East Kent February 2019 Primary Times by Alison Watson

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for families E with primary D I GU aged children N O â&#x20AC;&#x2122;S T A WH

February Half Term Edition Issue 115 4 February - 24 March 2019

in East Kent

The Best Family Guide to Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s On

t ’ s a h N ew W Marvel Electro Hero Kits

Did you know that dough conducts electricity? Help your kids learn and explore with dough creations that light up, make superhero sounds and conduct electricity. Bring the worlds of superheroes and science together with Marvel Avengersthemed dough cutters, flashing LEDs and official Hulk sound effects. Learn all about electricity whilst fixing Iron Man’s arc reactor and Captain America’s shield.With handy interactive online missions to guide you, the kits are a treat for any budding superhero. Perfect for ages 4+, the Marvel Electro Hero Kit costs £24.99 and is available online and from all good high street stores. For more information, please visit www.techwillsaveus.com.

Adjustable Quad Roller Skates

Circle Society Quads are completely adjustable. The front two-thirds of the boot can slide forward and backwards via an innovative button/sliding mechanism. Each boot can have four size permutations. This allows the skater to adjust the boot for their ideal ﬁt, but also means the boot will grow, allowing for the growing feet of their users and ensuring they get the best value for money. The boots are constructed from PU Leather so ooze quality, and are available in a selection of super-bright colours with soft padded cuffs and tongues for superb comfort. With prices starting from £49.99, Circle Society’s Adjustable Quad Roller Skates are available from www.oddballs.co.uk.

Dino Dump

Dino Dump is an easy game with a bunch of scratch-n-sniff dino-poo forfeit stickers.The aim of the game is to lose all your Dino Cards as fast as possible. Get caught with any in your hand by the end of the game and you’ll have to wear a sticker that smells a lot like a T-Rex poo. After setting up the game, the ﬁrst player puts down any card they like.The next player must now play a number that’s either the same number or higher. If a player can’t go any higher, they have to pick up the whole discard deck.The ﬁrst player to get rid of all their cards, wins. The recommended retail price is around £9.99. For more information, please visit www.bigpotato.com.

Journey into Space

Cover the trail of the rocket’s tail in a game that comes with a story. The easy-to-read and illustrated book will help you take off for an interplanetary expedition. This simple-toplay game sees you race to cover the rocket’s course from ship to source. Who’ll be ﬁrst to call, “blast off” and win? With six Astro Boards, and over 100 colourful and chunky planet pieces, this game is for 2 - 6 players and suitable for ages 4+. Journey into Space is available on Amazon for £12.99.

Harry Potter Gryffindor Crest Tween Headphones

These Harry Potter Gryffindor Crest Tween Headphones have recently been released from OTL Technologies. The headphones are designed for children 8 years old through to adults. They are adjustable, foldable and comfortable with a padded headband. The headphones have been specifically designed for younger users, with a reduced decibel level for protection, without hindering sound quality. Compatible with all devices using a 3.5mm universal jack, the Harry Potter Gryffindor Crest Tween Headphones are official Warner Bros merchandise, and are available from good high street retailers. There are also other designs available. For more information, please visit www. otltechnologies.com.

SOS Dino

SOS Dino is a cooperative children’s game for up to four players. Help Marie, Freddy, Nessie and Louis reach safety by avoiding the lava flows and meteorites, collecting the eggs and seeking shelter in the mountains. Players have to move the cute dinosaur figurines to help them escape the flowing lava. At your turn, take a random tile in the bag, place it on the board and carry out the action printed on the tile. Throughout the game, move each dino to safety on top of the mountains, while gathering the eggs scattered throughout the land. SOS Dino is a cooperative adventure for the whole family, and is available online from Amazon for £29.99.

Ranvir Cannot Hear

Ranvir is a lonely little elephant who crosses the plains of India in search of his hearing, but on the way he meets many friends.They teach Ranvir that just because you cannot do something that is expected of you, you may ﬁnd there is something else you can do.They all support him on his journey and help him learn a little something about himself too. Inspired by the children at the Rangammal School for young people with a hearing impairment, 10p of every book sale will be donated to the school. Ranvir Cannot Hear is available online and from all good high street retailers for £6.99. For more information, please visit www.jajaja-books.com.

Dear Readers Primary Times in East Kent 7 Southbrook Mews London SE12 8LG Tel: 01622 522116 Email: office@primarytimes.biz Website: www.primarytimes.co.uk Twitter: @PT_Kent Instagram: @primarytimesse

Welcome to the first issue for 2019. I hope 2019 is a very happy and healthy year for everyone. With the first half term of the year having arrived it must mean that Spring is on its way with better weather (hopefully!), daffodils, longer days, shorter nights, baby animals and good times ahead.

Dingile’s job is to find all the listings that we publish. She is always looking out for new places to cover so if you have your own favourites that we don’t mention, please do let us know as it may be that we haven’t come across them yet. If you do visit any of our suggestions please mention you Publishing Editor: Peter Watson read about them in Primary Times - the best Family Guide Sales: Gill Pearce, Catherine Dillon, Lola Olowofela & Andrew Langridge to What’s On. Listings: Dingile Kasote Production: Alison Watson Office Manager: Chris Blower Administrators: Claire Wood & Tina Love Editorial Assistant: Dunya Simões Proof Reader: Catherine Draisey Social Media: Rachel Benson

Primary Times is independently published and distributed free in infant and primary schools throughout Kent. 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. The opinions expressed in either the editorial or advertisements within this publication are not necessarily those held by the editor or publisher. While we take great care with the compilation of information within this magazine, neither the editor nor publisher will accept any liability for the accuracy of the editorial or advertising contained within the publication. We welcome listings being sent to us for inclusion in our What’s On section. Free listings are dependent on available space and we cannot guarantee to print all the listings we are sent. Please send them to listings@ primarytimes.biz. Primary Times would like to thank all the schools in Kent 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. No part of this magazine, including the advertisements within it may be reproduced, in part or in whole, without the express written permission of the Publishing Editor. Primary Times is currently publishing over 2.5 million copies per issue under franchise licences throughout England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Primary Times East Kent is operated under franchise licence.

Calling all schools and teachers - Don’t forget to email us with your news or if you have something to celebrate in your school. We would love to hear from you so we can let all our readers know what you’ve been up to. Email us at office@primarytimes.biz with your latest news. Have you started following us in Twitter and Instagram? Follow us on Twitter so you don’t miss out on our weekly competitions offering some fab prizes, info on events and updates from our advertisers. You can find us @Twitter/PT_Kent. We also get sent lots of photographs so look out for our favourite ones on Instagram @primarytimesse.

Contents

inside this issue.... News.........................................4 What’s On.................................6 Family Theatre..........................8 Whatever the Weather................10 Education News....................... 13 Competitions............................17 Film Preview Guide................. 19 All Your Own Work!.................23

We’ll be back around the 25th March for the Spring school holidays - have a good half term.

Peter and the Primary Times Team When you have finished with this magazine please recycle it

World Book Day 2019: Save the Date World Book Day, this year on 7 March, is the world’s biggest annual celebration of children’s books, dedicated to celebrating the benefits of reading for pleasure for everyone, everywhere. It is sponsored by National Book Tokens and supported generously each year by the publishing industry, book trade, authors and illustrators. Every year, with a host of publishers, World Book Day curates a list of bespoke £1 books for children and young people across the UK and Ireland, which they can choose for free at their local bookshop or supermarket using their £1 World Book Day book token. Catering for all age groups, from toddler to teen, the list has been created to appeal to the widest possible range of children and young people, tastes and abilities. The list brings together exclusive new stories by much loved authors Malorie Blackman, Patrice Lawrence, Frank Cottrell-Boyce and Waterstones Children’s Laureate, Lauren Child. Designed to be as accessible as possible, the list is available in braille, large print and audio formats and there are two additional books in Welsh: Na Nel! by Meleri Wyn James and Cyw by Anni LlynY Lolfa. Share a Story is the theme at the heart of a 3-year World Book Day campaign, encouraging parents and carers to go beyond dressing up to read and share stories with their children for ten minutes every day. Sharing stories together – anywhere, anytime – for just ten minutes a day has long-lasting effects on a child’s future. World Book Day aims to inspire new reading habits for adults and children, underlining just how important this shared time is. World Book Day 2019 will launch a rebranded events programme – ‘Share a Story Live’ – to bring major activities into National Literacy Trust hubs nationwide. Central to generating major regional excitement and bringing books to life for children, the tour is the ‘living embodiment’ of World Book Day. The day also sees children bringing books to life through an array of organised events and activities in schools, bookshops, libraries and at home. For more information, please visit www.worldbookday.com.

4 Feb - 24 Mar ‘19

News

Clare Balding and the ‘Big 900 Story Challenge’

Children all over the UK are invited to join in celebrating Leeds Castle’s 900th birthday by writing a short story about Castles and/or Time Travel. To enter the competition, you’ll need to be aged either between 5 and 9 or 10 and 13. Clare Balding has shared with Primary Times her top five story writing tips for entering the Leeds Castle ‘Big 900 Story Challenge’. The renowned broadcaster and children’s author is the official honorary judge for the challenge and will be helping choose the two winning stories in March. Here are Clare’s tips: 1. Aim for a brilliant first line. Make sure the first sentence hints at what the story is all about, and make it exciting from the very first word. 2. Be as adventurous as you can with your storyline. Try to be original - allow your imagination to run free. 3. You’re limited to 900 words but that’s an awful lot. Don’t worry if you don’t make even close to 900; sometimes less is more. Try not to describe every single thing in the story. Part of the reader’s enjoyment is building their own picture from the clever clues you provide. 4. Don’t be afraid to rewrite. If you’re stuck, just write anything down and you can go back over it later. Think of the rewrite as an opportunity to polish and polish until the words gleam on the page. 5. Enjoy it - writing a story is just as fun (if not more so) as reading one.You get to completely control the plot, invent your characters, and decide the ending. Good luck! Stories should be an original work of fiction using no more than 900 words. Writers have until 12noon on 5 March to submit their stories. Entries must be submitted by an adult (parent/ guardian or teacher) on behalf of the child, and with parental consent. The winning stories will be placed within a time capsule and buried in front of the Castle, only to be opened 100 years from now at the Castle’s millennium. Ten finalists from each age category, along with their families, will also be invited to a very special Awards Day at Leeds Castle on 30 May, when the winners will be announced by Clare Balding. The two lucky winners will win a hamper of fun prizes, a stay at Knight’s Glamping (2 adults and 2 children), a private tour of the Castle and family tickets to the Fireworks Spectacular. They will also be invited to take part in the ‘time capsule’ ceremony in June, joining HRH Princess Alexandra (patron of Leeds Castle) for the official burial of the time capsule. There will be smaller prizes awarded to all runners up of the competition. For more information, please visit www.leeds-castle.com.

4 Feb - 24 Mar ‘19

What Does Sharing Food Mean to You Pink Lady® apples are supporting the Guild of Food Writers’ Write It competition for aspiring, young food writers for the third year running. The competition, which is now open for entries, encourages children from three age groups (10 and under, 11–14 and 15–18) to get their creative juices flowing by submitting a piece of writing inspired by food. The theme for this year’s competition is ‘Food for Sharing’. And they’re looking forward to sharing lots of delicious food with the winners and judges at the Winners’ Party, which is all part of the prize, next summer at an exclusive London venue. They want to encourage children and young people to capture their thoughts and feelings on what it is to share food. From the playground and beyond, with food we make friends by sharing, with age-old traditions of breaking bread to Sunday lunches with family. They want entries to conjure up what it means to children to share food. This year’s judges include bestselling cook book author, celebrity MasterChef winner, actress and presenter Lisa Faulkner, Karen Barnes, editor of Delicious Magazine, documentary maker, TV presenter and author Stefan Gates, cookery book writer Kalpna Woolf and Sherry Ashworth, author of children’s and young adult literature.

‘Recycle with Michael’ Challenge Kent schools are being encouraged to ‘Recycle with Michael’, as part of an initiative by The Salvation Army Trading Company Ltd to divert thousands of tonnes of unwanted clothing and shoes away from landfill. Local schools that sign up to the scheme will be challenged to fill as many bags as possible before the end of March 2019 for the chance to be crowned Michael’s recycling champions. The winning school, calculated as the one with the highest ratio of bags to pupils, will receive a trophy, certificate and a very special visit from Michael, the scheme’s mascot. Designed especially for primary schoolaged children, the programme is also an important way for schools to generate much-needed funds - a percentage of the bags’ financial value is donated back to the school to spend how they wish. The remaining funds raised will go towards supporting The Salvation Army’s important work to help vulnerable people from all walks of life in communities across the UK. The programme is supported by free downloadable school materials such as presentations, posters and lesson plans which teach environmental and charitable messages. For more information, to register and request bags, please visit www. recyclewithmichael.co.uk.

Could you imagine sending your kids to school without a pencil case? According to statistics, this is the reality for more than three million households in the UK. Heart Felt Tips, a social enterprise founded by royal-appointed artist Jeremy Houghton, has been brightening the lives of children in the UK who don’t have access to something as simple as a pen or pencil. This Community Interest Company helps provide children who are suffering economic hardship with pencil cases packed with pens and other art supplies. The pencil cases are filled by children at schools and clubs, and then distributed via frontline food banks and faith centres, ensuring that the most deserving kids receive them quickly. Sending a child to school in the UK can be more costly than some would think, with parents forking out up to £240 per child on stationery and clothes. For parents that can’t afford supplies such as these, their children may be starting the next school year without any writing equipment whatsoever. Parents and children are asked to fill the cases with items that they’d typically find in a school pencil case such as pens, colouring pencils, paper, erasers and rulers. Over 3,000 pencil cases have been filled via schools and clubs in the last 18 months. To get involved with Heart Felt Tips and to find out more, please visit www.heartfelttips.co.uk.

Kent is Delicious 2019 - Are you ready?

News

Drawing Inspiration for Underprivileged Kids

A survey by the British Nutrition Foundation last year showed that nearly a third of the five to seven-year-olds asked thought that cheese came from a plant. It’s often suggested that getting young people involved in cooking can help them be more interested in their food. A cookery competition championing the fantastic produce available in Kent is now seeking to do just that. Open to all primaryschool aged children in Kent, the Kent is Delicious Cookery Competition is easy for any primary or junior school, homeschool group, Rainbow, Cub or Scout pack to get involved with. All participants need to do is to create a breakfast recipe that uses as many local and seasonal ingredients as possible. With a first prize of £300, 2 runners-up prizes of £100 (given in vouchers) for a cookery or gardening project and a chance to cook at the Kent County Show up for grabs, it’s well worth stepping up to the ‘hot’ plate to get involved. With so much confusion among people about where their food comes from, Kent is Delicious is a really fun way for children to get hands-on with their food. The Kent is Delicious Cookery Competition is organised by the Diocese of Canterbury’s Communities and Partnerships team and closes on Friday 24 May. For more details, contact kentisdelicious@diocant.org.

Five Things You Must Do at the Dreamland Children’s Book Festival Budding bookworms, imaginative illustrators, and wannabe writers – a world of wonder awaits you at Dreamland on Saturday 16 February at the first ever Children’s Book Festival, with authors, activities and awesome entertainment. To help you plan your day, here’s a handy list of five ‘must do’ activities at the festival. And if you want to dress up as your favourite book character, they won’t stop you!

1. Meet The Gruffalo

There’s no such thing as a Gruffalo? Is there…? Luckily for Dreamland, Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s mythical monster will be making appearances at intervals throughout the day at the festival, so you can try to track the fabled creature and maybe steal a hug! There will also be screenings of adaptations of their work by Magic Light Pictures, including Room On The Broom, Stick Man, The Highway Rat…and their highly-anticipated latest release Zog.

Photo credit: Orange Eyes Ltd 2009

4. Illustrate Your Own Story

2. Get Top Tips From Authors

What do you do when there’s a pig up your nose? Where would you go with a time-travelling cat? The answer to these and more crazy questions will be revealed at festival author talks! Award-winning author John Dougherty will be sharing stories, songs and poems and talking about his book There’s A Pig Up My Nose. Julia Jarman will be sharing tales from her books Big Red Bath, Class Two At The Zoo with under 7s and the daring adventures of the Time Travelling Cat with kids aged 7 to 12.

3. Fall In Love With A New Book Surely the best part of any book festival is finding exciting new books to cherish? A selection of the best new literature for primary school-aged children will be available to browse during the day.

Young art lovers won’t want to miss out on this colourful workshop with renowned illustrator and author Emily Rand. Learn how to make your own concertina book, based on Emily’s new book, The Lost Property Office, using colourful collage and drawing. Margate-based artist Megan Metcalf will also be on hand to teach visitors how to make their own flip book, and how to use moving images to tell a story.

5. Keep Rollin’

If the fun of the Book Festival isn’t enough to wear you and your family out, then head over to the Roller Room, hire some skates, and hit the disco floor! The Children’s Book Festival takes place from 10am to 4pm on Saturday 16 February at Dreamland Margate. The event is suitable for the whole family, under 16s must be accompanied by an adult Tickets are £6 plus booking fee in advance, or £22 plus booking fee in advance for family tickets (up to 4 people). A limited number of tickets are available at £3 plus booking fee for Dreamland members. For more information or to book, please visit www.dreamland.co.uk.

4 Feb - 24 Mar ‘19

What’s On

What’s On Your family diary for February and March Ongoing Daily

Exhibition: A History of Winston Churchill, Chartwell, Westerham, TN16 1PS 10am-4pm. Be one of the first visitors to see the new permanent exhibition. Featuring the fascinating collection of Churchill’s own cherished possessions, collected by him over the course of his lifetime. Admission charges apply. For more details visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/chartwell

Outdoor Contemporary Art Trail: Who was Winston Churchill? Chartwell, Westerham, TN16 1PS 10am-4pm. New original artist designed winter outdoor trail exploring the different sides of Churchill’s character. Learn more about the private man behind the public figure. Admission charges apply. For more details visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/chartwell

Until 1 Apr

Storytime in Knole’s Bookshop, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RP (Selected dates) 11-11.30am. Join the story time fun in Knole’s Every Sat LEGO® Club, Hoo Library, ME3 bookshop where your little ones can enjoy short stories 9AL 3-5pm. Go crazy with the world’s and nursery rhymes. Suitable for under 5s. Free event. For more favourite blocks - build, play and details visit www.nationaltrust. have fun. For more details visit org.uk/knole www.medway.gov.uk/events

Every Sat and Sun

Falconry Display, Leeds Castle, Maidstone, ME17 1PL 2pm. Enjoy a free flying display in the Falconry Arena in front of the Maze. The display lasts about 30 to 40 minutes and features a range of birds including Hawks, Vulture, Falcon and Owls. Admission charges apply. For more details visit www.leedscastle.com

Until 10 Feb

Beyond War - Visualising Peace, The Beaney, Canterbury, CT1 2RA The exhibition takes as its starting point the end of the momentous world war of 191418 and the view of the future for the survivors. Free, drop-in. For more details visit www. canterburymuseums.co.uk

Until 24 Feb

A Winter’s Trail, Betteshanger Park, Deal, CT14 0BF 9.30am-3pm. Follow a self-led trail this winter, venture into the forest, unravel the riddles and complete the activities. Suitable for families but will appeal most to ages 3–8. Charges apply. For more details visit www. betteshanger-park.co.uk

4 Feb - 24 Mar ‘19

February Fri 1 - Thurs 28 Feb

Snowdrop Season, Ightham Mote, Sevenoaks, TN15 0NT 10am-4pm. The dainty bowed heads of the snowdrop are a much-loved reminder that spring is on its way. Having planted over 5000 snowdrops, there should be a heavenly display. Admission charges apply. For more details visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ ightham-mote

Wed 6 Feb

Stories and Rhymes, Maidstone Museum, ME14 1LH 10.30-11.30am. Listen to a story, join in with the actions, rhymes and songs, and make a themed paper craft to take home. Refreshments included. Suitable for under 5s. Charges apply. For more details visit museum. maidstone.gov.uk

Our listings are prepared a long time in advance. To make sure you have the latest details do contact the event nearer the time to make sure they haven’t changed

“

I saw your event in Primary Times.... Please mention you saw the event listed in Primary Times

Sat 9 Feb

”

Snowdrop Walk, Hever Castle, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG A heavenly carpet of snowdrops will provide a magical trail for visitors to follow. Charges apply. For more details visit www. hevercastle.co.uk Who Let The Dads Out, St George’s Church Hall, Gravesend DA11 0DJ 9.45-11.45am. A fun-packed morning that gives the opportunity to spend more time with the children and meet other dads. Charges apply. For more details visit www. stgeorgesgravesend.org or email emma@stgeorgesgravesend.org

Thurs 7 Feb

Harry Potter Book Night, Various Bookshops Harry Potter Book Night returns for its fifth year and excitement is building for wizards and muggles alike. Don your fancy dress, dust off your wands, practice your spells and get down to your nearest participating book shop. For more details visit www. harrypotter.bloomsbury.com

Sat 9 Feb – Sun 24 Feb

Family Trail: Who was Winston Churchill? Chartwell, Westerham, TN16 1PS 10am-4pm. Discover weird and wonderful stories about the man who made Chartwell famous. From animal impersonations to ransom notes, this trail will reveal the hidden man behind the cigar. Admission charges apply. For more details visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/chartwell Tree Detectives Part One, Scotney Castle, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 8JN 11.30am-1pm. A winter woodland walk with a challenge—how many trees can

you identify when they have no leaves? Great fun for children who will also enjoy the Scotney big swing and colliers wood natural play area. Admission charges apply.Visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/scotneycastle

Sun 10 Feb

Family Friendly Tour of Fort Burgoyne, Dover, CT15 5LP 10am. Bring kids along for an introductory tour of Fort Burgoyne with an activity booklet to complete to gain a certificate. Booking is essential. For more details visit www. uponthedowns.org.uk or email mail@whitecliffscountryside. org.uk

Sun 10 Feb – Sun 31 Mar

Junior Parkrun, Betteshanger Park, Deal, CT14 0BF (Sundays only) 9-10am. Betteshanger Junior Parkrun is a free 2k run suitable for ages 4-14. Registration is essential. For more information visit www. betteshanger-park.co.uk Betteshanger Bikes, Betteshanger Park, Deal, CT14 0BF (Sundays only) 10am-11.30am. Join the weekly cycle club for young mountain bikers. Learn awesome skills and take part in exciting games from British Cycling qualified coaches. Suitable for ages 8-14. Charges apply. For more information visit www.betteshanger-park.co.uk

Fri 15 – Sun 24 Feb

Circus Zyair, The Hop Farm, Paddock Wood, TN12 6PY Treat the kids to a spectacular show. High-energy spectacle abounds as Circus Zyair presents its varied show beneath a big-top tent. Charges apply. For more details visit www.thehopfarm. co.uk

For lots more What’s On ideas see page 12...

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The winning story from the two categories will be included in the Leeds Castle 900 Time Capsule PLUS a stay at Knight’s Glamping • a private tour of Leeds Castle • tickets to the Fireworks Spectacular 2019 • a hamper of fun prizes. For children 5 - 13 years Closing date: 5th March 2019

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Children all over the UK are invited to join in celebrating the 900th birthday of Leeds Castle by writing a short story about castles and time travel.

Rated 5 Stars - Jan 2019

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‘PewtithWPDisSAe-’ -

Is your child passionate about pets? PDSA, the UK’s leading veterinary charity, treat over 470,000 sick and injured pets every year. They want the nation to #GetPetWise - ensuring future generations of pet owners have everything they need to keep their pets happy and healthy. They need you to encourage your child’s school to sign up to their new, FREE PetWise School Award programme. The award consists of four easy-to-follow levels, each one full of fun, downloadable resources. Every National Curriculum-linked session comes complete with a step by step lesson plan, a PowerPoint presentation and worksheets. Once the school has completed the award, they’ll receive a ‘pawsome’ plaque to display in their foyer and they’ll also be able to use PDSA’s PetWise School Award logo on any correspondence to show the nation they’re PetWise.

Help your school

#GetPetWise

Help your school

Schools can sign up online at: PDSA.org.uk/PetWise

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4 Feb - 24 Mar ‘19

24/12/2018 11:15

Family Theatre

in London. Together they must outwit the adults to find their way back to their family. Ages 5+.

15 Feb – 5 Apr

Mrs H and the Singalong Band

The best shows around... Gulbenkian Canterbury

Marlowe Canterbury

Box Office: 01227 769 075 16 Feb

Box Office: 01227 787 787 18 Feb

The Little Prince

The Funny Thing About...

Find out how the Little Prince leaves behind his own tiny asteroid and beloved rose and journeys through the universe, coming face to face with the baffling world of grown-ups! Ages 5+.

17 Feb

Shlomo’s Beatbox Adventure for Kids

James Campbell’s stand-up comedy show for children over six, their parents and anyone who likes comedy without the rude words. Ages 6+.

19 Feb

The Goose Who Flew

Enjoy a heartfelt story about the importance of compassion, community and understanding. The show uses charming storytelling, simple puppetry and an assortment of quirky Enjoy characters. Ages 3-7.

Shlomo is a world recordbreaking beatboxer who makes all kinds of music using just his mouth the show! and a mic. Join this And don’t sonic superhero, become one of his forget to say sidekicks in a world you saw it in of brilliant noises. Primary

21 – 22 Feb

Alice in Wonderland

Let’s All Dance returns with this fabulous Times! family favourite. Stunning 23 Feb dancing, much loved characters How Does This and super costumes bring the Politics Thing Work Then? famous tale to life in this magical Comedy Club 4 Kids specialise in ballet production. Ages 2-11. making children laugh & Simple Politics specialise in making 21 - 23 Feb them understand how politics The Worst Witch works in a clear, informative and Mildred Hubble is an ordinary fun way. Ages 7+. girl who found herself in an extraordinary place: a school for 2 Mar witches. Now in her last year, Need a Little Help Mildred and her fellow pupils Based on the experiences are about to go on their biggest of young carers, the piece adventure yet. explores what it means to look after someone else when you 16 – 17 Mar are young. In a playful and The Little Prince immersive space. Ages 2-7. In this adaptation of the classic French fairy tale, prepare to 23 Mar rediscover adventure as you fly Wow! It’s Night-Time across the universe and meet The curious little owl is back, the Aviator who, after crashing and this time she’s ready to his plane, comes across a discover the wonders of nightcurious Little Prince. time, from the big, bright moon to the bats in the sky and the Quarterhouse foxes deep in the forest. Ages 2-5. Folkestone

Box Office: 01303 760 750 8 - 9 Feb

27 – 30 Mar

White

Welcome to the world of White. Full of birdsong and birdhouses, it gleams and dazzles and shines in the night. Ages 2-4. 8

4 Feb - 24 Mar ‘19

Hansel & Gretel

This contemporary version of a classic fairy tale finds our two heroes, Hansel and Gretel lost

Led by the charming and passionate Mrs H, the Singalong Band brings their unique family music to Kent with a line-up of musicians. Their aim is to provide quality music for children that adults will love too.

21 – 22 Feb

The Lost Things

A boy falls and finds himself in a dark and terrifying new world. It’s a world of lost things: car keys, wedding rings and a mysterious girl who is building an amazing machine. Ages 8-12.

Theatre Royal Margate Box Office: 01843 292 795 16 Feb

Magic! The Tour with JezO

Don’t miss this chance to be amazed and entertained by the glamour, romance and grand illusions of Bondini and the high energy infectious personality and hilarious comedy magic of JezO.

21 – 23 Feb

Dick Whittington and His Cat

The Police Panto Team presents a fun and entertaining pantomime for the whole family.

9 Mar

Morgan & West’s Utterly Spiffing Spectacular Magic Show Time travelling magicians Morgan & West present a jaw-dropping, heart-stopping, brain-busting, paradigm shifting, outlook changing and furniture rearranging magic extravaganza. Ages 5+.

27 – 28 Mar

Bing Live

Join Bing, Coco and Panda as they learn how to tell stories by pretending, dressing-up and singing songs. Flop and Amma are there to help but things don’t always go according to plan.

The Woodville Gravesend Box Office: 08442 439 480 19 Feb

Mimi and the Mountain Dragon

With lively original songs, atmospheric storytelling and magical puppets this is an exciting new show about friendship, courage and adventure for anyone who loves snow, dragons and stories. Ages 3+.

23 Feb

Land of Nod

Enjoy a story of tiredness, overtiredness, wonder and waking up. Land of Nod explores the struggle of bedtime and the bliss of finally falling into slumber. Ages 3+.

15 - 16 Mar

Dear Zoo

This production will delight all those who have read the book (both young and old) as it unfolds with child-engaging puppets, music and lots of audience interaction.

Tower Theatre Folkestone Box Office: 01303 223 925 9 Feb

Charlie’s Concert: Take Three!

Charlie and guests return for his third annual charity concert in aid of Pilgrims Hospices. Guests include Sand and Stone from ITV’s The Voice, All Souls’ School of Performing Arts and more.

Assembly Hall Tunbridge Wells Box Office: 01892 530 613 12 – 16 Mar

The Cat in the Hat

Based on the much-loved book by Dr Seuss that has captivated generations of readers, The Cat in the Hat features feline frivolity aplenty, with his acrobatic accomplices Thing 1 and Thing 2. Ages 3+.

24 Mar

Alice in Wonderland

This traditional tale for all the family brings to life a mix of popular, modern and classical music as Alice takes you on an exciting journey full of wondrous adventures.

Orchard Dartford Box Office: 01322 220 000 25 – 26 Mar

Room on the Broom

Join the Witch and her cat on their mission to defeat the dragon in Tall Stories’ magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Ages 3+.

Kent is Delicious Cookery Competition

Open to all primary school age children in Kent In groups of up to four, create a breakfast dish using local, seasonal ingredients Photo by Venture Studios

Three lucky groups will be chosen to cook their dishes in the main Show Kitchen at the Kent County Show on Friday 5th July with prizes of:

1st Prize £300 2 runners-up prizes of £100 (for cookery or gardening projects for your group)*

Primary Times Magazine is proud to support Wear A Hat Day 2019 and is offering a prize of a £100 book token for the school which raises the most money per pupil.

www.braintumourresearch.org/ pt-wahd-competition

Closing date 24th May 2019

For full competition details and how to enter visit: www.canterburydiocese.org/kentisdelicious #KentisDelicious Email kentisdelicious@diocant.org for more information and the chance to win mini prizes

Registered charity number 1153487 (England and Wales) SC046840 (Scotland). Company limited by guarantee number 08570737.

*Prizes given as gift vouchers Kent is Delicious - Poster_SB_2019.indd 1

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£15.00 + BOOKING FEE IN ADVANCE ADVANCE TICKETS AVAILABLEFROM AT UNDER 14’SDREAMLAND.CO.UK MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT

4 Feb - 24 Mar ‘19

Fun Days Out with the Family Half Term at Leeds Castle

Become a first-class junior hunter between 16 and 24 February at Leeds Castle. Throw on your wellies and thinking caps this half term and explore the estate on an exciting outdoor adventure trail. With an exciting activity booklet on-hand to help guide you through the grounds, complete the various puzzles and challenges to be rewarded with a chocolate prize. Start your adventure in the Wood Garden, before conquering the Maze and completing a quiz in the birds of prey area. On your way through the grounds, see if you can also solve mystery riddles written on the giant puzzle boards.

Mythical Beasts at The Historic Dockyard

Do you know the link between ships and mythical beasts? Well, here’s your chance to find out. Mythical Beasts activities are back at The Historic Dockyard Chatham this February Half Term from 16 to 24 February. Discover the Mythical Beasts trail that will take you across a wonderful 80 acre site – look for the beasts and learn about their links with ships for the Royal Navy - will you be able to crack the mythical code? After all that exploration, head to No.1 Smithery for the craft workshops, where you can make and take your own beast. Learn about ships badges with fantastic colouring activities. Make a magical arrow and ‘shoot’ the pop-up mythical beasts. After all this you’ll be wanting to take a break, so why not take a seat and listen to the stories of the mythical beasts and how they are still here with us today on the historic ship badges?

16th 2 FEBR 4th UARY 2019

16th to 24th February Become a junior outdoor hunter this half term and follow your challenge booklet around the grounds to hunt for clues, solve challenges and be rewarded with a chocolate prize at the end.

CELEBRATING 900 YEARS leeds-castle.com 10

4 Feb - 24 Mar ‘19

S te to LL ry IN g!

Whatever the Weather!

Leeds Castle celebrates its 900th anniversary in 2019 and has a series of special events and activities planned with families in mind. Admission tickets are valid for a year from the date of purchase. Look out for two exciting new family attractions opening this spring! A valid admission ticket to Leeds Castle is required and there is an additional fee of £1 for the Half Term Hunter trail. Book online for advance discounts at www. leeds-castle.com.

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thedockyard.co.uk Follow us on Instagram - @primarytimesse

Bluebell and Snowdrop Displays

Take a crisp walk in February to enjoy amazing displays of snowdrops, the tiny white harbingers of spring. These will soon be followed by bluebells as the spring season gets underway. Around 70,000 snowdrop bulbs have been planted at Hever Castle gardens in Kent over recent years including a mix of single and double snowdrops, interspersed with some unusual varieties. Hever House and Gardens reopens after the winter break on 9 February. www.hevercastle.co.uk. Hucking Estate in the Kent Downs offers a mix of ancient woodland, planted secondary woodland and open grassland together with woodland archaeology remains, wonderful walks, interesting wildlife and breathtaking views of this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. In spring carpets of bluebells, wood anemone and dog’s mercury add to the vibrancy and colour of the ancient woodland area.

Whatever the Weather!

No booking is required for these activities, simply plan your day with us upon arrival and don’t forget to visit the superb awardwinning galleries and historic ships. Don’t forget – all tickets to The Historic Dockyard Chatham are valid for 12 months, providing fun for the whole family for an entire year. Discounted tickets are available online now at thedockyard.co.uk.

There are many magnificent woodlands in the South East where walkers can enjoy displays of bluebells. Abbot’s Wood, Polgate, is a good place to spot bluebells and snowdrops and entry is free (except car park charge). Friston Forest in the South Downs National Park is a lovely beech wood with plenty of marked routes for walkers and mountain bikers as well as bridleways.Visit to see bluebells in their natural habitat. Not far from Eastbourne, the Bluebell Walk at Arlington is a working farm and open to the public for a couple of months of the year when the stunning carpets of bluebells can be enjoyed on a variety or walks. There are also some heritage farming attractions along the way. Prices are £6 adults, £2.50 child. www.bluebellwalk.co.uk Photo credit: Meghan Doran In aid of The Lord Whisky Sanctuary Fund Registered Charity: 283483

Fur, Feather and Exotic Exhibition 23 February - 10am-4pm

Boughton-under Blean Village Hall, Bull Lane, ME13 9AH Lot of different animals including chinchillas, ferrets, owls, parrots and more! Feed the sock lambs. Small Animal Pet Show (no dogs or cats)to be judged at 3pm by Pam Ferris Information and craft stalls - Tombola - Refreshments New Animal Exhibitors Welcome. Craft stalls £10. Phone 01303 862622 to book. Park House Animal Sanctuary Stelling Minnis, Kent, CT4 6AN

www.lordwhisky.co.uk • 01303 862622

February Half Term Activities at Sheppey Leisure Complex

Mon 18th – Fri 22nd February Fun for all the family! • Aqua Run Inflatable Mon-Fri 10am to 11am & 1pm to 3pm Ages 8+

Book now!

Join our gymnastics course for weekly classes! Sheppey Leisure Complex Off the Broadway, Sheerness, Kent, ME12 1HH SheppeyLeisureComplex Swimming Pool: 01795 668652 *Terms & Conditions apply, all aspects of offer are subject to change.

www.swaleleisure.com

4 Feb - 24 Mar ‘19

What’s On

More What’s On

Your family diary for February and March

February Sat 16 Feb

Children’s Book Festival, Dreamland, Margate, CT9 1XJ 10am-4pm. Dreamland hosts its first ever Children’s Book Festival this half term. The action-packed line-up includes a very special appearance from The Gruffalo, plus screenings of film adaptations of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler classics. Charges apply.Visit www. dreamland.co.uk

Sat 16 – Fri 22 Feb

Children’s Week, Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway, TN28 8PL Members of The Bug Club travel free. Free activities for all Romney Rover ticket holders. For more information and to book visit www.rhdr.org.uk

Sat 16 – Sat 23 Feb

Spike’s Dino Trail, Maidstone Museum, ME14 1LH Complete the Dinosaur-themed trail around the museum and claim your Spike Dino badge. Charges apply. For more details visit museum.maidstone.gov.uk I Do Like to Be Beside the Seaside, Folkestone Museum, CT20 1DY 10am-3pm. Enjoy a week of crafts and activities honouring the British seaside. Crafting activities are free drop-in events for all the family. To find times and bookings visit www.folkestonemuseum. co.uk

Sat 16 – Sun 24 Feb

Half Term Hunters, Leeds Castle, Maidstone, ME17 1PL Become a first-class junior hunter this half term on the grounds of the Castle. Families can throw on their wellies and thinking caps as they venture through the Leeds Castle estate on a special trail. Charges apply. For more details visit www. leeds-castle.com

February Fun and Frolics, Kent Life, Maidstone, ME14 3AU 10am-4pm. Expect a packed programme of entertainment from animal encounters to fabulous Big Top shows. Activities include animal feeding sessions, visits to the Owl Academy, Vintage Village and a fabulous animal show. Charges apply. For more details visit www.kentlife. org.uk Living with Nature, Hever Castle, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG Follow the Wildlife Detective walk led by the gardening team to investigate animal footprints and tracks, take part in a wildlife workshop or follow the fun facts in a trail around the castle. For more details visit www. hevercastle.co.uk Spring Half Term Fun, The Hop Farm, Paddock Wood, TN12 6PY 10am-4pm. Enjoy a variety of amazing children’s activities such as the indoor soft play centre, indoor bumper cars, driving school, magic castle, animal farm, giant jumping pillows and more. For more details visit www. thehopfarm.co.uk Monkey-Puzzle Trail, Emmetts Garden, Sevenoaks, TN14 6BA 10am-4pm. Look out for all the monkeys climbing on their favourite trees around the garden at half term. Find out about William Lobb’s quest for the monkey-puzzle tree along the way. Admission charges apply. For more details visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/emmettsgarden February Half Term, Ightham Mote, Sevenoaks, TN15 0NT 10am-4pm. Follow the hibernation trail to become a nature detective and discover which animals live here but may be having a snooze until the weather gets a bit warmer.

Mythical Beasts, The Historic Dockyard Chatham, ME4 4TE This half term head down to the Historic Dockyard for family friendly fun. There’ll be plenty of activities to enjoy from crafts, storytelling and much more. For more information visit www. thedockyard.co.uk

4 Feb - 24 Mar ‘19

Our listings are prepared a long time in advance. To make sure you have the latest details do contact the event nearer the time to make sure they haven’t changed

“

I saw your event in Primary Times.... Please mention you saw the event listed in Primary Times

”

Admission charges apply. For more details visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/ighthammote

Half Term Family Fun, Scotney Castle, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 8JN 10am-5pm. Take part in children’s half term activities or start ticking off your 50 things to do before you’re 11¾ list. Admission charges apply.Visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/scotneycastle February Half Term, Kent and East Sussex Railway, Tenterden Town Station, TN30 6HE Steam along through the beautiful Kent and East Sussex countryside from Tenterden to Bodiam. Celebrate the 100th birthday of a Norwegian locomotive.Your ticket is valid for travel on any train on the day of issue and is a free repeat to use later in 2019. Booking is essential.Visit www.kesr.org.uk Holiday Heroes Half Term Activities, Maidstone Leisure Centre, ME15 7RN Enjoy a fun filled school holiday, with wave rave pool parties, bouncy castle, face painting, Polar Adventure soft play, Aqua Challenge and much more. For more details visit www. maidstoneleisure.com

Sun 17 Feb

Bird Box Building, Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve and Jeffery Harrison Visitor Centre, TN13 3DH 11am-3pm. Join national nest box week to make your own bird box, make your own bird feeder and go on a bird walk to discover the local birds that may use your creations. Charges apply. For more details visit www. kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

Mon 18 Feb

Fairtrade Chocolate Baking, Bore Place, Edenbridge, TN8 7AR 10am-1pm. Children will make delicious Fairtrade chocolate and banana muffins and fabulously fun Fairtrade chocolate cow cookies

before going out to meet our real herd of dairy cows. Ages 7-12. Charges apply. For more details visit www.boreplace.org Block Fabric Printing, Brogdale Farm, Faversham, ME13 8XZ 10.30am-2.30pm. Brogdale’s fabric experts from Fibre & Fleece will help kids learn about this traditional fabric printing technique. Create your own piece of fabric artwork to hang or a fabric lunch bag to take home. Ages 5+. Booking required.Visit www.brogdalecollections.org Wildlife Treasure Hunt, Bough Beech, Sevenoaks, TN14 6LD 10.30am-12noon, 1-2.30pm. Explore the bough beech nature reserve while taking part in a wildlife scavenger hunt, orienteering, treasure trail and map making. Ages 2+. Charges apply. For more details visit www. kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

Mon 18 – Fri 22 Feb

Holiday Heroes, Sheppey Leisure Complex, ME12 1HH 10-11am, 1-3pm.Aqua Run Inflatable is fun for the whole family. Ages 8+. Charges apply. For more details visit www.swaleleisure.com or call 01795 668 652. Kids Holiday Club, Maidstone YMCA, ME15 6B 8am-6pm. Expect lots of fun activities during the February Half Term Holiday including, roller skating, art and crafts, football and more. For more details www.maidstoneymca. org.uk or call 01622 749 404 to book a space.

Mon 18 – Sun 24 Feb

John Lawson’s Circus, Ruxley Manor Garden Centre, Sidcup, DA14 5BQ Visitors will see Ringmaster Attila Endrész, Boris the giant polar bear, Pip the clown, Elsa from Frozen on the aerial rope and more. Children’s face painting is also available. Charges apply. For more details visit www.ruxleymanor.co.uk

Tues 19 Feb

Real Breadmaking, Bore Place, Edenbridge, TN8 7AR 10am-12.30pm. Children will learn where flour comes from and how it’s turned into bread. They will grind their own flour and make hen-shaped bread, before going out to meet a herd of dairy cows on the farm. Ages 3-6. Charges apply. For more details visit www.boreplace.org

For lots more What’s On ideas see page 18...

to promote all aspects of resilience and mental health. These events enhance our busy co-curricular programme that includes recreational sports, art and mindfulness. Some senior pupils are trained as peerlisteners providing immediate support for pupils and passing on important information to key staff. We are also providing wellbeing initiatives for staff, supporting them to obtain a healthy work-life balance.” St Edmund’s School fundamentally believes that pupils with better health and wellbeing perform better academically. Happy children flourish. For more information, visit www.stedmunds.org.uk.

Learning Outdoors at Spring Grove School

Education News

Wellbeing at St Edmund’s School

In 2017, the UK’s leading charity focussing on young people’s mental health, called YoungMinds, launched their ‘Wise Up’ campaign to focus on wellbeing issues in schools. Their research found that schools play a crucial role in developing the skills young people need to cope and flourish in today’s world. They are a constant in young peoples’ lives and are a safe, consistent place for vulnerable young people. St Edmund’s School in Canterbury already has a strong track record in supporting its pupils both academically and pastorally. The school recently appointed a Head of Wellbeing, James Clapp, to oversee wellbeing and PSHEE provision across its PrePrep, Junior and Senior Schools and work alongside the school counsellor to promote positive mental health. Mr Clapp told Primary Times, “Pupils now have regular wellbeing events throughout the year

Since 2016, children at Spring Grove have been heading out into woodland close to the school to experience Forest School under the leadership of Year 3 teacher, Paul Curnow. All children from Reception to Year 6 now regularly take part in Forest School activities and outdoor learning is an integral part of the school curriculum. From the start, Spring Grove’s Forest School has been a trailblazer, winning the Woodland Trust’s Green Tree School Scheme’s Platinum Award and becoming the first independent school in the UK to be approved by the Forest School Association as a recognised Forest School Provider. Most recently, Paul Curnow received a prestigious award from the Council for learning outside the classroom when he was voted the ‘Inspiring Outdoor Educator of the Year’ for his outstanding contribution to learning outside the classroom. This was a fantastic recognition of the quality of learning provided by all of the Forest School team at Spring Grove School. There’s an opportunity to see Forest School in action at Spring Grove’s upcoming Open Morning on Saturday 9 March 2019. For registration and enquiries please contact admissions@ springgroveschool.co.uk.

‘A great place to grow’ for boys and girls aged 2 to 11 years St Edmund’s is a day and boarding school where every pupil is connected by a love of learning, the pursuit of possibility and the challenge of being the very best they can be.

Visit, Explore & Discover

Open Morning Friday 8th March Book a place online: www.stedmunds.org.uk

4 Feb - 24 Mar ‘19

Parents, get reddy! Friday 15 March is Red Nose Day! Comic Relief’s Ella Large offers ten top tips to help your children bake, dance, splat and sing their way to a fantastic fundraising day. Red Nose Day is all about people of all ages coming together to make the world a better place. Last Red Nose Day, schools and nurseries helped raise over £5 million to help vulnerable people in the UK and the world’s poorest communities. And this year Comic Relief wants to do even better! At Comic Relief, they recognise all the hard work that lies behind children’s fundraising. Whether it’s baking, making donations, creating costumes or face painting at 7 o’clock in the morning, it’s hard to overestimate parents’ efforts. So why do it? What difference does it make? First of all, all the money your child’s school raises this Red Nose Day will be used by Comic Relief to change countless lives, both here in the UK and worldwide. The charity funds amazing organisations that provide brilliant solutions for people living in desperate situations. Secondly, taking part in Red Nose Day can have a profound impact on children. It’s an exciting, memorable day when everyone lets their hair down and comes together to make a difference. As well as being great fun, for many children it’s the ﬁrst time they understand they have the power to change things in the world. So as a parent, what can you do to make sure your child has a Red Nose Day to remember? 1. Get the date on the calendar. Red Nose Day is Friday 15 March… Don’t be caught by surprise! 2. Get costumes ready. Schools across the UK will be asking pupils to pay £1 to wear something red or go non-uniform. Avoid the lastminute panic and get those red costumes reddy! 3. Buy a tee-hee-hee-shirt. For a simple dressing-up solution, why not by a Red Nose Day t-shirt? Children’s designs feature Disney characters and are available from TK Maxx stores (www. tkmaxx.com ) or www. comicrelief.com/shop 4. Go wild with accessories. Face paint, red hair dye, red socks, scarves, ribbons, jewellery… Dig out what you’ve got and decorate your child! For instant solutions,

you’ll ﬁnd everything from wristbands and badges to deeley boppers and spinning wands at www.comicrelief.com/shop and in Sainsbury’s stores 5. Pick your child’s Nose. This year there are eleven new Red Noses, each of which comes in its own box your child can use as the building blocks of a castle. 6. Get baking. Red Nose Day bake sale? Never fear! There are a range of savoury and sweet recipes at www.comicrelief.com/free-downloads – all easy to make and with a Red Nose twist. Or just buy a cake and take the credit (nobody will know…). 7. Support with sponsorship. If your child comes home with a sponsorship form, help them to contact family and friends to ask for support. 8. Visit the Red Nose Day website. Spend time looking at www.comicrelief.com/primarytimes with your child.You’ll ﬁnd everything from stories about the people their fundraising will help to colouring sheets and dressing-up masks. 9. Watch Blue Peter together. In the run-up to Red Nose Day, Blue Peter will be asking kids to share their favourite rib-ticklers and side-splitters for their ‘Make your teacher laugh for Comic Relief’ campaign. 10. Help out on the big day. Find out what your child’s school is planning for Red Nose Day and offer your support. Could you run a disco? Sell cakes? Or just shake a bucket at the school gate? At the end of the day, sit down with your child and watch a massive night of comedy and entertainment live on the BBC, knowing that together you’ve played your part in changing people’s lives for the better. Schools and organisers can order their free primary school fundraising packs stuffed with everything you need to get inspired and involved at www.comicrelief.com/ primarytimespack

Everyone is excited for Ashford School as they have been shortlisted for Pre-Prep/Prep School of the Year and the Best Use of Technology award for the Annual tes Independent School Awards 2019. This comes following a gruelling assessment and judging process. Ashford School is one of nine schools that were shortlisted for Pre-prep/Prep School of the Year and one of six schools shortlisted for the Best Use of Technology. The awards celebrate those making remarkable strategic and financial contributions to independent schools. From individuals to teams, they applaud excellence and reward innovation. The school is looking forward to the awards ceremony on Friday 1 February, where the winner in each category will be announced. For more information about the awards, please visit www.isawards.co.uk. Keep up to date on how Ashford School do by visiting www.ashfordschool.co.uk.

Marvel Inspire Next Generation of Engineers The Government’s Year of Engineering campaign has teamed up with superhero comic brand Marvel to launch a set of fun educational resources. These are designed

Education News

Ashford School

to help KS2 students aged 7-11 identify the superhero qualities needed to solve the global challenges we face. The campaign features a wealth of inspiration for keeping kids busy and entertained. The resources include an aptitude test that helps young people identify which superhero they share the most aptitudes with, and how these would suit a career in engineering. There are also real life superhero case studies featuring the aspirational stories of engineers, as well as a curriculum linked lesson. The free lesson plans will help teachers run the superhero session including a fun classroom activity with role play challenges. The free Marvel resources aim to challenge engineering stereotypes, encourage a re-evaluation of gender roles in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths careers and showcase to young people that they have what it takes to be real world superhero engineers. It will also encourage skills such as resilience, resourcefulness, collaboration and curiosity. The exciting new More Heroes Needed Marvel resources, which feature iconic favourites such as The Hulk, Black Panther, The Wasp and Iron Man, can be found in the schools hub of the Year of Engineering website at www. yearofengineering.gov.uk.

The No.1 for exam success Essential practice for 11+ and Common Entrance exams

www.bond11plus.co.uk Follow us on Twitter - @PT_Kent

4 Feb - 24 Mar ‘19

Down: 1.Poison 2. Dagger 4.Hat 5.Anchor 6.Rope 9.Hook 10.Saber 11.Rum 14.Compass 16.Flag 17.Bomb

lown’s Pirate Playtime

Across: 3.Map 7.Island 8.Boot 12.Coins 13.Treasure 15.Locket 17.Barrel 18.Spyglass

Katie

A n s w e r s

Pirate Word Search G

N M K

A O N

P M S

A W C

V O

O C

O G

P M A

A W S

C O C

Can you find all these words in the word search? Shiver, Me, Timbers, Ahoy Cockswain, Booty, Hook, Gangplank, Parrot, Sails, Captain, Deck, Sword, Rum, Ship, Gold, JollyRoger, Buccaneer Can you draw a picture or write a poem about anything to do with Pirates? Send it to us to have a chance of winning a Primary Times Tee Shirt AND seeing your prize winning entry published in the next Primary Times! Categories: ages 4-7 and 8-11 Name: Age: Address:

Postcode: School:

Send your entry together with this completed form to:

Annie's Competition, Primary Times, 7 Southbrook Mews, London, SE12 8LG or scan them both and email them to:

competitions@primarytimes.biz

Closing date 8 March 2019. Good Luck!

Why couldn’t the pirate play cards? Because he was sitting on the deck! How much did the pirate’s peg leg and hook cost? An arm and a leg! What are the only notes a pirate can sing? High C’s!

Colouring Corner

Win a Family Annual Pass to Leeds Castle

Leeds Castle has launched a new kind of Family Ticket which allows you unlimited access to the Castle for 12 months, as well as to various events throughout the year. These events include the Medieval Jousting Tournament, Motors by the Moat, the Carnival of History, the Festival of Flowers, Easter fun with the Junk Orchestra and much more. There are two types of Family Tickets. Choose from either a Family Ticket for one adult (16yrs+) and up to 5 of your children or grandchildren (15yrs or under) or a Family Ticket for two adults (16yrs+) living at the same address and up to 4 of your children or grandchildren (15yrs or under). Under 4s go free. Primary Times has one of these very special Family Tickets to give away to one lucky reader. To be in with a chance of winning, tell us what kind of orchestra will be at the Castle at Easter. For details on how to enter, see the bottom of the page.

Win a ‘The House with a Clock in Its Walls’ Prize Bundle

Competitions

Competitions Jack Black and Cate Blanchett star in The House with a Clock in Its Walls. Directed by Eli Roth, this is a thrilling and magical film for the whole family to enjoy. The enchanted adventure tells the spine-tingling tale of Lewis, a 10-year-old orphan who goes to live with his uncle in a creaky old house with a mysterious tick-tocking heart. Lewis soon learns that Uncle Jonathan and his spirited neighbour, Mrs Zimmerman, are powerful practitioners of the magic arts. When Lewis accidentally awakens the dead, the town’s sleepy facade suddenly springs to life, revealing a secret and dangerous world of witches, warlocks and deadly curses. The House with a Clock in Its Walls is available on Digital Download, DVD, Blu-Ray and 4K Ultra HD now. Primary Times has four prize bundles to give away to four lucky readers. To be in with a chance of winning, simply tell us how old Lewis the orphan is. For details of how to enter, see the bottom of this page.

Win a box of books for your school

Primary Times are offering schools the chance to win a selection of great books for their library. We have a whole box full of titles from super stories to fun educational books. We have several boxes of books to give away and the titles in each may differ. To enter the competition send your name, address, phone number and the name of your school using the details below.

Win a Bundle of LEGO® Books World Book Day, this year on 7 March, is the world’s biggest annual celebration of children’s books, dedicated to celebrating the benefits of reading for pleasure. Every year, with a host of publishers, World Book Day curates a list of bespoke £1 books for children and young people across the UK and Ireland, which they can choose for free at their local bookshop or supermarket using their £1 World Book Day book token. Catering for all age groups, the list has been created to appeal to the widest possible range of children and young people, tastes and abilities. Designed to be as accessible as possible, the list is available in braille, large print and audio formats and there are two additional books in Welsh. Primary Times has five bundles of LEGO® books to give away to five lucky readers. To be in with a chance of winning, simply tell us what date World Book Day is on this year. For details of how to enter, see the bottom of this page. ©2019 The LEGO Group.

To enter any of the competitions send your answer along with your name, age, school, address and phone number to Primary Times, 7 Southbrook Mews, London, SE12 8LG. Don’t forget to include the name of the competition. Alternatively email your answer and details to competitions@primarytimes.biz with the competition name as the subject by Friday 8 March 2019. If you are entering more than one competition you can put all entries in the same envelope. Follow us on Twitter - @PT_Kent

4 Feb - 24 Mar ‘19

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Your family diary for February and March

February Campfire and Crafts, Shorne Woods Country Park, Gravesend, DA12 3HX 10am-12noon, 1-3pm. Keep the kids busy this half term at this family friendly campfire and crafts event. Charges apply. For more details visit www.kent.gov. uk/leisure-and-community/kentcountry-parks PAW Patrol Meet and Greet, The Hop Farm, Paddock Wood, TN12 6PY 10am-4pm. Chase and Marshall from the hit Nickelodeon show PAW Patrol will be visiting the Hop Farm for meet and greets. Make sure to have your cameras at the ready. This event will be indoors. Charges apply. For more details visit www.thehopfarm. co.uk

Bug Box Creations, Bough Beech, Sevenoaks, TN14 6LD 10.30am-12noon, 1-2.30pm. Build and decorate the home, as well as take part in some mini beast hunting, build a bottle top bug and for the smaller ones listen to the Super Worm story. Ages 3+. Charges apply. For more details visit www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk Abracadabra! Twydall Library, ME8 6JY 2.15-3pm. Stories and crafts suitable for ages 4-10. Booking is essential for this free event. For more details visit www. enjoymedway.org

Our listings are prepared a long time in advance. To make sure you have the latest details do contact the event nearer the time to make sure they haven’t changed

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Tues 19 – Thurs 21 Feb

Gargoyle Week, Canterbury Cathedral, CT1 2EH 11am-3pm. To celebrate Gregory Gargoyle’s arrival join the cathedral’s stonemasons and build a clay gargoyle of your own. Explorer backpacks are also available and full of tools to help children aged 3-12 investigate the Cathedral. Normal precinct charges apply.Visit www. canterbury-cathedral.org

Tues 19 – Fri 22 Feb

February Half Term Make-It Sessions, Maidstone Museum, ME14 1LH Enjoy a whole week of creative craft activities, ideal for children aged 4+. Charges apply. For more details visit museum.maidstone. gov.uk February Half Term Fun, Millbrook Gravesend, DA13 9PA Your little one can take a flight of fancy into the world of feathered friends at Millbrook. With sessions led by Sky Birds of Prey plus the popular make-andtake workshops there’s plenty to enjoy. Charges apply. Also at Millbrook Staplehurst. For more details visit www.millbrookgc. co.uk

Wed 20 Feb

Explore Pond Dipping, Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve and Jeffery Harrison Visitor Centre, TN13 3DH 10.30am-12noon, 1-2.30pm. A fantastic time for all the family to get involved exploring ponds. Find and observe a range of creatures which would otherwise be hidden from view. Ages 3+. Charges apply. For more details visit www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk Kids Nature Photography, Scotney Castle, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 8JN 10.30am-1pm. This course will focus on teaching our students how to capture nature at its best. Admission charges apply. Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ scotney-castle

4 Feb - 24 Mar ‘19

Children’s Ceramic Bird Feeder Workshop, Knole, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RP 10.30am-12noon. Decorate a bird feeder and bird decoration with colourful paints. Ages 5-11. Booking is essential and charges apply.Visit www.nationaltrust.org. uk/knole Campfire and Crafts, Shorne Woods Country Park, Gravesend, DA12 3HX 10am-12noon, 1-3pm. Keep the kids busy this half term at this family friendly campfire and crafts event. Charges apply. For more details visit www.kent.gov. uk/leisure-and-community/kentcountry-parks

Thurs 21 Feb

Half Term Beastie Day, Brogdale Farm, Faversham, ME13 8XZ 10am-3pm. Hunt for and collect bugs in the orchards, meet the Bug Roadshow’s impressive collection of Mega Bugs and get creative and build your very own bug to take home with you. Booking required. For more information visit www. brogdalecollections.org Bug House Building, Romney Marsh Visitor Centre, TN28 8AY 11am-12noon. Build and decorate the home, as well as take part in some mini beast hunting, build a bottle top bug and for the smaller ones listen to the Super Worm story. Ages 3+. Charges apply. For more details visit www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk Wiggly Wild Show, Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve and Jeffery Harrison Visitor Centre, TN13 3DH 10.30-11.30am, 12.30-1.30pm. Join the experienced bug wrangler to identify your millipedes from your centipedes, cuddle a cockroach and snuggle a giant snail. Ages 3+. Charges apply. For more details visit www. kentwildlifetrust.org.uk Just Magic, Gillingham Library, ME7 1BG 2.30-3.30pm. Magical crafts suitable for ages 4-10. Booking is essential for this free event. For more details visit www. enjoymedway.org

Fri 22 Feb

Flowers, Scenery and Fauna of Yellowstone National Park, Salvation Army Hall, Hythe, CT21 6EG

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Film Preview Guide Captain Marvel

Elves and the Shoemaker Ballet

Set in the 1990s, Marvel Studios’ Captain Marvel is an all-new adventure from a previously unseen period in the history of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.The first female led superhero film in the MCU follows the journey of Carol Danvers as she becomes one of the universe’s most powerful heroes. When a galactic war between two alien races reaches Earth, Danvers finds herself and a small cadre of allies at the center of the maelstrom. The latest movie in the Marvel franchise has a starstudded cast including Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson, Ben Mendelsohn, Djimon Hounsou, Lashana Lynch, Gemma Chan, and Jude Law. Directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, Captain Marvel will be released in cinemas on 8 March. For more information, please visit www.marvel.com. Photo credit: Chuck Zlotnick..©Marvel Studios 2019

Northern Ballet, in collaboration with CinEvents, is making its debut in cinemas this year with over 200 screenings across the UK of some of its most popular children’s ballets. Elves and the Shoemaker will be shown in cinemas across the UK from 23 February with more of the company’s children’s ballets, including Three Little Pigs, set to land in cinemas later in the year.

The LEGO Movie 2

Before each of the ballets, cinema goers will be introduced to Elephant, Monkey or Polar Bear, characters from the family friendly animated series, Jungle Beat. Children will be able to join them in their hilarious adventures via a 5-minute episode before the main event begins.

The much-anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed, global box ofﬁce phenomenon, The LEGO® Movie 2 reunites the heroes of Bricksburg in an all new action-packed adventure to save their beloved city. It’s been ﬁve years since everything was awesome and the citizens are facing a huge new threat - LEGO DUPLO® invaders from outer space, wrecking everything faster than they can rebuild. The battle to defeat them and restore harmony to the LEGO universe will take Emmet, Lucy, Batman and their friends to faraway, unexplored worlds, including a strange galaxy where everything is a musical. It will test their courage, creativity and Master Building skills, and reveal just how special they really are. The LEGO Movie 2 will be released on 8 February. For more information, please visit www.lego.com. Photo credit: Courtesy of Warner Bros.

The Kid Who Would Be King Old school magic meets the modern world in the epic adventure The Kid Who Would Be King.Alex (Louis Ashbourne Serkis) thinks he’s just another nobody until he stumbles upon the mythical Sword in the Stone, Excalibur. Now, he must unite his friends and enemies into a band of knights and, together with the legendary wizard, Merlin (Patrick Stewart), take on the wicked enchantress Morgana (Rebecca Ferguson). With the future at stake,Alex must become the great leader he never dreamed he could be. With an evil army to ﬁght and a demon to slay, the pressure is on.The Kid Who Would Be King will be released in cinemas on 15 February.

How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World From DreamWorks Animation comes a

surprising tale about growing up, ﬁnding the courage to face the unknown and how nothing can ever train you to let go.What began as an unlikely friendship between an adolescent Viking and a fearsome Night Fury dragon has become an epic adventure spanning their lives. Now chief and ruler of Berk alongside Astrid, Hiccup has created a gloriously chaotic dragon utopia.When the sudden appearance of a female Light Fury coincides with the darkest threat their village has ever faced, Hiccup and Toothless must leave the only home they’ve known and journey to a hidden world thought only to exist in myth. As their true destinies are revealed, dragon and rider will ﬁght together to the very ends of the Earth to protect everything they’ve grown to treasure. How To Train Your Dragon:The Hidden World is in cinemas now.

Touring widely throughout the UK and featuring live music at every performance, the ballets provide a ﬁrst experience of live theatre, dance and music for young families and have been seen live by a combined audience of over 212,000 people.

For more information and to book tickets, please visit bitesizedballets.com. Photo credit: Brian Slater

Win a ‘The Kid Who Would Be King’ Goody Bag Old school magic meets the modern world in the epic adventure The Kid Who Would Be King. Alex (Louis Ashbourne Serkis) thinks he’s just another nobody until he stumbles upon the mythical Sword in the Stone, Excalibur. Now, he must unite his friends and enemies into a band of knights and, together with the legendary wizard, Merlin (Patrick Stewart), take on the wicked enchantress Morgana (Rebecca Ferguson). With the future at stake, Alex must become the great leader he never dreamed he could be. With an evil army to fight, and a demon to slay, the pressure is on. The Kid Who Would Be King will be released in cinemas on 15 February. Primary Times have five ‘The Kid Who Would Be King’ goody bags to give away to five lucky readers. To win, simply tell us the name of the legendary wizard that Patrick Stewart plays in the film. Send your answer to us along with your name, age, address, school and phone number to Ferdinand Competition, Primary Times, 7 Southbrook Mews, London SE12 8LG or email your answer together with your details to competitions@primarytimes.biz with ‘Ferdinand’ as the subject by Friday 15 December. 4 Feb - 24 Mar ‘19

What’s On

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Your family diary for February and March

February 7.30-9.45pm. An illustrated talk by Sue Buckingham of the Kent Botanical Recording Group. Charges apply. For more details visit www.kentwildlifetrust. org.uk Astronomy Viewing Evening, Monkton Nature Reserve, Ramsgate, CT12 4LH The Monkton Stargazers hold an astronomy viewing session which is open to non-members of the Reserve. When attending these sessions, be sure to wear suitable clothing for the evening, especially during the winter months. For more details visit www. monkton-reserve.org Enchanted Wood, Cuxton Library, ME2 1EY 3.30-4.30pm. Stories and craft with a magical theme suitable for ages 4-10. Booking is essential for this free event. For more details visit www. enjoymedway.org Wiggly Wild Show, Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve and Jeffery Harrison Visitor Centre, TN13 3DH 10.30-11.30am, 12.301.30pm. Join the experienced bug wrangler to identify your millipedes from your centipedes, cuddle a cockroach and snuggle a giant snail. Ages 3+. Charges apply. For more details visit www. kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

Sat 23 Feb

Guided Walk: Monumental Trees, Knole, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RP 2-3pm. Explore Knole Park and learn about its ancient and majestic trees. Free familyfriendly event. For more details visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ knole Fur, Feather and Exotic Exhibition, Boughton-under Blean Village Hall, ME13 9AH 10am-4pm. Expect lots of different animals including chinchillas, ferrets, owls, parrots and more. Feed the sock lambs. Small animal pet show (no dogs or cats) to be judged at 3pm by Pam Ferris. Activities include craft stalls, tombola and refreshments.Visit www.lordwhisky.co.uk 20

Model Railway Exhibition, St George’s Church Hall, Gravesend DA11 0DJ 10.30am-4.30pm. Exhibitors provide an intricate network of tracks set-up in beautiful urban and countryside settings with multiple trains running. There are hot refreshments, teas, coffees and cakes for visitors. Charges apply. For more details visit www. stgeorgesgravesend.org

Sun 24 Feb

Family Day, The Orchard Theatre, Dartford, DA1 1ED 11am-3pm. Bring your own blanket and teddy bear and join in the teddy bears’ picnic. With fun and games, fancy dress and woodland rhymes. A day of workshops for families to take part in together. Ages 3-10. Charges apply. For more details visit www.orchardtheatre.co.uk Wildlife Warden Walk, Bough Beech, Sevenoaks, TN14 6LD 10am-12.15pm. Take a walk around the beautiful Bough Beech reserve with Alan Ford, Honorary Reserve Warden, to look at a wide range of winter trees. Ages 8+. Charges apply. For more details visit www. kentwildlifetrust.org.uk Make a Beautiful Sunset, Samphire Hoe Education Shelter, CT17 9FL 2pm. Craft activity for children, using cut-outs make a beautiful dusk wildlife scene. For more details visit www.uponthedowns. org.uk Explore Pond Dipping, Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve and Jeffery Harrison Visitor Centre, TN13 3DH 10.30am-12noon, 1-2.30pm. A fantastic time for all the family to get involved exploring ponds. Find and observe a range of creatures which would otherwise be hidden from view. Ages 3+. Charges apply. For more details visit www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

4 Feb - 24 Mar ‘19

Our listings are prepared a long time in advance. To make sure you have the latest details do contact the event nearer the time to make sure they haven’t changed

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Thurs 7 Mar

I saw your event in Primary Times.... Please mention you saw the event listed in Primary Times

Wed 27 Feb

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Indigenous Owl Evening, Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve and Jeffery Harrison Visitor Centre, TN13 3DH 6-8pm. Meet a collection of owls and birds of prey which are native to Britain and learn all about them with one of Kent Owl Academy’s experienced keepers. Ages 5+. Charges apply. For more details visit www. kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

March Sat 2 Mar

LEGO® and Art Club, Nucleus Arts Centre, Chatham, ME4 4BP 2-4pm. Join a LEGO® and Art Club for children ages 4 and up. There will be plenty of colouring, a different art activity available and lots of LEGO® bricks. Charges apply. For more information and to book visit www.nucleusarts.com

Sun 3 Mar

Walk With a Warden, Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve and Jeffery Harrison Visitor Centre, TN13 3DH 10.30am-12.30pm. Join a knowledgeable warden for a guided walk to learn how to identify trees when there are no leaves present. Using field craft you will soon learn how to tell an alder from a beech based entirely on its buds or bark. Charges apply.Visit www. kentwildlifetrust.org.uk Bird Ringing, RSPB Northward Hill, Bromhey Farm, Cooling, ME3 8DS 9-11am. Go along to a public bird ringing demonstration, led by a BTO qualified ringer. Booking is essential. For more information visit www.rspb.org.uk

Wed 6 Mar

World Book Day 2019, Nationwide Join the world’s biggest campaign to provide every child and young person in the country with a book of their own. For more information and creative resources visit www. worldbookday.com

Sat 9 – Sun 10 Mar

MineVention, Dreamland, Margate, CT9 1XJ 9am-1pm, 2-8pm. Enjoy a whole weekend of Minecraft madness as MineVention takes over at Dreamland. Test your skills in Minecraft Tournaments, meet famous YouTubers, try out craft activities, take part in costume contests and more. Charges apply.Visit www.dreamland.co.uk British Motorcycle Racing Club Championships, Brands Hatch Circuit, Longfield, DA3 8NG Expect championships to be won and lost here this weekend. Under 13s are admitted free. Charges apply. For more details visit www.brandshatch.co.uk

Sun 10 Mar

This Girl Can Family Day, Gulbenkian, University of Kent, CT2 7NB 11am. A family day of dancing, music, talks, workshops and visual arts which celebrate women and equal rights as part of International Women’s Day celebrations. All ages and genders are welcome. Charges apply. For more details visit www. thegulbenkian.co.uk

Tues 12 – Fri 15 Mar

Medway Music Association Choral Festival, Central Theatre, Chatham ME4 4AS Children from Key Stages 1 and 2 will perform a programme of songs with some opportunities for audience participation. They will make music together and celebrate their achievements. Charges apply. For more details visit www.tickets.medway.gov.uk

Fri 15 Mar

Astronomy Evening, Bore Place, Edenbridge, TN8 7AR 7-9pm. Join the Edenbridge and District Astronomers for an evening looking at the night sky in the farmyard. Ages 7+. Charges apply. For more details visit www. boreplace.org Red Nose Day, Nationwide People across the UK will be coming together to do things big and small, that will add up

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Family Travel Ideas Explore’s Brazilian Family Adventure

Kids can carry on learning through the school holidays with Explore’s wide range of family trips around the world. From the largest rainforest to bird spotting, kids have the chance to expand their school curriculum and enjoy an exciting adventure at the same time. The largest country in Latin America, Brazil, has attractions that dwarf most of its neighbours. Home to the planet’s largest rainforest, the world’s most impressive waterfalls and some of its ﬁnest beaches, Brazil is a spectacular holiday destination for an unforgettable family adventure. The Brazil Family Adventure takes you on a grand tour of Brazil covering all four corners of the country and its many eco-systems. Stay in the Amazonian jungle, meeting an indigenous community and learn about their way of life surviving in the world’s largest tropical rainforest. After three nights spent spotting birds in the Pantanal, a trip to the thundering Iguazu Falls, studying the 2.7km of waterfalls will be sure to delight any budding geographer. The 13-day Family Brazil Adventure Holiday costs from £4,530 per adult and £3,960 per child and includes return ﬂights, transport, accommodation, most meals, tour guide and local leaders. For more information or to book, visit www.explore.co.uk or call 01252 883 409.

LEGO Movie 2 Weekends at LEGOLAND Windsor Resort The LEGOLAND Windsor Resort reopens for a fun-filled season on 15 March and fans of Emmet,Wyldstyle, Unikitty and Benny can rejoice.The Resort is celebrating the cinema release of the LEGO Movie 2 with movie-themed event weekends in the Park throughout March. During the LEGO Movie days on 16-17, 23-24 and 30-31 March, guests will be able to meet stars of the movie Emmet and Wyldstyle, during daily character meet and greets.They’ll also have the chance to meet a new character to be discovered in the film. Families can help Emmet find his friends in the LEGO Movie Scavenger Hunt. Guests who find Emmet’s friends can be in with the chance of winning LEGO Movie themed prizes. Families can also help build the LEGO Movie Mystery Mosaic and enjoy a host of other movie themed LEGO activities. All LEGO Movie day activities are included in the entry price with tickets from £35pp when booked online 7+ days in advance at www.legoland.co.uk LEGOLAND guests can extend their visit with a short break. Families can choose to stay in one of two LEGO themed hotels, located right on the edge of the theme park. Choose from the unique LEGOLAND Hotel or the majestic LEGOLAND Castle Hotel or from a host of nearby partner hotels. Packages are from £94pp at the LEGOLAND Hotel including breakfast, overnight stay and early access into the theme park. Guests can find out more and book at www.legolandholidays.co.uk.

The Byron, Croatia

Dubrovnik’s majestic Old Town transports you back centuries.Aristocratic Baroque townhouses line marble-paved streets, deliveries are made by handcart, stall holders sell seasonal fruit at the open-air market, and church bells mark the hour.Add a backdrop of glistening blue sea, and the modern-day pleasures of beach clubs and ﬁne dining, and you see why it is Croatia’s most glamorous destination. The whitewashed rooms of The Byron have high ceilings, exposed wooden beams and wood-effect tile ﬂoors. Furnishings are all-white too - a nod to Dubrovnik’s Baroque past. Chandeliers dangle, beds are super-kingsize and super-comfy and guests get a wardrobe, a pair of elegant sitting chairs and a discreet ‘cabinet’ concealing a kitchenette. Features of the house include air conditioning, bathrobes, coffee/tea making facilities, a safe box, satellite TV, toiletries and Wi-Fi. Breakfast, served in-room, is an absolute treat and very romantic. Each evening, you choose what you would like and what time you want it delivered. It comes on a tray,

Mas de Saribou, France Nestled in a crease between the mountains of the southern Ardèche lies this four bedroomed, modern eco-villa - the perfect hideaway for those looking to reconnect with nature. Each morning guests can awake to the sound of a freshwater spring trickling past the window, and to a glorious view of soaring mountain peaks. It’s a good way to start the day. Though totally private, Mas de Saribou is tucked away in the rambling gardens of a 400-yearold farmhouse, where owners Annick and Michel live. Details of the villa’s decor are a nod to the farm’s history - handmade wooden bedheads were once the roof beams of the old barn, and a pair of sinks are crafted from ancient chestnut wood.Annick and Michel still harvest the chestnut groves, as well as figs and apples in the orchard.There’s also an organic vegetable and herb garden which you can plunder for your dinners. Spend mornings chilling by the freshwater pool then tear yourselves away for adventures galore in the Ardèche. Return home to the setting sun and the stunning open fireplace. This is a paradise for kids, who can run free in the extensive gardens.The area is ripe with outdoor activities, including kayaking and wild swimming. Visit the source of the Loire River at the top of Mont Gerbier de Jonc, then go wild swimming in the turquoise Lac d’Issarles. Closer to home, play tennis on the courts next door or chill in the garden. In a region bursting with exceptional fresh produce, self-catering is a joy. There are numerous regional markets and great restaurants a 10-15 minute drive away, as well as a bakery and grocery store in the village five minutes walk away. For more information, please visit www.i-escape.com.

Family Fun with Tapsy Tours

Families who love to travel now have a new way to experience some of Europe’s greatest cities with Tapsy Tours and its travelling mole mascot.The tours are a fun new experience for families travelling with children aged 5 – 12 years old. Designed to entertain both children and adults, the tours provide a memorable excursion that will captivate the entire family. With tailored excursions for families, exploring European cities can now be done in a fun and cultural way. Every child is given a colourful booklet, which they use to discover the city they are visiting through games, songs and riddles. The tours are led by children’s animators and kid-friendly guides, who bring the history of the city to life in a way that resonates with adults and children alike. Tapsy Tours’ excursions have been developed around the character of Tapsy, a friendly and inquisitive travelling mole who loves exploring the world with children. Tapsy features in the educational booklets and, on selected tours, will make an appearance along the way. There are full and half-day excursions in many Italian cities such as Rome, Pompeii,Alberobello, Florence and Pisa. Other European destinations include London, Stonehenge, Paris, Barcelona, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki, Lisbon and Marseille.Tapsy Tours offers a combination of set departures and tours that are available on request.The tours’ comfort breaks and timings are tailored to families’ needs. For more information on Tapsy Tours and to book, please visit www.tapsy.eu, email info@tapsy.eu or call 06 5600 0178. and each room has a small round dining table.There’s no restaurant, but each room has a nifty Culshaw kitchenette with a combo-oven, hob, fridge, sink, kettle, and oak larder shelving so you can prepare light meals. There are lots of activities in the local area.Walk a full 2km circuit of Dubrovnik’s medieval walls for magniﬁcent views over the terracotta rooftops and out to sea. Visit local beaches, ride the cable-car to the top of Mount Srd (412m) for stunning views over the town, then hike back down following the Srd Ropeway footpath. Alternatively, take a ferry tour of the car-free Elaphiti archipelago, for island beaches and pristine scenery. For more information about The Byron, please visit www.i-escape.com.

4 Feb - 24 Mar ‘19

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More What’s On

Your family diary for February and March

March to something massive. Comic Relief spends the money raised to help people living tough lives across the UK and Africa. For fundraising packs and more info visit www.comicrelief.com/ rednoseday

Sat 16 Mar

Create Grassheads, Romney Marsh Visitor Centre, TN28 8AY 11am-12.30pm, 1.30-3pm. Get all creative as you make your grass head, is it going to be an owl or even a pirate, you can make it however you like. Ages 3+. Charges apply. For more details visit www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

Sat 16 – Sun 17 Mar

Wildlife and Geology of the Colorado Plateau, Salvation Army Hall, Hythe, CT21 6EG 7.30-9.45pm. An illustrated talk by Yvonne Lewis-Cutt of the Colorado Plateau in the states of Utah, Arizona and Colorado. Charges apply. For more details visit www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk Astronomy Viewing Evening, Monkton Nature Reserve, Ramsgate, CT12 4LH The Monkton Stargazers hold an astronomy viewing session which is open to non-members of the Reserve. When attending these sessions, be sure to wear suitable clothing for the evening, especially during the winter months. For more details visit www.monkton-reserve.org

NG Road Racing Bike Club Championships, Brands Hatch Circuit, Longfield, DA3 8NG Expect championships to be won and lost here this weekend. Under 13s are admitted free. Charges apply. For more details visit www.brandshatch.co.uk

Sun 17 Mar

Discover Natural Science Festival, Bough Beech, Sevenoaks, TN14 6LD 11am-3pm. A full day of demonstrations and workshops for your child to discover all about biology, zoology, chemistry and botany in a fun and scientific way. Ages 4+. Charges apply. For more details visit www. kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

Wed 20 – Sun 24 Mar

Dazzling Daffodils, Hever Castle, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG Feel uplifted this spring with 14,000 new daffodil bulbs set to bloom across the gardens, there will be a wide range of varieties to enjoy. Activities include a children’s daffodil themed craft workshop. Admission charges apply. For more details visit www. hevercastle.co.uk

Fri 22 Mar

Galaxy Explorers, Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve and Jeffery Harrison Visitor Centre, TN13 3DH 6-10pm. A fun-filled evening for the whole family exploring the wonders of the night sky and night time wildlife. Ages 3+. Charges apply. For more details visit www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk 22

4 Feb - 24 Mar ‘19

Sat 23 – Sun 24 Mar BRSCC Club Car Championships, Brands Hatch Circuit, Longfield, DA3 8NG The British Racing and Sports Car Club is back at Brands Hatch for a race weekend. Expect championships to be won and lost here this weekend. Under 13s are admitted free. Charges apply. For more details visit www.brandshatch.co.uk

Sun 24 Mar

The Holiday & Leisure Show, Kent Showground, ME14 3JF 10am-4pm. Packed with great ideas from days out to wonderful holidays, there is something for the whole family. Entertainment for children includes a free play

Our listings are prepared a long time in advance. To make sure you have the latest details do contact the event nearer the time to make sure they haven’t changed

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I saw your event in Primary Times.... Please mention you saw the event listed in Primary Times

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area with lots of activities magic tricks, balloon modelling and face painting. For more details visit www.theholidayandleisureshow. co.uk

A World of Wildlife: Exotic Animal Show, Tyland Barn, Maidstone, ME14 3BD 11am-12.30pm. Join the Kent Owl Academy for a fantastic talk about wildlife and their conservation around the world, and meet a bunch of exotic animals as well. Ages 4+. Charges apply. For more details visit www. kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

Fri 29 Mar

Wear A Hat Day 2019, Nationwide Brain Tumour Research would like you to join the thousands of other children, parents and teachers across the country joining in to create entertaining and colourful hat-themed fundraising events. To register and get your free fundraising pack visit www.wearahatday.org

Sat 30 Mar

Earth Hour Ready, Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve and Jeffery Harrison Visitor Centre, TN13 3DH 10.30am-12noon, 1-2.30pm. Be ready for earth hour by making your own candles, building small windmills and producing seed bombs for wildlife. Ages 4+. Charges apply. For more details visit www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

Sat 30 – Sun 31 Mar

Mothers’ Day Weekend, Hever Castle, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG Show your mum just how much you love her with a wonderful family day out on Mothers’ Day Weekend. Admission charges apply. For more details visit www. hevercastle.co.uk

Sun 31 Mar

Walking with Goats Experience, Buttercups Sanctuary, Maidstone, ME17 4JW 2pm. Take a goat out for a walk along the various footpaths around the sanctuary, whilst the goats feast on the foliage – a fun experience for the whole family. Booking required. For more information visit www. buttercups.org.uk Make Mum’s Day, Ightham Mote, Sevenoaks, TN15 0NT 11am-5pm. Children can pop into the Squire’s Room to make mum a present. Treat her to lunch or a cream tea in the café. Mums can also enjoy a touch of luxury with a hand massage in the shop. Admission charges apply. For more details visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ ightham-mote Mothering Sunday, Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway, TN28 8PL Activities for this special day include Mum’s Drive A Train and Mothers’ Day Afternoon Tea in Hythe’s Vintage Tea Room. For more information and to book visit www.rhdr. org.uk Dash Café - Eutopia, Gulbenkian, University of Kent, CT2 7NB 12noon. A packed afternoon of family-friendly activities including free live music, delicious food, storytelling, comedy and short animated films. Go in search of the heart of Europe. For more details visit www.thegulbenkian.co.uk Mothers’ Day, Kent and East Sussex Railway, Tenterden Town Station, TN30 6HE Treat Mum to a special day out. Enjoy a perfect day for the whole family, where everyone can enjoy the service and style from yesteryear - a time when attentive staff made railways the envy of the world. Booking is essential.Visit www.kesr. org.uk

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8 March 2019. If you have something you would like us to try and publicise (space permitting) please email it to

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All your own work! Toni Edu aged 7

Isabella Dixon aged 9

a Hart won a ticket to see Aladdin competitions in our Winter/Christmas issue. Matild Congratulations to the following people who won on Dome. Alina Gostek won Bright at etition Morgan won the Learn to Fly comp at the Broadway Theatre Catford. Tommy and Josh Aoife Muggeridge, g Mermaid competition at Greenwich Theatre were the Barbican competition. The winners of the Singin Ansaf won Sarah and ew Clarke, Emilia Windle, Ollie Taylor Penelope Adams and Ellie McBride. Amelie Hill, Matth as Webbe, Thom l. Schoo ry Prima E of C for his school - St Paul's Paddington 2 DVDs. Lewis Khoo won a box of books o stationery Stabil es. bundl prize ! Rocks ity Nativ won White Adelaide Stanley Willis, Alexander Roberts, Lily Edwards and med. Toni Moha een Mohid well, Imogen Scully, Vanessa Wales and Salma bundles were won by Tahani Muhaimin, Abi McDo Well done 9. aged Dixon la Isabel was r winne the under 8's and our older Edu aged 7 won our Annie's drawing competition for If you would like to see to all our winners and enjoy the artwork on this page.

your work displayed here then just send us a drawing, poem, riddles, jokes or short story and we'll do our very best to include it. Send it to: Good Work Page Primary Times 7 Southbrook Mews London SE12 8LG

Thank you to Emilia Narkevic for her detailed world map, Ola Ukoha for her lovely Nature drawing and poem and siblings Devon and Jolin for their fun drawings of their families under snow. We love seeing your work so do please keep sending it to us.