South 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 T’S A WH

October Half Term Issue 116 8 October - 25 November 2018

in South London Bring your kids’ learning to life at The Florence Nightingale Museum Florence is part of the curriculum for 5-7 year olds

www.florence-nightingale.co.uk

The Best Family Guide to What’s On

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! 2

8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

Dear Readers Primary Times in South 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 Publishing Editor: Peter Watson Sales: Andrew Langridge, Gill Pearce, Catherine Dillon & Lola Olowofela Listings: Dingile Kasote Editorial: Alina McCrone Production: Alison Watson Office Manager: Chris Blower Administrators: Claire Wood & Tina Love Proof Reader: Catherine Draisey Social Media: Rachel Benson Primary Times is independently published and distributed free in primary and junior schools throughout the boroughs of Croydon, Lambeth, Lewisham & Southwark. Its aims are to inform families and children of current educational issues, forthcoming events, courses and attractions and to give teachers, pupils and parents the opportunity to participate in the magazine by adding to its contents or joining in the competitions which we run. It is NOT our intention to publish any racist, sexist or politically based material whatsoever. We also undertake not to carry any advertising which we would consider to be offensive to young families or harmful to the best interests of young children. The opinions expressed in either the editorial or advertisements within this publication are not necessarily those held by the editor or publisher. While we take great care with the compilation of information within this magazine, neither the editor nor publisher will accept any liability for the accuracy of the editorial or advertising contained within the publication. We welcome listings being sent to us for inclusion in our What’s On section. Free listings are dependent on available space and we cannot guarantee to print all the listings we are sent. Please send them to listings@primarytimes.biz . Primary Times would like to thank all the schools in the boroughs of Croydon, Lambeth, Lewisham & Southwark 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 London is operated under franchise licence.

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 almost nine centuries of history and discover the gardens, maze, falconry and much more. Look out for our other competitions too and don’t forget to include your contact details when you enter them There will be lots of firework displays happening soon. We looked on the RoSPA website and these were their top ten tips on how to stay safe. 1 Plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable. 2 Keep fireworks in a closed box and use them one at a time. 3 Read and follow the instructions on each firework using a torch if necessary. 4 Light the firework at arm’s length with a taper and stand well back. 5 Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks. 6 Never return to a firework once it has been lit. 7 Don’t put fireworks in pockets and never throw them. 8 Direct any rocket fireworks well away from spectators. 9 Never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire. 10 Make sure that the fire is out and surroundings are made safe before leaving. Visit www.saferfireworks.com/firework_code for lots more advice

Contents

inside this issue.... News.........................................4 What’s On.................................6 Family Theatre.......................... 7 Autumn Adventures.....................11 Education News....................... 14 After School Activities............. 18 Competitions........................... 21 All Your Own Work!.................23

Look out for our wonderful winter magazine from 26 November.

Peter and the Primary Times team

SATURDAY 1ST & SUNDAY 2ND DECEMBER FREE ENTRY

When you have finished with this magazine please recycle it

GREENWICH PENINSULA

11AM—7PM

INDEPENDENT DESIGNERS, MAKERS, ARTISANS, MUSIC & STREET FOOD GREENWICHPENINSULA.CO.UK/SAMPLE #SAMPLECHRISTMAS

8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

News

New Edible Playgrounds

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.

Win a Family Ticket to the Moscow State Circus, Clapham Common

The UK will play host to one of the most spectacular circus displays in the world when the Moscow State Circus returns with a brand new show, on Clapham Common from 23 to 28 October. GOSTINITSA, the Hotel of Curiosities, is a rapturous and passionate new circus experience that promises to have plenty of spectacle and nerve-tingling, edge of your seat thrills for the whole family. Award winning clowns, the Chervotkins Duo, will guide the audience through the acts which include the Didyk Troupe performing acrobatics on Europe’s only double Russian swings and the Alikhanov Troupe featuring three acrobats climbing and spinning to the very top of two 10m poles balanced on the single shoulder of one man. We have 10 family tickets (admits 4 of any age) plus popcorn for lucky Primary Times readers. For your chance to win a family ticket, tell us your favourite circus act. Send your answer to Moscow State Circus Competition, Primary Times, 7 Southbrook Mews, London SE12 8LG or email it to competitions@primarytimes.biz with ‘Moscow State Circus Competition’ as the subject by Friday 19 October. 4

8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

Trees for Cities has recently celebrated Edible Playgrounds launch events at three London primary schools. Olga Primary in Tower Hamlets, St Anne’s in Lambeth and Gallions in Newham all opened their gardens to guests as they cut the ribbon on their new outdoor growing spaces. Our picture shows the edible playground at Gallions Primary School in Newham.There were speeches, guided tours of the garden space and performances from the children. One highlight was a Year 3 child from Olga Primary describing a salad of tomatoes and basil from their Edible Playground ‘Have you ever thought of growing your own juicy, ripe tomatoes? It is a feeling like no other, it is seriously the best feeling ever.’ It is urban schools like these, with little access to nature, that make ideal partners for the Edible Playgrounds programme, giving the children a chance to learn about growing and eating healthy fruit and veg, and to connect with nature in a way that would be very difficult for them otherwise. The impacts on the lives of the children at these schools is tangible. Linda Ewers, Head Teacher at Olga Primary, told Primary Times ‘A bare playground has been transformed. Our children are involved in the whole cycle of growing food – they are interested in what is growing and in the other life that can be found in the garden.’ Find out more about the Edible Playground programme, and the generous match fund opportunities currently available at www.treesforcities.org and www. countrysideclassroom.org.uk.

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

Robozuna 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.

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. 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. 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.

Two thousand, three hundred and thirty two local residents and one movie star have set a massive new Guinness World Record for the biggest colouring-in mural recently. Herne Hill Forum commissioned local artist Victor Szepessy to create a design for the 40 metre long mural which has brought to life the spirit of Herne Hill, its community, key people, places fables and myths. The event was an epic effort from across the community, with everyone involved making this a day to remember.There were kids from as young as four years old, people with a range of disabilities and volunteers working 24/7 to deliver the project on time. The record busting achievement, with an army of local residents from Herne Hill Forum, took place on 12 and 13 September in Station Square, Herne Hill. Mark Rylance, movie star and local resident came along to help and told Primary Times, “I regularly use this underpass - what was once a very unattractive space will now be transformed. It’s great that this space can be celebrated and has been decorated especially by the children.”

News

Let’s All Dance

Record Mural in Herne Hill

Old Rivals Light up London’s Greatest Stage This December Harlequins will once again swap The Stoop for Twickenham Stadium, the home of English rugby at Big Game 11. In a repeat of Big Game 2, old rivals Wasps will be the opponents for this Gallagher Premiership fixture. Last year’s Big Game was one of the best in the series as Harlequins took home a 51-21 victory against Northampton Saints, creating

the atmosphere of a lifetime for over 75,000 supporters. Join Harlequins on Saturday 29 December at Twickenham Stadium for a fun-filled family day out. With loads of activities off the pitch, spectacular entertainment and incredible atmosphere to accompany the rugby, this is an event you don’t want to miss! Light up London’s greatest stage and be a part

of the most exciting sporting fixture of the festive calendar. Tickets for non-Members start from just £25 for adults and £15 for juniors. Go to tickets.quins.co.uk to secure your seats.

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.

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

8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

What’s On

Your family diary for October and November Ongoing Every Mon (Term Time) NaturActive, Myatt’s Fields Park, SE5 9RA

10-11.30am. An activity-based session for under 5s and their parents or carers that focuses on nature, gardening and conservation. Children are encouraged to get dirty, relax, play and learn in an outside environment. Charges apply. For more information visit www. myattsfieldspark.info

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 24 Oct

Expectations: The Neil Kenlock Archive, Black Cultural Archives, Brixton, SW2 1EF Come and experience the first ever photography exhibition ‘takeover’ at the Black Cultural Archives using photographs taken by Neil Kenlock. Explore ideas of the black British leadership experience in the 1960s and 1970s. For more details visit www.blackculturalarchives.org

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

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. 6

8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

“

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

Until 28 Oct

”

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

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 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 Thurs 11 Oct

Heritage Tour of the Archives, Brixton, SW2 1EF

4-5pm, 6-7pm. Behind the vault of the archive are the stories of Black Britain. Come and meet the team to find out more about the documents, look after and share these stories. Visit www.blackculturalarchives.org

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

Tank Wars, National Army Museum, Chelsea, SW3 4HT

11am, 1pm and 3pm. Command a remote-controlled tank and test your mettle with a series of challenges. Navigate an obstacle course, traverse dangerous ravines and battle it out with other tanks. Ages 6+. Collect your free ticket from the Welcome Desk. For more information visit www.nam.ac.uk

Tour of Brixton Windmill, SW2 5EU (Also 14 Oct) Explore the windmill, visit the ‘two mills in one’ and hear the intriguing story of the Ashby family.You will see the original wind-powered machinery and find out how it was once used to make stoneground flour. For more information and to book visit www. brixtonwindmill.org

The Big Draw, Cultural Connections CC, Stockwell, SW8 2QJ

11am-4pm. Come to Christ Church Clapham to make a fabulous community installation of colourful characters. Simply drop in and create your own design.Your person can be a self-portrait, based on a friend or family member. For more details visit www.thebigdraw.org

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

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

For lots more What’s On ideas see page 10...

Greenwich Gets Festive

...oh yes it is! The Wind in the Willows - Polka Theatre

The Wind in the Willows is a wonderfully funny tale brought to life with music, songs and the usual Polka magic. When Mole abandons spring cleaning for the delights of the riverbank, he has no idea of the adventures that lie ahead. With Toad’s obsession for all things fast causing chaos (poop, poop!), it falls upon his friends Ratty, Mole and wise old Badger to save him. That means coming face to face with the ferrets and weasels of the Wild Wood. In this delightful adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s classic story of friendship and bravery, Polka’s winter warmer will take you on a journey through the seasons.

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

Family Theatre

You can join Polka for their Christmas holiday workshops inspired by the play. Trouble on the River Bank is a workshop for devising and acting for ages 9–14, and Mask Fun with Ratty, Toad and Badger will allow children ages 6–8 to make their own animal mask. The Wind in the Willows will be playing at Polka Theatre from 9 November - 17 February. It is recommended for the whole family from age 5+. All Ages Welcome performances are available so you can bring younger siblings. For more information, please visit www. polkatheatre.com. Photo credit: Michael Wharley and Rebecca Pitt

Fri 9 Nov – Sun 17 Feb A Polka Theatre production

A play with songs by Toby Hulse Based on the novel by Kenneth Grahame Ages

020 8543 4888 www.polkatheatre.com Polka Theatre, Wimbledon, London SW19 1SB

8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

Family Theatre

24 – 28 Oct

The Gingerbread Man

Go along and see the adventure of the delicious-smelling Gingerbread Man and meet the bravest biscuit of all times! Ages 3+.

24 Oct – 3 Nov

Under the Rainbow

...oh yes it is! Broadway Catford Box Office: 020 8690 0002 7-30 Dec

Aladdin

Selladoor Family presents a magical adventure. Fly on a magic carpet this Christmas to the enchanting world of Peking where an adventure will unfold with brave Aladdin.

Greenwich Theatre

Tchaikovsky’s sumptuous score and gorgeous costumes bring this glittering, classical ballet to life.

Ovalhouse Theatre SE11 Box Office: 020 7582 7680 23 – 27 Oct

Princess Charming

Some girls like football. Some boys like pink. Everyone likes Box Office: 020 8858 7755 a good story. Exploring 17 – 18 Oct Enjoy gender stereotypes in Bing Goes to a fun, questioning the show! way, Princess the Theatre And don’t Charming is a Join Bing, Sula, forget to say celebration of being Coco and Pando you saw it in exactly who you as they find out Primary are. how to tell stories by pretending, Times! Polka Theatre, dressing-up and singing songs. Going to the theatre… Wimbledon it’s a Bing thing!

Box Office: 020 8543 4888 28 Sep – 21 Oct

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.

4 – 30 Dec

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

Three Sat Under the Banyan Tree

Stories of headstrong crows and old lions come vibrantly to life through masks, movement and music. Ages 7+.

12 – 14 Oct

Five Little Monkeys

Join Zoo Keeper Sue and mischievous Little Monkey, and discover numbers are all around us. Learn to love counting during a riot of music, numbers and clowning. Ages 2-6.

19 – 21 Oct

3 Little Pig Tails

Garlic Theatre entertains the whole family with beautifully crafted puppets, music and a garlicky French twist to the tale. Ages 3-7.

Sleeping Beauty

Let’s All Dance present this much-loved ballet for the whole family. Dazzling dancers, 8

8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

Enjoy evocative music, puppetry and a beautiful transformative set in this story of one woman’s courageous journey. As she crosses land and sea, she befriends a turtle and a colourful bird of paradise, discovering a plentiful island that gives her hope for the future. Ages 3-6.

9 Nov – 17 Feb

The Wind in the Willows

The classic story of friendship and bravery on stage like you’ve never seen it. Recommended for the whole family, aged 5+

10 - 11 Nov

The Frog and the Princess

This exquisitely manipulated and humorous puppetry performance explores the meeting of cultures and what happens when a Princess deems a frog unworthy of being her friend, just because of what he is. Ages 4+.

16 – 18 Nov

Snow White, Rose Red, Bear Brown

Snow White and Rose Red, sisters, twins and best friends, have lived in the forest since they were Babes in the Wood. When their quiet life is interrupted by a friendly bear a new chapter begins. Ages 4+.

29 Nov – 17 Feb

In the Winter Wood

When Pig and Goat discover they’re being fattened up for a winter feast, they decide to run away to find a little house in the winter woods, where they can live happily together. Ages 3-6.

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 recordbreaking 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.

Theatre Peckham SE5 Box Office: 020 7708 5401 18 – 21 Oct

Love Thy Fro: The Musical

After failing to tame her hair, Kemi goes on an unexpected journey to the 1970s where she meets a familiar face and discovers there is something special about taking pride in her beautiful afro hair.

The Old Vic Box Office: www.oldvictheatre. com 27 Nov – 19 Jan

A Christmas Carol

Charles Dickens’ immortal classic returns, filling the auditorium to the brim with mince pies, music and merriment. Unique staging immerses the audience in this uplifting story for everyone aged 8+.

Unicorn SE1 Box Office: 020 7645 0560 23 – 28 Oct

On The Road

A wordless story told using sound, dance and movement to explore what it feels like to be a refugee and the universal need we have to belong. Ages 6-12.

13 Nov – 6 Jan

Grimm Tales

A delicious selection of Philip Pullman’s favourite fairy tales by the Brothers Grimm, retold and reworked for this Christmas. Ages 8+.

Upstairs at the Sydenham Centre Box Office: www. spontaneousproductions.co.uk 15 Sep – 21 Oct

The Three Little Pigs Go West (Selected dates) Expect some amazing video effects, highly original songs and dance routines and an unforgettable chase through the American landscape. Ages 3+.

Aladdin at Broadway Theatre, Catford

Fly on a magic carpet this Christmas to the enchanting world of Peking where an adventure will unfold. Aladdin is a brand new traditional pantomime extravaganza coming to the Broadway Theatre, Catford from Friday 7 December to Sunday 30 December. Meet brave Aladdin, the rebellious princess, the larger than life Widow Twankey and be part of Wishee-Washee’s gang. Will these friends foil the Evil Abanazar’s plan? You’ll have to go along to The Broadway Theatre, Catford this December to find out. Starring CBeebies favourite Joanna Adeyinka-Burford as Princess Blossom, Broadway Theatre favourite Wayne Rollins as Abanazar and Duane Gooden as Widow Twankey, you can expect lots of audience participation, dazzling costumes, spectacular sets, live music and magical special effects. This enchanting tale of a foreign land will guarantee to make your pantomime wishes come true! Presented by Selladoor Family, Aladdin is a fun-filled pantomime adventure for the whole family. Book your tickets today from £15 at www.broadwaytheatre.org.uk or telephone the Box Office on 020 8690 0002.

The Snowman at The Peacock 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.”

Family Theatre

right size 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.

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

THE FROG & THE PRINCESS

3 LITTLE PIG TAILS

SAT 17 NOV 11am & 3pm

SAT 24 NOV 11am & 3pm

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A FESTIVE FAMILY SING - A - LONG

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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

8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

What’s On

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

October 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

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

Fungi Walk, Streatham Common, SW16 3BZ

11am-1pm. Learn about the crucial importance of fungi in our woods and the wider world with Sylvia Myers. Ages 11+. For more information visit www.wildlondon. org.uk

Meet Miss Nightingale, Florence Nightingale Museum, SE1 7EW 11.30am, 1.30pm, 3pm. Meet Miss Nightingale and hear all about how she became known as the Lady

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

The Re-imagined Snowman One of the world’s most acclaimed children’s writers, Michael Morpurgo, has written a reimagining of the much-loved story by Raymond Briggs, The Snowman, 40 years after it was first published. The Snowman, published in 1978, is a hand-drawn, illustrated picture book that tells the extraordinary tale of a boy whose snowman comes to life and the magical adventures he shares with it one Christmas. Morpurgo’s chapter book will feature Briggs’ timeless characters, bringing them to a new, older audience and is suited to children aged 7 years and above to read alone. The new re-imagined version can help children to develop their reading skills, adding elements of detail, prose and charisma. However, it is still Briggs’ classic and charming tale loved by many, featuring tangerine noses and coal eyes. As a story that parents will remember and children are bound to love, the book is also perfect for families to read together with younger children. Along with beautiful illustrations by Robin Shaw, children’s imaginations can run wild as they read Morpurgo’s wonderful new tale. Join James and the Snowman this Christmas in an unforgettable story of a lifetime filled with friendship, magic and flying through the night sky. The Snowman will be available for £12.99 from 18 October. 10

8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

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

Hands on Base: Horniman Explorers, Horniman Museum and Gardens, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ

with the Lamp. Find out how she became a nurse, why she went to the Crimea and how she improved the conditions. For more information visit www.florence-nightingale.co.uk

Family Technical Theatre Day, National Theatre, South Bank, SE1 9PX

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Sat 20 – Sun 21 Oct

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

Pumpkin Quiz Trail, Battersea Park Children’s Zoo, SW11 4NJ Take part and use the clues to help you find which animals are taking part in the Halloween fun. Charges apply. For more details visit www. batterseaparkzoo.co.uk

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

Mon 22 Oct

Leaves, Seeds and Prints, Centre for Wildlife Gardening, East Dulwich, SE15 4EE

(Also 23 Oct) 11am-4pm. A fun packed two days using autumn leaves to make different types of print. You‘ll be finding out about trees and seeds with games, stories and crafts. Booking is essential. For more information visit www.wildlondon. org.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

(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

(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

Snake Day, Battersea Park Children’s Zoo, SW11 4NJ

11am-12.30pm, 1.30pm-3.30pm. Enjoy snake themed fun for the whole family. Meet a real one and find out how and why they shed their skin. Why not make a snake puppet too! Charges apply. For more details visit www. batterseaparkzoo.co.uk

Clean Hands, Florence Nightingale Museum, SE1 7EW

Join the team from St Thomas’ Hospital to see how clean your hands really are. Look at the special equipment used by the team to help protect them against infection. Museum admission charges apply. For more information visit www.florencenightingale.co.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

Tues 23 Oct

Nick Sharratt’s Big Draw-Along, 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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

Sail with Santa

Sail with Santa is top fun for all the family. Santa has swapped his sleigh for a boat this year and invites everyone on board. Santa will cruise up and down the Thames on a one-hour journey from Tower Pier. He will bring lots of treats including a present, a soft drink and a biscuit for the kids, whilst the adults can enjoy a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie. A comfortable City Cruises boat is magically transformed into a beautiful grotto, and Santa’s Elves will help him hand out presents and treats. Kids can get into colouring and Santa will tell a Christmas story along the way. With picture opportunities aplenty, and spectacular London landmarks as a backdrop, it will be a memory children will treasure.

WE HAVE A DIFFERENT VIEW OF SANTA’S GROTTO

FROM

£16 PP

Enjoy our Sail with Santa cruise with the whole family This Christmas take your loved ones to meet Santa as they have never done before. Join him as he cruises along the Thames. Enjoy a glass of mulled wine, while children will receive a present alongside a soft drink and a cookie. It's all off the festive sparkle with all of . the sights.

Book online at citycruises.com Or call: 020 77 400 400

8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

Autumn Adventures

Should you feel you would like some other refreshments such as drinking chocolate or Champagne, there is a café-bar on hand. Everyone will have fun and it’s a great experience for children, adults and even teenagers. With prices starting from £16 per person, this treat is a great way to kick off the festive season. For more information, please visit www. citycruises.com.

Breathtaking Wand Installation

New Wizarding World adventure, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, is due in cinemas next month. To celebrate, an installation of nine giant wands will illuminate the walkway between Millennium Bridge and St. Paul’s Cathedral in London to raise awareness for J.K. Rowling’s charity Lumos, whose mission is to end the institutionalisation of children around the world. Standing fifteen feet tall, the wands – bringing to life those belonging to characters in the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films – are the centrepiece of the new installation. It is set to light up Peter’s Hill every night at 6.45pm from 18 October to 12 November. The installation also kicks off a series of exciting activities for fans every “Wizarding Wednesday,” including wand training and a live performance of music from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films by a military marching band. Further information is available at www.fantasticbeasts.co.uk/ wandsready

‘Gruesome Nature’ at ZSL London Zoo

Experience Gruesome Nature Live! the popular sing-a-long 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 stomachchurning 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.

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. 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.

October is #BlackHistoryMonth

October marks #BlackHistoryMonth and thousands across the country will be celebrating the Black historical figures from Mary Seacole to Olaudah Equiano. Black Cultural Archives, located in Windrush Square in Brixton, is the UK’s only dedicated Black heritage centre and holds a fascinating collection of materials that document the experiences of Black people in Britain. From exhibitions to events, BCA is the perfect place to start your Black History Month celebrations. Whether you are venturing for the first time or ready to expand your knowledge further, go along and meet the expert archivists to find out more. As part of the celebration, BCA will be hosting a special Sunday opening where families can enjoy a hearty Caribbean and African buffet, explore the exhibitions and delve into the archives so be sure to head down for Feast in the Archives on Sunday 28 October from 3pm. Also, currently on display are two exhibitions until 5 October including Family Ties - Adamah Papers that tells the story of an East London family rediscovering their Ghanaian heritage and connections to royalty and Expectations by celebrated photographer Neil Kenlock who has captured the great leaders of post-Windrush Britain. Visit www.blackculturalarchives.org or call 020 3757 8500 for more on exhibitions, events and to book tickets.

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.

Battersea Park Children’s Zoo... who will you see?

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

Florence Nightingale Museum

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.

From cheeky monkeys to leaping lemurs, noisy otters to snuffling coatis, who will you come face to face with?

Plus our fun play area for kids of all ages! r Visit oue websit

Tel: 020 7924 5826

Battersea Park, Chelsea Bridge Gate Battersea London SW11 4NJ

www.batterseaparkzoo.co.uk we’re passionate about wildlife

8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

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.

rmg.co.uk/cuttysark

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

She Tells Sea Tales

FAMILY TIES: THE ADAMAH PAPERS On display until 5 October 2018

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.

Family Ties: The Adamah Papers tells the story of a British-Ghanaian family’s rich heritage and connection to royalty. Free admission.

Only 8 minutes from London Bridge Cutty Sark (Zone 2) Greenwich (Zone 2) Greenwich Pier

blackculturalarchives.org Windrush Square, Brixton Follow us on Twitter - @PT_LondonSandE

8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

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Autumn Adventures

CS - PRIMARY TIMES AD - 277X90 - SEA TALES 2018 - OUT.pdf

What’s On

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

October Autumn’s Harvest – Half Term Cooking Workshops, Garden Museum, SE1 7LB (Also 24 and 25 Oct) 11am1.30pm. Enjoy children’s cooking workshops and make meals inspired by autumn’s harvest. Charges apply. For more information visit www. gardenmuseum.org.uk

Hedgehog Day, Battersea Park Children’s Zoo, SW11 4NJ

11am, 12noon, 1.30pm and 2.30pm. Come along to find out how you can make a difference to the survival of these lovely spiky creatures. During the session there’ll be story time, arts and crafts and the chance to meet a real hedgehog. Ages 3-11. Charges apply.Visit www. batterseaparkzoo.co.uk

Diagnosis, Florence Nightingale Museum, SE1 7EW

11am-3pm. Learn all about the germs that caused the Spanish flu in 1918 with the youth panel in a special family workshop. Drop-in. To find out more visit www.florence-nightingale. co.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

Tues 23 – Fri 26 Oct

Grim Ghouls, Dulwich Picture Gallery, SE21 7AD 2-4pm. Drop in to these Half Term Halloween workshops and make a ghoulish mask – perfect for scaring! Take inspiration from the Ribera:

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 14

“

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

”

Art of Violence exhibition to make the grimmest mask you can. Charges apply. For more information and to book visit www.dulwichpicturegallery. org.uk

Gory Stories, Dulwich Picture Gallery, SE21 7AD

1.30pm and 3pm. Join world-class storytellers, Nell Phoenix and Ben Haggarty, as they delight in the gore of Ribera’s paintings. Expect folk and fairy tales with plenty of misadventure. Ages 6+. Charges apply. For more information and to book visit www.dulwichpicturegallery.org. uk

Tues 23 – Sun 28 Oct

The Moscow State Circus, Clapham Common, SW4 9DN

(Selected times). Enjoy this magical experience for people of all ages and witness some fantastically unbelievable acts. This new two hour show features unicycling, foot juggling, trapeze, high wire and more. Charges apply. For more details and to book visit www.moscowstatecircus.com

Education News

St Dunstan’s College

Girls and boys join St Dunstan’s College Senior School from a large number of preparatory and primary schools across south and southeast London and beyond. Moving from junior school to senior school is a major milestone in a child’s life. Parents and children alike may feel nervous about the transition - so many new people to meet, new buildings to navigate and new subjects to delve into. It can seem overwhelming. However, the relatively small size of St Dunstan’s allows for new students to settle in very quickly. They help them along the way by running a New Joiners’ Induction Day at the beginning of each Michaelmas Term during which the College is open only to new students.

Wed 24 Oct

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

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

Mud and Mortar: A Great War Nurse’s Story, Florence Nightingale Museum, SE1 7EW

11.30am, 1.30pm, 3pm. Meet VAD Nurse Hermoine Godfrey and hear all about her experiences on the Western Front during the First World War. Free with admission. For more information visit www.florencenightingale.co.uk

The Puppet Odyssey, Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX

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.

Senior School Open Morning Saturday 17 November 2018 9.30am - 11.30am

To book a place, please visit www.stdunstans.org.uk For lots more What’s On ideas see page 20...

8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

Stanstead Road, London, SE6 4TY 0208 516 7200

The World’s Biggest School Photo

Steve McQueen is to create a portrait of London’s Year 3 pupils in one of his most ambitious works to date. The Turner Prize-winning artist and Oscar-winning filmmaker Steve McQueen, working with Tate Britain, Artangel and A New Direction, has announced one of the world’s most ambitious contemporary art projects. A portrait of an entire age group of Londoners will capture tens of thousands of Year 3 schoolchildren from across the capital. Over the next nine months, each and every one of London’s 2,410 primary schools with Year 3 pupils is invited to have those classes specially photographed for the project, with the resulting artwork going on display at Tate Britain and around London in autumn 2019. Every London primary school can register their school at www. tateyear3project.org.uk. Here they can choose a date and time for a Tate photographer, briefed by McQueen, to visit their school and take their Year 3 class photo. Specially created learning resources will also allow pupils to further explore the work’s key themes of belonging, identity and citizenship within the curriculum, while a live-streamed

Education News

During the Induction Day, students get to know their Form Tutors, subject teachers and classmates as well as how to find their classes and College facilities. With small class sizes, excellent pastoral support and plenty of friendly and helpful returning students, children quickly make friends and find their way around the school. In August 2018, St Dunstan’s College celebrated excellent GSCE grades. 82% of grades were A* - B, with over 60% being A*- A. The school has also recently added an additional bus route serving the Blackheath area. Find out more about St Dunstan’s College at one of the upcoming open events. More information can be found at www. stdunstans.org.uk

lesson will be staged in spring 2019 for primary school classes across the country to watch and engage with the project. From November 2019 to May 2020, the Duveen Galleries at Tate Britain will be taken over by a vast installation of the photographs, free for all to visit. Artangel will also create an outdoor exhibition of class photographs across each of London’s 33 boroughs, giving passers-by a glimpse of the future of their city. Tate Modern will then stage a major survey exhibition of McQueen’s work to coincide with the project, open from February to May 2020. Photo credit: Tate

St Joseph’s College

St Joseph’s College is a Roman Catholic comprehensive boys’ academy with a Maths, Computing and Confucius specialist status. Established in 1855 by the De La Salle Brothers, the college has had a history of educating young men and women for over 160 years. As a Catholic College, they also welcome applicants with children of other faiths. However, they expect all applicants applying to respect their ethos and its importance to the College community, especially by participating in activities central to this ethos. St Joseph’s College is a caring and dynamic school community, providing the highest standards for every child through excellent teaching and learning. They want to ensure that all students reach their full potential. The College is proud of the opportunities available to students and is committed to promoting high standards of academic achievement and behaviour. At the heart of the College is one community with a strong sense of values. They are totally committed to realising the potential of each and every student in their care. All teachers aspire to provide excellence every day, every lesson. If you have missed the open events this year but would like a tour of the college during the working school day then do contact Mrs Lea on 020 8761 1426 (ext 217) to book a visit.

Special tours of the school are available up to the application deadline date of 31st October for September 2019 entry. Please phone 020 8761 1426 and ask to speak to Mrs Lea (ext 217)

8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

Education News

Prendergast Vale School

Prendergast Vale School aims to put children on the pathway to university and successful careers in the modern world. It is a school for boys and girls aged from 3–16. In January this year Prendergast Vale received its best Ofsted report yet which recognised some of the school’s outstanding features along with its good features. The primary phase was rated “Outstanding” and the overall school rating was “Good”. The curriculum offers every student the opportunity to study academic subjects such as computer science and various humanities subjects from Year 7. Ofsted described the leadership of the school as having ‘a strong vision for the curriculum. It prepares pupils well for life-long learning. The curriculum is broad and balanced. It enables pupils, especially those with low starting points, to make strong progress.’ Prendergast Vale works on the basis that parents want a school where their children are happy. Students at the school are encouraged to work hard and be nice. They welcome visits to the school from those who want to see for themselves how it works with young people to help them achieve their absolute best. For more information, please visit www.prendergast-vale.com.

Ark Globe Academy

Ark Globe Academy is an academy for 3 to 18 year olds in Elephant and Castle, Southwark. The academy has set its mission to prepare its students for university and to be leaders in their community, and has the highest aspirations for every child. The results in all key stages are significantly above national averages and the academy is ranked in the top ten percent of schools

nationally. The whole academy recently celebrated their second student going off to an Oxbridge university. Eduardo, who is now at the University of Oxford studying Biological Sciences, received 2 A*s and an A. When he came to Ark Globe in Year 7, he didn’t speak any English. Eduardo’s great progress is a testament to his and Ark Globe’s staff’s hard work. Eduardo said in a radio interview, “It never would have been possible without the support of my teachers. They went the extra mile to make sure that I was where I needed to be. They always kept me in the right state of mind.” Besides the proven academic achievement, the academy prides itself on its bespoke enrichment and careers exposure programme. With the great boost from the results, a fantastic year is ahead for Ark Globe. The academy will be celebrating its tenth anniversary throughout the year with a variety of events bringing the whole community together. The events will mark the success of the last decade and inspire everyone for an even better future for the academy. Ark Globe has set its purpose to promote social justice in a fairer society where everyone will have equal opportunities to determine their own future and puts this aim at the centre of its work every day. For more information, please visit www.arkglobe.org.

Harris Academy Peckham

Harris Academy Peckham is set in the very heart of its community and is a thriving, vibrant school led with ambition and aspiration. This year the academy have launched their new ethos, LEAP, which stands for Leadership, Enquiry, Aspiration and Perseverance. They

Prendergast Vale School We invite you to join us at our

Open Days Open Mornings

Be a part of something special

Wednesday 19 September - 9.15 to 10.30am

● Good with outstanding features (Ofsted 2018) ● Excellent GCSE exam results ● Good teaching and learning in every classroom ● Every child supported to do their very best ● Excellent pastoral care for your child’s well being

Wednesday 26 September - 9.15 to 10.30am Wednesday 3 October - 9.15 to 10.30am Wednesday 10 October - 9.15 to 10.30am Wednesday 17 October - 9.15 to 10.30am

Open Evening Tuesday 18th September - 5.00 to 6.45pm Prendergast Vale School Elmira Street, London, SE13 7BN Telephone: 020 8297 3540 E-mail: admin@prendergast-vale.com www.prendergast-vale.com

8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

“You are invited to come and see how much our students learn and enjoy coming to school” Mr D Kamya - Headteacher

Leathersellers’

FEDERATION OF SCHOOLS EDuCATION FROm FOuR TO EIGHTEEN

OPEN MORNINGS

Education News

believe that these values are crucial to young people in their pursuit of academic excellence, and for forging successful careers beyond the Academy gates. Each of these strands permeate daily life at Harris Academy Peckham, informing assessments, teaching and learning. Harris expect all of their students to demonstrate excellent leadership skills within and beyond the classroom using eloquent and appropriate communication skills. Learners are expected to be curious, adopting an enquiring mind to seek out new knowledge. The academy expect every child to surpass expectations, to aim high and to be aspirational in their academic and personal development. To truly reach their potential, the ability to build the resilience required to face the most difficult challenges is essential. Perseverance is an attribute which Harris train their students in. A broad and balanced curriculum and remarkable facilities are offered at the Academy. They aim to keep class sizes small to increase the one to one attention students can receive from staff and there is a strong pastoral team to support the welfare of students. Harris look forward to inviting you to their Open Mornings on 9, 10, 16 and 17 October from 9.30-10.30am so they can show you more of the excellent achievements of their students. Keira is 10 years old and she has attended Explore Learning for over a year. Explore has helped with her confidence and has helped her to get to where she wants to be in her class. She feels happier knowing that she has already seen the work before, which gives her a real confidence boost. Her parents would recommend any other parent to Explore.

Tuesday 9 Oct 2018: 9:30am – 10:30am Wednesday 10 Oct 2018: 9:30am – 10:30am Tuesday 16 Oct 2018: 9:30am – 10:30am Wednesday 17 Oct 2018: 9:30am – 10:30am

FOR PROSPECTIVE YEAR 7 STUDENTS

8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

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

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

After Schoo

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.

Dream to be Different

BRIT Kids is a Saturday School with a difference. At Brit Kids they celebrate the Creative and Performing Arts, meaning there really is something for everyone. Workshops are led by exceptional teachers using professional equipment in bespoke studios. Brit Kids offers 16 different disciplines to choose from. You can mix and match Creative and Performing Arts, starting your day devising Theatre scenes and finishing it presenting a Radio show. New this term is their Song Writing course. Brit Kids is proud to be part of The Brit School running to the same ethos. You will work hard, you will be challenged, you will enjoy every minute. Lots of parents are very pleased with Brit Kids, ‘My daughter has had a fantastic first year making some lovely friends and learning lots along the way. Please pass on my thanks to her teachers who do an amazing job.’

Photo credits: Polly Borland/Waterstones Children’s Laureate 18

8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

‘Can I just take this opportunity to thank you for the wonderful opportunity of my son attending the Brit Kids for the last two years – he has loved every minute of it’

‘I am just emailing to say how impressed I am with Brit Kids dance. My daughter used to do street dance previously at another school, but yesterday I saw how much she understood and danced to the rhythm since coming to Saturday school. Please could you say a big thank you to the fantastic dance teacher.’ For more information, please visit www.brit.croydon.sch.uk.

Stagecoach Sydenham

As well as being the Principal of Stagecoach Sydenham, Paul TaylorMills is Advisory Producer to Andrew Lloyd Webber and Affiliate Producer to The Other Palace which is a theatre for new musicals. Paul also produced In The Heights, a hip hop musical by LinManuel Miranda who wrote the smash hit Hamilton. In the Heights went on to win three Olivier Awards which catapulted Paul’s career to one of the most demonic producers working within musical theatre. Alongside this, Paul took over Stagecoach Sydenham 6 years ago. He cares passionately about passing on the skills he has learnt over the years from his experience within the theatre industry and remembers how informative his access to performing arts was as a child. Paul had the following to say:

After School Activities

ol Activities

week. Seeing the children gain confidence in their performing and social skills week by week is hugely fulfilling. By day, I am a theatre producer and have toured the world with my productions and I’m currently producing Heathers in the West End. Whilst it’s always busy, my experience and access to performers has allowed me to ensure that I have the best staff at Stagecoach Sydenham, all of whom have a multitude of professional experience. For instance, my current drama teacher is Bronte Barbe. We met together when she was in my production of The Wild Party. Since then she has gone on to star as Carole King on the tour of Beautiful, and Princess Fiona in The Shrek tour. The kids absolutely adore their lessons with her and it’s hugely inspiring for them to have someone teaching them that has such a wealth of experience.’’ For more information on how your child can join, visit www. stagecoach.co.uk/sydenham Photo credit: Craig Sugden

‘’My Friday evenings at Stagecoach are one of the most important parts of my

Unlock your child’s potential

ASK ABOUT OUR TWO WEEK TRIAL

with our expertly led singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 -18 year olds.

Find out more today: stagecoach.co.uk/sydenham sydenham@stagecoach.co.uk 020 7228 0981

Creative Courage For Life Stagecoach Performing Arts is the trading name of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited. Stagecoach Theatre Arts schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach and Creative Courage For Life are registered trademarks of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited.

BRIT Kids

At BRIT Kids, what do we do? ...More than you can imagine!

Saturday Courses at The BRIT School

Theatre

Performing and Creative Arts classes for 8–18 year olds Follow us on Twitter - @PT_LondonSandE

Dance

Fashion and Textiles

Singing

Film Making

Song Writing Street Dance

Music Production

Photography

Radio

Art Club Design, Print & Illustration Computer Club AEN

in collaboration with Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy

brit.croydon.sch.uk/BRITKids

8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

020 8665 5242

What’s On

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

October Thurs 25 Oct

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

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

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

Thurs 25 – Fri 26 Oct

Grotesque, Dulwich Picture Gallery, SE21 7AD

10am-12.30pm. In preparation for Halloween, make your own comic or repulsive character inspired by ghoulish faces from the Gallery. Over two days, learn how to sculpt hideous gargoyles and funny figurines. Ages 10-12. Charges apply. For more information visit www. dulwichpicturegallery.org.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

Fri 26 Oct

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

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

What to Do with Pumpkin Seeds You’ve just finished carving your pumpkin this Halloween and it’s a masterpiece, the flesh has been removed so that you can illuminate the inside… but what about the leftover seeds? The seeds removed from the pumpkin can be made into a tasty snack that everyone will want to eat. Firstly, rinse the seeds and pull away the strings of flesh. Then the seeds can be roasted by scattering them across a baking tray and adding a pinch of salt. Toss them in olive oil and roast at 180°C/350°F/ gas 4 for approximately 10 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown. After that allow them to cool and store them in a container.You will then have a delicious treat that is ideal for adding to salads and sprinkling on soup. Another fun way to use the seeds is to dry them and sprinkle them across your garden - a scrumptious Halloween snack for the birds to enjoy. But don’t add salt this time. It’s not good for them! 20

8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

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various media led by the artist Julie Sullock. For more information visit www.slbi.org.uk

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

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.florencenightingale.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

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

Black Cultural Archives Friends: Feast in the Archives, Brixton, SW2 1EF

3-6pm. Bring your family together to share nostalgic memories over homecooked food. From jerk chicken and mutton, roti, suya, waakye and jollof rice enjoy the blend of cuisines that have been carried over into Black British communities. Charges apply. Visit www.blackculturalarchives.org

Boo at the Zoo! Battersea Park Children’s Zoo, SW11 4NJ 11am-12.30pm, 1.30-3.30pm. Come to the zoo dressed up as witches, monsters, pumpkins or zombies and join in with the Halloween fun and activities. Charges apply. For more details visit www.batterseaparkzoo. co.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

Wed 31 Oct

Crafty Beasts MONSTER Big Draw, Time & Talents, Rotherhithe, SE16 4JE

6pm. Come and make your very own Halloween monster and find him some fiendish friends on a monster mural. Carve pumpkins into a creepy crew of ghoulish faces and all the while you can show off your best Halloween costume! For more details visit www.timeandtalents. org.uk

November Sat 3 Nov

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

12noon-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

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

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

For lots more What’s On ideas see page 22... Follow us on Twitter - @PT_LondonSandE

Win a Kindle in Leaders are Readers’ Poetry Competition Leaders are Readers run award-winning programmes in learning to read, maths and English. They specialise in 4+, 5+, 7+, 8+ and 11+ programmes for ages 3-11. Locally, they have lessons at Dunraven School. Contact Frances Woghiren on 01992 651 300 or at www. leadersarereaders.co.uk Leaders are Readers is inviting young, budding writers to create a poem about ‘change’. Selected writers will be in with a chance of winning one Kindle Paperwhite E-reader for each age category. Children aged 4 - 7 can write a poem, between 4 and 8 lines, about seasons changing, day and night, weather changes, animals changing (caterpillar to butterfly for instance), or anything on the subject of change. For ages 8 - 11, poem ideas include a life changing moment, changing schools, environmental changes, changing the world, or absolutely anything about change. The poem can be a Haiku, song lyrics, rap, limerick or any poetic form. See below for details of how to enter.

Design the Primary Times Christmas Card! 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

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 Grinch Goody Bag

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.

Win a box of books for your school

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

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 Sat 10 Nov

Puppet Show, Dulwich Picture Gallery, SE21 7AD

10.30am and 1.30pm. Drew Colby will tell stories from Winnie the Pooh with music, wonderful puppetry and lots of magic. The show will last for an hour with an interval. Charges apply. For more information visit www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk

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

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

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

Sat 17 – Sun 18 Nov

Children’s Book Fair, South London Gallery, Peckham, SE5 8UH 11am-6pm. The SLG Children’s Book Fair features some of the

Islandborn

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

Perfect for Black History Month is Islandborn by Junot Díaz with illustrations by Leo Espinosa. Every kid in Lola’s school was from somewhere else. Hers was a school of faraway places. When Lola’s teacher asks the students to draw a picture of where their families immigrated from, all the kids are excited. Except Lola. She can’t remember the Island - she left when she was just a baby. But with the help of her family and friends, and their memories – joyous, fantastical, heartbreaking, and frightening – Lola’s imagination takes her on an extraordinary journey back to the Island. As she draws closer to the heart of her family’s story, Lola comes to understand the truth of her abuela’s words: ‘just because you don’t remember a place doesn’t mean it’s not in you.’ Gloriously illustrated and lyrically written, Islandborn is a celebration of creativity, diversity, and our imagination’s boundless ability to connect us – to our families, to our past and to ourselves. Published on 18 October at £10.99 and available at good high street and online bookshops, this is a great book for young readers (or those who enjoy being read to). 22

8 Oct - 25 Nov 2018

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best independent publishers in the UK. Discover inspiring new reads, buy a gift, or take part in workshops, readings and other special events by leading children’s writers and illustrators.Visit www. southlondongallery.org

Fri 23 Nov – Sun 6 Jan

Skate Back In Time, Hampton Court Palace, KT8 9AU Enjoy the seasonal atmosphere as you skate against a backdrop of one of the greatest palaces on earth – Henry VIII’s historic home. The open-air ice rink epitomises the very best in festive fun. Ages 3+. Charges apply. For more information and to book visit www. hamptoncourtpalaceicerink.co.uk

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

Sat 1 – Sun 2 Dec

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

(Also 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

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

Christmas Storytelling, Leeds Castle, Maidstone, ME17 1PL

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-ALong, gospel to Taiko drumming, there’s something for everyone. For more information visit www. blackheathhalls.com

(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

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.

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