SW London Primary Times September 2021

What’s On Where

FOR FAMILIES OF PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN

South West London

CHOOSING YOUR NEW SCHOOL • DAYS OUT • COMPETITIONS

SEPTEMBER 2021 1 SEPT - 10 OCT 2021 ISSUE 130

Family Theatre

Family Theatre

10 Oct

Blue Planet III

Featuring swashbuckling swordfish, hammerhead and spannerhead sharks, wailing whales and nasty things that lurk at the bottom of the sea, this aquatic adventure is for all ages 6+.

The best shows around...

Colour House Theatre Merton Abbey Mills

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

Box Office: 020 8542 5511 4 Sep – 7 Nov

New Wimbledon

Hansel and Gretel

When Hansel and Gretel www.atgtickets.com/ explore a house made of wimbledon sweets, they think their luck 30 Sep has changed, but things take a turn for the worst when they The Magnificent discover the house belongs Music Hall Enjoy to an evil witch. Ages 3+

The Exchange Twickenham Box Office: 020 8240 2399 7 Oct

the show!

And don’t forget to say you saw it in

MARVELus: All the MARVEL Movies…Kind Of

Matinee

Back by popular demand, the delightful Magnificent Music Hall Primary Matinee returns Times! to Wimbledon.

This glorious variety production takes the audience back in time to the heyday of the great Music Hall.

Squeezing (almost) all the MARVEL movies into an action-packed evening of laughs, The Just Us League’s short punchy sketches and high-energy style will delight the whole spectrum of MARVEL fans.

Hampton Hill Theatre Box Office: 0208 410 4546 27 – 31 Oct

Cinderella meets the Monsters

Watch this creepy traditional fairy story play out amid all the pantomime conventions you’d expect, including bad jokes, plenty of audience participation, glitz, glamour, glorious gags, plus a few surprises.

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

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat 2

world, by people who know nothing. All ages.

1 Sept - 10 Oct ‘21

23 Oct

Richmond Theatre

Box Office: 0333 009 6690 14 – 16 Oct

Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain

With actors and 3D special effects, this amazing show is guaranteed to thrill you and your children. Historical figures and events will come alive on stage and hover at your fingertips.

Comedy Club 4 Kids

Since 2005, the Comedy Club 4 Kids has been getting the best stand-ups and sketch acts from the international circuit to do their thing for an audience of children (aged 6+) and their families.

Polka Theatre Wimbledon

Strawberry Hill House Twickenham

RED

Macbeth

Box Office: 020 8543 4888 25 Sep – 31 Oct The wolves have seized power from Queen Sukotai and Alpha Wolf sits on the throne. What will happen and where is RED? Help find RED and end this conflict, restoring peace to the land. Ages 6+

www.handlebards.com 12 Sep

Forget the tears and tragedy – this is a frantic, delirious, fullof-beans show like you’ve never seen before. This is an outdoor production, so take along your own chair or blanket to sit on.

15 – 17 Oct

Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens

Fly away with Betwixt-andBetween’s beautiful and magical stage adaptation of JM Barrie’s lesser-known prequel to Peter Pan. Ages 5+.

OSO Arts Centre

Box Office: 020 8876 9885 2 – 3 Oct

Any Time the Wind Can Change

Told with simple yet beautifully detailed puppets and a moving live score, this is a story for all ages that reminds us to consider the struggles and journeys of people who are brave enough to ask us for help.

10 Oct

Great Ideas, By Geniuses

Discover a show about the discoveries that changed the

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Dear Readers Primary Times in South West 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

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

For all our new readers in Reception who haven’t seen us before, we are the FREE What’s On, Where to Go, Things to Do magazine that comes home in the Book Bag two weeks before any school holiday plus a Back to School issue in September. We are full of ideas on how to spend the school Publishing Editor: Peter Watson Sales: Andrew Langridge, My Yen Doyle, break. Lots of the events are free to attend so do read through our listings pages and mark what you fancy doing. Whilst Ty Smith & Catherine Dillon we’re still in a period of uncertainty do make sure that you Listings: Claire Wood, Hayley Hughes Production: Alison Watson confirm that the details in our listings are correct. We plan our Office Manager: Chris Blower listings a long time in advance and with so much change at Administrator: Claire Wood the moment it is worth checking. We also list local theatre, Social Media: Rachel Benson educational news, competitions, puzzle pages and lots more Primary Times is independently published and distributed free in primary, that’s relevant to families of primary aged children. infant, junior and middle schools throughout the boroughs of Kingston upon Thames, Merton, Richmond upon Thames, Sutton & Wandsworth.

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. 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 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 West London is operated under franchise licence.

If you do use anything you found in the magazine please do let our advertisers know. Tell them you read about them in Primary Times!

Contents

inside this issue....

Family Theatre..........................2 Local News...............................4 Autumn Adventures.................6 What’s On.......................................8 Choosing your New School.........9 Performing Arts........................17 Competitions........................... 19 All Your Own Work!.................23

Our listings pages are free, space permitting, so if your school has a fund raising event or you know of something relevant for us to list then please let us know. Please send them to us early - we go to press about 3 weeks before the magazine is published. Please send your listings to listings@primarytimes.biz Our next edition will appear in schools the week beginning Monday 11 October, just in time for the October Half Term.

Peter and the Primary Times team

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Helping Kids Shine

1 Sept - 10 Oct ‘21

3

Local News 4

Going Back to School

By Wendy Robinson, Service Head at Childline School is a huge part of children’s lives so it’s really important they’re happy there and feel comfortable – for their well-being and to maximise their potential.

Children have had a lot to get to grips with over the last 18 months. Covid; virtual lessons; isolation; the list seems endless.

It’s only natural if they feel a little apprehensive about going back to school. It’s common to worry about what the new school year will bring, bullying, or keeping up with homework and exam stress, for example.

If you think something is bothering them but they’re struggling to talk about it, there are some signs you can look out for: • becoming withdrawn or depressed; • missing school or making excuses so they don’t have to go in; • changes in their eating habits.

If you’re concerned about your child, talk about it – keep calm and listen carefully. If you’re not sure how to start the conversation you can find tips on the NSPCC website, www.nspcc.org.uk.

Talk to your child about how they’re feeling and what they want to happen next. Speak to the school and your child’s teachers. This will help build a greater support network for them. Make sure they know who to ask for help.

Help your child take time out – if they’re being bullied it may make them feel low so try and find ways to build their confidence but don’t leave them to cope alone. Talk to the school about how this situation is being addressed.

If they’re worried about the next day, help them to prepare for it. Remind them to take things step by step and that you’re there for them at the end of the day, whether it’s a good day or a bad day.

If they’re struggling to make friends, help them find children they have something in common with by joining a club for example. If they’re a bit shy, explore the Childline website together where you can find advice on how to start conversations. The number of friends they have isn’t important. What matters is having friends they’re close to and who are supportive.

If they’ve fallen out with friends, it’s likely they will soon make up again. Let them know they can talk to you about what’s happened without fear of being judged. If their friend has upset them, encourage them to be assertive and talk to them about how they feel.

There’s plenty of advice on the Childline website – children can read more about how to make new friends, how to keep up with their homework and what to do if they’re being bullied.

If your child doesn’t feel they can talk to you, encourage them to call Childline on 0800 1111, or visit www.childline.org.uk for advice or to speak to a counsellor online.

Photo credit: Tom Hull 1 Sept - 10 Oct ‘21

“Thank You NHS!” Bethany Kitchener, aged 9, has been named the Kent, Surrey and Sussex regional winner in an annual contest designed to highlight the range of roles within the NHS, and encourage young people to consider a health or care career.

Bethany, a pupil at Our Lady Immaculate Primary School in Kingston, created a lively poster with a rainbow thank you and an A&E doctor, chef and surgeon.

Health Education England (HEE) runs the Step Into The NHS competition in primary schools, each year to highlight the many career paths in health and care. This year’s competition saw an impressive 1,428 entries from more than 1,800 pupils in 96 primary schools throughout England. As well as learning about some of the 350 careers in the NHS, pupils had a chance to say thank you to the NHS in their own personal and creative way.

Bethany was awarded the top prize for her region, receiving a certificate and a £25 Amazon voucher to spend.

Developed in partnership with teachers, the Step Into The NHS website includes a careers quiz, real-life stories from NHS staff, work experience tips and learning resources to help young people explore the hundreds of roles within the NHS: www. stepintothenhs.nhs.uk/

The Thames Tunnel Victorian Experience Education and museums go hand-in-hand. At the Brunel Museum, they can help your group explore Brunel’s life and legacy using original artefacts, documents, photographs, posters and film to bring history to life.

Your class will have a 90 minute session with an actor in role as one of the following characters: • Isambard Kingdom Brunel • Seamus Fitzpatrick - a worker who helped build the Thames Tunnel • Sophia Brunel - Isambard’s sister who longed to be an engineer but because she was a woman never got the chance!

• Marc Brunel - Isambard and Sophia’s father Your character will take you on a River Walk where you will find out about life in the area in Brunel’s day - the height of the Victorian Industrial age, then into the Thames Tunnel Shaft itself where the class will enjoy an interactive performance about their character’s life and work. Then you can enjoy an activity depending upon your area of study or enjoy some time exploring the museum itself.

School trips cost £215 per class. For more details or to book, email brunelmuseum@spectrumdrama.com. The museum runs sessions suitable for Key Stages 1 and 2 and can be tailored to cover many areas of the curriculum.

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Huge congratulations to Harris Academy Bermondsey student Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix who competed in the 10m platform diving final at the Tokyo Olympics.

She did a fantastic performance and, placed seventh, she is now a top10 finisher in her debut Olympics.

This is made even more impressive as Andrea has combined training for the Olympics with studying for her GCSE exams.

Speaking to the BBC about juggling training with schoolwork, Andrea said, “I’m so happy that my school is so supportive. They let me go to competitions and camps and they support me so much. They give me so much material, so much revision.

My school has made it so easy for me, so I haven’t had any problems.”

Many congratulations to Andrea.

Read, write &

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Local News

Local Student reaches Olympic Diving Final

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Be the secret ingredient to help beat muscular dystrophy

History is Truly Horrible at Richmond Theatre It’s time to prepare yourselves for Horrible Histories live on stage with this special production of Barmy Britain, coming to Richmond Theatre from Thursday 14 to Saturday 16 October.

Using actors and 3D special effects, this amazing show is guaranteed to thrill you and your children. Historical figures and events will come alive on stage and hover at your fingertips!

Can you beat battling Boudicca? What if a Viking moved in next door? Would you lose your heart or head to horrible Henry VIII? Can evil Elizabeth entertain England? Will Parliament survive gunpowder Guy? Dare you stand and deliver to dastardly Dick Turpin? Escape the clutches of Burke and Hare and move to the groove with party Queen Victoria!

It’s the horrible history of Britain with the nasty bits left in!

One-to-One Online Tuition Transforms Pupils’ Learning

Parents often know that their son or daughter has great potential but sometimes it’s hard to know how to help them realise it and enjoy learning again.

As a currently practising teacher with years of experience helping pupils learn in and out of school, Phillip Creasey has helped hundreds of pupils take their learning seriously.

He has seen so called quiet pupils find their voice and become more confident communicators and so called unfocussed pupils concentrate solidly, often to their parent’s amazement. In one-to-one tuition sessions students can really discover how capable they are. Get in touch if you’d like to chat about how Phillip may be able to help your son or daughter make real progress in maths or science and enjoy their learning again. Call Phillip Creasey on 07449 922 639 Here’s a selection of things that some parents have said: • I can’t put into words how grateful I am of your work with Jake, it really has been amazing watching his confidence develop.

• Phil has increased our daughter’s confidence immensely and she actually enjoys Maths now!

• The school have seen a marked gain in his performance.

• Thank you for an amazing lesson with Scarlett today.

• I could tell Toby felt comfortable in the lesson, you’re very skilled at putting young people at ease.

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The Best Keyboard Classes in Town

Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes offer home tutorials and face-toface lessons for the beginner musician between 4 and 12 years.

In face-to-face classes, small groups (maximum 8) are taught how to play the electronic keyboard as well as to read and write music. Wellbalanced, gently progressive lessons delight and inspire children every week. A 2nd option is pre-recorded home tutorials.

These enable a pupil to guide themselves with charming step-by-step videos and workbooks.

For face-to-face it’s a free trial, then £16 per 50 minute class, payable by term. There is a sibling discount. Keyboard hire is also available. Pre-recorded home tutorials are 25% off, at £51 for 10 videos, workbook, pencil and sticker set. You can do these any time to suit you! Visit www.funkymonkey.info or call 01732 457 100 to start your amazing musical journey.

Feel your child could be learning more in Maths or Science?

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5

Film Preview Guide

Autumn Adve

Cinderella on Amazon Prime Kay Cannon’s Cinderella featuring an all-star cast will launch exclusively around the world in over 240 countries and territories on Prime Video this September.

The highly anticipated musical incorporates pop songs from contemporary global artists and original songs by Camila Cabello and Idina Menzel. Cinderella is a classic we all know and love with a fresh, empowering perspective that will resonate with audiences and families around the world. Cinderella is a bold new take on the traditional story you grew up with.The heroine is an ambitious young woman, whose dreams are bigger than the world will allow, but with the help of her Fab G, she is able to persevere and make her dreams come true. Cinderella is available on Amazon Prime from 3 September.

Felix and the Hidden Treasure Felix and the Hidden Treasure is an adventurous and heart-warming story for all the family. Convinced that his father, who disappeared at sea two years ago, is still alive, 12-year-old Felix embarks on a search for him in the company of Old Tom, a retired fisherman, Squawk, a thieving one-legged parrot, and Rover, a cat who acts like a dog.Their journey takes them to Darkshadow Island, where a secret community inhabits an underground city, ruled by the megalomaniacal Morgäa, possessor of a priceless treasure. Felix and the Hidden Treasure from Signature Entertainment will be available on digital platforms from 27 September.

Hotel Transylvania: Transformania

Drac and the pack are back, like you’ve never seen them before in Hotel Transylvania:Transformania. Reunite with your favourite monsters for an all-new adventure that presents Drac with his most terrifying task yet.When Van Helsing’s mysterious invention, the ‘Monsterfication Ray’ goes haywire, Drac and his monster pals are all transformed into humans, and Johnny becomes a monster! In their new mismatched bodies, Drac, stripped of his powers, and an exuberant Johnny, loving life as a monster, must team up and race across the globe to find a cure before it’s too late, and before they drive each other crazy.With help from Mavis and the hilariously human Drac Pack, the heat is on to find a way to switch themselves back before their transformations become permanent.

Transformania is only at cinemas from 8 October.

My Little Pony: A New Generation

Entertainment One’s animated adventure film ‘My Little Pony:A New Generation’ gallops to debut on Netflix on 24 September.The unimaginable has happened...

Equestria has lost its magic!

Idealistic Earth Pony, Sunny is determined to find a way to bring enchantment and unity back to their world.Teaming up with open-hearted Unicorn Izzy, the pair travel to faraway lands.Their mission is full of misadventures, but these new best friends each possess their own unique and special gifts that may be just what this ponyverse needs to restore magic and prove that even little ponies can make a big difference.

6

1 Sept - 10 Oct ‘21

Kingston Sculpture Trail

Seven exciting contemporary sculptures have been installed in Kingston town centre as part of the new Kingston Sculpture Trail.

The trail runs across the town centre including the riverside and Canbury Gardens, north of the town centre, and will be in place for up to three months.

Residents and visitors are being asked to vote for their favourite sculpture, with the winning artwork becoming a permanent feature in the town centre after the trail ends.Visitors to the trail should look out for information signage boards nearby the sculptures where they can scan the QR code to access the voting survey.

To find out more about the sculpture trail and access a trail map visit www.kingstonfirst.co.uk/sculpture-trail.

THE BRUNEL MUSEUM THERE IS LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL

11am to 5pm, Saturdays and Sundays General Admission: £6 Child/Concessions: £4 Family Ticket: £10 Visit thebrunelmuseum.com for opening days and times Connect with us: BrunelMuseum @Brunel_Museum Brunel Museum Railway Avenue London, SE16 4LF thebrunelmuseum.com

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Let London Wetland Centre illuminate your autumn with a light trail like no other. Families can experience a unique and magical event in Barnes, London from this October.

Fun Days Out with the Family

WWT and lighting trail experts Lumagica, in association with MK Experience, are proud to present ILLUMINATURE – a unique opportunity to see a different side of the wetlands while enjoying an immersive art experience after-dark.

Lions Take to the Streets of London

Take the kids, get the family together, or join friends you haven’t seen in too long, for a special evening. The immersive, illuminated light trail gives children and adults a chance to explore the nature-inspired trail through London’s original wetland.

The Tusk Lion Trail has hit the streets of London and other cities around the world, celebrating the magnificence of lions and raising awareness of threats facing the iconic King of Beasts.

African lions are facing greater threats to their survival than ever before. With the continent’s entire population estimated to have declined by as much as 50% in the last three decades alone, there are now fewer wild lions remaining than rhinos.

The trail of full size lion statues is dotted around the capital’s streets.

They have been decorated by a star-studded line-up of artists from across the worlds of design, film, music, sport, theatre and comedy, each crafting their own unique pieces.

Explore the full list of participating artists, follow the trail and download maps at www.tuskliontrail.com. Follow @tusk_org for the latest news and to share your snaps #TuskLionTrail.

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Autumn Adventures

entures

ILLUMINATURE at London Wetland Centre

Friends and family can follow the trail past reed beds, lagoons and the grazing marsh, seeing larger-than-life illuminations of iconic wetland wildlife like otters and swans. There will be immersive light tunnels, hop along responsive lily-pads, and a multitude of other opportunities to interact with the lights on the journey, creating an unforgettable experience.

The immersive light trail has been specially-designed and carefully curated to work alongside the amazing natural wetlands and their wildlife.

Tickets are £17.50 per adult and £12.50 per child. Under 4’s go free.

ILLUMINATURE runs from 22 October to 9 January, 4- 9pm.Visit the website to book, www.wwt.org.uk/illuminature.

1 Sept - 10 Oct ‘21

7

What’s On

What’s On Your family diary for September and October

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

Ongoing Until 4 Sep

The GIANT LEGO® Brick Animal Trail, London Wetland Centre, Barnes, SW13 9WT This is the UK’s only collection of wetland animals made from the world’s most popular toy. In total, 253,728 LEGO bricks were used to make them. Can you find all 14 characters? For more information and to buy tickets visit www.wwt. org.uk/wetland-centres/London

Until 19 Sep

Secret World of Plants, Kew Gardens, Richmond, TW9 3AB Explore the hidden secrets of the plant world like never before with unique art installations across the Gardens. There will also be a family trail to spot favourite plants and the bees and butterflies that love to feed on the nectar in their flowers.

Included in your entry ticket. To buy tickets visit www.kew.org

Until 30 Sep

Summer by the River, Various Locations The riverside between London Bridge and Tower Bridge will be home to al-fresco drinking and eating pop-ups - before opening up with a full-packed programme of free entertainment, screenings and activities. For more information and to see what’s on visit www. londonbridgecity.co.uk

Celebrate 50 Years of Mr Benn, Various Locations in Putney

This summer Mr Benn will be celebrating in his hometown by finding adventures in shops and businesses. Best of all he is inviting everyone to join in the fun. For more information visit www. positivelyputney.co.uk

Wed 1 – Thurs 30 Sep Totally Thames Festival, Various Locations

Join in to celebrate the River Thames with arts events, active adventures, environmental initiatives, heritage and education programmes. For more information and to find out what’s on and where visit www. thamesfestivaltrust.org

Rivers of The World 2021, Riverside Walkway Outside Tate Modern, SE1 9TG

See magnificent river-themed artwork produced by children and young people from all around the UK and the world in collaboration with professional artists. Free.

For more information visit www. thamesfestivaltrust.org

Fri 3 Sep

Mudlarking Tour, Obelisk under Millennium Bridge, Thames Path, EC4V 3TT

4-6pm. Join in for a chance to go mudlarking at Millennium Bridge and find archaeological artefacts revealed by the River Thames. Who knows what will be discovered - smoking pipes, pottery, bones? For more information and to buy tickets visit www.thamesfestivaltrust.org

Fri 3 – Sun 5 Sep

Hands on History, St Paul’s Cathedral, EC4M 8AD

Fri 12noon-5pm, Sat and Sun 10am5pm. Join in for a highly interactive mudlarking exhibition in one of the most iconic and historic buildings in London. This exhibition is free and open to the public. To visit the main cathedral, tickets can be purchased at the main entrance.

For more information visit www. thamesfestivaltrust.org

September Wed 1 Sep

Grotto Dig: Children’s Talk, Marble Hill House, Twickenham, TW1 2NL

2-3pm. Help your little explorers learn from the professionals about archaeology by seeing a dig in process, exploring the tools and learning how they too can be an archaeologist. For more information and to book visit www.englishheritage.org.uk

8

1 Sept - 10 Oct ‘21

Our listings are prepared a long time in advance.

To make sure you have the latest details do contact the event nearer the time to make sure they haven’t changed

“

Guardians of the Galaxy (12A), Barnes Pond, SW13 0LF

I saw your event in Primary Times....

Please mention you saw the event listed in Primary Times

”

Concours of Elegance, Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey KT8 9AU

See a selection of 60 of the rarest cars from around the world — many of which will never have been seen before in the UK. This year will also see a line-up of 95 of the finest British cars to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s 95th birthday.

To book tickets visit www.hrp.org.uk/ hampton-court-palace

Classic Boat Festival, St Katharine Docks, E1W 1LA

Fri 12noon-6pm, Sat 11am-6pm and Sun 11am-5pm. This year’s festival will offer an impressive display of around 40 beautiful vintage boats and a wide array of unique waterside attractions at Central London’s only marina.

Free. For more information visit www.thamesfestivaltrust.org

Sat 4 Sep

Family Open Day, Streatham Space Project, SW2 4PA

10am-2pm. Pop in for a fun-filled family open day – including a trip around the world with The Marvellous Myth Hunter. Part of the Open House London Festival. For more information and to book visit www.open-city.org.uk/open-house

Children’s Quiz and Adults Quiz Sheets, Christ Church, Streatham, SW2 3ET

10am-5pm. A quiz for children to take independently, at their own speed, to help them focus on different aspects of the church. Part of the Open House London Festival.

For more information visit www. open-city.org.uk/open-house

Young Farmers, Vauxhall City Farm, Lambeth, SE11 5HS

10.30am-1pm. Take part in this Saturday morning club which inspires young people, aged 7-14 to get involved in all aspects of the farm and take part in some great indoor and outdoor activities. For more information and to book visit www. vauxhallcityfarm.org

8pm. Take along your own picnic rugs or camping-chairs and be prepared for the weather - the performance will continue come rain come shine.

For more information and to book visit www.osoarts.org.uk/summerfestival

Sat 4 – Sun 5 Sep

Family Activities, All Saints Church, Carshalton, SM5 3AG

Join in some family activities at this local arts & crafts exhibition as part of the Open House London Festival.

For more information and to book visit www.open-city.org.uk/openhouse

Open House 2021, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, WC2E 9DD 10.30am-4.30pm. Journey through time and enjoy some of the stunning front of house spaces in one of the world’s most celebrated theatres.

There will be family activities and musical performances every hour from 11am-4pm. For more details, visit www.roh.org.uk

Sat 4 – Sun 12 Sep

Open House Festival 2021, Various Locations

Open House will return this September with another hybrid event focused on the recovery of London.

For more information and to view the full programme of events visit www.open-city.org.uk

Sat 4 Sep – Sun 4 Dec

Saturday Club, Polka Theatre, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB Join in for a fun creative workshop for all the family to enjoy together, where you can take part in an exciting and varied programme of activities. Ages 3+. For more information and to book visit www. polkatheatre.com

Sun 5 Sep

Dulwich Park Fair, SE21 7BQ

12noon-5pm. A free outdoor, family friendly, event that includes a funfair,Vauxhall City Farm, Punch and Judy, the Magician, interactive performances, live music and a dog show. There’ll also be a huge variety of food, craft, drink and charity stalls.

For more information visit www. dulwichparkfair.wordpress.com

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

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Choosing your New School with

A Pull Out and Keep Feature

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

BURNTWOOD

AN ACADEMY FOR GIRLS

“The best education today for the women of tomorrow” Burntwood School, Burntwood Lane, London, SW17 0AQ www.burntwoodschool.com

Choosing your New School

Choosing your Child’s Secondary School

Choosing a secondary school may at first appear to be a daunting and complicated decision faced by parents. However it doesn’t need to be.

It’s an important decision but, with so many schools to choose from and so many variables and specialisations, it can be a bit overwhelming.

There are ways to make the process of finding the best school for your child easier.

We have lots of ideas in this supplement as well as a table of local school websites to help you.

Slick brochures and grand claims can be misleading and it is the people within a school that will have the most important impact on your child’s future. So, look beyond the website, visit, ask questions, get a sense of the school and what it stands for. Children enjoy facilities and activities but they are shaped by people and by values.

The road ahead will have ups and downs and you will want to share them with people who believe in your child, who have high expectations for them and who genuinely care.

Children succeed when they feel like they fit, when a school considers them as a person rather than a number or statistic and when they are allowed to reach for their individual potential. From the very first moment you set foot in the right school, you will get the feeling that they really want to get to know you and that they are just as excited about you joining their family as you are about joining them. Lots of schools will want to share their way, their philosophy, their vision, but the right ones will want to share yours.

The best education is built around the child and not the other way round.

Talking about previous Ofsted reports with a school, especially neutral or negative ones, can provide a good indicator of how the school takes on criticism, actively listens and puts plans in place to strive for better.

Think about how the size of the school will suit your child. Smaller schools may be able to provide continuous one-to-one support to a child, while bigger schools could have a better community spirit and group learning as well as more variety and options. Weigh up all the pros and cons and see what you think.

Keep track of all the key diary dates, including specific school open evenings. Going to all open evenings can really help with your application. Ask what extra-curricular activities are offered at the school. Out of school activities are a good indicator of the enjoyment and experiences available to students of the school.

Check out if the facilities are well maintained. Most classrooms will look spotless during an open evening, so look beyond the obvious teaching areas. The library, lunch hall and toilets are good indicators of how a school is maintained.

Ask your child what they think of the school. Though it may not be wise to give your child final authority of the chosen school as they may give lots of weight to where their friends are going for instance, it is still a great idea to ask for your child’s opinion and find out which school they felt the most comfortable in and why.

Finally, don’t panic! Have fun exploring the different schools and what

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1 Sept - 10 Oct ‘21

they have to offer. There are many schools that are unique and can give your child an individual experience through their secondary school journey.

Remember that you must return your application form to your local education authority by Sunday 31 October 2021. They may not accept late applications.

Bullying Videos from The Diana Award

As over 10 million children head back to school in September, new research, commissioned by youth charity, The Diana Award, has asked young people and their parents about their experiences of bullying and the impact the events of the last year has had on their lives and social development.

The survey covers a broad range of topics including how many young people and parents have experienced bullying and the impact this has had on their lives and their concerns about returning to school, cultural movements and news stories in the last year, and how this might have influenced young people. For example, the rise in conversation and news coverage around inclusivity, diversity, racism and sexism; How Covid-19 and the subsequent lockdowns may have impacted social development in children and young people.

A host of celebrities including children’s TV presenters, sports people, actors, models and many others have filmed videos discussing their personal experiences of being bullied at school aimed at supporting today’s pupils. All videos can be viewed at http://back2school. antibullyingpro.com.

Burntwood School

Choosing a new school for your children can be a daunting experience. It is important to make a careful analysis of the breadth of curriculum offer, whether the school has a good record with regard to examination success and whether progression for the youngsters to Higher Education is the norm.

A substantial 6th Form can offer a wider range of subjects and more flexibility of subject choice for the young person. A good school will also provide a wide range of sporting and extra-curricular activities as well as excellent dance, drama and music teaching.

It is important that every child is treated as an individual and that the school works in partnership with the parents to encourage the very best from the young person.

At Burntwood, they encourage young women to be articulate, thoughtful individuals who are able to express their opinions whilst also being able to listen to and consider the views of others. They believe strongly that all young people should have the opportunity to study and embrace a varied curriculum that will allow them to access academic, creative and practical subjects enabling them progress to a host of world class further education establishments.

Burntwood School is recognised as a Science Specialist School and has the coveted ‘Sportsmark’ and ‘Artsmark Gold’ awards.

Examination results continue to be excellent at Key Stage 4 and 5.

They believe that girls benefit greatly from a single sex education where they are free to develop and mature without the pressures of the presence of boys. It is also the case that girls at single sex state schools in England achieved better GCSE results than those in mixed schools.

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Oakwood, an independent co-educational Catholic day school for children aged 3-11, is relocating in September 2021 to a new site in Lloyd Park, Croydon.

The school will be centred around a spacious Georgian building set in beautiful grounds and will include access to extensive sports fields, a dedicated library and specialist classrooms for art, science and music.

The school is founded on a belief that the best education develops the whole person, integrating the pursuit of academic excellence with the building of character. They also recognise that parents are the primary educators of their children and that a true partnership should exist between teachers and parents in the development of each child.

Beyond their professional expertise, Oakwood teachers have an awareness of their responsibility to serve as role models and to treat children as individuals. The curriculum programme, tutorial system and extra-curricular opportunities ensure that the Oakwood educational approach is effectively tailored to each child. The result is a love of learning which remains with the children for the rest of their lives.

Please do visit Oakwood for a talk and tour, available throughout October, where you can meet the pupils and staff and see the wonderful school in action. See www.oakwoodschool.org.uk for more details.

GIRLS AND BOYS AGED 3-11

Relocating to Lloyd Park, Croydon this September Contact us for Nursery and Reception places admissions@oakwoodschool.org.uk

Choosing your New School

Oakwood is Moving!

www.oakwoodschool.org.uk

YEAR 7 OPEN EVENTS Burntwood is an thriving Academy for Girls which has an established tradition of academic success, providing a relevant and challenging education which enables all members of our school community to reach their full potential.

‘Pupils understand that leaders and staff want them to be successful. They know that high expectations are set. Pupils respond to this challenge by achieving well in their studies’ Ofsted, March 2020

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Wednesday 22nd September 6.00pm Tuesday 5th October 8.45am For more information please visit www.burntwoodschool.com

1 Sept - 10 Oct ‘21

11

Choosing your New School

Just One Tree Day

There is still time for schools to join hundreds of others and sign-up to the highly popular Just One Tree Day, taking place on Friday 15 October. Schools throughout the UK and around the globe have already committed to participating in this international non-uniform day that encourages children to bring in £1 to plant a tree and help reforest the planet - a tree is planted for every £1 raised. Over 150,000 children from eight countries have joined together since Just One Tree Day first launched in 2019.

The day highlights to children and young people how their individual actions can make a difference in the fight against climate change and the biodiversity crises. The event is open to both primary and secondary schools - those taking part can access lesson resources that fit in with the national curriculum. As part of their fundraising activities, children learn about photosynthesis, the benefits of trees for both people and wildlife and the vital role they play in reducing the impacts of climate change.

The money raised is used to plant the ‘right trees in the right place’, supporting reforestation projects in Haiti, Indonesia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Nepal and Zambia, including mangrove forests and kelp regeneration.

To find out more, visit www.justonetree.life.

Visit The Cedars School

King’s College School

King’s College School is an independent day school for boys aged 7-18 and girls aged 16-18, with over 1,400 pupils. Founded in 1829 by royal charter, it is located in one of the most attractive and peaceful parts of London.

The culture at King’s is one of kindness, openness and support, and the wellbeing of pupils is of the utmost importance.

The pastoral system supports pupils’ personal and social development, enabling them to excel in all areas of school life. It encompasses the day to day work of the tutor, the support and guidance of heads of house, the chaplain and heads of section and the expertise of the head of mental health and wellbeing, school nurses and counsellors.

The approach at all levels is to encourage pupils to look beyond the academic curriculum and King’s is renowned for its co-curricular programme. A huge variety of sporting, drama, musical and other activities is offered throughout the school week, including the Combined Cadet Force and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme. To enable so much to occur, Friday afternoons for Year 9 and above are made over entirely to these and other activities. One of the defining features of King’s is the dynamic and successful community partnerships programme which involves almost 400 pupils each year and consists of mutually valued partnerships with state-maintained primary and secondary schools and other organisations.

Financial assistance of up to 100% of tuition fees (inclusive of scholarships) and up to 100% of other costs is available.

For more information, visit www.kcs.org.uk.

The Cedars School, an independent secondary school for boys aged 11-18, is relocating to a new site close to Crystal Palace from September 2021. The new site combines Victorian splendour with modern facilities in an outstanding location.

Independent School with a Catholic ethos for Boys aged 11-18 years

OPEN DAY

While everyone is excited about the move, and the enhanced facilities that students will enjoy, they are also determined to preserve those aspects of the school that have made it such a success in its current location. At its heart is the idea of personal growth, helping each boy to acquire the moral, intellectual and social virtues that are so important for a happy and fulfilled life, within a framework of Catholic principles. The school’s aim is to work with parents to help each boy grow into the best young man that he can become.

The Cedar’s approach and size provide opportunities for leadership and service that play to an individual’s strengths while providing healthy challenge. This is supported by a unique tutorial system which creates space for a personalised programme for all-round development.

The Cedars has a vibrant co-curricular life with strong sport, music and much else besides. They are looking forward to welcoming you to their open day on Saturday 9 October.

Please book via the website www.thecedarsschool.org.uk.

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1 Sept - 10 Oct ‘21

Saturday 9th October 9:30am - 12.30pm register online at www.thecedarsschool.org.uk

The Cedars School, 147 Central Hill, SE19 1RS enquiries@thecedarsschool.org.uk 020 8185 7770

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La Retraite wholeheartedly believe that their offer of an all-girls Catholic education can positively impact all of their students, regardless of their faith. The benefits of such an education are widely discussed and practised at La Retraite, as evidenced in a long history of success and outstanding outcomes for all their girls.

All-girls Catholic schools are praised for being academically exceptional and pride themselves on excellence, inspiring a higher level of academic self-confidence which encourages girls to pursue careers in traditionally male-dominated STEM fields.

At La Retraite, every girl is immersed within meaningful experiences and builds long-lasting friendships, in a stimulating and supportive environment that promotes values of kindness, compassion, community, gratitude and philanthropy. The school’s ethos encourages girls to develop as like-minded young women, who are inspired, ambitious and fearless with a culture that drives and celebrates achievement. They firmly believe that every girl is empowered to strive for success now and in the future, resilient to persevere through every opportunity.

La Retraite’s whole school offer, encompassing the Catholic ethos, all-girls nature, outstanding education, unique pathways and broad enrichment programme, can enhance the lives of all girls and they warmly welcome students of all faiths and none, to make their mark on the La Retraite legacy.

To find out more about this Outstanding school and to join its lasting legacy of successful young women, visit the website, www.laretraite. lambeth.sch.uk, to arrange a tour or a call with a member of the La Retraite leadership team.

Choosing your New School

Why Choose an All-Girls Catholic School?

“An inclusive, vibrant and friendly school.”

King’s middle school pupil (2021)

Up to 100% bursaries available at 11+, 13+ & 16+ AN A LEVEL AND IB SCHOOL · BOYS 7-18 · GIRLS 16-18 · 020 8255 5300 · kcs.org.uk

LA RETRAITE ROMAN CATHOLIC GIRLS’ SCHOOL ATKINS ROAD, CLAPHAM PARK LONDON, SW12 0AB LARETRAITE.LAMBETH.SCH.UK

@LARETRAITESW12

OPEN SESSIONS We warmly welcome prospective students and families to our Autumn

APPLY TODAY!

Open Events to tour our outstanding facilities, meet with staff and student leaders, and find out more about what we can offer you.

JOIN OUR OUTSTANDING SCHOOL La Retraite is an Ofsted-rated ‘outstanding’ secondary school for students aged

SATURDAY

TUESDAY

9AM — 1PM

9:15AM — 12PM

25 SEPTEMBER OPEN DAY

5 OCTOBER OPEN MORNING

11-19, located a short distance from Clapham South and Balham stations. Firmly rooted in our local community and with 140 years of experience in education, La Retraite is underpinned by its long history of academic excellence, inclusive community and strong values.

A La Retraite education is defined by creating opportunities and opening doors. We want our girls to join our lasting legacy of tenacious, empathetic, courageous, and powerful young women, who push the boundaries to make a

WEDNESDAY

13 OCTOBER OPEN MORNING 9AM — 12PM

Follow us on Twitter - @PT_LondonSandE

•

DETERMINED MINDS

21 OCTOBER SIXTH FORM OPEN MORNING 9:15AM — 12PM

difference in tomorrow’s world.

FORMIDABLE TALENT

THURSDAY

•

COURAGEOUS SPIRIT

1 Sept - 10 Oct ‘21

13

Choosing your New School

FIND YOUR LOCAL SCHOOL OPEN DAY INFORMATION

Kingston Name

Chessington School Coombe Boys’ School Coombe Girls’ School Hollyfield School, The Holy Cross School, The Kingston Academy, The Kingston Grammar School Richard Challoner School Southborough High School Tolworth Girls’ School & Sixth Form

Merton Name

Harris Academy Merton Harris Academy Morden Harris Academy Wimbledon Kings College School Raynes Park High School Ricards Lodge High School Rutlish School St Mark’s Academy Ursuline High School Wimbledon College

Richmond Name

Christ’s School Grey Court School Hampton High Orleans Park School Richmond Park Academy St Richard Reynolds Catholic College Strathmore School Teddington School Turing House School Twickenham School Waldegrave School

Sutton Name

Carshalton Boys Sports College Carshalton High School for Girls Cheam High School Glenthorne High School Greenshaw High School John Fisher School, The Overton Grange School St Philomena’s Catholic High School Sutton Grammar School

Wandsworth Name

Ark Putney Academy Ashcroft Technology Academy Bolingbroke Academy Burntwood School Chestnut Grove Academy Ernest Bevin College Graveney School Harris Academy Battersea Saint Cecilia’s C of E, Wandsworth Southfields Academy St John Bosco College

Other Name

Cedars School, The La Retraite RC Girls’ School Oakwood School

14

1 Sept - 10 Oct ‘21

Address

Garrison Lane, Chessington, KT9 2JS College Gdns, New Malden, KT3 6NU Clarence Avenue, New Malden, KT3 3TU Surbiton Hill Road, Surbiton, KT6 4TU Sandal Road, New Malden, KT3 5AR Richmond Road, Kingston, KT2 5PE London Road, Kingston, KT2 6PY Manor Drive North, New Malden, KT3 5PE Hook Road, Surbiton, KT6 5AS Tala Close, Surbiton, KT6 7EY

Address

Wide Way, Mitcham, CR4 1BP Lilleshall Road, Morden, SM4 6DU High Path, Wimbledon, SW19 2JY Southside, Wimbledon Common, SW19 4TT Bushey Road, SW20 0JL Lake Road, SW19 7HB Watery Lane, SW20 9AD Acacia Road, Mitcham, CR4 1SF Crescent Road, SW20 8HA Edge Hill, SW19 4NS

Address

Queen’s Road, Richmond, TW10 6HW Ham Street, Ham, TW10 7HN Hanworth Road, Hampton, TW12 3HB Richmond Road, Twickenham TW1 3BB Park Avenue, SW14 8RG Clifden Road, Twickenham, TW1 4LT Ham Street, Richmond, TW10 7HN Broom Road, Teddington, TW11 9PJ Queens Road, Twickenham, TW11 0LR Percy Road, Twickenham, TW2 6JW Fifth Cross Road, Twickenham, TW2 5LH

Address

Winchcombe Road, Carshalton, SM5 1RW West Street, Carshalton, SM5 2QX Chatsworth Road, Cheam, SM3 8PW Sutton Common Road, Sutton, SM3 9PS Grennell Road, Sutton, SM1 3DY Peaks Hill, Purley, CR8 3YP Stanley Road, Sutton, SM2 6TQ Pound Street, Carshalton, SM5 3PS Manor Lane, Sutton, SM1 4AS

Address

Pullman Gardens, SW15 3DG West Hill, SW15 2UT Wakehurst Road, SW11 6BF Burntwood Lane, SW17 0AQ Chestnut Grove, SW12 8JZ Beechcroft Road, SW17 7DF Welham Road, SW17 9BU Battersea Park Road, SW11 5AP Sutherland Grove, SW18 5JR Merton Road, SW18 5JU Parkham Street, SW11 3DQ

Address

147 Central Hill, Upper Norwood, SE19 1RS Atkins Road, Clapham Park, SW12 0AB Coombe Road, Lloyd Park, CR0 5RD

Tel

020 8974 1156 020 8949 1537 020 8942 1242 020 8339 4500 020 8395 4225 020 8465 6200 020 8546 5875 020 8330 5947 020 8391 4324 020 8397 3854

Tel

020 8623 1000 020 8687 1157 020 3962 4300 020 8255 5300 020 8946 4112 020 8946 2208 020 8542 1212 020 8648 6627 020 8255 2688 020 8946 2533

Tel

020 8940 6982 020 8948 1173 020 8979 3399 020 8891 0187 020 8876 8891 020 8325 4630 020 8948 0047 020 8943 0033 020 8069 6100 020 8894 4503 020 8894 3244

Tel

020 8714 3100 020 8647 8294 020 8644 5790 020 8644 6307 020 8715 1001 020 8660 4555 020 8239 2383 020 8642 2025 020 8642 3821

Tel

020 8788 3421 020 8877 0357 020 7924 8200 020 8946 6201 020 8673 8737 020 8672 8582 020 8682 7000 020 7622 0026 020 8780 1244 020 8875 2600 020 7924 8310

Tel

020 8185 7770 020 8673 5644 020 8668 8080

Website

www.chessington.kingston.sch.uk www.coombeboysschool.org www.coombegirlsschool.org www.hollyfield.kingston.sch.uk www.holycross.kingston.sch.uk www.thekingstonacademy.org www.kgs.org.uk www.richardchalloner.com www.southborough.kingston.sch.uk www.tolworthgirlsschool.co.uk

Website

www.harrismerton.org.uk www.harrismorden.org.uk www.harriswimbledon.org.uk www.kcs.org.uk www.rphs.org.uk www.ricardslodge.merton.sch.uk www.rutlish.merton.sch.uk www.stmarksacademy.com www.ursulinehigh.merton.sch.uk www.wimbledoncollege.org.uk

Website

www.christs.richmond.sch.uk www.greycourt.richmond.sch.uk www.hamptonhigh.org.uk www.orleanspark.school www.richmondparkacademy.org www.strichardreynolds.org.uk www.strathmore.richmond.sch.uk www.teddingtonschool.org www.turinghouseschool.org.uk www.twickenhamschool.org.uk www.waldegrave.richmond.sch.uk

Website

www.carshaltonboys.org www.chsg.org.uk www.cheam.sutton.sch.uk www.glenthorne.sutton.sch.uk www.greenshaw.co.uk www.johnfisherschool.org www.overtongrange.sutton.sch.uk www.stphils.org.uk www.suttongrammar.sutton.sch.uk

Website

www.arkputney.org www.atacademy.org.uk www.arkbolingbrokeacademy.org www.burntwoodschool.com www.chestnutgrove.wandsworth.sch.uk www.ernestbevin.london www.graveney.org www.harrisbattersea.org.uk www.saintcecilias.london www.southfieldsacademy.com www.sjbc.wandsworth.sch.uk

Website

www.thecedarsschool.org.uk www.laretraite.lambeth.sch.uk www.oakwoodschool.org.uk

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Graveney benefits from a beautiful, leafy campus, comprising eleven buildings including a former Georgian stately home, a Victorian school building, several architecturally interesting blocks built in the 1960s, a prizewinning new block which opened in 2016 and a second new block which was completed in September 2019 and includes ten humanities classrooms and an observatory. This second block was awarded the New London Architectural Award in 2020.

Graveney has been deemed ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted five times. In 2019, 91% of Graveney pupils achieved a grade 4 or above in both English and mathematics and an astonishing 45% of all grades were 7 - 9. In 2020 and 2021 these achievements, whilst non-examined, were exceeded.

The school’s overall attainment score places it in the top 10% of schools in the country.

Graveney’s Year 7 pupils are drawn from a wide number of local schools, the vast majority of pupils living locally. In addition to a rigorous academic curriculum, a wide range of sports, musical and cultural extra-curricular activities are offered to ensure that pupils are well rounded and encouraged to excel in a variety of different walks of life. There is particular emphasis on outdoor education, and all Year 7 Graveney pupils participate in a week-long trip to Wales as part of a programme to build confidence, resilience and a tight-knit community within the school.

Graveney looks forward to welcoming you to the school’s Virtual Open event. The event will provide excellent opportunities for prospective pupils and their parents to have a virtual tour of the

school’s facilities, to visit subject departments and see their exciting approaches to teaching, as well as to find out the answers to the many ‘frequently asked questions’ that the school receives. This information will all be presented via video link, with speeches, presentations and video clips delivered by the senior team, teachers and students.

Graveney Virtual Open events will be held online for prospective Year 7 students on Wednesday 13 October from 9.30am-12.30pm and Thursday 14 October from 9.30am-12.30pm and 5.30pm-8.30pm.

The virtual tours will be available on the day by visiting www.graveney. org and clicking on ‘Admission.’

Graveney also looks forward to the opportunity of welcoming Year 6 pupils and parents on site during the week of 11 October for a prebooked tour. Further information regarding booking these tours will be available on the website by mid-September.

Diary Dates

• You must apply for a secondary school place by 31 October.

• 1 March 2022 is National Offer Day. Parents can log onto their local authority’s website to see their offer, after which letters will be posted out.

• You must apply for a place at a school, even if it’s linked to your child’s current primary school.

Choosing your New School

Graveney School

Graveney School

Virtual Open Events for Admissions in September 2022

Wednesday 13th October 9.30am – 12.30pm & Thursday 14th October 9.30am-12.30pm & 5.30pm-8.30pm.

• Welcome from key members of staff including Principal’s talk • Virtual tour of the school site • Introduction from the different Subject Departments at Graveney • FAQ information from Admissions, SEND and Key Stage 3 pupils • Year 6 pupils only can book live tours for the week commencing Monday 11th October

Further details regarding booking live tours will be available on our website from mid September. www.graveney.org Graveney School, Welham Road, London SW17 9BU

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1 Sept - 10 Oct ‘21

15

t ’ a s h N ew W Polar Gear Drinking Bottle

Children can head into the new school year with a bottle that’s going to stand out from the crowd – and certainly help it from getting mixed up with their peers. Every day is an ocean adventure with this Polar Gear Sticker Bottle. It’s fitted with a handy flip up drinking straw and a cool sticker sheet so kids can decorate their bottle exactly how they like.The Polar Gear Ocean Adventure Tritan Bottle 500ml costs £4.99 from high street favourite Ryman.

Stand4 Socks

Stand4 Socks make comfortable high quality socks in original and stylish designs.Their latest range are celebrity socks featuring Marcus Rashford, Emmeline Pankhurst, Elton John and David Attenborough to name but a few. But this isn’t all.With every pair of socks purchased, a thick, antibacterial pair of socks is donated to a homeless person in need. Socks are the number one requested item at homeless shelters. So far Stand4 Socks have donated over 150,000 pairs of socks to homeless and vulnerable people across the UK.They expect to reach over 250,000 socks donated by the end of this year. Find out more at www.stand4socks.com. Prices start at £9.99 a pair with discounts for bundles of 4, 6 or 10 pairs.

Mechanics Gravity Magnetic Track

The Mechanics Gravity Magnetic Track harnesses the invisible forces of magnetism and gravity through original and surprising means. The spheres inside the circuit are set in motion by an innovative magnetic cannon that uses the force of attraction of the accelerating magnet.

The motion is provided by the invisible forces of gravity and magnetism, without using electricity or batteries. The play experience is based on these fundamental principles of physics. Mechanics Gravity is a STEM product that can truly stimulate curiosity and inspire a desire to learn more about science.

The Geomag Mechanics Loops and Turns Construction Set is suitable for children aged 8+ to develop their imagination and curiosity through the science of magnetic construction. The 130 piece set costs £34.99 from The Entertainer.

Mummies Unwrapped

Mummies are everybody’s favourite museum fascination but how much do we really know about how they’re made? Mummies Unwrapped explores the ins and outs of the mummification process - from drying out a dead body and stuffing it with mud, to holding a grand funeral procession to send the mummy into the afterlife. Unwrap the mysteries of the fascinating world of ancient Egyptian mummies!

Written with input with some of the world’s leading Egyptologists from the British Museum and filled with grisly detail, Mummies Unwrapped is the perfect gruesome guide for children aged 7 and up, with wonderfully detailed illustrations from the author Tom Froese.Young readers will delve beyond the dazzling gold cover to uncover the secrets of the embalmers, tales of the tomb robbers and even what happened when pets were mummified!

Mummies Unwrapped is published by Nosy Crow at a recommend price of £11.99.

AirBrush Plush Unicorn

AirBrush Plush is an innovative new product from Arts and Crafts brand Canal Toys. Combining design flair with fabulous art skills, it’s a unique toy that will let kids create a bespoke magical unicorn that is perfect for cuddles afterwards.

Style your own super cute plushie however you want. Stick one of the 100+ stencils to your white unicorn plushie and then choose from four gorgeous coloured markers. Use the AirBrush tool to either spray directly onto the plushie fur or through a stencil to create wonderful patterns and designs.

When you feel like a change, wash off your design using a damp cloth. Explore your creative imagination using swirls, whirls and stripes to design a new creature again and again.AirBrush Plush comes at a recommended price of £24.99.

Schleich Interactive Play Sets

Spark your little one’s inner storyteller with some amazing new interactive playsets from Schleich. Enter exciting worlds full of dinosaurs and erupting volcanoes, horse club tournaments or wildlife animals that hide from their ranger. Children’s imaginations can be inspired to run wild as they create their own wonderful stories. From the underside of paws to the colours of the dinosaur’s feathers, to ensuring seamlessly moving parts, models are realistically detailed and hand painted.

An action-packed erupting volcano play set boasts a host of super cool interactive functions guaranteed to spark thrilling and imaginative dinosaur-based jungle adventures.The volcano erupts with stones being catapulted from the crater, with accompanying smoke and vibrations, along with threatening dinosaur and earthquake sound effects – kaboom! The volcano also boasts an exciting obstacle course, plus a marble run, hidden escape slide and a secret cave where the dinosaurs can hide!

Schleich Volcano Expedition Base Camp is great for 4-12 year olds and can be picked up from www.schleich-s.com,The Entertainer or Smyths for £99.99.

Pug and Koala Backpacks

Skip Hop have added two new fun animal designs to its best-selling Zoo backpacks for kids – a Pug and a Koala - the perfect accessory for back to school.

Easy to wear and with beautiful details, including cute stand out features, young learners will be happy to carry their own kit to school.

Made from durable materials, the backpack features a roomy main compartment, ideal for pencil case, books and toys, a zip front pocket, an insulated pouch for snacks, a mesh drinks bottle side pocket, comfy padded adjustable straps that protect little shoulders and easy to clean lining. There is also a write-on name tag inside. Other animal characters in the best-selling backpack range include Dino, Flamingo, Fox, Monkey, Narwhal, Shark and Unicorn.

The recommended price is £20.

A Confident Start with Performing Arts

Building self-esteem is a crucial requisite for your child’s long term social well-being and happiness. Jigsaw wants to give your child the very best start by developing their confidence through the Performing Arts. Jigsaw offers dance, drama and singing lessons from the age of 3 all the way up to 18 years. They put their focus on each and every student being able to thrive in a fun and friendly environment. Go along, make new friends, and join in the fun this autumn!

Book a two week trial so your child can give Jigsaw a go. Head to their website www.jigsaw-arts. co.uk where you will find more information about your nearest Jigsaw school.

Stagecoach Sutton Successes Continue…

At Stagecoach Sutton, they are so proud of their students and everything they have achieved recently.

India Brown has a lengthy CV now with TV and Film, her big hits being Wurzel Gummidge and most recently Apple TV + ‘INVASION’. India has also starred in the West End’s ‘The Lion King’ as young Nala, David Walliams’ ‘The Midnight Gang’, ‘Running Wild’ UK Tour, ‘Silent Witness’, ‘The Stranger’ (Netflix) plus many more.

Their lovely Sophia-Ann Angiama has just made her West End Debut in TINA the Musical.

Out of School Activities

Performing A r t s

Many of their older students have graduated onto further training at Urdang Academy, Performers College and Laine Theatre Arts, plus many more.

They have also had many students go on to study degrees at Oxford, Cambridge and Exeter universities.

Students at Stagecoach Sutton are supported as individuals whether they come to be on the stage or to be the best, most confident version of themselves.

Find out more at www.stagecoach.co.uk/sutton.

dr ama singing dance

FEED THEIR

IMAGINATION

...

...WATCH THEIR

CONFIDENCE

HEA A N D S AL T H F O U R T OE T Y PRIORI P TY

GROW! 3–18 years

OFSTED REGISTERED

Schools in:

Surbiton Teddington Balham Mitcham Sutton Wimbledon

Stagecoach Theatre Arts Sutton Early stages age 4-6 years

Main stages age 6-16 years Further stages 16-18 years www.stagecoach.co.uk/sutton Sutton@stagecoach.co.uk

TWO WEEK TRIAL AVAILABLE. BOOK NOW!

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Find your nearest school at: Jigsaw-arts.co.uk Follow us on Twitter - @PT_LondonSandE

01732 740284

Stagecoach Performing Arts is the trading name of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited. Stagecoach Theatre Arts schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals.

Stagecoach and Creative Courage For Life are registered trademarks of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited.

1 Sept - 10 Oct ‘21

17

What’s On

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

September Richmond Live Celebrates Music, Marble Hill House, Twickenham, TW1 2NL

2-3pm. Join in for an afternoon of music in the fresh air with The Richmond Brass Band, The Richmond Community Choir and Richmond Instant Opera. Meet by the cafe and remember to take along a blanket and picnic with you. For booking details visit www.english-heritage. org.uk

Build Your Own Green Home, Orleans House Gallery, Twickenham, TW1 3DJ

1-2pm and 2.30-3.30pm. Join artist, Charlotte Cranidge as you delve into your imaginations and draw, stick and cut, to create an eco-friendly neighbourhood. This session is inspired by the current exhibition ‘Remember the Future’. Ages 4-11. To book visit www.orleanshousegallery. org

Fri 10 – Sat 11 Sep

Healing Together, Various Locations

Enjoy a programme of street arts, installation and performance with the environment at its heart taking place at Royal Victoria Gardens in North Woolwich, Royal Docks, and Woolwich Town Centre. Free. For more information and to see what’s on visit www.festival.org

Fri 10 – Sun 12 Sep

Patronal Festival Weekend, St Mary’s Church, Putney, SW15 1SN Enjoy three days of recitals, concerts, services and cultural events in St Mary’s Church to celebrate the patronal festival. For more information and to find out what’s on and when visit www. thamesfestivaltrust.org

September which will support them in continuing to care for over 2,500 patients each year. For more information and to sign up visit www. pilgrimshospices.org

Sat 11 Sep – Sat 16 Oct Mini Makers Film Club, BFI Southbank, SE1 8XT

10.30am-12.30pm. A Saturday filmmaking club at BFI Southbank with filmmaking activities for 8 to 11 year olds. For more information and to book visit https://whatson.bfi. org.uk

Sun 12 Sep

Harvest Festival, Brixton Windmill, SW2 5DA

1-5pm. Celebrate the harvest of own-grown heritage wheat to be milled at Brixton Windmill. There will be an ideas board, a tour, mini baking workshops and stalls from local food vendors. Part of the Open House London Festival. For more information and to book visit www. open-city.org.uk/open-house

Richmond Live Celebrates Dance, Marble Hill House, Twickenham, TW1 2NL

2-3pm. Enjoy an afternoon of dance in the fresh air with the Rambert Dance Company, Marble Hill School of Dance, Boundless Dance and RISE accessible dance team. Meet by the cafe and remember to take along a blanket and picnic. For booking details visit www.english-heritage. org.uk

Families in the Forest, Orleans House Gallery, Twickenham, TW1 3DJ (Also 19 Sep) 11.15am-12noon. An interactive experience for families to explore the Orleans House grounds through a series of encounters with inhabitants past and present. Free.

For more information and to book visit www.orleanshousegallery.org

Sat 11 Sep

Young Farmers, Vauxhall City Farm, Lambeth, SE11 5HS

(Also 18 Sep) 10.30am-1pm. Take part in this Saturday morning club which inspires young people, aged 7-14 to get involved in all aspects of the farm and take part in some great indoor and outdoor activities. For more information and to book visit www.vauxhallcityfarm.org

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

Help to raise vital funds for Pilgrims Hospices with your walk, jog or run along the Thames Path this

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Richmond Live Celebrates Theatre, Marble Hill House, Twickenham, TW1 2NL

Fri 17 Sep

Wed 22 Sep

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Mr Benn Theatre Workshop with Group64, Ravenna Road, SW15 6AW 4-5.30pm.Visit this free Mr Benn theatre workshop where children can explore and develop their own performance piece in groups based on the adventures of Mr Benn. Booking is essential. Please email info@g64.org.uk or call 020 8788 6943 to reserve your place.

Fri 17 – Sun 26 Sep

Chelsea History Festival, National Army Museum, SW3 4HT

The Chelsea History Festival is back!

World-class speakers will bring the past to life from the heart of London with over 70 exciting physical and virtual events. To view the full programme of events and to book visit www.nam.ac.uk

Sat 18 Sep

London to Brighton Electric Vehicle Rally

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

Relaxed Opening, Tower Bridge, SE1 2UP

(Selected times) Explore the Towers, Glass Floor and Engine Rooms and take part in a family trail in a calm, tranquil atmosphere, For people with autism and other special needs, as well as their siblings, families and carers. To book visit www. towerbridge.org.uk

Sun 19 Sep 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

Art in the Park, Cannizaro Park, Wimbledon, SW19 4UE

11am-5pm. A new arts festival combining masterclasses for adults of all artistic abilities, family friendly workshops and an art fair showcasing local talent.Younger visitors will enjoy discovering the world of art and design in the dedicated EQ Investors’ Children’s Workshop Tent.

To book visit www.cannizaropark. com

2-3pm. Join Richmond Theatre, the Orange Tree Theatre and the Richmond Shakespeare Society to celebrate the talent in the borough from the amateur to the professional.

Take along a blanket and picnic with you. For booking details visit www. english-heritage.org.uk

Paint a Savannah, Born Free Foundation, Remote Zoom Webinar

Join artist John Dyer, for a free interactive art webinar. Ask John questions about his future art expedition to Africa and find out how he approaches painting the savannah, before painting along with John.

Perfect for primary age children. To register visit www.bornfree.org.uk/ school-events

Fri 24 Sep

Illuminated River: Millennium to London Bridge Walking Tour

7.30pm. Join the City of London Guides on this gentle, evening stroll from Millennium to London Bridge to find out more about the Illuminated River project. Meeting point: Blackfriars Station Northside. Free. To book visit www.thamesfestivaltrust. org

Sat 25 Sep

Foreshore Finds, Museum of Richmond, TW9 1TP

11am-4pm. Try your hand at archaeology. Discover foreshore finds from the Thames and learn about mudlarking and river archaeology with the friendly Museum team. For more information and to book visit www.thamesfestivaltrust.org

Black History Walk, Various Locations

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

Young Farmers, Vauxhall City Farm, Lambeth, SE11 5HS

10.30am-1pm. Take part in this Saturday morning club which inspires young people, aged 7-14 to get involved in all aspects of the farm and take part in some great indoor and outdoor activities. For more information and to book visit www. vauxhallcityfarm.org

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

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

18

1 Sept - 10 Oct ‘21

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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 Mummies Unwrapped by Tom Froese

Competitions

Competitions Mummies are everybody’s favourite museum fascination.

Mummies Unwrapped explores the ins and outs of the mummification process - from drying out a dead body and stuffing it with mud, to holding a grand funeral procession to send the mummy into the afterlife. Unwrap the mysteries of the fascinating world of ancient Egyptian mummies!

Mummies Unwrapped is the perfect gruesome guide for children aged 7 and up, with wonderfully detailed illustrations from the author Tom Froese. Young readers will delve beyond the dazzling gold cover to uncover the secrets of the embalmers, tales of the tomb robbers and even what happened when pets were mummified! Mummies Unwrapped is published by Nosy Crow at a recommend price of £11.99.

For your chance to win one of five copies of Mummies Unwrapped, tell us which ancient culture mummified their dead.

See below for details of how to enter.

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

Cindergorilla loves to dance. She longs to go to the Saturday Night Disco Ball, where the other gorillas strut their stuff, but her horrid aunt and cousins, Gertrude and Grace always say no. Instead Cindergorilla must stay home and do the housework! But all that changes when Cinder gets a visit from her Hairy Godmother….

Cindergorilla is the second book in Gareth’s Fairy Tales for the Fearless series, and is a fun-filled twist on the classic children’s fairy tale Cinderella. It celebrates resilience and is a fun disco-dancing adventure, combined with stunning illustrations by Loretta Schaeur.

Cindergorilla is published in paperback by Farshore on 16 September at a recommended price of £6.99.

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

Terms and Conditions: Fulfilment of prizes may be delayed by any future Government lockdowns but will be honoured when possible.

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

E H D I S C O X

P D S C V I X A

A A U Y K N Z L

O N L R W D O L

G C L I T E O I

G E A A B R L R

R B B H N L E O

T M P E C A R G

Name .....................................................................

Age .........................................................................

Address .................................................................. ................................................................................ ................................................................................

School.....................................................................

To enter any of the competitions send your answer along with your name, age, school, address and phone number to Primary Times, 7 Southbrook Mews, London, SE12 8LG. Don’t forget to include the name of the competition. Alternatively email your answer and details to

competitions@primarytimes.biz with the competition name as the subject by Friday 24 September 2021.

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

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1 Sept - 10 Oct ‘21

19

What’s On

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

The Book Cat by Polly Faber

We asked one of our readers, Ava Doyle (aged 11), to review The Book Cat. Here’s what she thought.

The Book Cat follows the story of a cat, called Morgan, who was born during the Blitz. When a bomb kills Morgan’s mum, Petal, and sister, Maeve, Morgan is left to fend for himself on the streets of war-torn London.

When an accident following a banana theft leads Morgan to Faber and Faber publishing house, he is welcomed with open arms and settles into a life free of hunger. It is there that Morgan becomes a book cat as he oversees the rejection of bad manuscripts and the publishing of good ones.Yet bombs are still falling, and Morgan agrees to train twenty-three kittens as book cats.

Once their training is complete, he sends them off to live with and help different authors and poets.

Soon the victory bells are ringing, and Morgan decides that it was nice training future book cats and sets up his school once more.

There are many things that I like about The Book Cat, one of them is the way that Morgan taught kittens how to be book cats and then sent them away to help authors. I like all of the ways that the kittens are smuggled out with authors and poets: in pockets, coats, bags, umbrellas and even on top of hats. I also quite enjoyed finding comparisons with Morgan sending the kittens away to be safe from the bombs and evacuees moving to the countryside to be safe from the bombs.

There weren’t any things that I disliked about The Book Cat except for the fact that once the kittens were sent away the readers didn’t find out what happened to them when they were living with different writers or if they arrived safely or not.

A book that I found similar to The Book Cat was The Umbrella Mouse; both of these books follow the actions of animals during World War II or more specifically The Blitz. Pip, the main character in The Umbrella Mouse was orphaned, like Morgan, by the German bombers when they destroyed the umbrella shop that was her home. However, while Morgan looks for a quiet safe life without the bombs, Pip joins Noah’s Ark which is a group of animals trying to stop the Axis and the war.

Although I really enjoyed reading this book, I would recommend it for children aged 8-9.

The Book Cat has just been published by Faber in hardback at £12.99. The Umbrella Mouse is published in paperback by Pan MacMillan at a recommended price of £7.99.

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” September Sun 26 Sep

Summer Music, Ruskin Park, Denmark Hill, SE5 8EL

3-5pm. Go along to see The South London Jazz Orchestra perform on the bandstand. Settle back for two hours of the finest charts from the history of jazz – from the swing era through funk, soul and right up to the present day. Free. For more information visit www.hernehill.org. uk

Shipyard Tour, The Golden Hinde, SE1 9DE

2-3.30pm. A walking tour like no other. An opportunity to explore a genuine working shipyard - for the reconstruction of Francis Drake’s ship, The Golden Hinde. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.thamesfestivaltrust.org

Families in the Forest, Orleans House Gallery, Twickenham, TW1 3DJ 11.15am-12noon. An interactive experience for families to explore the Orleans House grounds through a series of encounters with inhabitants past and present. Free.

For more information and to book visit www.orleanshousegallery.org

October Fri 1 Oct

Weapons of Mass Creation!

Fun Palace, Art4Space, Stockwell, SW4 6QU

2-5pm. Back after popular demand - enjoy an afternoon of drawing. All welcome, free to attend. Donations welcomed. For more information email jewels@art4space.co.uk or visit www.funpalaces.co.uk

Our listings are prepared a long time in advance.

To make sure you have the latest details do contact the event nearer the time to make sure they haven’t changed

Sat 2 Oct

The Muppets Take Manhattan (U), BFI Southbank, SE1 8XT

11.45am. Kermit and friends seek fame in the big city – will Broadway welcome them? This comedy features top-class cameos and is packed full of classic muppet moments. For more information and to buy tickets visit https://whatson.bfi.org.uk

Young Farmers, Vauxhall City Farm, Lambeth, SE11 5HS

10.30am-1pm. Take part in this Saturday morning club which inspires young people, aged 7-14 to get involved in all aspects of the farm and take part in some great indoor and outdoor activities. For more information and to book visit www. vauxhallcityfarm.org

Sun 3 Oct

Families in the Forest, Orleans House Gallery, Twickenham, TW1 3DJ (Also 10 Oct) 11.15am-12noon. An interactive experience for families to explore the Orleans House grounds through a series of encounters with inhabitants past and present. Free.

For more information and to book visit www.orleanshousegallery.org

Virgin Money London Marathon, Various Locations

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

Thurs 7 Oct

National Poetry Day, Nationwide

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

Sat 9 Oct

Young Farmers, Vauxhall City Farm, Lambeth, SE11 5HS

(Also 16 Oct) 10.30am-1pm. Take part in this Saturday morning club which inspires young people, aged 7-14 to get involved in all aspects of the farm and take part in some great indoor and outdoor activities. For more information and to book visit www.vauxhallcityfarm.org

Fri 15 Oct

Just One Tree Day, Nationwide Schools throughout the UK and around the globe have already committed to this international nonuniform day that encourages children

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

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

20

1 Sept - 10 Oct ‘21

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Meet Emma Carroll

author of The Week at World’s End Primary Times were lucky enough to speak to Emma Carroll, once a secondary school teacher, now a multiple award-winning writer. Our interviewer, Rachel Benson, found her charismatic, energetic, and incredibly welcoming.

Her latest release, The Week at World’s End, is based in 1962. Runaway, Anna, befriends Stevie and Ray as she hides from people who are trying to poison her. As tensions rise between America and Russia, and with the threat of war, Stevie wonders if Anna has been sent with a special message just for her.

We were lucky enough to speak to Emma one Monday morning, typically, by Zoom.

A little ice breaker - you used to pick avocados do you hate them or eat them by the dozen like us?

I eat a lot of avocados, I love them! It was in Israel that I was picking them. Because it was quite hot we used to go picking them around dawn, and the chap who took us down there always carried a gun, because there were wolves, wild dogs and jackals that you could sometimes come across in the orchard. Luckily, we didn’t!

What originally inspired you to become a writer?

Well, I’ve always loved English. Even as a primary school student, English was always my favourite subject, it was the thing that made sense. Sort of in the opposite way to Maths really! But when I got to secondary school I had the most amazing English teacher, called Mrs Bailey, and she just got me. I loved her for that. She gave me that confidence. I’ve never forgotten that teacher who really made a difference to me.

With lots of creative professionals there’s that one teacher who really inspires them, isn’t there?

It’s that one person who sees in you the thing that you haven’t quite yet seen in yourself but you know it’s there somewhere. When someone else can see it too it justifies it to you.

A lot of your books are based on historical events, with The Week at World’s End set around the Cuban Missile Crisis. Why have you chosen to do that?

First of all because I really like reading books like that. The very first book I wrote, Frost Hollow Hall, isn’t based around a historical event, that’s just a Victorian ghost story. It was only when I got to write my second book, The Girl Who Walked On Air, Follow us on Twitter - @PT_LondonSandE

that I really began to think about historical events that might trigger the story. That’s actually quite a helpful way of writing historical fiction because you’ve got an event to hang your story on.

The Week at World’s End was inspired by my parents. They were teenagers during the Cuban Missile Crisis. When I talked to my Mum and Dad about living through this week when the world was on the brink, it sounded absolutely terrifying. That would be a really interesting thing to write about. When you look at 1962, Kennedy was President of the US, Martin Luther King was giving a lot of speeches, the space race was going on and the Beatles had their first song out. So there were so many things happening, I thought ‘let’s do it!’

What’s your favourite thing about this book?

I think the fact that they live in this little close and it really reminds me of my childhood. It’s a real book of the heart.

On your website you talk about needing lots of cups of tea when writing (which we love!) What else do you need/do when writing?

I really like this space (Emma gestures to the room she’s talking to me from). It’s only a tiny little room at the back of my house but it is my favourite place to write. It’s having the quiet space where I know that I am clicking into that creative mode.

What else? I like to have a dog in here with me. I do like that.

Emma turns her screen round to show me her view - the rolling Somerset hills out of the window and in front, a dog bed complete with resting dog.

That’s Bert. It’s normally my other dog but he got here first today.

Tea. I like nice notebooks. That’s sort of it really - tea, dogs, quiet space.

Do you have any tips for any budding writers?

The most important thing that any writer can tell you is to read. It’s where we get a lot of our ideas from.You also learn about your own tastes. It’s really important to choose a type of story to write that you yourself would want to read. Also, experiment. Don’t necessarily go down one route. Try writing poetry. I’ve heard of a lot of writers saying that a story they have written has started as a poem.

Emma Carroll’s latest release promises to be an adventurous, nostalgic and historical treat for readers of all ages. The Week at World’s End, published by Faber, is released at the beginning of September and is available from all good book shops.

1 Sept - 10 Oct ‘21

21

What’s On

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

October to bring in £1 to plant a tree and help reforest the planet. To sign up and for more information visit www. justonetree.life.

Sat 16 – Sun 31 Oct

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

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

Sun 17 Oct

Summer Music, Ruskin Park, Denmark Hill, SE5 8EL

3-5pm. Sit back, relax and enjoy the Crystal Palace Band perform on the bandstand. Free. For more information visit www.hernehill.org. uk

Families in the Forest, Orleans House Gallery, Twickenham, TW1 3DJ 11.15am-12noon. An interactive experience for families to explore the Orleans House grounds through a series of encounters with inhabitants past and present. Free.

For more information and to book visit www.orleanshousegallery.org

Our listings are prepared a long time in advance.

To make sure you have the latest details do contact the event nearer the time to make sure they haven’t changed

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I saw your event in Primary Times....

Please mention you saw the event listed in Primary Times

”

Fri 22 Oct - Sun 9 Jan

ILLUMINATURE, WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, SW13 9WT

4-9pm. Enjoy a unique opportunity to see a different side of the wetlands while enjoying an immersive art experience after-dark. Take along the kids, get the family together, or join friends you haven’t seen in too long, for a special evening. To buy tickets visit www.wwt.org.uk/wetlandcentres/london

Sat 23 Oct

African Kings and Queens, Community Space, Sutton Central Library, SM1 1EA

10am-2pm. Children will wear traditional Kente robes and are transported to collect fruit and vegetables from African countries.

They will also learn to play the Djembe and compose a drumming soundtrack to accompany this creative adventure. Ages 4-9 years. For more information visit www.sacco.org.uk

Art, Craft and Coding: Anansi the Spider, Community Space, Sutton Central Library, SM1 1EA 1-4pm. Listen to a traditional Anansi story, design your own art and craft spiders and then incorporate them into your own animations by learning to code.This is a creative cultural coding experience for all children ages 4-9 years. For more information visit www.sacco.org.uk Our next copy deadline is

24 September 2021 If you have something you would like us to try and publicise (space permitting) please email it to

listings@ primarytimes.biz

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

Children’s Poetry Award The Centre for Literacy in Primary Education (CLPE) has announced the 2021 shortlist for the CLiPPA (CLPE Children’s Poetry Award. The shortlist announcement featured live poetry readings from leading children’s poets alongside performances by children from primary schools.

The five books on the shortlist are: Slam! You’re Gonna Wanna Hear This, chosen by Nikita Gill. Nikita Gill brings together exciting new poets, all well known to poetry audiences but many making their first appearance in print.

Bright Bursts of Colour, Matt Goodfellow, illustrated by Aleksei Bitskoff. The poems in Matt Goodfellow’s collection range from the silly to the sensitive, and all will resonate with children aged 7 – 11.

Run, Rebel by Manjeet Mann. Compelling, powerful and authentic, Mann’s verse novel speaks directly to its YA audience.

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1 Sept - 10 Oct ‘21

Big Green Crocodile Rhymes to Say and Play, by Jane Newberry, illustrated by Carolina Rabei. A collection of new nursery rhymes, this is a book for parents and adults to share with the very youngest to spark a lifelong love of poetry.

On the Move, by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Quentin Blake, Walker Books On the Move is both personal and universal, with messages of home, identity and family.

The winner of the 2021 CLiPPA will be revealed at the Cheltenham Literature Festival, in a Poetry Show introduced by CLiPPA judges, Zaro Weil and Allie Esiri, and featuring performances by the shortlisted poets. Schools across the UK and beyond will be able to watch the show on The Times and The Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival platform and access poetry CPD sessions created by CLPE. The free Shadowing Scheme to involve schools in CLiPPA 2021 will launch alongside the announcement of the winner. For more information, visit www.clpe.org.uk/poetry/CLiPPA. Follow us on Instagram - @primarytimesse

All your own work!

Maya Revoir aged 5

Areeba Islam aged 10 Beare, Darius Patel competitions in our July Bumper Summer issue. Will Congratulations to the following people who won competition nture Adve of schools. The Chessington World and Asher Tomlinson won boxes of books for their going to see is o Debo Zach n.

Out Chichester competitio was won by Emma Boyce. Zoe Lewis won the Flip ie Vaggs w-Dix Willo . bread s winner was Noah Whit the Jungle Book at Emmetts Garden. Our Mega Camp Poppy Lyus, r Arthu by won were Paws in the Park tickets won a Swingball pro wth Millbrook Garden Centre. er Summ PQA the at week a ing u. Alexa Ling will be enjoy Moore, Ella Sinclair, Ben Gibson and Theo Christiano at s eteer Musk Three The for Luke Williams won tickets School. Our Ropetackle winner was Yasmin Wilson. aged ter-Saurus Summer was Prisha Garg. Maya Revoir Mons Pop's Tiny BOAT. Our lucky winner of a tablet with our all to done Well 10. winner was Areeba Islam aged 5 won our Annie's Drawing competition. Our older rk! artwo the all competition winners on this page and enjoy If you would like to see your work displayed here then just send us a drawing, poem, riddles, jokes or short story and we'll do our very best to include it. Send it to: Good Work Page Primary Times 7 Southbrook Mews London SE12 8LG

Thank you to Tame Akin-Agboola, Munaver Murghal, Liyana Soobratty and Katharina Hopkins for their fun, imaginative and clever drawings and poems.

We love seeing your work so do please keep sending it to us. We're happy to receive artwork from the whole class so do feel free to send us class entries.

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

K atie

lown’s Luscious Leaves Spot the 8 Differences

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

E T H Z N E D L O G

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

I A V T R Q A F E X

L P E B H E P V T P

T L S R L Y B E S F

S E T I T F B I C H

U Y S S N L R N H J

Can you find all these words in the word search?

Autumn, Foggy, Harvest, Drop, Earthy, Hibernate, Maple, Ant, Golden, Leaf, Rustling, Brisk, Crisp, Stem, Vein, Twig Why did the scarecrow win a medal?

He was outstanding in his field!

A

R C P K A C G I W T

Why do birds fly south for winter?

Because it’s too far for them to walk

How does an elephant get out of a tree?

It sits on a leaf and waits for Autumn

Can you draw a picture or write a poem about anything to do with leaves, trees or the park?

Make it as bright and colourful as you can!

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

Postcode: School:

Send your entry together with this completed form to:

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

competitions@primarytimes.biz Closing date 24 September 2021. Good Luck!

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

B

What did one leaf say to another?

I’m falling for you!

How do you fix a flat pumpkin?

With a pumpkin patch!

Colouring in Corner