South London February 2019 Primary Times by Alison Watson

e e r f

IDE U G N O ’S T A H W

for families with primary aged children

in South London

Imagine ne C H I L D R E N ’ S F E ST I VA L

The Best Family Guide to What’s On February Half Term Edition • Issue 118 • 4 February - 24 March 2019

4 Feb - 24 Mar â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;19

Dear Readers Primary Times in South London 7 Southbrook Mews London SE12 8LG Tel: 020 8318 0400 Email: office@primarytimes.biz Website: www.primarytimes.co.uk Twitter: @PT_LondonSandE Instagram: @primarytimesse Publishing Editor: Peter Watson Sales: Andrew Langridge, Gill Pearce, Lola Olowofela & Catherine Dillon Listings: Dingile Kasote Production: Alison Watson Office Manager: Chris Blower Administrators: Claire Wood & Tina Love Editorial Assistant: Dunya Simões Proof Reader: Catherine Draisey Social Media: Rachel Benson Primary Times is independently published and distributed free in primary and junior schools throughout the boroughs of Croydon, Lambeth, Lewisham & Southwark. Its aims are to inform families and children of current educational issues, forthcoming events, courses and attractions and to give teachers, pupils and parents the opportunity to participate in the magazine by adding to its contents or joining in the competitions which we run. It is NOT our intention to publish any racist, sexist or politically based material whatsoever. We also undertake not to carry any advertising which we would consider to be offensive to young families or harmful to the best interests of young children. The opinions expressed in either the editorial or advertisements within this publication are not necessarily those held by the editor or publisher. While we take great care with the compilation of information within this magazine, neither the editor nor publisher will accept any liability for the accuracy of the editorial or advertising contained within the publication. We welcome listings being sent to us for inclusion in our What’s On section. Free listings are dependent on available space and we cannot guarantee to print all the listings we are sent. Please send them to listings@primarytimes.biz . Primary Times would like to thank all the schools in the boroughs of Croydon, Lambeth, Lewisham & Southwark for their assistance in distributing the magazine and for their contributions to its contents.We would also like to thank all the advertisers who have supported this publication and therefore made it possible. Please support their endeavours when and where you can. No part of this magazine, including the advertisements within it may be reproduced, in part or in whole, without the express written permission of the Publishing Editor. Primary Times is currently publishing over 2.5 million copies per issue under franchise licences throughout England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Primary Times South London is operated under franchise licence.

Welcome to the first issue for 2019. I hope 2019 is a very happy and healthy year for everyone. With the first half term of the year having arrived it must mean that Spring is on its way with better weather (hopefully!), daffodils, longer days, shorter nights, baby animals and good times ahead. Dingile’s job is to find all the listings that we publish. She is always looking out for new places to cover so if you have your own favourites that we don’t mention, please do let us know as it may be that we haven’t come across them yet. If you do visit any of our suggestions please mention you read about them in Primary Times - the best Family Guide to What’s On. Calling all schools and teachers - Don’t forget to email us with your news or if you have something to celebrate in your school. We would love to hear from you so we can let all our readers know what you’ve been up to. Email us at office@primarytimes.biz with your latest news. Have you started following us in Twitter and Instagram? Follow us on Twitter so you don’t miss out on our weekly competitions offering some fab prizes, info on events and updates from our advertisers. You can find us @Twitter/PT_LondonSandE. We also get sent lots of photographs so look out for our favourite ones on Instagram @primarytimesse.

Contents

inside this issue.... News.........................................4 Family Theatre..........................6 What’s On............................... 10 Out of School Activities.................11 Education News....................... 12 Competitions........................... 15 What’s New............................. 21 All Your Own Work!.................23

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

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

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

4 Feb - 24 Mar ‘19

News

Tower Bridge School Exhibit

Young Marketeers at Borough Market

On 5 February students from four primary schools in Southwark will be setting up shop amongst the iconic arches of Borough Market from 12 noon to 2pm for the Young Marketeers’ Winter Sale. The schools involved are Alfred Salter Primary, Snowfields Primary, Charles Dickens Primary and Boutcher Primary. The young entrepreneurs will be selling freshly baked bread and deliciously warming bowls of home-made soup made using surplus veg. All money raised will go to food waste charity, FareShare. To prepare for sale day, students visited the FareShare depot in London where they witnessed the absurdity of food waste and heard about the charities that help to redistribute good food to those who need it most. They also visited Borough Market for a soup masterclass with food teacher Michaela Bowles and they baked bread with Bread Ahead. For more information about the Young Marketeers’ Winter Sale visit www.schoolfoodmatters.org/projects/young-marketeers

A local primary school is exhibiting pupils’ work inside Tower Bridge. Tower Bridge Artist in Residence Imogen Piper has been working with children from the Boutcher C of E Primary School to produce artworks using data from the Bridge. Over a series of workshops, the children counted cars, bicycles, pigeons, selfie-sticks and many other things. With Imogen’s guidance, this data has been turned into abstract artworks, which you can view in the Walkways. The exhibition will be on display until the end of February and is included in the price of general admission.

The Imagine Schools Writing Project A giant game of ‘consequences’ has been taking place across London led by celebrated children’s author Joseph Coelho. The Imagine Schools Writing Project involves more than 36 London primary schools, and 600 students aged 7-11. Since November, children across the city have been working together to write separate sections of one story, inspired by Joseph’s work and supported by a teaching framework.

These story segments are being combined together to make one complete and truly imaginative super-story which will be performed by Joseph at the Southbank’s Imagine Children’s Festival in February for the student authors, their teachers and families.The project aims to inspire and support children as creative writers and motivate them to continue to develop their writing and reading back in school and beyond, as well as supporting teachers to guide creative writing in the classroom. Our image shows one of the characters created by illustrator Sheena Dempsey to accompany the story.

Help raise funds for Evelina London Children’s Hospital by organising a Get Colourful dress down day at your school. It’s really easy to take part. Simply follow these 5 easy steps:1. Choose any day this year that would suit your school calendar (like May, June or July when the sun’s out) 2. Register your school name and Evelina will send you a pack to help you prepare your day, such as a template letter for parents. 3. Set up a Virgin Money Giving page link so that parents can donate online too. 4. Spread the word and ask pupils and teachers to Get Colourful by dressing up in their loudest, brightest clothes in exchange for a donation of £2.You could split the money £1 to Evelina London and £1 to your school. 5. When the Get Colourful day is over, collect the donations and send them to the Evelina fundraising team. They will tell you how to do this in your pack. It’s easy and they’ll support you every step of the way. Doing a Get Colourful Day is a perfect way to support Evelina and to get your school involved with a local charity. For more information, please email info@supportevelina.org.uk or visit www.supportevelina.org.uk. 4

4 Feb - 24 Mar ‘19

Photo by Venture Studios

Get Colourful in School

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

www.braintumourresearch.org/pt-wahd-competition Registered charity number 1153487 (England and Wales) SC046840 (Scotland). Company limited by guarantee number 08570737.

Not so unusual you may say but Luna is a dog, a poodle/golden retriever cross to be precise. She’s been going to Redriff Primary School in Rotherhithe with her owner Jack Gibbs who also happens to be Assistant Head Teacher there. Luna is not much more than a puppy at the moment but, in a few months when she grows up, she’s going to train with a specialist charity to be a therapy dog. Therapy dogs are shown to have a calming effect and to help children with their social skills. Luna goes into school three days a week to help her get used to the surroundings and to being with the children. She’s already the most popular member of the school! At playtime, you will often find a queue of eager pupils waiting to pat Luna as Mr Gibbs teaches the children how to approach a dog safely. She also goes for walks with the children and is learning to sit, stay and fetch. Redriff Primary School has an outstanding grade from Ofsted and is one of only a handful of mainstream schools accredited by the National Autistic society. They have a resource base for children with Autism called the Boathouse which Luna has already visited, proving to be a favourite with both staff and children. No-one at Redriff Primary can wait until Luna comes back from her training as a ‘fully qualified’ therapy dog to support the children emotionally, physically and socially helping them to achieve their full potential. Who knows, she might be good for the teachers too! Photo credit: Clive Totman

28 Schools from across London have been celebrated by Transport for London (TfL) for their work championing active and safe travel on the journey to school.

As part of TfL’s STARS (Sustainable Travel: Active, Responsible, Safe) schools programme, the winners received awards for being the highest performing of around 1500 participating London primary and secondary schools in reducing car use, increasing walking and cycling and using public transport.

News

Are Children Key to a Healthier London?

Luna Goes to School

The overall best regional schools included Gilbert Colvin Primary in Redbridge who have worked incredibly hard this year with their Stripey Strider campaign to get a zebra crossing outside their school. Herne Hill Primary also impressed by devising numerous fun and interactive travel initiatives including a Clean Air Day and inviting external speakers to speak to pupils. St Mary Magdalene School in Greenwich created a three-part Spokestars initiative that develops cycling skills from the bottom up. Stars is now in its twelfth year, and accreditation to the programme has grown from 180 schools in 2007 to 1,465 in 2018. Schools are judged on their success in changing travel behaviour with each school awarded a Bronze, Silver or Gold accreditation. This year 686 schools were awarded a Gold accreditation - more than ever before. For more details on the Stars accreditation scheme, please visit www.tfl.gov.uk. Photo credit: Transport for London

Get

‘PewtithWPDisSAe-’ -

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

Help your school

#GetPetWise

Help your school

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

48175_PetwiseSchoolAward_Ad_KENT_EAST190wX135h_V5_AW.indd Follow us on Twitter - @PT_LondonSandE

#GetPetWise

4 Feb - 24 Mar ‘19

24/12/2018 11:15

Family Theatre

20 Minutes with Ruth Mary Johnson

Rachel Benson from Primary Times was lucky enough to meet with Ruth Mary Johnson, former teacher now turned director, actor and general creative genius. She is currently directing Justin Audibert’s adaptation of The Winter’s Tale at the National Theatre. The new version for younger audiences has been condensed into an hour long play which will be performed at the Dorfman Theatre before starting a tour of schools.

Family Theatre

The best shows around... Southbank Centre’s Imagine Children’s Festival

Ruth greeted me early one morning with a big hug and an even bigger smile, despite having a particularly stressful day ahead of her – the show is about to go into its technical rehearsals. She is incredibly passionate about theatre for all ages, coining the term ‘Family Friendly Theatre’. She is humble, hard-working and her fiery passion is contagious.

Does being a former teacher and being a director influence each other?

The Imagine Children’s Festival turns eighteen this year, but it’s nowhere near growing up. The annual festival returns 13-24 February for a half term week of the best in children’s theatre, comedy, family parties, hands-on activities, DJs, dance, immersive experiences and full-on fun for children and their grownups. With more than 180 events jam-packed into twelve days and fifty percent of the festival completely free, Imagine is the biggest festival of its kind in London. The line-up for 2019 includes former Children’s Laureates, Jacqueline Wilson, Malorie Blackman and Chris Riddell. There will be an interactive sensory SoundPit installation, Sue Perkins conducting the Orion Orchestra’s Noisy Notes, a city-wide game of Consequences involving 600 students, and Peppa Pig’s first concert with a full-size orchestra conducted, for the first time ever, by Mummy Pig.

Yeah. As a teacher I had a Performing Arts A-Level class and we were going to the theatre all the time. Then 10 years ago when I left teaching, I started by being an actor. Teaching informed that so much because you have an audience six times a day and lesson planning for me is like telling a story. It gave me a lot of confidence. And when it came to directing, even more so. Work for young people is what I love most, I just adore it.

Tell us a bit more about the show.

So in this remount (of The Winter’s Tale), Perdita has more control over the storytelling. We start with her wedding and she stops it and rewinds to work out how she got there. So there’s a connection with the audience as they process it with you. We see her see what’s happened. It felt really important that we give her a voice and control.

Why is this programme of work by the National Theatre important?

The National Theatre really understand the increasing difficulty faced by schools through cuts and assessment demands, and they believe in the importance of young people having access to explore theatre as a way of developing skills, confidence, curiosity and creativity. It’s really special. And I think in terms of where we’re at with arts education and how it’s viewed. It’s not about being actors, it’s about problem solving, communication and teamwork and I don’t know a single job that doesn’t ask for that.

Any nuggets of wisdom for any aspiring creatives?

Ask questions, be playful, and keep trying out different ideas. Get things wrong and celebrate this as it is often one step closer to getting it right. The Winter’s Tale will run from 6 – 21 February. For more information, please visit www.nationaltheatre.org.uk. 6

4 Feb - 24 Mar ‘19

Imagine ne 13 – 24 Feb 2019

1 2 D AYS O F J A M - PA C K E D F U N

CHILDREN’S F E ST I VA L

50% WITH NTS VE E F O FREE

Family Theatre at the Albany

The Albany and Canada Water Theatre’s spring season of events features a fantastic range of shows, from circus and dance theatre to puppetry and CBeebies stars. The venues are really welcoming with cafés and free activity for kids in the children’s library at Canada Water Theatre and the café and large garden at the Albany. The programme includes inspiring and educational fare like space adventure Jude Starbeam and the Shadow Planet and an immersive and accessible version of Romeo and Juliet. Classic tales feature too with Patrick Lynch from CBeebies featuring in Jack and The Beanstalk and a colourful and acclaimed dance theatre version of Hansel and Gretel from Uchenna Dance. International stories like Three Sat Under The Banyan Tree and aerial theatre production Tarzanna are perfect for expanding little ones horizons. There’s even comedy from improvisation troupe The Noise Next Door and something for really little ones with Kaleidoscope for ages 6 to 18 months.

There are loads of shows to choose from and there’s a 3 for 2 ticket offer on tickets across the season, meaning you can enjoy more of the programme for less. Tickets are £7 each or £24 altogether for a family of four. Age guidance on shows range from 6 months plus to 9 years plus. Visit the Albany website for the full range of events and more information, www.thealbany.org.uk. Photo credit: Foteini Christofilopoulou

Random Selfies at Ovalhouse

Random Selfies is a brave new play exploring our digital world. Ovalhouse explores the impact of our digital focused world through the eyes of ten year old Loretta. Loretta is a typical young person keen to explore the world and beaming with a bright, vivid imagination. Performed on a digital animated set, Random Selfies by the Olivier Award-winning playwright Mike Kenny takes you on Loretta’s emotional journey. This touching yet powerful show asks what it means to be lonely in the big city. Nominated for Off WestEnd’s ‘Best Production for Young People’, Random Selfies is an important piece for young people today. Ovalhouse is renowned for developing work that tackles urgent and relevant questions and Random Selfies is their pioneering theatrical piece that was developed from a three-year exploration into child loneliness. Devised by powerhouse creative team Mike Kenny, directed by Ovalhouse’s Head of the Theatre Owen Calvert-Lyons and with a digitally-animated set designed by Rachana Jadhav, prepare yourself for a bold digital experience. For theatre that is going to provoke young minds to ask big questions head to Ovalhouse! Special family ticket prices are available. Visit www.ovalhouse.com or call 020 7582 7680 for tickets and more information.

Family Theatre

The Kids Takeover returns for another year, giving a group of children the chance to take the reins of the festival alongside the Southbank Centre team in all areas of the festival production, from contributing to the line-up to selling programmes, making tannoy announcements and ensuring shows start on time. Free events include this year’s Book in a Day, How To Train Your Dragon, by Cressida Cowell. The whole book will be read over the course of the day, and a free book signing from Cressida Cowell herself on 23 February in the Clore Ballroom. There will also be events and activities popping up all across the Southbank Centre site every day. For more information and to book your tickets, please visit www.southbankcentre.co.uk. Photo credit: India Roper-Evans

Random Selfies Written by Mike Kenny Directed by Owen Calvert-Lyons Designed by Rachana Jadhav

20 MAR – 6 APR

“In one of the biggest cities on the planet I’m never alone But I am lonely”

Take a digital journey with Loretta, a ten-year-old girl grasping the busy world around her.

The best in theatre, activities and entertainment for families With weekend, half-term and Easter treats Book Online thealbany.org.uk Box Office 020 8692 4446 Follow us on Twitter - @PT_LondonSandE

3 for 2

ovalhouse.com 020 7582 7680

FAMILY TICKET £28

Supported by

across the season

4 Feb - 24 Mar ‘19

Family Theatre

mountain for weeks. Desperate Ovalhouse Theatre SE11 for a game, he goes into the forest to find a friendly animal to Box Office: 020 7582 7680 20 Mar – 6 Apr play with. Ages 3+.

Random Selfies

20 Feb

One Duck Down

An award-winning show inspired by a true tale that saw 7000 rubber ducks cast adrift in a mighty storm. Ages 3+

21 Feb

The best shows around... Albany Deptford

31 Mar

Box Office: 020 8692 4446 10 Feb

Three Sat Under the Banyan Tree

Wondrous animal stories brought vibrantly to life with gorgeous masks, movement and music. Based on The Panchatantra – India’s Aesop’s Fables. Ages 7+

20 – 22 Feb

Jude Starbeam and the Shadow Plane

The Boy and the Mermaid

Join three shanty singing fisherman as they weave a fishy tale of musical merfolk, menacing monsters and spectacularly bad town planning. Ages 5+

Canada Water Theatre Box Office: 020 7525 2931 9 Feb

Jack and the Beanstalk

This classic fairy tale now gets the Lyngo treatment so expect Intrepid space explorers Jude lots of surprises and beautiful Starbeam and his sister, images as CBeebies’ Major Nix, set out to Enjoy Patrick Lynch tells the find the mythical the show! gripping story of Jack. Sunstar plant. Ages And don’t Ages 3+. 7+

3 Mar

Mole and Gecko: The Show

forget to say you saw it in

Primary Times!

An interactive rap musical about a Mole and a Gecko starring Simon Mole and Gecko. Ages 5+

5 – 7 Mar

16 Feb

Rabbit Girl and the Search for Wonder

Join Rabbit Girl and her Dad around the campfire and hear about some pretty awesome adventures from all over the world. Ages 3+

2 Mar

BIG UP!

No matter whether you are Big or Small, the world is full of rules. Enjoy a world full of joy and chaos, where objects come to life and everything is possible. Ages 3+

Mole and Gecko: The Show

Illusion Confusion

Over the years Tweedy has assisted some of the world’s top magicians. But now Tweedy has had enough of being the magicians’ assistant and has decided it’s time to be the magician instead.

22 Feb

Mirror Mirror

When Snow White is offered a red apple by a kind old lady, she is tempted. But how does she know it’s not poisoned? She’s nearly been poisoned twice already this week and it’s not at all pleasant.

23 Feb

Boh Boh Finds Home

An interactive adventure that allows families to travel through the galaxy together, stopping at different planets to help our friend Boh Boh find home. Ages 2-7.

National Theatre Box Office: 020 7452 3000 6 – 21 Feb

The Winter’s Tale

Perdita is a brave, intelligent and much-loved girl, but something is not quite right in her world. Join her on a journey through magic and mayhem as she uncovers her story. Ages 8-12.

An interactive rap musical about a Mole and a Gecko starring Simon Mole and Gecko. Ages 5+

Omnibus Theatre Clapham

10 Mar

30 Mar

Tarzanna

The Boy and the Mermaid

The Diaries of a Miserable Unicorn

The story of an alternative female role model who is the hero, in charge of her own destiny and who has the power make change. Ages 3+

24 Mar

Jack and the Beanstalk

This classic fairy tale now gets the Lyngo treatment so expect lots of surprises and beautiful images as CBeebies’ Patrick Lynch tells the gripping story of Jack. Ages 3+.

Join three shanty singing fisherman as they weave a fishy tale of musical merfolk, menacing monsters and spectacularly bad town planning. Ages 5+

Sometimes it can be hard work being a unicorn, as Dusty knows only too well. Enjoy this interactive storytelling session, to see if you can help cheer up the most miserable unicorn in town. Ages 3-7.

Greenwich Theatre

31 Mar

Box Office: 020 8858 7755 9 – 10 Feb

Wow! It’s Night-Time

Oskar’s Amazing Adventure

Fun-loving little Swiss puppy Oskar has been snowbound in the house on top of the 8

4 Feb - 24 Mar ‘19

Box Office: 020 7498 4699 24 Feb

The curious little owl is back, and she’s ready to discover the wonders of night-time, from the big, bright moon to the bats in the sky and the foxes deep in the forest. Ages 2-5.

Performed on a digitally animated set, Random Selfies by awardwinning playwright Mike Kenny brings to life the vivid

imagination of ten-year-old Loretta; a lonely girl in a busy world. Ages 7+.

Polka Theatre, Wimbledon Box Office: 020 8543 4888 Until 17 Feb

The Wind in the Willows

The classic story of friendship and bravery on stage like you’ve never seen it. Ages 5+.

Until 17 Feb

In the Winter Wood

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

Unicorn SE1 Box Office: 020 7645 0560 26 Jan – 10 Mar

Icarus

A bold, contemporary and playful take on the ancient myth. Ages 8-12.

2 Feb – 10 Mar

It’s Hot, It’s Not

This surreal, funny and carefully crafted physical performance explores the weather in all its forms. Ages 2-5.

21 Mar – 28 Apr

The Show in Which Hopefully Nothing Happens

Welcome to the most boring show in history: an actor who never gets to perform and a security guard who just hopes nothing will occur. Ages 6-10.

26 Mar – 28 Apr

The Polar Bears Go, Go, Go!

Join the two very loveable but slightly hapless Polar Bears on their holiday adventures. Will they ever reach their destination? Or are they just going around in circles? Ages 2-5.

2pm. Fly away on a magical white horse as Romani storyteller Richard O’Neill weaves tales for ages 6–10. Charges apply.

Time for Bed 11am, 12.30pm, 2pm. Children are welcome to snuggle up and rediscover the joy of bedtime stories in a magical environment. BSL interpreted on 16 and 22 Feb. Performances on 13-15 Feb are recommended for under 5s, from 16-24 Feb at 11am for ages 0-5 years, 12.30pm for ages 5+ and 2pm for ages 7+. Charges apply.

Fri 15 Feb

Excellent Songs for Children with Al Start Visitors are invited to join children’s songwriter Al Start for an hour of original songs about cakes, castles, gloop and slime, bears in wardrobes and aliens on your roof. Ages 3-8.

Sat 16 Feb

Stories of Syria 11.30am, 1pm. In an interactive storytelling and art workshop, Nadine Kaadan introduces her story ‘Tomorrow’, about the strength of family love, the rich culture of Damascus and a courageous little boy growing up in a time of conflict. Ages 4-7. Charges apply.

Big Moves for Little Groovers 11.15am-12.45pm. Imagine Children’s Festival is calling all budding B-girls and B-boys, to throw down some shapes and perfect the best moves in a HipHop dance workshop for kids (big kids encouraged to join in too!). Free. Ages 5+.

Sat 16 – Wed 20 Feb

The Singing Mermaid Escape to the seaside with a musical story based on the children’s book The Singing Mermaid, told through puppetry and performance. Ages 3-8.

Shlomo’s Beatbox Adventure for Kids! Wednesday 13 – Sunday 24 February Box Office: 020 3879 9555 • www.southbankcentre.co.uk Step Into Your Power 1-2pm. The illustrator of Step into Your Power, Andrea Pippins is joined by special guests to mentor children in how to make their big dreams a big reality by harnessing their power and using it. Ages 8-12.

Mon 18 Feb

David Mckee: A Life in Colour In an event celebrating the 30th birthday year of Elmer the Patchwork Elephant, David McKee gives an insight into the process behind his creations. Ages 8-12. Charges apply.

Living Paintings This session is designed specifically for children aged 5-8 with visual impairments to introduce ‘Touch to See’ books, retelling some of the best-loved children’s books in braille or tactile painted pictures. Charges apply.

A Monday at The Musicals 11am-3.45pm. Feel the thrill of the limelight in a day celebrating all things musical theatre by taking part in free workshops and watching performances by real West End performers. Ages 5+.

Picture a Poem Illustration Workshop 11.30am. Children are invited to create cosmic illustrations that take poems to a different dimension at a workshop for ages 6-10 with children’s illustrator and poet Ed Boxall. Charges apply.

Sun 17 Feb

Chineke! Juniors 11am-3.45pm. Enjoy a whole day of music making totally free, where budding musicians can explore creating music in an ensemble, and reinterpret the sounds of the orchestra through dance, art and storytelling. Ages 6+.

Powerfully Persuasive Poems 3pm. For those in the mood for some powerfully persuasive poetry, this event features hip-hop poet and MC Simon Mole along with Karl Nova and Rachel Rooney. Ages 8-11. Charges apply.

Tues 19 Feb

Cosmic Currents With Figs In Wigs And Friends

Become a sonic superhero’s sidekick in a world of funny sounds, brilliant noises and cool music. Shlomo is a worldrecord-breaking beatboxer who makes music using just his mouth and a mic.

11am-3.45pm. Dead-pan comedy performance troupe Figs in Wigs are joined by their cabaret friends, professional show-off Steve Nice and ShayShay. Families will encounter strange aliens, explore how earthlings live and dance with mysterious ocean creatures. Ages 5+.

Fri 22 – Sat 23 Feb

Laugh Your Socks Off

11am. Mary Hoffman and Ros Asquith share their Great Big Green Book, which approaches the deeply serious subject of caring for our planet in an accessible and light-hearted way. Ages 6-10. Charges apply.

1-2pm. Children will laugh their socks off with the King of Comedy, Jeremy Strong, as he shares the giggles and fun from the latest story in the My Brother’s Famous Bottom and The Hundred-Mile-an-Hour Dog series. Ages 7+. Charges apply.

Tues 19 – Sat 23 Feb

The Day I Fell Into a Book Find yourself in a magical world of imagination at an immersive storytelling adventure for families and school groups, featuring 3D sound and theatre. Produced by Fuel Theatre. Charges apply. Ages 8-12.

Wed 20 Feb

Do Your Own Thing 11am-3.45pm. Get involved in Heart n Soul’s creative taking part project for children and young people with learning disabilities. Participants will dive into the mind of young participant Reuben, as they explore the day seeing the world through his eyes. Free event. Ages 5+.

Thurs 21 Feb

Lauren Child in Conversation 1pm. Listen to Lauren Child, the mind behind beloved children’s book characters Clarice Bean, Ruby Redfort and Charlie and Lola, as she talks about her inspiration and her time as Children’s Laureate. Ages 8-12.

Romani Tales

I Wish I Was a Mountain 12noon and 3.15pm. What do mountains feel? How did time begin? Consider big questions at a show using rhyme and music. Ages 6+. Charges apply.

Sat 23 Feb

Imagine Children’s Festival

Wed 13 - Sun 24 Feb

Great Big Green Book

Book in a Day 11am-4pm. Take a delightfully dangerous jaunt to the Isle of Berk as Cressida Cowell’s How to Train Your Dragon is read for one whole heroic day. The adventures of Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third are brought to life with readings from special guests and live performances. Free event.

Book Signing with Cressida Cowell 4.15-4.45pm. Bring your little dragons for a book signing with Cressida Cowell, author of the fire-breathing fabulous children’s book series How to Train Your Dragon. Free but ticketed. Ages 5+.

Battle of the Cyborg Cat 2-3pm. Paralympian and TV presenter Ade Adepitan brings us the story of the ups and downs of Ade, a young boy adjusting to life in east London. Ages 8-11. Charges apply.

Sun 24 Feb

You’re Snug with Me 11am. Journey to a land of ice and snow with a children’s tale set in the home of the polar bears. Chitra Soundar shares her new story that speaks about nurture and what each one of us can do to protect our planet. Ages 4-7. Charges apply.

4 Feb - 24 Mar ‘19

What’s On

What’s On Your family diary for February and March Ongoing Every Mon (Term Time) NaturActive, Myatt’s Fields Park, SE5 9RA 10-11.30am. An activity-based session for under 5s and their parents or carers that focuses on nature, gardening and conservation. Children are encouraged to get dirty, relax, play and learn in an outside environment. Charges apply. For more information visit www. myattsfieldspark.info

Every Sat

Hands on Base: Horniman Explorers, Horniman Museum and Gardens, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ 11-11.30am. Discover the collections that make the Horniman special. Experience real things from African masks, spice jars, pueblo drums to sharks jaws. Ages 3+. For more details visit www.horniman.ac.uk

Every Sun

A World of Stories, Horniman Museum and Gardens, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ 2-2.45pm, 3.15-4pm. Enjoy stories from some of the best storytellers in London. Their tales bring the Horniman’s varied collections to life and will whisk you away to faraway places and different times. Ages 5+. Free, drop-in. For more details visit www.horniman.ac.uk

Until 24 Feb

Art Sundays, Dulwich Picture Gallery, SE21 7AD (Sundays only) 2-4pm. Enjoy a drop-in family art-making workshop. Each week there will be a different theme for you to explore and something for you to take away as a momento. Ages 4-12. Charges apply. For more details visit www. dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk

including a Venus Fly Trap and Water Lilies. Charges apply. For more details visit www.rhs.org.uk

Until 1 Apr

Park Explorers Group for Under 5s, Morden Hall Park, SM4 5JD 10-11am, 11am-12noon. Explore the beautiful setting of Morden Hall Park through activities, singing, crafts and stories. With trees, meadows and bubbling streams it’s the perfect location for early years learning. Ages 2-4. Charges apply.Visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/morden-hallpark

Until 16 Jun

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

February Mon 4 Feb – Mon 25 Mar

Nature Tots, Centre for Wildlife Gardening, Peckham, SE15 4EE (Mondays only) 10.30am12noon. Children will explore their natural surroundings, discovering the animals and habitats around them. Activities include mini-beast hunting, woodland games, music and nature crafts. Charges apply. For more details visit www. wildlondon.org.uk

Until 3 Mar

The Great Brick Safari, RHS Garden Wisley, GU23 6QB Escape the winter blues and go on a journey inside the Glasshouse to search for more than 40 LEGO® brick sculptures on The Great Brick Safari. And look out LEGO® brick plants 10

4 Feb - 24 Mar ‘19

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

“

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

”

Story Time Mondays, Battersea Park Children’s Zoo, SW11 4NJ (Mondays only) 11.30am. Storytelling with a chance to meet the cuddly or scaly characters. Go along to the zoo and listen to a small, furry animal story (with perhaps a couple of cool reptile ones too!) AND get the opportunity to meet the real life characters. Visit www.batterseaparkzoo. co.uk

Thurs 7 Feb

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

Fri 8 Feb

Creative Explorers, Polka Theatre, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB Creative workshops for children in Reception. Expect imaginative play, movement, games and stories to develop communication and social skills, build confidence and encourage self-expression. Ages 4-5. Charges apply. For more details visit www. polkatheatre.com

Sat 9 Feb

London’s Children Book Swap, Unicorn Theatre, SE1 2HZ 12noon-5pm. Bring your old books for a day of book swapping, free activities and fun. For more details visit www.unicorntheatre.com

The Walrus and The Carpenter Workshop, Blackheath Halls, SE3 9RQ 1.15pm. A fun creative activity before the afternoon performance. Using recycled arts and crafts materials, children can make their own hat and seashore creatures, including oysters which can be fed to the Walrus. Ages 4+. Charges apply. For more details visit www.blackheathhalls.com Mini Morley, Morley Gallery, SE1 7HT 1.30-3.30pm. Take inspiration from fashion designer Phoebe English’s collections and design your own wearable sculpture. Ages 4-12. Free, drop-in workshop. For more details visit www.morleycollege. ac.uk Handy Hearts, Unicorn Theatre, SE1 2HZ Join the Up Clubbers for some Valentine’s crafts. Make a hug-ogram for someone special. Ages 3+. For more details visit www. unicorntheatre.com Art Makers: Carnival Wings, Horniman Museum and Gardens, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ 1.30-2.15pm, 2.45-3.30pm. Celebrate carnival in Venice by designing and making your own fabulous, wearable carnival wings. Ages 3+. Charges apply. For more details visit www.horniman.ac.uk Chinese New Year, National Maritime Museum, SE10 9NF 11am-4pm. Get into the spirit of Chinese New Year and celebrate the Year of the Pig with colourful creative activities. These including a traditional lion dance and arts and music for all the family. For more details visit www.rmg.co.uk Family Saturday Activities, Guildhall Art Gallery, EC2V 5AE 10am-4pm. Enjoy themed family activities. A revolving programme may have you heading below into the Roman Amphitheatre and hearing tales of Roman conquests or creating crafts from the Victorian paintings surrounding you. For more details visit www. cityoflondon.gov.uk

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

Learning to Play a Musical Instrument

Music is no longer for a few select kids who are labelled as gifted. Many children learn for fun as a rewarding extracurricular activity. Learning a musical instrument can contribute to overall mental development over the longer term. There are advantages in terms of improved concentration, the ability to memorise, recognising patterns of sound and pitch, as well as transferable skills.

BRIT Kids

BRIT Kids at The BRIT School in Croydon was set up 16 years ago to connect to the local community and utilise the schools’ facilities, offering the specialist equipment and studios to children, on a weekend. There are currently 667 students on roll. BRIT Kids is a weekend centre for education for the Creative and Performing Arts for 8-18 year olds. It is a place for children to explore their creativity and to challenge what they think the performing and creative arts can give them. BRIT Kids is embedded in the local community and is interested in bringing together every walk of life under one roof to learn new skills and form new relationships. It is through this energy and creativity that the children find a way to build confidence, make new friends and gain a feeling that they belong to something really rather special.

With the development of social media, adults and children alike become absorbed in the numerous functions of their mobile devices, and sometimes real relational skills can suffer. In contrast: developing musical skill requires an ability to understand and connect to others, developing social skills.

Out of School Activities

Singing in a choir and playing in an orchestra or band involves collaborating towards achieving a shared goal in performance. Your child can develop a new circle of friends who have a common interest.

The centre caters for all the creative arts from Theatre to Art Club and Street Dance to Film Making. The unique mix of classes really does mean there is something for everyone. Alongside this, BRIT Kids are proud to be part of The BRIT School, following its free ethos for creativity, challenging students with bespoke plays, contemporary art classes and high teaching levels with specialist equipment. For more information, please visit www.brit.croydon.sch.uk/britkids

BRIT Kids

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

Saturday Courses at The BRIT School

Theatre

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

Dance

Fashion and Textiles

Singing

Film Making

Song Writing Street Dance

Music Production

Photography

Radio

brit.croydon.sch.uk/BRITKids

4 Feb - 24 Mar ‘19

Art Club Design, Print & Illustration Computer Club AEN

in collaboration with Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy

020 8665 5242

DVD Preview Guide Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween

Sonny Quinn and his best friend Sam, or the ‘Junk Brothers’, are known for collecting discarded stuff other people don’t want. This leads them into the path of Slappy, the mischievous ventriloquist dummy who is up to no good. Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween follows the Quinn family as they face an entirely new set of spooky, exciting and funny events. At ﬁrst Slappy wants nothing more than to be part of the family, but when his antics go too far, Sonny and Sam realise that this obsessive puppet must be stopped. Rejected, Slappy decides to build his own ‘family’ by kidnapping Sonny’s mother and causes further disruption, bringing all his Halloween friends back to life.The boys, Sonny’s sister Sarah and their neighbour Mr Chu team up to save Kathy and the town from Slappy’s wicked plan, but will they succeed? Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween is available on DVD on 18 February.

Norm of the North: Keys to the Kingdom

Take to the ice this half term as Norm of the North returns for another animated adventure. Norm, the newly crowned king of the North, travels to New York with his son to accept the keys to the city. However, Norm goes from hero to villain when he’s framed for a crime he didn’t commit. Back in the Arctic a vicious bottled-water company has moved in and is starting to steal the ice. Norm must rely on his friends, both old and new, to clear his good name and help save his kingdom in a thrilling winner-takes-all hockey match. The latest full-length feature from everyone’s favourite polar bear, Norm of the North: Keys to the Kingdom is out on DVD from 18 February.

The House with a Clock in Its Walls

Jack Black and Cate Blanchett star in The House with a Clock in Its Walls, a thrilling and magical adventure ﬁlm from Amblin, and one for the whole family to enjoy.The enchanted adventure tells the spine-tingling tale of Lewis, a 10 year-old orphan who goes to live with his uncle in a creaky old house with a mysterious tick-tocking heart. Lewis soon learns that Uncle Jonathan and his spirited neighbour, Mrs Zimmerman, are powerful practitioners of the magic arts.When Lewis accidentally awakens the dead, the town’s sleepy facade suddenly springs to life, revealing a secret and dangerous world of witches, warlocks and deadly curses. The House with a Clock in Its Walls is available on Digital Download, DVD, Blu-Ray and 4K Ultra HD now. For more information, visit www.universalpictures.co.uk. To be in with a chance of winning one of four ‘House with a Clock in its Walls’ prize bundles, send an email to competitions@primarytimes.biz with ‘House with a Clock in its Walls’ as the subject by Friday 8 March. Don’t forget to include your name, age, address, school and contact telephone number. 12

4 Feb - 24 Mar ‘19

Education News Ark Evelyn Grace Academy

Ark Evelyn Grace Academy prides itself in being a community of learners where both students and teachers constantly seek to improve. Consequently, their teachers model the academy belief that there is no substitute for hard work and that this is the key to success. Ark Evelyn’s teachers are experts in their academic fields. Their aim is to enable every child to master key concepts and skills as well as expose them to the very best that has been said and written within their respective subjects. Their curriculum is both broad and deep. An Ark Evelyn Grace child not only devotes extra time to becoming literate and numerate, they are eloquent, knowledgeable and thirsty to know more. Ark Evelyn Grace Academy provides a rich and diverse curriculum with a particular focus on the core subjects – Maths, English and Science – as well as the humanities, arts and sport. They also offer a mix of traditional and modern subjects from Geography, History and Religious Education to ICT and Mandarin. Students get a broad and rich education and the curriculum is extremely rigorous, with regular assessments to track and inform student’s progress. The academy’s enrichment offers and opportunities beyond the curriculum are second to none. These include many clubs including Mandarin, Portuguese, Duke of Edinburgh, an academy choir, brass band, dance and basketball, to name but a few. Their sports facilities are excellent and team achievements impressive. Ofsted have said about the school, “The Leadership team have a clear moral purpose to ensure that pupils develop strong personal and social skills as well as high academic aspirations.” The school’s efforts to raise the quality of teaching have had a positive impact on pupils’ learning…pupils have very positive attitudes to learning.” “Pupil’s behaviour is exceptionally strong and has a positive impact on their social skills, personal development and learning… They are polite and orderly around the academy and were a credit to the school...” For more information, please visit www.evelyngraceacademy.org.

More so than ever, it is key to allow children and young people to access a wide range of experiences to help them develop crucial transferable skills. As well as preparing pupils for the real world of work through their Professional Skills Programme and developing critical thinking through the Socrates Programme in year 7 - 9 and Extended Project Qualification at Sixth Form, at Sydenham High they actively encourage pupils to test out a variety of sporting opportunities. From fencing to rowing, diving to BMX riding, pupils develop resilience and motivation, learning from setbacks and challenges and thriving on the adrenaline of competitive sport. Recently, Sydenham were proud to see pupils achieving top spots in triathlons, national diving and swimming competitions as well as rowing regattas. Skye, only in year 7, competed in both the girls’ and boys’ races at the South Regionals and the South Championships, coming 5th in the final. She was also one of only two girls in the cruiser (24”) category at the BMX National race in Leicester and won the B final. In the National Series, she improved her UK ranking from 15th to 5th, which means that she has qualified for the World Championships in 2019. Whatever your passion is, Sydenham will support you, as they truly believe in the power of sport. As alumna and former GB fencer, Claire Bennett agreed, crediting the school with giving her two gifts: the courage to dream and the resilience to cope. You can see Sydenham for yourself at their Open Mornings on 19 March and 2 May. For more information, please visit www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net.

“...a breath of fresh air”

Education News

Sydenham High School

- Prospective parent, 2018

A first-class education for girls aged 4 to 18, since 1887. Discover more by visiting us. Book online at www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net admissions@syd.gdst.net | 020 8557 7004 15 & 19 Westwood Hill, London SE26 6BL

4 Feb - 24 Mar ‘19

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

lown’s Pirate Playtime

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

Katie

A n s w e r s

Pirate Word Search G

N M K

A O N

P M S

A W C

V O

O C

O G

P M A

A W S

C O C

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

Postcode: School:

Send your entry together with this completed form to:

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

competitions@primarytimes.biz

Closing date 8 March 2019. Good Luck!

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

Colouring Corner

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

Win a box of books for your school

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

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

Competitions

Win Tickets to The Cat in the Hat at Rose Theatre Kingston When the Cat in the Hat steps onto the mat, Sally and her brother are in for a rollercoaster ride of havoc and mayhem! With riotous rhymes, infectious humour and spectacular circus for the grown-ups, the wonderfully anarchic Cat in the Hat comes to Rose Theatre for this Easter break, from Wednesday 10 - Sunday 21 April. Visit www.rosetheatrekingston.org for more information or to buy tickets. For your chance to win a family ticket (up to four people) on Wednesday 10 April at 5.30pm, plus a goody bag, tell us what two colours the Cat’s striped hat is. See below for details of how to enter.

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

4 Feb - 24 Mar ‘19

What’s On

More What’s On

Your family diary for February and March

February Sat 9 – Sun 10 Feb

Zoo Days, Chessington World of Adventures Resort, KT9 2NE 10am - 3pm. Perfect for all ages. Come face to face with lions, tigers and gorillas or go underwater with sharks and stingrays. A whole host of animal presentations and daily meet and greets are also on offer. To buy tickets visit www.chessington. com

Sun 10 Feb

Chinese New Year, Various Locations It’s the Year of the Pig and festivities start with a vibrant parade in and around Chinatown, followed by spectacular free stage performances in Trafalgar Square. Enjoy various displays and activities with traditional Chinese street food around the West End. For more information visit www.london.gov.uk

Sat 16 Feb

Meet Mary Seacole, Florence Nightingale Museum, SE1 7EW 11.30am, 1.30pm, 3pm. Discover the story of Mary Seacole and how she helped the soldiers during the Crimean War and became known as Mother Seacole. Admission charges apply. For more details visit www. florence-nightingale.co.uk Family Fun, Myatt’s Fields Park, SE5 9RA 10am-1pm. Enjoy a fun morning at the Mulberry Centre with activities such as a free bouncy castle. Cook and eat with other parents, grandparents, carers and kids. Open play indoors and outdoors. For more information visit www.myattsfieldspark.info Spring Rainbows, Unicorn Theatre, SE1 2HZ Create your own crazy rainbow to mesmerise your pals. Ages 3+. For more details visit www. unicorntheatre.com

Repainting Tower Bridge, SE1 2UP 10.30am-4pm. Join the fun and discover why and when the colour of Tower Bridge was changed from its original brown. All participating families will receive a pass, entitling them to free entry on any Family Activities Day in the next 6 months. For more details visit www.towerbridge.org.uk The 8-14s Studio Colour, Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1 9TG (Also 16 Mar) 12noon-4pm and 3-5pm. Work alongside artists to explore creative ideas and materials. Each artist creates their studio inspired by the way they make art.You don’t have to be an artist to join in. For more details visit www.tate.org.uk

Sat 16 – Sun 24 Feb

Animal Adventures, Chessington World of Adventures Resort, KT9 2NE Perfect for all ages, this roarsome half term event is packed full of fun and adventure for the whole family. Check out the new interactive show How to be a Zoo Keeper LIVE!, enjoy a selection of your favourite rides, see over 1,000 animals and lots more. To buy tickets visit www.chessington.com London Puddle Jumping Championships, WWT London Wetland Centre, SW13 9WT Children of all ages are encouraged to grab their wellies and have fun jumping in puddles or completing the Puddle Jumping obstacle course. There will be daily winner and other splash-tastic fun activities. Admission charges apply. For more details visit www.wwt.org. uk Half Term Fun, RHS Garden Wisley, GU23 6QB Purchase your very own small LEGO® model elephant to make or take home to make in your

Art Makers: Polar Bear Dens, Horniman Museum and Gardens, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ (Also 23 Feb) 1.30-2.15pm, 2.453.30pm. Celebrate the launch of the new exhibition Brick Wonders by creating your own model snowy polar bear den, complete with polar bear. Ages 3+. Charges apply. For more details visit www.horniman.ac.uk 16

4 Feb - 24 Mar ‘19

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

“

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

”

own time.Visitors can also have their photo taken sitting in the LEGO® brick Jeep. Charges apply. For more details visit www. rhs.org.uk Rainbow Week, National Maritime Museum, SE10 9NF 11am-1pm, 2-4pm. Each February Half Term the Museum celebrates LGBT history month. This year families can visit for a week of themed workshops drawing these stories out of the collection. For more details visit www.rmg.co.uk Mythical Beasts, The Historic Dockyard Chatham, ME4 4TE This half term head down to the Historic Dockyard for family friendly fun. There’ll be plenty of activities to enjoy from crafts, storytelling and much more. For more information visit www. thedockyard.co.uk

Sat 16 Feb – Sun 27 Oct Brick Wonders, Horniman Museum and Gardens, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ In this exhibition discover amazing wonders from around the world made entirely from LEGO® bricks. Build your imagination at the interactive play areas, and don’t miss two special models of Horniman icons created especially for the show. Charges apply.Visit www. horniman.ac.uk

Sun 17 Feb

Matilda (PG), Stanley Halls, South Norwood, SE25 6AB 11am. This film adaptation of a Roald Dahl work tells the story of Matilda Wormwood, a gifted girl who happens to be a genius, and her wonderful teacher vs. the worst parents ever and the worst school principal imaginable. Charges apply. For more details www.stanleyhalls. org.uk

Mon 18 Feb

Victorian Childhood, Florence Nightingale Museum, SE1 7EW 11.30am-1pm, 2-3pm. Learn about Florence Nightingale’s childhood and what it was like to be a child during the Victorian era. In this drop-in workshop play some Victorian games and

make your own Victorian toy to take home. Admission charges apply.Visit www.florencenightingale.co.uk LEGO® Workshops, Horniman Museum and Gardens, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ (Also 19 and 20 Feb) Expect some brick-tastic building and making workshops with LEGO® pro, Bricks McGee. Ages 5+. Charges apply. For more details visit www.horniman.ac.uk Mouse Story Time, Battersea Park Children’s Zoo, SW11 4NJ 11.45am, 2.15pm. Enjoy fun tales about mice. Drop in and make your own set of mouse ears and whiskers. Take part in the harvest mice display. For more details visit www.batterseaparkzoo. co.uk The King Who Wanted to Touch the Moon, Sutton Central Library, SM1 1EA 11am, 2pm. This interactive storytelling adventure brings to life an exciting Caribbean Folktale that’s fun for the whole family. Ages 3+. Charges apply. To book visit www.skewbaldtheatre. com

Mon 18 – Tues 19 Feb

The Winter’s Tale Family Design Workshop, Duffield Studio, National Theatre, SE1 9PX 11am and 2pm. Create a banquet fit for royalty in this family design workshop. From fantastical food to golden goblets, create eyecatching party props inspired by The Winter’s Tale. This workshop is for children aged 6–12 yrs. Charges apply. To book visit www.nationaltheatre.org.uk Tents, Tales and Bushcraft, Centre for Wildlife Gardening, Peckham, SE15 4EE 11am-4pm. Enjoy learning how to live in the wild, for parents and children. Have fun making shelters, food foraging, filtering water and learning some firelighting skills over the two days. For more details visit www. wildlondon.org.uk

Mon 18 – Fri 22 Feb

Family Art Fun, Horniman Museum and Gardens, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ (Selected dates) 11am-3.30pm. Enjoy free and fabulous craft activities inspired by the family-friendly exhibition Brick Wonders. Make a dinosaur diorama or bird box.Visit www. horniman.ac.uk

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

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

Mas de Saribou, France Nestled in a crease between the mountains of the southern Ardèche lies this four bedroomed modern eco-villa - the perfect hideaway for those looking to reconnect with nature. Each morning guests can awake to the sound of a freshwater spring trickling past your window, and to a glorious view of soaring mountain peaks. It’s a good way to start the day. Though totally private, Mas de Saribou is tucked away in the rambling gardens of a 400-year-old farmhouse, where owners Annick and Michel live. Details of the villa’s decor are a nod to the farm’s history - handmade wooden bedheads were once the roofbeams of the old barn, and a pair of sinks are crafted from ancient chestnut wood.Annick and Michel still harvest chestnut groves, as well as figs and an orchard of apple trees.There’s also an organic vegetable and herb garden which you can plunder for your dinners. Spend mornings chilling by the freshwater pool then tear yourselves away for adventures galore in the Ardèche. Return home to the setting sun and the stunning open fireplace. This is a paradise for kids, who can run free in the extensive gardens.The area is ripe with outdoor activities, including kayaking, canyoning and wild swimming. Day trip to the source of the Loire River, located at the top of Mont Gerbier de Jonc, then on your way down, go wild swimming in the turquoise Lac d’Issarles. Closer to home, play tennis on the courts next door or chill in the garden. Swing in the hammock, stroll among the roses, splash in the stream, and swim in the freshwater pool. In a region bursting with exceptional fresh produce, self-catering is a joy.The indoor kitchen is fully equipped with everything you could possibly need (even two huge teapots), along with basic ingredients, coffee and a huge selection of teas.There is also an outdoor kitchen which is smaller but very well equipped and ideal for prepping barbecues.An outdoor table means you can have lazy summer evenings on the terrace. There are numerous regional markets and great restaurants a 10-15 minutes’ drive away, as well as a bakery and grocery store in the village five minutes walk away. For more information, please visit www.i-escape.com.

4 Feb - 24 Mar ‘19

What’s On

More What’s On

Your family diary for February and March

February Be a Harlequins Hero: February Camps, Various Locations 9.30am-3.30pm. Harlequins will host rugby camps at a variety of clubs across London and the South East for boys and girls aged 6-14. Charges apply. For venues and to book visit www. rugbycamps.co.uk/harlequins Mary Poppins: A Practically Perfect Adventure, Bank of England Museum, EC2R 8AH 10am-4.30pm. Take part in a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious event for families. Mary Poppins will lead visitors round the museum on an interactive storytelling tour. Entry is free. For more details visit www. bankofengland.co.uk/museum

Mon 18 – Sat 23 Feb

Heave Ho and Away We Go, Cutty Sark, Greenwich, SE10 9HT 10.30am-4pm. Enjoy an engineering-themed arts and design experience. Build winches and learn about how the precious cargoes were loaded on to ships. Help keep oceans clean by building and coding a mini LEGO® sea cleaner, Ages 4+. Charges apply. For more details visit www.rmg.co.uk

Tues 19 Feb

Feed the Birds, Battersea Park Children’s Zoo, SW11 4NJ 11am-3.30pm. Go along to the zoo and make a bird feeder. Other activities on the

Family Portrait Workshop, V&A Museum of Childhood, Bethnal Green, E2 9PA 10.40am, 12.30pm, 2.40pm. Work with illustrator Amy Brown to create your own family portrait using a range of craft materials. Charges apply. Ages 4+. For more details visit www.vam.ac.uk/moc

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

How To Win A Nobel Prize Mary has always wanted to win a Nobel Prize and loves running her own science experiments at home. Then one day things take an unexpected turn – leaving her mum to go and explore, Mary stumbles on a secret meeting of Nobel Prize winners. One of them, Dr Barry Marshall, agrees to travel with her though time to learn the secrets behind some of the most fascinating and important scientific discoveries. They talk time and space with Albert Einstein, radiation with Marie Curie, DNA with Crick, Watson and Wilkins, and much more. Dr Barry Marshall, who is also the writer of the book, won the 2005 Nobel Prize for Medicine, with Robin Warren. The prize was awarded for discovering that stomach ulcers can be caused by bacteria and be treated with antibiotics. He experimented on himself to prove the theory. With such adventurous and exciting experiences in science, Marshall makes a tough subject accessible and interesting. There is even a cool science experiment at the back of the book which readers can try at home. Bursting with exciting discoveries and beautiful illustrations, How To Win A Nobel Prize is an adventure story that’s sure to spark curiosity in eager readers and young scientists alike. Get your copy online or from any good high street retailer for £7.99. 18

4 Feb - 24 Mar ‘19

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Thurs 21 Feb

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day include a spot the bird challenge and a chance to meet Muckle the Barn Owl at 3pm. For more details visit www. batterseaparkzoo.co.uk

Germ Detectives, Florence Nightingale Museum, SE1 7EW 11am-1pm, 1.30-3pm. A youth panel will be telling you all about the Spanish flu pandemic in 1918 in the Spanish Flu exhibition. Play their symptoms game and make some slimey snot to take home. Admission charges apply. Drop-in, workshop. For more details visit www.florence-nightingale.co.uk The King Who Wanted to Touch the Moon, Wallington Library, SM6 0HY 11am, 2pm. This interactive storytelling adventure brings to life an exciting Caribbean Folktale that’s fun for the whole family. Ages 3+. Charges apply. To book visit www.skewbaldtheatre. com

Wed 20 Feb

Big Wednesday: Wonderful Horniman, Horniman Museum and Gardens, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ 10.30am-3.30pm. Enjoy for fun family activities and storytelling to explore some of the wonders of our collections inspired by our exhibition Brick Wonders.Visit www.horniman.ac.uk Wonderful Woodland with Great North Wood, Dulwich Wood, SE21 7LH 11am-12.30pm. Go along explore the woods with London Wildlife Trust and play a range of educational nature games. Visit www.wildlondon.org.uk or email Diana at dwallace@wildlondon. org.uk

Weds 20 – Sun 24 Feb

Half Term Fun, Honeywood Museum, Carshalton, SM5 3NX 11am-5pm. Make a collage of all the things you love in Carshalton village, from the ducks in the ponds to the cake in the tea room. Have a “quacking” time looking for the ducks on the Duck Trail. All welcome, free event. For more details visit www.friendsofhoneywood.co.uk

Earthy, Mucky Fun, Battersea Park Children’s Zoo, SW11 4NJ 11am-12.30pm, 1.30-3.30pm. Make your own seed pot and get your hands dirty planting and digging for worms. Children can make their own newspaper plant pots and sow some seeds which encourage wildlife into their gardens or window box.Visit www.batterseaparkzoo.co.uk Victorian Transport, Florence Nightingale Museum, SE1 7EW 11.30am-1pm, 2-3.30pm. Learn about Victorian transport and how Florence Nightingale travelled, and make your own Victorian train to take home. Admission charges apply. Drop-in arts and craft workshop. For more details visit www.florencenightingale.co.uk Thumbs Up Its Thursday, Kingston Town Centre, KT1 Enjoy a range of fun activities and kids eat free offers. From spring crafts and face painting to pass the parcel and cookie decorating, head into Kingston town centre for a host of free and low-cost activities. Ages 2-11.Visit www. inkingston.co.uk Open Day and Winter Nature Hunt, Wild Cat Wilderness, Catford, SE6 4PL 11.30am-3pm. Explore the Wild Cat Wilderness and hunt and collect winter treasures. All ages welcome. For more details visit www.wildcatwilderness.org

Fri 22 Feb

Nature Detectives, London Wildlife Trust, Sydenham Hill Wood, SE26 6SA 11am-4pm. A fun day out finding out about the animals living in the wood. Find tracks and signs of life and enjoy activities like bird watching, mini-beast hunting and games. Free, booking is essential. Visit www.wildlondon. org.uk or email Diana at dwallace@wildlondon.org.uk Go Quackers Craft Session, Honeywood Museum, Carshalton, SM5 3NX 11.30am-12.15pm. Make your own sliding duck in its pond. You’ll be using a variety of craft materials including leaves and twigs. Ages 4+. Pre-booking is essential and charges apply. For more details visit www. friendsofhoneywood.co.uk

For lots more What’s On ideas see page 20...

Film Preview Guide Captain Marvel

Elves and the Shoemaker Ballet

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

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

The LEGO Movie 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What’s On

More What’s On

Your family diary for February and March

February Soldiers, Swords and Silhouettes, The Queen’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace, SW1W 1QH 11am-3pm. Discover the differences and surprising similarities between soldiers in 1855 and 2019.You can also find out what was needed to be a photographer during the Crimean War and have a go at creating your own camera-less photographs. Admission charges apply.Visit www.rct.uk

What’s the Weather? Unicorn Theatre, SE1 2HZ (Also 9 Mar) Make your own sunshine and lightning today. You’ll be getting messy with paint. Ages 4+. For more details visit www.unicorntheatre.com Harlequins V Bristol Bears, Twickenham Stoop Stadium, TW2 7BA 2pm. Join Harlequins for a funfilled family day out as they play against Bristol Bears. Charges apply. For more details visit www. quins.london

Sat 23 Feb

Meet Mary Seacole, Florence Nightingale Museum, SE1 7EW 11.30am, 1.30pm, 3pm. Meet Miss Nightingale and hear all about her life and how she became one of the most famous Victorians. Learn about the work that she did during the Crimean War and more. Admission charges apply. For more details visit www. florence-nightingale.co.uk

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London Folk Tales for Children Do you like fabulous tales of magic and fantasy? Or do you prefer real-life adventure stories of scary journeys and narrow escapes? In this book you’ll find all of these and more. Storytellers Anne Johnson and Sef Townsend have collected some wonderful tales of ordinary Londoners, but their stories are far from ordinary. They tell of the mighty river, the streets, and the hills of London. But you’ll also find stories of babies that turn into flowers, of a grown-up who becomes a child again, and of a youngster who has to travel across the world all alone. Ever since the Romans, people have come to London from all over the world to become Londoners. They’ve brought delicious foods, funky music and hundreds of languages, but most of all great stories – London stories. Johnson has been a Londoner for fifty years. She is a professional storyteller and songwriter who is committed to bringing live storytelling and music into schools. Similarly, Townsend has been a Londoner for forty years and has been telling traditional tales from around the world almost as long as that. Together they have created a book with stories for all the family. London Folk Tales for Children is available online and from good high street stores for £9.99. 20

4 Feb - 24 Mar ‘19

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Hooves and Horses Family Saturday, The Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace, SW1W 1QH 11am-3pm. Enjoy a day of arts and crafts exploring the lives of the royal horses and the history of the Royal Mews. Admission charges apply. For more information visit www.rct.uk

Sun 24 Feb

Low Tide Walk, Creekside Discovery Centre, Deptford, SE8 4SA (Also 30 Mar) 11am-1pm. Wade in a wild river and experience a different perspective of London history and urban wildlife. Ages 9+. For more information and to book visit www.creeksidecentre. org.uk

March Sat 2 Mar

SAMPLE Spring, Greenwich Peninsula, SE10 0SQ 11am-7pm. This unique shopping experience celebrates the very best of emerging talent within the capital, with creatives from the worlds of fashion, design, homeware, and food and drinks trading their wares at one-off prices ahead of the new season. Visit www.hemingwaydesign. co.uk Wing It, Unicorn Theatre, SE1 2HZ Be inspired by production Icarus and design some wonderful wings. Ages 4+. For more details visit www.unicorntheatre.com Florence, Victoria and The Crimean War, The Queen’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace, SW1W 1QH 11am-3pm. To celebrate International Women’s Day, discover the stories of three incredible women: Florence Nightingale, Queen Victoria and a nurse who lived during the Crimean War and changed the role of women forever. Admission charges apply.Visit www.rct.uk

Flippin’ Good Fun Pancake Races, Greenwich Market, SE10 9HZ 12noon. Round up your friends and family and help raise funds for Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice. All flippers get a free pancake and winners will receive medals. Meeting point - middle of the market. Just turn up and get flippin’! For more information visit www.greenwichmarket. london

Sat 2 – Sun 31 Mar

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

Tues 5 Mar

Better Bankside Pancake Day Race, Borough Market, SE1 9AH 12.30-2pm. The legendary Pancake Day Race has crêped up fast and is back. Every year on Shrove Tuesday, Bankside businesses get a team together and compete with their neighbours in a fast and furious pancake-flipping relay. Cheer on your friends and family.Visit www.betterbankside.co.uk

Thurs 7 Mar

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

Sat 9 Mar

Art Makers: Carnival Bird Shaker, Horniman Museum and Gardens, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ (Also 16 Mar) 1.30-2.15pm, 2.45-3.30pm. It’s Carnival time in Rio! Shake up some sounds with your own colourful, feathery carnival bird shaker. Ages 3+. Charges apply. For more details visit www. horniman.ac.uk

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

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

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

Adjustable Quad Roller Skates

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

Dino Dump

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

Journey into Space

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

Harry Potter Gryffindor Crest Tween Headphones

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

SOS Dino

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

Ranvir Cannot Hear

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

What’s On

More What’s On

Your family diary for February and March

March

Sun 17 Mar

Sat 9 – Sun 17 Mar

Science Week, RHS Garden Wisley, GU23 6QB Enjoy a week-long science extravaganza showcasing the research of the RHS, along with hands-on activities, workshops and talks. Charges apply. For more details visit www.rhs.org.uk

Sun 10 Mar

Toad Day, Centre for Wildlife Gardening, Peckham, SE15 4EE 11am-4pm. Free open day celebrating toads, amphibians and ponds. Throughout the day expect toad, pond and amphibian related activities for all the family including pond dipping, quizzes, crafts and trails. For more details visit www.

Harlequins V Gloucester, Twickenham Stoop Stadium, TW2 7BA 1pm. Join Harlequins for a funfilled family day out as they play against Gloucester. Charges apply. For more details visit www.quins. london

Fri 15 Mar

Red Nose Day, Nationwide People across the UK will be coming together to do things big and small, that will add up to something massive. Comic Relief spends the money raised to help people living tough lives across the UK and Africa. For fundraising packs and more info visit www.comicrelief.com/ rednoseday

Fri 15 – Sun 17 Mar

London St Patrick’s Day Festival 2019, Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN This event will showcase the best of Irish food, music, song, dance, culture, and arts. This year’s theme is #LondonIsOpen. The parade sets off at 12noon on Sunday from Piccadilly and the Trafalgar Square festival runs from 12noon to 6pm. For more details visit www.london.gov.uk/ events

Sat 16 Mar

Family Guided Bird Walk, Kidbrooke Village, SE3 9FD 2-3.30pm. Join London Wildlife Trust for this family-focused beginner’s guide to bird watching in the local parks around Kidbrooke. Meet outside Kidbrooke Village Information Centre and walk to the parks from there. Free. For more details visit www.wildlondon. org.uk 22

4 Feb - 24 Mar ‘19

wildlondon.org.uk Christopher Robin (PG), Stanley Halls, South Norwood, SE25 6AB 11am. Christopher, now a family man living in London receives a surprise visit from his old childhood pal, Winnie-the-Pooh. Pooh embarks on a journey to find his friends Tigger, Eeyore, Owl, Piglet, Rabbit, Kanga and Roo. Charges apply. For more details www.stanleyhalls.org.uk Beauty and The Beast Sing-ALong (PG) 5pm. In this Disney classic an arrogant prince is cursed to live as a terrifying beast until he finds true love Belle. Fancy dress is encouraged with prizes for the best and most imaginative costumes. Charges apply. For more details www.stanleyhalls. org.uk

Sat 23 Mar

Water Drops, Unicorn Theatre, SE1 2HZ To remind everyone about World Water day you’ll make a giant water drop for your

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window at home. Ages 3+. For more details visit www. unicorntheatre.com

Youth Takeover Family Day, Horniman Museum and Gardens, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ 12noon-4pm. The Horniman Youth Panel takes over the Museum for a day of family friendly activities inspired by performance. Part of the Lewisham Live Festival. Free drop-in. For more details visit www.horniman.ac.uk Springtime, The Bridge Community Centre, East Greenwich Pleasaunce, SE10 0LB 11am-3pm. Enjoy an Easter Egg Hunt for under 5s and Easter trail for over 5s. Other fun activities celebrating springtime include Mother’s Day card and gift making, seed planting and pot decorating, face painting and cupcake tasting. Free entry. For more details visit www. thebridgegreenwich.co.uk Coffee Morning, Greenwich and Bexley Community Hospice, SE2 0GB 10am-1pm. A great way to spend a couple of hours with family and friends whilst treating yourself, or them, to something from a variety or kids and adult stalls. Visit www.communityhospice. org.uk

Sun 24 Mar

Dads’ Day in the Woods, London Wildlife Trust, Sydenham Hill Wood, SE26 6SA 11am-4pm. A fun day out finding out the history of the wood.You will learn to identify the trees by using their bare twigs, leaves and bark, search for mini-beasts and other woodland wonders. Booking is essential.Visit www. wildlondon.org.uk or email Diana at dwallace@wildlondon. org.uk

Fri 29 Mar

Wear A Hat Day 2019, Nationwide Brain Tumour Research would like you to join the thousands of other children, parents and

teachers across the country joining in to create entertaining and colourful hat-themed fundraising events. To register and get your free fundraising pack visit www.wearahatday.org

Sat 30 Mar

Sourpuss Workshop, Blackheath Halls, SE3 9RQ 12noon. Go along and make your own shadow puppet based on one of the characters in the show – a cat, robin or a bumblebee. Charges apply. For more details visit www. blackheathhalls.com

Fingerprint Bouquets, Unicorn Theatre, SE1 2HZ You’ll be stopping to smell the roses with fingerprint flower crafts. It’s messy and it’s fun. Ages 3+. For more details visit www.unicorntheatre.com Art Makers: Walrus Model, Horniman Museum and Gardens, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ 1.30-2.15pm, 2.45-3.30pm. Celebrate International Day of the Seal by using modelling materials to make a walrus friend and an icy rock for it to sit on. Ages 3+. Charges apply. For more details visit www.horniman.ac.uk Harlequins L. V Gloucester Hartpury W, Twickenham Stoop Stadium, TW2 7BA 3pm. Harlequins Ladies compete in the Tyrrells Premier 15s competition. This is an event you don’t want to miss. Charges apply. For more details visit www.quins.london

Our next copy deadline is

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

listings@ primarytimes.biz

All your own work!

Toni Edu aged 7

Fatima Nazir aged 9

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

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

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

It costs just £13.90 to feed a child TWO children for a whole school year Donate online at www.marysmeals.org.uk Mary’s Meals feeds children in school – helping them to thrive, learn, and build a better future. Give before 1 March 2019, and the UK government will match public donations to Double The Love, up to £2 million. © Mary’s Meals, Craig Lodge, Dalmally, Argyll, Scotland, United Kingdom, PA33 1AR | Registered Charity: SC022140 | Limited Company: SC265941