cosplay competition

play the latest games

youtube stars

table-top gaming zone

exhibition retail zone

- - FEATURING - -

festival arena in the stadium, panel talks, meet and greets, live stage shows, huge exhibition, retail zone, retro games,

and free to play tournaments including parkour, hunger games and more!

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insomnia the uk’s biggest gaming festival

School’s out and it’s time to enjoy the summer!

Okay, so there’s no school until the September but that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy a good book. Why not head down to your local library and join in this year’s super-cool Mythical Maze Summer Reading Challenge?

Check out our interview on page 6* with awardwinning children’s book illustrator and author, Sarah McIntyre who tells us all about her mythical illustrations and involvement with the scheme, run by The Reading Agency.

Reading p6

Pinboard p8

Perhaps you’re more of an athletic type and your Big Fun Run preparations are well underway. There’s still time to enter the Birmingham or Coventry races (see p19 & 35), plus there are plenty of open green spaces to train in!

Our roundabout and theatre pages are jam-packed with fun-filled activities, in and around the West Midlands & Black country, for all the family to enjoy. We’ve also selected some of our favourite movies, apps and book releases to keep you all entertained during the holidays, whether you’re heading off on your travels or simply taking a well-deserved break over the next few weeks.

As usual, there are some amazing prizes up for grabs on our competition pages. So get stuck in for your chance to win!

Have a spectacular summer everyone and we’ll see you in the autumn term, all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed ready to start the new school year.

Kami

Times Team and the Primary

Don’t forget to check the website for more Primary Times news, lists and reviews at www.primarytimes.net/midlands/ Primary Times in the West Midlands and the Black Country Publisher: Publishing Ink, Fifth Floor, White House, 111 New Street, Birmingham B2 4EU T: 0121 631 6101 F: 0121 336 1936 Managing Director: Andrew Riley Editorial: Kami Anderson Advertising Dept: 0121 631 6101 Sales: E: sales@publishingink.co.uk Design: Mike Raven, Jonathan Hyland You can now follow us on Twitter and Facebook! @PrimaryTimesMid Primary Times Midlands and The Black Country

Primary Times Derbyshire is independently published and distributed free through primary schools in Derbyshire. 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.

Theatre p14

Contents

Welcome!

Roundabout p20

THE PAULINE QUIRKE ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS IS ENROLLING NOW! With outstanding Performing Arts tuition for 4 to 18 year olds, your very own movie screened at the cinema, free Trinity exams and our West End show - what are you waiting for?

PQA Warwick are enrolling now for the Autumn term.

Find us at Aylesford School and Sixth Form College, Tapping Way, Warwick, Warwickshire CV34 6XR Academies run on Saturdays To enrol your child and for further information please visit www.pqacademy.com or call us on 084567 32022

FREE

OPEN DAY S A 27TH SEPTE TURDAY M 9.45 - 1PMBER

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..

® www.primarytimes.net

where does your cereal come from?

SUMMER 2014 ISSUE

5

MYTH-OUT Summer Reading Challenge 2014

19th July to 7th September Sign-up for a fabulous fantasy adventure based on myths and legends from around the world.

The Summer Reading Challenge, coordinated by independent charity, The Reading Agency, takes place every year and is the biggest national reading initiative running in 97% of UK public libraries. The Reading Agency strongly encourages reading for pleasure, and states that it is very important to children’s successes because “everything changes when we read.”

The Summer Reading Challenge is a great way to encourage a love of reading and gets three quarters of a million children into libraries to keep up their reading skills and confidence during the long holidays.

What’s more, it doesn’t cost a penny to join or to attend any of the Summer Reading Challenge events and activities in your local area.

The challenge is simple- to read 6 or more books over the summer holidays. The books can be anything from storybooks and joke books, to picture books and audio books, just as long as they’re borrowed from a library.

After the success of last year’s ‘Creepy House Challenge’, for 2014, children aged 4-11 are invited to find their way through a labyrinth of myths and legends. The fun begins when children sign-up and receive their fantastic ‘Mythical Maze’ foldout poster to get them started.

Award-winning illustrator, Sarah McIntyre, designed this year’s Mythical Maze poster and activity packs. She is one of the most prolific and exciting author/illustrators working today and has published a number of best-selling books, including Morris The Mankiest Monster and Oliver And The Seawigs.

Sarah tells us about her work and involvement with The Summer Reading Challenge 2014:

Which other jobs do you think you’d be good at if you did not write and illustrate books?

Tell us why you became a children’s book illustrator?

Once I had a career crisis and decided I didn’t want to illustrate anymore, and applied for a job as a rigger on the Cutty Sark masted ship. It would have been fascinating, I would have learned all about maintaining a ship, got to climb to all sorts of exciting heights, and travelled out to refit ships in Portsmouth, Malta and further afield. I interviewed, and didn’t get the job. But they liked the drawing on my thank-you card so much that they hired me as the Ship’s Illustrator instead. I think my interest in ships was partly inspired by talking one night at the gallery with a guy who had worked as an astronomer on a BBC recreation of Cook’s Endeavour voyage. He mentioned they’d had a ship’s botanist; whenever they docked, she’d go and find interesting local plants, bring them back on board, and draw them.

How cool would that be?! So yes, a ship’s botanist, that’d be perfect. Not a docked ship, a ship that explores places.

I’ve always loved books and drawing, and I think picture books shaped much of how I understand the world around me, even now. I used to think I wanted to be a fine artist - perhaps a painter - but I couldn’t figure out how I’d make a living at it. Some friends and I ran an art gallery in Camberwell, south London for six years, and it started to dawn on me that a lot of today’s fine art involves convincing people you’re terribly clever while creating a minimal amount of visual work. That’s just not my thing; I guess I’m a maximalist. I like colour and story and craft, and making people feel included instead of excluded; those things are starting to catch on now, but ten years ago they were pretty unfashionable. I love how children don’t care about what’s cool; they want a good story, and interesting stuff to look at. And when I started making picture books and getting to know other people who made picture books, it dawned on me that I was working with some of the kindest, gentlest, most creatively playful people in the world. These are my people!

Which three words best describe your illustration style?

Accessible, lively, playful…? I don’t know, you tell me! I like to keep moving with the way I draw things, and trying new things.

When you were a child, what was your favourite book?

It varied from week to week! But I loved Maurice Sendak’s In the Night Kitchen, Errol Le Cain books, Bill Watterson’s Calvin & Hobbes (check those out if you haven’t read them!) and Lynn Johnston’s For Better or For Worse comic strips, Watership Down by Richard Adams, The Runaway Robot by Lester Del Ray, and The Twenty-One Balloons by William Pène du Bois. I wasn’t so keen on stories set at school and familiar places, I wanted to get away and go on adventures.

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SUMMER 2014 ISSUE

www.primarytimes.net

© Dave Warren for The Reading Agency. With thanks to Deptford Lounge, Lewisham Library and Information Service

How did you become involved with the Summer Reading Challenge?

Writer Damian Kelleher works with The Reading Agency and he approached me and asked! I was thrilled to say yes. Chris Riddell illustrated last year for the Creepy House theme, so I was proud to follow in his footsteps with Mythical Maze.

Why should children take part in this year’s ‘Mythical Maze’ challenge?

It’s a great excuse when parents are trying to get you to do chores around the house. You can say, ‘but I need to go to the library and select my books for the Summer Reading Challenge’! This will impress them and get you out of doing the washing up at least once. Also, stickers and a cool poster! I’d love to see people design other mazes with their own mythical creatures living in them. It was fun building little places for them all to live.

I think my favourites to draw were Medusa and Anansi. She has great hair and he has cool specs, hat and boots. Reading is just plain fun. And comic books count! Try The Terrible Tales of the Teenytinysaurs by my studio mate Gary Northfield, Super Animal Adventure Squad by James Turner, Shark & Lobster’s Amazing Undersea Adventure

by Viviane Schwarz or Bunny vs. Monkey

by Jamie Smart. Once you get hooked on reading, you realise you can travel in books to loads of exciting places without having to have any money or plane tickets or permission to stay out overnight.

To see more of Sarah’s amazing work, visit her website where you can download free activity sheets for each book! www.jabberworks.co.uk. Follow her on Twitter: @jabberworks

® www.primarytimes.net

To join in this year’s Mythical Maze challenge, pick up a pack from your local Community Library from Saturday 19 July 2014. Please check opening times before traveling as Community Libraries’ opening hours may vary.

Library staff and volunteers will be on hand to help children win medals for reading, and the interactive Mythical Maze website will link children with top authors and illustrators whilst giving them room to talk about their favourite books and share reading ideas: www.mythical-maze.org.uk The Reading Agency is an independent charity with a mission to give everyone an equal chance in life by helping people become confident and enthusiastic readers. It is funded by the Arts Council, and has a formal partnership with public library services. For details, visit: www.readingagency.org.uk For more information on the Summer Reading Challenge 2014 go to: www.readingagency.org.uk/ summerreadingchallenge Follow the Summer Reading Challenge on Facebook: www.facebook.com SummerReadingChallengeUK We’d love to hear all about your Summer Reading antics! Send us a tweet @PrimaryTimesMid using #SummerReadingChallenge, or write to us at Primary Times, Publishing Ink, Fifth Floor, White House, 111 New Street, Birmingham, B2 4EU.

It all starts with sunshine & grains SUMMER 2014 ISSUE

7

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

REVIVAL: Remember…

Relive… Revive!

It’s Game-On for INSOMNIA 52!

Insomnia is the UK’s biggest gaming festival and there is certainly nothing else quite like it. Team Primary Times went along to Insomnia 51 at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry, which gave us live stage shows, competitions and gaming tournaments galore! We immersed ourselves in all forms of gaming, big and small, old and new, for all ages (the retro gaming section was pretty awesome!) and rubbed shoulders with YouTubers and gaming enthusiasts from across the country.

Revival Retro Events are proud to announce the return of their flagship gaming event on 8th and 9th August at Dunstall Race Course, Wolverhampton. Visitors will be taken back to the 1970s, 80s and 90s, reliving the atmosphere of the seaside arcades and the explosion of home computing and console gaming. There will be hundreds of arcade machines, home computers and consoles for the public to come and experience; exhibitions by the Retro Computer Museum and the Centre for Computing History plus traders selling associated products and merchandise.

Following on from their biggest ever spring event, Insomnia52 will be the second Insomnia event to take place in Coventry’s Ricoh Arena 22nd-25th August 2014. With an expected footfall of over 30,000, this summer event is not to be missed!

Chris Wilkins, one of the organisers of Revival, said, ‘ Last years event was an amazing success. We have taken feedback from those who attended and our aim is now to make this year’s event even better.’

For more information visit www. revivalretroevents.com

For more information visit: www. insomniagamingfestival.com

11+ Tuition For children in Years 4 & 5

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A Glorious Corner in Devon Situated in 80 acres of countryside in South Devon and a stone’s throw from the coast, Cofton Country Holidays offers award-winning family holidays.

With accommodation types including Touring, Camping, Holiday Homes, Cottages and Apartments, this four star holiday park is ideal for the whole family to enjoy.

Facilities include; new indoor swimming pool, sauna, gym, on-site shop, restaurants, play areas, fishing lakes, heated outdoor pool, daily activities including full summer programme and evening entertainment.

Visit www.coftonholidays.co.uk or call 01626 890 111

Maths & English Tutoring with the Student Support Centre

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Economic and Social Research Council research found that 15% of primary school children have had an English tutor and 17% a maths tutor. This varied by location and in some communities 45% of children were receiving tutoring.

Personalised 11+ Tuition Excellent Success Rates CEM Experienced Tutors 11+ Mock Exams

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For a more preventative approach, since 1991 over 200,000 children have received maths and English support from The Student Support Centre programmes - DVD lessons, workbooks and online testing, typically costing £12 - £18 per week. For more information call 0800 999 6 333 or see www.simplyprogramme.co.uk

Centres in Shirley, Handsworth, Sutton & Warwick

0121 733 6558 www.ksol.co.uk 8

SUMMER 2014 ISSUE

Finalist 2012

www.primarytimes.net

Get ready for the Super 6 weeks holidays at intu Merry Hill!

Thrills and Skills For Life at The Pauline Quirke Academy The Pauline Quirke Academy is a weekend performing arts school for 4-18 year olds and the newest branch is opening in Warwick on Saturday 27th September.

Core modules in Comedy & Drama, Musical Theatre and Film & Television teach a comprehensive range of skills, which are useful for everyday life, not just a career in the performing arts.

The main Academy is for 6-18 years olds (split into appropriate age groups) and runs for 3 hours, with 4 & 5 year olds invited to join Poppets – a 90 minute session which combines the best of movement, dance, singing, acting, expression and imagination.

We have 37 days of fun-packed family activities and days out for you to enjoy. Come join in the face painting, funfair and Disney’s Frozen singalong at the drive-in movies; go zooming mad for our ‘Planes 2’ movie premiere and craft workshops plus save the date (August 8 & 9) for ‘Harryfest’, intu Merry Hill’s big family festival bursting with live music, a rollerdisco, back-to-school offers and much more. So what are you waiting for?

PQA invite you to try them out at their free launch. Visit www.pqacademy. com or call 08456 732 022 for more information.

For more details on our 37 days of Summer holiday programme, pop by Concierge or go to intu.co.uk/merryhill

‘Train with Tim’ at the National Space Centre Tim is currently training for his mission to the International Space Station, where he will be the first British ESA astronaut, at the end of November 2015. We have put Tim through our tests to create an astronaut standard for you to try to achieve.

Train with Tim - four training activity challenges, exploring core skills vital for an astronaut.

Record your results and compare them against Tim’s.

Wear A Hat Day Success!

Huge thanks go out to all children and families, schools and academies across the UK that helped make Wear A Hat Day a success this year. The indomitable enthusiasm and creativity displayed by so many young supporters was inspiring. The monies are still coming in and it’s not too late to send funds generated to the charity, whatever the amount, if you’ve not done so yet. Cheques can be posted to Wear A Hat Day, Brain Tumour Research, The Business Centre, Padbury Hill Farm, Padbury,

Buckingham, Bucks, MK18 2BN. Schools and families play such an important role in raising awareness and funds for research, so WAHD have designed a special ‘Thank You’ advert, appearing in this magazine.

You are all Heroes and with your annual commitment, taking this campaign to ever increasing hat-tastic heights.

Wear A Hat Day 2015 will take place on Friday 27th March. Join in one of the UK’s most important and fun charity events and together we can save lives.

Register by emailing wearahatday@ braintumourresearch.org or call 01296 733011 for details.

The ISS Science Zone - have a go at interactive activities replicating real science currently being carried out on the International Space Station. Tim’s Test - Tim is not the first Britishborn person in space. Tim’s Test, around our galleries, challenges you to find the M&Ms flown on station by Piers Sellers (all blue of course), or the toothbrush of an astronaut who answered a radio advert to travel into space.

There’s a great prize! Life in Space – find out what life in space will really be like for Tim. For more information and upgrade to a FREE Annual Pass visit: www.spacecentre. co.uk

® www.primarytimes.net

Supporting British Farmers SUMMER 2014 ISSUE

9

“Supporting Grass Roots”

A WALK IN THE PARK Country parks and green spaces provide an opportunity for adventurous play so vital in today’s culture of computer games and junk food diets. Parks that are accessible, attractive and safe can encourage people to make healthy choices as part of their daily routine.

There are over 400 country parks in England, offering great places to take time-out, exercise and meet up with friends. They allow children to test their boundaries, explore and learn more about nature and wildlife.

So why not get outdoors with family and friends this summer? Here’s our Top 10 list of parks and open spaces in the West Midlands and they’re all absolutely free!

CANNON HILL PARK, Birmingham: Located less than 2 miles from the centre of Birmingham, Cannon Hill runs along the River Rea and is one of the city’s five premier parks. There are walkways and cycle routes aimed at catering for wildlife enthusiasts and people looking for a good day out. www.cannonhillpeoplespark.net SANDWELL VALLEY COUNTRY PARK, West Bromwich: Whether your interests lie in walking, birdwatching, sports or just being in the great outdoors, you are sure to find something to do in Sandwell Valley Country Park. It’s an award winning Green Flag park and a great place to spend the day. www.sandwell.gov.uk

Sandwell Valley Riding Centre Bored?

Why not learn to ride?

Lessons Everyday 9-4 Camps Own a pony for a day.

Learn to look after a pony, groom, ride, feed, tack up.

All you need to know!!

Ring to book.

Ask for Hannah or Toni.

Tel: 0121 588 2103

10

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SUTTON PARK, Sutton Coldfield: Lying six miles to the north of Birmingham City Centre, Sutton Park is a historic landscape that covers an area of over 2,000 acres and attracts over two million visits every year. It is a mosaic of open heathland, woodlands, wetlands, marshes and seven lakes each with their own rich variety of plants and wildlife, some rarely seen in the region. www.birmingham.gov.uk/suttonpark

SALTWELLS NATURE RESERVE, Dudley: Located 2 miles south of Dudley and covering 247 acres, Saltwells Local Nature Reserve is one of the UK’s largest Urban Nature Reserves. It was created in 1981 and covers the deciduous Saltwells Wood. Oak and Beech are home to many species of woodland bird, including the Treecreeper, Jay and Great Spotted Woodpecker. www.dudley.gov/nature-reserves

LICKEY HILLS COUNTRY PARK, Birmingham: Activities at Lickey Hills Country Park include the visitors centre, circular walk, sculpture trail, children’s play park and plenty of open space to ramble and explore. www.birmingham.gov/lickeyhills

RYTON POOLS COUNTRY PARK, Coventry: The 100 acres of Ryton Pools Country Park are just waiting to be explored. The many different habitats are home to a wide range of birds and other wildlife. The excellent surfaced paths enable easy walking around the site, and provide access to an adjoining ancient woodland, Ryton Wood. www.countryparks.warwickshire.gov.uk

PHOENIX PARK, Wolverhampton: Phoenix Park has a varied history dating back over 150 years, having previously been a site for coal mining, clay extraction, brick manufacture and landfill. The park now has improved the entrance areas, and provided a sensory garden, a new multi-use games area and improved sports pitches, circulatory footpaths to be used by the local ‘Walk to Health’ group, a refurbished play area for under 10s and a new adventure play area for teenagers. www.wolverhampton.gov WEST PARK, Wolverhampton: West Park is considered to be one of the best, unspoilt examples of a Victorian Park left in England and is Wolverhampton’s premier open space. The park is roughly 43 acres in area, including its lake, and provides a beautifully landscaped open space within a ten minute walk of Wolverhampton city centre. Facilities include children’s play area, heated Victorian conservatory, tennis courts, boating lake and chalet tearooms. www.wolverhampton.gov

ST NICHOLAS PARK, Warwick: St Nicholas Park’s activities attract visitors from all over the Midlands as well as local people. Its current size is approximately 40 acres and bordering the park to the south is the River Avon. The children’s corner now has small fairground rides and a mini golf course as well as an outdoor swimming pool. There is an outdoor play area and the formal gardens and the sports pitches remain. www.warwickdc.gov.uk

BAGGERIDGE COUNTRY PARK, Dudley: Baggeridge Country Park is a beautiful area of countryside on the doorstep of the Black Country. Formerly the Baggeridge Colliery and part of the original Himley Estate of the Earls of Dudley, the site has been transformed into 150 acres of attractive country park. The quality of the park and the range of events has been reflected in Baggeridge winning a national green flag award for the 13th year in a row. The park has numerous facilities for outdoor pursuits including the exciting new Aerial Ropes course! www.sstaffs.gov.uk

From Seed to Spoon www.primarytimes.net

School’s out and summer play-days are in at the National Trust in Warwickshire

secret hideouts

• Baddesley Clinton • Charlecote Park • Coughton Court • Packwood House • Upton House and Gardens From family rounders to rolling down hills, playing pooh sticks to relaxing with a picnic, there are hundreds of ways to make memories at a National Trust place this summer.

Start your summer of fun in Warwickshire at nationaltrust.org.uk/midlandsfamilies

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

Image courtesy of NTPL / Arnhel de Serra

The Big Primary Times Interview Primary Times met Edward Timpson MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Children and Families, at the House of Commons to hear all about the Primary PE and Sport Premium.

and some primaries buying specialist help and resources from local secondary schools. Indeed, one of the main objectives is to increase physical activity not just in primary stages but throughout a person’s life and the transition to secondary school sport is an important part of this.

Schools have total discretion about how they spend the money We spoke with the minister but they are not just being left to get on with it. Though many about how important physical schools will have existing projects they’d like to extend or ideas activity is for primary age they’ve been itching to put into practice, others can access best children. He told us, “As practice case studies and advice as well as comparing notes someone who devours sport with and learning from nearby schools and sports bodies and whenever I can, and who professionals. The minister was keen to point out that every spent much of my childhood school is different and there is no one perfect solution. hitting a tennis ball against the Complementing the premium is a programme for a new intake garage door or standing in goal, of specialist trainee primary teachers who will share their love pretending to be my sporting of PE and sport and lead the development of the subject in their hero Big Joe Corrigan, the area. One hundred and twenty will be qualified to teach from Manchester City and occasional this September with more to follow. Not every school has the England keeper, from the 70s facilities and space required and there is an additional £18million and 80s, whilst my nearly as big to help 600 schools with particular difficulties. brother pounded penalty after Inevitably, the World Cup came up; this was the day before the penalty at me with little mercy Uruguay game. The minister was at pains to point out that this is an initiative for every child and isn’t about elite sport.

Edward Timpson, MP As he said, wonderful as it is to watch the very best You know that the guy must shown, I’m all too aware of the real sportsmen and women at their peak, it can be even be pretty sporty when he benefits that instilling sport and PE in a more satisfying to see a field of children having a great apologises for being a little child’s life as early as possible can bring ruffled as he’s been persuaded time playing at their own level. He’s convinced that - physical, social and emotional.” into an impromptu tennis game there is “something for every child that will bring them to life in their sporting life and keep them The minister talked about “physical with the Speaker by a Lawn committed To activity for the rest of their life – it literacy” and described it as a “golden Tennis Association delegation might be a ball game, an activity such as gymnastics thread” running through primary life and (we heard that Mr Speaker or maybe rock- climbing but it’s there and we just beyond. Research shows that physical “cheated” by miraculously have to find it.” activity, PE and sport can make a positive having sports kit to hand to We talked about how important these opportunities difference to a child’s concentration, mood, change into first). are for every child, able or disabled, ‘sporty’ or not behaviour and overall achievement – as so good at games. We touched on the impact of well as the obvious benefits of physical the London Paralympic Games both in raising the ambitions health. But sport also offers children something distinctive: a of disabled children and in teaching able children about the chance to compete and learn lessons about teamwork, selfcapabilities of the disabled. discipline and resilience. Hence the Primary PE and Sport Premium initiative.

The current project is funded for three years but the minister explained that this is a long term commitment and that he fully Worth more than £450million over a three year period and split intends that the funding will be continued. between every single primary school in the country, the Primary PE and Sport Premium gives each Head discretion over how it’s You may already have seen the impact on your child’s school. You spent. Find out how your child’s school is spending its allocation certainly will. The Primary PE and Sport Premium is intended from the school website or why not ask? Schools will not only to have a long term impact on children’s lives through primary, welcome your help with school activities, they value your ideas secondary and beyond. For more information, visit www.gov.uk. too!

There are almost as many ways of spending the money as there are schools to spend it whether by improving the skills and knowledge of staff, bringing in specialist sports experts to extend after-school activities, buying new equipment or engaging the least active pupils. Some schools are joining forces to create their own local networks: pooling resources and using their collective buying power to generate preferential rates with suppliers and share facilities, staff or equipment. We talked about a recent school visit the minister had made where one group of four schools are joining together to employ a sports professional to spend one day a week in each school with the fifth day allocated to helping children with particular difficulties.

“

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There’s scope for working within local communities with thousands of sports clubs getting involved with their local schools 12

SUMMER 2014 ISSUE

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ADveRTiseMeNT FeATURe

79%

*

of children are interested in food origins

FROM SEED TO

SPOON

Giving children the chance to find out more about breakfast

A

sk most children to name a popular breakfast cereal and there’s every chance that Kellogg’s Corn Flakes, Frosties and Rice Krispies will roll off their tongues.

But ask the same children where their cereal comes from and one in 10 will tell you “from a supermarket” of course.

And just as worrying, one in six will have no idea that their favourite bowl of cereal in the morning starts off as a seed in a field and is from the grain family.

Despite the figures that clearly show a gap in children’s knowledge about how food reaches their plates, they are a curious bunch who are keen to find out more.

Given an opportunity, they want to get involved and four out of 10 even take a huge interest in cooking from scratch and enjoy reading or leafing through celebrity cook books and watching cookery shows like Junior MasterChef and The Great British Bake Off. That’s why Manchester-based cereal maker Kellogg’s is keen to show youngsters the incredible journey their cereal makes from

seed to spoon. And it all begins with sunshine and natural grains like wheat, oats, barley and corn.

All the crops are lovingly nurtured by farmers and, once harvested, only the best are sent to Kellogg’s to be baked and turned into the delicious flakes or crispy rice that are packed into boxes and sent out to supermarkets and grocery stores for millions to enjoy in the morning.

DID YOU KNOW?

*One in 10 believes breakfast cereal is made at the supermarket *The research was conducted in the United Kingdom by Platypus. The total sample size as 2,000 parents and children, as well as Ireland and Germany where we polled 1,000 parents and children in each country. The research was carried out online between May 2 and May 16, 2014.

While it’s easy enough to pop a box of breakfast cereal into a shopping basket, Kellogg’s wants to bring the story behind the carton to life so children have a good grasp of how their everyday staple reaches the table.

And just as important as the growing, harvesting and production is the company’s Origins programme, which is key to Kellogg’s and its farmers who work together to make sure the countryside and wild creatures are preserved.

Origins not only supports farmers by helping to fine-tune farming methods to help them to be more efficient and productive, it helps protect the environment too.

The programme gives farmers a helping hand with nature to keep Britain’s beautiful wild flowers, hedgerows and even hundreds of creepy crawlies safe for future generations. Farmers are encouraged to allow pretty wild

flowers to grow on their land and that in turn means 100 different types of insects can help with vital pollination.

Nurturing lush hedgerows – which have been under threat – creates a home for 10 different species from birds and rabbits to mice and voles.

And beetle banks can accommodate around 1,500 insects per square metre.

No wonder then that Kellogg’s is immensely proud of its programme with the farmers – it not only looks after how grain for the nation’s breakfast tables is grown, but also goes hand-inhand with nature.

Kellogg’s said: “Together we are bringing back insects, wild plants and other natural species to our countryside.

“We believe in creating great starts for our cereal by investing in the special people and the natural places where our grains grow.”

Brought to you by

®

For more information visit kelloggs.co.uk © 2014 Kellogg Company

Theatre Around the Midlands and Black Country

BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME BOX OFFICE: 0844 338 5000 HURST STREET, BIRMINGHAM WWW.BIRMINGHAMHIPPODROME.COM WED 9 JUL - SAT 6 SEP

WICKED Packed with thrilling technical wizardry, dazzling costumes, an ingenious and witty story, and show-stopping songs, Wicked is an unforgettable, enchanting experience that is not to be missed. Tickets: from £25

CANNON HILL PARK SHOWDOME

to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he’s never done before – keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia.

Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s ‘normal’ boyfriend and his parents. Tickets: £8

SOLIHULL ARTS COMPLEX BOX OFFICE: 0121 704 6962 CENTRAL LIBRARY, SOLIHULL

WWW.SOLIHULL.GOV.UK/ARTSCOMPLEX

RUSSELL ROAD, BIRMINGHAM WWW.NIGHTGARDENLIVE.COM

FRI 18-SUN 20 JULY

12-26 JULY

Children’s modern dance show by Stardust Dance Academy Shows on Friday, 18th July at 6.30pm and Sunday, 20th July at 3pm. Tickets: £10

IN THE NIGHT GARDEN LIVE Musical theatre experience for the whole family that’s presented within a purposebuilt touring theatre. Taking place in an all-weather, purpose-built inflatable showdome featuring numerous familyfriendly facilities, the show uses full-size costumes and magical puppets to bring to life Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka and friends.

Tickets: £15.50- £22.50

BRIERLEY HILL CIVIC HALL

STARDUST DANCERS, CREATE THE DREAMS

SAT 19 JULY

POINT THE WAY BALLET SCHOOL- SUMMER SHOWCASE 2014 Students from Point The Way Ballet School will be performing dances to a variety of music. Come along to the Summer Showcase 2014!

Tickets: £11.50

BELGRADE THEATRE BOX OFFICE: 024 7684 6738 BELGRADE SQUARE, COVENTRY WWW.BELGRADE.CO.UK FRI 18- SAT 19 JULY

FREEMAN DANCE SUMMER SHOW Freeman Dance Summer Show 2014 promises to be even more spectacular, innovative, and ground breaking than ever. Featuring over 350 of Coventry’s most exciting up-coming dance talent, Freeman Dance takes to the stage this year with all new costumes, choreography and music.

Tickets: £10.50- £12 TUE 22- THU 24 JULY

SCOOBY-DOO THE MYSTERY OF THE PYRAMID The classic cartoon Scooby-Doo comes to life with spooky mystery and fun in the Pyramids. Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Velma and Daphne arrive in Egypt where they must solve the mystery of Pharaoh Hatchepsout’s Pyramid.

BOX OFFICE: 0845 658 8095 BANK STREET, BRIERLEY HILL WWW.BHMTC.CO.UK THU 17-19 JULY

THE ADDAMS FAMILY: BRIERLEY HILL MUSICAL THEATRE YOUTH COMPANY THE ADDAMS FAMILY features an original story, and it’s every father’s complete nightmare!

Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family – a man her parents have never met. If that weren’t upsetting enough, Wednesday confides in her father and begs him not

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www.kelloggs.co.uk www.primarytimes.net

Easy, you say… but not if the gang has to deal with mysterious mummies plus the wrath of the Pharaoh who will transform anyone who dares approach the pyramid into stone! With hilarious slapstick, popular tunes and special effects, the whole family will enjoy this new episode live on stage. Tickets: Adult, £20, Child £15, Family, £57

people will have fun and feel proud of the piece they create at the end of the week. Tickets: £120- £130

New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham.

Mon 25- Wed 27 Aug www. alexandratheatre.org.uk

TOWN HALL BIRMINGHAM

MON 21- FRI 25 JULY

SUMMER SCHOOL WEEK 1 (Ages 8-11/Ages 11-16)

BOX OFFICE: 0121 345 0600 BROAD ST, BIRMINGHAM. B1 2EA WWW.THSH.CO.UK

MON 4- FRI 8 AUGUST

SUN 3 AUGUST

SUMMER SCHOOL WEEK 2 (Ages 8-11/Ages 11-16) Now running for its fourth year, the Summer School offers young people a unique opportunity to develop and share their theatre skills over an intensive week of workshops and rehearsals.

The first week of Summer School will involve the young people learning about devising, improvisation and clowning techniques. Workshops will build up self-confidence and team working skills, and the games mixed with the creative element of the work enables new friendships to be built.

Using an existing story as a starting point they will create a short piece for family and friends of the participants to come and see. Creating a piece to be shared in a week will be demanding, but the young

Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Tue 12Wed 13 Aug www.ambassadortickets. com/Regent-Theatre

NATIONAL CHILDREN’S ORCHESTRAS OF GREAT BRITAIN: UNDER 12 ORCHESTRA The NCO makes a welcome return to Town Hall Birmingham with the NCO Under 12 Orchestra. The youngsters – all aged 12 and under, are set to deliver a stunning classical programme. You will be astounded at the fantastic sound produced by this orchestra of children, as passion and skill unite to an incredible effect. With amazing maturity and a finesse that belies their age, get ready to be inspired by the talent of these remarkable young players. We are looking forward to an afternoon of youthfully exuberant music, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, showing a fresh approach to renowned Wolverhampton. Thu 17- Sun 20 Jul concert repertoire. Tickets: £10 - £18 www.grandtheatre.info SSC-Primary Times Ad_90 x 135 19/06/2014 16:28 Page 1

Also showing at the following venues:

The Student Support Centre

Helping to make home tuition more affordable Maths

English

Reading

for children aged 4 - 17 Charles Clinkard, 43-45 Sheep Street, Stratford Upon Avon, CV37 6EE TEL: 0845 0178 684 • LOCAL STORES AT WARWICK AND THROUGHOUT THE UK www.charlesclinkard.co.uk

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mobile

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Call free 0800 999 6 222 now! quoting ‘Primary Times’

or visit www.simplyprogramme.co.uk

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SUMMER 2014 ISSUE

15

TUE 12- SUN 24 AUGUST

THE GRUFFALO Tall Stories present their adaptation of Julia Donaldson’s magical tale.

With over four million copies of the book having been sold, it’s fair to say that Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s awardwinning Gruffalo has captured the hearts and minds of children everywhere.

Presenting songs, laughs and scary fun that’s ideal for children aged three and upwards, the stage version follows Mouse as he heads out on his journey through the deep dark wood, scaring away hungry animals with tall stories of the terrifying Gruffalo. Imagine his surprise, then, when he suddenly finds himself coming face-to-face with the very creature that he’s imagined!

Tickets: £12- £14

THE HIT MUSICAL ADAPTATION OF THE AWARD WINNING PICTURE BOOK BY JULIA DONALDSON AND AXEL SCHEFFLER

“A FINE PIECE OF CHILDREN’S THEATRE” HHHH

The Sunday Times

“MONSTROUS FUN!” HHHH

Daily Mail

TOWN HALL BIRMINGHAM TUE 12 - SUN 24 AUGUST BOOK NOW 0121 345 0603 www.gruffalolive.com

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SUMMER 2014®ISSUE

tallstories.org.uk

where does your cereal come from? www.primarytimes.net

Now shop online intu.co.uk/merryhill

Super The

Over the super 6 week summer holiday we have full-on fun, every day to keep all your little superheroes happy at intu Merry Hill.

It’s 37 days of free family fun, cupcake workshops, face painting, super hero workshops, Frozen sing-along drive-in movie and lots more...

+2HarryFest days of fun

The biggest summer festival around Friday 8th and Saturday 9th August

Rollerdisco, fair, superheroes, crafty workshops, candy floss, face painting and loads more. Plus claim exclusive Back to School money-off vouchers.

Get your harryfest tickets from in centre from 14th July.

Visit intu.co.uk/merryhill for more details

Blow the Whistle on Sunburn!

Julia Bradbury supports the Outdoor Kids Sun Safety Code, a new initiative helping keep kids safe in the sun The long school summer holidays can be a daunting prospect and to break up the time, many of you rely on outdoor holiday clubs, providing kids with the chance to learn new skills, socialise and get them out of the house! However with children spending most of the day outdoors, ensuring they’re adequately sun protected all day can be tricky and at times, hit and miss.

As a result the Myfanwy Townsend Melanoma Research Fund devised The Outdoor Kids Sun Safety Code, designed to be implemented by all those who work outdoors with children, ensuring that kids turn up to sessions with the correct kit and are actively protected throughout the day.

This FREE online resource bank was developed by a leading skin cancer specialist alongside experts in physical education and child welfare, and is supported by over 30 national governing bodies of sport and outdoor activities.

Individuals or groups simply log on to the website www. oksunsafetycode.com and follow simple guidelines based on three core elements; educating, protecting and leading by example. Once they can prove they have completed the required criteria, they can then use their OK Accreditation Mark.

When children attend sessions run by OK Accredited groups or individuals, they will: • Be required to arrive with the correct clothing and sunscreen • Be taught how, when and why it is important to apply the correct SPF

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• Have access to shade at break times and water throughout the day • Have leaders and coaches who lead by example; building good habits for the future The campaign was developed to tackle the rising problem of melanoma; the most deadly form of skin cancer. Rates in the UK are now more than five times higher than they were in the 1970s with more than 13,000 people developing the disease each year, compared with around 1,800 in the mid1970s.

The Skin Cancer Foundation estimates that with 80% of life time sun exposure occurring during childhood and that just one blistering attack can double the risk of getting a melanoma later in life, it makes sense to take kids sun protection seriously.

Julia Bradbury is the ambassador of the initiative and says: “I am a lover of the outdoors, but also aware of the harmful effects of the sun: so I am delighted to support this initiative. We owe it to all children to make sure they are sun protected.”

Why not ask your local club, group or coach to get involved, and help them blow the whistle on sunburn! For further details visit www. oksunsafetycode.com

It all starts with sunshine & grains www.primarytimes.net

RED HOUSE GLASS CONE

BIRMINGHAM

VENUE : CANNON HILL PARK DATE : SATURDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER 2014 TIME : 11:00AM

Event to celebrate Black Country Day 12 July Music, poetry, comedy and more Adults £5, under 14s free 13 July Family activities • Free all day www.kmsevents.co.uk

1940s Event 26 & 27 July Music, entertainment, costumes, re-enactors, military vehicles Nature exhibition

9 August - 13 September Interactive nature exhibition throughout the holidays

History through the ages

9 & 10 August Multi-period re-enactment events

Stourbridge Folk Festival

6 & 7 September Music, comedy, entertainment (ticketed event) www.stourbridgefolkfestival.co.uk

Open daily 10am - 4pm • FREE admission Café, craft studios, exhibitions, craft activities

Call 01384

812750 or visit www.dudley.gov.uk/see-and-do

Big Fun Run is a series of 5k untimed runs staged within scenic settings throughout the UK from July to October 2014. Your local Big Fun Run takes place at the beautiful Cannon Hill Park on Saturday 20th September - get involved!

The Big Fun Run series is strictly for FUN where it’s all about relaxed exercise. No times, no pressure, no sweat - just some easy moves and lots of laughs. The runs are suitable for all the family where you can accomplish your personal goals; whether you are raising money for a worthwhile cause close to your heart, remembering a loved one or simply keeping active.

And remember under 5s can take part for FREE! This isn’t about Olympic level athletes charging about in record times. It’s about mums with prams, dads with toddlers, groups running together, fancy dress and a fantastic fun mix. Are you getting a picture of something a little bit different?

Come and be a part of it. We’d love to see you and ALL are welcome.

Enter now at www.bigfunrun.com

Red House Glass Cone, High Street, Wordsley DY8 4AZ www.facebook.com/BigFunRun @BigFunRun #bigfunrun

® www.primarytimes.net

Supporting British Farmers SUMMER 2014 ISSUE

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

22 JUL, 5 AUG & 19 AUG

Charlecote Park, Wellesbourne, Warwick FAMILY PARK SAFARI

ropes, knots, carabiners and a harness to climb to the top of the tree and zip wire back down! Led by the Great Big Tree Climbing Company. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear. Booking required: 0800 055 6760. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/croome

Join us for a tractor pulled trailer ride through the park. This short ride is a great opportunity to see the sheep and deer that live in the park. A perfect family treat during school holidays. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ charlecote-park

24 AUG - 25 AUG

4 AUG, MON 11 AUG, MON 18 AUG

Step back in time over August Bank holiday Sunday and Monday and take an emotional journey from 1914-1918 as we commemorate WWI. Begin in the Orchard with the lighter feel of 1914 as recruiting starts and the boys are waved off; watch the moods change as the years progress. Discover real stories from behind the lines and find out how the effects were felt on the Estate. Small additional charge for children’s activities. www. nationatrust.org.uk/dudmaston-estate

Berrington Hall, Near Leominster LAKE DIPPING

Bring along the family and join in the hunt for all those ‘Ugly Bugs’ in the parkland and in our lake. www.national trust.org.uk/ berrington-hall

Dudmaston Estate, near Bridgnorth A WALK THROUGH THE WAR - LIVING HISTORY

JUL - AUG

National Space Centre TRAIN WITH TIM This summer the National Space Centre will be challenging you to “Train with Tim” and see if you have what it takes to be an astronaut, like UK astronaut-in-training Tim Peake. Tim is currently training for his mission to the International Space Station, where he will be the first British ESA astronaut, at the end of November 2015.

Train with Tim - four training activity challenges, exploring core skills vital for an astronaut. Record your results and compare them against Tim’s.

The ISS Science Zone - have a go at interactive activities replicating real science currently being carried out on the International Space Station.

Tim’s Test - Tim is not the first British-born person in space. Tim’s Test, around our galleries, challenges you to find the M&Ms flown on station by Piers Sellers (all blue of course), or the toothbrush of an astronaut who answered a radio advert to travel into space. There’s a great prize!

Life in Space – find out what life in space will really be like for Tim. www.spacecentre.co.uk 18 AUG- 22 AUG

RAW ADVENTURE SUMMER

To book, visit www.supercamps.co.uk 22 - 25 AUG

Ricoh Arena, Coventry INSOMNIA GAMING FESTIVAL 10 AUG

Wightwick Manor and Gardens, Wolverhampton, Outdoor Theatre PETER PAN

Solihull Arts Complex SUMMER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

Join the Lost Boys, Wendy and Peter on an adventure to Neverland. Bring blankets, folding chairs and picnics to enjoy this wonderful open-air production.

Booking required: 01902 761400. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wightwick-manor

Join the deep sea underwater theme of creativity this summer in the Studio at Solihull Arts Complex! We have various creative arts and crafts , fun dance session based on the theme of ‘under water’!

22 AUG

ARTS & CRAFTS & DANCE WORKSHOPS

Croome, near High Green, Worcester, WR8 9DW TREE CLIMBING

Spend an hour with two highly-skilled instructors who will teach you how to use

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5 AUG, 7 AUG & 14 AUG

It’s possible to book dance and art sessions, and stay for lunch. Just purchase the ‘lunch supervision’ ticket when booking a session and bring a packed lunch or pre-book a lunchbox from the cafe bar.

Insomnia52 takes place this August Bank Holiday; it’s set to be the biggest Insomnia event ever! There is a whole host of activities and special guests lined up with even more to be announced. This event is all about the summer festival feel, and in order to accommodate all the fans they’ve taken over the Ricoh Arena pitch, which will house a Festival Arena and YouTuber Live Zone. The rest of the venue will feature the Minecraft Zone, Indie Zone, Exhibition Hall, and all of your favourite areas from previous events. www.insomniagamingfestival.com JUL - AUG

Tattenhall College SUMMER DAY CAMPS Tettenhall College is set within 33 acres of woodland just 3 miles outside Wolverhampton near both Wolverhampton Hospital and the University of Wolverhampton. Their MultiActivity course will have swimming, archery and LEGO®, as well as our other fantastic activities, at no extra cost!

From Seed to Spoon www.primarytimes.net

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25 m ad

Summer Spectacular

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Edgbaston High School for Girls

Tettenhall College

Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 3TS

Bournville, B30 1UL

Wood Road, Wolverhampton, WV6 8QX

Play, create, enjoy.

Multi-Activity, RAW and Arts & Crafts courses available.

Boys and girls ages 4-14. Throughout summer holidays.

Day rates and weekly packages available.

NEW Intrepid Adventurers Challenge NEW Jungle Maze Superslide Mania - Massive Indoor Play Dome Hatton's Grand National The Great American Gold Rush NEW Wild West Activities NEW dinosaurs on our Eternity Engine ride Scales and Tails Reptile Handling House Falconry Centre All the Fun of the Fair

www.supercamps.co.uk

01235 467300

Amelia’s

A glorious corner of Devon

CAFÉ & DINER

Farmyard Favourites, Guinea Pig Village, JCB's and so much more

10% online discount for open tickets 25% online discount booked 5 days in advance

Book an award-winning fa mily su mmer holiday Take the children away this summer to Cofton Country Holidays; a family run holiday park set within 80 acres of countryside and open parkland in the heart of South Devon and minutes from Dawlish Warren’s Blue Flag beach.

Accommodation types for all the family: Touring, Camping, Holiday Homes, Apartments and Cottages.

Terms and Conditions apply - see website for details

Fantastic facilities: • Indoor leisure complex with swimming pool, sauna, steam room, gym, hydrotherapy loungers with jets and children’s splash area

Hatton Country World, just 5 minutes from J15 of the M40 (Warwick)

• Outdoor heated swimming pool and children’s pool

Tel: 01926 843411

• Daily activities and evening entertainment throughout peak seasons • 5 course fishing lakes 17292A 6/14

●

Get outside this summer!

Dame Elizabeth Cadbury

19th July to 1st September 2014

●

The UK’s no. 1 for children’s holiday activity camps

And much more…

To book today or to find out more visit: www.coftonholidays.co.uk or call 01626 890 111 Starcross • Nr Dawlish • EX6 8RP

THE BEST PICK OF WHAT’S ON WHEN AND WHERE 21 JUL- 22 AUG

hands-on activities for all ages. From bubble cars to ball runs, moving sculptures to motorised art activities there is something to inspire the inventor in everyone! (admission charges apply)

MULTI ACTIVITY SUMMER 28 JUL- 22 AUG

DAME ELIZABETH CADBURY MULTIACTIVITY SUMMER CAMP

A purpose-built sports centre superbly located for convenience in Birmingham offers children a full range of holiday activities at this Bournville school. With secluded and leafy outdoor areas and one of the biggest gyms in the city, this camp is fulfilment and fun for children whatever the weather.

To book, visit www.supercamps.co.uk JUL - AUG

Back to Backs: 10th Birthday Celebration The Birmingham Back to Backs celebrates its 10th Birthday on 24 July 2014. As part of their celebrations, there will be an exhibition running during July and August 2014, ‘How time travel was made possible’ shows how these dilapidated houses were transformed in to the popular visitor attraction where the stories of the inhabitants of Court 15 can be told. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/birminghamback-to-backs

BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM & ART GALLERY Events include Birmingham International jazz and Blues Festival, Soldier Stories, Community day, drop-in arts sessions and more. www.bmag.org.uk

19 JUL - 31 AUG

Birmingham Museums SUMMER FUN THINKTANK Over at Thinktank, Birmingham science museum, visitors can explore thousands of fascinating objects and hundreds of handson exhibitions on science and discovery, plus an amazing outdoor Science Garden.

Over the summer, visitors are invited to get in touch with their inventive side in the new ‘Come Create’ exhibition. Open daily until 7 September, ‘Come Create’ combines some of the more extraordinary creations from Birmingham’s own collection, alongside fun

SAREHOLE MILL Events include Jane Austin Day, Circus Academy, Various arts & crafts workshops and activities, Dig for History, Play in the Park and more. www.bmag.org.uk/sarehole-mill

fREE ENTRY A VIKING’S GUIDE TO DEADLY DRAGONS WITH CRESSIDA COWELL WOLVERHAMPTON ART GALLERY 14 JUNE - 30 AUGUST 2014

OPEN MON - SAT 10AM - 5PM

(CLOSED BANK HOLIDAYS)

LICHfIELD STREET WOLVERHAMPTON WV1 1DU

WWW.WOLVERHAMPTONART.ORG.UK

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Playday, various arts and crafts activities, and more. www.bmag.org.uk/weoley-castle

ASTON HALL Summer events include Dig It, , Hungry Bug Play day and picnic, Health and Wellbeing Day, family craft workshops and more. www.bmag.org.uk/aston-hall JUL - AUG

Edgbaston High School For Girls

SUMMER DAY CAMPS

SOHO HOUSE Various events throughout July and August, including Living History Event & Knights School, International Jazz & Blues Festival, Talk and Walk, Messing About With Boats and more. www.bmag.org.uk/soho-house

BLAKESLEY HALL National Play day activities including Teddy bears Parachuting, Lord Dudley’s Crazy Crusade quest and arts and crafts galore! www.bmag.org.uk/blakesley-hall

Holiday childcare for children aged 3-14 at a school that boasts an array of lovely facilities. The perfect venue for holiday childcare in the heart of Birmingham, serving Edgbaston and surrounding areas and conveniently situated near city centre boulevards. Girls only.

14 JUL - 29 AUG

MULTI ACTIVITY SUMMER 28 AUG - 1 AUG

4 AUG - 8 AUG

Head over to Weoley Castle this summer for the Origins of Middle earth walk, National

To book, visit www.supercamps.co.uk

IRONBRIDGE BLISTS HILL VICTORIAN TOWN The summer is here and its time to go back to Blists Hill Victorian Town in Ironbridge, where there is always something new to discover. Meet the Victorians in their shops and cottages, enjoy a portion of fish and chips or a bag of traditional sweets, take a ride on the fair or the horse and cart and join in the special events that are on over the school holidays. Its always great value for money, especially with an Annual Passport Ticket that gives you unlimited return visits to all 10 museums for 12 months. www.ironbridge.org.uk 19 JUL- 7 SEP

LIBRARY OF BIRMINGHAM ‘MYTHICAL MAZE’ SUMMER READING CHALLENGE Children aged four to eleven will be challenged to find their way around a labyrinth that introduces them to fantastical creatures from the world of legend and mythology, collecting stickers of characters such as dragons, unicorns and yetis along the way.

A PASSION FOR... ARTS & CRAFTS SUMMER

WEOLEY CASTLE

JUL-AUG

RAW ADVENTURE SUMMER

Maths & English tuition

For 5 to 14 year olds of all abilities

Save 25% when you join in July!* *Terms & conditions apply.

See in centre for details.

Mapped to the National Curriculum An environment that children enjoy Ofsted Registered & open 7 days a week Book your free trial today!

Harborne 0121 647 4394

Oldbury 0121 647 6369

Shirley 0121 647 4395

Yardley 0121 306 9455

Kings Heath 0121 661 7409

Wylde Green 0121 647 5159

Longbridge 0121 296 0768

Leamington Spa 01926 422 800

Find a full list of our centres at:

www.explorelearning.co.uk

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www.kelloggs.co.uk SUMMER 2014 ISSUE

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

The Summer Reading Challenge takes place every year during the summer holidays. You can sign up at your local library, then read six library books of your choice, collecting stickers and other rewards alonng the way - all for FREE. www.libraryofbirmingham.com

This is a drop in exhibition. You may be asked to wait if the activity space is full at the time of your visit. We regret that we are unable to book in organised groups over the summer holidays.

18 JUL- 29 AUG

SUMMER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES - ROME-ING AROUND THIS SUMMER Put your best foot forward and march your way to the Herbert for an action packed summer of everything Roman.

18 JUL – 29 AUGUST

ROMAN RECRUITS

Take part in a trail around our galleries hunting for objects that will ensure you have all you need to become a soldier of the Roman Empire. Collect your trail sheet from Herbert reception.

JUL-AUG

HERBERT ART GALLERY & MUSEUM ROMAN EMPIRE: POWER & PEOPLE A BRITISH MUSEUM TOUR

Roman Empire: Power & People brings together over 160 stunning pieces from the British Museum to explore the story of one of the most powerful empires the world has ever seen. The exhibition explores the wealth, power and organisation of the Empire, but also how the Romans viewed their provinces and other peoples. Religious, military and personal objects give an insight into the lives of people across the Empire, from northern Britain to Egypt and the Middle East. These fascinating objects show how the influences of the many people and places that the Romans came into contact with were absorbed and adapted into the Empire.

18 JUL- 31 AUG

ADVENTURES IN THE LOST CITY- EARLY YEARS ACTIVITY SPACE The Herbert’s famous FREE early years activity space for families returns with Adventures in the Lost City. Enter the ruined city, and explore this hands-on creative environment where children can hide amongst columns, buildings, dens and tunnels.

The richly designed space offers all sorts of playful possibilities to stretch the imagination of younger children and the adults daring enough to join them.

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SUMMER 2014 ISSUE

23 & 24 JULY

POOS FROM THE PAST!

22 JUL- 31 AUG

COVENTRY TRANSPORT MUSEUM SUMMER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES Coventry Transport Museum has six weeks packed with terrific transport related activities, so whether your kids want to travel the skies, stars or seas, there are fun crafty workshops covering everything from telescopes, rockets, matchbox trains and model aeroplanes.

22 – 27 JUL

TRAVEL THE ROADS 28 JUL – 3 AUG

TRAVEL THE SKIES 4 – 10 AUG

TRAVEL THE TRACKS 18 – 24 AUG

TRAVEL THE SEAS

Join us for an archaeological dig with a difference and learn more about the Romans by examining their poo!

25 – 31 AUG

25 JULY

For a full list of scheduled events visit www.transport-museum.com

GET YOUR MARCHING ORDERS

TRAVEL THE LAND 22 JUL- 31 AUG

A PASSPORT TO CITIZENSHIP

BLACK COUNTRY LIVING MUSEUM SUMMER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIESPREPARING FOR WAR

For a full list of scheduled events and pricing information visit www.theherbert.org

As part of our programme to commemorate the centenary of the Great War, throughout the summer holiday period we will be inviting families to get involved in drills and offering other crafty events that will allow young and old alike to join in the commemorations of WWI.

Get your marching orders from a Roman soldier as he puts you through your paces at a military drill.

Collect stamps in a special passport by taking part in events throughout the summer, and be rewarded by attending an exclusive Lunt Fort event which will see you become a fully-fledged Roman citizen!

JUL-AUG

WAVE MUSEUM & GALLERIES OF WOLVERHAMPTON SUMMER ACTIVITIES You’re sure to find something to inspire at the four WAVE venues. With their family friendly displays and interactives, each venue can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages.

Summer holiday activities include Young Artists, Craftplay Explorers, Garden Club, Summer Holiday Stay & Play and more. www.wolverhamptonart.org.uk

A family discovery trail will take you around the Museum village to learn about WWI topics such as food shortages, munitions, war babies and mining life. On your way, you can pop into the Toll House to try on our WWI style munitionette outfit for a #museumselfie. Discover more about postcards home from the front and have a go at creating your very own vintage style postcard on our hand printing machine. www.bclm.co.uk 28 JUL- 29 AUG

Hatton Adventure World HOLIDAY CLUB Children will be able to enjoy all the facilities and attractions of the farm, including Superslide Mania, participating

where does your cereal come from? www.primarytimes.net

*

Kids go FREE for the School Holidays.

* Kids go FREE summer Holiday Fun Meet exotic and rare birds from around the world – from flamingos, pelicans and waterfowl in riverside habitats with colourful parrots, magical owls, hornbills and many more in habiting over 50 aviaries.

Close encounters, feeding displays and talks take place throughout the day. Discover more in the Indoor Discovery Zone and see new born chicks.

opEn daily FRoM 10am

Don’t m Penguin Feiss eds 11am & 2.30pm

Book a family stay during the school holidays at one of our 3 hotels in Devon & Cornwall and your kids go FREE! The Grand Hotel TORQUAY

The Falmouth Hotel FALMOUTH

The Grosvenor Hotel TORQUAY

Rissington Road, Bourton-on-the-Water, Glos. GL54 2BN

Please contact us on

0800 005 2244

Quote Ref: PT04 email: reservations@richardsonhotels.co.uk

*Rates are based on 2 adults & 2 children sharing a standard inland family room. Supplements apply for upgrades.

This offer is subject to availability & applies to new bookings only. Excludes Christmas and New Year.

T: 01451 820480 E: info@birdland.co.uk

www.birdland.co.uk

*Kids go FREE TERMs: Present this advert to receive one free child entry when accompanied by one full paying adult. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer or concession. Valid until 7/9/2014.

12 months free with every pass shakespeare.org.uk

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Not valid in conjunction with any other offer. Valid until 2 November 2014. Code PT2415HP

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– Shakespeare’s Birthplace – Mary Arden’s Farm – Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and Gardens

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Take part in fun filled activities for all the family at Shakespeare’s homes, farm and gardens in Stratford-upon-Avon.

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

in a changing programme of exciting and adventurous activities such as animal handling, arts and crafts, tractor rides, bug hunting, pond dipping and indoor play.

Each day will have a mixture of permanent events, shows and activities as well as more specific age related activities so that children will experience new and exciting treats during their time at Hatton World. www.hattonworld.com

8TH – 9TH AUG

intu MERRY HILL SHOPPING CENTRE HARRYFEST The biggest summer festival around! Roller disco, fair, super heroes, crafty workshops, candy floss, face painting and loads more.

Plus claim exclusive back to school money off vouchers. Get HarryFest tickets in the centre from 14th July. Visit intu.co.uk/ merryhill for more details.

PLACES TO VISIT NEW WALSALL ART GALLERY This is a gallery that welcomes everyone.

There is an interactive space called The Family Gallery for you to explore. There are workshops to make things; sessions for babies; and activities you can do anytime with your family in the galleries as well as looking at all the art on display. www.thenewgallerywalsall.org.uk

BIRDLAND PARK & GARDENS The beautiful setting is inhabited by over 500 birds. Flamingos, pelicans, penguins, cranes, storks, cassowary, and waterfowl can be seen on various aspects of the natural water habitat. There are also over 50 aviaries featuring parrots, falcons, pheasants, hornbills, touracos, pigeons, ibis and many more. The Desert House is home to the more delicate species, whilst the indoor Discovery Zone features egg laying creatures including fish, amphibians and reptiles.

Where: Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire, 01451 820 480, www.birdland.co.uk 24-25 AUG

Kennilworth Castle & Elizabethan Garden CLASH OF THE KNIGHTS- THE FINALE! Sir William Marshall, the greatest knight in England, has assembled knights from throughout the land to do battle for prizes and glory at Kenilworth Castle. With bow, lance and shield, the Knights and their teams will compete on foot and horseback in the exciting conclusion to English Heritage’s season of clashing knights.

Pick your favourite knight and cheer him on! http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/ daysout/events/clash-of-the-knights

NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM Head to the National Motorcycle Museum, a place where ‘legends live on’. A great day out where the young and the old can study the development of the motorcycle and learn about the days when British motorcycles ‘ruled the world’.

Where: Solihull, West Midlands, 01675 443 311, www.nationalmotorcyclemuseum.co.uk

informative and entertaining excursions.

They run regular guided boat trips throughout the tunnels, accompanied by videos, lifelike reconstructions and stunning music and light shows.

Where: Dudley, 0121 557 6265, www. dudleycanaltrust.org.uk

BIRMINGHAM NATURE CENTRE Whether you’re interested in animal conservation or just having a fun day out with family, Birmingham Nature Centre offers something for everyone. Come and see the exciting and fun animals.

Where: Birmingham, 0121 472 7775, www.birmingham.gov.uk/naturecentre

DUDLEY ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS Dudley Zoological Gardens is a unique zoo with hundreds of animals set around an 11th Century castle, sited on a 40-acre wooded hillside with a rich geological history.

Where: Dudley, 01384 215 313, www. dudleyzoo.org.uk

STRATFORD BUTTERFLY FARM Watch hundreds of the world’s most unique and colourful butterfly as they fly around the leafy tropical tropical environment. See their amazing life cycles in the caterpillar room and those brave enough can check out many weird and wonderful creatures up close.

Where: Stratford-Upon-Avon, 01789 299 288, www.butterflyfarm.co.uk

BADDESLEY CLINTON This atmospheric house dates from the 15th century and was the home of the Ferrers family for 500 years. The house and interiors reflect its heyday in the Elizabethan era, when it was a haven for persecuted Catholics - there are three priest’s holes. There is a delightful garden with stewponds and a romantic lake and nature walk.

Where: Warwickshire, 01564 783 294, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/baddesleyclinton

DUDLEY CANAL TRUST Join the Dudley Canal Trust for fun,

26

SUMMER 2014®ISSUE

It all starts with sunshine & grains www.primarytimes.net

Blists Hill Victorian Town It’s time to come back

Re-live happy memories, and discover something new.

Save 25% off Annual Passport Tickets, visit ironbridge.org.uk/promo25 and buy your discounted tickets today.

SUMMER SIZZLER

25% Off

ANNUAL PASSPORT TICKETS. Present this advert at the gate and save.

See website for terms & conditions. Offers valid until 1/09/2014

01952 433424

A British Museum Tour

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16 May – 31 August 2014 www.theherbert.org

The exhibition has been developed in partnership between Bristol Museums, Galleries & Archives and the British Museum.

Supported through the generosity of the Dorset Foundation

Registered charity number 1153487 (England and Wales) Company limited by guarantee number 08570737 (England and Wales)

E D G B A S TO N HIGH SCHOOL for GIRLS

An independent school for girls aged 2½-18 years

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Kids’ Summer Holiday too long?

Learn how your child can get ahead this Summer Research shows that your child could fall behind by as much as 4 months over the long Summer holiday. your child will need a break and an effective inspiring programme of tuition to get ahead for September.

“When I went to the next parents’ evening, I realised that the tuition had made a real difference.” Mum, Shamim “She desperately wants to be a nurse so “ she has to do well in English, Maths and Science. If she can get a B at GCSE, she’ll be able to fulfil her ambitions and that’s priceless.” Mum, Julie

For your FREE consultation, contact your local tutor BIRMINGHAM Sharon 0121 285 1485

Call your local tutor now for your free consultation and assessment.

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www.genietutors.co.uk We’re also on Facebook:

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We also prepare children for entrance exams, 11+, SATs, GCSEs and A-Levels.

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New centres opening in wolverhampton, erdington and sutton coldfield. Call 0333 344 2280 now to qualify for our limited launch offer.

BOOKZONE

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

Mighty Mo

by Alison Brown Little Tiger Press, £10.99 (Hardback) | 5+

At the Golden Dodo Zoo, Mo the raccoon is bored, bored, bored.

There must be something amazing he can do! It certainly isn’t making ice-creams or blowing up balloons... But when Big Ron the robber starts causing trouble, it’s up to mighty Mo to save the day!

This hilarious story about an unlikely hero will appeal to any child with a sense of adventure. Keep your little superhero entertained with these bright, lively illustrations from the talented Alison Brown (Eddie and Dog) – perfect for fans of Claire Freedman’s Superkid.

Dirty Bertie: Rats

by Alan MacDonald Stripes Publishing, £4.99 | 5-7

Join Bertie in Rats! his 23rd adventure, as he crosses paths with a cheeky rodent, takes part in a chaotic cross-country run, and tries to get his dog Whiffer to eat healthily – with disastrous results!

Nathalia Buttface and the Most Embarrassing Dad in the World

by Nigel Smith

Harper Collins, £6.99 | 9+ The Most Embarrassing Dad in the World was embarrassing Nathalia even before she was born. He went and married Mum, didn’t he? Mum’s last name was De Montfort. Thanks to Dad she wasn’t Nathalia De Montfort. She was Nathalia Bumole.

“It’s pronounced Bew-mow–lay,” Dad would tell her patiently, time and again. “If anyone says differently, the joke’s on them.”

But as Nathalia knows only too well, the joke will not be on them. It will be on her.

Massively.

If Nathalia can just keep The Most Embarrassing Dad In The World away from her new school, then maybe he won’t ruin everything this time.

Maybe.

Diamond (Hetty Feather Series)

by Jacqueline Wilson Yearling, £6.99 | 9-11

Diamond wasn’t always a star. Born to penniless parents who longed for a strong, healthy son, she was a dainty, delicate daughter - and a bitter disappointment. Discovering an extraordinary gift for acrobatics, Diamond uses her talent to earn a few pennies, but brings shame on her family. When a mysterious, cruel-eyed stranger spots her performing, Diamond is sold - and is taken to become an acrobat at Tanglefield’s Travelling Circus. When life at the circus becomes too dangerous to bear any longer, what will the future hold for Diamond?

REVIEW

A Dog So Small by Philippa Pearce Puffin Books, £6.99 | 11+

Ben Blewitt is desperate for a dog and the story opens with him waking early on the morning of his birthday, anticipating that he will have one of his own. He’s picked out the biggest and best dogs from the books in the library - and he just knows he’s going to get one for his birthday. Ben is very excited, but he receives a picture of a Chihuahua called Chiquitito (the Spanish word for very, very small) instead of a real dog!

Ben is bitterly disappointed and swears never to visit his grandparents again, though he does go to stay with them at their house in the countryside shortly afterwards. He soon learns that the imagination can be a powerful thing. On his return journey to London, he suddenly sees Chiquitito for the first time behind his closed eyelids and from then on he and the dog are inseparable. See what adventures they embark upon together.

This is a beautiful story about the dangers and pleasures of a child’s active imagination.

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!

® www.primarytimes.net

Supporting British Farmers SUMMER 2014 ISSUE

29

ENTERTAINMENT MOVIES

How to Train Your Dragon 2 11th July 2014, Certificate: U When Hiccup and Toothless discover an ice cave that is home to hundreds of new wild dragons and the mysterious Dragon Rider, the two friends find themselves at the centre of a battle to protect the peace.

PUDSEY: The Movie 18 July 2014, Certificate: U A heartwarming, quintessentially British adventure for all the family, PUDSEY THE DOG: THE MOVIE follows cheeky London stray dog, Pudsey, who is quite happy being a lone ranger, looking out for number one, until he meets siblings Molly (Izzy Meikle-Small), George (Spike White) and Tommy (Malachy Knights). After losing their father, their mother Gail (Jessica Hynes) is moving the family to the sleepy village of Chuffington and Pudsey tags along, to the dismay of their landlord, Mr. Thorne (John Sessions), and his cat Faustus. As Pudsey starts to settle in with the family and realise what he was missing when he was alone, he stumbles across Thorne’s evil plan and he determines to save them and the whole village.

DVD/BLU-RAY

TinkerBell and the Pirate Fairies 28th June 2014, Certificate: U Lured by its magic powers, dust-keeper fairy Zarina steals the Blue Pixie Dust and joins the Skull Rock pirates who make her their captain. Without the dust Tinker Bell and her friends - Silvermist, Vidia, Iridessa, Rosetta and Fawn- will lose their ability to fly. The fairies embark on a race against time to bring it back to Pixie Hollow but when Zarina switches their unique talents, their journey only becomes more challenging.

Frozen 28th June 2014, Certificate: PG When a prophecy traps a kingdom in eternal winter, Anna, a fearless optimist, teams up with extreme mountain man Kristoff and his sidekick reindeer Sven on an epic journey to find Anna’s sister Elsa, the Snow Queen, and put an end to her icy spell. Encountering mystical trolls, a funny snowman named Olaf, everest-like extremes and magic at every turn, Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom from destruction.

The Lego Movie 21st July 2014, Certificate: U

Planes: Fire & Rescue 8 Aug 2014, Certificate: U

APPS

Planes: Fire & Rescue features a quirky crew of elite firefighting aircraft devoted to protecting historic Piston Peak National Park from a raging wildfire. When world famous air racer Dustylearns that his engine is damaged and he may never race again, he must shift gears and is launched into the world of wildfire air attack. Dusty joins forces with veteran fire and rescue helicopter Blade Ranger and his courageous air attack team, including spirited super scooper Li’l Dipper, heavy-lift helicopter Windlifter, ex-military transport Cabbie and a lively bunch of brave all-terrain vehicles known as The Smokejumpers. Together, the fearless team battles a massive wildfire, and Dusty learns what it takes to become a true hero.

The wicked Lord Business is determined to destroy the Lego universe and rebuild it using glue - which goes against the very nature of Lego.

Mistaken as the ‘Special’, the only surviving Master Builder, the rather ordinary Emmet is selected to lead a group of figures on a mission to put a stop to Lord Business’s evil plan. Emmet is helped by wise wizard Vitruvius, tough girl Wyldstyle and DC superhero Batman, but can he find something extraordinary within himself in order to save the world?

Disney Princess Palace Pets

Dragons: Rise of Berk

App Store, FREE | Google Play, FREE

Google Play Store, FREE

Enter the enchanted world of the Disney Princess Palace Pets. Meet Pumpkin, Teacup, Blondie, Treasure, Berry, Beauty, Lily, Summer, Sultan, and Petit! Treat the pets to a delightful day at the Royal Pet Salon!

Join Hiccup, Toothless and the gang to protect your village from the mysterious strangers that threaten peace on Berk. Train your DreamWorks Dragons successfully and they’ll reveal new powers that will help to ensure the future of your island.

Justin’s World- Jetty J-Bot

Monster High Ghouls and Jewels

App Store, FREE

App Store, FREE

There’s someone special joining Justin’s World! Say hello to Jetty J-Bot- Justin’s Friendly flying robot. He’s jetting in to help your child learn their shapes, letters and numbers.

Create your very own Monster High Fashion Ghoul and help Twyla collect the mysterious Dream Jewels in this freaky fab match 3 puzzle game!

® www.primarytimes.net

From Seed to Spoon SUMMER 2014 ISSUE

31

1 in 25 children in the UK has a genetic disorder. By organising a Jeans for Genes Day your school could transform their lives.

Bring PSHE, science and genetics lessons to life with our free educational resources - including films, teacher’s notes, worksheets and ready-made assemblies.

FR IDAY 19 t h SEP TEMBER 2014 jeansforgenes.org/signup

Jeans for Genes Day What could your jeans do?

Jeans for Genes ® and ™ © 2014 Genetic Disorders UK. All rights reserved. Registered Charity Number: 1141583.

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^TERMS AND CONDITIONS. 1. This offer entitles one child to a free kids’ main meal per adult purchasing a main meal from the main restaurant menu at the same time. Breakfast, Light Bites, Bar Snacks, Daytime & Evening Value menu meals and all Set Menus are excluded. 2. Junior Meals are excluded. 3. This offer is valid Mondays to Fridays before 5pm. For full terms and conditions go to tabletable.co.uk/ termsandconditions Horrible Histories® is a registered trademark of Scholastic Inc. and is used under authorization.

All rights reserved. Based on the bestselling books written by Terry Deary and illustrated by Martin Brown. Illustration © Martin Brown

FREE SUMMER DAYS OUT! BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM

& ART GALLERY * Some exhibitions and events may charge.

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From A to th nglo-Sa e am xon g a o Birm ingha zing histo ld ry of m-s in tim tep e this summ back er!

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ND LS A S I A R T TIE TIVI

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Making plans for the Autumn term Written by Anne Marie Scanlon

For most children, returning to school after the long summer break is a time of mixed emotions – excitement about starting the next year, having new teachers, learning new things and making new friends.

However excitement can often go hand-in-hand with anxiety. Don’t worry, there’s quite a lot parents can do to make the return to school as easy as possible for their children.

Organise as much as you can now.

The last thing either you or your child want is a stressed-out last minute scrabble to get everything done.

Many parents feel that they must provide an all new uniform for their child, and these can generally be obtained for a reasonable amount at well-known supermarkets and chain stores. Still, no matter how low the prices are, many of us just aren’t in a position to purchase brand new clothes. Many PTAs now run sales, usually at this time of year, and you can snap up great bargains – especially with items bearing the school crest.

Apart from the PTA, many areas have local online parenting sites or forums – where school uniforms can be bought or got for free. Also, check www.ilovefreegle.org to find the Freegle group in your area.

(Freegle allows people to obtain or give away items they no longer need – for free.) Remember, what we once called second-hand, is now called pre-loved.

There is one thing that you can’t purchase in advance – footwear.

Having properly fitted shoes is essential for the health and development of your child. Don’t

skimp on gym shoes either.

Parents often chose plimsolls for gym, as they are easy for small children to put on and are relatively cheap.

Unfortunately, plimsolls do not give a child’s foot adequate support. There is no need to spend extravagantly on gym shoes, go to a specialist shop and buy according to budget. See our guide for getting your child perfectly shoed (below).

Easing the way back to school isn’t just about having the whole kit and caboodle ready to go. While it’s tempting to completely abandon everything education-related for the duration of the holidays it’s not such a good idea. With each advancing year at primary school the workload increases significantly and sometimes the first day back can be a bit of a shock, especially if your child has avoided anything education-related for the entire break. Nobody’s suggesting that you make your offspring sit at a desk every day and do hard sums but a few fun brain activities will mean that your child is better prepared for the year ahead.

cooking with them and get them to read the recipes (they could even write the shopping list!), get them to read maps, road names, street signs and advertising billboards. We are surrounded by words and you can have your children reading without them even knowing they’re doing it!

Check our website www.primarytimes.net Kid’s Activities section where you can download fun activity and educational worksheets. It is also essential for your child to regularly practice reading during the holidays. A lot of people assume this means putting a book in a child’s hand – not necessarily. Once your child has mastered reading point them towards sections in the newspaper that will interest them (fashion, pop music, sport), do some

(1) Measure, Measure, Measure When you are ready to buy get your child’s feet professionally measured.

Then go somewhere else and have it done again. Despite the amazing gadgetry shops now have for measuring children’s feet the people using the gadgetry are human and sometimes make mistakes. Yes, this is slightly time consuming but having the proper fit is so important.

Given that most shops provide a fitting service at least you won’t be out of pocket.

Many of us relax rules about bedtime during the holidays but it’s a good idea to return to normal about a week before school starts so your child is back into a routine.

Until then – enjoy the summer.

Three Top Tips for Buying Shoes for School

(2) Never Buy Shoes in a Hurry This applies as much to buying your own shoes as it does to purchasing your children’s. Sometimes, even if the size is right, the style of the shoe just doesn’t feel comfortable for the wearer. You need time to walk around in shoes to know if they’re going to fit properly or irritate some part of your feet. Your children probably need even more time to make that decision.

(3) BYOS (Bring Your Own Socks) Again this is something that you could apply to yourself. When you are buying your child’s school shoes bring along the socks/tights they will be wearing with them. This is even more important when buying gym shoes as the socks worn for P.E. are often thicker than ordinary ones.

Don’t Forget…

To book after school clubs, activities and tutors now for the new academic year – that way you won’t run the risk of missing the first lesson!

Choosing the right ruck sack.

Unsurprisingly, given the size and contents of their bags, back pain is becoming increasingly common among the young. Tim Hutchful from the British Chiropractic Association (BCA) advises, “You can help to protect your child from back and neck pain by making sure they have the right school gear and don’t carry too much with them each day.” The British Chiropractic Association (BCA) recommends rucksacks, carried on both shoulders and checked daily for excess weight, as the best school bags. BCA also advise wearing supportive soft-soled shoes and for children to keep as active as possible throughout the day. For more information check www.chiropractic-uk.co.uk.

34

SUMMER 2014 ISSUE

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BACK TO SCHOOL ISSUE 2013

In The Midlands & Black Country

Primary Times West Midlands and the Black Country Primary Times Limited Lifestyle

23rd Oct – 3rd Nov 2013

© Disney

0844 338 8000

for parents, teachers and children

COVENTRY

In the Midlands and Black Country

.raxiP/yensiD © sretcarahc raxiP/yensiD .yensiD © krowtra dna sretcarahc yensiD

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Disney characters and artwork © Disney. Disney/Pixar characters © Disney/Pixar.

FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2014 ISSUE

13th – 16th March 2014

0844 338 8000

AVAILABLE IN THE APP STORE

VENUE : WAR MEMORIAL PARK DATE : SUNDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER 2014 TIME : 11:00AM Big Fun Run is a series of 5k untimed runs staged within scenic settings throughout the UK from July to October 2014. Your local Big Fun Run takes place at the beautiful War Memorial Park on Sunday 21st September - get involved!

NORFOLK HOUSE SCHOOL 4 Norfolk Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 3PS Tel: 0121 454 7021 Email: info@norfolkhouseschool.co.uk www.norfolkhouseschool.co.uk

The Big Fun Run series is strictly for FUN where it’s all about relaxed exercise. No times, no pressure, no sweat - just some easy moves and lots of laughs. The runs are suitable for all the family where you can accomplish your personal goals; whether you are raising money for a worthwhile cause close to your heart, remembering a loved one or simply keeping active.

And remember under 5s can take part for FREE! This isn’t about Olympic level athletes charging about in record times. It’s about mums with prams, dads with toddlers, groups running together, fancy dress and a fantastic fun mix. Are you getting a picture of something a little bit different?

Come and be a part of it. We’d love to see you and ALL are welcome.

Tuition Classes available on Saturdays and in the Summer holidays for 11+ and SATS Preparation Summer School 21st July to 29th August for 5 -11 year olds Please phone or email the school for further information or look on our website.

Norfolk House School is an independent school for children aged between 3 and 11 years

www.primarytimes.net

Enter now at www.bigfunrun.com

www.facebook.com/BigFunRun @BigFunRun #bigfunrun

WHITSUN 2014 ISSUE

35

Competitions WIN a copy TARZAN! The king of the jungle is brought back to life as the epic, fun-filled jungle adventure TARZAN arrives on Blu-ray 3D/2D and DVD on 25th August 2014.

We have 3 DVDs up for grabs and one could be yours! To enter, simply answer the following question: Tarzan is commonly known as the ‘King of the…’

A. Jungle B. Castle C. Forest Competition closes Thu 28th August 2014. Tarzan is released to Blu-ray and DVD on 25th August 2014, courtesy of Entertainment One.

Win a Family Annual Passport to all Ironbridge Museums!

This Summer enjoy day after day of fun things to do with the kids at Ironbridge.

You can join in creative ceramic drop-in workshops, have a go at traditional trades and dress up at their many themed event weekends; including Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Sherlock Holmes and Oliver Twist throughout July and August 2014.

For your chance of winning a family Annual Passport Ticket, which gives you unlimited return visits to all 10 museums for 12 months! simply complete the following sentence: Iron is a type of… a) Metal b) Liquid c) Clothing Competition closes Thu 28th August. Visit www.ironbridge.org.uk for a detailed list of venues

Win a National Trust Family Pass

Win a copy of VIVA ALICE!

The National Trust have got plenty of activities to keep visitors busy during the school summer holidays. Visitors to Packwood House will be able to explore a series of playful sculptures created by artist Hilary Jack, including a four poster bed and a small house in the woods.

The Alice and Megan series by Judi Curtin (Ireland’s most popular author for girls of 8 to 12) has been praised highly by readers, parents, teachers and the press alike for its warm, realistic portrayal of friendships and family life.

At the Back to Backs in Birmingham, visitors are invited to celebrate the 10th birthday of this special place; the ‘How time travel was made possible’ exhibition will be running during July and August 2014. There’s lots for families to enjoy at Coughton Court, from traditional outdoor games and trails to adventure packs and a play area.

Summer is also the perfect time to be an outdoor explorer and tick off some more on the ‘50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾’ list. So, pack a picnic and enjoy a summers day with the National Trust. We’re giving away a family pass (2 adults, 2 Children) to visit a property of your choice, visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/midlandsfamilies for property details.

For your chance to win a copy of Viva Alice! simply answer this question: In which country does the book’s author, Judi Curtin live?

A. Spain B. Ireland C. America Viva Alice! published 4th August 2014O’Brien Press.

Competition ends Thu 28th Aug 2014.

To enter, simply answer the following question: How many things are there to do before you’re 11 ¾? a) 100 b) 50 c) 5 Competition closes Thu 28th August 2014.

A Tiger’s Tail DVD GIVEAWAY To celebrate the release of A Tiger’s Tail, a heart-warming tale about a trio who conspire to return a baby tiger cub (Luna) back to the wild animal park where she belongs, we have 5 copies of the DVD to give away.

To enter, complete the following sentence: Tigers are also known as Big Wild…

A. Cats B. Lions C. Creatures A TIGER’S TAIL comes to DVD and On Demand on 28th JULY 2014 from Icon Film Distribution. Competition closes Thu 28th Aug 2014.

To enter all our competitions, go to www.primarytimes.net/midlands/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 or via our Twitter and Facebook pages (see page 3) by the closing date stated. Good luck!

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WHITSUN 2014 ISSUE

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BE A MINI GOLF CHAMPION WITH

GOLDEN PUTTER TURN U GROUP P + PLAY! BOO PRIVATE KINGS + H AVAILAB IRE LE

OPEN 10AM-5PM 7 DAYS A WEEK (open until 7pm daily from 1st July)

Not only are Golden Putter courses an ideal day out for family and friends, you even get the chance to win prizes and enter exclusive competitions!

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o c le o h 6 3 w e n ic t s a Fant

Opening 12th July

! m a h g in m ir B k r a P l at Cannon Hil The fantastic new course will have loads of challenging features, including exciting hills and contours, trees and shrubbery to navigate and a wealth of water features!

Cannon Hill Park, 2 Russell Road, Moseley, Birmingham, West Midlands B13 8RD Also at: St. Nicholas Park, Banbury Road, Warwick CV34 4QY Time may vary in bad weather conditions

Competitions WIN a copy of ‘Top 10 of Everything 2015’, a super-cool annual for kids!

Geek-supremo Paul Terry returns with a spectacular annual for children. ‘Top 10 of Everything’ is full-to-the-brim with awesome facts, spanning across amazing and fun subjects including film, superheroes, sports, space and weather.

Fully interactive, no page is without an activity to keep kids occupied throughout the summer holidays and beyond.

Win a Collection of Puffin Classics This summer, Puffin is bringing a series of timeless and unforgettable stories to life for a new generation of readers to discover.

From Goodnight Mister Tom to Charlotte’s Web, Watership Down to Tarka the Otter, these treasured children’s books have all stood the test of time, remaining as relevant and resonant today as when first published.

We’re giving away a wonderful set of 4 Puffin Classics to one luck reader. To enter, all you have to do is tell us whether a ‘Puffin’ has a brightly coloured… a) Beak b) Nose c) Beard Competition closes Thu 28th August.

We have 5 annuals up for grabs and for your chance to win a copy, simply tell us which of the following is a famous superhero:

Top 10 of Everything 2015, published 14th July- Octopus Publishing Group.

Competition closes Thu 28th August 2014.

Frog and the Barbarian, published August 2014- Stripes Publishing.

Competition ends Thu 28th Aug 2014.

At Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, families can get up-close to some amazing mechanical contraptions in Marvellous Machines: The Wonderful World of Rowland Emett (10th May – 21st Sept 2014). The quirky moving machines include items from the film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, fantastical flying machines and a bicycle for cycling across the moon!

For your chance of winning tickets to these two tremendous exhibitions, answer this simple question: Rowland Emett’s quirky contraptions featured in which classic family film?

Win a copy of Frog and the Barbarian

A. Freddy B. Kermit C. Frank

We are giving away two family tickets (2 adults + 3 children) to see two of the hottest exhibitions in Birmingham this summer.

Marvellous Machines: The Wonderful World of Rowland Emett at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery and Come Create at Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum.

Over at Thinktank, visitors are invited to get creative and inventive in the new exhibition, Come Create (24th May - 7th Sept 2014). All ages will be inspired by some of the wonderful and wacky objects from Birmingham’s collections normally kept in storage and can make something extraordinary - mechanical ball runs, gigantic pictures, electrical circuits and more!

A. Superman B. Snowman C. Caveman

To celebrate the return of Frog and more of his hilarious adventures we’re giving away a copy of Frog the Barbarian by Guy Bass.

For age 8 years and over, this is the second madcap tale about a frog on a serious mission in a world where nobody is sure what the bumbles is going on! To enter, tell us the name of another famous frog:

Win Tickets for a Summer of Fun in Brum!

WIN a copy of “I Heart Holidays” I Heart Holidays by Clara Vulliamy is the latest in the fun-filled Martha & the Bunny Brothers series. It’s sure to put a smile on any little one’s face as they go on holiday this summer.

We’re giving away 3 copies, all you have to do is answer the following question:

a) Chitty Chitty Bang Bang b) Mary Poppins c) Bed knobs and Broomsticks Competition ends 14th August 2014. For more information about Thinktank events visit www.birminghammuseums.org.uk

Martha and her brothers are…

A. Dogs B. Bunnies C. Bears I Heart Holidays, published 3rd July 2014Harper Collins Books. Competition ends Thu 28th Aug 2014.

To enter all our competitions, go to www.primarytimes.net/midlands/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 or via our Twitter and Facebook pages (see page 3) by the closing date stated. Good luck!

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WHITSUN 2014 ISSUE

www.primarytimes.net

B I R M I N G H A M

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C O V E N T R Y

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B U R T O N

WOLVERHAMPTON I NUNEATON

Dessert

Chocolate Fountain

Pancake Popcorn

Game Stations

NECHELLS

Unit 1A, The Wing Yip Centre, 278 Thimble Mill Lane, Nechells, Birmingham B7 5HD Tel : 0121 327 7879 Fax : 0121 327 7951

583 Fletchamstead, Highway, Coventry CV4 9EL

COVENTRY

43 - 45 New Street, Burton-On-Trent DE14 3QW

007 Bond Street, Nuneaton CV11 4DA

NUNEATON

WOLVERHAMPTON

Tel : 0247 669 1818 Fax : 0247 667 8811

Tel : 01283 500 222 Fax : 01283 562 323

Tel : 02476 388 308 Fax : 02476 328 832

Tel : 01902 783 388 Fax : 01902 788 883

BURTON

499 Stafford Road, Fordhouses, Wolverhampton WV10 6RR