SE London Primary Times September 2021 by Alison Watson

What’s On Where

FOR FAMILIES OF PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN

South East London

The award-winning team behind a decade of pantomime hits returns for something very special… The world premiere of a new adaptation of

Written by and starring ANDREW POLLARD with ANTHONY SPARGO and ‘Uncle’ STEVE MARKWICK Nov 2021 - Jan 2022 Box Office 020 8858 7755 | www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk

CHOOSING YOUR NEW SCHOOL • DAYS OUT • COMPETITIONS

SEPTEMBER 2021 1 SEPT - 10 OCT 2021 ISSUE 130

Ofsted Good Provider

“Pupils leave the school well equipped for the next stages of their education or carer, and for their future lives as responsible citizens” Ofsted 2018

Judged by Ofsted as being a ‘good school’ in all respects, throughout this most challenging of periods Plumstead Manor School has continued to offer high quality teaching and learning experiences to ensure every student in our community continues to succeed and flourish. Our students displayed enormous resilience and discipline throughout, engaging in our extensive programme of pastoral support, online learning, and delivery of key school milestones by alternative methods. The insatiable curiosity, imagination and collaborative endeavour of our school community were acknowledged by members of our wider community in response to our ‘Welcome to Year 7’ transition programme where 80% of primary Headteachers rated the transition process and support for students joining Year 7 at Plumstead Manor School ‘Outstanding’. “Think it’s one of the most effective transition programmes in the borough & shows you genuinely care about the process” “Lots of information for parents and pupils. Virtual meeting with the students. Sample lessons for the children to watch and see some of their new teachers” At Plumstead Manor our support for students is personalised, giving each young person access to a broad and balanced curriculum across academic and vocational pathways, enhanced by a wealth of enrichment opportunities throughout their seven year secondary school Journey with us.

Please see our website www.plumsteadmanor.com for further Information about the school and future open events.

Old Mill Road, London, SE18 1QF tel: 020 3260 3333

www.plumsteadmanor.com email: info@plumsteadmanor.com

Dear Readers Primary Times in South East London 7 Southbrook Mews London SE12 8LG

I’m writing this letter in the middle of the school summer holiday and can’t believe that we’re about to start a new school year. I hope you all had a good summer and are refreshed and ready to start the new term.

Tel: 020 8318 0400 Email: office@primarytimes.biz Website: www.primarytimes.co.uk Twitter: @PT_LondonSandE Instagram: @primarytimesse

For all our new readers in Reception who haven’t seen us before, we are the FREE What’s On, Where to Go, Things to Do magazine that comes home in the Book Bag two weeks before any school holiday plus a Back to School issue in September. We are full of ideas on how to spend the school Publishing Editor: Peter Watson break. Lots of the events are free to attend so do read through Sales: My Yen Doyle, Andrew Langridge, our listings pages and mark what you fancy doing. Whilst Ty Smith & Catherine Dillon we’re still in a period of uncertainty do make sure that you Listings: Claire Wood, Hayley Hughes confirm that the details in our listings are correct. We plan our Production: Alison Watson listings a long time in advance and with so much change at Office Manager: Chris Blower the moment it is worth checking. We also list local theatre, Administrator: Claire Wood educational news, competitions, puzzle pages and lots more Social Media: Rachel Benson that’s relevant to families of primary aged children. Primary Times is independently published and distributed free in primary and junior schools throughout the boroughs of Bexley, Bromley and Greenwich. Its aims are to inform families and children of current educational issues, forthcoming events, courses and attractions and to give teachers, pupils and parents the opportunity to participate in the magazine by adding to its contents or joining in the competitions which we run. It is NOT our intention to publish any racist, sexist or politically based material whatsoever. We also undertake not to carry any advertising which we would consider to be offensive to young families or harmful to the best interests of young children. The opinions expressed in either the editorial or advertisements within this publication are not necessarily those held by the editor or publisher. While we take great care with the compilation of information within this magazine, neither the editor nor publisher will accept any liability for the accuracy of the editorial or advertising contained within the publication. We welcome listings being sent to us for inclusion in our What’s On section. Free listings are dependent on available space and we cannot guarantee to print all the listings we are sent. Please send them to listings@primarytimes.biz. Primary Times would like to thank all the schools in the boroughs of Bexley, Bromley and Greenwich for their assistance in distributing the magazine and for their contributions to its contents. We would also like to thank all the advertisers who have supported this publication and therefore made it possible. Please support their endeavours when and where you can. No part of this magazine, including the advertisements within it may be reproduced, in part or in whole, without the express written permission of the Publishing Editor. Primary Times is currently publishing over 2.5 million copies per issue under franchise licences throughout England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Primary Times South East London is operated under franchise licence.

If you do use anything you found in the magazine please do let our advertisers know. Tell them you read about them in Primary Times! Our listings pages are free, space permitting, so if your school has a fund raising event or you know of something relevant for us to list then please let us know. Please send them to us early - we go to press about 3 weeks before the magazine is published. Please send your listings to listings@primarytimes.biz

Contents

inside this issue.... Local News...............................4 Autumn Adventures.................6 After School Activities...............8 Choosing your New School........10 Competitions............................25 Family Theatre........................26 What’s On...............................28 All Your Own Work!................. 31

Our next edition will appear in schools the week beginning Monday 11 October, just in time for the October Half Term.

Peter and the Primary Times team

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Helping Kids Shine

1 Sept - 10 Oct ‘21

Local News 4

The Book Cat by Polly Faber

We asked one of our readers, Ava Doyle (aged 11), to review The Book Cat. Here’s what she thought. The Book Cat follows the story of a cat, called Morgan, who was born during the Blitz. When a bomb kills Morgan’s mum, Petal, and sister, Maeve, Morgan is left to fend for himself on the streets of war-torn London. When an accident following a banana theft leads Morgan to Faber and Faber publishing house, he is welcomed with open arms and settles into a life free of hunger. It is there that Morgan becomes a book cat as he oversees the rejection of bad manuscripts and the publishing of good ones.Yet bombs are still falling, and Morgan agrees to train twenty-three kittens as book cats. Once their training is complete, he sends them off to live with and help different authors and poets. Soon the victory bells are ringing, and Morgan decides that it was nice training future book cats and sets up his school once more. There are many things that I like about The Book Cat, one of them is the way that Morgan taught kittens how to be book cats and then sent them away to help authors. I like all of the ways that the kittens are smuggled out with authors and poets: in pockets, coats, bags, umbrellas and even on top of hats. I also quite enjoyed finding comparisons with Morgan sending the kittens away to be safe from the bombs and evacuees moving to the countryside to be safe from the bombs. There weren’t any things that I disliked about The Book Cat except for the fact that once the kittens were sent away the readers didn’t find out what happened to them when they were living with different writers or if they arrived safely or not. A book that I found similar to The Book Cat was The Umbrella Mouse; both of these books follow the actions of animals during World War II or more specifically The Blitz. Pip, the main character in The Umbrella Mouse was orphaned, like Morgan, by the German bombers when they destroyed the umbrella shop that was her home. However, while Morgan looks for a quiet safe life without the bombs, Pip joins Noah’s Ark which is a group of animals trying to stop the Axis and the war. Although I really enjoyed reading this book, I would recommend it for children aged 8-9. The Book Cat has just been published by Faber in hardback at £12.99. The Umbrella Mouse is published in paperback by Pan MacMillan at a recommended price of £7.99. 1 Sept - 10 Oct ‘21

Queen Of Hearts Heading for Greenwich Greenwich Theatre have built an enviable reputation for their annual pantomime, with resident dame Andrew Pollard, villain Anthony Spargo and musical director Steve Markwick turning in one hit after another. In 2019 the theatre won the Offie Award for London’s Best Panto, but since then pantomime has been on hold. Now the team are back and planning something extra special for this Christmas. In a change to the previously advertised Snow White, the company are planning a one-of-a-kind production, a pantomime version of The Queen Of Hearts, not produced anywhere else in the country. While other theatres in England are looking for the best known, most repeated titles, Greenwich Theatre are taking on something special and bringing something new to the South London venue. As a response to 18 months of online theatre, there could not be a more exciting theatrical prospect on the horizon. To find out more, visit www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk.

Mary’s Meals’ Superheroes The global school feeding charity has created educational superhero activity packs to teach pupils about life for children in some of the world’s poorest countries. Primary pupils can learn how food is changing the story of the lives of children in these countries. Free downloadable activity packs help pupils learn more about Mary’s Meals’ work feeding children in 19 countries where poverty levels are high, including Malawi, Haiti and Madagascar. Centred on Upile, a girl from Malawi, and her friends, the educational resource shows how the daily cup of vitaminenriched porridge children receive from Mary’s Meals gives them energy and superhero powers! Resources on offer include a video, fun activities, such as colouring-in sheets and the chance for children to design their own superhero masks. The materials also support learning across the curriculum including language, literacy and health and wellbeing. The educational packs are aimed at primary school children and contain different resources for 5-7 year olds and also 8-11 year olds. Mary’s Meals has also produced an updated resource called Amazing Grace which is aimed at pupils in upper primary school. This explores how poverty can prevent children around the world getting an education, but how a daily meal at school is transforming the lives of children like Grace, enabling them to gain an education and learn and grow. Both Superheroes and Saving Grace are available on the children’s resources page of the Mary’s Meals website, www.marysmeals.org.uk Follow us on Instagram - @primarytimesse

The second annual Big Anti-Bullying Assembly will be beamed into primary school classrooms and homes across the country on Monday 4 October. This celebrity packed virtual event aims to address the topic of bullying and arm students, teachers and guardians with the tools to address the issue if it arises. In 2020 over two million primary school children watched the assembly with ten thousand educators signing up. The assembly will bring together hundreds of thousands of children empowering them to tackle bullying with a host of celebrities including children’s TV presenters, sports people, actors, models and many other celebrities. These celebrities have also filmed videos discussing their personal experiences of being bullied at school. All videos can be viewed at http://back2school. antibullyingpro.com. For further information on the campaign, to sign up for the assembly and to download free resource packs, visit www.thebigassembly.com.

An Exceptional Pre-School

Bo Peeps Pre-School, based at Mycenae House Community Centre in Blackheath Standard, London, SE3, has provided ‘exceptional’ care for two to four year olds since 2017. Their committed team of early years educators work tirelessly to achieve a high degree of individualised care for your child whilst at the same time creating a nurturing and supportive community for the children to flourish. Bo Peeps Pre-School, who are rated GOOD by Ofsted, are now accepting new children from this September.

Local News

The Big Anti-Bullying Assembly

Feel free to contact Bo Peeps Preschool for an informal chat, to explore the suitability for your child and to arrange a visit to the setting. Kathryn Algar can be contacted on 07935 373 239 or via Facebook: BoPeepsPreSchool.

Children’s Poetry Award The Centre for Literacy in Primary Education (CLPE) has announced the 2021 shortlist for the CLiPPA (CLPE Children’s Poetry Award. The shortlist announcement featured live poetry readings from leading children’s poets alongside performances by children from primary schools. The five books on the shortlist are: Slam! You’re Gonna Wanna Hear This, chosen by Nikita Gill. Nikita Gill brings together exciting new poets, all well known to poetry audiences but many making their first appearance in print. Bright Bursts of Colour, Matt Goodfellow, illustrated by Aleksei Bitskoff. The poems in Matt Goodfellow’s collection range from the silly to the sensitive, and all will resonate with children aged 7 – 11. Run, Rebel by Manjeet Mann. Compelling, powerful and authentic, Mann’s verse novel speaks directly to its YA audience. Follow us on Twitter - @PT_LondonSandE

Big Green Crocodile Rhymes to Say and Play, by Jane Newberry, illustrated by Carolina Rabei. A collection of new nursery rhymes, this is a book for parents and adults to share with the very youngest to spark a lifelong love of poetry. On the Move, by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Quentin Blake, Walker Books On the Move is both personal and universal, with messages of home, identity and family. The winner of the 2021 CLiPPA will be revealed at the Cheltenham Literature Festival, in a Poetry Show introduced by CLiPPA judges, Zaro Weil and Allie Esiri, and featuring performances by the shortlisted poets. Schools across the UK and beyond will be able to watch the show on The Times and The Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival platform and access poetry CPD sessions created by CLPE. The free Shadowing Scheme to involve schools in CLiPPA 2021 will launch alongside the announcement of the winner. For more information, visit www.clpe.org.uk/poetry/CLiPPA. 1 Sept - 10 Oct ‘21

Autumn Adventures

Autumn Adventures Fun Days Out with the Family

Where Does the Underground Start?

With the Circle Line looping around Central London and other lines criss-crossing the capital and reaching into the suburbs, it seems an odd question to ask where the Underground ‘starts’? However the answer is in fact Ongar! The explanation dates back to 1972 when Ongar was selected as the reference point for all distances. The station, which was then the Eastern Terminus of the Central Line, was chosen because it was far away enough from all the other stations to ensure that no ‘negative’ distances were recorded on account of the special way that lines running south of the Central Line were measured. The station is now part of the Epping Ongar Railway. The Railway runs regular heritage steam and bus services on weekends. From 9-11 October the Railway will transform its stations to resemble Underground stops and bring in some special ‘London Transport’ vehicles. If your children love the tube, then they will love this day out – or indeed any day out on this very special steam railway. Remember to look out for the special 0.0Km post at Ongar!

The trail of full size lion statues is dotted around the capital’s streets. They have been decorated by a starstudded line-up of artists from across the worlds of design, film, music, sport, theatre and comedy, each crafting their own unique pieces. Explore the full list of participating artists, follow the trail and download maps at www.tuskliontrail. com. Follow @tusk_ org for the latest news and to share your snaps #TuskLionTrail.

EPPING ONGAR RAILWAY

LT WEEKEND 8, 9, 10 OCTOBER As much fun as a day by the seaside but with steam trains and vintage buses!

Lions Take to the Streets of London

The Tusk Lion Trail has hit the streets of London and other cities around the world, celebrating the magnificence of lions and raising awareness of threats facing the iconic King of Beasts. African lions are facing greater threats to their survival than ever before. With the continent’s entire population estimated to have declined by as much as 50% in the last three decades alone, there are now fewer wild lions remaining than rhinos. 6

1 Sept - 10 Oct ‘21

Travel on our heritage bus services from Epping tube for a fun start to these special events

www.eorailway.co.uk 01277 365200

There is plenty going on at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich for all the family this September with installations on the grounds as part of Greenwich+Docklands International Festival (GDIF), the return of Open House, afternoon tea on the Colonnades, film and TV tours every weekend and a free exhibition from children’s illustrator Nick Ellwood. Running until 31 October, discover Nick’s charming illustrations inspired by the history of the Old Royal Naval College and the Painted Hall. Situated in the Visitor Centre, 500 Years of Mischief & Mayhem in Greenwich features fun augmented reality elements, a children’s gallery and an interactive quiz. As part of Open House (4 and 5 September), visitors will be able to take a peek into parts of the site not normally open to the public including Admiral’s House and the

Jacobean Undercroft in the Queen Anne’s Building. Free pop-up talks and tours of the grounds will be running throughout the weekend. There is plenty for families to do for free, including self-guided tours of the site and using the Smartify app around the beautiful outdoor spaces.You can buy tickets to visit the incredible Painted Hall, which includes expert tours of the grounds, kids’ activity trail booklet and an excellent multimedia guide. Or why not join one of the regular film and TV location tours? Billed as possibly one of the most popular filming locations in the world, the Old Royal Naval College boasts an impressive roll-call of film location credits including Thor: The Dark World, Pirates of the Caribbean on Stranger Tides, Cruella and Les Miserables. Included in the price of a Painted Hall ticket the film and TV location tours offer a fascinating insight into how some of the most iconic movie scenes were created and what really happens behind the scenes. Plus be sure to catch GDIF’s Borealis, a spectacular immersive installation inspired by the Northern Lights which will light up the skies in the evening above the Old Royal Naval College until 5 September.

Autumn Adventures

Enjoy Family Days Out in Greenwich

D TE S MI Y ET LI TR CK UN N TI R L E FO A D NU LI N A

STEP INSIDE A BREATHTAKING WORK OF ART A masterpiece awaits in Greenwich Discover a UNESCO World Heritage site revealing 500 years of extraordinary history, spectacle, architecture and art. ORNC.ORG

1 Sept - 10 Oct ‘21

Going Back to School By Wendy Robinson, Service Head at Childline School is a huge part of children’s lives so it’s really important they’re happy there and feel comfortable – for their well-being and to maximise their potential. Children have had a lot to get to grips with over the last 18 months. Covid; virtual lessons; isolation; the list seems endless. It’s only natural if they feel a little apprehensive about going back to school. It’s common to worry about what the new school year will bring, bullying, or keeping up with homework and exam stress, for example. If you think something is bothering them but they’re struggling to talk about it, there are some signs you can look out for: • becoming withdrawn or depressed; • missing school or making excuses so they don’t have to go in; • changes in their eating habits. If you’re concerned about your child, talk about it – keep calm and listen carefully. If you’re not sure how to start the conversation you can find tips on the NSPCC website, www.nspcc.org.uk. Talk to your child about how they’re feeling and what they want to happen next. Speak to the school and your child’s teachers. This will help build a greater support network for them. Make sure they know who to ask for help. Help your child take time out – if they’re being bullied it may make them feel low so try and find ways to build their confidence but don’t leave them to cope alone. Talk to the school about how this situation is being addressed. If they’re worried about the next day, help them to prepare for it. Remind them to take things step by step and that you’re there for them at the end of the day, whether it’s a good day or a bad day. If they’re struggling to make friends, help them find children they have something in common with by joining a club for example. If they’re a bit shy, explore the Childline website together where you can find advice on how to start conversations. The number of friends they have isn’t important. What matters is having friends they’re close to and who are supportive. If they’ve fallen out with friends, it’s likely they will soon make up again. Let them know they can talk to you about what’s happened without fear of being judged. If their friend has upset them, encourage them to be assertive and talk to them about how they feel. There’s plenty of advice on the Childline website – children can read more about how to make new friends, how to keep up with their homework and what to do if they’re being bullied. If your child doesn’t feel they can talk to you, encourage them to call Childline on 0800 1111, or visit www.childline.org.uk for advice or to speak to a counsellor online. Photo credit: Tom Hull

1 Sept - 10 Oct ‘21

After Schoo Run Like a Girl by Danielle Brown If you’ve ever heard the words “You run like a girl!” then it’s time to smile and put your game face on. Stand tall and be proud because they’re right.You can be strong, brave, fierce, ambitious and resilient tough… you be all these things and be them LIKE A GIRL. We’ve all been inspired by the Olympics and all over the world, there are female athletes breaking barriers, pushing limits and achieving amazing things, but where did their journeys begin? And what challenges did they have to overcome to get where they are today? Run Like a Girl is a collection of fascinating biographical stories told by 50 highly successful sportswomen, from boxing superstar Nicola Adams to record-breaking yachtswoman Ellen MacArthur and fearless mountain biker Rachel Atherton. There are so many amazing women around the world, shattering records and breaking through barriers. In this book, for kids aged 7 – 11, Danielle tells the stories of 50 extraordinary and inspiring sportswomen, many of whom she has interviewed. Accompanied with cool illustrations, it is all written for a readership of young women who can use this inspiration to fuel

their own dreams. In addition to giving an insight into the influences, motivations and achievements of these women, each story reminds us that failing can teach us just as much as winning. Success isn’t limited to the sports field and ‘running like a girl’ can lead you all the way to the top. Run Like a Girl: 50 Extraordinary and Inspiring Sportswomen by Danielle Brown is available now from all good book shops at £9.99.

Anna Fiorentini Anniversary Showcases

Join Anna Fiorentini Theatre and Film School this September to get the opportunity to perform in their Anniversary Showcases. If you join the Hackney or Docklands branch you can perform at the Hackney Empire and if you join the Greenwich branch you’ll get the chance to perform at the Greenwich Theatre. Students will follow a timetable of drama, singing, dance and film all taught by leading industry professionals. Many of their students have won leading roles on TV, film and in the West End. However, they are just as interested in students who wish to increase in confidence and selfesteem. Due to popular demand, the Greenwich branch will be running a new afternoon school on Saturdays. The school will be hosting a Taster Day for each branch to allow prospective students to get a

11 + Tuition with Know and Grow Rooms

Know and Grow Rooms is a tuition centre based at King Henry School, Erith. Throughout the school year, Know and Grow Rooms provide face to face 11+ preparation classes to students in small group sessions. Small-sized classes (one adult per six children) allow your child to benefit from individual tuition within the group. The tutoring team have a unique insight into what motivates children to enjoy learning and are particularly skilled with less confident children. Additionally, those who are gifted and talented are challenged within sessions and their prior knowledge is built upon to provide a deepened understanding. Children are motivated by attending sessions with their peer group, as the involvement of a third party helps children to become more driven and diligent. The team has over 15 years of experience in the primary classroom and with exam preparation. They offer a warm and friendly environment where children are encouraged to achieve their maximum potential. The proven curriculum, which is planned and delivered by expert and qualified teachers, is tailored to cater for individual strengths and areas for development. The purposeful classroom environment goes beyond exam content to develop your child’s confidence, build upon their skills and best prepare them for the selection tests. More After School Activities on the next page...

1 Sept - 10 Oct ‘21

After School Activities

ol Activities

feel of the school. There is no obligation to join and it’s a great way to experience for yourself whether the Anna Fiorentini Theatre and Film School is for you before joining. They do have a Bursary Scheme available for students who may struggle to afford fees. To find out more and to book your Taster Day, visit the website: www.afperformingarts.com/theatre-and-film-school.

After School Activities

A Confident Start with Performing Arts

Building self-esteem is a crucial requisite for your child’s long term social well-being and happiness. Performing Arts is great for well-being and happiness. Dance really gets bodies moving, excellent for aerobic fitness and co-ordination. Learning to use breath and voice to make a great sound in singing is exhilarating and improves the speaking voice. Drama combines movement and voice as well as lots of teamwork and thinking on your feet which builds confidence, creativity and self-esteem. Jigsaw wants to give your child the very best start by developing their confidence through the Performing Arts. Jigsaw offers dance, drama and singing lessons from the age of 3 all the way up to 18 years. They put their focus on each and every student being able to thrive in a fun and friendly environment. Sessions are designed to develop children’s confidence, focus and social skills from an early age, giving them a head start in life. Go along, make new friends, and join in the fun this autumn! There is nothing better than Performing Arts to connect and bring people together. It’s also lots of fun and lots of laughs - just what we need right now! Book a two week trial so your child can give Jigsaw a go. Head to their website www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk where you will find more information about your nearest Jigsaw school.

Tuition with Clarssroom

Tuition has been shown to boost learning and help students achieve academic goals, such as progress in a particular subject, or help with preparation for an entrance exam such as 7+ and 11+. School closures caused by the pandemic led to an increase in demand for private tuition education. When selecting a tuition provider, decide what is important to you. Some important factors Clarssroom offer you are the opportunity to meet the tutoring team before signing up. An open day visit or trial session can prove to be a useful opportunity for your child to get a feel of the tutoring setting. They also give feedback and progress reports which are vital to help parents keep abreast of their child’s achievements and development areas. Choose your learning delivery method – this can be one-to-one, or group sessions delivered in person or online. Some private tuition providers offer a blend of these. Small class sizes give your child the attention and the focus required. Clarssroom also offer additional conveniences like bespoke programme booklets, a variety of payment methods and termly parent-teacher meetings, which all add to your child’s success. Whatever is important to you, at Clarssroom, all of these come as standard in all their private tuition services. Clarssroom have a track record of helping children to read and write from 3½ years onward, excel at school in Reading, Maths and English and succeed at selective school entrance examinations.

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1 Sept - 10 Oct ‘21

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Choosing your New School with The complete guide to open days for that all important decision.

A Pull Out and Keep Feature

Choosing your New School

Haberdasher’s Aske’s Knights Academy

Haberdashers’ Aske’s Knights Academy is a vibrant, diverse 11-18 school community with an ethos that lies in their values of academic excellence and high expectations, ensuring that every child achieves their full potential. It is a happy and caring environment that nurtures pupils so that they mature into well-rounded, healthy young people with a passion for learning. Knights Academy is a thriving and growing community. They have recently completed an exciting building expansion programme for the sixth form to enable pupils to learn in state-of-the-art facilities. Excellent teaching and an engaging and stretching curriculum, supported by a highly skilled pastoral team, enable pupils to achieve academic success. Through involvement in enrichment programmes, such as debating club, Combined Cadet Force and the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, Knights Academy pupils develop confidence, resilience and mutual respect for others. Knights Academy focus on each child as an individual to draw out their strengths and talents, adding value to their spiritual, moral and cultural development and wellbeing. Music, sport and developing student leadership provide all-important skills and qualities that Knights Academy pupils value and excel in through the excellent tuition, coaching and facilities. Knights’ pupils are local national champions in a wealth of arenas including athletics, football and business enterprise, presenting annually at Haberdashers’ Hall in London. Part of the wider Haberdashers’ family of schools, pupils are able to experience unique opportunities, an innovative careers programme and financial bursaries resulting in the majority of pupils studying at university and securing high quality apprenticeships across the country. Haberdashers’ Aske’s Knights Academy is a school built on an ethos of tradition and innovation, respect and responsibility, collaboration

and inclusion. It is these moral values instilled in pupils that enable them to contribute and gain from their school community and the communities in which they live. Knights value the important relationships, collaborations and partnership between staff, pupils and parents and they look forward to welcoming you to the Open Evening on Wednesday 22 September at 5pm. For more information, please visit www.habsknights.org.uk.

Lockdown Boosts Admissions to Babington House

Parents have been more aware than ever since lockdown of the benefits of space, an emphasis on outdoor learning, and an ethos that encourages a sense of community in their choice of schools. At Babington House School it is evident how outside activities, teaching and sport have provided much needed relief after the lockdown and pupils’ health and wellbeing is benefitting. It is wonderful to see children of all ages in Elmstead Woods enjoying Forest School and the smiling faces of Prep children participating in competitive rounders matches. DofE adventurers are completing their expedition of the North Downs. The school climbing wall is back in action and children at the sports ground are playing football, tag rugby and cross-country. Many lessons are taking place outside. Tim Lello, Headmaster at Babington told Primary Times, “It is refreshing to see our pupils enjoying the outside world and just being together. We value the mental health and well-being of everyone in our community and pride ourselves on providing an academic education with first class pastoral support.” To find out more, visit www.babingtonhouse.com.

We look forward to welcoming you to Knights Academy OPEN EVENING Wednesday 22nd September 2021 at 5pm For more information about joining our school please visit our website https://www.habsknights.org.uk/Admissions/Year-7-Starters-2021/

'where all children are able to achieve their full potential personally, academically and socially' Launcelot Road, Bromley, Kent, BR1 5EB www.habsknights.org.uk Email:kreception@haaf.org.uk Telephone: 020 8461 9240

1 Sept - 10 Oct ‘21

A Sound Education in a Time of Change

“In a fast-changing, uncertain world, choosing the right school for your child has never been more important,” Guy Sanderson, Headmaster of Eltham College, told Primary Times. “This year has been like no other - the Covid pandemic has affected all our lives but it has also highlighted the benefits of a good education. “We know that parents and guardians continue to seek the best possible start in life for their children. Choosing the right school for their boys and girls is a vital choice they make with care – by attending open days, reading prospectuses, talking to other parents and, hopefully, taking account of their children’s views. But what is a good education? “Eltham College is a thriving, coeducational day school situated in 70 acres of grounds in south-east London for boys and girls aged from 7 to 18 years. Founded in 1842 on Christian principles, we are academically selective and our mission is to provide an outstanding, rounded education for girls and boys and to ensure they have a positive approach to life with values that guide them through it. “We nurture each child as an individual, and help them to develop their love of learning, to find their strengths, and to explore their interests and to shape their values and beliefs. “Our students’ academic success comes from their love of learning. We challenge their assumptions about how the world works, and give them the tools to explore it themselves. “Entry to the Junior School begins in Year 3 but students can also enter the Senior School in Year 7 and also into our Sixth Form at Year 12. “Come and see us for yourselves - we extend a warm invitation to you to come and meet our staff and students at one of our Open Days this autumn.” To find out more, visit www.eltham-college.london/opendays.

Babington House School Independent Day School from 3 to 18 years Grange Drive, Chislehurst, Kent BR7 5ES Headmaster: Mr T Lello, MA, FRSA, NPQH, PGCE

Inspiring Teachers, Inspiring Children

Choosing your New School

03225_Babington_Primary_Times_AD_Layout 1 16/06/2021 23:11 Page 1

Open Day Saturday, 9th October 2021 Register Now

www.babingtonhouse.com

Each day, discovery

Eltham College is a co-educational day school which welcomes girls and boys for entry in Years 3, 7 and Sixth Form. Come and visit us at our Open Day on Saturday 18 September 10.00am - 1.00pm Book your place: www.elthamcollege.london/opendays

Grove Park Road, London, SE9 4QF

1 Sept - 10 Oct ‘21

Choosing your New School

Just One Tree Day

There is still time for schools to join hundreds of others and signup to the highly popular Just One Tree Day, taking place on Friday 15 October. Schools throughout the UK and around the globe have already committed to participating in this international nonuniform day that encourages children to bring in £1 to plant a tree and help reforest the planet - a tree is planted for every £1 raised. Over 150,000 children from eight countries have joined together since Just One Tree Day first launched in 2019. The day highlights to children and young people how their individual actions can make a difference in the fight against climate change and the biodiversity crises. The event is open to both primary and secondary schools - those taking part can access lesson resources that fit in with the national curriculum. As part of their fundraising activities, children learn about photosynthesis, the benefits of trees for both people and wildlife and the vital role they play in reducing the impacts of climate change. The money raised is used to plant the ‘right trees in the right place’, supporting reforestation projects in Haiti, Indonesia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Nepal and Zambia, including mangrove forests and kelp regeneration. To find out more, visit www.justonetree.life.

Roll on Open Season!

This year, more families than ever have chosen to invest their trust in St Matthew Academy by selecting them as their number one secondary school. St Matthew Academy is fully subscribed for September 2021 with the vast majority of pupils being first choice applicants and they are excited to welcome 180 new faces to the Academy. They are immensely proud of what has been achieved in recent years and it’s no surprise the word is out in the community. SMA provides a first class educational experience with high academic standards alongside a rich variety of enrichment and extracurricular opportunities. The Grammar+ pathway alongside the Sporting Brilliance and Media & Communication scholarships offer bespoke programmes for pupils with interest and talent in these areas. If you want to find out more, then do go along and visit St Matthew Academy at one of the Open events and speak to the current scholars, tour the amazing facilities and meet the confident and courageous pupil ambassadors. If your child is fortunate enough to secure a place at SMA you can rest assured that the bespoke transition programme that begins in March 2022 with the Friendship Afternoon will enable your child to make a smooth and successful transition to secondary school.

The John Roan School

At The John Roan School, they pledge to provide a rich, broad and varied education that stretches students both academically and socially, to achieve their full potential. They are ambitious as well as inclusive, setting high expectations of everyone in the school community, providing a learning environment in which students can flourish and achieve success from Year 7 right through to Year 13. The school believes that students flourish when they have the opportunity to participate in a broad range of activities and experiences outside of their lessons. The diverse enrichment programme has character development at its heart. They are extremely proud to have been awarded the School of Character Kitemark which is presented to schools that can demonstrate that they take an explicit, planned and reflective approach to the cultivation of positive character qualities in their pupils. Founded in 1677, as one of the oldest state schools in the country, The John Roan School has a long and distinguished history of educating the young people of Greenwich. They became part of United Learning in 2019, a group of schools seeking to bring out the best in every student and member of staff through collaboration and shared expertise.

Discover The John Roan School Open Evening - Wednesday 13th October, 6-8pm Open Mornings 9-11am: Wednesday 22nd and 28th September Wednesday 6th October For families thinking about secondary school for 2022 and beyond, find out more at www.thejohnroanschool.org.uk

@thejohnroan facebook.com/TheJohnRoan

1 Sept - 10 Oct ‘21

Chislehurst School for Girls is a happy and highly successful place of learning for girls aged 11-18 where students have every opportunity to excel academically and reach their full potential. They are committed to the pursuit of academic excellence and to developing the leaders of tomorrow. Strong pastoral support and commitment to mutual respect enables all students to discover their strengths and truly develop a lifelong love of learning. The team at Chislehurst School for Girls want them to be independent, compassionate, articulate and nurtured. The current management team are temporary custodians of this fine school, and your daughter will become part of a rich and diverse history of educating girls that dates back to 1896. In the Sixth Form, Chislehurst School for Girls becomes coeducational, and welcomes boys aged 16-18, believing that the diamond model of education has real benefits for all, ensuring that they thrive and reach their full potential. They are a diverse and inclusive school community and welcome the enriching variety of backgrounds and traditions that all contribute to making Chislehurst School for Girls a wonderful place both in which to learn and work. They are looking forward to welcoming you for the Open Evening on Thursday 30 September 5.30pm – 8.30pm.

Open Events

Open Mornings 14th -16th and 28th - 30th September All at 9:15am -11:00am

Open Evening 21st September 4:30pm - 7:30pm

Choosing your New School

Chislehurst School for Girls

St Matthew Academy St Joseph’s Vale, London, SE3 0XX Tel: 020 8853 6250 www.stmatthewacademy.co.uk

Where your light will shine

1 Sept - 10 Oct ‘21

Choosing your New School

Plumstead Manor

Judged by Ofsted as being a ‘good school’, the core values of success, harmony, excellence and justice enable every young person at Plumstead Manor to release their full potential throughout their seven year secondary school journey. Support is personalised for students, giving each of them access to a broad and balanced curriculum across academic and vocational pathways, enhanced by a wealth of enrichment opportunities. The school has a dedicated team of staff responsible for making sure that students are settled, stretched and challenged from the moment they join the school and this is the basis on which they open up an extensive range of opportunities for students to learn, grow and succeed. Regular forums and curriculum and parents’ evenings give parents the opportunity to work in partnership with teachers to support their child’s learning and steer the future of the school. Facilities at the school include a new performing arts theatre complex with music, dance and drama studios. All buildings have been refurbished and are open to students from 8am until 5pm offering a wide variety of sports, performing arts and special interest clubs to further cultivate the highest expectations for academic scholarship, outstanding behaviour and personal development.

Bright Minds, Bright Futures

At Bromley High Junior School, they value both academic achievement and a breadth of opportunities that will develop the character and talents of each girl. The Bright Minds, Bright Futures curriculum goes beyond the bounds of the national curriculum and is enriched by specific teaching of global citizenship, digital literacy, leadership and innovation. This ensures the girls leave the Junior School with the skills they need to thrive in Senior School and beyond. Set in a leafy 25-acre site, the specialist teaching spaces have been designed to embrace the panoramic views of the extensive grounds. The new purpose-built learning spaces have access to the outdoors and include a science lab, digital hub, art, design and food technology studios, a dance and drama performance space and an innovative collaborative learning area. Bringing the outdoors inside enables the pupils to approach learning with clarity and energy. The bright, curious girls willingly face challenge. The school aim to empower pupils to learn without limits and have an awareness of the myriad of possibilities open to them within the academic, scientific, creative and digital world. Extensive sports facilities allow the girls to develop their athletic abilities and enjoy healthy competition at all levels. Mrs Claire Dickerson, Head of Junior School told Primary Times, “Our exceptional curriculum provides every pupil with the opportunities to flourish and achieve their full potential; we develop bright futures for our bright minds.” To register for the Open Morning on Saturday 18 September, visit www.bromleyhigh.gdst.net .

Flexi-Boarding at Farringtons

Hundreds of individuals. One community.

A leading independent, co-educational, day and boarding school for pupils aged 3 to 18 in Chislehurst, Kent BR7 6LR. Open Morning Saturday 2 October 2021, from 9.00am book your appointment at www.farringtons.org.uk

#OneFarringtons

1 Sept - 10 Oct ‘21

Opening Mornings 2021-22 .indd 1

Farringtons School is in a unique position within its location in that it has a thriving boarding community as well as day pupils. In addition to full and weekly boarding, Farringtons is able to offer flexi-boarding in order to help with the busy lifestyles that many families have. If parents need to be away for business or pleasure or find themselves with urgent family commitments, pupils can board and enjoy the clubs and activities available to all our boarders. Flexi-Boarding is popular with students who have a long journey to school and want to attend before or after school clubs. It is also the perfect solution for pupils who want to prioritise studying around the exam periods or prepare prior to moving away to university. Families can opt for an occasional sleepover at school or choose to board on a regular basis of two or three nights a week. Set in twenty five acres of beautiful parkland in Chislehurst, Farringtons has excellent facilities and offers a wide range of sports and extra-curricular activities. Full, weekly or flex-boarding is available to pupils at Farringtons in Years 7 – 13. For further information, please visit www.farringtons.org.uk .

04/08/2021 15:02

Junior School Open Morning Saturday 18th September Register online www.bromleyhigh.gdst.net

Bright Minds, Bright Futures

Choosing your New School

Townley Grammar School

Every student at Townley has the opportunity to be extraordinary through developing academic, physical and emotional confidence. This means having the courage to take risks and learn from their mistakes. Students can learn in an environment where their peers and their parents value education for its own sake, where teachers understand how to challenge and where the range of extracurricular activities opens up new worlds and possibilities. The arts education gives students confidence when they enter school, dance being particularly popular, enabling girls to develop a positive self-image and a grounded sense of self, while the Science and Technology provision enables large numbers to pursue careers in science, computing and medicine. With such an education, Townley girls have a duty to grow into young women who desire to improve the world for others. As leaders of the future, they learn the value of service and to give. Townley Grammar School has been recognised with multiple awards including being ‘Highly Commended’ by the DFE in the National Character Education Awards and recipients of the Mayor of London’s Excellence in Music Award. Townley students have been winners of the National Articulation Award, the Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge Grand Final and the Bexley Young Musician of the Year Award to name but a few. With impressive facilities that include 17 acres including sports fields, a full working theatre, dance and drama studios, a recording studio and now a state of the art computing facility and new dining space, Townley has so much to offer. If you wish to find out more about the school please visit the website at www.townleygrammar.org.uk . Nevita Pandya, the Headteacher is looking forward to welcoming you to one of the open events.

Blackfen School

Blackfen School is a progressive and vibrant learning community that focuses on raising the aspirations and releasing the potential of every young person in their care. They aim to ensure that students leave Blackfen School as positive, happy and fulfilled young people who are equipped with the necessary skills, qualifications and experiences to make them successful in their future lives. They believe everything is possible and can be achieved through hard work, determination and perseverance. Blackfen’s young people have a growth mindset and their intelligence is not fixed. This culture underpins their aspirational ethos. The school’s beliefs are demonstrated through a learning community that thrives on innovative and challenging teaching, complemented by frequent visits and enrichment activities. Students participate in extra-curricular activities ranging from Music, Drama, Book Club and the Duke of Edinburgh awards to life changing trips to, for example, New York, Poland, Barcelona, Rome and their partner school in India. The welfare programme is characterised by strong personal and academic support, as well as the development of students’ leadership skills. Their frequent rewards and celebrations for high-level attainment and progress are welcomed by students and their parents. The success of Blackfen students is underpinned by the support of parents working in partnership with staff. At Blackfen their passion is that young people enjoy their success in school, become mature, responsible, independent, outgoing and disciplined young adults and that aspiring to find and release personal talent becomes a life-long accomplishment. The school look forward to welcoming prospective Year 6 students and their families to one of their Open Events which will help parents to find out more about what Blackfen do. For more information, please visit www. blackfenschoolforgirls.co.uk.

# D R E A M AT TO W N L E Y

W W W.TO W N L E YG R A M M A R . O R G . U K

Open Events:

Open Evening - Thursday 14th October Open Mornings - Wednesday 13th October & Thursday 21st October SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR FURTHER UPDATES

I CAN excel # townleygirlscan

AT TO W N L E Y G R A M M A R S C H O O L , A S E L E C T I V E C O - E D U C AT I O N A L S C H O O L I N K E N T

CONNECT WITH

1 Sept - 10 Oct ‘21

@TOWNLEYGRAMMAR

King Henry School is part of the ‘Odyssey Trust for Education’, a groundbreaking collaboration with Townley Grammar School. Rob Leitch, the Headteacher told Primary Times, “We believe in providing our young people with an extraordinary education, one that unlocks curiosity, ignites ambition and forges a social conscience, equipping our students with the tools they need to have an impact on the world around them. “We aspire for King Henry School to be a truly inclusive school, reflecting the vibrant, diverse and dynamic community that we serve. We believe in connecting with our local community and championing our local area. “At the heart of any extraordinary school is an extraordinary curriculum. Our KHS curriculum has been designed to meet the individual needs of our students and to provide them with a broad and balanced programme of study. We have introduced a grammar stream within our banding system to make sure that all our students are academically challenged at whatever level they are currently working at and follow an appropriate curriculum pathway. Our Year 7 and 8 students study Outdoor Education and weekly Dance, Drama, Music and Art lessons – our curriculum is truly broad and inclusive. “An increasingly broad programme of extra-curricular opportunities is offered to all students, extending the curriculum beyond the classroom and providing students with increased confidence and building resilience. “We aim to enhance the life chances of every KHS student, an ambition which goes beyond exams and league tables alone. “We believe in the highest standards of behaviour and attitudes to learning from all of our students. Students’ excellent behaviour and positive attitudes are always recognised and rewarded through regular assemblies and celebration events. Working closely with our parents/ carers forms an important bedrock of our approach and an emerging parent/carer forum ensures strong links between the school and its families.” Further information about this extraordinary school can be found on the King Henry School website, www.kinghenry.org.uk, or by following them on Twitter @KingHenrySch.

Open Events 2021

Open Evening

Thursday 30 September 2021 5.30pm - 8.00pm Head Teacher talks at 5.30pm, 6.15pm and 7.00pm

Open Mornings

Monday 4 October 2021 9.00am Tuesday 5 October 2021 9.00am Wednesday 13 October 2021 9.00am Thursday 14 October 2021 9.00am Head Teacher talk and tour at 9.00am Monday 18th October 2021 9.00am Head Teacher talk and tour at 9.00am

Happy and successful community

Choosing your New School

An Extraordinary Education

Ongoing challenge in a caring environment

We are delighted to welcome Year 6 students and their families to King Henry School for our

Open Day on Saturday 18th September 2021

This open event will run from 9am until 12.30pm, with two addresses by the Headteacher in the Main Hall at 9.30am and 11.30am. Families will receive a tour by students, and the opportunity to participate in exciting activities within each subject area. King Henry School, Avenue Road, Erith, DA8 3BN |

01322 348231 |

info@kinghenry.org.uk |

www.kinghenry.org.uk |

1 Sept - 10 Oct ‘21

@KingHenrySch

Choosing your New School

St Paul’s Academy

St Paul’s Academy is unique in that they welcome students from the Catholic faith and from the local neighbourhood. St Paul’s Academy is an inclusive Academy that celebrates all aspects of the school’s diversity. Care and compassion are central to the way they treat one another and as a community, they have high expectations of all that their young people can achieve. The Academy specialisms are Sport and Enterprise. The entrepreneurial young people donate all the money they raise to charity: in fact, as a community they have raised over £220,000 for a wide range of charities since becoming an Academy. The other specialism, Sport, is also intrinsic to the success of the school. Sporting activities build confidence and leadership in young people and teach that when they strive, they grow in resilience. They can succeed. Many of the subjects’ results are well above the national average, both in traditional subjects as well as in vocational courses. St Paul’s Academy aim to make opportunities for all their students regardless of ability and although they have so many high achievers (with many students going to Russell Group universities or Oxbridge) they are a truly inclusive school. This can also be seen in the wide variety of activities that take place beyond the classroom, which is an integral part of all children becoming thoughtful and responsible citizens.

Harris Academy Beckenham

Primary Times spoke to Ciara Warnock, Principal at Harris Academy Beckenham. She told us, “Harris Academy Beckenham is proud to have been oversubscribed year after year, and this is in part to our unique

ethos and excellent standing in our local community. At the heart of what we do are our 4Rs: Resilience, Reflectiveness, Resourcefulness and Reciprocity. We believe that these learning attitudes will service our students well as they develop into adulthood as they are attributes which not only secure excellent academic outcomes, but enhance the interpersonal skills and sense of community responsibility that is crucial to be an effective and empathetic citizen. “We pride ourselves on offering an imaginative and challenging learning experience for our students, offering opportunities which are unique and memorable. Harnessing students’ creativity is an essential part of learning, and our innovation and character development days scheduled throughout the year provide invaluable occasions for students to thrive. We take every opportunity to use London as a resource with trips to theatres, museums, specialist events to broaden our students’ cultural capital, and have annual trips to Europe, including a ski trip and a sports tour. Our enrichment curriculum is second to none, with a plethora of sporting opportunities, in addition to some rare interests such as fencing, frisbee and archery! “Our academic results at GCSE and A Level speak for themselves and demonstrate the outstanding work of our staff and students to be as aspirational and ambitious as they can. We are significantly higher than national results against all key indicators, and aim to keep on improving our levels of excellence every year. “We look forward to welcoming you to our open evening on Thursday 30 September 2021 where we will be able to share with you further details of our Academy, our successes and the enriching and rewarding learning opportunities we can offer your son or daughter at Harris Academy Beckenham.”

Ofsted Inspection: June 2017

‘Your inclusive approach and attention to pupils’ welfare run through all aspects of the school. With support from the senior leadership team, you have ensured that the school continues to be a positive learning environment where pupils are well cared for.’ ‘Teachers use assessment information to plan activities which provide pupils with stretch and challenge, particularly the most able.’ This is an extremely welcoming place. Students are a great credit to themselves and to the Academy. They are polite, friendly and helpful, and they behave superbly. They attend very regularly because they enjoy school and value their education.’ Ofsted ‘Students are taught well by dedicated teachers who are committed to their interests. As a result, they achieve well and leave with very good examination results.’ Ofsted

St Paul’s Academy is a mixed 11 -16 Academy, sponsored by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Southwark. ‘St Paul’s is an outstanding Catholic School’ Denominational Inspection 2018 51 Finchale Road, Abbey Wood SE2 9PX 020 8311 3868 www.stpaulsacademy.org.uk Follow us on twitter @SPA_Greenwich

OPEN EVENTS 2021 Saturday 2nd October:

9.00am – 12 noon

Thursday 7th October: Thursday 14th October: Thursday 21st October:

10.00am – 11.15am 10.00am – 11.15am 10.00am – 11.15am

The Principal’s presentations will take place at 9.30am and 10.30am. Tours start at 10am/Last entry 10.30am Principal’s presentation at 10.45am

ALL ARRANGEMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS PLEASE CHECK THE SCHOOL WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND UPDATES

1 Sept - 10 Oct ‘21

Choosing your New School

A Community Based on Trust and Respect

HARRIS ACADEMY BECKENHAM YEAR 6 - OPEN EVENING

Coopers School is a community based on trust and respect that inspires resilience, ambition and success for all. Their values guide their attitudes and behaviours in everything they do. Within the school culture, they know that trust is crucial in creating positive and productive relationships between staff and students. This is the cornerstone of the approach to behaviour and pastoral care. Respect ensures equality where all members of the Coopers community demonstrate consideration and kindness towards each other. Everyone understands that learning is a journey and students need to exhibit resilience and determination to reach their goals and achieve success. In Coopers School they have high expectations of all members of the community and push each other to be the best versions of themselves. In March 2018, OFSTED confirmed that Coopers is a good school. “Coopers is a well led school and the leadership team have maintained the good quality of education in the school and the passion shown by all staff for the welfare of each individual pupil results in a very caring and supportive environment where pupils feel safe and happy.” Coopers believe in a holistic education where the academic curriculum is supported and enriched through extra-curricular opportunities and experiences. Students leave Coopers School with the skills, knowledge and experiences necessary to embark on the university or career of their choice.

THURSDAY 30TH SEPTEMBER 2021

Please visit our website for further details of our 2021 Open Evening Event

OPEN DAY

for prospective new year 7 and new Post 16 students

Saturday 25 September 2021 9:00am until 12.30pm The headteacher will speak to prospective • new Year 7 students throughout the evening The Deputy Headteacher will speak to • new Post 16 students at 10am & 11am

COOPERS SCHOOL Executive Headteacher: Ms Peterkin Head of School: Ms Bessa Hawkwood Lane, Chislehurst Kent, BR7 5PS Tel: 020 8467 3263 All documentation is available on our website. www.coopersschool.com

We will hold a Sixth Form Open Evening in November 2021. Please see our website for more details.

1 Sept - 10 Oct ‘21

Choosing your New School

Bullying Videos from The Diana Award

As over 10 million children head back to school in September, new research, commissioned by youth charity, The Diana Award, has asked young people and their parents about their experiences of bullying and the impact the events of the last year has had on their lives and social development. The survey covers a broad range of topics including how many young people and parents have experienced bullying and the impact this has had on their lives and their concerns about returning to school, cultural movements and news stories in the last year, and how this might have influenced young people. For example, the rise in conversation and news coverage around inclusivity, diversity, racism and sexism; How Covid-19 and the subsequent lockdowns may have impacted social development in children and young people. A host of celebrities including children’s TV presenters, sports people, actors, models and many others have filmed videos discussing their personal experiences of being bullied at school aimed at supporting today’s pupils. All videos can be viewed at http://back2school.antibullyingpro.com.

Passing the Bib to the Next Generation

In July Blackheath High School, an independent day school for girls aged 3 to 18 located in Greenwich, welcomed Saracens Mavericks Netball superstar Britney Clarke to give sports scholars a taste of elite netball. Britney put the girls through their paces with an intensive fitness session before giving them a talk on her journey to the top of elite netball, and answering questions from the budding sports stars. Blackheath High School matches academic excellence with a diverse range of co-curricular activities to inspire its students at every stage of their academic journey, and sport plays a major part in this. The teachers strive to promote equality through sport with traditionally labelled ‘boys’ sports’ like football and cricket taught to be equally as valid as netball. Britney Clarke said of her visit, “My journey into elite netball consisted of hard work and determination, but also learning to ignore the negative voices telling me I wasn’t like the other players. It was a pleasure to visit the girls at Blackheath High School and I hope that I instilled a sense that no mountain is too high when you’re chasing your dreams.” Hannah Morrell, Director of Sport at Blackheath High School, told Primary Times, “Diversity and inclusion in sport has come a long way but there are still many barriers visible to young girls which can prevent aspirations and shatter confidence. “Bringing in athletes like Britney Clarke is a way to motivate and inspire our students, and remind them that they can achieve whatever they set their hearts on.” Visit Blackheath High at their whole school Open Mornings on Saturday 25 September. For more information, visit www. blackheathhighschool.gdst.net/.

1 Sept - 10 Oct ‘21

St Columba’s – Valuing Children as Individuals

St Columba’s is a Catholic Comprehensive Academy. They are a welcoming, vibrant and happy community dedicated to faith, learning and achievement and welcome boys of all academic and religious backgrounds. The school has a tradition of high standards and high expectations. As a caring Christian community, they work in partnership with parents to enable students to achieve their very best. Gospel values inform all aspects of school life and learning - in the school community everyone has the right to be happy, safe and achieve. They are proud to be an inclusive Catholic school that welcomes students from all faiths or none. During the school’s last OfSTED visit in 2019, inspectors recognised this defining characteristic when they said ‘You and your governors aim to provide a highly inclusive education….The Catholic values you hold are evident in the safe and welcoming community the school has become.’ St Columba’s are proud to be a school where every child is known and valued as an individual and this too was recognised. ‘Warm and positive relationships are a strong feature of your school. As a result, pupils feel confident in lessons to ask questions and push themselves forward in their learning.’ Students are set by ability so that each individual is challenged to achieve their best. To support their successful transition,Year 7 students have their own playground. As a comprehensive school, every child really does matter and St Columba’s help each individual to grow spiritually, academically and socially. For more information, please visit www.st-columbas.bexley.sch.uk.

BL ACKHE ATH HIGH

I ’l l p e r f o r m

5 000

in front of , people one day. Being on stage has made me brave.

Open Morning

Where girls boldly go blackheathhighschool.gdst.net

25 Sep

Book online now

Choosing your New School

Leigh Academy Blackheath Where Tradition Meets Innovation

Leigh Academy Blackheath (LAB), part of Leigh Academies Trust, is an 11-18 comprehensive secondary school which opened in the Royal Borough of Greenwich in September 2018. LAB will provide 180 student places in each year group from 7-11, and 250 in the sixth form. The Academy will reach full capacity in September 2024 and moved into its brand new building in September 2020. LAB is a place where tradition meets innovation and potential is realised within a nurturing community. This purposeful and multidisciplined learning environment creates a climate where students not only acquire knowledge but also master the essential problem-solving and critical skills needed to succeed and lead in the 21st century. The LAB community is collaborative and together they ensure that students develop into powerful citizens for a digital future. The values of Respect, Integrity, Ambition, Scholarship and Resilience permeate everything they do and the small school, human-scale education model ensures the educational experience for every student is personalised. In 2021 Leigh Academy became an International Baccalaureate World School. Members of the Academy community invite you to attend their open evening on Wednesday 15 September.You will find Leigh Academy Blackheath on Old Dover Road, Blackheath, SE3 8SY. Call them on 020 8104 0888 or email info@leighacacademyblackheath.org.uk.

Leigh Academy

Open Events 2021 Open Evening Wednesday 15th September 2021

Open Morning Tours You will be able to tour the school on a Wednesday between 9.30 – 10.30am on the following dates:

Wednesday 22nd September Wednesday 29th September Wednesday 6th October Wednesday 13th October

Where tradition meets innovation and potential is realised within a nurturing community

Old Dover Road, Blackheath, London SE3 8SY For more information: info@leighacademyblackheath.org.uk | 020 8104 0888 Follow us on Twitter - @PT_LondonSandE

1 Sept - 10 Oct ‘21

Choosing your New School

Bexley Name

FIND YOUR LOCAL SCHOOL OPEN DAY INFORMATION Address

Beths Grammar School Hartford Road, Bexley, DA5 1NE Bexley Grammar School Danson Lane, Welling, DA16 2BL Bexleyheath Academy Woolwich Road, Bexleyheath, DA6 7DA Blackfen School for Girls Blackfen Road, Sidcup, DA15 9NU Chislehurst & Sidcup Grammar School Hurst Road, Sidcup, DA15 9AG Cleeve Park School Bexley Lane, Sidcup, DA14 4JN King Henry School Avenue Road, Erith, DA8 3BN Haberdashers’ Aske’s Crayford Academy Iron Mill Lane, Crayford, DA1 4RS Harris Academy Falconwood The Green, Welling, DA16 2PE Harris Garrard Academy Yarnton Way, Erith, DA18 4DW Hurstmere School Hurst Road, Sidcup, DA15 9AW Kemnal Technology College Sevenoaks Way, Sidcup DA14 5AA St Catherine’s Catholic School Watling Street, Bexleyheath, DA6 7QJ St Columba’s Catholic Boys School Halcot Avenue, Bexleyheath, DA6 7QB Townley Grammar School For Girls Townley Road, Bexleyheath, DA6 7AB Trinity C of E School, Belvedere Erith Road, Belvedere, DA17 6HT Welling School Elsa Road, Welling, DA16 1LB

Tel

Website

01322 556 538 020 8304 8538 020 8303 5696 020 8303 1887 020 8302 6511 020 8302 6418 01322 348 231 01322 402 180 020 8304 4916 020 8320 4800 020 8300 5665 020 8300 7112 01322 556 333 01322 553 236 020 8304 8311 01322 441 371 020 8304 8531

www.beths.bexley.sch.uk www.bexleygs.co.uk www.bexleyheathacademy.org www.blackfenschoolforgirls.co.uk www.csgrammar.com www.cleevepark-tkat.org www.kinghenry.org.uk www.haaf.org.uk www.harrisfalconwood.org.uk www.harrisgarrard.org.uk www.hurstmere.org.uk www.ktc-tkat.org www.stccg.co.uk www.st-columbas.bexley.sch.uk www.townleygrammar.org.uk www.trinity.bexley.sch.uk www.wellingschool-tkat.orgBromley

Bromley Name

Address

Tel

Website

Babington House Bishop Challoner School Bishop Justus C of E School Bonus Pastor Catholic College Bromley High School Bullers Wood School Bullers Wood School for Boys Charles Darwin School Chislehurst School for Girls Coopers School Darrick Wood School Eden Park High School Eltham College Farringtons School Harris Academy Beckenham Harris Academy Orpington Harris Girls’ Academy Bromley Hayes School Langley Park School for Boys Langley Park School for Girls Newstead Wood School Ravens Wood School Ravensbourne School, The

Grange Drive, Chislehurst, BR7 5ES Bromley Road, Shortlands, BR2 0BS Magpie Hall Lane, Bromley, BR2 8HZ Winlaton Road, Bromley, BR1 5PZ Blackbrook Lane, Bromley, BR1 2TW St Nicolas Ln, Chislehurst, BR7 5LJ Chislehurst Road, Bromley, BR1 2NW Jail Lane, Biggin Hill, TN16 3AU Beaverwood Road, Chislehurst, BR7 6HE Hawkwood Lane, Chislehurst, BR7 5PS Lovibonds Avenue, Orpington, BR6 8ER Balmoral Avenue, Beckenham, BR3 3RD Grove Park Road, Mottingham, SE9 4QF Perry Street, Chislehurst, BR7 6LR Manor Way, Beckenham, BR3 3SJ Tintagel Road, Orpington, BR5 4LG Lennard Road, Beckenham, BR3 1QR West Common Road, Bromley, BR2 7DB South Eden Park Road, Beckenham, BR3 3BP South Eden Park Road, Beckenham, BR3 3BE Avebury Road, Orpington, BR6 9SA Oakley Road, Bromley, BR2 8HP Hayes Lane, Bromley, BR2 9EH

020 8467 5537 020 8460 3546 020 8315 8130 020 8695 2100 020 8781 7000 020 8467 2280 020 8016 0710 01959 574 043 020 8300 3156 020 8467 3263 01689 850 271 020 3948 3864 020 8857 1455 020 8467 0256 020 8650 8694 01689 819 219 020 8778 5917 020 8462 2767 020 8639 4700 020 8639 5200 01689 853 626 01689 856 050 020 8460 0083

www.babingtonhouse.com www.bishopchallonerschool.com www.bishopjustus.bromley.sch.uk www.bonuspastor.co.uk www.bromleyhigh.gdst.net www.bwsgirls.org www.bwsboys.org www.cdarwin.com www.chislehurstschoolforgirls.co.uk www.coopersschool.com www.darrickwood.bromley.sch.uk www.edenparkhigh.com www.elthamcollege.london www.farringtons.org.uk www.harrisbeckenham.org.uk www.harrisorpington.org.uk www.harrisbromley.org.uk www.hayes.bromley.sch.uk www.lpbs.org.uk www.lpgs.bromley.sch.uk www.newsteadwood.co.uk www.ravenswood.bromley.sch.uk www.ravensbourne.info

Greenwich Name

Blackheath High School Colfe’s School Eltham Hill School Ark Greenwich Free School Halley Academy, The Harris Academy Greenwich John Roan, The Leigh Academy Blackheath Plumstead Manor School St Mary Magdalene - Secondary Campus St Paul’s Academy St Thomas More Catholic Comprehensive St Ursula’s Convent School Stationers’ Crown Woods Academy Thomas Tallis Woolwich Polytechnic Boys’ School Woolwich Polytechnic Girls’ School

Other Name

Address

Tel

Website

2 Vanbrugh Park, SE3 7AG Horn Park Lane, SE12 8AW Eltham Hill, SE9 5EE 403 Shooters Hill Rd, SE18 4LH Corelli Road, SE3 8EP Middle Park Avenue, SE9 5EQ Maze Hill, SE3 7UD Old Dover Road, SE3 8SY Old Mill Road, SE18 1QF 1 Hendon Street, London, SE10 0NF Finchale Road, Abbey Wood, SE2 9PX Footscray Road, SE9 2SU 70 Croom’s Hill, Greenwich SE10 8HN 145 Bexley Road, SE9 2PT Kidbrooke Park Road, SE3 9PX Hutchins Road, SE28 8AT Birchdene Drive, SE28 8RP

020 8853 2929 0208 852 2283 020 8859 2843 020 8319 3692 020 8856 2828 020 8859 0133 020 8516 7555 020 8104 0888 020 3260 3333 020 3873 5555 020 8311 3868 020 8850 6700 020 8858 4613 020 8850 7678 020 8856 0115 020 8310 7000 020 8059 2800

www.blackheathhighschool.gdst.net www.colfes.com www.elthamhill.com www.arkgreenwichfreeschool.co.uk www.thehalleyacademy.org.uk www.harrisgreenwich.org.uk www.thejohnroanschool.org.uk www.leighacademyblackheath.org.uk www.plumsteadmanor.com www.koinoniafederation.com www.stpaulsacademy.org.uk www.stmcomprehensive.org www.stursulas.com www.scwa.org.uk www.thomastallisschool.com www.woolwichpoly.co.uk www.woolwichpolygirls.com

Address

Tel

Website

020 8461 9240 020 8853 6250

www.habsknights.org.uk www.stmatthewacademy.co.uk

Haberdashers’ Aske’s Knights Academy Launcelot Road, Bromley, BR1 5EB St Matthew Academy St Joseph’s Vale, Blackheath, SE3 0XX

1 Sept - 10 Oct ‘21

Win Mummies Unwrapped by Tom Froese Mummies are everybody’s favourite museum fascination. Mummies Unwrapped explores the ins and outs of the mummification process - from drying out a dead body and stuffing it with mud, to holding a grand funeral procession to send the mummy into the afterlife. Unwrap the mysteries of the fascinating world of ancient Egyptian mummies! Mummies Unwrapped is the perfect gruesome guide for children aged 7 and up, with wonderfully detailed illustrations from the author Tom Froese. Young readers will delve beyond the dazzling gold cover to uncover the secrets of the embalmers, tales of the tomb robbers and even what happened when pets were mummified! Mummies Unwrapped is published by Nosy Crow at a recommend price of £11.99. For your chance to win one of five copies of Mummies Unwrapped, tell us which ancient culture mummified their dead. See below for details of how to enter.

Win a Trip on the Epping Ongar Railway London Transport Weekend Get your kids into trains and buses with these fantastic tickets for the Epping Ongar Railway over their London Transport Weekend. The weekend will feature special engines in London Transport livery and the stations will all be dressed as tube stations – just like they were when tube services were withdrawn in 1994. The Epping Ongar Railway is the only heritage line accessible by tube - so leave the car at home. In fact, back in 1972 Ongar was selected as the ‘Start of the Underground’ for calculating all distances and was given a special 0.0Km post. The event takes place on 8-10 October and there are 4 family tickets available for the lucky winners. To win a family ticket, simply tell us which station has a 0.0km sign on it signifying that it is the ‘start of the Underground’? See below for details of how to enter.

Win an Amazing Gorilla Prize with Cindergorilla To celebrate the publication of Cindergorilla by well-known local author and entertainer, Gareth P. Jones, Primary Times and Farshore have a glorious gorilla competition! One lucky reader and a parent or guardian will win an exciting Cindergorilla experience day (complete with a trip to London Zoo and GoApe TreeTop Adventure). The winning reader will also receive a signed and illustrated copy of the book to celebrate publication!

Cindergorilla loves to dance. She longs to go to the Saturday Night Disco Ball, where the other gorillas strut their stuff, but her horrid aunt and cousins, Gertrude and Grace always say no. Instead Cindergorilla must stay home and do the housework! But all that changes when Cinder gets a visit from her Hairy Godmother…. Cindergorilla is the second book in Gareth’s Fairy Tales for the Fearless series, and is a fun-filled twist on the classic children’s fairy tale Cinderella. It celebrates resilience and is a fun disco-dancing adventure, combined with stunning illustrations by Loretta Schaeur. Cindergorilla is published in paperback by Farshore on 16 September at a recommended price of £6.99. To be in with a chance of winning this fabulous prize, all you need to do is complete and cut out the word search. Then fill out the form with your details and send them to the address below by the closing date. Or scan a copy of your completed form and email it to the email address below. Terms and Conditions: Fulfilment of prizes may be delayed by any future Government lockdowns but will be honoured when possible.

Find the following words • Cinder • Gorilla • Zoo • Grace • Dance • Ball • Hairy • GoApe • Gertrude • Disco

E H D I S C O X

P D S C V I X A

A A U Y K N Z L

O N L R W D O L

G C L I T E O I

G E A A B R L R

R B B H N L E O

T M P E C A R G

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 24 September 2021. If you are entering more than one competition you can put all entries in the same envelope.

1 Sept - 10 Oct ‘21

Competitions

Family Theatre

Open Air Theatre Regents Park

www.openairtheatre.com Until 5 Sep

Dragons and Mythical Beasts

Calling all brave heroes. Enter into a magical world of myths and legends in this fantastical new show for all the family, out in the great outdoors.

The best shows around... against the odds, the Fairy Blackheath Halls Queen and King at war, and Box Office: 020 8463 one wild spirit hell-bent on Enjoy 0100 causing as much havoc the show! as possible. What 30 Oct And don’t could possibly go Oldilocks wrong? forget to say

and the Three Bears

you saw it in

Primary

Greenwich

A wonderfully Theatre Times! funny and warmBox Office: 020 8858 7755 hearted celebration of Until 5 Sep the classic story starring a naughty old lady who looks The Wolves of very familiar… and 3 funny Willoughby Chase bears who love their breakfast. This production tells the story Ages 3-7. of two brave, determined girls,

Churchill Bromley

Box Office: 0343 310 0020 3 – 4 Sep

Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain

as they fight against ferocious wolves and battle their way through wastelands to defeat their very evil guardian, Miss Slighcarp. Ages 6+

17 Oct

Johnny Ball

20 – 24 Oct

What the Ladybird Heard

Join the clever Ladybird as she leads the animals on their quest to save the day, in this joyous stage adaptation of the bestselling picture book by Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks. Ages 3+

Globe SE1

Box Office: 020 7401 9919 Until 30 Oct

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

A posse of wannabe actors, determined to put on a play 26

1 Sept - 10 Oct ‘21

www.trh.co.uk Until 5 Sep

The Tiger Who Came to Tea

Join the tea-guzzling tiger in this delightful family show packed with oodles of magic, sing-along songs and clumsy chaos. Ages 3+

Woolwich Works www.woolwich.works 9 Oct

Catapluf’s Musical Journey

Albany Deptford

Box Office: 020 8692 4446 9 Oct

Club Origami

Dive into the magical world of Takeshi Matsumoto’s immersive and interactive dance show, which invites family audiences to create, imagine and explore whole new ways of thinking, playing and moving. Under 5s.

Upstairs at the Sydenham Centre

.spontaneousproductions. co.uk 25 Sep – 24 Oct

The Seven Voyages of Sinbad the Sailor

(Selected dates) Join Sinbad on his incredible voyages, as he tells his amazing story - from his humble beginnings in Baghdad, to sailing the seven seas in search of adventure. All ages.

Presented by Adriano Adewale, the show is packed full of rhythms and tunes from every corner of the globe, spiced up

The Story of the Yara

Greenwich Theatre is back to full strength and is now reaching the end of a busy summer with productions of Pinocchio and The Wolves of Willoughby Chase. Primary Times are delighted to be working with the team at Greenwich Theatre to develop a brand-new family theatre concept. With support from Arts Council England, they are set to pilot a fusion of live theatre in Greenwich, family radio on Maritime FM and the distribution of a free graphic novel here at Primary Times!

Prepare yourselves for the horrible history of Britain with the nasty bits left in to entertain the whole family this autumn.

Johnny’s TV shows inspired a whole generation towards careers in Maths, Science, Technology and Education. Now he’s doing it for their children and grandchildren in his original engaging style. Ages 9+

Theatre Royal Haymarket

with samba sounds, roof-raising jazz and foot-stomping klezmer. Ages 5+

Until 5 Sep

Pinocchio

When Mr Cherry delivers a talking log to Gepetto the carpenter, to carve under the watchful eye of his talking cricket, none of them can imagine the adventures that lie ahead. Ages 6+

London Palladium www.lwtheatres.co.uk Until 5 Sep

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat

One of the world’s most beloved family musicals returns to the stage this summer, with Jason Donovan as the roof-raising Pharaoh and Alexandra Burke as The Narrator.

Based on a fairy tale from Brazil, the story follows a young man’s adventures as he is tempted by the Yara, a beautiful mermaid living in the Amazon. Audiences will be able to see a short stage version, listen to a musical radio version and receive their own comic book version of the tale to keep – all for free. Look out for updates across our social media channels and at www.greenwichtheatre. org.uk – and make sure you pick up the next edition of Primary Times for your free Yara comic.

Our picture shows a scene from Pinocchio but hurry because it’s only on for a few more days.

Meet Emma Carroll

author of The Week at World’s End Primary Times were lucky enough to speak to Emma Carroll, once a secondary school teacher, now a multiple award-winning writer. Our interviewer, Rachel Benson, found her charismatic, energetic, and incredibly welcoming. Her latest release, The Week at World’s End, is based in 1962. Runaway, Anna, befriends Stevie and Ray as she hides from people who are trying to poison her. As tensions rise between America and Russia, and with the threat of war, Stevie wonders if Anna has been sent with a special message just for her. We were lucky enough to speak to Emma one Monday morning, typically, by Zoom. A little ice breaker - you used to pick avocados do you hate them or eat them by the dozen like us? I eat a lot of avocados, I love them! It was in Israel that I was picking them. Because it was quite hot we used to go picking them around dawn, and the chap who took us down there always carried a gun, because there were wolves, wild dogs and jackals that you could sometimes come across in the orchard. Luckily, we didn’t! What originally inspired you to become a writer? Well, I’ve always loved English. Even as a primary school student, English was always my favourite subject, it was the thing that made sense. Sort of in the opposite way to Maths really! But when I got to secondary school I had the most amazing English teacher, called Mrs Bailey, and she just got me. I loved her for that. She gave me that confidence. I’ve never forgotten that teacher who really made a difference to me. With lots of creative professionals there’s that one teacher who really inspires them, isn’t there? It’s that one person who sees in you the thing that you haven’t quite yet seen in yourself but you know it’s there somewhere. When someone else can see it too it justifies it to you. A lot of your books are based on historical events, with The Week at World’s End set around the Cuban Missile Crisis. Why have you chosen to do that? First of all because I really like reading books like that. The very first book I wrote, Frost Hollow Hall, isn’t based around a historical event, that’s just a Victorian ghost story. It was only when I got to write my second book, The Girl Who Walked On Air, Follow us on Twitter - @PT_LondonSandE

that I really began to think about historical events that might trigger the story. That’s actually quite a helpful way of writing historical fiction because you’ve got an event to hang your story on. The Week at World’s End was inspired by my parents. They were teenagers during the Cuban Missile Crisis. When I talked to my Mum and Dad about living through this week when the world was on the brink, it sounded absolutely terrifying. That would be a really interesting thing to write about. When you look at 1962, Kennedy was President of the US, Martin Luther King was giving a lot of speeches, the space race was going on and the Beatles had their first song out. So there were so many things happening, I thought ‘let’s do it!’ What’s your favourite thing about this book? I think the fact that they live in this little close and it really reminds me of my childhood. It’s a real book of the heart. On your website you talk about needing lots of cups of tea when writing (which we love!) What else do you need/do when writing? I really like this space (Emma gestures to the room she’s talking to me from). It’s only a tiny little room at the back of my house but it is my favourite place to write. It’s having the quiet space where I know that I am clicking into that creative mode. What else? I like to have a dog in here with me. I do like that. Emma turns her screen round to show me her view - the rolling Somerset hills out of the window and in front, a dog bed complete with resting dog. That’s Bert. It’s normally my other dog but he got here first today. Tea. I like nice notebooks. That’s sort of it really - tea, dogs, quiet space. Do you have any tips for any budding writers? The most important thing that any writer can tell you is to read. It’s where we get a lot of our ideas from.You also learn about your own tastes. It’s really important to choose a type of story to write that you yourself would want to read. Also, experiment. Don’t necessarily go down one route. Try writing poetry. I’ve heard of a lot of writers saying that a story they have written has started as a poem. Emma Carroll’s latest release promises to be an adventurous, nostalgic and historical treat for readers of all ages. The Week at World’s End, published by Faber, is released at the beginning of September and is available from all good book shops. 1 Sept - 10 Oct ‘21

What’s On

What’s On Your family diary for September and October

Due to Covid 19 restrictions please do check with the venue that the listing is up to date before planning your visit.

Ongoing Daily

Family Trails, Cutty Sark, Greenwich, SE10 9HT

10am-5pm. Pick up a family trail from the front desk at Cutty Sark to discover exciting themes throughout the ship. Choose from two different trails with activities suited to any age. Free with admission to the ship. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.rmg.co.uk

Family Trails, National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, SE10 9NF

10am-5pm. Pick up a family trail from the Play and Explore trolley to discover exciting objects in the Museum’s galleries. Choose from seven different trails across a range of galleries, with activities suited to any age. For more information visit www.rmg.co.uk

Weekends/School Holidays only

Young Astronomers Workshop, Royal Observatory, Greenwich, SE10 8XJ

Learn about space through workshops facilitated by Observatory Explainers mixing demonstrations with make and do activities. For more information and to book visit www. rmg.co.uk

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

11am, 12noon, 1.30pm and 2.30pm. Meet Captain Woodget, the ship’s most daring master, Nannie the ship’s figurehead, James Robson, the ship’s cook, or the ship’s new dockworker character, who all have special stories to tell. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.rmg.co.uk

Weekends/Bank Holidays/School Holidays only

Picnic at the Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, SE10 9NN The beautiful grounds are open once again, so go along and treat yourself to a fresh seasonal picnic or afternoon tea. Take along your own picnic blanket. Must book 3 days in advance. For more information visit www.ornc.org

Until 5 Sep

Borealis, Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, SE10 9NN Go and see this immersive installation inspired by the Northern Lights which will light up the night

1 Sept - 10 Oct ‘21

skies above the Old Royal Naval College with music to enhance the atmosphere. For more information and to book tickets visit www.ornc. org.

Until 11 Sep

Greenwich + Docklands International Festival, Various Locations

GDIF forms part of the Royal Greenwich Festivals, an annual series of high-quality events organised by the Royal Borough of Greenwich to celebrate cultural vibrancy, and is the flagship annual event produced by Festival.org. To view the full programme of events visit www. festival.org

Maize Maze, Stanhill Farm, Dartford, DA2 7HD

The theme for this year’s maze is Summer Fun with a giant sunflower shaped maze surrounded by a border of beautiful sunflowers. After you conquer the maze you can spend time picking your own fruit and vegetables. For more information and to book visit www.stanhillfarm.co.uk

Until 31 Oct

500 Years of Mischief and Misadventure in Greenwich, Old Royal Naval College, SE10 9NN

Discover Nick Ellwood’s charming illustrations in this exhibition inspired by the history of the Old Royal Naval College and the Painted Hall. For more information and to book tickets visit www.ornc.org

Tudors to Windsors, National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, SE10 9NF

10am-5pm. This major exhibition will give visitors the opportunity to come face-to-face with the kings, queens and their heirs who have shaped British history and were so central to Greenwich. All ages. For more information and to book visit www. rmg.co.uk/national-maritime-museum

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

”

Call the Midwife Official Location Tours, Historic Dockyard Chatham, ME4 4TZ

If you’re a fan of the hit series, a trip to see where Call the Midwife is filmed should be top of your bucket list. Walk in the footsteps of Nurse Trixie Franklin, Sister Julienne and Dr Turner and explore where the real drama happens. For more information visit www.thedockyard. co.uk

September Sat 4 Sep

Family Film Fest 2021, Beckenham Place Mansion, BR3 1SY

10.30am-6pm. There will be a unique free programme of international films and short animations suitable for the entire family, fun workshops and activities, arts and crafts, a food market and lots, lots more. For more information and to book visit www. smallworldcinema.com

Astronomy and Islam, Royal Observatory, Greenwich, SE10 8XJ

10.30am. A Royal Observatory Greenwich astronomer will guide young and old alike through the night sky, highlighting Arabic tales about characters and creatures that people imagined seeing by joining together the bright stars in the sky. Ages 7+. To book visit www.rmg.co.uk

Sat 4 – Sun 5 Sep

Family Fun Weekend – Totally Thames, Cutty Sark, Greenwich, SE10 9HT

This month celebrate London’s greatest river with ‘Totally Thames’, exploring plastic in our rivers and oceans, and how Cutty Sark could inspire a return to sail. Free with admission to the ship. Ages 4+. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.rmg.co.uk/cutty-sark

Yinka Ilori Mini Golf, The Tide, Greenwich Peninsula, SE10 0ES Swing into a summer of play with this family-friendly, fun-filled mini golf course designed by artist Yinka Ilori. This free technicolour 6-hole course is open from 12-6pm for up to groups of 6. Ages 4+. Putts and balls provided. For more information and to book visit www. greenwichpeninsula.co.uk

Open House, Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, SE10 9NN

Take a peek into parts of the site not normally open to the public including Admiral’s House and the Jacobean Undercroft in the Queen Anne’s Building. There is plenty for families to do for free, kids activity trail booklet and an excellent multimedia guide. For more information, visit www.ornc.org.

Sat 4 – Sun 12 Sep

Open House Festival 2021, Various Locations

Open House will return this September with another hybrid event focused on the recovery of London. For more information and to view the full programme of events visit www.open-city.org.uk

Sat 4 – Sun 19 Sep

Summer Sessions on the Tide, Greenwich Peninsula, SE10 0ES

(Selected dates and times) Go along a celebrate the spirit of community, the outdoors, and the River. The line-up will feature free events including outdoor film, craft and wellbeing workshops and the Turning Tides Music weekend. For more information and to book visit www. thamesfestivaltrust.org

Sun 5 Sep

Grove Park Carnival, Chinbrook Meadows, SE12 9TE

11am-5.30pm. Go along and enjoy all the fun of the carnival with lots of stalls, a parade, workshops and even a dog show – all in aid of the carnival’s wonderful charity partners LONSAR (London Search & Rescue). For more information visit www. groveparkcarnival.co.uk

ParksFest 2021, Eaglesfield Park, Shooter’s Hill, SE18 3BX

1-4pm. A festival of open air and free cultural entertainment in Greenwich’s parks and open spaces. For more information visit www. parksfest.org

Your family diary for September and October

September 70 Years of the RF, Epping Ongar Railway, North Weald Station, CM16 6BT

The event based at the Railway’s North Weald Station will feature routes and tours operating to local towns and villages, commemorating 70 years of the iconic RF class AEC Regal IV. There will also be visiting vehicles and a surprise or two. For more information and to book visit www.eorailway.co.uk

Summer Picnic, St George’s Garrison Church, Woolwich, SE18 6BW

2-6pm. Take along picnic food or food to share if you can. Pizza and fresh fruit will be provided. There will be children’s activities, games, face-painting, music, dancing, a raffle and lots of laughs. Free. For more information and to register (adults only) visit www.royalgreenwich.gov. uk

Thurs 9 Sep

Peckish Street Food Market, Beckenham Place Mansion, BR3 1SY

4-10pm.Yearning to feel you’ve escaped London for a bit? Join in for alfresco drinks, beautiful views and the finest DJs and bands in town. For more information visit www. beckenhamplace.org

Fri 10 Sep

Forever Young, Charlton House & Gardens, SE7 8RE

11am-4pm. A live, festival-style variety event that brings people together in the spirit of community, togetherness and celebration. There will be a fantastic and varied line up of live music, performance and entertainment on stage. For more information visit www. royalgreenwich.gov.uk

Fri 10 – Sat 11 Sep

Reflection Gardens, Delta Terrace, Woolwich, SE18 6PD

See both sides of the Thames light up at dusk in this atmospheric and enchanting experience. There are echoes of local stories, whilst trees glow with fire and flowers blossom into life with flames. Free. For more information visit www.festival.org

Healing Together, Various Locations

Enjoy a programme of street arts, installation and performance with the environment at its heart taking place at Royal Victoria Gardens in North Woolwich, Royal Docks, and

Woolwich Town Centre. Free. For more information and to see what’s on visit www.festival.org

Sat 11 Sep

Bilingual Families – Swedish, Royal Observatory, Greenwich, SE10 8XJ

10.30am. Explore the Universe in a language other than English in this Bilingual Families virtual planetarium show, designed for bilingual and multilingual families. Ages 7+. For more information and to book visit www.rmg.co.uk

Fun Activities, Cygnet Square, Thamesmead, SE2 9UJ

11am-3pm. Join local artists, just outside The Nest in Cygnet Square, for a range of interactive and creative activities celebrating Thamesmead’s unique architectural character and heritage. Part of the Open House London Festival. For more information and to book visit www. open-city.org.uk/open-house

Sat 11 – Sun 12 Sep Thames Path Challenge, Various Locations

Help to raise vital funds for Pilgrims Hospices with your walk, jog or run along the Thames Path this September which will support them in continuing to care for over 2,500 patients each year. For more information and to sign up visit www. pilgrimshospices.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

“

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

Sun 12 Sep

”

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

10.45am-1pm. Explore the Creek with experts and find out about the local and natural history of this amazing urban space. Low tide walks let you get on to the river bed safely with the help of a guide. Ages 8-17. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.creeksidecentre. org.uk

Discover Sundays, National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, SE10 9NF

10.30am, 12noon, 2pm and 3.30pm. Discover objects that introduce you to different people, histories and cultures. Participate in different creative activities inspired by these objects before heading into the galleries to see what else you can discover. To book visit www.rmg. co.uk

Mon 13 – Sat 18 Sep

Heritage Open Days, Prince Philip Maritime Collections Centre, Kidbrooke, SE3 9QS

Discover food related items within the collection from the oldest coconut in London to the ration bags belonging to Captain Scott on his final expedition, in these daily tours. There will also be a unique talk online. Ages 8+. For more information and to book visit www. rmg.co.uk

Thurs 16 Sep

Kids Cooking Classes, Beckenham Place Mansion, BR3 1SY

1.30pm and 4pm. All of the ingredients, equipment and an apron are provided. Children also take home a recipe card along with their dish, so you can re-create it together at home. For more information and to book visit www.beckenhamplace. org

Thurs 16 – Fri 17 Sep

Peckish Street Food Market, Beckenham Place Mansion, BR3 1SY

4-10pm.Yearning to feel you’ve escaped London for a bit? Join in for alfresco drinks, beautiful views and the finest DJs and bands in town. For more information visit www. beckenhamplace.org

What’s On

More What’s On

Fri 17 Sep

Art in the Park, Beckenham Place Mansion, BR3 1SY

5-6pm & 6.30-7.30pm.Your chance to experience the creative process of journaling in a relaxed way in the beautiful mansion setting. Journaling is a way of recording and expressing a moment, feeling or idea in a visual way. Under 7s to be accompanied. To book email artintheparkmansion@ gmail.com

Sat 18 Sep

London to Brighton Electric Vehicle Rally

This new event is being held to demonstrate and celebrate the rapid development of electric vehicles and renewable energy. Starting on the banks of the River Thames and finishing on Brighton Beach. For more information or to enter visit www. londontobrightonelectricvehiclerally. com

LGBTQ+ Family Network, National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, SE10 9NF

10am-12noon. A safe space for local LGBTQ+ families to meet one another, get involved in creative activities for all ages and explore the stories within the collection. Suitable for all ages. RSVP to families@rmg. co.uk. For more information visit www.rmg.co.uk

Battle of the Bands, Greenwich Park, SE10 8QY

5-7pm. This is an opportunity to see some of South East London’s hottest young musical talent as they perform on the Greenwich Park bandstand. Take along a picnic and witness future stars in the making! For more information visit www.tramshed.org

Sat 18 – Sun 19 Sep

Sun 19 Sep

Discover Sundays, National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, SE10 9NF

For lots more What’s On ideas see page 30...

Due to Covid 19 restrictions please do check with the venue that the listing is up to date before planning your visit. Follow us on Twitter - @PT_LondonSandE

1 Sept - 10 Oct ‘21

What’s On

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

September Thurs 23 Sep

Kids Cooking Classes, Beckenham Place Mansion, BR3 1SY

One Night Light Show, Various Locations in Lambeth 7.30pm onwards. For one night only, Illuminated River artist Leo Villareal will programme a dazzling light display on nine bridges across the Thames. For more information visit www.thamesfestivaltrust.org

Sat 25 Sep

Family Wildlife Activities, Greenwich Park, SE10 8QY

1-4pm. Join The Royal Parks’ volunteers in the Flower Garden for nature-themed crafts and wildlife discovery. For more information visit www.royalparks.org.uk

Black History Walk, Various Locations

7.30-9pm. An exciting, interactive tour of the African/Caribbean history along the Southbank and riverside, traversing the Illuminated River Bridges. For more information and to book visit www.thamesfestivaltrust. org

Sun 26 Sep

Discover Sundays, National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, SE10 9NF

Thurs 30 Sep

Kids Cooking Classes, Beckenham Place Mansion, BR3 1SY

Thurs 30 Sep – Sun 21 Nov Sonic Ray, Slice of Reality, Greenwich, SE10 0DY

4.30-10pm.Sonic Ray encodes the sound of Longplayer into the light source and transmits it at the speed of light from the Faraday lighthouse to the opposite bank of the river, creating a new temporary listening post on the Greenwich peninsula foreshore. To book visit www. thamesfestivaltrust.org

October Fri 1 – Sat 2 Oct

Fun Palace, Blackheath Library, SE3 7BT

Join in at the Fun Palace at Blackheath Library - a lively and colourful library set in the heart of a vibrant local community in the London Borough of Greenwich. For more information visit www. funpalaces.co.uk

Fri 1 – Sun 3 Oct

Fun Palace, Woolwich Library, SE18 6HQ

11am-2pm Fri and Sat, 1-3pm Sun. Woolwich Library is a vibrant hub of information, fun and creativity. Join in for a variety of different activities and connect with your local community. For more information visit www. funpalaces.co.uk

Fri 1 – Sun 31 Oct

Black History Month 365, National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, SE10 9NF

Royal Museums Greenwich will be showcasing an annual programme of activity celebrating the achievements of people of African descent. Join in for an exciting range of activities from creative workshops to evening talks that tell our shared British history. For more information visit www.rmg.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

“

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

Sat 2 Oct

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Fun Palaces Festival, National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, SE10 9NF

11am-4pm. Join in for a festival of wonderful performances and exciting activities as local communities ‘take over’ the National Maritime Museum to showcase their marvellous talents and curious interests. For more information visit www.rmg.co.uk

Fun Palace, Eltham Library, SE9 1HA

10am-4pm. Join in for a range of activities, discover something new and have fun. For more information visit www.funpalaces.co.uk

Sun 3 Oct

Discover Sundays, National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, SE10 9NF

(Also 10 Oct) 10.30am, 12noon, 2pm and 3.30pm. Discover objects that introduce you to different people, histories and cultures. Participate in different creative activities inspired by these objects before heading into the galleries to see what else you discover. To book visit www.rmg. co.uk

Virgin Money London Marathon, Various Locations

The London Marathon returns to the capital this year, starting in Greenwich Park and finishing on The Mall in St James’s Park. For more information and to view the interactive map of the course visit www.virginmoneylondonmarathon. com

Thurs 7 Oct

Kids Cooking Classes, Beckenham Place Mansion, BR3 1SY

National Poetry Day, Nationwide

Sun 10 Oct

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

10.15am-12.30pm. Explore the Creek with experts and find out about the local and natural history of this amazing urban space. Low tide walks let you get on to the river bed safely with the help of a guide. Ages 8-17. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.creeksidecentre. org.uk

Thurs 14 Oct

Kids Cooking Classes, Beckenham Place Mansion, BR3 1SY

Fri 15 Oct

Just One Tree Day, Nationwide Schools throughout the UK and around the globe have already committed to this international nonuniform day that encourages children to bring in £1 to plant a tree and help reforest the planet. To sign up and for more information visit www. justonetree.life.

Sat 16 – Sun 31 Oct

Howl’o’ween, Chessington World of Adventures Resort, Chessington, KT9 2NE

Things are getting spooky once again at Chessington this October for a Howl’o’ween beyond your wildest screams. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.chessington. com

Sun 17 Oct

Discover Sundays, National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, SE10 9NF

Our next copy deadline is

24 September 2021 If you have something you would

Join in the fun in this UK-wide celebration of poetry with thousands of amazing events across the UK in a variety of venues, all celebrating poetry’s power to bring people together. This year the theme is Choice. For more details and to sign up visit www.nationalpoetryday.co.uk

like us to try and publicise (space permitting) please email it to

listings@ primarytimes.biz

Due to Covid 19 restrictions please do check with the venue that the listing is up to date before planning your visit. 30

1 Sept - 10 Oct ‘21

All your own work! Maya Revoir aged 5

Areeba Islam aged 10 Beare, Darius Patel competitions in our July Bumper Summer issue. Will Congratulations to the following people who won etition schools. The Chessington World of Adventure comp and Asher Tomlinson won boxes of books for their to see going is o Out Chichester competition. Zach Debo was won by Emma Boyce. Zoe Lewis won the Flip s Vagg ie w-Dix s winner was Noah Whitbread. Willo the Jungle Book at Emmetts Garden. Our Mega Camp y Popp Lyus, r Arthu Paws in the Park tickets were won by won a Swingball pro wth Millbrook Garden Centre. er Summ PQA the u. Alexa Ling will be enjoying a week at Moore, Ella Sinclair, Ben Gibson and Theo Christiano Williams won tickets for The Three Musketeers at Luke School. Our Ropetackle winner was Yasmin Wilson. r aged Monster-Saurus Summer was Prisha Garg. Maya Revoi BOAT. Our lucky winner of a tablet with Tiny Pop's our all to done winner was Areeba Islam aged 10. Well 5 won our Annie's Drawing competition. Our older artwork! competition winners on this page and enjoy all the 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 Tame Akin-Agboola, Munaver Murghal, Liyana Soobratty and Katharina Hopkins for their fun, imaginative and clever drawings and poems. We love seeing your work so do please keep sending it to us. We're happy to receive artwork from the whole class so do feel free to send us class entries.

Answers Spot the Difference In Picture B the ladybird has a dot missing. The ladybird’s wings have changed colour.The bee has an extra stripe. The ant has an extra section. The crocus is missing in the bottom left of the photo. There is an extra spider and an extra leaf. One of the white flowers has changed colour

K atie

lown’s Luscious Leaves Spot the 8 Differences

Word Search E F O G G Y D R O P

E T H Z N E D L O G

G N AM A R U N T H U J M L N F CM B B

I A V T R Q A F E X

L P E B H E P V T P

T L S R L Y B E S F

S E T I T F B I C H

U Y S S N L R N H J

Can you find all these words in the word search? Autumn, Foggy, Harvest, Drop, Earthy, Hibernate, Maple, Ant, Golden, Leaf, Rustling, Brisk, Crisp, Stem, Vein, Twig Why did the scarecrow win a medal? He was outstanding in his field!

R C P K A C G I W T

Why do birds fly south for winter? Because it’s too far for them to walk

How does an elephant get out of a tree? It sits on a leaf and waits for Autumn

Can you draw a picture or write a poem about anything to do with leaves, trees or the park? Make it as bright and colourful as you can! 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 24 September 2021. Good Luck!

Closing date

What is a ’s scarecrow it? u r f e favourit rries Straw-be

What did one leaf say to another? I’m falling for you!

How do you fix a flat pumpkin? With a pumpkin patch!

Colouring in Corner