SE London October Half Term 2018 Primary Times by Alison Watson

e e r f

for families E with primary D I GU aged children N O ’S T A H W

in South East London

October Half Term• Issue 116 • 8 October - 25 November 2018

The Best Family Guide to What’s On

What’s On

Your family diary for October and November Ongoing Daily

All Hands Children’s Gallery, National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, SE10 9NF

Meet the Neighbours, Royal Observatory Greenwich, SE10 8XJ

(Selected dates) Meet our neighbours in space in this entertaining, interactive show where you can decide which planets to visit. Ages 5+. Charges apply. For times, more information and to book visit www. rmg.co.uk

Explore maritime skills and technologies past and present in our hands-on gallery for older children. Fire a cannon and shoot down a Every Mon (Term Time) dastardly pirate ship in a brilliant interactive game. Ages 6-12. For more NaturActive, Myatt’s Fields Park, SE5 9RA information visit www.rmg.co.uk 10-11.30am. An activity-based Become the Greatest Explorer, session for under 5s and their National Maritime Museum, parents or carers that focuses on Greenwich, SE10 9NF nature, gardening and conservation. Take one of the museum’s tablet Children are encouraged to get devices and set sail across The Great dirty, relax, play and learn in an Map to explore distant lands and outside environment. Charges apply. discover treasures from around the For more information visit www. world. Free. For times and more myattsfieldspark.info information visit www.rmg.co.uk

Cutty Sark Characters, Cutty Sark, Greenwich, SE10 9HT

11am, 12noon, 1.30pm and 2.30pm. Hear Cutty Sark’s incredible stories brought to life by characters from the ship’s past. Meet Captain Woodget, Emma Louise Ray or Nannie the Witch. Each has an extraordinary story to tell. For more information visit www.rmg.co.uk

The Sky Tonight, Royal Observatory Greenwich, SE10 8XJ

(Selected dates) A show presented by an astronomer who takes visitors on a tour of what can be seen in the night sky on the day of their visit and the months ahead. The journey takes in stars, planets and moons. Ages 5+. For times, more information and to book visit www.rmg.co.uk

Phantom of the Universe, Royal Observatory Greenwich, SE10 8XJ (Selected dates) 12.30pm, 2.45pm and 5pm. Explore the ongoing hunt for Dark Matter, the mysterious invisible stuff that makes up 85% of the universe, in this incredible new show. Ages 7+. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.rmg. co.uk

Space Safari, Royal Observatory Greenwich, SE10 8XJ

(Selected dates) Follow the adventures of Ted as he searches the Solar System for the great big bear in the sky, visiting the Sun, Moon and Planets. Ages 0-7. Charges apply. For times, more information and to book visit www.rmg.co.uk

Weekends

Ted’s Space Adventure, Royal Observatory and Planetarium & Astronomy Centre, SE10 9NF 11am. Join Ted the Teddy Bear on a journey throughout the Solar System, learning about the things we find there and how they affect us. A planetarium show for under 7s. Charges apply. For more information visit www.rmg.co.uk

Until 27 Oct

Butterfly House, Horniman Museum & Gardens, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ

10am-5pm (last entry 4.30pm). The specially-planted habitat is the perfect place to experience butterflies freeflying all around you and to discover amazing facts about the life-cycle and behaviour of these fascinating creatures. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.horniman. ac.uk

Until 28 Oct

Colour: The Rainbow Revealed Exhibition, Horniman Museum & Gardens, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ

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

8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

“

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

”

An award-winning exhibition exploring the endless ways in which colour shapes our world. It is full of family-friendly displays and interactive games including an Art Machine for you to create your own vibrant masterpiece, a Mood Room and more. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.horniman.ac.uk

Until 17 Nov

Chinatown Stories, Various Locations

11.30am-2pm. Nine streets, four gates and a host of Chinese characters. Discover London’s Chinatown and support this special community with Chinatown Stories – summer walking tours only available from China Exchange. For more information and to book visit chinaexchange.uk

Until 25 Nov

400th Anniversary, The Historic Dockyard, Chatham, ME4 4TE

This year marks the 400th anniversary since the Royal Dockyard was established. Go along and celebrate. There are a number of programmes and activities organised throughout the year. For more information visit www.thedockyard. co.uk

Until 2 Dec

Untold Stories: A Celebration of Black People in Kent, The Historic Dockyard Chatham, ME4 4TE

Untold Stories seeks to tell the story of African and Caribbean people across Kent and Medway in the 19th and 20th Century. For more information visit www.thedockyard. co.uk

Until 16 Dec

Muse to Maker Exhibition, Red House, Bexleyheath, DA6 8JF 1.30-5pm. Discover the female Pre-Raphaelite, often overshadowed by their male counterparts. This exhibition shines a light on their work as muses and as makers. Admission charges apply. For more information visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/red-house

Until 30 Dec

Young Astronomers Workshop, Planetarium & Astronomy Centre, London, SE10 8XJ (Weekends only) 12.45-4.15pm. Drop-in workshops facilitated by Observatory Explainers mixing demonstrations with make and do activities. Suitable for age 7 and above. For more information www. rmg.co.uk

Until 12 May

Hubble Vision, The Royal Observatory Greenwich, SE10 8XJ

10am-5pm.View an incredible selection of Hubble Space Telescope images in this new exhibition. From nearby planets to distant galaxies, these images demonstrate how important Hubble has been to growing our understanding of the universe. For more information visit www.rmg.co.uk

Until 16 Jun

Spanish Flu Exhibition, Florence Nightingale Museum, SE1 7EW Journey back in time to a field hospital in 1918 and explore the experiences of those that lived and died during the deadliest pandemic in human history, and discover if a similarly devastating pandemic could happen again today. For more information visit www.florencenightingale.co.uk

October Mon 1 – Sun 28 Oct

Autumn Colour, Hever Castle, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG As the air turns crisp and a rich display of autumn colour envelops the countryside, pack your walking boots or wellies and head to Hever Castle to enjoy the crunch of leaves underfoot and spectacular autumn tints. For more information visit www.hevercastle.co.uk

Wed 3 – Sun 28 Oct

Highlight Tours: October, Red House, Bexleyheath, DA6 8JF (Selected dates) 11am-2pm. This tour will share the highlights of Red House and the stories of the 5 years that William and Janey Morris spent with their family and friends. Admission charges apply. For more information visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/red-house

For lots more What’s On ideas see page 6...

Dear Readers Primary Times in South East London 7 Southbrook Mews London SE12 8LG Tel: 020 8318 0400 Email: office@primarytimes.biz Website: www.primarytimes.co.uk Twitter: @PT_LondonSandE Instagram: @primarytimesse

Phew that was a quick half term, or it felt that way to us! Welcome to the latest issue of Primary Times, out just in time for October Half Term. Welcome also to Dingile who is our new Listings Editor. She has done a fantastic job finding hundreds of ideas for you all to have a brilliant half term so do let the organisers know that you read about them in Primary Times. Do also check the latest information by contacting them before you visit. Our listings are prepared a long time in advance and details can change.

Fancy winning a weekend away at the wonderful Leeds Castle including entrance fees, bed and breakfast? Then look no further and enter our Leeds Castle competition. With Leeds Castle you can explore Publishing Editor: Peter Watson almost nine centuries of history and discover the gardens, maze, Sales: Lola Olowofela, Gill Pearce, falconry and much more. Look out for our other competitions too and Andrew Langridge & Catherine Dillon don’t forget to include your contact details when you enter them Listings: Dingile Kasote There will be lots of firework displays happening soon. We looked on Editorial: Alina McCrone the RoSPA website and these were their top ten tips on how to stay Production: Alison Watson safe. Office Manager: Chris Blower Administrators: Claire Wood & 1 Plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable. Tina Love 2 Keep fireworks in a closed box and use them one at a time. Proof Reader: Catherine Draisey 3 Read and follow the instructions on each firework using a torch if Social Media: Rachel Benson necessary. 4 Light the firework at arm’s length with a taper and stand well back. Primary Times is independently published and distributed free in 5 Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks. primary and junior schools throughout the boroughs of Bexley, Bromley and Greenwich. Its aims are to inform families and children of current 6 Never return to a firework once it has been lit. educational issues, forthcoming events, courses and attractions and to give teachers, pupils and parents the opportunity to participate in the 7 Don’t put fireworks in pockets and never throw them. 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 8 Direct any rocket fireworks well away from spectators. based material whatsoever. We also undertake not to carry any advertising which we would consider to be offensive to young families or 9 Never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire. harmful to the best interests of young children. The opinions expressed 10 Make sure that the fire is out and surroundings are made safe in either the editorial or advertisements within this publication are not necessarily those held by the editor or publisher. While we take great before leaving. care with the compilation of information within this magazine, neither the editor nor publisher will accept any liability for the accuracy of the editorial Visit www.saferfireworks.com/firework_code for lots more advice 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 the boroughs of Bexley, Bromley and Greenwich 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 South East London is operated under franchise licence.

Contents

inside this issue.... What’s On.................................2 News.........................................4 Family Theatre.......................... 7 Autumn Adventures....................10 After School Activities................ 15 Education News.......................17 Competitions........................... 21 All Your Own Work!.................23

Look out for our wonderful winter magazine from 26 November.

Peter and the Primary Times team

When you have finished with this magazine please recycle it

8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

News

Film Preview Guide Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween Sonny Quinn and his best friend Sam, or the ‘Junk Brothers’, are known for collecting discarded stuff other people don’t want.This leads them into the path of Slappy, the mischievous ventriloquist dummy who is up to no good. Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween follows the Quinn family as they face an entirely new set of spooky, exciting and funny events. At ﬁrst Slappy wants nothing more than to be part of the family, but when his antics go too far, Sonny and Sam realise that this obsessive puppet must be stopped. Rejected, Slappy decides to build his own “family” by kidnapping Sonny’s mother and causes further disruption, bringing all his Halloween friends back to life.The town is turned into a Halloween disaster full of freaky creatures and creepy garden gnomes.The boys, Sonny’s sister Sarah and their neighbour Mr Chu team up to save Kathy and the town from Slappy’s wicked plan, but will they succeed? Goosebumps 2 is released in cinemas on 19 October.

The Nutcracker & the Four Realms

All Clara wants is a key – a one-of-a-kind key that will unlock a box that holds a priceless gift from her late mother. At her godfather Drosselmeyer’s holiday party, a golden thread leads her to the key; however it disappears into a strange and mysterious world. It’s there that Clara encounters a soldier named Phillip, a gang of mice and the regents who rule over three Realms: Land of Snowﬂakes, Land of Flowers and Land of Sweets. Clara and Phillip must brave the ominous Fourth Realm, home to the tyrant Mother Ginger.Will they retrieve the key and return harmony to the unstable world? Featuring the Sugar Plum Fairy, Disney’s new magical holiday feature ﬁlm “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms” is inspired by E.T.A Hoffmann’s classic tale and is in cinemas from 26 October.

The Grinch

The Grinch tells the story of a cynical grump who goes on a mission to steal Christmas. Benedict Cumberbatch lends his voice to the infamous Grinch, who lives a solitary life inside a cave on Mount Crumpit. Rigged with inventions and contraptions for his dayto-day needs, the Grinch only sees his neighbours in Who-ville when he runs out of food. Every Christmas, the Whos disrupt the Grinch’s tranquil solitude with their celebrations, and when they declare they are going to make Christmas three times bigger this year, the Grinch realises he must steal Christmas. Meanwhile, Cindy-Lou is plotting to trap Santa Claus on Christmas Eve so that she can thank him for helping her overworked single mother.As Christmas approaches however, her good-natured scheming threatens to collide with the Grinch’s more nefarious one.Will Cindy-Lou achieve her goal or will the Grinch succeed in silencing the Whos’ holiday cheer once and for all? The Grinch will be in cinemas on 9 November.

WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN

To be in with a chance of winning one of ﬁve The Grinch goody bags, send an email to competitions@primarytimes.biz with ‘The Grinch’ as the subject by Friday 9 November. Don’t forget to include your name, age, address, school and contact telephone number.

8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

Chrysalis Care Independent Fostering Agency Prepare to ‘leave’ 2018 with a bang! For many people, this time of year signals winding down and preparing for hibernation and end of year festivities.Yet, it’s an ideal time to take action towards your fostering journey, preparing the foundation for a brand new fostering adventure in 2019. After 21 years as a leading Independent Fostering Agency, Chrysalis Care provides all the advice and guidance you need, to join in transforming the lives of children and young people, through high quality foster care. Their foster carers are based across London, Kent, Essex, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire and benefit from expert 24 hour advice, guidance, training and support. If you have a spare room, a heart for children and young people and are ready for a new life adventure, please contact Chrysalis’s knowledgeable team today on 020 8298 2800, email info@chrysaliscare.org or visit www.chrysaliscarefostering.org.

Festival Children’s Book Prize

Do you ever see yourself as the author of a children’s book? The Stratford-upon-Avon Literary Festival and the Salariya Book Company have opened their Children’s Picture Book Prize competition. Launched in 2017, the competition is open to unpublished writers and illustrators so submit an entry by 31 January and have the chance to win a prize of £1000. A prestigious panel of judges will be reading the entries and the winner will receive career advice from a leading literary agent and publicity through the Stratford Literary Festival. The winning entry may also be published by Salariya imprint, Scribblers, in this once in a lifetime opportunity. Camille Whitcher, the most recent winner had her book Luna and The Moon Rabbit published in April 2018, with a launch reception in London and an event at the Stratford Literary Festival. Her book has also just been stocked by bookshops in the United States. If you are interested in writing and children’s books, then you don’t want to miss out. For details on how to apply go to www.stratlitfest.co.uk/ bookcompetition

A new children’s action-packed animation series Robozuna arrives on CITV over the next few weeks. The series is the ultimate bot-battling-bot competition and these aren’t just any bots, they are Combatabots. Robozuna follows the story of 14-year-old Ariston, and his homemade robot friend Mangle who live in a world where the oppressive Corvus Imperium rule the land with an iron fist and an army of Centurions, destroying anything they can’t control.You have to be ready to battle, anytime, anywhere. There is one escape for the masses Robozuna, a fun and thrilling competition, where heroes are not only born they are, quite literally, built. When the Corvus Imperium destroys the nomadic colony where Ariston and Mangle live, they are left isolated and homeless. Going in search of a sanctuary they find it with Team Veredus, a Robozuna team with a secret agenda. Their leader Lanista, sees Robozuna as a way of uniting the land’s disjointed tribes into one fighting force who can march on Corvus and restore freedom to the people.

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Fireman Sam: Set For Action

Fireman Sam returns in his new movie special ‘Fireman Sam: Set For Action’, where you will see the glamour and excitement of the Hollywood film industry take over Pontypandy, amongst all the action, excitement and big rescues that fans would expect! After a video of one of his daring rescues goes viral, Fireman Sam is scouted by Hollywood director Don Sledgehammer to be the star of his latest movie. While Sam is hesitant to take the role, his co-star, Hollywood actor Flex Dexter, is determined to get the lead part and will stop at nothing to get it. As more and more ‘accidents’ happen on set, Sam is held responsible and fired from both the movie and the Fire Service. Will Sarah, James and Mandy discover who is really behind all the accidents? Fireman Sam: Set For Action will air on Cartoonito on 22 October.

News

Robozuna

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Oboe soloist, ensemble player & tutor.

A student at the Royal College of Music offering private oboe tuition for all ages and standards. Available for concerts as both a soloist and ensemble player.

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Anything Nose in Schools Next March Red Nose Day is back for 2019, and Comic Relief is calling on all teachers to clear their school’s diary on Friday 15 March to take part in the epic fundraising extravaganza. Red Nose Day is a time in the school year that students remember for a lifetime - donning a nose, dressing up and coming up with all kinds of wacky ways to raise funds for a good cause. It isn’t just an exciting opportunity to take part in a fantastic day of fundraising. Red Nose Day also gives students a great chance to learn more about the world around them and how Comic Relief is working to support vulnerable people both at home in the UK and around the globe. To help schools get red-y for a day of fundraising and events, teachers can now pre-order a free fundraising pack tailored specifically for primary schools. The packs are bursting with ideas – fundraising guides, posters, stickers and balloons – to help ensure schools will have an unforgettable time. Comic Relief also offers school curriculum materials and videos that teachers can use to help raise awareness of the world around them and those living incredibly tough lives. To have these tips, tools and classroom ideas land in your school’s post box this January, pre-order your pack now – just head to www.rednoseday.com/primarytimes. Comic Relief is a registered UK charity that aims to create a just world, free from poverty – where everyone is safe, healthy, educated and empowered. Since 1985, Comic

Relief has raised over £1 billion. That money has helped, and is helping, people both here at home in the UK and across the world. For more information about Comic Relief and the work it carries out, please visit www.comicrelief.com. 8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

What’s On

More What’s On Your family diary for October and November

October Thurs 11 Oct

Pandemic 1918 Talk by Catharine Arnold, Florence Nightingale Museum, SE1 7EW 2.30pm. Find out about the Spanish Flu and join us for a day time talk by author Catharine Arnold. Admission charges apply. For more information visit www.florence-nightingale.co.uk

Sat 13 Oct

My Head and Me, Unicorn Theatre, Southwark, SE1 2HZ

12noon-2pm. Fill your head with all the things you think about. The good, the bad and the crazy! Ages 8+. For more information visit www. unicorntheatre.com

Character Encounters, National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, SE10 9NF

(Also 20 and 27 Oct) 12noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. Meet a character from the past and take part in an exciting performance that will bring maritime history to life. Ages 6+. For more information visit www.rmg.co.uk

Sun 14 Oct

Low Tide Walk, Creekside Discovery Centre, Deptford, SE8 4SA

(Also 18 Nov) 11am-1pm. Wade in a wild river and experience a different perspective of London history and urban wildlife. Ages 9+. For more information and to book visit www. creeksidecentre.org.uk

Apple Day, The Woodlands Farm Trust, Welling DA16 3RP 11am-4pm. Join in a celebration of British Apples with live music, food and drink stalls and children’s activities. Charges apply. For more information visit www. thewoodlandsfarmtrust.org

Horn Fair, Charlton House, SE7 8RE Join in for a very special Horn Fair to celebrate exactly 100 years on from Charlton House opening as a VAD

Hospital in 1918. Free admission. For more information visit www. greenwichheritage.org

The Highway Rat, Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX

12noon. With the animated film projected on big screen, and live music performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, this is a wonderful first concert experience for all the family. There will also be Free FUNharmonics activities: 10am– 12noon. For more information and to book visit www.southbankcentre. co.uk

Sun 14 Oct – Sun 25 Nov

A World of Stories, Horniman Museum and Gardens, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ

(Select Sundays) 2-2.45pm and 3.154pm. Join in the Horniman’s Hands on Base for an enjoyable storytelling session to see why so many people across the world love listening to stories. Free, drop-in. For more information visit www.horniman. ac.uk

Sun 14 Oct – Sun 2 Dec Discover Sundays, National Maritime Museum, London, SE10 9NF

(Sundays only during term time). 11.30am–1.30pm, 2–4pm. Be inspired by the sea and learn more about the Museum’s incredible collections

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

”

as you take part in make and do activities and think about what the sea means to you. For more information visit www.rmg.co.uk

Thurs 18 Oct – Fri 2 Nov

Creepy Creature Halloween Trail, Various Locations

Explore the town centre and complete this spooky trail. Trails available online, from Putney Library, Kids Stuff and Putney Arts Theatre. For more details visit postivelyputney. co.uk

Sat 20 Oct

Family Fun, Myatt’s Fields Park, SE5 9RA

(Also 17 Nov) 10am-1pm. Enjoy a fun morning at the Mulberry Centre with activities such as free bouncy castle. Cook and eat with other parents, grandparents, carers and kids. Open play indoors and outdoors. For more information visit www. myattsfieldspark.info

Sat 20 – Sun 21 Oct

Railway Weekend - October, The Historic Dockyard, Chatham, ME4 4TE

Come and see steam trains up close and running. They’ll be a perfect backdrop for photo opportunities for train enthusiasts and for all the family too! For more information visit www.thedockyard.co.uk

Weaving an Odyssey, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX

12noon. Get to grips with warp and weft and learn about a resourceful character from The Odyssey at a drop-in tapestry weaving workshop. Part of London Literature Festival. Ages 6-10. For more information visit www.southbankcentre.co.uk

Tales from the Odyssey, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX

12.30pm and 2.30pm. Come on a journey with Wendy Shearer in an interactive live storytelling performance of tales from Homer’s Odyssey, featuring music, song and illustration. Part of London Literature Festival. For more information visit www.southbankcentre.co.uk

Sat 20 – Sun 28 Oct

Halloween Half Term Fun, Hever Castle, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG Prepare to be spooked this Halloween at Hever Castle and Gardens. Listen to ghostly tales in the Ghost Catcher’s Lair; follow the pumpkin trail in the grounds and get spooked learning about the ghosts of Hever in the Castle. Charges apply. For more information visit www. hevercastle.co.uk

October Half Term Pumpkin Trail, Red House, Bexleyheath, DA6 8JF 11am-5pm. Collect your trail sheet and explore the garden and find all the pattern pumpkins hidden around. Once you have found them all claim your pattern pumpkin badge prize! Ages 4+. Charges apply. For more information visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/red-house

Enchanted Garden, The Historic Dockyard Chatham, ME4 4TE

Enter the Enchanted Garden once again this October Half Term and find out what the Fairies have been up to since last year. A week packed full of fun activities and storytelling for all ages! For more information visit www.thedockyard.co.uk

Party like a Pirate! V&A Museum of Childhood,

10.30am-4pm. Come dressed up and ready for the unmissable week all about pirates! See a pop-up performance or join fun, piratethemed workshops. For more details visit www.vam.ac.uk/moc

For lots more What’s On ideas see page 14...

Your empty beds could be earning you EXTRA MONEY Have you thought about hosting foreign students for short stays? Groups visit throughout the year and pay rates are good. The children arrive at their meeting point at around 6.00pm for their evening meal. In the morning, after their breakfast, they go back to their coach between 8.00 and 8.30am. They then spend the day out with their teachers sightseeing in London and come back to you in the evening - hosts will be provided with a full programme of arrival and departure times. Students must be dropped off every morning and picked up every evening and you will need your own transport unless you live within walking distance of the meeting point. Students can be met at : ELTHAM (station); WELLING (behind the Nag’s Head) PLUMSTEAD (Old Mill Road on Plumstead Common) THAMESMEAD (Carlisle Road) London or BEXLEYHEATH (Albion Road car park). You choose the area that suits you!

For more details contact OPEN DOORS UK ELTHAM on 020 8294 8910 (Mon-Fri 10.00am-4.00pm) 24-hour answerphone 6

8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

You Shall Go to the Ball

...oh yes it is! Greenwich Gets Festive

This Christmas marks the return of not one, not two, but three family treats to Greenwich Theatre, the South London venue making a clear bid for the title of most festive theatre. First in the line-up sees Andrew Pollard, one of the country’s most renowned pantomime dames, returning to Greenwich after a year away to give the panto treatment to the rarely performed Robinson Crusoe and the Search for the Pirate Gold, opening on 23 November. The ever-popular Comedy Club 4 Kids also returns on 26 October, bringing a host of professional comedians to Greenwich with a set designed to recreate the experience of going to a comedy club, but with all the jokes aimed at children – and all themed around Christmas! Then finally, in an eagerly awaited return, SharkLegs return to the Greenwich Theatre Studio from 4 to 30 December after last year’s hit Snow-Pocalypse. This year they are set to tell the tale of Knitmas, all about a Christmas jumper – but this jumper’s arms aren’t the right size

Birds of a Feather star, Lesley Joseph, will lead the cast of Churchill Theatre’s spectacular pantomime, Cinderella, spreading magic and festive cheer in Bromley’s must-see festive production. See the classic fairy tale come to life as Cinderella transforms from rags to riches, outwits her very Ugly Sisters and with the help of her hilarious friend Buttons and one very magical Fairy Godmother, wins the heart of the dashing Prince Charming. Nearly 40,000 theatregoers attended the Churchill Theatre’s pantomime last year, making it the most successful ever, and this year’s show looks set to break a new record. Regarded as the jewel in the festive season’s crown, Cinderella will be packed full of magic, audience participation and fun for all the family. Cinderella will feature all of the ingredients audiences have come to expect - a fabulous cast and orchestra, laugh-outloud comedy, stunning scenery and special effects, beautiful costumes and plenty of boos and hisses for all the family to enjoy. Add some extra sparkle to your Christmas build-up with a family pantomime trip, the perfect festive treat that can be tied in with tackling your Christmas shopping. Generous discounts for groups, concessions and special rates for schools will be available for selected performances. The clock is ticking, so book your tickets now. Cinderella will run from 1 – 30 December. Book tickets on www.churchilltheatre.co.uk or call 020 3285 6000.

churchilltheatre.co.uk Box Office 020 3285 6000 Follow us on Twitter - @PT_LondonSandE

Family Theatre

and they aren’t the same length. One Christmas he was unwrapped, thrown aside and forgotten and he’s been alone ever since but this year, something might be about to change. Before every performance of Knitmas, children are invited to join a free craft workshop to make something that will be used in the show. Visit www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk to book tickets or for more information.

Media partner

8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

Family Theatre

Knitmas: A Winter Yarn

LongSleeves is a jumper whose arms aren’t the right size. One Christmas he was unwrapped and forgotten. Every year, he decorates a tree in the forest but this year, maybe he won’t have to do it alone. Ages 4+

Mycenae House, SE3 Box Office: 020 8858 1749 24 Nov

Sleeping Beauty

...oh yes it is! Blackheath Halls Box Office: 020 8463 0100 17 Nov

The Frog and the Princess

What happens when a princess deems a frog unworthy of being her friend? This humorous retelling of this classic story explores the idea of the meeting and misunderstanding of different cultures. Ages 4-8.

24 Nov

3 Little Pig Tails

14 Oct

Flawless

Following their World Tour, Flawless are back in the UK performing even more dynamic and creative dance routines like you have never seen before.

24 Oct

The Spooky Magic Show

Join Magic Mr Steve and his faithful friend Rufus the dog as they discover the Enjoy magical mysteries the show! in a haunted attic. And don’t Ages 4+.

A brand new version of the classic tale set in forget to say 1 – 30 Dec Paris! A grumpy you saw it in old wolf is a chef Cinderella Primary who wants some Birds of a Feather Times! star Lesley Joseph pigs’ tails for his soup. Will the pigs outwit the leads the cast of this year’s wolf and what kind of house spectacular pantomime, will they build? Ages 3-7. spreading magic and festive cheer in Bromley’s must-see 1 Dec festive production.

A Festive Family Sing-ALong An afternoon of festive singing for the whole family to join in and enjoy! Sing your heart out with the choirs to all your favourite Christmas songs in this annual upbeat and fun family event.

2 Dec

A Yuletyde Eve

Join recorder ensemble Palisander as they bring to life festive music of the Renaissance on recorders of all shapes and sizes.

Churchill Bromley Box Office: 020 3285 6000 10 – 11 Oct

Peppa Pig’s Adventure

With lunch-boxes packed and Daddy Pig driving the bus, Peppa and friends are excited about their outdoor adventure, full of games, laughter and live music. 8

4 – 30 Dec

Let’s All Dance present this much-loved ballet for the whole family. Dazzling dancers, Tchaikovsky’s sumptuous score and gorgeous costumes bring this glittering classical ballet to life.

Eventim Apollo Box Office: 08442 491 000 19 – 31 Dec

Nativity! The Musical

This feel-good, funny and full of festive joy, smash-hit musical has been adapted for the stage by Debbie Isitt, the creator of the much-loved films.

Sadler’s Wells Theatre EC1 Box Office: 020 7863 8000 www.sadlerswells.com 13 Oct

Alice in Wonderland

Let’s All Dance returns with this fabulous family favourite. Stunning dancing, much loved characters and super costumes bring the famous tale to life in this magical ballet production at the Lilian Baylis Studio. Ages 2-11.

18 – 20 Oct

Chotto Desh

A compelling tale of a young man’s dreams and memories from Britain to Bangladesh. Enjoy a magical, thrilling and poignant dance theatre experience for the whole family at the Lilian Baylis Studio. Ages 7+.

22 Nov – 6 Jan

The Snowman

Twinkling with festive spirit The Snowman returns for a record-breaking 21st year at The Peacock Theatre. Based on the book by Raymond Briggs which has transported a generation of children and their families into the wintery world of a boy and his magical snowman.

Greenwich Theatre Box Office: 020 8858 7755 17 – 18 Oct

Bing Goes to the Theatre

Join Bing, Sula, Coco and Pando as they find out how to tell stories by pretending, dressing-up and singing songs. Going to the theatre… it’s a Bing thing!

23 Nov – 13 Jan

Robinson Crusoe

Set sail this Christmas for a swashbuckling panto in this action-packed adventure awash with pirates, romance, exotic creatures and songs-aplenty! Hit the high seas with Robinson as he battles the wicked Pirate Queen to find the lost gold.

8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

Forty years ago, Raymond Briggs’ beautifully illustrated book The Snowman transported children into the wintery wonderland of a boy and his snowy companion. Now, in its record-breaking 21st year at The Peacock, Birmingham Repertory Theatre’s twinkling production of The Snowman returns this Christmas as a magical mix of exquisite dancing and live music lift the boy and his friend from page to stage. The enchanting show tells the story of a young boy’s adventures when his snowman comes miraculously to life on Christmas Eve. Featuring a dazzling array of colourful characters including dancing penguins, a beautiful snow princess, her wicked beau Jack Frost and of course, Father Christmas himself, The Snowman is a Christmas treat for all the family and a perfect introduction to dance for the very young. Birmingham Repertory Theatre’s production of The Snowman has become “an essential part of London’s Christmas calendar” (Time Out). Featuring virtuoso choreography by Robert North and unforgettable music and lyrics by Howard Blake - including the timeless Walking in the Air - the performance has been seen by audiences of over half a million at The Peacock. The Times described the Snowman as, “Sheer theatrical magic. Go see The Snowman and melt.”

By introducing very young children to dance, they inspire a life-long love of live theatre. Teachers often report that children are more focused after watching shows, not just in physical activities but also back in the classroom in academic subjects. Dance has a special ability to communicate to a huge range of people. Both mainstream and children with special needs, boys and girls, engage fully with Let’s All Dance productions. They hold photo opportunities plus Q&A sessions after every show so that children may talk directly to the professional dancers. Let’s All Dance have two stunning new productions for the autumn and Christmas seasons. Alice in Wonderland is touring now and Sleeping Beauty opens mid-November and runs until January. For all tour dates and venues, visit www.lets-all-dance.co.uk. If you are a teacher interested in enriching your school and giving your children this special opportunity to watch fantastic, live dance, do contact them via info@lets-all-dance.co.uk or call 020 8265 4634. They can also add dance workshops to the experience and all dancers have DBS checks and PLI.

Family Theatre

The Snowman at The Peacock

BLACKHEATH HALLS Autumn 2018 • Box office 020 8463 0100 • blackheathhalls.com

Blackheath Halls

Blackheath Halls will re-open in November after major interior refurbishment. Following a £3m redevelopment programme, Blackheath Halls is all set to provide the usual family entertainment and more when it reopens in November after a six month closure. Major changes inside the venue include a brand new bar area, raked theatre seating in the main performance space (Great Hall) providing better sight-lines for all and a levelled stage, meaning that larger scale performances on stage are now possible. The autumn season is now on sale. Blackheath Halls’ tradition of hosting quality puppet theatre for younger children continues with the return of two of the regular puppet theatre companies, Norwich Puppet Theatre with The Frog and the Princess and Garlic Theatre with Three Little Pig Tails. This year the Halls will throw open its doors for a special Family Day on Saturday 1 December from 11am, with activities and performances throughout the day for children of all ages. The day will culminate in the annual ever-popular Festive Family Sing-a-Long at 3pm where families can sing their hearts out to their favourite Christmas tunes. Visit the website for more details as they are released at www.blackheathhalls.com.

Let’s All Dance

Since 2013, Let’s All Dance have been producing live dance shows for children and young people and touring them to venues and schools all over the UK. All Let’s All Dance performers are amazing dancers as well as fantastic actors. Children of all ages and backgrounds are enthralled by their performances.

THE FROG & THE PRINCESS

3 LITTLE PIG TAILS

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SAT 24 NOV 11am & 3pm

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SAT 1 DEC 3pm

SUN 2 DEC 3pm

COME TO OUR FAMILY DAY /Blackheathhalls

PALISANDER RECORDER REVOLUTION! SAT 1 DEC from 11am Check website for full details

@Blackheathhalls

@blackheathhalls

Two stunning shows for families in London! Alice in Wonderland for half term & Sleeping Beauty for Christmas

Venues include Mycenae House, Blackheath Halls, Bunker Theatre & Sadler’s Wells. All tour dates and venues at

www.lets-all-dance.co.uk Great discounts at www.littlebird.co.uk

8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

Autumn Adventures

Fun Days Out with the Family The London Curriculum is a fun new way of teaching young people about our city using London as a classroom. Schools in London are already enjoying the Mayor’s free primary and secondary teaching resources. Now with these trails, parents and carers can also join in. Find out more at www.london.gov.uk/world-of-work

Broadway Shopping Centre Enjoy a Ghoulish Adventure

There’s a spook-tacular charity event happening during the October Half Term – with families urged to book their places now to avoid disappointment. The Halloween Pumpkin Hunt has been organised by Demelza Hospice Care for Children with events taking place in Chislehurst, Greenwich and a number of other places such as Gravesend, Hastings, Sevenoaks, West Malling and Whitstable on Thursday 25 October and Friday 26 October. With each event, pumpkins will be on display with various retailers and at local landmarks. Children will be required to hunt for them around their local town while picking up treats from shops and businesses along the way. Children are encouraged to wear fancy dress with lots of witch, wizard, bat, cat and monsters costumes expected. The best Halloween costume in each location will win a prize and winners from each town will then be judged against each other for the chance of winning a Merlin family pass. The whole family are invited along for some frightfully good fun. The Halloween Pumpkin Hunt takes approximately one hour to complete and is open to children aged 3-11. Those taking part will be given their own Pumpkin Passport to get stamped and will be given treats at stops along the route. The Halloween Pumpkin Hunt costs £5 per child and grown-ups can go along for free. Find out more at www.demelza.org.uk.

There’s something spooky in the ‘atmosfear’ this Halloween at Broadway Shopping Centre, Bexleyheath. Join the Nutty Professor and his mad scientist assistant for some squeamish science shows and get involved in some of their eerie experiments, if you’re brave enough. Learn the art of spell craft at the potion making station. Choose your ingredients carefully and, if you dare, give it a taste to see if the magic really works. If you have shopping to do, make it more fun for the kids by getting involved in the giant trick or treat trail. Grab a loot bag and set off around the centre to see what ghoulish goodies you can find.You will find all these frightfully fun activities in the Centre Square, and they’re all completely free. If you are looking for a great family day out over the Halloween weekend, this is your answer. Broadway Shopping Centre is Bexleyheath’s premier shopping destination, with more than 70 stores and 1,200 car parking spaces.

Discover the World of Work with our new London Curriculum Family Explorer Trails.

London Curriculum Trails

The Mayor’s London Curriculum Team is launching a series of World of Work trails for schools and families this autumn in time for October Half Term. The aim is to inspire children to start thinking about careers in London and what’s on offer in this brilliant city. The trails cover five different areas of London – Southwark, Brixton, Covent Garden, Old Street and Stratford. Each trail has a different theme and includes all kinds of activities and information about types of work that children might do when they’re older. Children will learn about jobs from the past, discover the work people do today and imagine what work might be like in the future. 10

8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

Download the trails and find out more: london.gov.uk/world-of-work-trails

rmg.co.uk/cuttysark

If you’d like to keep up to date with all the fabulous and free family activities on offer at Broadway Shopping Centre, please visit www. broadwayshoppingcentre.com.

Tales of Adventure On Board Cutty Sark

She Tells Sea Tales, the Cutty Sark’s storytelling festival of high-seas adventure returns this October Half Term from Monday 22 to Saturday 27 October between 10.30am and 4pm. Storytellers have been busy crafting wonderful stories themed around ‘adventure is out there’. Brace yourself for tales of adventure, mermaids and storms in a teacup. If you are feeling inspired by these stories, join the ship to make your own adventure kid suitcase or create your own animated sea story with Chocolate Films.

Autumn Adventures

The centre opens late every Thursday till 8pm, when parking is free after 4.30pm. It’s also worth knowing that ordinary parking starts from just £1 and you can park for the entire month for just £40 – perfect if you work in town.

Discover the ship with an explorer trail or an under-5s backpack. See one of the Cutty Sark characters who will bring incredible stories about the ship’s past to life. Meet Captain Woodget, the ship’s most daring master and Emma Louise Ray, the mother of a young apprentice, or Nannie the Witch, the ship’s figurehead. Each has a special story to tell. Cutty Sark characters will appear at 11am, 12noon, 1.30pm and 2.30pm. All activities are free with an admission ticket to the ship and are suitable for ages 3 and above. Activities vary throughout the week, so please check the website for details www.rmg.co.uk

FREE

TO ATTEND

She Tells Sea Tales SATURDAY 27TH OCTOBER

11AM - 4

SPOOKY SCIENCE | MYSTERIOUS MAGIC POTION MAKING | TRICK OR TREAT | PLUS MORE!

Brace yourself for tales of adventure, mermaids and storms in a teacup. Be inspired by Cutty Sark’s stories and make an adventure kid suitcase or create your own animated sea story with Chocolate Films. Events free with admission to the ship. Only 8 minutes from London Bridge Cutty Sark (Zone 2)

Say hello to

BROADWAY SHOPPING CENTRE BEXLEYHEATH

Find out more at www.broadwayshoppingcentre.com

Broadw Bexleyh ay in eath

Greenwich (Zone 2) Greenwich Pier

8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

Autumn Adventures

Be More Creative

Do you want to encourage your child’s creativity at home? Waterstones Children’s Laureate, Lauren Child, is on a mission to do just that with her new project, Staring into Space. As part of the project, Lauren has compiled a set of top tips for parents to help them draw out their child’s creativity at home. Try with your child to take 15 minutes every day to put things down and to think about nothing and allow your mind to clear. Don’t be afraid to allow your child to be bored. Boredom is often a time when inspiration comes. If she or he is suggesting doing something creative, try and react to them immediately. Try to see this as time for bonding and communication - as a child your enthusiasm wanes if someone suggests doing an activity later.

Toast Sculptures

‘Gruesome Nature’ at ZSL London Zoo

Experience Gruesome Nature Live! the popular sing-along show at ZSL London Zoo this October Half Term. This interactive musical show featuring original songs, can help children find out frightful facts about some truly grisly creatures, answering questions like who’s got the largest, slimiest eyeball? Which species of animal can endure fire, ice and radiation and even survive in outer space? Plus many more monstrous truths. Featuring a troop of exciting characters, Gruesome Nature Live! invites kids of all ages to discover the more stomach-churning side of the animal kingdom. They will be led on a sing-a-long adventure, as they welcome ZSL scientist Dr Atrox home from her epic journey to find the toughest species on earth. They can even discover a lizard that squirts blood out of its eyes to deter predators and hear about the terrifying tongue-eating parasite. Guaranteed to be grossly enthralling, Gruesome Nature Live! will run from Saturday 20 to Sunday 28 October with shows starting at 2pm. Part of a great family day out, the show is included in the Zoo entry price. Beat the line at the gate and save 10% when you book your tickets online at www.zsl.org Photo credit: ZSL

One thing you can do is walk outside and look at things and discuss them together. It sounds really obvious, but often parents are trying to get somewhere and don’t take the time to properly look. Lauren and her daughter often discuss things they see dropped on the street or take pictures of buildings and then zoom in on the patterns and then go home and try to sketch them. Parents need to try to put their phones down so that children can see they are doing this. The beneﬁt of this is to have time to clear your mind, but also to communicate with people face to face. Try not to have phones or devices at mealtimes so that texts or emails, however urgent they may seem, aren’t interrupting conversation and a time to share ideas and thoughts. Creative resources inspired by the theme of Staring into Space are available from www.childrenslaureate.org.uk. Lauren’s own website, where you can ﬁnd out more about the project, is www.staringintospace.me.

Make a 3D Space

The Enchanted Gardens

This year is The Historic Dockyard’s 400th Birthday and they are marking this special moment in our national history with Festival 400, celebrating the world’s most complete dockyard from the age of sail through an exciting and inspiring calendar of exhibitions, activities and events. Back by popular demand this October Half Term, the Enchanted Gardens has returned to The Historic Dockyard Chatham for a fun-filled week of magic in the magnificent grounds of The Commissioner’s House. This is part of the exciting calendar of events taking place to celebrate the Dockyard turning 400. The fairies have been keeping busy throughout the year getting ready to welcome you all to the Enchanted Garden.Visit this half term to join the fairies and take part in the exciting new activities on offer including craft, such as making wands and dreamcatchers, and the fairy trails around the garden. There will be perfect photo opportunities so visit and make memories this half term for all the children to enjoy. Pumpkin carving will also be on offer so you can have a go at sculpting your own masterpieces without the mess at home. With so much more enchanting fun on offer, be sure to visit the Enchanted Garden when you visit The Historic Dockyard. Entry is included in your ticket price. For more information visit www. thedockyard.co.uk

Photo credits: Polly Borland/Waterstones Children’s Laureate 12

8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

Florence Nightingale was born into a rich family, but instead of wanting to spend her days painting and sewing she decided to become a nurse. She helped thousands of soldiers and ordinary people all around the world with her campaigning work. She is so popular that she has a battle ship and an asteroid named after her. Go to the Florence Nightingale Museum to see her pet owl and her writing desk as well as the actual light she carried which gave her the nickname The Lady with the Lamp.You can also see the medicine chest she used during her work in the Crimean War and discover how she improved the terrible conditions for soldiers in the hospital there.

performances and DJ sets to kick start the Christmas celebrations and a public art installation of an alternative Christmas tree’ by jewellery designer Tatty Devine. Make sure you pay a visit to the spectacular light installation by famous neon sign makers, God’s Own Junkyard.You can also join in wreath making workshops with London florist Rebel Rebel, gift wrapping classes - and even learn macramé. Shop from 10am-7pm on Saturday and Sunday, with food, drinks and DJs continuing until 11pm.

Autumn Adventures

Florence Nightingale Museum

Florence is part of Key Stage One of the National Curriculum, so bring your 5-6 year olds to the museum to bring their learning to life. For more information, please visit www.florence-nightingale.co.uk.

SAMPLE Christmas Market

The SAMPLE Christmas market arrives on the Peninsula on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 December, to celebrate the start of the new season. The Christmas market is free for all to attend. This unique pop-up market celebrates the very best of emerging talent within the Capital, with creatives from the worlds of fashion, design, homeware, food and drinks trading their wares at one-off prices ahead of the new season. This year will see the return of a late-night food and drink market on both Saturday and Sunday evening, accompanied by live music,

SATURDAY 1ST & SUNDAY 2ND DECEMBER

N OWEE HALL THIS FUN ER B OCTO ERM T HALF

FREE ENTRY

11AM—7PM

PUMPKIN CARVING STORY-TE LLING WAND MA KING FAIRIES DREAM C ATCHERS PLUS MOR E...

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GREENWICH PENINSULA

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KIDS FOR A QUID ON

LINE TICKETS ONLY

INDEPENDENT DESIGNERS, MAKERS, ARTISANS, MUSIC & STREET FOOD Kids for a quid valid 15th October to 28th October 2018. Online tickets only - further terms and conditions apply.

GREENWICHPENINSULA.CO.UK/SAMPLE #SAMPLECHRISTMAS

ENCHANTMENT MADE IN #enchanteddockyard

DISCOUNTED TICKETS ONLINE NOW

8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

What’s On

More What’s On Your family diary for October and November

October Sun 21 Oct

Fungi Walk, Sydenham Hill Wood, SE26 6SB

(Also 18 Nov) 11am-12.30pm. Enjoy a foray into the weird and wonderful world of fungi. A guided walk will introduce you to the various fungi that can be found in London Wildlife Trust’s oldest reserve. For more information visit www.wildlondon. org.uk

Sea People, National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, SE10 9NF 11am-1.30pm, 2-4pm. Work together as a family to create something which makes you think about how you want to represent yourselves. Be inspired by Sea Things gallery. For more information visit www.rmg.co.uk

Mon 22 Oct

Making Maps, National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, SE10 9NF

(Also 26 Oct) 11am-1.30pm, 2-4pm. Be inspired by the maps in the new gallery and help turn a whole room into a map that you can walk through, in and around. For more information visit www.rmg.co.uk

Morning Stars on Mars, Royal Observatory, Greenwich, SE10 9NF

10am-12noon. Enjoy a planetarium show and interactive workshop in a relaxed environment for SEND groups. Join Royal Observatory Astronomers exploring Mars and space. Ages 5+. For more information and to book visit www.rmg.co.uk

Family Art Fun, Horniman Museum, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ (Also 23, 25 and 26 Oct) 11am2.45pm. Take part in free Horniman craft activities at the Education Centre. Ages 3+. Charges apply. For more information visit www. horniman.ac.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

A Cat’s Guide to the Night Sky A Cat’s Guide to the Night Sky, by Stuart Atkinson, and recently published by Laurence King, is an introduction to stargazing and astronomy for children aged 7 to 11. This book will help children to find out how they can become a stargazer and the basics of identifying stars and planets. In the company of Felicity the cat (the first cat to go to space), children can discover the phases of the moon, the constellations and how to spot phenomena like the Northern Lights and the Milky Way. With stunning illustrations by Brendan Kearney and Felicity’s advice children can explore the wonders of the universe in an exciting and vibrant way that will keep them wanting to find out more whilst also gaining scientific knowledge. This fascinating and beautiful book educates children in a fun way that is easy to follow and is a joy to read, helping them to learn more about the wider world they live in. Felicity explains why stars are brighter in the countryside than the city, what shooting stars actually are and even how the moon was made. There is something in this book for everyone, whether they are looking up at the night sky from their bedroom window or setting out on the ultimate stargazing adventure. Children and parents will see the stars like they’ve never seen them before in this new and spectacular book. Recommended price £14.99 at www.laurenceking.com and other bookshops. 14

8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

“

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

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Hands on Base: Horniman Explorers, Horniman Museum and Gardens, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ (Also 26 Oct) 11am-12.30pm and 2-3.30pm. Discover the collections that make the Horniman special. Experience real things from African masks, spice jars, pueblo drums to sharks jaws. Use your explorer skills to discover the galleries and gardens in a new way.Visit www.horniman. ac.uk

Family Technical Theatre Day, National Theatre, Southbank, SE1 9PX

(Also 25 Oct) 11am-3.30pm. Discover the science and technology behind productions. Go on a backstage tour, discover how lighting and sound design work and create your own designs to bring a scene to life. Ages 7-12. Charges apply. For more details and to book visit www. nationaltheatre.org.uk

The Bolds with Julian Clary & David Roberts, Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX

2pm. Join writer Julian Clary and illustrator David Roberts for another hilarious tale from their children’s book series, The Bolds, about a family of hyenas. Hear the story accompanied by live illustration. For more information and to book visit www.southbankcentre.co.uk

Mon 22 – Fri 26 Oct

Eerie Eltham, Eltham Palace and Gardens, SE9 5QE

11am-4pm. Show off your spooktacular costumes and frighten fearless staff in a costume competition, test your nerves at scary storytelling sessions and take part in gruesome arts and crafts. Charges apply. For more information visit www.english-heritage.org.uk

Mon 22 – Sat 27 Oct

She Tells Sea Tales, Cutty Sark, Greenwich, SE10 9HT 10.30am-4pm. Brace yourself for tales of adventure, mermaids and storms in a teacup. In the Sammy Ofer Gallery make your own adventure kid suitcase or create your own animated sea story with Chocolate Film. Charges apply. For more information visit www.rmg. co.uk

Tues 23 Oct

Nick Sharratt’s Big DrawAlong, Greenwich Theatre, SE10 8ES

Join acclaimed children’s writer and illustrator Nick Sharratt to find out how he creates his picture books. He’ll show you how to draw Tracy Beaker and Timothy Pope, kings and

cats and all kinds of crazy creatures. Charges apply. For more information visit www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk

Halloween Craft Workshop, Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, SE10 9LW

1-3pm. Learn some spooky facts about the sailors who used to live at Greenwich Hospital 300 years ago and have a go at making your own spooky sweetie bucket to take home. Drop-in session. Ages 5+. For more information visit www.ornc.org

Family Craft Morning Drop-in, Creekside Discovery Centre, Deptford, SE8 4SA

10am-12noon. Enjoy a craft extravaganza with your family, friends and neighbours! Follow the Creekside I Spy trail and discover a huge variety of plants, animals and river treasures to get your artistic brain buzzing. For more information and to book visit www.creeksidecentre.org.uk

Tudor Explorers, National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, SE10 9NF (Selected times). Set sail for the new Tudor and Stuart Seafarers gallery with stories, movement and lots of 16th century music and song! Discover the stories of exploration in the gallery. For more information visit www.rmg.co.uk

Autumn’s Harvest – Half Term Cooking Workshops, Garden Museum, SE1 7LB

(Also 24 and 25 Oct) 11am-1.30pm. Enjoy children’s cooking workshops and make meals inspired by autumn’s harvest. Charges apply. For more information visit www.gardenmuseum. org.uk

Macbeth – Workshops, Shakespeare’s Globe, Bankside, SE1 9DT

(Also 25 and 27 Oct). 12.15pm. Families will learn about the plot, characters and language of Macbeth through active participation and play. Ages 5–8 and 9-12. Charges apply. For more information visit www. shakespearesglobe.com

Tues 23 – Wed 24 Oct Make a Monster, Dulwich Picture Gallery, SE21 7AD

10am-12.30pm. Design and make a monster inspired by spooky and strange paintings. Create your monster using paper cut-outs and then build a mini stage-set for it to haunt over two days. Ages 6-9. Charges apply. For more information and to book visit www. dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk

Out of this World: Mars, Royal Observatory, Greenwich, SE10 9NF

10am-12.30pm. Enjoy a Mars-themed morning including a planetarium show, interactive quiz and immersive virtual reality activity. Join Royal Observatory Astronomers for a series of activities and a chance to talk to astronomers. Ages 7+. For more information and to book visit www.rmg.co.uk

For lots more What’s On ideas see page 16...

After School Activities Half Term Coding Workshops

Computational thinking – the instinctive ability to understand how computers behave, and by extension, how to command a computer to do your bidding – is as important as numeracy and literacy in today’s world. Spark4Kids specialises in teaching kids how to write software, by introducing computer coding through games design. Within a fun and supportive environment, children are actively encouraged to explore and make mistakes with coding, helping them naturally develop their ability to instinctively solve computational problems. An oft-overlooked aspect of coding is how much of a creative outlet it can be for kids, enabling them to express their own thoughts and ideas. When children learn to code by trying out their own ideas, they start to think of themselves as creators of technology and not just consumers. If you have a child who loves playing computer games, then learning to create their own games by attending Spark4Kids’ holiday coding camps this October Half Term might just be their ultimate holiday activity. For more information, please visit www.spark4kids.com.

Building a new generation of Resistance recruits, Jones, alongside a special appearance from BB-8, leads children through a series of Jedi inspired moves in an exciting new play along video. Taking inspiration from the traits of iconic Jedi such as Luke Skywalker and Rey, the video helps children learn and master six key skills – technique, strength, stamina, speed, agility and mastery. The sequence of moves has been specially designed to increase children’s heart rates and benefit health. For more resources and to view the video, please visit www.campaignresources.phe.gov.uk.

Train Like A Jedi

Public Health England (PHE) and Disney UK are launching a brand new national Change4Life Train Like A Jedi programme which will inspire children to get active. The new programme uses the excitement of Star WarsTM and its characters alongside Double Olympic Gold medallist Jade Jones to encourage children to Train Like A Jedi, and is designed to increase levels of physical activity amongst children in England. It is recommended that children do at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day, yet just 23% of boys and 20% of girls aged 5 to 15 years currently meet this recommendation. A new survey from PHE and Disney found that over 4 in 5 children (82%) would be inspired to move more if they saw their favourite characters being active. With Star Wars characters ranking as key favourites amongst UK children aged 7-11, the programme aims to make physical activity more fun.

8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

What’s On

More What’s On Your family diary for October and November

October Wed 24 Oct

Life at Sea, National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, SE10 9NF (Selected times). Explore the skills and characteristics needed by seamen in order to travel the open oceans. Undertake different challenges to find out if you have got what it takes. For more information visit www.rmg.co.uk

Big Wednesday: Autumn Colours, Horniman Museum, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ

periods in Deptford’s history. Ages 7+. For more information and to book visit www.creeksidecentre. org.uk

Objects of Endeavour, National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, SE10 9NF

(Selected times). The Museum is filled with stories of brave endeavours, be inspired by these histories, reflect on your own achievements and create your own object of endeavour that is entirely unique to you. For more information visit www.rmg.co.uk

Pop-up Germs, Florence Nightingale Museum, SE1 7EW

10.30am-3.30pm. Enjoy a range of fun activities run by Arts Network to boost your wellbeing. Activities include storytelling and short animated films, all inspired by autumn colours and the power of nature. Free, drop-in. For more information visit www.horniman.ac.uk

11am-12.30pm 1-2.30pm, 2.454.15pm. Design and create your very own moving pop-up germ with illustrator and paper engineer John O’Leary. Charges apply and booking is essential as places limited. Email stephanie@florence-nightingale.co.uk or visit www.florence-nightingale. co.uk

The Puppet Odyssey, Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX

Thurs 25 – Fri 26 Oct

11am. Create shadow puppets inspired by the gods and monsters in The Odyssey at a workshop led by expert puppeteer Chloe Purcell. Ages 6-10. For more information visit www.southbankcentre.co.uk.

Wed 24 – Sun 28 Oct

Wombat Girl Gang Trail, Red House, Bexleyheath, DA6 8JF

1.30-5pm. A gang of wombats have taken over Red House, come and see if you can find them all. Admission charges apply. For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/redhouse

Thurs 25 Oct

Halloween Craft Workshop, Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, SE10 9LW

1-3pm. Learn some spooky facts about the sailors who used to live at Greenwich Hospital 300 years ago and have a go at making your own ghoulish lantern to decorate your room at home. Drop-in session. Ages 5+. For more information visit www. ornc.org

Halloween Pumpkin Hunt, Greenwich Market, SE10 9HZ

Children will be given their own Pumpkin Passport to get stamped and will receive treats at stops along the route. Dress up in your most original Halloween costumes for the chance to win a fantastic family prize! Ages 3-11. Charges apply. For more information visit www.demelza. org.uk

Time Travellers, Creekside Discovery Centre, Deptford, SE8 4SA

10.30am-1pm. At this special event you will get to meet a real archaeologist and uncover hidden treasures from London’s past.You will also face challenges from different

Holiday to Space, Royal Observatory, Greenwich, SE10 9NF

10-11.30am. Travel across the Solar System and help Ted plan for a holiday on another planet! This Space Safari show is filled with spectacular views of the planets up close and a chance to sing along to help Ted find the great big bear. Ages 4-7. For more information and to book visit www. rmg.co.uk

Pumpkin Decorating Workshop, Horniman Museum, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ (Selected times). Learn how to decorate your very own Halloween pumpkin. Each booking includes a pumpkin which you will decorate in the session and can take home. Charges apply. For more information visit www.horniman.ac.uk

Thurs 25 – Sat 27 Oct Kingston Children’s Literary Festival, Various Locations

Returning for a second year, this festival aims to entertain and inspire the growing imaginations of 3-8 year olds with a series of storytelling events, read by some of the UK’s best-loved children’s authors and

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

8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

“

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

”

illustrators. For more information and to book visit www.inkingston. co.uk/kidslitfest

Fri 26 Oct

Spooktacular Halloween Day, Greenwich Market, SE10 9HZ

10.30-5pm. Come and join in the Halloween fun with Miss Libby Rose’s free costume making workshops, Zombie dancing, a beastly dog show, a scary fashion show and more. For more information visit www. greenwichmarket.london

Halloween Face Painting, Florence Nightingale Museum, SE1 7EW 1pm-4pm. Enjoy Halloween face painting, and become one of the victims of the Spanish flu or other spooky Halloween favourites. Free, with admission. For more details visit www.florence-nightingale.co.uk

Sat 27 Oct

The Big Botanical Draw, The South London Botanical Institute, SE24 9AQ

11am-5pm. Come and draw anything and everything botanical using various media led by the artist Julie Sullock. For more information visit www.slbi.org.uk

A Grand Autumn Fair, United Reformed Church, Bexleyheath, DA6 7DJ

9.45am-1pm. Association of Bexley Charities ‘78 presents a fair not to be missed! Stalls will sell Christmas gifts, collectables, jewellery, jams, books, toys, games and more. There will also be a star raffle and refreshments. For more information visit www.bexley. gov.uk/events

Hansel and Gretel Halloween Storytelling, Horniman Museum, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ (Also 28 Oct). 11-11.30am, 1212.30pm, 1-1.30pm, 2.30-3pm and 3.30-4pm. Come along for some special storytelling by Sandal Sticks Theatre accompanied by song and playful puppetry. Ages 3+. Charges apply. For more information visit www.horniman.ac.uk

Horniman Halloween Fair, Horniman Museum, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ

(Also 28 Oct). 10.30am-4pm. Join in the fiendish fun at the annual Halloween Fair. Meet creepy crawlies; hear spooky storytelling and browse for gifts and treats at our arts and crafts markets and food stalls. Come dressed in your best costume! For more information visit www. horniman.ac.uk

AtmosFEAR, Broadway Shopping Centre, Bexleyheath, DA6 7JN

11am-4pm. Join the Nutty Professor and his mad scientist assistant for some squeamish science shows and get involved in some of their eerie experiments. Make your own magic potion and see if the spell works. For more details visit www. broadwayshoppingcentre.com

Meet Mary Seacole, Florence Nightingale Museum, SE1 7EW 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3pm. Meet Mary Seacole and find out about her life and work during the Crimean War. Discover how she helped the soldiers and why she became known as ‘Mother Seacole’. For more information visit www. florence-nightingale.co.uk

Africa on the Square, Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN 12noon–6pm. This popular event celebrates African arts and culture as well as enhancing Black History Month. Enjoy live entertainment, an African market, food stalls, roaming entertainment and lots of fun for kids. For more information visit www.london.gov.uk

Travelling Tales, Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX

11.00am. Raise your voice in traditional and contemporary songs from the Caribbean in a workshop for everyone. Ages 6-10. Charges apply. For more information and to book visit www.southbankcentre. co.uk

Sat 27 – Sun 28 Oct

Railway Weekend – October Half Term, The Historic Dockyard, Chatham, ME4 4TE

Sun 28 Oct

Autumn Wildlife Walk, Sydenham Hill Wood, SE26 6SB

2-3.30pm. Enjoy the autumn colours of Sydenham Hill Wood, London Wildlife Trust’s oldest reserve, and learn about trees, fungi and more. For more information visit www.wildlondon.org.uk

Diwali Festival, Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN

1pm–6pm. Celebrate the Hindu, Sikh and Jain festival of lights. Enjoy exciting music, a dance stage line up, complimented by the authentic aromas from the street food market. Wander through the embellishing craft and community stalls. For more information visit www.london.gov.uk

For lots more What’s On ideas see page 22...

Harris Academy Beckenham are the first school in the country to be awarded the SENDIA (SEN Inclusion Award). In fact, as this is an international accolade, they are actually the first in the world! This is a testament to the commitment, hard work and innovative strategies deployed by all of the academy’s staff to ensure that the needs of our SEN learners are met. Primary Times spoke Inspirational Teaching at Harris to Ms Hickey, Executive Academy Beckenham Pupils respond Principal. She toldpositively. us, “We They are determined to do their best and are confident about ambitiousBeckenham targets set by their teachers.’ have embedded quality Three teachers frommeeting Harris Academy have been Primary Times askedallPrincipal, Rebecca Hickey,by how this cameachieving about. first teaching across of leaders recognised as inspirational of learning successfully She told us, “It so is our ethos of from SSAT, the Schools, Students and our classrooms that Lead Practitioner Accreditation Discover allAspire students benefiAchieve t from Teachers network, in thethat programme’s Summer 2018 accreditation was recognised andforensic praised in excellence, but our gateway. our recent andofThe which study of the inspection, specific needs SSAT Lead Practitioner programme contributed to this. In addition, our SEN students, linked with celebrates great teachers who lead their theappropriate outstandingpedagogy, progress made the colleagues to develop themselves. The by ourthat students, placing us award as means our SEN students recognises their skills, experience thethrive. most Our successful school in their can SEN team use expertise so that staff and and qualities and how theyour embed Bromley (Progresstraining. 8 2016), vastly receive exemplary This has teaching increasedand notlearning only theinacademic extend their school impressedofthe outcomes ourinspectors. SEN students, also their self-esteem, confiof dence thatbut positively impacts on the lives their As social well asskills. achieving the forward accolade and We look to further involving parentsatinHarris our students. The awarded teachers of an ‘outstanding’, wethe have been preparing for the toresearch our can strategic work so that learning skills we hone at move the Academy Academy Beckenham submitted newincluding building. Year 11 to students were the very first guests to be bebrand transferred home.” projects projects enhance reading and literacy, expand welcomed toopportunities the state the accommodation toon receive their Many congratulations to of Harris Academy Beckenham this brilliant enrichment andart embed excellent teaching practices. GCSE results! achievement. SSAT Chief Executive Sue Williamson told Primary Times, “We are delighted to recognise the achievement of the newest accredited

Clean Air Schools Pack

Friends of the Earth have launched the latest edition of its Clean Air Schools pack inviting schools everywhere to monitor air quality around them and engage children, parents and teachers in the fight for clean air. The free Friends of the Earth’s Clean Air Schools pack has already equipped 950 schools with air quality monitoring tubes that test Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) levels. It also taught pupils campaigning skills to make their voices heard including how to write a persuasive letter to politicians and how to run a poster competition to raise awareness in their school. With the risks of breathing toxic air still slipping under the radar of many parents, Friends of the Earth is calling for a range of measures, including Clean Air Zones, to fight air pollution and improve the health of children’s lungs everywhere. These findings also highlight the need for better public health communications when it comes to the risks of children breathing toxic air – especially when exposed to vehicle fumes outside the school gates. Schools can order a clean air schools pack at www.friendsoftheearth. uk/cleanair and choose ‘Clean Air Schools Pack’.

Education News

Lead Practitioners joining SSAT’s network. They have demonstrated through their application how the work they have done has impacted on both the teachers and students in their own school and others across the region.” Rebecca Hickey, Executive Principal of Harris Academy Beckenham, told Primary Times, “We are very proud of all three of our staff who have worked exceedingly hard to fulfil the expectations of the accreditation. All have been promoted within Harris Beckenham in light of the impact of their excellent practice. Teaching and learning is at the heart of all we do at Harris Academy Beckenham. Tom, Lindsey and Kate have provided inspirational support and professional learning to all of our staff. Huge congratulations to them all.” For more information about the academy, please visit www.harrisbeckenham.org.uk.

Education News

An International Accolade

Education News

In the summer term, older pupils in Years 6-9 enjoy an Enrichment Week, which enhances their curriculum learning in a fun and engaging way. This year, budding architects created an eco-city from recycled materials.Year 8 experienced a visit to Dungeness Power Station which will be further studied in Geography. Whilst Year 9 found their inner poet at an interactive workshop with a stand-up poet, and super sleuths had the opportunity to study a reconstructed crime scene and solve the Who Dunnit with Psychology staff. Year 10 and Sixth Formers have the opportunity to gain their Duke of Edinburgh Award and are fully supported in this by staff.

Harris Harris Academy Academy Beckenham Beckenham is is

Outstanding

in all areas

Ofsted, Ofsted, July July 2017 2017

AIM HIGHER

The sky’s the limit at Blackheath High School

Visit us at one of our open events and hear about our new £18 million state of the art redevelopment completing in 2018/19: School in Action Morning 7 and 15 November

Book now at www.blackheathhighschool.gdst.net RATED ‘EXCELLENT IN ALL AREAS’ FOR GIRLS AGED 3 TO 18 YEARS (INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS INSPECTORATE)

July - 2 Sept 2018 Follow us on Twitter - 2@PT_LondonSandE

8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

Education News

Bo Peep Learning

Bo Peep Learning has experts which encourage children to trust their ideas. If your child is in KS1-4, Bo Peep Learning will sharpen their skills in Maths, Science and English. With over twenty years of experience in education, Bo Peep Learning offers the highest quality tuition service. In their evening and Saturday classes they focus on enhancing children’s subject knowledge and application. They also emphasise the importance of being reflective and judicious. They encourage children to think critically and creatively, enhancing their problem solving skills. Bo Peep Learning offer small group tuition, workshops and seminars, literacy interventions for struggling readers, exam preparation for SATs, 11+, GCSE and IB, coursework support and qualified, experienced and vetted tutors, all at affordable rates Given the right skills, every child can excel, and Bo Peep Learning support, stretch and challenge your child. For more information, please visit www.bopeeplearning.co.uk, email info@bopeeplearning.co.uk or call 07452 893 233.

Blackfen School Blackfen School is a progressive and vibrant learning community that focuses on raising the aspirations and releasing the potential of every young person in their care from age 11-18. They aim to ensure that students leave Blackfen School as positive, happy and fulfilled young people who are equipped with the necessary skills, qualifications and experiences to make them successful in their future lives. The school have high expectations of all their young people and see each young person as an individual with unique talents and needs. Through their high quality learning environment Blackfen challenge and stretch their young people to be the best and, importantly, to make progress. There is no ceiling to what they can achieve

and they believe everything is possible through hard work, determination and perseverance. The school believe that their young people have a growth mindset and that their intelligence is not fixed. This underpins Blackfen’s aspirational ethos. Students participate in extracurricular activities ranging from Music, Drama, Book Club and the Duke of Edinburgh awards to life-changing trips to, for example, New York, Poland, Barcelona, Rome and Blackfen’s partner school in India. The welfare programme is characterised by strong personal and academic support, as well as the development of students’ leadership skills. Blackfen’s frequent rewards and celebrations for high-level attainment and progress are welcomed by students and their parents. At Blackfen School their passion is that young people should enjoy their success in school, become mature, responsible, independent, outgoing and disciplined young adults and that aspiring to find and release personal talent becomes a life-long accomplishment. The school look forward to welcoming prospective Year 6 students and their families to the school which will help them to find out more about what Blackfen do. For more information, please visit www.blackfenschoolforgirls.co.uk.

Plumstead Manor

Students and staff at Plumstead Manor are celebrating another year of excellent exam results for their A Level, GCSE and vocational subjects. These results represent significant and continued improvement in the outcomes that students achieve as evidenced in Plumstead Manor’s rating as a Good School by Ofsted in May 2018. Plumstead’s core values of success, harmony, excellence and justice enable every young person at the school to release their full potential throughout their seven year secondary school journey. All learning

Bishop Challoner School Shortlands

Welcoming all faiths

A Catholic Independent School for Girls & Boys 3-18 Years

Key Admissions Dates

Farringtons...

Creating a culture of high expectations 4+, 7+ Application deadline 7th December 2018 11+ Application deadline 11th December 2018 11+ Entrance Examination Tuesday 8th January 2019 4+ Assessment Morning Saturday 12th January 2019 www.bishopchallonerschool.com 18

8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

A leading independent co-educational day and boarding school offering high academic standards, excellent pastoral care and a wide extra-curricular programme within a supportive Christian environment. Co-education Juniors 3 – 11, Seniors 11 – 16, Sixth Form 16 - 18 Perry Street, Chislehurst, Kent BR7 6LR T: 020 8467 0256

www.farringtons.org.uk

FARRINGTONS SCHOOL

Bo Peep Learning

After School and Saturday lessons in English, Maths and Science for Key Stages 1-4 at affordable rates. For more details call 07452 893233 or visit www.bopeeplearning.co.uk

Education News

at Plumstead Manor is underpinned by five habits which are also the foundation of the rewards system. Students are encouraged to be imaginative, curious, collaborative, disciplined and resilient. These are qualities which will sustain them throughout their lives. The school has the highest expectations for academic scholarship, outstanding behaviour and personal development. Their young people work hard, show good manners and make lasting contributions to the school and the wider community, led by the example set by their committed and dedicated staff. These are the hallmarks of a Plumstead Manor education. This year, the school have been delighted to welcome a mixed intake of girls and boys into their fully inclusive, vibrant and diverse community and are now oversubscribed. Along with providing excellent teaching, a broad and balanced curriculum, access to a range of academic and vocational pathways and a plethora of extra-curricular activities, the school offers personalised support and seeks to develop responsible citizens, empowered to make a difference to society, ready for their future lives and careers.

We believe that our school community is a happy and successful one because we offer a unique learning experience of ongoing challenge in a caring environment. Blackfen sets out to challenge students from day one in year 7 to their last exam in year 13. We believe in hard work, resilience and a determination to succeed, learning from the lessons of failure to become successful. We believe in raising the aspirations of everyone in our community of inspiring a belief that ‘anything is possible’ amongst our students, staff, governors and parents. We believe in developing our students into confident, responsible citizens ready to play an active role in the wider community. Prospective students and their parents/carers are always welcome. Please ring the school to arrange an appointment.

Happy and successful community Ongoing challenge in a caring environment Head Teacher: Matthew Brown Blackfen School for Girls, Blackfen Road, Sidcup, Kent, DA15 9NU

020 8303 1887 • admin@blackfen.bexley.sch.uk • www.blackfenschoolforgrls.co.uk

MIXED INTAKE FROM 2018 Recently judged by Ofsted (May 2018) as being a ‘good school’ in all respects, we are proud of our vibrant and diverse community, where high quality teaching in a safe and friendly environment create the conditions for children of all abilities and backgrounds to flourish.

Open Events 2018 “The curriculum and enrichment opportunities make a strong contribution to pupils’ personal development...They leave the school well prepared for the next stage of their lives.” Ofsted 2018

Term Time Open Mornings: Every Tuesday 9.00am - 10.30am

Old Mill Road, London SE18 1QF tel 020 3260 3333 info@plumsteadmanor.com www.plumsteadmanor.com Follow us on Twitter - @PT_LondonSandE

8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

atie lown’s K Leafy Landscapes

Nature Crossword 1 (across) bee 1 (down) butterfly 2 strawberry 3 fish 4 leaf 5 lizard 6 hive 7 flower 8 mushroom 9 (across) stone 9 (down) stump 10 ladybug 11 mouse 12 grass 13 cloud. Answer: NATURE Types of Leaves 1 Ash, 2 Magnolia, 3 Oak, 4 Maple, 5 Banana, 6 Beech

Word Search

Nature Crossword

E M K

A O

O M A

H M A

N A

N O

N W O

U O U

G V

G A

What is the cutest season? Awwtumn!

Can you find all these words in the word search? Plant, Leaf, Stalk, Deciduous, Vein, Stem, Chlorophyl, Green, Brown, Blade, Oak, Red, Foliage, Bulb, Frond, Root, Moss, Tree, Bud

What’s green and sings? Elvis Parsley!

Can you draw round an autumn leaf and make it into a picture or can you make a fun design based on leaves? 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

Why couldn’t the gardener find his pile of leaves? Because they all had to leaf!

How does an elephant get out of a tree? Sits on a leaf and waits until Autumn!

Identify the leaf 1

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 9 November 2018. Good Luck!

Design the Primary Times Christmas Card!

Win a Grinch Goody Bag

Every year, we at Primary Times send out thousands of Christmas cards and we’d like you to help us create the picture for this year’s card. It can be any picture you like to do with Christmas in some way.You might like to make it Father Christmas, a snowman, Rudolf with his red nose or maybe a nativity scene.You can draw or paint your picture on an A4 or A5 piece of card or paper. Our picture shows our card from last year which was designed for us by Oliver Carpenter from St Joseph’s Primary School. See the bottom of this page for details of how to enter but please note that the closing date for this competition is

Competitions

Competitions The Grinch, based on Dr Seuss’ beloved holiday classic, tells the story of a cynical grump who goes on a mission to steal Christmas, only to have his heart changed by a young girl’s generous holiday spirit. Each year at Christmas the Grinch’s neighbours in Who-ville disrupt his tranquil solitude with their increasingly bigger, brighter and louder celebrations. When the Whos declare they are going to make Christmas three times bigger this year, the Grinch realises there is only one way for him to gain some peace and quiet. He must steal Christmas! However, as Christmas approaches, Cindy-Lou’s goodnatured schemes threaten to collide with the Grinch’s more nefarious ones. Funny, heart-warming and visually stunning, it’s a universal story about the spirit of Christmas and the indomitable power of optimism. The Grinch will be released in cinemas on 9 November. Primary Times has five The Grinch goody bags to give away. To be in with a chance of winning one, tell us what colour the Grinch is? For details of how to enter see below.

Friday 2 November. Teachers and schools are very welcome to send in a whole class’s entries in a single envelope.The winner will see their design used for the Primary Times Christmas card and will also receive fifty copies of the card with envelopes.

Win a Mini Break at Leeds Castle This autumn Primary Times has an exciting prize to give away to a lucky family - An annual pass for two adults and two children to Leeds Castle, plus an overnight stay in the grounds of Leeds Castle at the Stable Courtyard B&B and dinner in the Castle View restaurant for up to £150. There will also be runner up prizes of five more family annual passes for two adults and two children. There’s plenty going on this October Half Term at Leeds Castle. Help Monster Hunter Valerie Van Helsing on a quest to investigate ‘The Case of the Halloween Monster’, but watch out for Halloween bandits along the way! Look out for characters such as Vinnie the Vampire and Frank Frankenstein on the trail and collect your chocolate reward at the end. There’s also a fun new haunted trail for younger visitors through the Woodland Walk, a ‘Monster Mash Ball’ and daily fancy dress competitions with prizes for the best costumes. If you’re brave enough, visit Leeds Castle this half term for ghoulish games and frightening fun for all ages.

Leeds Castle is perfect for a family day out and the annual pass means you can visit the Castle all year round, not just in the autumn. To be in with a chance of winning this fabulous prize, all you need to do is complete the word search. Then fill out the form with your details and send them both to Leeds Castle Competition, Primary Times, 7 Southbrook Mews, London SE12 8LG. Or scan a copy of your completed form and email it to competitions@ primarytimes.biz with ‘Leeds Castle Competition’ as the subject, by Friday 9 November.

H B

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Y L

S D S

R A C

A R

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Find the following words Vampire, Frank, Vinnie, Leeds, Castle, October, Webs, Boo, Scary, Trail Name...................................................................... Age.......................................................................... Address................................................................... ................................................................................ ................................................................................ School......................................................................

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 competion name as the subject by Friday 9 November. If you are entering more than one competition you can put all entries in the same envelope. Follow us on Twitter - @PT_LondonSandE

8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

What’s On

More What’s On Your family diary for October and November

November Fri 2 – Fri 30 Nov

Highlight Tours: November. Red House, Bexleyheath, DA6 8JF (Selected dates).11am-2pm. This tour will share the highlights of Red House and the stories of the 5 years that William and Janey Morris spent with their family and friends. Admission charges apply. For more information visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/red-house

stories and crafts. Booking is essential. For more information visit www.wildlondon.org.uk

National Museum, SatMaritime 6th - Sun 7th Oct, 11am - 5pm Celebrate SE10 all things apple in our ancient orchard. Greenwich, 9NF Apple tastings, hot mulled cider, children's

11am-4pm. Celebrate new beginnings games and local produce for sale. and the triumph of light over 0208 303 6359 for details darknessCall with dance, music, art and nationaltrust.org.uk/red-house a lantern procession to the river Thames. Drop in and try drumming, Rangoli art and lantern making. For more information visit www.rmg. co.uk When you visit, donate, volunteer or join the National Trust, your support helps us to look after special places for ever, for everyone.

#nationaltrust

Rangoli Patterns, Cutty Sark, Greenwich, SE10 9NF

11.30am-1.30pm and 2-4pm. Celebrate Diwali at Cutty Sark with our Rangoli art workshop inspired by the ship’s voyages to India. Ages 3+. Charges apply. For more information visit www.rmg.co.uk

Blackheath Fireworks 2018, SE3 0TY

Enjoy London’s biggest free display. There will be a family funfair, many and varied stalls and much more! For more details visit www.lewisham.gov. uk/fireworks

Sat 3 – Sun 4 Nov

Railway Weekend – November, The Historic Dockyard, Chatham, ME4 4TE

Lord Mayor’s Show, Bank of England Museum, EC2R 8AH

11am-5pm. The 803rd Lord Mayor’s Show is the perfect opportunity for a weekend visit with the family. Skilful face painters will transform younger visitors into one of the much-loved characters from Kenneth Grahame’s book ‘The Wind in the Willows’. For more information visit www. bankofengland.co.uk

See the new Lord Mayor of the City of London take to the streets in a glittering coach as part of a threemile long ceremony full of innovation, spectacle and pageantry. For more information and to view the days itinerary visit www.lordmayorsshow. london

Wed 21 Nov

Lantern Parade and Christmas Lights On, Greenwich Market, SE10 9HZ 4-5.30pm. The Christmas festivities in Greenwich begin with the local school children’s handmade lantern procession and the switching on of the Christmas lights in Greenwich Market. Come and join in the festive fun. For more information visit www. greenwichmarket.london

Sat 24 Nov – Mon 24 Dec

Christmas at Hever Castle, Hever Castle, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG With welcoming log fires, and beautiful decorations in the Castle, a Christmas trail to follow and the chance to see Father Christmas – be enchanted by the magic of Christmas at Hever. Charges apply. For more information visit www.hevercastle. co.uk

Santa’s Christmas Wonderland Experience, Chessington Garden Centre, KT9 2NG

Following his spectacular arrival, Father Christmas will be in residence at the Centre. Embark on a fantastical journey to meet Father Christmas

Sun 4 Nov

Wonderful Woodlands, Sydenham Hill Wood, SE26 6SB

11am-4pm. A fun day out in Sydenham Hill Wood finding out about the trees, the history of the wood and finishing up with building a den and a fire to warm up. Games,

”

Sat 10 Nov

Lord Mayor’s Show: Big Day Out, Various Locations in Central London

Sat 3 Hog's Nov Hole Apple Diwali Festival of at Light, Weekend Red House

“

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

8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

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

in his traditional grotto. Charges apply. For more details visit www. chessingtongardencentre.co.uk

Fri 30 Nov

Horniman Christmas Market: Late Night, Horniman Museum and Gardens, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ 5.30-9.30pm. The Museum will be filled with stalls and products by independent sellers, local designers and makers. For more information visit www.horniman.ac.uk

December Weekends in Dec

Sail with Santa, City Cruises, Tower Pier, EC3N 4DT

(1,2, 8, 9, 15 and 16 Dec) 10.45am, 12.45pm, 2.35pm, 4.45pm. Meet Santa on the river Thames as he’s swapped his sleigh for a boat. Fun for everyone with lots of treats from Santa. Charges apply. For more information and to book visit www.citycruises. com

Sat 1 Dec

Family Day, Blackheath Halls, SE3 9RQ

11am. A variety of activities will be on offer from storytelling to an annual Festive Family Sing-A-Long, gospel to Taiko drumming, there’s something for everyone. For more information visit www.blackheathhalls.com

Sat 1 – Sun 2 Dec

SAMPLE Christmas, Greenwich Peninsula, SE10 0SQ 11am-7pm. This unique and pop-up market celebrates the very best of emerging talent within the capital, with creatives from the worlds of fashion, design, homeware, food and drinks trading their wares at one-off prices ahead of the new season.Visit www.hemingwaydesign.co.uk

Sat 1 – Sun 16 Dec

Highlight Tours: December, Red House, Bexleyheath, DA6 8JF (Selected dates) 11am-2pm. This tour will share the highlights of Red House and the stories of the 5 years that William and Janey Morris spent with their family and friends. Admission charges apply. For more information visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/red-house

Sun 2 Dec

Christmas Fair, The Woodlands Farm Trust, Welling, DA16 3RP 11am-4pm. Find some unique Christmas presents with stalls selling country crafts, meet Father Christmas and enjoy a festive day out at the farm. Charges apply. For more information visit www. thewoodlandsfarmtrust.org

Christmas Storytelling, Leeds Castle, Maidstone, ME17 1PL

(Also 9 and 16 Dec) Join a storyteller in the Maiden’s Tower to hear ‘Paddington and the Christmas Surprise’ by Michael Bond. On this festive adventure Paddington™ discovers why Santa Claus makes everyone’s Christmas so special. Charges apply. For more information visit www.leeds-castle.com

Big Family Press, South London Gallery, Peckham, SE5 8PR

2-5pm. Enjoy family fun as you learn how to riso print, share stories and make a DIY publication for the archive using a range of exciting materials sourced from the local area. Ages 5-12. For more information visit www.southlondongallery.org

Horniman Christmas Market, Horniman Museum and Gardens, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ

(Also 2 Dec) 10am-5.30pm. Experience festive Christmas shopping as the Museum is filled with stalls and products by independent sellers, local designers and makers. For more information visit www. horniman.ac.uk

Twilight Christmas, Hever Castle, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG

For a magical after dark experience, wrap up warm and enjoy a walk under the stars at Twilight Christmas. Witness the enchantment of the Castle and gardens festooned with fabulous colours and twinkling lights. Charges apply. For more information visit www.hevercastle.co.uk

Wed 19 – Sun 23 Dec

Sail with Santa, City Cruises, Tower Pier, EC3N 4DT

10.45am, 12.45pm, 2.35pm, 4.45pm. Meet Santa on the river Thames as he’s swapped his sleigh for a boat. Fun for everyone with lots of treats from Santa. Charges apply. For more information and to book visit www. citycruises.com Our next copy deadline is

9 November 2018. If you have something you would like us to try and publicise (space permitting) please email it to

listings@ primarytimes.biz

All your own work!

Lola Hands aged 9

Jan Olak aged 6 Miss Bishop from St Crispins competitions in our September Back to School issue. Congratulations to the following people who won DIY Circus Lab for Kids shirt. and Tyler Eaton won a signed Crystal Palace Infants School won a box of books for her school. Riley Cignitti.Zara Edwin won o Matte and n Dryde Norrington,Joseph books were won by Bethan Lewis, Otto Retallick, Caitlin a Harlequin's match to s ticket won aser ey-Cre Freakl re. Chloe a family ticket to Robinson Crusoe at Greenwich Theat Chloe Prockter. in the Mary & The Witch's Flower competition was and will meet a rugby hero. Our first prize winner the Circus at see to ticket family a Marshall. Alex Saunders won Runners up prizes were won by Zoe Lewis and Jessica ton, Nikki Wilkins Eccles Clarke eeya Zakar , Elmes Asia rt winners were Millbrook plus a mini hamper. Our Paddington in Conce 6 won the Annie aged Bountiful Botanics Weekend at Wakehurst. Jan Olak and Chloe April. Lisa Draghi won a family ticket to winner was Lola Hands aged 9. Enjoy If you would like to see drawing competition for the under 8s and our older our new competitions in this issue. all ng enteri luck good all the artwork on this page and 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 Isaiah Peart-Myers for his poem and drawing of his trip to feed the ducks, Karolina Ficek for her colourful garden scene and Annabel Whitby for her fun memories of the summer holidays. We love seeing your work so do please keep sending it to us.