NW Kent September 2019 Back to School Primary Times by Alison Watson

What’s On Where

42,750 COPIES FOR FAMILIES OF PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN

North and West Kent

CHOOSING YOUR NEW SCHOOL • DAYS OUT • COMPETITIONS

SEPTEMBER 2019 2 SEPT - 13 OCT 2019 ISSUE 119

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Dear Readers Primary Times in North & West Kent 7 Southbrook Mews London SE12 8LG Tel: 01622 522116 Email: office@primarytimes.biz Website: www.primarytimes.co.uk Twitter: @PT_Kent Instagram: @primarytimesse Publishing Editor: Peter Watson Sales: Gill Pearce, Catherine Dillon, Andrew Langridge & Lola Olowofela Listings: Hayley Hughes Production: Alison Watson Office Manager: Chris Blower Administrators: Claire Wood, Tina Love & Alina McCrone Editorial Assistant: Izy Cheesman Proof Reader: Catherine Draisey Social Media: Rachel Benson Primary Times is independently published and distributed free in infant and primary schools throughout Medway and Kent. Its aims are to inform families and children of current educational issues, forthcoming events, courses and attractions and to give teachers, pupils and parents the opportunity to participate in the magazine by adding to its contents or joining in the competitions which we run. It is NOT our intention to publish any racist, sexist or politically based material whatsoever. We also undertake not to carry any advertising which we would consider to be offensive to young families or harmful to the best interests of young children. The opinions expressed in either the editorial or advertisements within this publication are not necessarily those held by the editor or publisher. While we take great care with the compilation of information within this magazine, neither the editor nor publisher will accept any liability for the accuracy of the editorial or advertising contained within the publication. We welcome listings being sent to us for inclusion in our What’s On section. Free listings are dependent on available space and we cannot guarantee to print all the listings we are sent. Please send them to listings@primarytimes.biz. Primary Times would like to thank all the schools in Medway and Kent for their assistance in distributing the magazine and for their contributions to its contents. We would also like to thank all the advertisers who have supported this publication and therefore made it possible. Please support their endeavours when and where you can. No part of this magazine, including the advertisements within it may be reproduced, in part or in whole, without the express written permission of the Publishing Editor. Primary Times is currently publishing over 2.5 million copies per issue under franchise licences throughout England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Primary Times North & West Kent is operated under franchise licence.

Welcome to the first issue of the new school year. I hope you all enjoyed the summer holidays and are ready for this term. For all the parents and children who are new to school let me explain who we are. Primary Times is the free What’s On, Where to Go,Things to Do magazine that is distributed via the book bag two weeks before any school holiday plus this Back to School issue. We publish seven times a year in 59 different regions around the country and are totally free to our readers. We’re full of everything families with primary aged children are interested in. We always have bursting full pages of listings on what to do during the school holidays. We publish a roundup of local theatre and cover local news. We have lots of suggestions for out of school activities. We have lots of competitions to enter and as we were told recently, “we are the parents’ bible”. Just as we’re welcoming our new readers, now is a busy time for Years 5 and 6 getting ready to move onto secondary school. Our comprehensive guide to choosing your new school will be invaluable with open days and other information. Please do check the open day dates in our tables. It takes a long time to get all the information and we start early, so changes can happen. Even though it may seem a long way off, parents of younger children will also find it of interest - I know from experience it’s never too early to start thinking about the next stage! We’ll be back in the week of 14 October covering the half term break - look out for spooky events, firework dates, our panto feature and lots more.

Contents

inside this issue.... What’s On.................................6 Family Theatre..........................8 Education News...................... 10 Autumn Adventures....................12 Out of School Activities.............. 14 Choosing Your New School.....17 Competitions...........................33 All Your Own Work!.................45

Peter and the Primary Times Team This magazine is audited by BPA Worldwide 42,750 copies - August 2018.

Sport Relief: It’s Game On Sport Relief will be racing back to your school from 9-13 March next year, rallying schools across the country to get involved in this epic fundraising extravaganza. Sport Relief is the perfect way to get the whole school active and have fun, all whilst raising life-changing cash for good causes across the globe. From running a mile to setting daily challenges, what your school does is entirely up to you. Sport Relief is not just a brilliant way to get everyone involved in fundraising, it also gives pupils a chance to engage with the world around them and learn how vital funds are supporting amazing projects, both at home in the UK and internationally. To get limbered up for a week of brilliant activities and events, teachers can pre-order a free fundraising pack now, tailored specifically by Sport Relief and Primary Times for primary schools. The pack is bursting with tips, tricks, ideas and goodies, all designed to make fundraising as stress-free as possible. Sport Relief also offers curriculum-linked learning resources and videos which can be used in class to help raise awareness of some of the biggest problems faced by people across the world. To get your hands on these brilliant materials, simply head to www. sportrelief.com/primarytimes, and your pack will land in your pigeonhole in January. Michelle Golan, from Childs Hill Primary School in North London, sees Sport Relief as a great way for her pupils to learn about the wider world. She told Primary Times, “Our school believes it is extremely important to support Sport Relief. Our pupils always have lots of fun and work together to help improve the lives of those less fortunate than us. The materials produced by Sport Relief are really useful and

inspiring, and help our pupils to see how their contributions can help change the lives of others forever.” Money raised by schools and nurseries for Sport Relief will help people living unimaginably tough lives on your doorstep in the UK and across the world’s poorest countries. So put the date, Friday 13 March, in the diary and order your free Fundraising Event Pack today at www.sportrelief.com/primarytimes

2 Sept - 13 Oct ‘19

Latest News

ECO Harvest on the Heath: Get Creative with Recycling!

The Laugh Out Loud Book Awards 2020 The Laugh Out Loud Book Awards (the Lollies) celebrate the best and funniest children’s books in the UK and Ireland, voted for by children.Voting is now open for the Lollies 2020 – it’s time to get reading and voting for your favourites! Michael Rosen, children’s novelist, poet and former Children’s Laureate, chaired the judging panel which selected the shortlist from nearly 120 titles submitted by children’s publishers. Having long championed humorous books for children, Michael told Primary Times, “Anyone around children looking for books to have them giggling and laughing over and over again, these 12 books will do the job. Funny books are so important because they draw you through, and you have a wonderful time and feel good. What could be better than that?” The Lollies are awarded in three categories: Best Laugh Out Loud Picture Book, Best Laugh Out Loud Book for 6-8 year olds and Best Laugh Out Loud Book for 9-13 year olds. The winning book in each category will be decided solely by children’s votes, with schools and parents encouraged to help kids get involved and voting via the Lollies website,

www.scholastic.co.uk/lollies, or via the Lollies PopJam channel. Voting is open to teachers and their pupils, parents and children. The Lollies website will be open for voting until 13 December 2019 at www.scholastic.co.uk/lollies. Teachers can cast up to 35 votes on behalf of their class for each category. The winning books will be announced in early 2020.

2 Sept - 13 Oct ‘19

What’s On

What’s On Your family diary for September and October Ongoing Every Sat

Junior Parkrun, The Strand Leisure Park, Gillingham, ME7 1TT 9.30am. A junior version of the hugely popular parkrun programme. Join 4-14 year-olds for this fun 2km run for all standards. Registration is free. For more details visit www. parkrun.org.uk/medway-juniors

Until 8 Sep

Superheroes Unite, Bluewater Shopping Centre, Greenhithe, DA9 9ST An all-new Superhero trail offers an action-packed break from shopping, inviting children to track down 10 of their favourite superheroes. Charges apply. For more details visit www. bluewater.co.uk

A Pirate’s Life for Me, The Historic Dockyard Chatham, ME4 4TE

A perfect day out for families to explore a variety of Pirate collections exploring the history and impact of Pirates in children’s culture through displays including toys, costumes, illustrations and more. A touring exhibition from the V&A Museum of Childhood.Visit thedockyard.co.uk

Magic Shows and School, Bluewater Shopping Centre, Greenhithe, DA9 9ST

walk with chain bridges, tunnels and tubes, climbing nets and rope swings, amongst other things. For more details and to book visit www. groombridgeplace.com

Until 14 Sep

Millbrook Butterfly Experience, Millbrook Garden Centre, Gravesend, DA13 9PA

Be amazed by the tropical indoor garden, with exotic, scented plants from across the world. Experience beautiful butterflies free-flying all around. Get up close and discover amazing facts about the life cycle, diet, habitat and behaviour of these stunning creatures. Also at Millbrook Staplehurst, TN12 9BT. Charges apply. For more details, timings and to book visit www.millbrookgc.co.uk

Until 17 Sep

Taking to the Skies, Medway Archives Centre, Strood, ME2 3EP

Go along and see a free exhibition about the Short Brothers in Kent, 40 years of aeronautical innovation and change. For more details visit www. enjoymedway.org

Until 21 Sep

Maize Maze, Stanhill Farm, Dartford, DA2 7HD

The maze is ideal for the kids to run around and lose themselves for a couple of hours. This year’s theme is Crops & Robbers, a farm theme based on the age-old battle between scarecrows and crows. They also have a Mini Maze with a further ten game stations. For more details visit www. stanhillfarm.co.uk

Resident magician Jamie Raven gives families the chance to see magic up close and in person. The lovable Magician who shot to fame on Britain’s Got Talent in 2015 will be at Bluewater over the summer holiday. To book tickets visit www.jamieraven. Until 29 Sep Small Carnivore September, co.uk/makingmagic

The Beach, Bluewater Shopping Centre, Greenhithe, DA9 9ST

12noon-9pm. There’s no need to go all the way to the coast, as The Urban Beach is back this year and it’s bigger and better. Expect exciting new rides for thrill seekers and a pirate’s treasure hunt. Charges apply. For more details visit www.bluewater. co.uk

Pirates and Mermaids, SEA LIFE Brighton, BN2 1TB

Choose your team to battle it out and find all the treasures first. Charges apply. For more details and to book visit www.visitsealife.com/ brighton

Summer of Fun, Groombridge Place, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 9QG

10am-4.30pm. Enjoy all the family fun and amazement of the Enchanted Forest with the Treetop Walkway, Crusoe’s World, Upper Board

2 Sept - 13 Oct ‘19

Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, Nr Hythe, CT21 4PD

(Weekends only) 10.30am-4.30pm. Go crazy for small carnivores with free fact-packed talks, a host of fun activities and interactive games taking place and the chance to catch a glimpse during feeding times. For more details and to book tickets visit www.aspinallfoundation.org/portlympne

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Something Old, Something New, Eastgate House, Rochester, ME1 1ER

10am-5pm. Explore the fascinating history of weddings throughout the centuries at this magnificent 16th and 17th century townhouse. There’s even a dressing up room for younger guests. For more details visit www. enjoymedway.org

Until 30 Sep

Summer Fun, Canterbury Roman Museum, CT1 2JR

Take part in a selection of Romaninspired creative activities. Make your own Roman pendant or Roman character or create your own paper mosaic tile inspired by the museum’s collection. For more details visit www.canterburymuseums.co.uk

House Timed Tickets: September, Chartwell, Westerham, TN16 1PS

House timed tickets run every 10 mins throughout the day, from 11.30am Mon-Fri and from 11am on weekends. Children are welcome. Booking is essential. Admission applies. For more details visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/chartwell

Until 26 Oct

Walking with Goats Experience, Buttercups Sanctuary, Maidstone, ME17 4JW

Take a goat out for a walk along the various footpaths around the sanctuary, whilst the goats feast on the foliage – a fun experience for the whole family. Booking required. For more details visit www.buttercups. org.uk

Until 3 Nov 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

Mrs Wolfe’s Recipes, Quebec House, Westerham, TN16 1TD

1-4pm. Join the team as they recreate some of Mrs Wolfe’s eighteenth century recipes such as lemon drops, King or Queen cakes or macaroons. Tastings available. Children are welcome. Free event, admission applies. For more details visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/quebechouse

September Mon 2 – Mon 30 Sep

Guided Hop Tours, Scotney Castle, TN3 8JN

(Selected times) Join a fascinating guided tour to the Hop Farm at Scotney Castle to learn all about hopping and how ale is made. Admission applies. For details visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/scotneycastle

Thurs 5 Sep

Kids for a Quid! Spa Valley Railway, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 5QY

All accompanied children aged 2+ can travel for just £1 on selected Steam and Heritage Diesel running days. To book tickets and for train times visit www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk

Thurs 5 - Sun 8 Sep

Craft Fair, Hever Castle, Nr Edenbridge, TN8 7NG

Enjoy a new contemporary fair organised by Craft In Focus. Discover around 120 exhibitors from the UK’s finest designer makers and contemporary artists. Children aged 7+ can explore the Tudor Towers adventure playground with its own moat, drawbridge and three turrets. Charges apply. For more details visit www.hevercastle.co.uk

Sat 7 Sep

LEGO® and Art Club, Nucleus Arts Centre, Chatham, ME4 4BP

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

Boat Festival, Bewl Water Country Park, Lamberhurst, TN3 8JH

Teams of 16 paddlers plus a drummer will be competing in Chinese-style Dragon Boats over a 250-metre course. There will be many stalls selling cakes and other goodies, running competitions and more. Charges apply. For more details visit www.bewlwater.co.uk

MSVR Grand Prix Circuit Race Day, Brands Hatch Circuit, Longfield, DA3 8NG

Racing includes the MSVT Trackday Trophy, Radical Challenge, Focus Cup, MSVR Elise Trophy, and guest series Bernie’s V8s. Under 13s admitted free. To book visit www.brandshatch. co.uk

For lots more What’s On ideas see page 10... Follow us on Instagram - @primarytimesse

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Lockmeadow Entertainment Centre Barker Road | Maidstone Kent | ME16 8SF

Bluewater Shopping and Leisure Centre Dartford, Greenhithe Dartford | Kent | DA9 9ST

Family Theatre

wonderful opportunity to introduce children and their families to the magical world of live orchestral performance.

22 Oct

Snow White

Join Vienna Festival Ballet on a magical journey with their unmissable production of Snow White. This spellbinding ballet promises to entertain and dazzle the whole family.

Trinity Tunbridge Wells

Box Office: 01892 678 678 22 Sep

Goldilocks & Friends

Assembly Hall Tunbridge Wells

Box Office: 01892 530 613 3 – 5 Oct

Horrible Histories: Awful Egyptians

15 Sep

Suddenly

From the fascinating Pharaohs to the power of the pyramids, discover the foul facts of death and decay with the meanest mummies in Egypt. Ages 5+.

Join Really Big Pants Theatre Company on their return to the Hazlitt for a fast, fun twist on traditional tales. Help with a very special spell, ride on a flying carpet and battle some bad manners.

3 – 6 Oct

7 – 9 Oct

Horrible Histories: Terrible Tudors

From the horrible Henries to the end of evil Elizabeth, hear the legends about the torturing Tudors. Find out the fate of Henry’s headless wives and his punch up with the Pope. Ages 5+.

11 Oct

Little Monster

Lovable puppets, magical shadows and live songs will whizz your little monsters away on an exciting journey to find the mysterious monster that has sent everyone else off hiding. Ages 3-5.

Central Chatham

Box Office: 01634 338 338 22 Sep

A Tribute to Ariana and JoJo Siwa

Enjoy the UK’s number one tributes to global superstar Ariana Grande and kids’ sensation JoJo Siwa together in an exciting new pop production.

Hazlitt Maidstone

Box Office: 01622 758 611 4 – 5 Sep

Dear Zoo

This production will delight all those who have read the book (both young and old) as 8

it unfolds with child-engaging puppets, music and lots of audience interaction.

2 Sept - 13 Oct ‘19

Mr Men and Little Miss

Join your favourite Mr. Men and Little Miss characters as they leap off the page and onto the stage in this beautifully crafted and hilarious live stage show.

Orchard Dartford

Box Office: 01322 220 000 18 – 20 Oct

Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever!

The animals and people that live in the Friendly Forest agree that Mummy Bear’s porridge is delicious, that karate loving Grandma can knit the finest cloak and that the Three Little Pigs give the best house warming parties. Ages 4-8.

21 Oct

I Believe in Unicorns

Watch the bestselling children’s author Michael Morpurgo’s treasured story come to life. This intimate show is set in a library full of books that hold more than stories within their pages. Ages 6+.

The Woodville Gravesend

Box Office: 08442 439 480 13 Sept

The Handlebards – Much Ado About Nothing

23 Oct

Arthur’s Dreamboat

A magical playful children’s show with breathtaking puppets, so enchanting that everyone will want to sail away with Arthur in his dream boat.

Quarterhouse Folkestone

Box Office: 01303 760 750 6 Sep – 6 Dec

Mrs H and The Singalong Band

(Selected dates) Bringing together elements of Folk, Soul, Afro, Latin, Dub, comedy and theatre, the Sing-along band have been wooing audiences. Take your voices, silly dances, and a sprinkling of mischief.

13 – 14 Sep

It’s Hot It’s Not

This surreal, funny and physical performance explores the weather in all its forms and takes delight in discovering the world anew. A highly visual show with no words and plenty of music and sounds.

6 Oct

Eggs on Legs

Meet a family of zany Eggs on Legs, living in a lost pocket of the globe. One day the wind blows a huge egg into their tree for them to play with. But what happens if it hatches? Aged 3-8 years.

13 Oct Enjoy One Small Step the show! Check your oxygen, adjust your And don’t spacesuit and forget to say buckle up for the you saw it in biggest mission

Get ready for a road-trip full of adventures. From castles to caves, dragons to dinosaurs and ice creams to muddy puddles, there is something for all of the family and their friends to enjoy.

Watch the Primary of your life. Oxford world’s first cycling Times! Playhouse Production Theatre Company, presents a fast, furious and The Handlebards pedal full throttled trip to the moon. with all the set, props and Ages 7+. costumes needed to perform environmentally sustainable 20 Oct Shakespeare.

10 Nov

19 Oct

A Tribute to Ariana and JoJo

The UK’s number one tributes to global superstar Ariana Grande and kids’ sensation JoJo Siwa come together in the most exciting new pop production of 2019.

Stag Sevenoaks

Box Office: 01732 450 175 13 Oct

Toy Stories

Sevenoaks Symphony Orchestra present their ever-popular annual family concert - a

Hansel and Gretel

Jay Foreman’s Disgusting Songs for Revolting Children Jay provides a devilishly cheeky hour of songs, poems and comedy for children of all ages in this family-friendly show which regularly sells out its entire runs at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Deep in an enchanted forest, everybody’s looking for something to eat. A tasty treat, a sticky sweet - some children’s feet? Enjoy a colourful retelling of the classic Grimm’s fairytale.

Marlowe Canterbury Box Office: 01227 787 787 10 – 12 Oct

Morgan & West: Unbelievable Science A live, interactive science show for the whole family, where real experiments take place right before your eyes. Ages 7+.

Family Theatre

in an awesome afterlife. Are you ready to rumble with Ramesses the Great? Dare you enter through the Gates of the Afterlife? It’s the history of Egypt with the nasty bits left in.

Horrible Histories is presenting two horrible shows live on stage at the Assembly Hall Theatre from Thursday 3 to Sunday 6 October. Visit www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk or call 01892 530 613 for more information and to book. Photo credit: Mark Douet

Bows and Bunny Ears

See Horrible Histories Live on Stage

We all want to meet people from history. The trouble with this heck of a horrible bunch is that everyone is dead! In TERRIBLE TUDORS take a trip through the horrible Henries to the end of evil Elizabeth and hear the legend (and the lies) about the torturing Tudors. Find out the fate of Henry’s headless wives and his punch up with the Pope. Meet Bloody Mary and see Ed fall dead in his bed and survive the Spanish Armada as it sails into the audience. AWFUL EGYPTIANS invites you to meet the fascinating Pharaohs, gasp at the power of the pyramids and discover the foul facts of death and decay with the meanest

mummies in Egypt. Step back to an awfully ancient time when pharaohs were phoul, servants suffered and everyone believed

lts Adu

The Bows and Bunny Ears Tour is coming to Dartford this November. The UK’s number one tribute artists will be singing and dancing their hearts out as pop sensation Ariana Grande and Nickelodeon dance superstar Jojo Siwa, performing all of their greatest hits in their most famous outfits! With nine billion online views on her music videos, 134 million Instagram followers, multiple music awards and signature bunny ears, Ariana is one of the most influential young women in music today. Jojo loves bows, bright colours and inspiring other young dancers, which certainly shows in her 8.5 million YouTube subscribers and 7.5 million Instagram followers. The explosive, high-energy show will be packed full of fun dance routines and all your favourite Ariana Grande songs, from “Dangerous Woman” to “No Tears Left to Cry”. Kearra Bethany, who performs as Ariana, spoke to Primary Times about her favourite parts of the show, “I enjoy working alongside my cast members, having fun on and off stage. I really love the choreography with the dancers, showing a tight unit when performing, but most of all, being a tribute to my idol and being able to perform her greatest hits.” A Tribute to Ariana Grande & Jojo Siwa comes to the Orchard Theatre on Sunday 10 November at 11am. Tickets are available online at www.orchardtheatre.co.uk or from the box office on 01322 220 000.

from £20.25

.25 Children from £16

HORRIBLE HISTORIES THURSDAY 3 – SUNDAY 6 OCTOBER Box Office: 01892 530613 assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk AssemblyHallTheatre

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AssemblyHallTheatre

2 Sept - 13 Oct ‘19

What’s On

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

September Costume Tours, Smallhythe Place, Tenterden, TN30 7NG

1.15pm-2pm. Delve into the store for a peek of the costumes once worn by Ellen Terry and her actor friends. With fascinating stories attached to each garment, costume tours are an opportunity to discover a rich theatrical history. Charges apply.Visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/smallhythe-place

Create Your Own Birds of Samphire Hoe Painting, Samphire Hoe Education Shelter, CT17 9FL

2pm. Working from a template and using real water colour paint to create your own wildlife illustration. You will be using paint so it might be a bit messy. Donations appreciated. For more details visit www. whitecliffscountryside.org.uk

Will Adams Festival, Gillingham Park, ME7 5LA

11am-4.30pm. This free festival celebrates the life of Will Adams who was the first ever Englishman to travel to Japan. There’ll be a lot to see and do including Taiko Drumming, Martial Arts, Origami, Manga and more. For more details visit www. enjoymedway.org

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Hops and Harvest Weekend, Scotney Castle, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 8JN 10am-4pm. Celebrate everything hops and harvest at Scotney Castle over a weekend of guided walks, local produce, hog roasts and ale tasting. For more details visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/scotney-castle

Falconry, Dover Castle, CT16 1HU

10am-5pm. Gaze skywards in awe as hawks and falcons soar above the castle. Discover the art of training, exercising and hunting with birds and hear stories and legends from medieval times. For more details visit www.english-heritage.org.uk

Southern Model Show, Headcorn Aerodrome, Ashford, TN27 9HX

The show will feature a stunning array of model aircraft, helicopters, ships, tanks and other vehicles. A Sat 7 – Sun 8 Sep full range of other activities and a Eat Drink Margate, showground packed with traders Dreamland, CT9 1XJ makes this event a must for anyone Dreamland’s first ever food festival with an interest in this fascinating with an array of foodie entertainment hobby. To book tickets visit www. including a farmers’ market, a parade headcornevents.co.uk of street vendors and talks. Open Medieval Fair, Tonbridge from 10am to 6pm each day and Castle, TN9 1BG free to enter. Buy wristbands to use the park’s rides on the day or in The Medieval Fair will again be taking place on the Castle Lawn with stalls advance for a 25% discount. www. along the newly refurbished River dreamland.co.uk Walk. For more details visit www. The Belmont Woodfest and tonbridgecastle.org

Country Fair, Belmont House Railway Weekends, The and Garden, Faversham, ME13 Historic Dockyard Chatham, 0HH ME4 4TE There’ll be craft making activities, creepy claws animal display, climbing wall and boulder for the children to enjoy. There will also be live music, craft stalls, local food and drink. This is a great show for all the family. For more details and to book visit www. belmont-house.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 10

2 Sept - 13 Oct ‘19

Go along and witness locomotives which will be steaming through the site. Chatham Historic Dockyard Railway has just under 1 mile of line to operate demonstration trains and it’s the perfect photo opportunity to get up close to the railway. For more details visit thedockyard.co.uk

Hop Festival Weekend, Kent & East Sussex Railway, Bodiam Station, TN32 5UD

Take your family and friends to a weekend of hopping fun. Children can also enjoy face painting, swing boat rides and games, Punch and Judy shows, balloon modelling and other activities. For more details, timings and to book visit www.kesr.org.uk

For lots more What’s On ideas see page 36...

Education News

Elmer’s Big Heart of Kent Parade

Heart of Kent Hospice are inviting schools in Kent to be inspired, get creative and join in with an enormous art event taking place across Maidstone and the surrounding area. From the end of June 2020 – 23 August 2020 a herd of fabulously colourful and unique elephant sculptures will take visitors and residents on a walking trail around the beautiful county town of Maidstone and surrounding areas. The trail will incorporate Maidstone’s vibrant town centre, the stunning Maidstone River Park and some popular landmarks. Each participating school that pledges to raise £750 for the Hospice will be given a blank Baby Elmer sculpture to design and decorate, accompanied by a full curriculum-linked learning pack. The learning pack puts creativity at the heart of study and is designed to complement key stage specific teaching, with classroom guides and lesson plans for numerous subjects including English, literacy and PHSE. Elmer stands out from the herd and is the ambassador of friendship and celebrating difference, things we strive to teach children as they grow up today. The stories explore different concepts relating to diversity and resonate with children and families alike. A mass-participation family event, which will raise funds for Heart of Kent Hospice, will feature up to 50 individually-designed large Elmer sculptures and herds of Baby Elmer’s decorated by schools to accompany them. For more information about adopting a baby Elmer (deadline 14 October) or to find out more about the trail please contact elmer@hokh.co.uk. You can keep up to date with all the latest news at www. elmermaidstone.co.uk.

National Poetry Day

The #MyNPDPoem poetry writing challenge is now open. The challenge encourages schools everywhere to create poems, performances, displays and special books on a grand scale as part of the 25th anniversary of the UK’s biggest celebration of poetry on National Poetry Day, Thursday 3 October. This year’s National Poetry Day theme is Truth, and #MyNPDPoem is inviting students aged 6-13 to express the truths that matter to

Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day

It’s the start of the Christmas term and all the Christmas razzmatazz will be on us before we know it. Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day is back on 13 December. So mark the date in your school diary, sign up for your free fundraising pack. Swap your blazer for a Christmas jumper. There’s no need for new jumpers - jazz up old knits or hold a jumper swap at school. Your pupils will love seeing teachers tinseled and class mates Christmassy. And remember, by joining in the festive fundraising, you’ll make sure children across the world have big futures to look forward to. Sign up now at www.christmasjumperday.org and they’ll send you a free fundraising pack bursting with festive inspiration. From stickers to fundraising ideas, they’ve got everything you need to plan pullover perfection.

Elmer the Patchwork Elephant Fights Bullying

Anti-bullying charity Kidscape have teamed up with Andersen Press, publishers of the beloved Elmer books, to promote Friendship Friday this November. Friendship Friday is celebrated in nurseries and primary schools throughout England and Wales, helping children build happy and healthy relationships for life. The free Friendship Friday resource pack is available from the Kidscape website as Early Years staff begin to plan their activities for the new school year. Friendship Friday will take place on Friday 8 November, and is an opportunity to build bullying prevention into Early Years education and involve younger children in plans for Anti-Bullying Week. David McKee, creator of Elmer, told Primary Times, “For nearly 30 years now Elmer has stood for accepting who you are and celebrating difference. We are all different, with so many differences, difference of colour, of accents, but also of size, shape and how we dress. The differences are what make the world so rich. If Elmer can help in any way, no matter how small, to encourage friendships then he will, he tells me, feel very proud. As will I, as his creator.” Kidscape can provide content and tips regarding bullying and friendship. For more information, please visit www.kidscape.org.uk.

Bee Bright Tuition

Bee Bright Tuition offers one to one and small group tuition for children in Year 1 to Year 11. They follow a strong, flexible and dynamic learning system that focuses on the key Maths and English learning outcomes for the National Curriculum. The Maths and English tuition programmes help children to form good study habits. They increase confidence and develop self-esteem,

equipping every child with the fundamental skills required for success. The English programme is made up of carefully structured modules including reading and spelling, handwriting, vocabulary extension, grammar and punctuality, comprehension, planning and independent writing and also exam preparation. If your child is in Year 10 or 11 they may require additional support with the new Maths and English GCSE. Bee Bright offers one to one and very small group classes for the Higher/Foundation Maths and English Literature/Language. All students achieved excellent grades last year. If your child is in Year 4 or 5 you may be thinking of preparing them for the 11+ Kent and Medway tests. Bee Bright Tuition runs Intensive Easter and Summer 11+ test classes. These classes Professional tuition by fully qualified teachers run over four days a week from Tailored work plans to address your 9am to 12.30pm. The classes child’s needs. are an excellent way to go over previous skills and identify any We can help your child: gaps before the test as well • Build confidence as providing pupils with an • Improve exam results opportunity to sit mock tests in • Move up a set exam conditions. • Develop and reach goals FR For more up to date details on Call 01732 453657 to Intro EE d venue and dates for the 11+ book FREE Assessment. Assessumctory ent courses visit their website www. beebrighttuition.com, email info@beebrighttuition.com or Sevenoaks Tutoring, 69c London Road, call 07859 822 264.

Education News

them in poems. Topics might be the truth about your family or your school for example. Nature might provide inspiration, provoking a poem about the truths the natural world reveals or maybe you want to explore the opposite of truth. Once children have written a poem or poems, schools or teachers can then share the best on National Poetry Day by tagging pictures on Instagram or Twitter with #MyNPDPoem. Schools can hold their own poetry show on National Poetry Day by inviting everyone to perform their poems aloud, and sharing select extracts as appropriate with the #MyNPDPoem hashtag. Teachers can also go online and download an NPD certificate to present to each young poet during your National Poetry Day celebrations. National Poetry Day will share the best work and highlight the most enthusiastic schools and teachers as well as talented young poets. For more information, please visit www.nationalpoetryday.co.uk.

Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1AX. Email: teaching@sevenoaks-tutoring.co.uk

Specialist tutoring for GCSEs & 11+ Kent, Medway and Bexley GIVE YOUR CHILD THE TOOLS TO SUCCEED

One to One Tuition from Year 1 to Year 11 • Maths • English • Verbal • Non Verbal

• Spatial • GCSE • SATS • 11+

07859 822 264 01474 771 777 info@beebrighttuition.com www.beebrighttuition.com 2 Sept - 13 Oct ‘19

Autumn Adventures

Film & DVD Preview Guide Aladdin Everyone’s favourite genie is back as Disney carry on their series of thrilling and vibrant live-action remakes with Aladdin. Fans of all ages will enjoy the exciting, humorous tale of the lovable ‘street rat’ Aladdin (Mena Massoud), the courageous and self-determined Princess Jasmine (Naomi Scott) and the larger-than-life Genie (Will Smith), singing your favourite songs from the classic animated ﬁlm, as well as brand new ones like Princess Jasmine’s emotional power hit,‘Speechless’. Enjoy all the bonus features that explore the incredible scenebuilding, costume design, and dance and music numbers, and laugh along with the actors and crew on the bloopers and gag-reel. Aladdin is available on Digital Download from 16 September and on Blu-ray™ and DVD from 23 September.

The Secret Life of Pets 2 The Secret Life of Pets is back with more animal antics.Terrier Max is coping with some major life changes. His owner is now married and has a toddler, Liam. Max is so worried about protecting the boy that he develops a nervous tic. On a family trip to a farm, Max’s anxiety is elevated, and he has to learn to ditch his neuroses and give Liam a little more freedom. Meanwhile, plucky Pomeranian Gidget tries to rescue Max’s favourite toy from a cat-packed apartment with help from her feline friend, Chloe, who has discovered the joys of catnip. Crazy-but-cute bunny Snowball gets delusions of grandeur that he’s an actual superhero, but when Snowball is needed on a dangerous mission, he has to summon the courage to become the hero he’s only been pretending to be. Can Max, Snowball, Gidget and the rest of the gang ﬁnd the inner courage to face their biggest fears? The Secret Life of Pets 2 is available on Digital Download from 23 September and on Blu-ray™ and DVD from 7 October, from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.

Asterix: The Secret of the Magic Potion On the 60th anniversary of the much-adored comic book series,Asterix and Obelix will embark on a spectacular quest across Gaul to look for a young druid worthy of learning the secret of the magic potion – a formula which has helped to keep the Gaulish village safe from Julius Caesar and his invading army. However, once Asterix and Obelix begin their quest all hell breaks loose at home as the Romans start attacking the village.To make matters worse an evil wizard named Sulfurix is trying to do everything he can to steal the potion’s secret recipe.Will Asterix and Obelix ﬁnd the worthy druid? Will the village and the secret recipe for the magic potion be protected from the Romans? Asterix: The Secret of the Magic Potion is in cinemas now.

Autumn Adve

2 Sept - 13 Oct ‘19

Adventure at Bluewater’s Grotto with The Nutcracker

Prepare your family for an enchanting Christmas adventure, as tickets for Bluewater’s Grotto are now on sale. Located on the bank of the picturesque lakes at the West Village, children can expect to meet a host of wonderful characters that will guide them through the story of The Nutcracker. The adventure will take them through the realms of flowers, snowflakes and sweets where they’ll get to make a festive craft. Finally, children will meet the Sugar Plum Fairy who will help to prepare them for the most important part of the experience – meeting Santa. Children will receive a collectable plush toy and professional photographs can be purchased at the shop. Bluewater’s Grotto will be open from the 14 November. Tickets are available to book now at www.bluewater.co.uk

Free Bounce at Gravity Trampoline Parks

Bounce to your heart’s content with wall-to-wall trampolines at Gravity in Bluewater and Maidstone. Challenge your friends to a game of slam-dunk or dodgeball, hone your skills on the big air bag or sit back and watch from the viewing gallery whilst enjoying a drink with free WiFi. Exclusive to Primary Times readers, the voucher on their advert on page 7, which is valid until 14 October, entitles you to one free bounce when you bring another full paying customer with you. You must take the voucher with you and it’s for walk-ins only. Are you looking for a fun-filled birthday party without lifting a finger? Let Gravity take the strain and throw the best party ever. They’ll have everything (and they mean EVERYTHING) under control. Their aim is simple. It’s all about the birthday boy or girl. Anything they need, they’ve got it. If they’re not happy with something, Gravity are on it. And if they give a ‘high-five’, Gravity know they’ve done it! For more information, visit www.gravity-uk.com or call 01977 529 920.

Autumn Adventures

entures

Come and meet Santa at The Reindeer Centre this Christmas

Fun Days Out with the Family Autumn Colour at Hever Castle

See Hever’s medieval castle cloaked in bright red Boston Ivy, learn the skills of seed-collection and enjoy a self-guided tour of the impressive lake at Hever Castle this October. The gardening team will lead you on a tour through the winding pathways of their newly planted ‘Faith’s Garden’, where they will point out what is ready for harvesting and help visitors of all ages learn how to salvage, dry and store seeds.

Open from

Children will be encouraged to take up the Leaf & Seed Collection Challenge with 10 different species to be collected on Anne Boleyn’s Walk and Lake Walk, at the end of which they will be given a bulb to take home and plant. During prime tulip planting time, the gardening team will be available to share inspirational tips, and visitors can purchase daffodils, tulips and seed mix on site. The gardens are open from 10.30am-6pm with last admission at 4.30pm. Tickets are £14.95 for adults, £13.45 for seniors and students, and £9.40 for children aged 5-17. A family ticket is £41.10.Visit www. hevercastle.co.uk for more information.

16th November 2019 24th December 2019 Monday-Friday 10am - 4pm, Weekends 10am - 5pm See website for pricing

www.reindeercentre.co.uk The Reindeer Centre, Bethersden TN26 3EQ

Photo credit: Hever Castle & Gardens

At Bluewater

With three storeys of soft play , a whole host of interactive dinosaur activities and endless adventures to be had, Dinotropolis is a soft play park like no other. Whether it’s fun games and parties at Dino mite time, grabbing a

free meal with entry at Rangers Retreat or quiet time with reduced lighting during Sleeping Dinos, our brand new, fun-ﬁlled schedule of activities at Dinotropolis caters for everyone.

FOR FULL DETAILS OF THE NEW TIMETABLE VISIT: https://dinotropolis.co.uk/timetable/

2 Sept - 13 Oct ‘19

Out of School Activities

Out of School Activities Learn to Swim – a Life Skill that’s Fun and Safe!

Swimming is a life skill and it is vital that children and young people are given the opportunity to learn to swim for their own safety and enjoyment. Being able to swim with confidence allows a child to take part in any water activity that may be available to them. This gives you, as a parent, the comfort that should they ever get into difficulty, they will now have the skills to be able to take care of themselves. Swimming is also the one exercise that the whole family can enjoy together at weekends or holiday times and children will also find that the skills learnt are transferable to other sports and activities they take part in at school. The More Swimming Academy at Maidstone Leisure Centre provides a high standard of swimming lessons to get the best from your child regardless of their age or ability. The teacher will be with them from first splash and every length of the way thereafter. Maidstone Leisure Centre delivers it’s lessons through the Swim England ‘Learn to Swim’ Programme and offers parent and child swimming lessons for pre-schoolers, children’s swimming lessons (suitable from age 3 years old) and adult swimming lessons for parents who are yet to acquire the skill and want to enjoy the pool with their children. To find out more, visit www.maidstoneleisure.com or call 08451 552 277. Or why not pop in. Maidstone Leisure Centre is located at Mote Park, a short, convenient distance from the town centre and has free parking for centre users.

Showtime Performing Arts and Musical Theatre Stage Schools Showtime Stage Schools are excited to be starting the new term on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 September with amazing singing, dancing and acting tutors having lots planned in preparation for performances. Involving your children in the performing arts does so much more than improving their singing, dancing and acting. Often parents see their children become more confident in school, their physical ability improve and a boost in their social skills with a new network of friends. Children learn best when they are having fun and head teachers regularly invite Showtime to run workshops in their schools. Over one third of students now have an agent and are regularly invited to attend castings and auditions. Learning lines for a cat food advert or a song for a West End theatre is great fun and makes children feel special. Over the summer, Showtime students have been busy filming for TV and a new movie for release early next year. Others have been busy rehearsing for London Theatre auditions and some have been singing and dancing at local summer events. One of the wonderful things about being in a Showtime performance is that for a short time you get to become someone else. Students start to experiment with their voice, how they move and interact with others.

2 Sept - 13 Oct ‘19

At Showtime, students are taught by energetic, inspirational and professional performers, fresh from the stage and screen. Showtime teachers work hard to discover that special something inside every child. Every child has the chance to be centre stage singing, dancing and acting. If you would like to be part of one of the schools amazing shows or improve your skills and confidence through training then try Showtime for free at Strood, Maidstone, Malling, Oxted, Sevenoaks and Tonbridge. Showtime Stage School classes are on Saturday and Sunday mornings and afternoons.Visit www.showtime.london to reserve your place or call 01732 430 300.

A Confident Start with Jigsaw Performing Arts

A new school year is here - time to try something new with your weekend? Jigsaw’s popular dance, singing and drama weekend classes for 3-18 year olds are designed to develop children’s confidence, selfexpression, focus and social skills, while having fun and making lots of new friends. Parents share in the excitement and their children’s progress with regular presentations, shows and reports from Jigsaw’s team of highly experienced teachers. For more information or to book a two-week trial, search for your nearest school on their website www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk or call Jigsaw on 020 8447 4530.

The Benefits of Performing Arts

The world throws a lot of challenges at children and young people, especially in such a fast moving technological society. The performing arts offer children a fantastic platform to be expressive and channel emotions, bravery and courage, whilst learning new skills, being active, having fun with other local children and ultimately growing in confidence. Stagecoach Performing Arts inspires every child to unlock their potential and develop their Creative Courage For Life. Children have the freedom to be creative within a structured and safe environment. Stagecoach has already made a difference to over one million students’ lives. Students learn more than the performing arts. They learn skills to help them succeed on the stage of life. The performing arts teach children to be brave, to speak up and have the courage to share their opinions. They teach life skills such as working in a team, resilience and self-esteem. It is an outlet for children to be active and expressive within a creative setting while using concentration, commitment and determination. Children can be themselves whilst being social and collaborative with their peers. Principals of Stagecoach schools have a passion for the arts and lead teams of dedicated, enthusiastic and experienced teachers to ensure all children thrive. Children of all abilities are welcome. Stagecoach runs Early Stages classes for four to six year olds, encouraging young children to use their imagination and make new friends. Main Stages for seven to eighteen year olds (divided by age into three groups) enable children to work together to be creative and have fun in a nurturing and supportive setting. If you and your child are interested in finding out more, go along for a two week trial at the start of the autumn term which begins in September.

Every year, Dragons’ Den backed theatre school Razzamataz in Maidstone, Medway and Tonbridge, decides on a new theme to best help its students. This academic year, every school across the UK will be focussing on ‘What will you become?’ #BrightFuturesAtRazzamataz. As Razzamataz prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2020, there are many inspiring stories from students who have attended one of the schools. Georgina Gilbert former student at Razzamataz Medway is now a trainee Paramedic in Medway, Kirstie McAlpin, former Razzamataz student is now a Razzamataz teacher. Professionally students are in numerous West End shows including Hamilton, Matilda and School of Rock as well as starring in TV shows and on the radio. Their performing arts success comes from the strong curriculum that Razzamataz offers which includes equal emphasis on dance, drama and singing across the commercial and classic musical theatre genres. For students looking to be accepted into a performing arts college, there is an additional class called Razz Project Intense that focusses on the specific dance techniques that will be required. Creating confident and socially aware young people should ideally start as early as possible. It has been proved that performance-based activities have positive effects on the youngest children and research has shown how receptive babies’ brains are. Classes at Razzamataz are held every Saturday during term time. Students range in age from 2 to 18 and cover a wide spectrum of performing arts styles to create well rounded performers in all three disciplines. The emphasis in all classes is on having fun, getting fit and making friends. Razzamataz in Maidstone, Medway and Tonbridge have special taster days in September where children and their families can find out more and join in classes for free. To find out more and secure your child’s place, contact Maidstone on 01622 322 817, Medway on 01634 893 524 or Tonbridge on 07401 801 318. Alternatively visit www.razzamataz.co.uk.

Out of School Activities

Razzamataz - Bright Futures for Theatre Trained Students

for 2-18 years

We are the ideal place for young people aged 2-18 with an interest in performing to learn Pop Singing, Street Dance, Musical Theatre and Drama!

For Medway call Louisa on 01634 893524 or email medway@razzamataz.co.uk For Maidstone call Charlotte on 01622 322817or email maidstone@razzamataz.co.uk For Tonbridge call Eve on 07401 801318 or email tonbridge@razzamataz.co.uk

Jigsaw Performing Arts Schools

dr ama singing dance School in: ASK ABOUT OUR TWO WEEK TRIAL

Sevenoaks 3–18 years

Where children become everything they can be Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18 year-olds DARTFORD 01732 750783 stagecoach.co.uk/dartford

TONBRIDGE 01444 456208 stagecoach.co.uk/tonbridge

MAIDSTONE EAST 01622 962404 stagecoach.co.uk/maidstone

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.

TWO WEEK TRIAL AVAILABLE. BOOK NOW!

T: 020 8447 4530

W: Jigsaw-arts.co.uk

2 Sept - 13 Oct ‘19

Be prepared for every bump, sniffle and itch Stock up on children’s health essentials today

✁

Please speak to a Pharmacist to find the most suitable treatment for your child. Nurofen contains Ibuprofen. Calpol contains paracetamol. Always read the label, please speak to a Pharmacist. Subject to availability.

Save

£5

on £20 spend

Terms & Conditions: This voucher entitles you to £5 off when you spend £20. Offer not available in LloydsPharmacy within Sainsbury’s. Offer cannot be used on purchases of any codeine based products, NHS or private prescriptions, infant formula milk, wipes or nappies. This voucher must be redeemed by presenting in store at the time of purchase. Voucher is valid from 2nd September – 31st October 2019 inclusive and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, voucher, code or colleague discount. No cash alternative is available. Photocopied, damaged or defaced vouchers will not be accepted. Only one voucher per person. Pharmacy colleagues: Voucher is to be redeemed once. Please scan the barcode and cross through once used. Please return with other redeemed vouchers through the standard returns process. Colleague discount cannot be used with this offer. Promoter: LloydsPharmacy Limited, Coventry CV2 2TX.

Order by 3pm for FREE next day delivery LloydsPharmacy.com

Choosing your New School with

The definitive guide to open days for that all important decision.

A Pull Out and Keep Feature

At every age of their development, your child is an individual growing in confidence, resilience and experience.

Choosing your New School

Choosing your New School Starting to look at secondary schools? We give you the lowdown on what to do. Applying for secondary school is one of the most important decisions you are going to make because it’s likely to have a huge impact on your child’s future, way beyond the school gates. There’s some essential ‘homework’ to be done before you make that all important choice and you must make sure you know the deadlines for applying via your local authority. For some, it won’t be an issue, as catchment area rules determine your first or other choices, decided by postcode or feeder school. However, for those of you who can choose, the task can seem a daunting one. To help you through the process, follow our tips for some forward planning and get the most out of a school open day.

the head teacher talks, take a tour around the school and try talk to some of the current students to find out what they enjoy about it. A school’s building may influence how you feel about it, also the extracurricular activities on offer, the teaching style and general environment. Open mornings are also incredibly helpful as you can see what the school is like during a normal day when students are in lessons. You will hopefully be able to glance into some of the classrooms to see what a typical lesson looks like. You may find things are very different from what you saw at the opening evening. Visiting schools will help to narrow down the list even more and judge which one is right for your child. It may also help to make a pros and cons list of each school you visit so you can remember what you and your child liked and disliked. You may even want to visit the school in both Year 5 and Year 6.

Head to the Open Day

This is one of the most important steps in deciding which secondary school to pick and is designed to help you to gain an insight into what the school is actually like. You can find out the details of open days, open mornings and/or evenings for the schools on your shortlist either from the many included in our tables in this magazine or from the school websites. Make sure you check dates and times, as they can change. If you visit too many schools it may become confusing and sometimes too much choice isn’t helpful. So stick to your shortlist and only visit these ones. Visiting schools with your child can help you to see if they would feel comfortable there and also allows you the opportunity to find out things that weren’t apparent from your earlier research. A school may appear to tick all the boxes when you research it for your shortlist, but when you visit you may realise it’s not the right school for your child. You may never spot this unless you visit. Open evenings are useful events at which you can ask questions, explore the subjects offered and see what facilities the school has available. Make sure to go to 18

2 Sept - 13 Oct ‘19

You may be tempted to look at school rankings and Ofsted reports. These can be useful to give more information about exam results and the teaching quality of the school. However, do remember that some schools may be better for different subjects and being lower in the ranking does not mean the school is necessarily worse. Rankings are also vulnerable to change and depend on many factors. Recommendations and what family and friends have to say about their experiences with certain schools can be very useful in your decision-making. You may be more drawn to a school if you know someone who has first-hand experience with it and who can help you with some of your questions. Follow us on Instagram - @primarytimesse

The former home of Charles Dickens, Gad’s Hill is an independent day school in Rochester, Kent, for girls and boys aged between 3 and 16 years old. Set in more than 12 acres, Gad’s boasts modern facilities while retaining many of its traditions since being founded as a school in 1924. The new part of the school, including a theatre, refectory and sports hall, was built in 2013 and sits aside the 18th century country manor where Dickens lived until his death in 1870. A typical day at Gad’s sees Senior students study English in Dickens’ former bedroom before exercising on the indoor climbing wall in the school’s sports hall. From Nursery, which is set in the great author’s apple orchard, to GCSE lessons, class sizes are small, allowing teachers greater knowledge of pupils’ individual strengths and personalities. Specialist subject tutors allow for a broad curriculum throughout the school. Core subjects (English, Maths and Science) are streamed. Humanities, Spanish, Sport, Drama, Music, DT, Art, Food and Nutrition and Computer Science options are available at GCSE. As well as academic success, Gad’s places great emphasis on students’ personal growth.

From Year 8 (age 12-13), pupils join the school’s Combined Cadet Force, to develop team building and leadership skills. The school works in partnership with the University for the Creative Arts, recently named Modern University of the Year 2019 by The Times’ Good University Guide, to train and inspire the creative talents of its students. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is available to Seniors and additional curricular activities throughout Gad’s include London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art courses (LAMDA), fencing, rock climbing, dance, singing and instrumental music lessons. Gad’s provides a bus service throughout Gravesham, Longfield, Kings Hill and Medway for Junior and Senior students and offers wraparound care from 7.30am-6pm for Kindergarten children. For more information, please visit www.gadshill.org.

Diary Dates

Choosing your New School

Study in Charles Dickens’ Former Home at Gad’s Hill

• You must apply for a secondary school place by 31 October. • 1st March 2020 is National Offer Day. Parents can log onto their local authority’s website to see their offer, after which letters will be posted out. • You must apply for a place at a school, even if it’s linked to your child’s current primary school.

GAD’S HILL SCHOOL Independent Day School in the home of Charles Dickens

Founded in 1924 For children aged 3–16 years

Set in over 12 acres. Located in Higham, Rochester, Kent

Open Day

Saturday 5th October 2019 10.30am-1pm

At every age of their development, your child is an individual growing in confidence, resilience and experience. 4 Small class sizes allow teachers greater knowledge of our pupils’

individual strengths and personalities. 4 School bus routes throughout Gravesham, Longfield, Kings Hill and Medway.

4 Scholarships are available for Senior School applicants. 4 Wraparound care is available for Kindergarten pupils from 7.30am-6pm 4 Combined Cadet Force (CCF) delivered from Year eight to develop team building and leadership skills.

Call 01474 822366 or visit www.gadshill.org #GadsFamily Follow us on Twitter - @PT_Kent

2 Sept - 13 Oct ‘19

Choosing your New School

Progress and Success at New Line Learning Academy

New Line Learning Academy is dedicated to providing an outstanding environment where young people aged 11–16 can go beyond their expected potential and achieve success. Under the leadership of Mr Murphy, the Senior Leadership Team have taken massive strides to improve every aspect of education at the Academy in Loose, Maidstone. Just this year Ofsted have recognised the progress and success being made, stating leaders and staff have been “successfully galvanised into making improvements in several school areas”, and that “teachers plan lessons well and set tasks that interest and engage pupils. This is increasingly the case in Key Stage 4, where teaching has improved.” The Academy’s 2018 GCSE results are also evidence of rising standards and a testament to the hard work and dedication pupils have towards education. A broad curriculum tailored to meet all needs and abilities is available, along with a grammar stream which provides pupils with all the benefits of grammar school education whilst maintaining the outstanding care only New Line Learning Academy can provide. With continued improvement and success being made each year, the time to join New Line Learning Academy has never been better. For more information, please visit www. newlinelearning.com.

Schools are part of a community but they should also be at the heart of a community. Holmesdale’s aim is to be the school of choice for the local community and beyond. They aim to be a place that parents can rely on to keep their young people safe, secure and cared for whilst achieving great results that open doors for them in the future, enriching the community in which they live. Visitors are always welcome so that they can see for themselves the vibrant, positive atmosphere that makes Holmesdale an outstanding place to be. For more information, please visit www.holmesdale.kent.sch.uk.

Believe in More at St Augustine Academy As a parent, you want the very best for your child and will have high expectations of what your ideal secondary school will provide for them throughout their school career. At St Augustine Academy in Maidstone, they ‘believe in more’ and expectations and standards are high. As a Christian Secondary Academy, the ethos is based around key values that people of all faiths, and none, can support such as tolerance, kindness, respect and care for others. This underpins a calm environment where teachers can teach effectively. Academic attainment is achieved through the broad curriculum which includes links with the University of Kent, an enrichment programme and a Healthy Minds PSHE syllabus. Linked to a challenging approach to the standard curriculum, this gives the opportunity for all students to excel and flourish.

The Holmesdale School

The Holmesdale School is a well-established, 11-18, mixed secondary school in the Kent Community of Snodland. Their building was re-built in 2007 and they have exceptional facilities in a wonderful setting.

Holmesdale has high expectations - they expect hard work and good behaviour so that students make excellent progress, but also so that they become the best version of themselves. The school wants students to be aspirational, adaptable, creative, responsible and confident and Holmesdale plans the curriculum and the extra-curricular activities so that these things are achievable. 20

2 Sept - 13 Oct ‘19

OPEN EVENING

Wednesday 25th September 2019

6pm-9pm

Choosing your New School

As a small school with excellent facilities, the Academy provides a supportive atmosphere which allows students to develop their confidence and broaden their horizons. It is important that students enjoy learning and are creative to enable them to make a positive contribution to society in whatever path they choose to take in life. The excellent teaching and learning is reflected in their second endorsement by Ofsted who awarded the Academy ‘Good’ in both 2014 and 2018. Nothing beats enjoying the St Augustine experience first-hand. The Open Events take place on Thursday 12 September from 6–9pm and Saturday 14 September from 10am–1pm. For more information, please visit www.saa.woodard.co.uk.

SCHOOL TOURS

7th, 8th, 9th and 14th, 15th, 16th October 9.00am and 11.15am

To arrange a school tour, please contact us:

01634 240416

www.holmesdale.kent.sch.uk office@holmesdale.kent.sch.uk Malling Road, Snodland, Kent ME6 5HS Follow us @HolmesdaleSch

Facebook.com/theholmesdaleschool

PUT TING PROGRESS FIRST

3371 Holmesdale - Primary Times Advert 2019 135x90mm.indd 1

15/07/2019 21:18

‘believe in more’ www.saa.woodard.co.uk

Broadening horizons, challenging for excellence

St Augustine Academy, Oakwood Park, Maidstone, ME16 8AE

Come and join us for our

SEPTEMBER OPEN EVENTS Thursday 12th : 6pm - 9pm Saturday 14th: 10am - 1pm TOURS: Book your place on a tour in September & October - 01622 752490

2 Sept - 13 Oct ‘19

Choosing your New School

Dartford Science and Technology College

Dartford Science and Technology College (DSTC) is a Good school where pupils achieve well and thrive. They take pride in their constantly improving results both at GCSE and A level, where all groups of pupils make good or better progress. Teaching is very good, with both challenge and support in every lesson. Teachers and pastoral staff know the girls well and support them in all aspects of their learning and welfare. A climate of excellence exists at DSTC. This is only possible because positive relationships are fostered between students, parents, staff and the wider community. They have high expectations with regard to behaviour and respect, which is why the College runs so smoothly. Additionally, they embrace strong transition with Primaries, ensuring that new entrants understand what to expect and who to turn to for support. Their highly acclaimed and well established Summer School is an integral part of the transition process, as it enables new Year 7 students to make the move to secondary school smoothly and confidently. DSTC values diversity and culture, ensures that equal opportunities are embedded and that their students participate fully in all school activities in order to reach their potential. For more information, please visit www.dstc.kent.sch.uk.

Mayfield Grammar School, Gravesend Mayfield Grammar School in Gravesend is a highly successful grammar school taking students from Gravesend and the surrounding areas. In June 2013 Ofsted judged the school to be outstanding in all four

categories leading to an ‘Outstanding’ judgement in overall effectiveness. The school offers an academic curriculum where girls achieve great success at GCSE and AS level. The Sixth Form contains over 240 students, including boys, studying AS and A Levels from over 25 subjects. The school also offers an extensive range of extra-curricular activities and visits including trips to Paris, New York, Germany, Italy, West Coast America and Canada. There are also sporting fixtures and trips, a comprehensive Duke of Edinburgh programme and an outdoor activity programme for Years 7 and 8. Highly committed teachers and support staff work in partnership with governors and parents leading to a school “that promotes the learning and progress of every student within a caring and cohesive community” (Ofsted June 2013). They support traditional values and ensure their students develop life skills and personal qualities as well as academic qualifications. For more information email enquiries@mgsg.kent.sch.uk.

Cornwallis Academy

Choosing a secondary school for your child is an important decision for your child and your family. Cornwallis Academy is presenting you with the opportunity to see what is on offer at this popular, supportive and ambitious school where your child will be at the heart of everything they do. Mrs Linney-Drouet, Headteacher at Cornwallis Academy, told Primary Times, “I am proud to say we were judged ‘Good’ in all categories following our

OPEN MORNINGS Tuesday 15th October 2019 Wednesday 16th October 2019 Thursday 17th October 2019 (9.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m.) to include 1 hour guided tour (last tour departs 10am)

OPEN EVENING Thursday 17th October 2019 (6.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.) guided tours available

2 Sept - 13 Oct ‘19

Achieve your Potential at The Ebbsfleet Academy

Primary Times spoke to Ms Gurjit Kaur Shergill, Principal of The Ebbsfleet Academy. She told us “I am delighted to welcome people to The Ebbsfleet Academy.We are a dynamic and successful 11-18 academy serving the local community.We have students of all abilities and from a wide variety of backgrounds, all of whom contribute to the richness of our school population. Our curriculum is based around the needs of our students and consists of a rich blend of academic and vocational qualifications, all supported by fantastic learning resources including outstanding sports facilities, as well as modern, generously equipped classrooms, workshops and laboratories. All areas are served by excellent ICT facilities.Working together, in partnership with all stakeholders but especially parents and carers, we are creating a dynamic and innovative learning institution. Together, we are changing lives. Our ambition is to ensure that all of our students achieve their potential, develop as courteous, confident and capable young people and leave with an education that has fully equipped them to go on to university or the career of their choice.” To find out more about The Ebbsfleet Academy, please visit www.theebbsfleetacademy.kent.sch.uk or email admin@theebbsfleetacademy.kent.sch.uk.

Open Evening

Wednesday 18th September 5:30pm - 7:30pm

Open Mornings

Monday 23rd, Tuesday 24th and Wednesday 25th September Arrive between 9:45am and 9:55am. By appointment only, book online at www.cornwallisacademy.com/mornings

Choosing your New School

latest Ofsted inspection. The Ofsted team challenged the school at all levels, analysing data, quizzing our leadership team, talking to our students, scrutinizing our teaching and observing our talented teachers. They concluded that Cornwallis Academy ‘has high ambitions for all pupils’. Our ambition is to ensure that all our students achieve their academic potential in order to secure their future employability within a safe, healthy and supportive environment.We also aim for all our students to develop as confident, courteous and capable young people.We work hard and expect our students to work equally hard to achieve these goals.”

“High ambitions for all pupils” In our latest Ofsted Inspection we were judged as “good” in all areas.

2 Sept - 13 Oct ‘19

Choosing your New School

Leigh Academy Rainham – Creating Independent Thinkers

Leigh Academy Rainham, which is due to open in September 2020, will be a place where innovation and creativity combine to create leaders of the future. There will be an emphasis on traditional standards regarding uniform, discipline and respect, and this will be matched with an internationally influenced curriculum to develop students into independent thinkers and learners beyond the boundaries of traditional lessons. They have uncompromising aspirations for their students and will work relentlessly to maximise the potential of every child, teaching them the skills they need to be successful, and nurturing a desire to be lifelong learners. Digital technology is the future. No matter what career students pursue, they will need to perform, succeed and lead with digital confidence and expertise. Leigh’s curriculum and how it is delivered will ensure students develop into powerful digital citizens on both a national and a global scale. As with all other secondary academies within Leigh Academies Trust, they are structured to embrace the ‘small schools’ model of learning. The college structure seeks to foster the strong links that exist within a small community. Excellent communication between the Colleges and home is a central part of this process. The academy invites you to attend one of their upcoming open events. To find out more information and to reserve your place, please visit www.leighacademyrainham.org.uk.

The Leigh Academy – Offering Excellent Learning Opportunities

Primary Times spoke to Julia Collins, Principal of The Leigh Academy. She told us, “The Leigh Academy offers excellent learning opportunities to all students from Year 7 - Year 13. As the flagship academy of Leigh Academies Trust we have an inspirational building hosting modern technology and fantastic facilities. We ensure that our students are prepared both academically and socially for their futures. We ensure that students’ talents and interests are nurtured through our broad and balanced curriculum through the delivery of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme in Year 7 and Year 8. We take pride in being the first school in the UK to have been awarded The Healthy Minds School kite mark, in recognition of successful involvement in the Healthy Minds research project and demonstrating a commitment to the personal development of students. We strive for excellence in all that we do, and this is reflected in our dedicated staff and our consistent approach to teaching and learning to ensure all of our students are happy, successful and resilient to the challenges they face. Our intention is to

2 Sept - 13 Oct ‘19

work in close partnership with parents and carers to ensure that students of all abilities, interests and talents are given every opportunity to be part of our inspiring, challenging and supportive community.” For more information about The Leigh Academy, please visit www.leighacademy.org.uk.

Gain a Thirst for Learning at Longfield Academy Longfield Academy is a successful secondary within Leigh Academies Trust offering mainstream secondary education, with specialist provision for students with SEN. Their most recent Ofsted inspection in April rated them as ‘a Good school with an Outstanding sixth form’. At Longfield Academy they provide a calm and orderly environment, allowing their inspirational staff to ensure that students are making progress both in and outside of the classroom. The academy’s modern layout and state of the art facilities enable students to prepare for life in the real world following their time at Longfield. They offer students a wide range of extracurricular activities and external visits, all of which further the development of social skills and encourage their thirst for learning. For more information about Longfield Academy, please visit www.longfieldacademy.org.

Open Events

“A Good school with an Outstanding Sixth Form” (Ofsted, April 2018)

Open Evenings • Monday 23rd September, 5pm • Monday 30th September, 5pm

Open Mornings

• Monday 7th - Friday 11th October 9am prompt start By appointment only (booking available online from 9th September)

Longfield Academy, Main Road, Longfield, Kent, DA3 7PH For further information please contact: t: 01474 700700 | w: longfieldacademy.org e: info@longfieldacademy.org

Open Events

Is your child in Year 6? Thinking about secondary school? Come along and look at the fantastic

Thursday 12th September, 4pm-7pm Wednesday 2nd October, 4pm-7pm

facilities The Leigh Academy has to offer, as well as meet key staff members and hear a presentation from our Principal.

Presentations by the Principal at 4.15pm, 5.15pm and 6.15pm

Book online: www.ticketsource.co.uk/leighacademy The Leigh Academy, Green Street Green Road, Dartford, Kent DA1 1QE

For more information: www.leighacademy.org.uk | 01322 620400

Open Events A brand new mixed 11-18 secondary academy due to open in September 2020 Dream, Believe, Achieve

Saturday 28th September

Thursday 3rd October

Saturday 5th October

FULLY BOOKED

St Margaretâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Church Rainham ME8 8AN

The Millennium Centre Rainham ME8 9BH

Session 1: 5.00pm-6.15pm Session 2: 6.45pm-8.00pm

Session 1: 3.30pm-4.45pm Session 2: 5.15pm-6.30pm

For further information please visit: www.leighacademyrainham.org.uk

Choosing your New School

Vibrant Destinations and Results for King’s A Level Pupils

King’s Rochester has a strong reputation for maximising the potential of pupils, and this year is no exception as pupils have achieved another set of excellent A Level results. Grades were significantly higher than in 2018 with 11% at A*, 31% at A*/A and 57% of grades at A*-B, showing an improvement in performance from pupils after the shift away from modular qualifications to the new linear grading system. The top 40% of the year (comparable to a grammar school cohort), achieved 61% of their grades at A*/A with 100% at A*-B. With such pleasing results it is no surprise that pupils are off to a range of exciting and prestigious destinations including Oxbridge, Durham, Exeter, Nottingham, Manchester, Brunel, Goldsmiths and ACM London. Giselle Harris and Isobel Gilbert deserve particular congratulations on their grades. Giselle takes up her place at Magdalen College, Oxford to read English Language and Literature having achieved three A* grades, Isobel, a ‘lifer’ who has been at King’s since Nursery, will study Veterinary Medicine at the University of Surrey after achieving three A grades. After sitting his Further Mathematics examination a year early, Erez Li achieved an outstanding four A* grades and will study Engineering at Robinson College, Cambridge. Vibrant travel experiences await Head Boy, Leon Neubauer, (A* and two As) who will be reading Japanese at Durham and for Lewis Bentley, (A*, A, B) who goes on to study The Ancient World at University College London as both courses include a year abroad. Chris Walji is looking forward to starting his time with the Royal Navy in September and Leon Kennedy will be heading to Tanzania to support an entrepreneurial charity, showing that studying at King’s opens up a world of opportunities in the future. For more information about King’s, please visit www.kings-rochester.co.uk.

Maplesden Noakes School – the Best of Everything

If you are looking for a welcoming, outstanding school for your child, look no further than Maplesden Noakes School. It is a highly successful 11-18 mixed secondary school in Maidstone that is recognised for having high academic standards for all its students and for providing an inclusive, caring and supportive environment. The Grammar Stream is a genuine alternative to the grammar school system. It gives students all the benefits of being in a grammar school plus the advantage of a school that has a reputation built on outstanding care and academic excellence. The school’s results are among the best high school results in the area. The curriculum is diverse and offers all students, whether academic, creative, sporting or artistic, the ability to excel in their learning. Transition from primary school to Maplesden Noakes is seamless, and experienced staff ensure that students very quickly feel at home in the school. Their careers guidance is recognised by Ofsted as outstanding and all of the students leave school having secured a place in further education or employment. Why not have the best of everything – a co-educational setting, outstanding teaching, challenging curriculum, excellent facilities and grammar stream education? Maplesden Noakes School is the informed choice for your child. For more information, please visit www.maplesden.kent.sch.uk.

Open Morning

Saturday 28th September 2019 9.00am – 12 noon First rate independent education for boys and girls aged 3 - 18

The World’s Oldest Cathedral Choir School • Outstanding GCSE & A Level results in 2019 Exceptional co-curricular programme • Extensive Sports facilities • First-rate ISI Inspection Report Boarding available from age 11 • Nursery and Pre-Prep rated “outstanding” Scholarships & Cathedral Choristerships available

01634 888590 admissions@kings-rochester.co.uk

2 Sept - 13 Oct ‘19

www.kings-rochester.co.uk

The Hayesbrook School inspires student aspiration through increasing enrichment opportunities. Offering students new opportunities to try something for the first time, this can help to develop a love for learning, supporting academic success. The school’s focus to motivate students has supported the development of the school’s new English curriculum, which has adopted and applied the Rehearsal Room Shakespeare approach, where the aim is to extend students’ ability to explore the English language in the same way actors do when rehearsing a play. Students will be encouraged as a group to collaboratively establish the world in which a story takes place, tell the story, reveal the characters and explore the language. Also available from September, the school, in association with Chelsea Foundation Football Academy, will be offering a unique opportunity for students who are serious football players, male and female, who want to study level 3 qualifications to combine their academic studies and train like professionals with UEFA certified coaches. The School will also be adding the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) to the options available to students and will be working in partnership with Tonbridge School. Together, the new cadets will have the opportunity to develop qualities such as selfdiscipline, loyalty and respect, strong leadership, teamwork and resilience that will help them achieve excellence and shape their own future.

The Hayesbrook School, Tonbridge

Choosing your New School

Opportunities at The Hayesbrook School

• Thursday 10th October, pm • Tuesday 15th October, am • Wednesday 16th October, am • Thursday 17th October, am • Friday 18th October, am

Find out more at www.hayesbrook.kent.sch.uk Opportunity, Aspiration, Success

Northfleet Technology College Colyer Road, Northfleet, Kent, DA11 8BG Headteacher: Jane Partridge t: 01474 533802 f: 01474 536122 e: office@ntc.kent.sch.uk www.ntc.kent.sch.uk

Year 6 Open Evening 2019 Thursday 3 October, 6:00pm – 9:00pm

Come and visit Northfleet Technology College and be amazed! Our beautiful school offers outstanding facilities & opportunities for all, in a caring, nurturing & ordered environment

NTC offers... • • • • • • •

Excellent examination results across the school A dedicated team of teaching and support staff Hi-tech ‘state of the art’ Engineering Vocational Centre Superb specialist facilities for Art, Music, Media and Science A successful Sixth Form, enabling progression to university Outstanding sports facilities & opportunities with our Sports Academy Visits abroad – New York, France and skiing in Austria!

2 Sept - 13 Oct ‘19

Choosing your New School

Creativity is at the Heart of St Edmund’s School

St Edmund’s School Canterbury is a leading independent school that has a strong reputation for the performing arts and all-round excellence. The Head, Edward O’Connor, says, “Creativity is at the heart of our holistic educational philosophy and permeates through all that we do – our academic curriculum, co-curricular activities, enrichment programme, and pastoral care.” Music is woven into every aspect of school life. Each child has the opportunity to explore their musical capabilities in the classroom by learning a musical instrument to be part of an ensemble. St Edmund’s is proud to educate the choristers of Canterbury Cathedral who bring a wealth of musical talent to the school. The annual St Edmund’s Festival held at the end of the academic year clearly demonstrates the school’s commitment to the arts with world-class professionals performing and working alongside the pupils giving them unique opportunities to immerse themselves in the world of performing arts. The school is delighted to announce it has been shortlisted for the Independent School of the Year Awards 2019 in the category of “Performing Arts”. The judges will make their decision on the winner in October, but to be shortlisted is a tremendous achievement and a fitting tribute to the extraordinary work done by pupils and staff in music and drama across school from Pre-Prep to Sixth Form.

Limited Spaces Left at St Joseph’s

Is your child due to start Pre-Prep (Nursery) or Reception in September? St Joseph’s still have some limited spaces for this year’s intake. At St Joseph’s they offer high quality teaching, extensive grounds and specialist lessons, including use of a swimming pool to all children from Pre-Prep onwards. Children in both Pre-Prep and Reception receive weekly French, Music, PE and Speech and Drama sessions taught by specialist teachers. Children’s learning is built around a range of interesting and engaging themes and benefits from spacious, wellresourced classrooms and small class sizes which enable staff to plan exciting activities tailored to the individual learning needs of children. St Joseph’s also offer care for your child if you require an earlier start or later finish. They offer a Breakfast Club from 7.30am and After School Clubs until 6pm, providing the wraparound care you might need. If you would like more information or an informal conversation please call 01474 533 012, email secretary@sjcps.org or visit www. sjcps.org.

The school’s proven track record, together with their Advanced Thinking School status, underpins their academic curriculum, providing students with a thorough grounding for their careers which will take them far into the 21st century. MGGS is well known for its broad curriculum (all students study two languages at KS3) and academic excellence, it is also well known for the many extra-curricular activities provided for students. Pupils regularly participate in school sports clubs and activities such as Astronomy and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. The school also has a number of music clubs. MGGS uses Google’s GSuite for Education and is acknowledged by Google UK to be one of the most advanced schools for its integrated use to promote student learning. They have been recognised by the Department for Education for their high standards in Computing. There will be an Open Evening for Years 4, 5 and 6 on 8 October from 5-8pm. The Autumn Open Mornings for Years 5 and 6 will take place on 14-15 October from 9–11am and the Open Afternoon for Years 5 and 6 will take place on 16 October from 1.30–3.30pm. MGGS are offering to girls in Years 5 and 6 a selection of taster days and one-off taster lessons throughout the year for parents/carers to book directly online. Bookings open in September. For more information, please visit www.mggs.org.

We inspire creativity through a lifelong love of learning and nurture original thinkers who have a desire to make a difference.

Why Maidstone Grammar School for Girls?

Maidstone Grammar School for Girls (MGGS) has a strong community spirit which is underpinned by the fact that the happiness of all their students is vital in enabling them to succeed. The school’s house system brings students of all ages together in many whole school activities and creates friendships which endure and last well beyond their years at school. 28

2 Sept - 13 Oct ‘19

Open Morning Saturday 28th September, 9am Book a place online: www.stedmunds.org.uk Follow us on Instagram - @primarytimesse

Choosing your New School

What’s New for the High Weald Academy?

Students and the community of Cranbrook are getting excited as their new state of the art secondary school enters into its final build stage providing a physical learning environment to match the education being delivered inside, where all students are supported to achieve their full potential. Preparations are underway for the move into the new building in November. The purpose built, 21st century school building will be one of the best and most modern learning environments in the area, providing students with an inspirational setting to achieve and excel. All the 69 classrooms and offices maximise natural light and have climate control to ensure a comfortable place in which to concentrate and focus. The brand new science laboratories, art rooms, ICT suites and drama studio provide specialist spaces for students to experience new things. The enhanced learning environment will support the school’s new maths curriculum, which has been developed to allow and support every student within The High Weald Academy to succeed and achieve their best. Through adopting and applying the Maths Mastery approach, the aim is to extend students’ ability to explore maths. Students will be encouraged to utilise the fiver pillars of the mastery approach to hone their knowledge and understanding of how to apply their learning and develop their confidence in such a vital subject discipline. The High Weald community will move into their new school after the October Half Term. For more information, please visit www.highwealdacademy.kent.sch.uk.

Discover life at The High Weald Academy, Cranbrook, Kent • Inspiring • Engaging • Life Changing Want to know more? Come to one of our ‘Open Events’ this October Tuesday 1st October, pm Friday 4th October, am Tuesday 8th October, am Thursday 10th October, am

Find out more at www.highwealdacademy.kent.sch.uk Learning for a bright future Follow us on Twitter - @PT_Kent

2 Sept - 13 Oct ‘19

01622 752 490

01622 726 683

01622 743 286

01622 759 036

01622 752 103

01622 752 101

01622 858267

01622 755 856

01622 743 152

Tel

01474 566 552

01474 534 718

01474 533 082

01474 533 802

01474 831 020

01474 814 646

01474 352 896

01474 331 893

Tel

01322 226 351

01322 272 111

01474 700 700

01322 620 400

01322 623 100

01322 224 309

01322 223 123

01322 223 039

Tel

www.valleypark.viat.org.uk

www.saa.woodard.co.uk

www.opgs.org

www.newlinelearning.com

www.maplesden.kent.sch.uk

www.mggs.org

www.mgs.kent.sch.uk

www.thelenham.viat.org.uk

www.invicta.viat.org.uk

www.cornwallisacademy.com

Website

Maidstone

www.thamesview.kent.sch.uk

www.stjohnscs.com

www.saintgeorgescofe.kent.sch.uk

www.ntc.kent.sch.uk

www.nsfg.org.uk

www.meophamschool.org.uk

www.mgsg.kent.sch.uk

www.gravesendgrammar.com

Website

Gravesham

www.gsgw.org.uk

www.wilmingtonacademy.org.uk

www.longfieldacademy.org

www.leighacademy.org.uk

www.theebbsfleetacademy.kent.sch.uk

www.dstc.kent.sch.uk

www.dartfordgrammargirls.org.uk

www.dartfordgrammarschool.org.uk

Website

Open Eve Thur 19 Sept 6-9pm.

Open Eve Thur 12 Sept 6-9pm. Open Day Sat 14 Sept 10am-1pm. Phone School to book your place on a tour in September & October.

Open Morn Sat 12 Oct 9am-12.30pm, Thur 17 Oct, Fri 18 Oct, Wed 30 Oct 9-11am.

Open Eve Thur 26 Sept 4-8.30pm. Open Morn Mon 23-Wed 25 & Fri 27 Sept 9.15-11.15am.

Open Eve Thur 10 Oct 5-8pm. Open Morn Mon 14-Wed 16 Oct at 9am. Booking essential.

Open Eve Tues 8 Oct 5-8pm. Head’s presentation at 5.15pm, 6pm, 6.45pm. Open Morn Mon 14 Oct, Tues 15 Oct 9-11am. Taster day Wed 16 Oct 8.45am-1.20pm. Open afternoon Wed 16 Oct 1.30-3.30pm.

See school website for details.

Open Eve Thur 26 Sept 5.30-8pm. Open Morn tours Mon 30 Sept-Fri 4 Oct, Mon 7 Oct-Fri 11 Oct.

Open Eve Thur 3 Oct 6-9pm. Open Morn Thur 17 Oct 9-10.30am. Open Morn and experience day (Year 6 only) Fri 18 Oct 9-10.30am

Open Eve Wed 18 Sept 5.30-7.30pm. Open Morn Mon 23, Tue 24 & Wed 25 Sept by appt only.

Date/Time of Open Days

Open Eve Thur 10 Oct 6-9pm. Open Morn Mon 14 & Tue 15 Oct at 9am. Booking essential.

Open Eve Wed 25 Sept 6-9pm.

Open Day Sat 28 Sept 10am-1pm. School tours following week.

Open Eve Thurs 3 Oct 6-9pm.

Open Eve Thur 3 Oct 6pm. Open Morn tours Mon 7 Oct, Tues 8 Oct, Wed 9 Oct 9.30am & 11.45am. Afternoon tour Thur 10 Oct 2.15pm. Booking for tours essential.

See school website for details.

Open Morn Tues 15 Oct,Wed 16 Oct,Thur 17 Oct 9-11am. Open Eve Thur 17 Oct 6.00-8.30pm.

Open Eve Thur 17 Oct, 7-9pm. Open Morn Fri 18 Oct 9-11am. (SatNav DA12 2JL)

Date/Time of Open Days

Open Eve Wed 9 Oct. Open Day Mon 14 Oct by booked appointments only.

Open Eve Wed 25 Sept 5-8pm. Open Morn Tues 1 & Wed 2 Oct 9-10am.

Open Eve Mon 23 Sept & Mon 30 Sept 5pm. Open Morn Mon 7 Oct- Fri 11 Oct at 9am. Booking essential.

Open Eve Thur 12 Sept & Wed 2 Oct 4-7pm. Principal’s presentations at 4.15pm, 5.15pm and 6.15pm.

Open Morn Wed 18, Wed 25 Sept & Wed 2 Oct 8.45-10am. Open Eve Wed 25 Sept 5-6.30pm. Open Day Sat 28 Sept 10-11.30am.

Open Eve Thur 3 & Tues 15 Oct 6-8pm. Open Morn Tues 8, Wed 16 & Fri 18 Oct

Open Eve Wed 16 Oct 6-8.30pm. Open Morn Thur 17 Oct 11.30am-1pm.

Open Morn Tues 1 Oct 9-11am. Open Eve Thur 17 Oct 5pm.

Date/Time of Open Days

Dates correct at time of going to press. You are strongly recommended to contact the schools to confirm details

Huntsman Lane, Maidstone, ME14 5DT

Hubbards Lane, Maidstone, ME17 4HX

Cornwallis Academy

Valley Park School

Address

Name

Oakwood Road, Maidstone, ME16 8AE

Thong Lane, Gravesend, DA12 4LF

Thamesview School

St Augustine Academy

Rochester Road, Gravesend DA12 2JW

St John’s Catholic Comprehensive

Oakwood Park, Maidstone, ME16 8AH

Meadow Road, Gravesend, DA11 7LS

Saint George’s C of E School

Oakwood Park Grammar School

Colyer Road, Northfleet, DA11 8BG

Northfleet Technology College

Boughton Lane, Loose, ME15 9QL

Hall Road, Northfleet, DA11 8AQ

Northfleet School for Girls

Buckland Road, Maidstone, ME16 0TJ

Wrotham Road, Meopham, DA13 0AH

Meopham School

New Line Learning Academy

Pelham Road, Gravesend, DA11 0JE

Mayfield Grammar School

Maplesden Noakes School, The

Church Walk, Gravesend, DA12 2PR

Gravesend Grammar School

Buckland Road, Maidstone, ME16 0SF

Address

Name

Maidstone Grammar School for Girls

Parsons Lane, Wilmington, DA2 7BB

Wilmington Grammar Sch for Girls

Barton Road, Maidstone, ME15 7BT

Common Lane, Wilmington, DA2 7DR

Wilmington Academy

Ham Lane, Lenham, ME17 2LL

Main Road, Longfield, DA3 7PH

Longfield Academy

Maidstone Grammar School

Green Street Green Rd, Dartford, DA1 1QE

Leigh Academy, The

Lenham School, The

Southfleet Rd, Swanscombe, DA10 OBZ

Ebbsfleet Academy, The

Huntsman Lane, Maidstone, ME14 5DS

Heath Lane, Dartford, DA1 2LY

Dartford Science and Tech Coll

Invicta Grammar School

Shepherds Lane, Dartford, DA1 2NT

West Hill, Dartford, DA1 2HW

Dartford Grammar School

Dartford Grammar School For Girls

Address

Name

Dartford

North & West Kent Open Day Directory 2019

School Open Day Tables

2 Sept - 13 Oct ‘19

Satis Hse, Boley Hill, Rochester, ME1 1TE

New mixed Secondary Academy Opens Sept 2020

Pump Lane, Rainham, ME8 7AJ

Derwent Way, Rainham, ME8 0BX

Third Avenue, Gillingham, ME7 2LX

Maidstone Road, Rochester, ME1 3BY

Maidstone Road, Rochester, ME1 3EL

Ordnance Street, Chatham, ME4 6SG

Carnation Road, Strood, ME2 2SX

Arethusa Rd, Rochester, ME1 2UW

Magpie Hall Rd, Chatham, ME4 5JB

Bradfields Ave, Walderslade, ME5 0LE

King’s Rochester

Leigh Academy Rainham

Rainham Mark Grammar School

Rainham School For Girls

Robert Napier School, The

Rochester Grammar School

Sir Joseph Williamson’s Mathematical Sch

St John Fisher Catholic Comprehensive

Strood Academy

Thomas Aveling School, The

Victory Academy, The

Walderslade Girls’ School

Tel

www.sflt.org.uk/waldersladegirls

www.thevictoryacademy.org.uk

www.thomasaveling.co.uk

www.stroodacademy.org.uk

www.stjohnfisher.school

www.sjwms.org.uk

www.rochestergrammar.org.uk

www.robertnapier.org.uk

www.rainhamgirls-tkat.org

www.rainhammark.com

www.leighacademyrainham.org.uk

www.kings-rochester.co.uk

www.hundredofhooacademy.org.uk

www.thehowardschool.co.uk

www.holcombegrammar.org.uk

www.sflt.org.uk/greenacre

www.gadshill.org

www.fortpitt.medway.sch.uk

www.chathamgirlsgrammar.medway.sch.uk

www.bromptonacademy.org.uk

01732 469 111

01322 665 231

01732 454 608

www.trinitysevenoaks.org.uk

www.orchards-tkat.org

www.knoleacademy.org

Sevenoaks (inc Swanley) Tel Website

01634 861 596

03333 602 140

01634 844 809

01634 717 121

01634 543 123

01634 844 008

01634 843 049

01634 851 157

01634 362 746

01634 364 151

TBC

01634 888 590

01634 251 443

01634 388 765

01634 830 083

01634 861 593

01474 822366

01634 842 359

01634 851 262

01634 852 341

Date/Time of Open Days

Open Morn Tues 1 Oct 11am-12.30pm. Head’s talks at 11am & 12pm. Booking essential. Open Eve Thur 10 Oct 5-8pm. Head’s talk at 5.30pm, 6.30pm & 7.30pm.

Open Morn Sat 21 Sept 9.30am-12.30pm. Head’s speech at 9.45am & 11.45am. Open Morn tours (appt only) Tues 24 Sept, Wed 25 Sept, Thur 26 Sept, Fri 18 Oct 8.30-10am.

Open Eve Thur 19 Sept 6-9pm. Open Morn Wed 2 & Tues 8 Oct 10am12.30pm. Grammar stream Open Morn Mon 14 Oct 10am-12.30pm, Grammar Stream Info Evening Tues 15 Oct 5-6pm.

Date/Time of Open Days

See school website for details.

Open Morn Tues 8 Oct, Wed 9 Oct, Thur 10 Oct 9.10am-11.15am. Head’s talk at 9.15am.

Open Eve Wed 25 Sept 6-8pm. Open Morn Tues 1 Oct, Wed 2 Oct, Thur 3 Oct 10.45am.

Open Morn Wed 18, 25 Sept & Wed 2,9,16,30 Oct 9-11am. Open Eve Wed 9 Oct 6-8pm. Open Day Sat 12 Oct 9am-12pm. All events at lower school site, 79 Maidstone Rd, ME4 6DP

See school website for details.

Open Day Sat 12 Oct 9am-1pm.

Open Eve Wed 2 Oct 6-8.30pm. Open Morn Tues 8 Oct, Wed 9 Oct, Thur 10 Oct 9.30-11am.

See school website for details.

Open Events Thur 3 Oct St Margaret’s Church, Rainham ME8 8AN. Sat 5 Oct The Millenium Centre, Rainham ME8 9BH

Open Morn Sat 28 Sept 9am - 12 Noon.

See school website for details.

Open Eve Thur 3 Oct 5.30-8pm. Head Talks 5.30pm, 6.15pm & 7pm. Open Morn Thur 10 Oct & Fri 11 Oct 9-10.30am.

See school website for details.

Open Day Sat 5 Oct 10.30-1pm.

Open Eve Thur 10 Oct 5.30-8pm. Open Morn Mon 14-Thur 17 Oct 9-11am.

See school website for details.

School Open Day Tables

Dates correct at time of going to press. You are strongly recommended to contact the schools to confirm details

Seal Hollow Road, Sevenoaks, TN13 3SL

Main Rd, Hoo St Werburgh, ME3 9HH

Hundred of Hoo Academy, The

Trinity School

Derwent Way, Rainham, ME8 0BX

Howard School, The

St Mary’s Road, Swanley, BR8 7TE

Letchworth Avenue, Chatham, ME4 6JB

Holcombe Grammar School

Orchards Academy

Walderslade Road, Walderslade, ME5 0LP

Greenacre Academy

Bradbourne Vale Road, Sevenoaks, TN13 3LE

Gravesend Road, Rochester, ME3 7PA

Gad’s Hill School

Knole Academy

Fort Pitt Hill, Chatham, ME4 6TJ

Fort Pitt Grammar School

Address

Rainham Road, Chatham, ME5 7EH

Chatham Grammar School For Girls

Name

Address

Marlborough Rd, Gillingham, ME7 5HT

Name

Brompton Academy

Medway Website

2 Sept - 13 Oct ‘19

01732 500 600 01732 352 793

Tonbridge Road, Hadlow, TN11 0AU

Brook Street, Tonbridge, TN9 2PH

Brionne Gardens, Tonbridge, TN9 2HE (SatNav TN9 2DQ)

Malling Road, Snodland, ME6 5HS

White Cottage Rd, Tonbridge, TN10 4PU

Brook Street, Tonbridge, TN9 2PN

Beech Road, East Malling, ME19 6DH

Deakin Leas, Tonbridge, TN9 2JR

Tudeley Lane, Tonbridge, TN9 2JP

Borough Green Road, Wrotham, TN15 7RD

Address

Culverden Down, Tunbridge Wells, TN4 9SH

Waterloo Road, Cranbrook, TN17 3JD

Angley Road, Cranbrook, TN17 2PJ

Maidstone Road, Paddock Wood, TN12 6LT

Sandown Park, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 4PY

St John’s Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN4 9PG

Reynolds Lane, Tunbridge Wells, TN4 9XL

Southfield Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN4 9UJ

St John’s Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN4 9XB

Address

St Thomas’ Hill, Canterbury, CT2 8HU

Hadlow Rural Community School

Hayesbrook School, The

Hillview School for Girls

Holmesdale School, The

Hugh Christie Technology College

Judd School, The

Malling School, The

Tonbridge Grammar School

Weald of Kent Grammar Sch

Wrotham School

Name

Bennett Memorial Diocesan Sch

Cranbrook School

High Weald Academy, The

Mascalls Academy

Skinners’ Kent Academy, The

Skinners’ School, The

St Gregory’s Catholic School

Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar Sch

Tunbridge Wells Grammar Sch for Boys

Name

St Edmund’s School Canterbury

www.stedmunds.org.uk

Website

Other

www.twgsb.org.uk

www.twggs.kent.sch.uk

www.sgschool.org.uk

www.skinners-school.co.uk

www.skinnerskentacademy.org.uk

www.mascalls.academy.org.uk

www.highwealdacademy.kent.sch.uk

www.cranbrookschool.co.uk

www.bennettmemorial.co.uk

Website

Tunbridge Wells

www.wrotham.kent.sch.uk

www.wealdofkent.kent.sch.uk

www.tgs.kent.sch.uk

www.themallingschool.kent.sch.uk

www.judd.online

www.hughchristie.kent.sch.uk

www.holmesdale.kent.sch.uk

www.hillview.kent.sch.uk

www.hayesbrook.kent.sch.uk

www.hrcschool.org

www.aylesford.kent.sch.uk

Website

Open Day Sat 28 Sept at 9am.

Date/Time of Open Days

Open Eve Mon 7 Oct 4-7.30pm. Talks at 5pm & 6pm. Open Morn Fri 18 Oct 10am12pm. Talks at 10am, booking essential.

Open Eve Thur 26 Sept 5.30-8.30pm. Head’s speech at 6.30pm and 7.30pm. Open Morn Wed 16 Oct, Mon 28 Oct 11am-12.30pm. Head’s speech at 12pm.

Open Eve Thur 26 Sept 4.30-7.30pm. Principal’s talk at 4.30pm & 6pm. Open Morn Wed 25 Sept, Thur 26 Sept, Wed 16 Oct, Fri 18 Oct 9-11am.

Open Morn Tues 15 Oct, Wed 16 Oct 10am-12pm. Book through website. Open Eve Thur 3 Oct 4-7pm.

See school website for details.

Open Eve Tues 1 Oct 6-7.30pm. Open Morn Fri 4, Tues 8 & Thur 10 Oct 9-11am.

Open Eve Wed 25 Sept 6-7.30pm. Open Morn Fri 27 Sept, Fri 25 Oct 8.45-10.30am.

Open Eve Tues 24 Sept, Thur 26 Sept, Wed 2 Oct, tours from 6pm with Head’s presentation at 7.30pm.

Date/Time of Open Days

Open Eve Thur 26 Sept 5.30-8pm. Open Morn Tues 1 Oct, Fri 18 Oct 9-11am.

Open Eve Thur 3 Oct 5.30-8.30pm. Head’s talk at 5.45pm, 6.45pm & 7.25pm. Open Morn Tues 29 Oct, Wed 30 Oct 9.30-10.30am.

Open Morn Tues 8 Oct, Thur 10 Oct 9.30am-12pm. Head’s presentation at 10.45am. Open Eve Thur 10 Oct 5.30-8.30pm.

See school website for details.

Open Morn Fri 18 Oct, Tues 29 Oct, Thur 31 Oct 9.30-10.30am booking essential.

See school website for details.

Open Eve Wed 25 Sept 6-9pm. Open Morn Tours Mon 7 Oct-Wed 9 Oct, Mon 14 Oct-Wed 16 Oct 9am & 11.15am. Phone school to arrange a tour.

Open Morn Sat 28 Sept 10am-12pm. Head’s talks at 10.15am and 11am. Tues 1 Oct, Wed 2 Oct 9.15-11.15am. Open Eve Thur 17 Oct 5.30-8.30pm. Head’s talks at 6pm, 6.45pm, 7.30pm.

Open Eve Thu 10 Oct 6-7.30pm. Open Morn Tues 15, Wed 16, Thur 17 & Fri 18 Oct 9-11am.

Open Eve Thur 10 Oct 6-8pm.

See school website for details.

Date/Time of Open Days

Dates correct at time of going to press. You are strongly recommended to contact the schools to confirm details

01227 475 600

Tel

01892 529551

01892 520 902

01892 527 444

01892 520 732

01892 534 377

01892 835 366

01580 712 754

01580 711 800

01892 521 595

Tel

03000 658 320

01732 373 500

01732 365 125

01732 840 995

01732 770 880

01732 353 544

01634 240 416

01732 853 241

01622 717 341

Teapot Lane, Aylesford, ME20 7JU

Aylesford School

Tel

Address

Name

Tonbridge & Malling

School Open Day Tables

Win a Family Ticket to see Billionaire Boy at the Orchard Theatre From the award-winning West End producers of Gangsta Granny and Horrible Histories comes Billionaire Boy, the amazing new production of David Walliams’ best-selling story, and it’s coming to the Orchard Theatre from Wednesday 13 - Sunday 17 November. Joe Spud is twelve years old and the richest boy in the country. He has his own sports car, two pet crocodiles and £100,000 a week pocket money. But what Joe doesn’t have is a friend. So he decides to leave his posh school and start at the local comprehensive. But things don’t go as planned for Joe and life becomes a rollercoaster as he tries to find what money can’t buy.

Draw a Picture and Win a Spellbinding Prize at The Historic Dockyard Chatham

Competitions

Competitions Magic returns to The Historic Dockyard Chatham this half term from the 19-27 October. Walk among toadstools, fairies and all things mystical in the Enchanted Dockyard. Inside the No.1 Smithery, you will find a magical garden to explore, but first, take part in some free craft activities to take the magic home with you. Create your own magical butterfly and cast enchanting spells with your own decorated wand before having them brought to life through digital story-telling with the Enchanted Dockyard fairy. Then, get creative with pumpkin carving, where wizards will be on hand to help with your designs and magic the mess away. Primary Times is giving away a magical prize to one lucky reader, which includes a family annual pass to The Historic Dockyard Chatham, a free main meal and drink for four people, a goody bag of enchanted gifts, and your winning artwork to be put on display. For the chance to win, draw a picture of a magical garden or butterfly and send it to the address or email below.

Primary Times is giving away a family ticket for 4 to see Billionaire Boy at the Orchard Theatre on opening night, Wednesday 13 November at 7pm, together with a signed programme. For the chance to win, just answer this question, ‘Who is the main character in David Walliams’s Billionaire Boy?’ To enter, see details below.

Win a Visit to your School from Dancer, Prancer and Baby Blitzten The Reindeer Centre is offering an exciting opportunity to win a half day visit to your school on any day between Monday 16 and Friday 20 December. They will attend with Dancer, Prancer and Baby Blitzen, the 6 month old baby reindeer. A 12ft x 12ft square white picket fence and ground sheet, covered with straw as bedding, feed and water for the reindeer and a gazebo covering will be provided and can be erected by their team in minutes. Experienced handlers, dressed in traditional Sami costume, will remain with the reindeer throughout the whole of the event and will be on hand to answer the children’s questions and to provide interesting reindeer facts. The Reindeer Centre will also bring a static Santa Sleigh for the children to enjoy sitting in, whilst their parents or the school’s own photographer takes pictures. During the visit they will be delighted for classes to come out one or two at a time and will give a talk to the children about the reindeer. They will even stay for a few hours for a school fair or event afterwards if required. Please note that no prize can be awarded without prior agreement from the school. Only pupils at Kent and Medway schools are eligible to enter. The Reindeer Centre at Capralama Farm near Ashford is a fun day out for everyone. It comes into its own in the run up to Christmas when Father Christmas and his elves take up residence in the Christmas grotto. To find out more visit www.reindeercentre.co.uk

To be in with a chance of winning this amazing prize, all you need to do is complete the word search. Then fill out the form with your details and send them both to the address below. Or scan a copy of your completed form and email it to us.

H O O F G S P

R E L T N A R

E H J O R M U

D G W S E T D

N I H A E S O

O E N N D I L

S L V T N R F

E S M A I H R

E R T N E C G

S T O R R A C

Find the following words Reindeer, Centre, Antler, Christmas, RedNose, Hoof, Snow, Carrots, Sleigh, Santa, Rudolf

Name.................................................................. Age..................................................................... Address............................................................... ........................................................................... ........................................................................... School.................................................................

To enter any of the competitions send your answer along with your name, age, school, address and phone number to Primary Times, 7 Southbrook Mews, London, SE12 8LG. Don’t forget to include the name of the competition. Alternatively email your answer and details to competitions@primarytimes.biz with the competition name as the subject by Friday 27 September 2019. If you are entering more than one competition you can put all entries in the same envelope.

2 Sept - 13 Oct ‘19

Family Travel Ideas Drifters Waterway Holidays Drifters Waterway Holidays offer 550 narrowboats for hire from 45 bases across England, Wales and Scotland. Canal boat holidays are great for families, offering the chance to set off together on an adventure afloat, learning how to steer the boat, work the locks, enjoying traffic-free towpaths, waterside attractions and watching out for wildlife along the way. A canal boat holiday is a great way to enjoy the splendid colours of autumn in the hedgerows and trees that line the waterways, as they are dramatically mirrored in the water. There’s plenty of wildlife to spot along the way as well as foraging opportunities - apples, blackberries, sweet chestnuts, rosehips, elderberries, damsons and sloes all make fabulous ingredients for fresh fruit crumbles and drinks on board. Why not amble along the Ashby to Snarestone and back on a week’s holiday from Drifters canal boat hire base at Braunston. Canal boat holiday-makers can travel to the pretty village of Snarestone and back, travelling a total of 47 miles, passing through eight locks and taking around 32 hours. This largely rural route takes boaters up the North Oxford Canal to Rugby and on to Hawkesbury Junction to join the Coventry Canal. Five miles later, boaters can transfer onto the peaceful lock-free Ashbury Canal, which winds peacefully through countryside for almost the whole of its 22-mile length. From Carlton Bridge to Snarestone, the canal is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Along the way, boaters pass close to Market Bosworth and the site of the Battle of Bosworth Field. There in 1485 the reign of Richard III ended and Henry Tudor became Henry VII, the first of the Tudor monarchs. A canal boat holiday is the perfect way to welcome in the Autumn. Drifters advise that the best age for children to enjoy a canal boat holiday is from ages 7 up. For more information, please visit drifters.co.uk.

Halloween at LEGOLAND® Billund Resort, Denmark LEGOLAND Billund Resort in Denmark is a great destination for a family friendly holiday. Combine four great places in one holiday that is exciting for kids and their families. Billund is the home of the original LEGOLAND amusement park, where kids can explore a world made of LEGO bricks with lots of cool activities and amusements. At the newly opened LEGOLAND Castle Hotel, you can even stay in the fairy tale themed room – from the princess’s royal chamber to the knight’s living room. LEGO House is the new experience house ﬁlled with 25 million LEGO bricks ready to be turned into creative constructions. It is an inspiring place for LEGO fans of all ages. The waterpark Lalandia is Scandinavia’s biggest aquadome, where you can have fun in the wave pool and water slides and simply relax in the tropical lagoon. Lastly, the Givskud Zoo lets you experience exotic animals such as lions, giraffes and rhinos up close.You can head out on a guided safari, learn about the animals and experience the wild life by the bonﬁre. The four places are located close to each other and are easy to access from the UK with direct routes to Billund Airport from London, Manchester and Edinburgh. Halloween is taken very serious at LEGOLAND. Join them for some eerily scary days when they open the doors for LEGOLAND Halloween. The

2 Sept - 13 Oct ‘19

Kent Wildlife Stays with Mulberry Cottages

Following the film release of Lion King this summer, leading holiday lettings agency Mulberry Cottages is offering for hire a property in Kent where guests can see Simba and Nala in the flesh. Animal enthusiasts can watch wildlife roam free and let a lion’s roar be their alarm clock, at this unique property overlooking the Kentish ‘savannah’. Amur Tiger Lodge in Smarden, Kent sleeps two people. For a truly unforgettable experience, spend the night in this African style lodge amongst 50 beautiful endangered cats. Amur Tiger Lodge is set in 32 acres of grassland within The Big Cat Sanctuary in the Kent countryside. The peace and tranquillity of the site provides a sanctuary and excellent conditions for the successful breeding of the endangered cats. The sanctuary is run by the Wildlife Heritage Foundation and offers a unique experience in Kent. Arrive at 2.30pm for afternoon tea with a glass of prosecco in the Heritage Lodge Welcome Centre overlooking the tigers and lions, followed by a VIP tour with one of the keepers where you will be able to meet the wonderful cats. After freshening up in your lodge, enjoy a complimentary pre-dinner drink and an evening meal in the Heritage Lodge Conservatory overlooking the African lions. They are so close it feels like they are literally walking past your table. A peaceful night’s sleep will follow while you are surrounded by some of the world’s most magnificent predators. The next day you will wake to the roar of the lions. Breakfast will be served in the Heritage Lodge Conservatory followed by a walk on the wild side with one of the keepers.Your morning tour includes a hand feed of one of the cats and concludes at approximately 11am with a visit to the gift shop. This is a unique, worthwhile and wonderful wildlife experience in the heart of Kent. Prices start from £2290 for three nights or £5590 for seven nights. For more information, please visit www.mulberrycottages.com.

park is decorated with fun Halloween details and thousands of pumpkins. From 6 - 26 October, be spooked as the park is taken over by scary creatures that create creepiness in every nook.Visit them in the Brick or Treat Houses, meet them in the park and at the Halloween activities. Or from 12 – 19 and 26 October, see Halloween by night. It becomes a little extra creepy, when darkness falls, and the ﬁne details are given extra ambience from the many lights in the park. Try out several of the park’s rides in the dark, get scared witless in Ghost - The Haunted House, and complete the evening with the most amazing Halloween ﬁreworks when the park stays open late. For more information, please visit www.legoland. dk/en.

October Half-Term Skiing Yes you can ski at half term! Skiing specialist, Zenith Holidays, are offering family October half term holidays in Stubai in Austria which offers a snow guarantee from October all the way through to June thanks to its glacier location. With 1,450 hectares of terrain, Stubai claims to be ‘the biggest glacier resort in Austria’ and is home to 35 downhill slopes from easy to demanding, with 26 cable cars and lifts, plus the ‘3S Eisgratbahn’ which has a length of 4.7 kilometres and is the longest lift of its kind in the Alps. Accommodation on offer includes Hotel Kindl in the quiet village of Milders close to the glacier, which offers a wealth of facilities including a wellness centre with a pool, sauna, jacuzzi, relaxation area and massage rooms. Prices for a seven-night stay starting on 19 October, are from £751 per adult and £488 per child under 14 years of age and from £299 for youngsters aged under 10 years. This price is based on two adults and two children sharing a family room and includes airport transfers, halfboard accommodation and complimentary bus travel to the glacier. Flights are not included but Zenith is happy to advise on options. Call 0203 137 7678 or visit www.zenithholidays.co.uk for more information.

Lower Mill Estate – Pumpkin Flotilla The Lower Mill Estate, located in the Cotswolds, is a true jewel in the patchwork quilt landscape of England.The lakeside nature reserve is comprised of eight lakes, two rivers and miles of walking trails. Formerly the site of a derelict quarry, Lower Mill Estate is now a stunning space that celebrates unspoiled nature, beautiful wildlife and everything the great outdoors has to offer. Its woodlands and hedgerows are home to a diverse range of native wildlife. For families looking for the ultimate Halloween half term break, Lower Mill Estate is the place to be. On 31 October, 200 grimacing glowing pumpkins will set sail on The Cotswolds’ one and only Pumpkin Flotilla.The morning will be spent in the witch’s hat tepee with its pumpkin carving, face painting and Halloween crafts. Come the evening, guests will be invited to toast marshmallows on the firepits, sip on hot drinks and admire their creations floating on Somerford Lagoon, shrouded by an eerie mist and illuminated by candlelight. For the brave explorers, the evening can be topped off with an Into the Wild nature walk at dusk - it’s the perfect opportunity to spot Lower Mill Estate’s beavers, owls and other nocturnal beasts. The Estate has a range of properties sleeping four to 12 guests available for four nights from 28 October to 1 November. A stay in three bedroom Ewen House is £902 for four nights.The pumpkin flotilla experience is free to all guests of Lower Mill Estate with an optional donation to Dreamflight.The Into the Wild walk is £15 per person. For more information, please visit www.habitatescapes.com or call 01285 869 489.

Win a Parc Asterix Short Break Parc Asterix, close to Paris and just a two hour drive from Calais, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. A new Asterix film was released this August, so a trip to the park couldn’t come at a more exciting time! It has a combination of 47 attractions, rides, performances and interactive shows set in 6 worlds (Gaul, the Roman Empire, Ancient Greece, the Vikings, Travel Through Time and Egypt). You can expect historical and magical discoveries, laughter and thrills for all the family. To celebrate the anniversary, the park has recently opened its second hotel, La Cité Suspendue, a village of wooden cabins on stilts spread across the forest by the park’s gate, as well as two new attractions - Attention Menhir!, a fully immersive 4D cinema complete with smells, water, wind and more and L’Aventure Asterix, an interactive circuit taking visitors through the comic book’s creative process as well as a drawing workshop. In the autumn, Park Asterix will celebrate Halloween when the park is transformed into a street show of monsters and terrifying creatures. In the winter, they will celebrate Christmas with special decorations, a Christmas market, an ice skating rink and an ice maze. For more information visit www.parcasterix.fr

Primary Times has a prize for a family of four, which includes a 2 night stay at one of the park’s on-site hotels, as well as a 2 day park pass, to give away to one lucky reader. (Travel to Parc Asterix is not included in the prize.) To be in with a chance of winning this amazing prize, all you need to do is complete the word search. Then fill out the form with your details and send them both to Parc Asterix 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 ‘Parc Asterix Competition’ as the subject by Friday 27 September. T A H R I H N E M B

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Find the following words Parc, Asterix, Menhir, Ride, Gauls, Trip, Time, Hat, Coasters, Romus Name Age ......................................................................... Address .................................................................. ................................................................................ ................................................................................ School.....................................................................

2 Sept - 13 Oct ‘19

What’s On

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

September Sun 8 Sep

Woodland Craft Activity Day, Bough Beech, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN14 6LD

2-4pm. Try your hand at country crafts - hurdle and mallet making, wattle and daub, besom brooms, charcoal making and more in a Country Fayre atmosphere with folk musicians, refreshments, games, crafts and activities for all ages. For more details visit www.kentwildlifetrust. org.uk

Open House, The Orchard Theatre, Dartford, DA1 1ED

10am-2pm. Join in for a fun-filled morning as the Orchard Theatre lift the curtain on the exciting world of theatre. Activities will include backstage tours, demonstrations, creative workshops, arts and crafts. For more details and to book visit www.orchardtheatre.co.uk

Margate Momento, Turner Contemporary, Margate, CT9 1HG 1-4pm. Join the Turner’s Navigators and create your own momento inspired by what you’ve seen in Margate, or be inspired by the images in the exhibition. Drop-in event. For more details visit www. turnercontemporary.org

Solley’s Sundae, Solleys Ice Cream Parlour and Farm, Ripple nr Deal, CT14 8JL

11am-5.30pm. There will be music from local bands and musicians, face painting, a local food and drink market, activities for the kids, tractor rides, farm trail and of course as much Solley’s Ice Cream as you can eat. Book tickets on 01304 374 100. For more details visit www. solleysicecream.co.uk

Ford Power Live, Brands Hatch Circuit, Longfield, DA3 8NG With classics to brand new models, from US legends to European icons every Ford imaginable is welcomed and celebrated. 2019 sees an exciting new chapter with the event moving to Brands Hatch. Under 13s admitted free. To book visit www.brandshatch. co.uk

Our listings are prepared a long time in advance. To make sure you have the latest details do contact the event nearer the time to make sure they haven’t changed 36

2 Sept - 13 Oct ‘19

County and Food Festival, Chiddingstone Castle, TN8 7AD

11am-5pm.You are invited to enjoy a fabulous family day with country sports, food, drink and shopping. Enjoy a fun dog show, terrier racing and country displays. For more details visit www.chiddingstonecastle. org.uk

Kent Classic Car Show, Aylesford Priory, ME20 7BX

10am-4pm. An opportunity for classic car enthusiasts to meet and display their cars. Under 16s admitted free. For more details visit www. kentsclassiccarshow.co.uk

Dog Show and BBQ, Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RR

12noon. Experience the classic family show with fun classes for dogs of all abilities. For more details visit www. riverhillgardens.co.uk

Birdwatching for Beginners, RSPB Dungeness, Lydd, TN29 9PN

2-4pm. Love birds but want to know more about them? Then go along on a walk around the reserve with a friendly guide with expert knowledge on all things feathery. Booking is essential. Charges apply. For more details and to book visit www.rspb. org/PTDun

“

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

”

Bat Walk, Bough Beech, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN14 6LD

7pm. After an introduction in the barn, with a chance to see a live bat, go for a walk around the farm fields and meadows looking out for bats and other night creatures. Bat detectors will be provided. Book on 01732 355 080. For more details visit www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

Heritage Open Days: Archives Visit, Canterbury Cathedral, CT1 2EH

2-4pm.Visits will focus on the medieval monastic archives of the Cathedral which are inscribed on the UK Memory of the World Register, as part of events to mark the 30th anniversary of the Canterbury World Heritage Site. For more details visit www.canterbury-cathedral.org

Outdoor Cinema: Christopher Robin, Knole, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RP Doors open at 6.30pm. The film starts at 7.30pm. Enjoy a fantastic film in a historic location and see Christopher Robin on the big screen at Knole. Booking is required. For more details visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/knole

Sun 8 – Sun 29 Sep

Fri 13 – Sun 15 Sep

(Sundays only) 2-5pm.Visit Herne Mill, a Kentish smock windmill dating from 1789, on one of the open days. It is Grade I listed and is owned by Kent County Council and cared for by the Friends of Herne Mill. Under 16s go free. For more details visit www.herne-mill.btik.com

A fun-filled weekend featuring classic VW’s held at The Hop Farm. Bringing you all the best things you enjoy from a traditional car show but with a more chilled-out vibe, plenty of good food, good conversation and good rides. For more details and to book visit www.thehopfarm.co.uk

Sun 8 Sep – Sun 20 Oct

Faversham Food Festival, Various Locations

Open Days, Herne Mill, CT6 7DR

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

Fri 13 Sep

Astronomy Evening, Bore Place, Chiddingstone, TN8 7AR 7-9pm. Join the Edenbridge and District Astronomers for an evening looking at the night sky in the farmyard. Ages 11+. Charges apply. For more details and to book visit www.boreplace.org

Grill n Chill, The Hop Farm, Tonbridge, TN12 6PY

This festival brings together community groups, food producers, retailers, restaurants and cafes to share enjoyment of local food and beverage with fellow residents and guests. For more details visit www. favershamfoodfestival.co.uk

Sat 14 Sep

Kenardington to Warehorne Walk, Various Locations

2-4.30pm. An easy walk led by Ian Woods, Local Group member, from Kenardington Canal Bridge to Warehorne Village. Return via farm land to Kenardington Church to look at lichen on gravestones. Book on 01233 645 279. For more details visit www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

Tree Climbing, Kearsney Abbey, Dover, CT16 3EE

10am-5pm. Climb high into the tree canopy and see the park from a different perspective.You’ll be

supervised by an instructor, fitted with a harness and helmet, and always securely attached to a safety line. Ages 6+. For more details and to book visit www.bigtreeclimbing.co.uk

Craft and Gift Fair, Alexandra Centre, Faversham, ME13 8NZ

10am-3pm. An opportunity to browse a selection of stalls offering unique handmade craft and gift items. Entry is free, and the Alexander Centre’s pop-up tearoom will be open. For more details visit www. thealexandercentre.com

Meet Fireman Sam, Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway, TN28 8PL Go along and see Fireman Sam at intervals on each day. Pre-booking is essential for VIP departures at 9.40am, 10.40am, 11.40am and 12.40pm. For more details and to book visit www.rhdr.org.uk

Hop Hoodening Service, Canterbury Cathedral, CT1 2EH 11am-12.30pm. Bless the Hops with Morris Men and country dancers to celebrate the annual Hop Hoodening Festival, plus dancing in the Precints following the service. For more details visit www.canterburycathedral.org

Dog Jog Maidstone, Mote Park, Maidstone, ME15 7RN

2-4pm. A fantastic opportunity for you and your canine companion to get fit and have some fun with other like-minded dog owners in the local area. Go along and be a part of it and help raise funds for Heart of Kent Hospice. For more details visit www. hokh.org

Outdoor Cinema: Cinderella (2015), Knole, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RP Doors open at 6.30pm. The film starts at 7.30pm. Enjoy a fantastic film in a historic location and see Cinderella on the big screen at Knole. Booking is required. For more details visit www.nationaltrust.org. uk/knole

Sat 14 – Sun 15 Sep

Heritage Open Days, Crampton Tower Museum, Broadstairs, CT10 2AB

Enjoy free admission to the museum 2-5pm. There will also be a series of 30-minute talks in the Hall regarding the Life & Achievements of Thomas Russell Crampton at 2pm, 2.45pm, 3.30pm and 4.15pm. Admission by donation. For more details visit www. cramptontower.co.uk

Paws in the Park Autumn Show, The Kent Showground, Detling, ME14 3JF 9.30am-5pm. A celebration of dogs, with everything and anything doggy on the schedule. Lots of activities including Terrier Racing, Agility, Cani X, Frisbee and Flyball. It’s a pawfect day out with the kids too. For more details and to book visit www. pawsinthepark.net

For lots more What’s On ideas see page 38...

Lapland This holiday is operated by Newmarket Holidays Ltd - ABTA V7812 ATOL 2325

Santa Experience Day Trip

Fly direct from your local airport to a still, white wilderness high above the Arctic Circle, where amongst the snowy forests, in a land inhabited by the ancient Sami people, with their husky dogs and herds of reindeer, as children of all ages know, there also lives, hidden from view, a Very Special Person.

Deposit £99pp Flying from London Gatwick 1 December 2019

From £599 per adult £519 per child

Your Lapland Day Break price includes: · Return flights to Pajala in Swedish Lapland, North of the Arctic Circle · Search for Santa experience · Private Santa Meeting · A child’s token gift · Snowmobile Adventure · Reindeer Sleigh Ride · Husky Dog Experience

· Tobogganing, snowballing and snowman-making · Thermal Clothing · Lunch · In-flight catering · Return airport transfers to Santa’s Village · A Perfect Family Memory

See more details of this and other great offers at www.newmarketholidays.co.uk/ptm For further information, to book or to request a brochure please call

0330 160 7927 and quote PTM

What’s On

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

September Sat 14 – Thurs 19 Sep Festival of Flowers, Leeds Castle, ME14 1LH

Celebrate Leeds Castle’s 900th anniversary with a spectacular floral party throughout the principal Castle rooms – fun for the whole family. For more details and to book visit www. leeds-castle.com

Sat 14 – Sat 21 Sep

Sandwich Arts Week, Various Locations in CT13

A week long exhibition of over 40 local artists in St Peter’s church and in addition at various locations around the Town Trail. The exhibition opens with a welcome evening including a glass of wine and an opportunity to meet the artists on Saturday evening.Visit www. sandwichevents.org.uk

Sun 15 Sep

Macmillan Concert Band, Tonbridge Castle, TN9 1BG

Join in for live music on Tonbridge Castle’s lawn from 3pm-5pm. Admission to this event is free of charge. For more details visit www. tonbridgecastle.org

Apple Sunday, Mount Ephraim Gardens, Faversham, ME13 9TX 11am-5pm. Enjoy apple tours and tastings, live music from Cloud Nine Jazz on the terrace, Birds of Prey displays and more. Charges apply. For more details visit www. mountephraimgardens.co.uk

Tues 17 Sep – Sat 29 Feb

Woolly Watery World, Maidstone Museum, ME14 1LH (Selected dates) Go along to see this ‘undersea’ art display, from an octopus to a seahorse and a chalk reef, has been knitted and crocheted by Kent Wildlife Trust’s volunteers and staff members as part of their ‘Guardians of the Deep’ project. For more details visit www.museum. maidstone.gov.uk

Wed 18 Sep

Wader Walk, RSPB Dungeness, Lydd, TN29 9PN

10.30am-12.30pm. September is the time where wading birds of all kinds stop and feed at Dungeness on passage to their wintering grounds. Join a friendly and knowledgeable guide on a walk around the reserve. Booking is essential. Charges apply. To book visit www.rspb.org/PTDun

Fri 20 Sep

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Rochester Castle, ME1 1SW Film starts 7.30pm. Go along and watch a screening of this family favourite in the great outdoors

2 Sept - 13 Oct ‘19

with the Luna Cinema. Take along something to sit on. For more details and to book tickets visit www. thelunacinema.com

Twilight Walk, Cyclopark, Gravesend, DA11 7NP

Registration opens at 6pm and the Walk starts at 7pm. Take park in the Twilight Walk either along the 8km or 12km route to raise vital funds for families facing terminal illness. For more information and to sign up visit www.ellenor.org

Bat Walk, Bore Place, Chiddingstone, TN8 7AR

6.30-8.30pm.You’ll be guided on a night walk using bat detectors to listen out for bats as they leave their roosts and fly out to catch insects. You may even spot some deer or hares. Ages 5+. Charges apply. For more details and to book visit www. boreplace.org

A Night to Shine: Ashford, Julie Rose Stadium, TN24 9QX

Come together for a special night of fun, fitness and memory-making with a 3 mile or 6-mile sponsored walk for Pilgrims Hospices. Help raise vital funds for local hospice care. For more details and to register visit www.pilgrimshospices.org

A Night to Shine: Broadstairs, The Pavilion, CT10 1EU

A Night to Shine: Canterbury College, CT1 3AJ

Sat 21 Sep

HSCC Historic Car Championships, Brands Hatch Circuit, Longfield, DA3 8NG

Classic Formula 3 headlines this historic meeting along with a race for Ford Escorts, who have been invited back by the club to repeat their races

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

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

”

from 2018. Under 13s admitted free. For more details visit www.hscc. org.uk

Orchard Day, Smallhythe Place, Tenterden, TN30 7NG

11am-4pm. Get the family together and enjoy the outdoors as you enjoy this annual celebration of Kent’s produce. With garden tours, historic talks, stalls, demonstrations and a variety of activities, there is something for everyone to taste and get involved in. For details visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/smallhythe-place

Building Shelters, Hosey Common, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN16 1PL

10.30am or 1.30pm. Have fun outdoors with your family in beautiful woodland where you’ll be learning how to make a shelter using natural materials, tarps, tents and how to use knots. Book on 01622 662 012. For more details visit www. kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

Bookbag Blessing Service, Canterbury Cathedral, CT1 2EH 11.30am. A 30-minute family-friendly Service to celebrate a new chapter in your child’s learning journey at the start of the school year. All ages welcomed to this free event. Take along your bookbags, backpacks, and briefcases for blessing. For more details visit www.canterburycathedral.org

Boot and Autumn Fayre at Park House Animal Sanctuary, Stelling Minnis, CT4 6AN Boot fair from 8am, entertainment from 11am including Scotty’s Circus Workshop and live music from the City of Canterbury Brass Band and ‘The Breeze’. Face painting, tombola, hot and cold refreshments and more. For more details visit www. lordwhisky.co.uk

Textile Terrorism, Block 67, Folkestone, CT20 1BN

11am. Make up your own family motto about saving the planet and glue these on to make eye-catching banners that you can hang in your windows during the festival. To book visit www.creativefolkestone.org.uk

Sat 21 - Sun 22 Sep

Day Out with Thomas, Kent & East Sussex Railway, Tenterden, TN30 6HE

Take a ride behind Thomas, meet The Fat Controller and say hello to Sodor Station Sweepers Rusty and Dusty. You can also watch re-enactments of classic Thomas stories, join Rusty and Dusty’s storytelling and Balloon Modelling and lots more. To book visit www.kesr.org.uk

Salute to the 40s, The Historic Dockyard, Chatham, ME4 4TE

There will be vintage vehicle parades, live music and entertainment, hundreds of re-enactors, live displays, air raid experiences, plus the galleries and exhibitions will be open too. For more details and to buy tickets visit thedockyard.co.uk

Mexican Celebration Weekend presents Cactus World Live, Lullingstone Castle, Eynsford, DA4 0JA

11am-5pm.There will be a cactus show, plants for sale from leading nurseries, a variety of stalls and children’s attractions, as well as authentic Mexican food and music from a Mariachi band. Charges apply. Children under 15 go free. For more details visit www.lullingstonecastle.co.uk

Sun 22 Sep

Circumference Circus: Seed, Amphitheatre, Lower Leas Coastal Park, Folkestone, CT20 2EX

1-4pm. A renewable spectacle for the whole family, a positive vision for a greener future featuring aerialists, acrobats and live music. Enjoy some outdoor circus fun; take a plant or a small disposable object to incorporate into the growing installation. To book visit www. creativefolkestone.org.uk

Heart of Kent Hospice Cyclo Sportive, East Malling Research Centre, ME19 6BJ

A fundraiser for all in the beautiful Kent countryside. Under 18s are welcome as long as accompanied by a parent or guardian. For more details and to sign up visit www.hokh.org

Much Ado About Nothing, Smallhythe Place, Tenterden, TN30 7NG

7.30-9.30pm. The Three Inch Fools, a five-strong troupe of actors with all manner of musical instruments, present an inventive take on Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. Suitable for all ages. Charges apply. For more details visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/smallhythe-place

Tues 24 Sep

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Themed Afternoon Tea – We are Beams, Hextable, BR8 7RJ Treat yourself to an afternoon of delicious food and join in a raffle and themed quiz. Places are limited so book early to avoid disappointment. All funds go direct to We are Beams, a local charity supporting disabled children and their families. For more details and to book call 01322 668 501 x5 or email fundraising@ wearebeams.org.uk

Fri 27 – Sun 29 Sep

Canterbury Food Festival, Dane John Gardens, CT1 2RN

Enjoy the biggest celebration of food, drink and culture in Kent. There is fun to be had for all the family with

For lots more What’s On ideas see page 40...

lown’s Party for Pigs Word Search D B N T P J V S H O

F R B R I M J O M M

Y I Z O N D G N T R

T S S T SW T T K S N V I P O H N U M P

G L I E O K L D R I

I E N R W H B G G G

P C E S B A O D L L

S N O U T R A O B E

T A O H S T G I L T

Can you find all these words in the word search? Pig, Trotters, Oink, Sow, Shoat Pink Mudbath, Swine, Snout, Grunt, Pigsty, Piglet, Gilt, Omnivore, Hog, Boar, Bristle

Spot the Difference In Picture B there is a branch missing, the roof ridge tiles are white, the wolf has an extra eye, the hammer has been replaced with a screwdriver and there is a sun there. How many Pigs do you see? 12

Katie

A n s w e r s

Spot 5 Differences

A What do you call a pig who does karate? Porkchop!

How do pigs write top secret messages? With invisible oink!

What do you call a pig thief?

What is a pig’s favourite colour?

A hamburglar!

Ma-hog-any!

Can you draw a picture or write a poem about anything to do with your favourite farm animal.

Why should you never tell a pig a secret? Because they love to squeal!

What do you call it when you cross a dinosaur and a pig? Jurassic pork!

Send it to us to have a chance of winning a Primary Times Tee Shirt AND seeing your prize winning entry published in the next Primary Times! Categories: ages 4-7 and 8-11 Name: Age: Address:

Postcode: School:

Send your entry together with this completed form to:

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

competitions@primarytimes.biz

Closing date 27 September 2019. Good Luck! Follow us on Twitter - @PT_Kent

2 Sept - 13 Oct ‘19

What’s On

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

September live music including DJs, bands and buskers as well as a poet’s corner. The kids’ field is a dedicated space for the little ones. For more details visit www.eatdrinkseek.co.uk

Sat 28 Sep

The Edge of the Night Adventure and Mothing, Samphire Hoe Education Shelter, CT17 9FL

7pm. Join in a dusk walk around the Hoe and see what is attracted to the moth traps. Take along a torch. Donations appreciated. For more details visit www. whitecliffscountryside.org.uk

Afternoon Tea, Spa Valley Railway, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 5QY

(Also 12 Oct) Experience a traditional English pastime of Afternoon Tea but this time hauled by one of the railway’s steam and/or Heritage Diesel locomotives, this is the way to spend an afternoon out in style. For more details and to book visit www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk

Apple and Orchard Day, Ightham Mote, Sevenoaks, TN15 0NT

10am-4pm. Celebrate the bounty from the garden of England with apple tasting and stalls. Booking not needed. Free event, admission applies. For more details visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/ightham-mote

Sat 28 – Sun 29 Sep

Caterham Finals Race Weekend, Brands Hatch Circuit, Longfield, DA3 8NG

The BRSCC head back to the famous Kent circuit this weekend for another

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

Guardians of the Planet: How to be an Eco-Hero Written by award-winning author Clive Gifford and illustrated by wildlife artist Jonathan Woodward, who specialises in a cut-paper collage style using recycled materials, Guardians of the Planet: How to be an Eco-Hero is printed in full colour using special environmentally-friendly waterless inks on FSC paper. It will include a foreword by ClientEarth trustee Brian Eno. Through a mix of compelling facts, creative activities and proactive tips, each chapter of the book focuses on a particular area of the environment, inspiring children to engage with environmental issues in everyday situations. From reusing clothes and composting food to reducing water waste and giving wildlife a helping hand, the unique ‘Guardian’ theme of the book provides everything a child needs to protect particular areas of the environment. For example, readers can find out how to care for the oceans as a ‘Keeper of the Coast’, plant trees as a ‘Friend of the Forests’ and learn all about recycling as a ‘Home Hero’. Guardians of the Planet: How to be an Eco-Hero by Clive Gifford and Jonathan Woodward is published by Buster Books on 26 September. All royalties from the sale of the book will be donated to ClientEarth, an environmental charity run by lawyers to protect the planet’s ecosystems and people. 40

2 Sept - 13 Oct ‘19

“

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

”

exciting club meeting. Under 13s are admitted free. For more details and to book visit www.brandshatch.co.uk

Gala, The Sittingbourne & Kemsley Light Railway, ME10 2XD

Go along to enjoy the railway’s annual End of Season Gala Weekend. For more details and to see the highlights of this year’s event visit www.sklr.net

Sun 29 Sep

Breakfast with the Moths, Samphire Hoe Education Shelter, CT17 9FL

10am. Go along and see the results from the overnight moth trapping. Donations appreciated. For more details visit www. whitecliffscountryside.org.uk

Toys and Collectables Sale, Crampton Tower Museum, Broadstairs, CT10 2AB

10am-4pm. Admission to sale by donation. To book a Sales table call 01843 601 091. The museum will also be open 2-5pm. For more details visit www.cramptontower.co.uk

October

Thurs 3 Oct

National Poetry Day, Nationwide

Join in the fun in this UK-wide celebration of poetry. This year marks National Poetry Day’s 25th anniversary and the theme will be Truth. The day generates thousands of amazing events across the UK in a variety of venues. For more details and to sign up visit www. nationalpoetryday.co.uk

Thurs 3 – Sun 6 Oct

Tenterden Folk Festival, Various Locations and Venues A four day celebration of folk song, music, dance, craft and traditions. Charges apply. For more details visit www.tenterdenfolkfestival.org.uk

Fri 4 Oct

‘Now, the Physics of Time’, Monkton Nature Reserve, nr Ramsgate, CT12 4LH

7pm. When we look at the stars we are looking back in time, so can there be any meaning to ‘now’? What happens to time near a black hole? As part of the Margate NOW festival, John Hislop will be giving a talk on ‘Now, the physics of time’. To book call 01843 822 666.

Fri 4 – Sun 6 Oct

Broadstairs Food Festival, Victoria Gardens, CT10 1QL

A much loved celebration of delicious regional food and drink, demonstrations and workshops fun for all the family. The event is a foodies’ heaven, celebrating the very best food and drink in and around Kent. To book visit www. broadstairsfoodfestival.org.uk

Sat 5 Oct

From 1 Oct

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

Tues 1 – Thurs 31 Oct

House Timed Tickets: October, Chartwell, Westerham, TN16 1PS You can pre-book afternoon tickets for the house online up until 24 hours in advance. All e-tickets should be exchanged at the visitor welcome centre for a house ticket. Children are welcome. Booking is essential. Admission applies. For more details visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ chartwell

Wed 2 – Thurs 31 Oct

Dog Show and BBQ, Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RR

(Excl Mondays and Tuesdays) 10.30am-5pm. For the first time ever, thanks to the longer season, enjoy Riverhill’s stunning Autumn Colours in the Wood Garden. Find the brightest leaf and the biggest sweet chestnut. For more details visit www. riverhillgardens.co.uk

International Observe the Moon Night, Monkton Nature Reserve, nr Ramsgate, CT12 4LH

7pm. As part of the International Observe the Moon Night you will be looking at the Moon through the telescope, as well as Jupiter and Saturn, both of which should also be visible. There will also be fun activities for all ages. For more details visit www.monkton-reserve.org

With Map and Musket, Quebec House, Westerham, TN16 1TD

1-4pm. Bring history to life with an historic re-enactment. Join an eighteenth century surveyor as he explains how map makers played a key role in the Quebec campaign. Children are welcome. Free event, admission applies. For more details visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ quebechouse

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

For lots more What’s On ideas see page 42...

t ’ a s h N ew W Almost an Animal Alphabet

From anteaters and bears, to yetis and zebras, Almost an Animal Alphabet is a charming and beautifully illustrated animal alphabet book that takes children on a journey all the way from A to Z (well, almost...).There are actually 21 animals, 1 extinct animal, 3 non-animals (for N, U, and X), and 1 imaginary animal! It’s a lovely book and of course it’s educational while being fun and really very funny as well. Almost an Animal Alphabet is written and illustrated by Katie Viggers. It’s published in hardback by Laurence King books on 16 September at a price of £11.99.

Madlug Bags – Give Dignity to Children in Care Madlug, the backpack that everyone is talking about, is an award-winning bag brand that helps you give dignity to children in care. It’s your perfect everyday backpack for school. Every time you purchase a bag from Madlug, they give a bag to a child in the care system. The smaller version of the classic backpack measures 28x38x19cm or 15 litres, and is made of 600D durable fabric. It is suitable for ages 3+. Kids’ backpacks start from £27.50. For more information, please visit www.madlug.com.

Become a Master Detective

Treat inquisitive children to the thrill of forensics this autumn with the Three Detectives Range from Thames and Kosmos. For those seriously committed to their surveillance work, the Master Detective Toolkit will keep them entertained. In this sturdy black briefcase of investigative tools, there’s everything you need to learn about how real detectives use forensic science to answer questions, gather evidence and solve crimes. It also allows users to experiment with the equipment and techniques used by detectives to develop their own observation and problem-solving skills. The Master Detective Toolkit starts from £36 and is available online and from Smyths. For more information, please visit www.thamesandkosmos.co.uk.

Moccis Hand Sewn Swedish Moccasins

Moccis® are the ﬁrst and only luxury, hand sewn Swedish moccasins to bring fashion, function and fun to adult and children’s indoor footwear worldwide. Moccis are a hybrid of a sock and slipper in one, making them the perfect indoor footwear. They feature a soft leather sole that prevents you from slipping and falling down and are super soft and cosy, yet indestructible.They are ethically produced in Sweden to ensure the highest possible quality and have an invisible support strap so they don’t fall off or lose their shape. Moccis are available for children and adults from £25. For more information, please visit www.moccis.co.uk.

OTL Technologies Bluetooth Headphones

OTL Technologies are back with their ofﬁcially licensed Bluetooth headphones, perfect for your tweens. With 8-10 hours of battery life and a 10 metre range, your children can have total freedom to listen to their favourite movies and music on the move. Plus, with the many different and colourful designs, there will be a set of headphones to suit every child. Using the latest Bluetooth 5.0 chip set, they offer ﬂawless music streaming. Headphones are available from all good high street retailers. For more information, please visit www.otltechnologies.com.

Light Up the Room with Pyropets Introducing PyroPets - light the wick and Voffi the dog will soon become a hot dog. As your candle begins to burn watch as your adorable canine companion’s skeleton reveals itself.Voffi is available in two colours, whether you’re looking for a pop of vibrant berry red, or would rather enjoy the soothing, calming tones of a pastel mint,Voffi is sure to take pride of place in your home. Measuring 7 x 2.7 x 5.9 inches, each candle provides you with a burning time of approximately 15 hours. Made from Paraffin wax, cotton wick and aluminium,Voffi (Mint or Berry) is available to buy online for £27 from eu.54celsius.com.

The Science Experiment Toolbox

The Hape Science Experiment Toolbox allows children to invent and experiment as they explore the basics of physics phenomena and learn how these practices can be used in the real world. Use the tools and parts to conduct each of the six experiments in the Toolbox. As they complete each experiment one by one, children will gain a valuable understanding of basic scientiﬁc principles such as momentum, potential energy and the conservation of energy. The Toolbox contains everything you need to carry out the exciting experiments in this 32 piece set. The Science Experiment Toolbox is available to buy online for £39.95 from www.wickeduncle.co.uk.

What’s On

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

October Drawing To Printmaking, Block 67, Folkestone, CT20 1BN 11am. Make your own unique prints and publications using a combination of hand-drawing and print making. To book visit www.creativefolkestone. org.uk

With fascinating stories attached to each garment, costume tours are an opportunity to discover a rich theatrical history. Charges apply.Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/smallhytheplace

Survival Junior, Betteshanger Park, Deal, CT14 0BF

The junior challenge, especially for fearless 8–15 year olds, will take in some of the epic obstacles on the MY/PT obstacle course, along with a few surprises. Let them earn their bragging rights within a safe outdoor environment. To book visit www. betteshanger-park.co.uk

Costume Tours, Smallhythe Place, Tenterden, TN30 7NG

1.15pm-2pm. Delve into the store for a peek of the costumes once worn by Ellen Terry and her actor friends.

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

“

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

Sat 5 – Sun 6 Oct

”

BMCRC Club Bike Championships, Brands Hatch Circuit, Longfield, DA3 8NG

The British Motorcycle Racing Club is the largest of its type in the UK and organises a myriad of championships. Under 13s are admitted free. For more details and to book visit www.brandshatch.co.uk

Fun Palaces, Nationwide

A weekend campaign promoting community at the heart of culture and culture at the heart of community. From tiny dancers to mad scientists, there is fun for everyone. For more details and to find your local fun palace visit www. funpalaces.co.uk

Sun 6 Oct

Ancient Egypt Adventure Activity Book

“More historical fun to fascinate little Pharaohs and mesmerise your menacing mummies!” Learn about the wonders of Ancient Egypt through completing this spectacular activity book that is both educational and fun. With beautiful illustrations by Jen Alliston, children can be entertained for hours on end. There are even four pages of stickers included so they can customise the book themselves. There are over one-hundred different activities and games, from spot the difference, maths challenges, colouring in and unscrambling secret messages included with so many interactive ways to explore Ancient Egypt. Children can learn about Pharaohs, great gods, hieroglyphics, the afterlife and pyramids whilst completing captivating challenges that are enjoyable and will even make them laugh with Ancient Egyptianthemed jokes. With even more ways to interact, there are DIY-activities that are easy to follow. Make your very own decorated collar, a water clock and even a mummy! This book provides a great introduction to Ancient Egypt that is simple and easy for younger children to follow. The exciting activities mean they can interact and remember what they have learnt whilst developing skills and concentration. Colourful illustrations and lots of jampacked fun will captivate children with the fabulous world of Ancient Egypt. Ancient Egypt Adventure Activity Book is available to buy for £6.99 from www.thegmcgroup.com and other retailers. It is suitable for children aged 4-8. 42

2 Sept - 13 Oct ‘19

Bushcraft for Beginners, Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve and Jeffery Harrison Visitor Centre, TN13 3DH

10.30am-12.30pm. Have you ever wanted to learn how to survive in the great outdoors? How to light a fire without matches? Go along and find out the basics about bushcraft and ignite your inner adventurer. For more details and to book visit www. kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

The FRIENDly Animal Blessing Service, Canterbury Cathedral, CT1 2EH

2pm-3pm. All animals and their families are welcome to join us for the second Animal Blessing Service, with certificates for all pets blessed on the day. For more details visit www.canterbury-cathedral.org

Bird Ringing for Visitors, RSPB Northward Hill, Bromhey Farm, Cooling, ME3 8DS

9-11am. Go along to a public bird ringing demonstration, led by a BTO qualified ringer. Booking is essential. For more information visit www.rspb.org.uk

High Spirits! Family Film Club, 101 Social Club, Margate, CT9 2QY

11am. A morning matinee screening a selection of your favourite cartoons and telefilms from the 70s and 80s. Charges apply. To book visit www. margatefilmfestival.co.uk

Mon 7 Oct

Stories, Shadows and Silent Film, Palace Cinema, Broadstairs, CT10 1NL

11am-12.30pm. In this family workshop, Wall of Sea and Margate Film Festival present an exciting opportunity for parents and children

to explore classic silent short shadow animations. Make your own simple shadow puppets to take home. Ages 6-11. To book visit www. margatefilmfestival.co.uk

Tues 8 – Sun 13 Oct

Zippos Circus, Jacksons Field, City Way, Rochester, ME1 2AB

The new, larger, bigger, better and brilliant Zippos Circus returns to Jacksons Field, Rochester. Charges apply. For more details, timings and to book visit www.zippos.co.uk

Sat 12 – Sun 13 Oct

Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship, Brands Hatch Circuit, Longfield, DA3 8NG

The BTCC is fast, furious, and highly entertaining, and with a full programme of support races too, this is set to be a great day out. Under 13s are admitted free. For more details and to book visit www. brandshatch.co.uk

Heart of Kent Hospice Moonlit Walk, Aylesford, ME20 7PU 8pm-12midnight. Enjoy a night out with a difference with your family and friends. Take on this fun evening 8 mile walk to remember loved ones or to support your local Hospice. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. For more details visit www. hokh.org

Austin Counties Car Rally, Kent & East Sussex Railway, Tenterden, TN30 6HE

Tenterden Town Station will once again welcome the Austin Counties Car Club who will be displaying a selection of popular Austin cars from the 8 h.p. to the A40 Somerset, the last ‘real’ Austin. For more details, timings and to book www.kesr.org.uk

Sat 12 – Sun 27 Oct

Pumpkin Grotto and Pumpkin Hunt, Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RR

(Selected dates) 11am-5pm. Hunt for pumpkins around the garden followed by pumpkin carving in a cosy grotto. Bring your own pumpkin or buy one for sale. For more visit www.riverhillgardens.co.uk

Sun 13 Oct

Festival of Apples, Bough Beech Education Centre Winkhurst Green, TN14 6LD

12noon-4.30pm. Play the bee game, eat freshly cooked apple fritters, squeeze your own juice, take part in apple crafts, create your own apple pig, weave some willow, and much more - all to the sound of our merry folk band. For more details visit www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

Wed 16 Oct

Birding in China, Great Chart Village Hall, Great Chart, Ashford, TN23 3AZ

7.30pm. This talk by Tony Morris showcases some of the colourful birds of Sichuan,Yunnan and Henan

For lots more What’s On ideas see page 46...

Leeds Castle in Kent are celebrating their 900th anniversary this year. More than 700 children from across the country entered incredible stories for their ‘Big 900 Story Writing Challenge’ on the themes of ‘Castles’ and ‘Time Travel’. Local pupil, Theo Nyland was announced as the winner of the younger age category, 5-9 years. His prize included tickets for the Leeds Castle Fireworks Spectacular, a family stay at the Knight’s Glamping and a private tour of the Castle as well as a hamper of goodies. The winners’ stories are available online and will also be buried in the Leeds Castle time capsule. We loved Theo’s story so much, we thought we’d print it so you could all read it.

Thomas’ Time Travelling Adventure One day my family were having a family trip at Leeds Castle. As usual mum had stopped to read one of the ‘interesting’ information panels: 29th June 1930 I am preparing for Lady Baillie’s great party tonight and already the Housekeeper is unhappy with my work. I fear that I might lose my position in the house if I cannot complete my tasks and raise a smile on the Mistress’ face. What will I tell mum if I return home with no job? I feel desperately sad. Maggie The guide managed to pull mum away and finish the tour, but she made a promise to come back to find out what happened to poor Maggie. Just as the castle was about to close down, my mum noticed she had lost her purse. She told me to run and get it, so swiftly I ran through every room checking. When I got to the library, I saw her purse on the window sill but I was distracted by the beautiful clock by the mantelpiece. I stared at it but I realised this was a mistake because both clock hands were spinning anti clock-wise so fast it was a blur. There seemed to be a blue whirlpool and I was about to be sucked up like water in a plug hole. I tried running but it was no use, I was being sucked into it. The next thing I knew I was back in the library. This was not normal. There were maids walking around and servants carrying plates and flowers. One certain maid tripped over my foot. Still uncertain about what was happening, I helped her up and apologised. “The Housekeeper Mrs Jones is going to be really cross with me. I’m so behind with my tasks”, she moaned mournfully. “I can help you”, I suggested. I looked at the girl in front of me, she was wearing a small white hat, a white apron, black dress with long sleeves and black shoes. Her hands were red and sore from all the work she did. “My name is Thomas”, I said. “What’s your name?” and I asked her what she needed to do… “My name is Maggie. Well here are the rules of the castle, you’ll need them.You must stay out of sight of the family. If you are working upstairs and you hear someone coming, disappear. Don’t walk in the garden unless you’re sure everyone in the family is out. No singing, no whistling or talking where the family can hear you. Don’t speak until you’re spoken to and use as few words as you can when you answer. If you’re in the room when the family are having a conversation, pretend you are not listening. If someone tells a joke, keep a straight face and act like a piece of furniture.” I started with lighting the fire in the kitchen and washing the grubby plates and dishes. I was already exhausted. Maggie had

said that Lady Baillie’s special brooch had gone missing and I should try to ﬁnd it. I looked around for an hour but it was nowhere to be seen, so I carried on with my jobs. I had to clean the rest of the utensils in the kitchen and pick, wash and trim the fruit and vegetables. I also had to clean the rest of the house which was taking all day. One of my last jobs was to dust the carpets. As I was dusting, I noticed something shiny under the carpet. It was a brooch made of gold & platinum, encrusted with beautiful jewels and pearls. Very glamourous. I thought of showing it to Maggie, so I went to get her. Just then Maggie bumped into me and I showed her the brooch. She seemed so shocked I couldn’t see her move a muscle. After a while she said it was actually Lady Baillie’s long-lost brooch and if someone found it there would be high rewards. She told me to hand it in to Lady Baillie, but I pleaded with her to do it. Maggie marched off joyfully in the direction of Lady Baillie’s bedroom. I went back to the library because my last job was to clean the book shelves. I saw the same clock as before and studied it again, wishing I could get back to my own time as I was missing my mum. Just then, the hands of the clock started whizzing clockwise and the same blue whirlpool appeared. The next thing I knew, I was back in the library grabbing mum’s purse. I ran back to her. She was back at the board with Maggie’s diary studying the words. It must have been very interesting I thought. She was muttering to herself that a young boy, named Thomas had helped the maid. “Same name as yours Thomas! Listen to this…” 30th June 1930 I can’t believe it! My job is safe and it’s all down to my special friend Thomas. Not only did he help me with all of my tasks, he also found Lady Baillie’s brooch for me. My reward was to be promoted to the kitchens and I am allowed a week off to spend with my mum. I wish I could say thank you to Thomas. Mum said that Thomas must have been a lovely boy. “The best!” I said. Photo credits: Leeds Castle Foundation.

Bookstore

Star Read

Heroes come in all shapes and sizes. You don’t have to possess super powers to help others, as these stories show. If you want to put this to the test, there is a book that shows you how you can be a hero and help save the world from the awful threat of plastic, and it doesn’t take long.

Debbie

Duck and Penguin are NOT Friends

Julia Woolf (Anderson Hb, £12.99) Betty and Maud are best friends. They think their favourite toys, Duck and Penguin, are best friends as well , but they really aren’t, as you can tell by the expressive pictures. When the girls think the toys are playing they are actually fighting. Perhaps a game of itty-bitty babies could be a step too far and unite them. Find out in this very funny, cute picture book. With just a sentence or two on each age it is perfect for beginner readers.

Belinda Brown David McKee (Anderson , £6.99) Belinda loves bananas, in fact they are all she will eat, no matter what time of day, even though they have spoilt a friendship. Having read they were healthy, her father doesn’t care, but Belinda’s eating habit worries Grandma. She fears eating so many bananas would give Belinda a banana shaped body. This worried her as well, so you would think it would make her stop — or could she come up with a different solution? Find out in this really funny picture book with detailed illustrations providing lots to discuss. The story is told in rhyme which will help reluctant or struggling readers.

Evie and the Animals

Matt Haig (Canongate Hb, £12.99) Evie loves animals, which is just as well as she can hear what they are thinking and communicate with them, mind to mind. This special skill runs in her family, but her father was insistent she kept it a secret. This she tries to do until loads of animals go missing and she realises they are in a life or death situation which only her skills can help. It is only when these skills become almost public knowledge she realises she is in terrible danger and why her father wanted them kept secret. This is a thoughtprovoking, exciting adventure story with breathtaking moments. Fair size print, medium length novel.

The Day I Found a Wormhole at the Bottom of the Garden S Tom Mclaughlin (Walker, £6.99) Billy was so keen to discover treasure he was willing to brave the dark, scary end of his garden to search with his metal detector. Imagine his delight when it unearthed a crown. Less delightful was the head attached to it — thankfully attached to a body, but one belonging to a very unamused Queen Victoria. The arrival of Roman soldiers and other historical characters confirms Billy’s suspicions – he has somehow unearthed a wormhole bringing people from the past. How can he resolve the situation? No one can help as no one knows wormholes really exist. It would take a genius to sort this out - but what are the chances of one coming along? It’s all a bit timey wimey, and time is of the essence if a disaster is to be avoided. This is an hilarious, laugh out loud story, you don’t know what madcap plot twist is coming along next. Fair size print and some pictures encourage newly developing readers.

Indicates a book is part of a series

What’s That in Dog Years? Ben Davis (Oxford, £6.99)

Since the day he was born, George has always had a friend in Gizmo. In fact with the break up of his parent’s marriage and his close school friend joining the gang of bullies who torment him, Gizmo has become his best and closest friend, the only one he can really rely on. But while at 14 he is only a year older than George, in dog years that makes him quite old, and George has to come to terms with the fact he won’t have his friend around for ever. Rather than dwell on this, George makes a bucket list for Gizmo determined he will get to do everything on it. Some things are easier to achieve than others and he finds help from an unexpected source. She helps George learn more about his own strengths and value while striving to complete the list. The story is intertwined with chapters from Gizmo’s autobiography telling things from his point of view while filling us in on events shared from George’s past. This is a very poignant, totally absorbing story cleverly mixing happy moments with the sad ones making them bearable. It has an uplifting ending, but I would recommend keeping a tissue, or several, to hand when reading it! Fair size print, full length novel.

My Babysitter is a Robot S Dave Cousins (Stripes, £5.99) All their friends are really jealous to hear twins Jake and Jess are getting a robot as a babysitter - how cool is that? Perhaps less than you might think. It’s been made by their grandmother, an inventor who believes in recycling. This explains the rather unusual looking robot that met them from school wearing grandma’s old coat, dad’s football hat and Barbie roller skates. How to go from cool to embarrassed in one stroke! It would be nice to say after the initial shock things improved, but Robin, as he was called, had been programmed to make sure the twins went for walks; did their homework before anything else and had limited game time. His internet connection gives him unlimited factual knowledge, but doesn’t help him understand emotions, and mayhem ensues. After initially being desperate to get rid of him, the twins are starting to get used to him when everything goes horribly wrong. When he is taken away they realise how much they miss him and hate what has become of him - can they do anything about it? This hilarious story with an endearing robot is the first in a new series that will have you crying with laughter. Fair size print encourages readers onto medium length novels.

Way of the Waves

Janina Ramirez (Oxford, £6.99)

Kids Fight Plastic Martin Dorey (Walker, £7.99) If you have 2 minutes to spare you can become a superhero with the help of this informative book. You don’t need special skills, you aren’t expected to do anything super human, but by doing simple, everyday actions you can help save the planet. This book will show you how. After explaining why plastic is so dangerous, it is divided into 2 minute missions. They get you to fight plastic in your bin, the park, supermarket, wardrobe and other places — 13 missions in all. Earn points by completing the missions and add them up to discover what kind of superhero you are. You can get family and friends involved as well. Good fun for you and good for the environment.

2 Sept - 13 Oct ‘19

Desperate to find out what has happened to her father who has been missing from his raiding party for more than a year, Alva stows away on board a ship going to England with her tame wolf, to search for him. She is greeted with shock and anger when she reveals herself, especially by her uncle who was on board, but as she had anticipated it was too late to turn back. Her uncle forgives her and they finally land at Jorvik which was under the control of a fierce exiled Viking. Here they learn Alva’s father has left to join the Anglo Saxon Queen of Mercia. Following his lead, they too escape going on a perilous journey with a message for the Queen. Once there they discover plots and mysteries to be solved, not least of all what mission Alva’s father is on and where he is. A murder puts them in great danger, can they prove their innocence? Does Alva have enough strength and courage to continue her search? The answers are in this absorbing story that envelops you in the atmosphere of the age. Full length novel interspersed with double page dramatic illustrations which add to the story.

Peril en Pointe - Helen Lipscombe (Chicken House, £6.99) S

Being in disgrace after an incident in a dance competition, which despite not being her fault resulted in her leaving the school, Milly thought her dancing days were over, but more worrying was her mother’s disappearance soon after. She was thrilled and shocked to be invited to join the Swan House School of Ballet, wondering if her mother had set it up. The shocks didn’t stop there as she learned it was a school for spies as well as ballet and there was a connection to her mother. Willow, the girl who had caused her trouble before, was also there holding a grudge and determined to continue making her life a misery. More shocks when it is announced the school will be holding and competing in an important ballet prize with Milly as lead dancer. Knowing she isn’t the best dancer, Milly finds this confusing but is determined to do well when she is told it could help to find her mother. The school is full of conspirators and a mole with plenty of suspects. Milly’s life is threatened, and she isn’t the only one in danger. This is an exciting first story in a new series unusually combing jetes and fouttes with holographic mentors, flying tutus and many other amazing gadgets. There are some heart stopping moments and enough plot twists to make you dizzier than a badly performed pirouette. Fair size print, full length novel.

All your own work!

Maya Kowalska aged 10

Grace Decort aged 6

Newton won a box competitions in our July Bumper Summer issue. April Congratulations to the following people who won Barratt, Arabella Lilly , Clarke ew Dumbo DVD winners were Matth of books for her school - Warden Park Primary. Our ia Lovett. Victor and Ava were rs winne VIP nted Horsham Family Lincoln, Emilia Windle and Eshan Rana. Our Encha n. Ben Wilke Finlay and ard Stann Katie n, Lagdo Finn ew Rowe, Measure-Mates were won by Ernest Croucher, Matth m Moger Willia ience. Exper y ing won tickets to the Millbrook Butterfl Theobald, Eilis Renee Leadbetter and Henry Cumm . Isla Isteed n Lincol and Sibley Rose by won etition. Funkita swimwear was won the Phileas Fogg's World of Adventures comp r was winne older our and 8's under the for etition 's drawing comp Baker won UglyDolls goodies. Grace Decort won Annie the artwork on this page. enjoy and rs winne our all to done Well ska. Maya Kowal

If you would like to see 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 Taiwo Orunjbamila for his clever acrostic about his daddy, Daisy Bidgood for her lovely concert drawing, Elsie Carolyn Pitkin for her excellent Gecko drawing and Rose Batty for the fun walk in the park scene. We love seeing your work so do please keep sending it to us.

What’s On

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

October Provinces, including a fabulous series of pheasants, rosefinch species and an amazing variety of parrotbills, all set against fantastic scenery. For more details visit www.kentwildlifetrust. org.uk

Fri 18 Oct

Freeform Fabric, Block 67, Folkestone, CT20 1BN

11am. Create playful architecture for the body by transforming paper patterns into 3D fabric shapes with fashion and costume designer Zoe Stevenson. To book visit www. creativefolkestone.org.uk

Fri 18 – Sun 20 Oct

Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Brands Hatch Circuit, Longfield, DA3 8NG

Enjoy a triple header season finale on the world-famous Grand Prix circuit in October with three incredible races across the weekend. Under 13s are admitted free. For more details and to book visit www.brandshatch. co.uk

Sat 19 Oct

Make Your Own Halloween Crafts, Temple Manor, Strood, ME2 2AH (Also 20, 26 and 27 Oct) 10am4pm. Join this hands-on family craft activity on site. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Charges apply. Ages 5-12. For more details visit www.enjoymedway.org

Sat 19 – Sun 27 Oct

Enchanted Dockyard, The Historic Dockyard Chatham, ME4 4TE

Get ready to be enchanted as you walk through an immersive magical ‘inside garden’. This experience is like no other. Sit on toad stalls as you join in with the digital storytelling led by a wizard. Be spell bounded this October Half Term. For more details visit thedockyard.co.uk

Spooky Castle, Dover Castle, CT16 1HU

10am-4pm. Descend into the darkness of the tunnel of terror, and say boo to a ghost or two on spooky tours of the castle keep. Have a go at creepy crafts, and make your very own menacing mask or witches’ cat to take home. For more details visit www.english-heritage.org.uk

Halloween Half Term Fun, The Hop Farm, Paddock Wood, TN12 6PY

10am-4pm. Treat your little ones to a spook-tastic feast of fun. Join in lots of activities like pumpkin carving, ghoulish face painting, and storytelling plus on Tues 22, kids can meet The Gruffalo. Charges apply. For more details, timings and to book visit www.thehopfarm.co.uk

2 Sept - 13 Oct ‘19

October Half Term Family Fun, Ightham Mote, Sevenoaks, TN15 0NT 10am-5pm. The woods around the house are home to Tawny Owls, Little Owls and Barn Owls. Kids can find out more about owls and try to complete a fun trail in the gardens. Booking not needed. Admission charges apply. For more details visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ighthammote

Spooky Pumpkin Trail, Rochester Castle, ME1 1SW

10am-4pm. Take part in a spooky heritage trail around the keep for a chance to win a small prize. Charges apply. Ages 5-12. For more details visit www.enjoymedway.org

Autumnal Nature Trail, Smallhythe Place, Tenterden, TN30 7NG

12noon-4.30pm. Keep the kids busy and pick up a trail sheet from visitor reception. Follow the pictures around the garden, what word will be revealed once the trail is complete? Free event, admission applies. For more details visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/smallhythe-place

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Spooky Castle, Walmer Castle and Gardens, Deal, CT14 7LJ

10am-4pm. A frighteningly fun day out awaits you at Walmer this Halloween. Let your little horrors scare themselves silly with spooky activities and ghost hunting galore. Charges apply. For more details and to book visit www.english-heritage.org.uk

Sat 19 – Thurs 31 Oct

Spooky Spectacular, Reindeer Centre, nr Ashford, TN26 3EQ 11am-5pm. Join in 13 days of fangtastic fun with lots of spookily fun activities, including: monster mash dance along, straw bale ball pit, a bouncy castle, meet the creepy critters and lots more. For more details visit www.reindeercentre. co.uk

Spooky Halloween Trail, Upnor Castle, ME2 4XG 10am-4pm. Take part in a spooky heritage trail around the keep for a chance to win a small prize. Charges apply. Ages 5-12. For more details visit www.enjoymedway.org

Night Knight Trail, Temple Manor, Strood, ME2 2AH

10am-4pm. Help a Knight have a good night’s sleep by finding all the spooky ghouls and ghosts around the site. Find them all for a chance to win a small prize. Charges apply. Ages 5-12. For more details visit www. enjoymedway.org

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

10am-4pm. Fly around the gardens of Chartwell this autumn half term and discover more about the beastly bats that live there. For more details visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chartwell

Sun 20 Oct

Nick Sharratt’s Right Royal Draw-a-long, The Woodville, Gravesend, DA12 1DD

2pm. A family-friendly, fun-filled draw-along for all ages. Join acclaimed children’s writer and illustrator Nick Sharratt and draw along with him. He’ll be showing you how to sketch favourite characters like Tracy Beaker and Timothy Pope. To book visit www.woodville.co.uk

Thanet 5k Colour Run, The Oval, Palm Bay, Margate, CT9 2GB

This family friendly 5k event is an explosion of colourful fun. Take in amazing coastal views as you run and walk through clouds of brightly coloured powder paint. Gather friends and family to join the energetic atmosphere of over 1,000 people along Thanet’s spectacular seafront. For more details and to sign up visit www.pilgrimshospices.org

Mon 21 – Sun 27 Oct

Halloween Monster Academy, Leeds Castle, Maidstone, ME17 1PL

Monster Academy, Leeds Castle, Maidstone, ME17 1PL

Are you a little monster? Explore the Castle grounds and complete spooky classes as you go, winning stamps from each teacher to graduate from the Academy. Activities will include learning to move like a monster, perfect your scare technique and complete an obstacle class. Charges apply. For more details and to book visit www.leeds-castle.com

Beastly Bat Trail, Chartwell, Westerham, TN16 1PS

Halloween Half Term Fun, Hever Castle, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG Prepare to be spooked at Haunted Hever. Enjoy a vast array of spooktacular events such as spooky storytelling, craft activities and a scarecrow scavenger hunt. Sink your teeth into a sweet treat at the deadly delicious biscuit decorating workshop or take part in the fancy dress costume with freakish face paint. Charges apply. For more details and to book visit www.hevercastle. co.uk

Sat 19 Oct – Sun 3 Nov

The Addams Family Live Event Special, Groombridge Place, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 9QG A well-known feature of Groombridge Place’s calendar with a spectacular live show in the Enchanted Forest four times a day, meet and greet in the morning and don’t forget to get a picture after the performances. For more details and to buy tickets visit www. groombridgeplace.com

Freaky Fossils Trail, Emmetts Garden, Sevenoaks, TN14 6BA 10am-4pm. Tread carefully around the garden this half term with a freaky fossils trail. Watch out for freaky fossils and terrifying trees as you head out around the gardens on the family trail. For more details visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/emmettsgarden

Activities will include learning to move like a monster, perfect your scare technique and complete an obstacle class. There will also be a spooky trail through the grounds as well as daily ghoulish games and a frightful fancy dress competition. To book tickets visit www.leeds-castle. com

Wed 23 – Sun 27 Oct

Paulos Circus, Millbrook Garden Centre, Staplehurst, TN12 9BT

Showcasing a brand new thrilling autumn show from breath taking stunts, laugh out loud comedy to beautiful artistry, the Paulos family have created a show to give you and your family everlasting memories. For more details and to book visit www. millbrookgc.co.uk/centre/millbrookstaplehurst

Thurs 24 Oct

Mystical Creatures, Dover Museum, CT16 1PH

10.30am-3pm. Enjoy making masks and trying puzzles with a magical theme. Free. For more details visit www.dovermuseum.co.uk

Our next copy deadline is

27 September 2019 If you have something you would like us to try and publicise (space permitting) please email it to

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