Primary Times in Surrey MAY HALF TERM 2017

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E UID G ON S ’ T A WH

for parents, teachers and children

in Surrey

May Half Term 2017

15th May - 3rd July 2017

See pages 3 & 20 for more information Plus

Roundabout, Bookstore, Protect Our Pollinators, Dealing With Cyber Bullying, Theatre and much more!

Education

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Bookstore In Surrey

Second Floor, Richardson House, 21/24 New St, Worcester. WR1 2DP. Tel: 01905 723011 Fax: 01905 780103 Publishing Editor Dawn Pardoe - 01905 727909

May Half Term Reading ..........................................................................................

Roundabout

Design and Production Paul Blyth and Amy Thomas

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What’s On

Events Listings Amy Thomas - amy@pw-media.co.uk

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Sales & PR Suzie Scott - 01905 727904 Diane Stinton - 01905 727903

Protect Our Pollinators

Primary Times is independently published and distributed free through Infant and Junior Schools throughout Surrey. It is also available by subscription at £50 per year. Its aims are to inform families and children of current educational issues, forthcoming events, courses and attractions and to give teachers, pupils and parents the opportunity to participate in the magazine by adding to its contents or joining in the competitions which we run. It is not our intention to publish any racist, sexist or politically 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. Primary Times would like to thank all the schools for their assistance in distributing the magazine and for their contributions to its contents. We would also like to thank all the advertisers who have supported this publication and therefore made it possible. Please support their endeavours when and where you can. The copyright on all written material, logos and advertising artwork produced by our studio remains with Primary Times or the relevant contributor. Primary Times is currently publishing over 1,900,000 copies per issue throughout the counties of: Avon, Beds & Luton, Berkshire, Black Country, Bucks & Milton Keynes, Cambridge, Cardiff and S E Wales, Cornwall, Derbyshire, Devon, Dorset, Edinburgh, Essex, Fife, Tayside and Central Scotland, Glasgow & Central Scotland, Gloucester, Hampshire, Hereford and Worcester, Hertfordshire, Ireland (Kildare, Meath, Wicklow, South Dublin, Cork & Waterford), Kent, Leicester, Lincolnshire, East, West, South & North London, Newcastle & North Tyneside, Norfolk, Northampton, Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Staffordshire, Surrey, Sussex, Tees Valley, West Midlands, Wiltshire, South & West Yorkshire.

For further details contact The Primary Times Team on 01905 723011

20%OFF

HALF TERM BOOK

INGS

IN MAY

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Pinboard 20 ..........................................................................................

What is a Preparatory School?

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Theatre 28 Who’s Treading The Boards? ..........................................................................................

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Primary Times May Half Term 2017

For great days out listings, visit www.primarytimes.net

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Primary Times May Half Term 2017

For great days out listings, visit www.primarytimes.net

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Primary Times May Half Term 2017

For great days out listings, visit www.primarytimes.net

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BUGS & SLUGS

RHS Garden Wisley, Woking, Surrey GU23 6QB. Time: 10.30am - 4.30pm. Join us for activities around the garden.

Learn all about the different insect garden helpers and some misunderstood villains!

Create crafts and plant seeds to welcome wildlife to your garden. Cost: Free with garden admission. www.rhs.org.uk

Monday 15th May – Monday 26th June LITTLE RAYS FOREST SCHOOL

Watts Gallery - Artists’ Village, Down Lane, Compton, Guildford GU3 1DQ. Time: 10.30am – 11.45am. Join Little Rays Forest School for a stay and play session especially for under 5s, every Monday during term time.

Then join our Learning Team for a nature-inspired activity.

To register, contact pauline@ littlerays.co.uk or call 07968 067679. Cost: £5 per session, must be pre-booked. www.wattsgallery.co.uk

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Monday 15th May – Sunday 4th June

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admission applies. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

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Monday 15th May – Friday 30th June IN THE NIGHT GARDEN TRAIL

RHS Garden Wisley, Woking, Surrey GU23 6QB. Time: 10am – 6pm. Join Iggle Piggle’s magical adventure around the garden with our trail for children 1 to 4 years. Download the free app at home or collect a map at the entrance. Cost: Free with Garden admission. www.rhs.org.uk

Saturday 20th SPRING FAYRE

Ripley Primary School, Wentworth Close, Ripley, Surrey GU23 6ED. Time: 12noon – 3pm.

Bring the whole family along for a fun-packed day. Activities include bouncy castle, facepainting, games, BBQ and beer tent, local crafts stalls…plus lots more! Free Entry.

Sunday 21st

FUN DOG SHOW RSPCA Millbrook Animal Centre, Guildford Road, Chobham, Surrey GU24 8EH. Time: 10.30am – 5pm. A fun day out for all the family, there are many classes to enter your dog in; you can even try your hand at agility or the fastest recall competition. Cost: £2.50 per entrance, per class.

Tuesday 23rd

VICIOUS VIKINGS Museum Club, Bourne Hall, Spring Street, Ewell KT17 1 1UF. Time: 10.30am to 12.00pm.

Discover if Viking raiders really were as vicious as they claimed to be. Ewell will be visited by a Viking Warrior resting between raids, and he will demonstrate the fact behind the fiction.

Revealing why the Beserkers were so revered within Viking culture, he will show off his terrifying array of weapons.

Would you be brave enough to defend your home against a Viking attack? Uncover the culture of the Vikings: their craftsmanship and their trade.

See how they made their own armour, and learn how far they travelled in pursuit of goods, land and slaves. Discover how to fight like a Viking and perhaps learn the skills of spear wrestling! Cost: £5 per child.

Tel: 020 8394 1734 dbrooks@Epsom-Ewell.gov.uk

Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st

Thursday 25th

Claremont Landscape Gardens, Portsmouth Road, Esher KT10 9JG. Time: 10.30am – 4.30pm.

Watch the soldiers from the Queen’s (Royal West Surrey) Regiment engaging with the Boers in late 19th Century Africa.

Cost: Free event but normal

Hatchlands Park, East Clandon, Guildford GU4 7RT. Time: 8pm – 10pm. Join us at dusk for a guided walk around the park in search of some of our bat population. We’ll lend you a bat detector so that you can hear, and maybe even see, some of the 9 species that live here. To

VICTORIAN SOLDIERS REENACTMENT WEEKEND

Primary Times May Half Term 2017

BAT WALK

book a place on the walk please call the Hatchlands Park Admin Office on 01483 222482. Cost: Adult £7, Child £4. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Saturday 27th – Sunday 28th

HAPPY DAYS FESTIVAL 2017 Imber Court, Ember Lane, East Molesey, Surrey KT10 8EG. Time: 2pm – 10pm. Come along to see original artists from the 70’s, 80’s & 90’s! Great Music Great Times! Happy Days Festival will take you back in time and make you sing, dance and celebrate the party vibe of times gone by! Featuring a combination of legendary original artists from the 70s, 80s and 90s that will recreate the feel good factor of your youth! Artists confirmed for Party Saturday 27th May: Holly Johnson, Tony Hadley, Go West, Chas’n’Dave, The Christians, The Majestic. Artists confirmed for Soul Sunday 28th May: Billy Ocean, Sister Sledge, Five Star, Brans New Heavies, The Real Thing…more to follow! Cost: Tickets form £45. www.hdfestival.co.uk

Saturday 27th – Monday 29th The Big Inflatable Takeover

Wellington Country Park, Odiham Rd, Riseley RG7 1SP. Join us as inflatables takeover the Park! From 10:30am – 4:00pm come and bounce the bank holiday away with; Bouncy Castles, The Mega Slide, The Ball Pond, Obstacle Course and the Bungee Run! Don’t forget this event is free to take part in as it is included in your admission fee. www.wellington-country-park.co.uk

Sunday 28th

CATERHAM VILLAGE BOOT SALE Tesco Car Park, Guards Avenue,

For great days out listings, visit www.primarytimes.net

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R Coulsdon Road, Caterham, Surrey CR3 5QX. Time: 4pm – 7.45pm. The Caterham Village Boot Sale is a monthly ‘lazybones’ boot sale, starting at 4pm, on the last Sunday of the month. We are interested in hearing from local crafters and people who have some sort of product or service to offer as well as the people with the usual type of boot sale pitch. We also have a team from Evans Entertainment who regularly bring along one or two inflatables (e.g. bouncy castles) and their candy floss machine! If you are something out of the ordinary, please email the team beforehand on caterhamvillagebootsale@ yahoo.com

Monday 29th

SURREY COUNTY SHOW 2017 Stoke Park, Parkway, Guildford GU1 1UP. Gates open 8am until 6pm. The annual Surrey County Show is a family day out you won’t want to miss!

The show combines top class entertainment, award winning livestock and horses, local foods and crafts, floristry, countryside and farming displays and brings the best of the countryside to the heart of the town. It’s a great day out for the whole family, with the opportunity to see first-hand the many aspects of country life and farming. Cost: These are advanced early bird prices Adults £15, Seniors (65+) £11, Child (5-15) £5.50 Family (2=2) £36. Under 5’s go free. www.surreycountyshow.co.uk

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The Talbot, High Street, Ripley, Surrey GU23 6BB. Time: From 12 noon. Pop down to The Talbot for some alfresco fun for all the family. The BBQ will be lit and our bouncy castle and children’s entertainment will keep the kids entertained. Cost: Free entry. www.talbotripley.com

tournament, Maze Runner match, eating competitions, various challenges and glime galore! Expect a riot of fun and laughter and be prepared to get sticky, glimey and wet! Cost: Children aged 2+ £17.00; Adults 18+ £16.00; Adults 65+ £10.50; Tots aged under 2 are free. www.hobbledown.com

Monday 29th May – Friday 2nd June

Tuesday 30th May – Friday 2nd June

FAMILY FUN DAY

BUSH CRAFT WORKSHOPS Godstone Farm, Tilburstow Hill Road, Godstone RH9 8LX. Time: 10am – 6pm. We are excited to transform the woods into our very own bushcraft wonderland with three fantastic workshops to get your teeth stuck into choose this May Half Term!

Book online. Cost: Adults £8.90, Children over 2 £8.90, Children aged 1-2 £3.40, Under 1 FREE www.godstonefarm.co.uk

Tuesday 30th

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK Painshill Park Trust Ltd, Portsmouth Road, Cobham, Surrey, KT11 1JE. Times: 11.30am – 12.30pm, 2.30pm – 3.30pm.

Join the Garlic Puppet Theatre in the picturesque setting of the large Walled Garden at Painshill, for a charming rendition of a favourite fairy tale classic, Jack and the Beanstalk. Perfect for families with children aged 3-7 yrs. Cost: £12, Members £10. www.painshill.co.uk

Tuesday 30th May – Thursday 1st June MERRYDOWN, FESTIVAL OF MUCKY MAY’HEM

Hobbledown, Horton Lane, Epsom, Surrey KT198PT. Time: 10am – 4pm. Blow off some steam with the kids as Hobbledown hosts its very own festival of mucky may’hem!

Attractions will include a Slip ‘n Slide ride, Bubble Workshop, Quad Bungee, Glime Pass

Primary Times May Half Term 2017

TERRACOTA FLOWERS & BIRDS

Watts Gallery - Artists’ Village, Down Lane, Guildford GU3 1DQ. Times: 10.30am – 12.30pm & 2pm – 4pm. Hear how Victorian children helped Mary Watts to decorate Watts Chapel before experimenting with terracotta design and making your own terracotta flowers and birds. www.wattsgallery.co.uk

Shire Horse & Cart Rides Odiham Rd, Riseley RG7 1SP. Please visit our website for more details. www.wellingtoncountry-park.co.uk

Tuesday 30th May – Sunday 4th June

HALF TERM WORKSHOP – FLORA & FAUNA Watts Gallery - Artists’ Village, Down Lane, Guildford GU3 1DQ. Time: 11am – 4pm.Explore the woodlands at Watts Gallery - Artists’ Village and help the Estate Manager and Gardener George Andrews plant flowers for the summer. Paint a flower pot and make a bird spinner to take home. Cost: Free with admission - £9.50 adults, 16 & under free. www.wattsgallery.co.uk

Adventure Week Odiham Rd, Riseley RG7 1SP. Please visit our website for more details. www.wellingtoncountry-park.co.uk

Wednesday 31st

MAKE A MAYAN DREAM CATCHER

Museum Club, Bourne Hall, Spring Street, Ewell KT17 1 1UF. Time: 2 separate sessions 10.30am - noon and 1-2.30pm.

Come and make a Mayan Dream Catcher! More art than history workshop. Suitable for ages 6+ Telephone: 020 8394 1734 Cost: £7 per child (Limited Spaces) www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk

TROPICAL RAINFOREST ROADSHOW Denbies Wine Estate, London Road, Dorking, Surrey RH5 6AA. Times: 11am and 2pm Meet Snakes, Lizards, Mini-Beasts and Frogs for an inspiring Animal Encounter. This event at Denbies is a great family day out everyone will enjoy Cost: £7.50 per child. Accompanying adults free of charge. www.denbies.co.uk

ACTIVITY DAY Guildford Cathedral, Stag Hill, Guildford GU2 7UP. Time: 11am – 3pm. We’re celebrating our building works that are nearing completion at Guildford Cathedral with a fun filled round of activities for children. Come along to help build a cardboard cathedral with artist Lindsey Southworth & other creative crafts. All welcome. Cost: Admission free. www.guildford-cathedral.org

JUNE Thursday 1st

THURSDAY ACTIVITY DAY Rural Life Museum, Reeds Road, Tilford, Farnham, Surrey, GU10 2DL. Time: 10am – 5pm.

A truly brilliant day out for children of all ages. Our museum volunteers bring history to life with demonstrations, crafts and fun activities. There are also our usual Step Back Together family activities around the museum.

For great days out listings, visit www.primarytimes.net

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R Try your hand as a farm worker, help with the washing ‘Victorian style’, play with vintage toys, have a terrifying lesson in the school room… With so many hands-on activities, children will be kept amused all day. Cost: Normal entry charges apply. www.rural-life.org.uk

SHELLS – FAMILY DROP-IN EVENT Haslemere Museum, 78 High Street, Haslemere, Surrey GU27 2LA. Time: 11am - 3pm. Come and marvel at the Museum’s shell handling collection, discover how shells have been used in the past and then enjoy some arts and crafts, including making your own shell creature and a place for it to live! Why not stay and make a day of it – bring a picnic and enjoy the beautiful gardens of the Museum. Cost: Members £2, Non-members £4. www.haslemeremuseum.co.uk

Thursday 1st & Friday 2nd

TEDDY BEAR’S TRAIN RIDE & STORYTELLING! Denbies Wine Estate, London Road, Dorking, Surrey RH5 6AA. Times: 10am/11am/12noon/2pm.

Bring your favourite Teddy for a vineyard train ride and storytelling session Taking place on the outdoor Vineyard Train, outer clothing recommended.

Cost: £7.50 per child which includes a chocolate treat, £3 per adult which includes a hot drink. www.denbies.co.uk

Thursday 1st – Sunday 4th

Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th

Christ Church, Jubilee Square, Woking, Surrey GU21 6YG. Time: 10am – 4pm. A FREE event being held in Woking town square from 1st June - 4th June 2017.

Register for our amazing kids clubs (Thursday and Friday), chill out with your little ones at our drop in session for under 5’s, let someone else take the strain at the Thursday ladies pamper evening, enjoy the coffee, cake and chat at our family fun day on the Saturday with giant inflatables, face painting, games, music, entertainment, puppet shows, kids’ crafts, a free BBQ, under 5’s activity area and lots more. Come along there will be something for everyone!

All events are FREE. For more information and to register for the kids clubs please telephone 01483 740897 or visit www. christchurchwoking.org

Morden Hall Park, Morden Hall Park Road, Morden, Surrey SM4 5JD. Time: 10am – 4pm. Become a wildlife explorer for a day and discover what’s living right on your doorstep by joining in at your local BioBlitz event. Our team of experienced naturalists and wildlife watchers need your help to find and identify as many different species of birds, bugs, plants and beasties as we can before the clock runs out. Just like a real scientific expedition, everything we find will be documented and passed on to local and national databases that monitor our local wildlife.

With interactive activities for kids, grown-ups, beginners and experts alike there is something for everyone at a BioBlitz. Cost: Free event. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

LARK IN THE SQUARE

MORDEN HALL PARK BIOBLITZ

Saturday 3rd

Saturday 17th

Frimley Lodge Park, Sturt Road, Frimley, Surrey GU16 6HY. Time: 10am – 4pm. NSPCC Messathon is a 2.5km obstacle course challenge which children and parents enter together. There will be water, mud, foam, and lots of fun! Cost: Entry fee of £15.50 per adult and £9.50 per child. The fundraising target is £200 per family. www.nspcc.org.uk

The Dene, Knights Garden Centre, Woldingham Road, Woldingham, Surrey CR3 7LA. Time: 9am – 4pm. Makers Fair at The Dene Coffee Shop located in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Talented local Makers and Artisans. Ideal for original Father’s Day gifts. Cost: Free entry. Free parking. www.makersandmischief.com

GODALMING TOWN SHOW & CARNIVAL

St. John’s Lye, St. John’s, Woking, Surrey GU21 7SQ. Time: 12.30 – 4.30pm. An annual event hosted by 1st St. John’s Scout Group.

Live Music, BBQ, Beer tent / Refreshments, Climbing Wall, Coconut Shy, Games, Stalls, Ice Cream and more! Cost: Free entry.

NSPCC MESSATHON

Burys Field, Godalming, Surrey GU7 1HR. Time: 12 noon – 7pm. Annual Town Show and Carnival with live entertainment, stalls, food and beer tent.

Cost: Free entry. www. godalmingtownshow.co.uk

MAKERS FAIR

ST JOHN’S VILLAGE FETE

WITLEY VILLAGE FAIR Chichester Hall, Petworth Rd, Witley, Godalming, Surrey GU8

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Primary Times May Half Term 2017

5PL. Time: 12.30 – 4.30pm.

Traditional Village Fair with stalls and sideshows organised by local community groups with lots to see and do for all the family and plenty to eat and drink all afternoon. Punch and Judy are back and we are hoping that the Shire Horses will join us again this year. There will be lots going on in the arena and a dog show. Cost: free parking.

Optional programme of events £1 including lucky draw entry.

Sunday 18th

DAD’S GO FREE FOR FATHER’S DAY! Godstone Farm, Tilburstow Hill Road, Godstone RH9 8LX. Time: 10am -6pm. Plan a super Father’s day out where dads go free, take part in our great paper aeroplane challenge for a chance to WIN a family ticket to Brooklands Museum! Cost: Adults £8.90, Children over 2 £8.90, Children aged 1-2 £3.40, Under 1 FREE. www.godstonefarm.co.uk

Saturday 24th

FARNHAM CARNIVAL 2017 Gostrey Meadow, Union Road, Farnham GU9 7PT. Time: 1pm - 8pm. Farnham Carnival has been a feature of the town’s summer scene for several decades. Organised now by two Farnham “Service” Clubs, The Lions and The Hedgehogs, the objective remains to provide an event in which the community can participate and which they can enjoy. The Fayre in Gostrey Meadow starting at 2 pm with stalls, sideshows, a children’s area, a stage with performing bands, food and drink outlets, closing at 9pm. The Procession, normally consisting of approximately 50 floats will be going around the town between 6 and 7pm. Cost: Free event. www.farnhamcarnival.org.uk

For great days out listings, visit www.primarytimes.net

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R Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th FESTIVAL OF SURREY

Horsham Lane, Ewhurst, Cranleigh, Surrey GU6 7SW. Time: 10am – 6pm. Presented by: Hurtwood Events Ltd. There will be a large selection of exhibitors, workshops, interactive and creative sessions.

Discover Surrey in a familyfriendly atmosphere. Enjoy some polo, retail therapy and entertainment throughout the day. The Festival of Surrey is an event focussing on local businesses, families and visitors

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who live in or work in Surrey.

Cost: Adult £5, Child (8-16) £2.50 Family ticket £12.50. Under 8’s go free. Weekend tickets: Adults £10 Children £5. www.tickets.visitguildford.com

STRAWBERRY FAIR FOOD FESTIVAL Priory Farm, Sandy Lane, South Nutfield, Redhill, Surrey RH1 4EJ. Times: Sat 10am – 4.30pm, Sun 10.30am-4.30pm. Look out for what’s coming up next for you and your family at Priory Farm. The annual fair has become a real magnet for foodies. Come and celebrate summer with us! The fair dishes up good times for all the family including nature trails on The Discovery Walk for the children they’ll love feeding the fish with our special food. Then there’s everyone’s favourite - tractor trailer rides to take you on a tour of the lovely Priory Farm

Primary Times May Half Term 2017

countryside. Cost: Free www.prioryfarm.co.uk

Sunday 25th CATERHAM VILLAGE BOOT SALE Tesco Car Park, Guards Avenue, Coulsdon Road, Caterham, Surrey CR3 5QX. Time: 4pm – 7.45pm. The Caterham Village Boot Sale is a monthly ‘lazybones’ boot sale, starting at 4pm, on the last Sunday of the month. We are interested in hearing from local crafters and people who have some sort of product or service to offer as well as the people with the usual type of boot sale pitch. We also have a team from Evans Entertainment who regularly bring along one or two inflatables (e.g. bouncy castles) and their candy floss machine! If you are something out of the ordinary, please email the team beforehand

on caterhamvillagebootsale@ yahoo.com

JULY Sunday 2nd ST AIDAN’S PARISH SUMMER FETE 2017 St Aidan’s Primary School, Portnalls Road, Coulsdon, Surrey CR5 2BZ. Time: 12 noon – 4pm. Inflatables, outdoor games, traditional fete games, food and drink (BBQ, hot food stalls, ice cream, bar etc.) and live entertainment. Join us at this great day out for all of the family! Cost: Free - donations at entrance welcome.

COME & TRY A CLASS FOR FREE

Swimming Lessons Quality classes in small groups

Lessons for:

• Adults and Children from 2 yrs • Non Swimmers • Improvers • Advanced • SUPER Advanced Classes held at Downsend School Leatherhead and Epsom College

For more info contact Colin on: 01372-739600 or colin@cbswimming.co.uk www.colin-bull-swimming-lessons.co.uk

FITNESS • CONFIDENCE • DISCIPLINE RESPECT • FUN • LISTENING SKILLS CO-ORDINATION • FOCUS We also have classes for Adults Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts and offer 1-2-1 training

For great days out listings, visit www.primarytimes.net

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Primary Times May Half Term 2017

For great days out listings, visit www.primarytimes.net

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TAZ The adverture zone holiday activities

We offer a range of exciting activities for everyone across all three of our centres and on our Canal Boat. Why not try out our holiday activities for 6-16 year olds at High Ashurst and Thames Young Mariners. Or if you are looking for something the whole family can enjoy, we offer day adventures that are fun for all! This year we have also introduced our water activities for children and adults at Thames Young Mariners.

TAZ holiday activities Our holiday activities include a range of exciting and engaging outdoor adventures that are ideal for school holidays. We offer both land and waterbased activities, as well as single or multi-day visits. Our holiday activities take place at High Ashurst and Thames Young Mariners.

New programme from May 2017 Nestled in 56 acres of woodland on Box Hill, near Dorking, in the tranquil Surrey Hills ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’, High Ashurst offers the perfect location for land-based activities.

Our new programme being launched in May

half-term, is an action-packed adventure week.

The week consists of a range of activities to suit all age groups. You can choose to book a full five days or pick and choose specific days.

All our activities are delivered by our qualified and experienced outdoor education instructors. We offer overnight stays in our Teepee village called Base Camp. Overnight stays are available each week on Wednesday and Thursday nights (8yrs+). In addition there is an option of an early drop off at 08:00 which includes a continental breakfast. We also offer a late pick-up at 17:30 for an additional cost.

the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and British Canoeing (BC).

All our activities are delivered by our qualified and experienced outdoor education instructors. We offer one day, two day and three day multi-activity courses. During the summer holidays children have the option to spend the night in our Teepee Village called Buffalo Creek (8yrs+). In addition there is an option of an early drop-off at 08:00 which includes a continental breakfast.

For more information please visit www.surreyoutdoorlearning.uk/the-adventure-zone. n

Thames Young Mariners Our 25 acre site includes a ten acre lake alongside the river Thames based between Richmond and Kingston.

In addition to the land-based activities found at our other centres Thames Young Mariners offers water-based activities in a controlled environment, providing an unique space for learning and self-discovery in the natural environment. We offer courses accredited by

Ultimate Activity Camps come to Surrey!

Children will have the most fun during the summer holidays as Ultimate Activity Camps are running their outstanding holiday childcare programmes in Godalming and Shamley Green for children aged 4-14 years!

Ultimate Activity Camps offer the opportunity for children to have fun, meet friends and try a brilliant array of exciting activities during the school holidays. From swimming, zorbing and tennis to archery, art and fencing, there are over

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40 games, sports or creative activities giving children a new experience every day.

They also run adventurous story-led Ultimate Survival programmes at some locations which also offers an optional Camp Out each week!

Book by 13th June for £20 off a week (now £179), or £4 off a day (now £39). www.ultimateactivity.co.uk or call 0330 111 7077 (local rate). n

Primary Times May Half Term 2017

For great days out listings, visit www.primarytimes.net

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Primary Times May Half Term 2017

For great days out listings, visit www.primarytimes.net

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What is a Preparatory School?

Parents considering sending their children to a private school often consider a wide selection of school choices before deciding on the school that’s right for them – and their children.

It can be confusing to know which type of school is best for your child, especially with so many types of to choose from. One type is the preparatory school, which helps prepare primary school-age children for private secondary school or a good state grammar school.

Like every type of school, preparatory schools are all different, and choosing the right one can be difficult. It’s a decision which can affect your child for the rest of their life, and one that shouldn’t be taken lightly.

preparatory, or prep school is – is the first step to getting your children into a school that’s right for them.

What Is a Preparatory School?

Preparatory schools traditionally were schools that prepare children to take the Common Entrance Exam to get them into a private independent secondary school.

While this is still the case, now many parents also choose to pay their high fees in the hopes of getting their child into a good state grammar for secondary school instead.

Many preparatory schools are traditional in that they provide schooling for girls aged 4 - 11, when they go to secondary school. Boys will attend pre-prep until age eight, then prep until age 13. Of course, these rules go out the window when it comes to a co-educational prep school, which is more often the case now than it used to be.

There are many different types of prep schools, including: • Day schools or boarding schools • Single-sex or co-educational schools • Pre-prep (until the age of 8) or nursery schools • Prep schools for children with special educational needs • Schools with specialist provision, such as science or music

Knowing what you want – and what exactly a good

>>

barrow hills school Barrow Hills School is committed to delivering an exceptional, allround independent education with a strong family ethos, focusing on the whole child and the importance of developing strong core values.

Set in 33 acres of Surrey Hills countryside in Witley near Godalming, Surrey, the coeducational preparatory school for children aged two to thirteen prides itself on offering a nurturing progressive environment where children can thrive.

School life centres on a broad curriculum. Alongside academic subjects, music, art and drama also play a major role while an outstanding range of sports aims to encourage every level and ability.

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Primary Times May Half Term 2017

The School comprises a caring Nursery, Pre-Prep and Preparatory offering providing children with the special, caring and nurturing environment that is unique to Barrow Hills. This ensures a consistent, stable and secure learning environment as the child progresses through the School.

Following the School’s official merger with King Edward’s Witley in September 2015, Barrow Hills children have access to facilities beyond the reach of many stand-alone preparatory schools. In addition, parents now have the opportunity to provide their children with a seamless transition from prep school to senior school. In 2017 Barrow Hills celebrated twenty scholarship offers to senior schools, including academic, sport, art and drama.

Barrow Hills is proud to offer 11+ Scholarships to children for entry into Years 7 and 8 in the following categories: Academic, Art, Drama, Music, Sport and outstanding ‘allround’ ability. Up to 30% remission of fees is awarded to exceptional candidates. This initiative enables children to enjoy two outstanding years of focused preparation for the major 13+ public scholarship exams with the added benefit of the established excellence in pastoral care that is the hallmark of a Barrow Hills School education. Eligibility criteria and application forms are available from the Registrar. The deadline for applications will be in October 2017.

For more information please visit: www.barrowhills.org

parkside school At Parkside we focus on providing an education that allows the pupils to make the most of their abilities, interests and talents so that they will progress to their senior schools as confident and independent individuals, who have a love of learning. We seek to develop pupils academically, socially and physically, whilst drawing out their capacity for compassion, generosity and understanding. We believe that children learn best when they are happy, active and challenged.

The school was founded in Surrey in 1879 by Thomas Hill, an Oxford scholar with four pupils. These pupils were provided with a happy, harmonious learning environment in which Mr Hill felt that it was important that the pupils were valued.

Today we pride ourselves on the fact that this traditional yet so important set of values is still very much part of the school’s ethos. Although celebrating all that is traditional, the school continues to adapt its curriculum to modern times. “Built on Tradition – Embracing the Future” represents our belief in developing the core values in our pupils that will prepare them for their journey ahead in life.

Whilst being very proud of our history, Parkside’s aim has always been to be aspirational for its pupils by offering them a challenging, innovative, exciting and creative curriculum.

Parkside’s aim for the future is to further build on its core values and I am always looking to implement

innovative, creative and exciting ideas into the school’s curriculum to ensure all pupils are stimulated and prepared for life beyond school.

The school has recently been judged ‘excellent in all areas’ by the ISI Inspectorate and we realise that as a school we must never stand still but continually strive for improvement.

We believe staff need to be inspirational with their teaching as well as being highly motivated for the pupils and this will drive and underpin what we deliver in the pursuit of excellence.

Why not come and visit Parkside at their next Open Morning, Friday 29th September 2017.

To register please email office@parkside-school.co.uk

Parkside School is set in 45 acres of beautiful countryside with transport available from SW London

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Benefits of a Prep School Parents choose preparatory over state schools for a variety of reasons. In general, the class size is smaller and more specialist teachers exist, which can be especially important if your child has any special needs or other potential difficulties.

The facilities are often very good, but not always – especially in the case of very small schools. If large playing fields or special sports facilities are important for you, keep that in mind when making school visits.

Some follow a religious path; others do not. It will be important for you, as a parent, to find out the ethos of the school and whether it meets your own particular needs.

Know Before You Go

Most parents, however, choose a prep school largely because of their high test scores, knowing that if they send their child there they will be virtually guaranteed to get a place in a good secondary school when they leave.

Preparatory schools are a popular choice for parents looking to send their children to private secondary schools as well as good state grammars. Knowing the type of school that would best suit your child - and also finding out which schools children traditionally go on to from there - is key when making your decision.

Entrance Criteria Getting accepted to a prep school is, of course, the first step. Most prep schools accept children on the basis of an entrance exam and an interview, although some require only an interview.

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Primary Times May Half Term 2017

Visiting a choice of possible prep schools and talking to other parents is a must before you decide which school is right for your child. Budgeting is also key, as you need to make sure the financial outlay is manageable before you sign up. n

BANSTEAD PREPARATORY SCHOOL Your child’s mind is full of questions.

The best schools won’t just answer them, they’ll inspire even more.

“When children go home at the end of a Banstead Prep day, we won’t just challenge our parents to ask them what they did at school – because let’s face it, sometimes getting that information is hard enough! – we want them to find out what questions they asked today and how the answers they received encouraged them to ask many more.”

Vicky Ellis, Headteacher, Banstead Prep School Banstead Preparatory School is a new co-educational prep school opening in September 2017 bringing together three excellent local schools; Priory School, Greenacre Juniors and Bramley School. The school will open across the entire Greenacre School site on Sutton Lane, Banstead and provide a nursery and school for boys and girls aged 2-11.

At Banstead Prep, your child will benefit from outstanding facilities that very few prep schools are able to

offer. Our site includes excellent, fullyequipped classrooms, science labs, a full size floodlit all-weather games pitch, sports hall, an indoor swimming pool, professional dance studio and specialist art, music and design technology teaching spaces.

In our nursery we offer girls and boys aged from 2 years a happy and secure environment in a dedicated building on the main school site, with full access to all that Banstead Prep has to offer. The Nursery team, led by a fully qualified Early Years Teacher, will ensure your child is completely prepared for a confident transition to Reception.

For many parents, prep school is the launch pad for the 11+, scholarship exams, grammar school entry or other forms of secondary education but it should be far more than that. The interests we begin to share in our first years of school are often critical in helping shape what we do as adults.

Throughout their time with us, your son or daughter will be encouraged to learn about the sciences, language

and culture whilst developing their own self-confidence and mastering their reading, writing and maths skills.

We are fortunate that, at Banstead Prep, we not only have the facilities to make this happen but also the specialist subject teachers to provide a curriculum that goes far beyond what most prep schools can offer. Our pupils can then progress to their secondary school of choice knowing that they will thrive there – whatever their interests.

Whatever your son or daughter’s questions, there will be plenty of people at Banstead Prep to furnish them with answers. And inspire many more.

So, if you have questions about your child’s schooling, do please get in touch with us. We’d love to talk to you about the difference a Banstead Prep education can offer. For more information, please contact Adrienne Forster, Head of Admissions, Banstead Prep School on 01737 363601 or bansteadprep@unitedlearning.org.uk. www.bansteadprep.com n

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e r t a e Th S w o h S ’S n e r d l i h C Family &

Camberley theatre Tel: 01276 707600

CAMBERLEY YOUTH WIND ORCHESTRA Friday 19th & Saturday 20th May, 7.30pm. This locally based youth orchestra has provided performance facilities for talented young musicians in North West Surrey for over 30 years, with the Senior Section of the Orchestra having performed all over Europe. There are three sections to the Orchestra; a Senior Section, an Intermediate Section and a Junior Section. All three sections will perform at the Camberley Theatre concerts this year and there will be over 120 young musicians on stage during the evening. The concerts will provide for all tastes, from light classics through to West End musicals, pop compilations and marches. An evening of entertainment not to be missed.

Tickets: £8.50.

MARTY MACDONALD’S TOY MACHINE Friday 2nd June, 11am.

A brand new show featuring the voices of CBeebies’ Justin Fletcher and Nicole Davis as Pongo the Pig and Molly-Moo

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the Cow - from the team who brought you Marty MacDonald’s Farm! Everyone at Marty MacDonald’s Farm is delighted with the special delivery that’s arrived – the Toy Machine that makes all of the toys in the world! But then they realise that Crafty the Crow has been up to mischief and it shouldn’t really be there at all…Worse still, the machine has stopped working, so they need to fix it before the Toymaker comes to get it back! Join Marty, Sally the Scarecrow, Pongo the Pig, Molly-Moo the Cow and Sheena the Sheep in a fun, musical, interactive adventure to repair the Toy Machine, save the day and give the world back its toys!

It’s a family show particularly suitable for 2 – 7 year olds, and has a special cast meet & greet after the performance. Tickets: Adults £10.50, Children £9.50, Family of 4 £36.

cranleigh arts

National Theatre, a recorded performance of JM Barrie’s much-loved tale screens in cinemas this summer. When Peter Pan, leader of the Lost Boys, loses his shadow, headstrong Wendy helps him to reattach it. In return, she is invited to Neverland, where Tinker Bell the fairy, Tiger Lily and the vengeful Captain Hook await. A riot of magic, music and make-believe ensues. A delight for children and adults alike. Tickets: £17.50.

FATHER’S DAY ‘CRAFTERNOON’ Tile Painting Saturday 17th June, 2pm and 4pm. Join our Father’s Day drop in workshop; all ages are welcome (with adult supervision). Decorate tiles (£2 each) with glass and ceramic paints, a perfect, personalised gift for loved ones. Take home on the same day - paints are permanent and washable.

Free Entry.

Tel: 01483 2780000

NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE: PETER PAN Saturday 10th June, 2pm. All children, except one, grow up…Captured in front of a live audience at the

Primary Times May Half Term 2017

dorking halls Tel: 01306 881717

MISTER MAKER AND THE SHAPES Saturday 3rd June, 1.30pm

and 4pm. CBeebies favourite Mister Maker is coming with his hit live theatre show. With a fabulous supporting cast and art at its heart, this fantastic live show encourages Mini Makers and grown-ups to sing, dance and make some noise! There’s a big ‘make’ to take part in, lots of audience participation and....

The Shapes! Yes, you’ll be able to share the fun with Circle, Square, Rectangle and Triangle too! Mini Makers, get ready to go on a real arty adventure and book your tickets today! Tickets: Adults £16.00, Children £12.50, Family Ticket (2 Adults & 2 Children): £53.00

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS Friday 23rd June, 7.30pm.

A down-and out skid row floral assistant becomes an overnight sensation when he discovers an exotic plant with a mysterious craving for fresh blood. Soon Audrey II grows an ill-tempered, foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore who offers him fame and fortune in exchange for feeding its growing appetite, finally revealing itself to be an alien creature poised for global domination. This affectionate spoof of 1950s sci-fi movies has becomes a household name,

Take a LOOK at our

WEBSITE!

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which never fails to entertain.

Tickets: £12.50, Children & Seniors £10.50

epsom playhouse Tel: 01372 742555

THE CLOSE UP MAGIC SHOW Saturday 20th May, 7.30pm.

Prepare to be amazed! A Playhouse regular, Close Up Magic is one of the most impressive forms of the art and this unique format showcases some of the best and most skilful exponents. Audiences get to experience the magic in an informal, close up setting, often taking part themselves and witnessing the impossible from only inches away. An intimate evening of close up magic, trickery and sleight of hand.

Tickets: £16.50

CELEBRATION OF DANCE 2017 Tuesday 20th & Wednesday 21st June, 5pm. Epsom & Ewell Schools come together to put on a show of dance routines in a wonderful evening of wowfactor and aah-factor. Tickets on sale Friday 5th May box office opens at 10 am. Tickets: from £6

G-Live Tel: 0844 7701 797

DANCE IN A DAY: PIRATES & LOST BOYS (& GIRLS) Friday 2nd June, 10am – 4pm. Its pirates versus Lost Boys (& Girls) in this Peter Pan inspired Dance Day with Rachel and Nicky from The Dance Movement. So, come along and follow the leader and find out if it’s a Pirate’s Life for you or time to walk the plank.

Dancers will have theatrical make-up done by our make-up artist course participants during the day. Perfect for: Ages 7 – 11.

WE’RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT Tuesday 2th & Wednesday 21st June. Times: Tuesday 1.30 & 4.30pm, Wednesday 10.30am & 1.30pm. Direct from a smash-hit WEST END and international tour. Michael Rosen’s award-winning book We’re Going on a Bear Hunt is brought vividly and noisily to the stage in director Sally Cookson’s fun-filled adaptation set to Benji Bower’s versatile lively score. Join our intrepid family of adventurers and their musical dog on their quest to find a bear; as they wade through the gigantic swishy swashy grass, the splishy splashy river and the thick oozy, squelchy mud!

Expect catchy songs, interactive scenes and plenty of hands-on adventure! Suitable for: Ages 3+ and their family. Tickets: £14.50

CREATE YOUR OWN COMIC BOOK Wednesday 31st May, 10am -12.30pm. Ages 7-11 and 1.30-4pm ages 11-16. Learn all about drawing comic strips, cartoon art and anime, picking up techniques and tricks of the trade from professional cartoonist Kev F. Sutherland whose work features in The Beano and Doctor Who Adventures. By the end of each workshop, everyone will have drawn a strip and together the group will produce a complete comic. Course fee: £14.00

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harlequin theatre Tel: 01737 276 500

DOGS DON’T DO BALLET Saturday 8th July, 2pm.

Biff is not like other dogs. He doesn’t do dog stuff like weeing on lampposts, or scratching his fleas, or drinking out of the toilet. No, Biff likes moonlight and music and walking on his tiptoes. You see, Biff doesn’t think he’s a dog. He thinks he’s a ballerina! Tickets: £10.50

Primary Times May Half Term 2017

new victoria Tel: 0844 871 7645

MY FIRST BALLET: CINDERELLA Friday 26th & Saturday 27th May, times vary. Enjoy everyone’s favourite rags-toriches story, in a beautifully adapted ballet version for children aged three upwards.

Cinderella is tormented by her stepsisters and she can only dream of attending the Prince’s glamorous ball. Abandoned to an evening of drudgery, she is visited by her Fairy Godmother who transforms her into a glittering Princess who shall go to the ball. With a narrator to help the young audience follow the story, and a shortened version of Prokofiev’s ravishing score, this is the perfect introduction to the magic of ballet, and a fantastic family day out. This unique collaboration between English National Ballet and English National Ballet School is choreographed by George Williamson and performed by second year students of English National Ballet School. Tickets: £13.40 - £29.40

riverhouse barn Tel: 01932 253354

BARN DANCE Sunday 21st May, 4pm. Mary Panton is an experienced caller who will ensure that everyone has a good time, and ably instruct anyone in the hugely enjoyable art of ceilidh dancing.

Mary has called for dances in every setting and town across the land. No matter how many left feet you think you have, with her encyclopaedic knowledge of dances and steps, and ability to communicate simply yet effectively to all participants, Mary will have you moving like a pro instantly! Laurel Swift is a popular ceilidh fiddle player, known for her work with The Gloworms. Deb Chalmers is a

brilliant fiddle player, known for her work with Stepling as well as many ceilidh bands. Both women have a lively, infectious style of playing that is sure to get you up on your feet in no time - and is a joy to listen to for anyone who really would prefer not to dance!

They are joined this afternoon by outstanding guitarist, Dave Delarre, who also plays with Eliza Carthy, Mawkin and many others. Tickets £12 (not including food!) Children £5 plus BBQ £7

Yvonne Arnaud Tel: 01483 440000

ROMEO AND JULIET Wednesday 24th, Thursday 25th & Saturday 27th.

Times: Wednesday 7.45pm, Thursday 2.30pm, Saturday 8pm. An outstanding ensemble of actors perform two vibrant and compelling productions, presented in repertoire by The Watermill Theatre. Risking everything, a young couple defy their feuding families and find love on the streets of Verona. A powerful and explosive staging of Shakespeare’s immortal tale of an all-consuming love, Romeo + Juliet features music

by Mumford and Sons, The Vaccines, The Civil Wars, Hozier and Johnny Flynn, performed live by the cast. The Watermill Theatre has become known around the world for its bold, ensemble driven approach to presenting Shakespeare.

Previous productions have toured internationally from Buenos Aries to Singapore, New York to China, from Bangladesh to Japan and in London’s West End. In its fiftieth anniversary year, The Watermill Theatre celebrate this rich history by presenting one of Shakespeare’s most iconic plays in repertoire.

Events - There will be a postshow Q&A after the 2:30 matinee on Thursday 25th May. Tickets: From £21.00 £32.50

TORMEAD

An Independent Day School for Girls from 4 to 18 Years Tormead Junior School is a happy, friendly and relaxed school, with high expectations both inside and outside the classroom.

Our girls enjoy a broad and balanced curriculum and we pride ourselves on high academic standards and expectations whilst ensuring the teaching and learning is stimulating and enjoyable.

In Reception the girls follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework, then from Year One they follow an inspiring curriculum that will challenge and excite them. In addition French is taught from Year 3, with the addition of Spanish from Year 5. All girls enjoy specialist teaching in music, games and gymnastics, and from Year 2, also in Design Technology.

The ICT curriculum gradually builds up the skills of the girls, and by the end of the Junior School they are confidently using computers as a tool for learning in other subjects. iPad technology is used throughout the school, but in particular

with Years 5 and 6 in preparation for Senior School life.

In addition the School offers a comprehensive range of activities to allow each girl to find something during the week in which she would like to participate and so develop her talents in this area. Extra-curricular activities (in addition to sports) include: Art, Archery, LAMDA, Jazz Band, instrumental ensembles, two orchestras, several choirs, photography, gardening, computers, cookery.

All sport – except swimming where we use the excellent facilities at the Surrey Sports Park – are catered for by facilities on the Junior or Senior School site and includes the use of the sprung floor gymnasium.

The girls have regular fixtures with neighbouring schools in numerous sports throughout the year.

Personal, Social and Health Education is not just an academic subject for girls in Tormead Junior School but also a way of life. There are high expectations of how the girls will behave. During lessons, once a week, the girls will consider topics such as friendship, setting targets and goals, how we should treat the environment and how to live a healthy life.

Main entry points are at Reception (4+) and Year 3 (7+) but girls do successfully join other year groups when spaces are available. As an academically selective school we do assess applicants to ensure that Tormead would be the best learning environment for each child.

For more information or to register for an Open Morning please contact the Registrar Mrs Cherry Scott on: 01483 796040

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