South West London May Half Term 2021 Primary Times by Alison Watson

What’s On Where South West London

FAMILY DAYS OUT

EDUCATION ROUNDUP

DAILY DIARY OF WHAT’S ON

MAY HALF TERM 2021 17 MAY - 4 JULY 2021 ISSUE 128

What’s On

What’s On Your family diary for May and June

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

Ongoing Every Fri

Friday Family Fun, Liz Atkinson Children’s Centre, Myatts Field South, SW9 6PH 11am-12.30pm. Weekly drop in sessions during term time with outdoor play and gardening. Places available for 10 parents and their children each week. For more information and to book call 07572 156 582.

Until 23 May

Brighton Festival, Various Locations in Brighton The largest arts festival in England returns for the month of May, offering children, young people and families the opportunity to experience fun, educational and spectacular art events safely online, outdoors and from May 17 at indoor venues. For full details and to book visit www. brightonfestival.org

Until 28 May

Spring Wake Up Trail, RHS Garden, Wisley, GU23 6QB Take part in this family activity by downloading a ‘spring wake-up’ leaflet to help you spot the sights, sounds and smells of the spring season. For more information and to book your slot visit www.rhs. org.uk

Until 31 May

Miles in May, Demelza Hospice Care for Children Online Event Join #TeamDemelza in this virtual event and help raise £37,000 to fund a specialist Children’s Nurse. Walk, jog, run or scoot your way to 37 miles this May and be a part of something amazing! This event is free to join, raise just 2

May-July 2021

£37 each for a Miles in May medal. For more information visit www.demelza.org.uk Elmer’s Big Art Parade, Chessington World of Adventures Resort, KT9 2NE (Selected dates) Encounter everyone’s favourite patchwork elephant on his vibrant sculpture trail around the Resort. Then why not join the colourful herd and take flight on Elmer’s Flying Jumbos before meeting Elmer himself at one of his meet and greet sessions. To buy tickets visit www.chessington.com

Until 7 Jun

Create and Grow at Home Online/Home Event, Squires Garden Centre, Twickenham, TW2 5PA Keep the little ones entertained at home with free craft and gardening activity sheets. For more information and to download the activity sheets visit www. squiresgardencentres.co.uk

May Tues 18 May

Story Stompers, Brockwell Park Community Greenhouses, Herne Hill, SE24 0PA 9.30am. Join in for an outdoor story, explore the gardens and woodland with Beth, and enjoy story themed craft activities and natural Our listings are prepared a long time in advance. To make sure you have up to date details do contact the event nearer the time to make sure the information hasn’t changed.

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play – whatever the weather. Suitable for pre-school aged children. For more information and to book visit www.brockwellgreenhouses. org.uk

Thurs 20 – Thurs 27 May

May 2-For-1 Offer, City Cruises, Various Locations Book now and up until 27 May to receive a 2-for-1 offer on all child and adults sightseeing tickets including the 24h river pass. Use the code may2for1 at the time of booking. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.cityexperiences. com

Fri 21 May

Summer Cycle, Kew Gardens, Richmond, TW9 3AE 5.30-9pm. Join in to celebrate summer with a magical evening bike ride. As bicycles are not usually allowed in the Gardens, this is a unique opportunity for you to explore Kew’s most beautiful spots with friends and family. To book visit www.kew.org/ kew-gardens

Sat 22 May

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 Moana (PG), Backyard Cinema, Capital Studios, Wandsworth, SW18 1ET 12.30pm. The Backyard Cinema is back with London’s biggest indoor beach cinema. Feel the sand between your toes as you watch your favourite films. Today’s screening at ‘Miami Beach’ is: Moana. For more information and to buy tickets visit www. backyardcinema.co.uk The Richmond Community Choir, Marble Hill House, Twickenham, TW1 2NL 2-3pm. Join local vocalists, The Richmond Community Choir, for their spring concert as they share joyful songs in the delightful setting of the Kitchen garden. Free event with a suggested donation of £5. For more information and to book visit www.englishheritage.org.uk

Sat 22 – Sun 23 May

Nature Weekend, Cannizaro Park, Wimbledon, SW19 4UE Enjoy this two-day celebration with a packed programme of activities for all ages. Expect guided bird and bat walks, potting and planting and nature trails. Families will love the chance to meet Fudge, a Shetland pony from neighbouring Wimbledon Stables. To book visit www. cannizaropark.com

For lots more What’s On ideas see page 6

Hi 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 Publishing Editor: Peter Watson Sales: Andrew Langridge, Ty Smith, Catherine Dillon & Gill Pearce Listings: Claire Wood, Hayley Hughes Production: Alison Watson Office Manager: Chris Blower Administrator: Claire Wood Social Media: Rachel Benson Primary Times is independently published and distributed free in primary, 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.

Firstly let me start by saying how delighted we are to be back. The last year has been so tough for so many people and we are so pleased that the end appears to be in sight. We really want to thank the schools who hand us out, our advertisers for supporting us, our suppliers who have worked with us to make sure that we could keep going and you, our readers, for taking us home and using the magazine. We’ve been publishing Primary Times in this area for 20 years, long may this continue. We have worked so hard this time to find out what is going on locally. We have searched far and wide for all the places that have reopened, new venues, theatres, open air theatres and everything we could think of. Our listings are sourced a long time in advance so please do check the listing nearer the time, especially while things are changing daily. We always include contact details at the end of each listing so that they can be checked. Our Katie Clown Activity Page is on the subject of Bumble Bees this time, in honour of World Bee Day on 20 May. #WorldBeeDay. This was initiated by the United Nations and happens each year. To learn more about bees or find out more about the day have a look at www.un.org/en/observances/ bee-day. Don’t forget to send us your poems and drawings (including your contact details) so that we can feature your work, if you win, in our next issue which is the July Bumper Summer magazine in schools from 5 July.

Contents

inside this issue.... Local News...............................4 Family Theatre..........................8 Here Comes The Sun...............9 Education News...........................13 Katie Clown Activity Page....... 16 Competitions............................17 Fun Gardening Activities........ 21 All Your Own Work..................23

Peter and the Primary Times Team LONDON’S LARGEST KID’S BOOKS PARTY RETURNS!

SATURDAY 26 & SUNDAY 27 JUNE OVER 80 EVENTS FEATURING

Julia Donaldson • Sir Michael Morpurgo Dame Jacqueline Wilson • Lauren Child Axel Scheffler • Lydia Monks • Helen Oxenbury Frank Cottrell-Boyce • Hilary McKay • Ross Welford David Almond • Maz Evans • Rob Biddulph AND

Julian Clary & David Roberts WITH

Elmer the Patchwork Elephant Paddington Bear’s First Concert PLUS!

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre family workshops Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Medicine science show DNA Detectives LEGO workshops and so much more... + LOTS OF FREE THINGS TO DO TOO!

TICKETS ON SALE NOW Full programme available at

www.barneskidslitfest.org BarnesKidsLitFest

May-July 2021

kidslitfest #BCLF2021

Latest News

New Disney Princess Storybook Collection

There are double page spreads on armoured dinosaurs, dinosaur eggs, fossils, dino speed and much more. It also features a dinosaur hall of fame and a double page close-up feature spread of everyone’s favourite toothy tyrant, T-Rex! Are you planning a school sports day later in the term? We bet it’s nothing like the one below. Matt Robertson gives us fascinating facts on just how fast (or slow) some dinosaurs were in this example of one of the spreads from the book. Do You Love Dinosaurs is published by Bloomsbury in paperback at £6.99.

May-July 2021

What’s On

More What’s On Your family diary for May and June

May Sun 23 May

E.T. (U), Backyard Cinema, Capital Studios, Wandsworth, SW18 1ET 12.30pm. The Backyard Cinema is back with London’s biggest indoor beach cinema. Feel the sand between your toes as you watch your favourite films. Today’s screening at ‘Miami Beach’ is: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. For more information and to buy tickets visit www. backyardcinema.co.uk Sing (U), Backyard Cinema, Capital Studios, Wandsworth, SW18 1ET 12noon. Catch your first flight of the summer with Backyard Airlines as you’re transported to the sun-kissed beaches of Los Angeles. Stick your feet in the sand and experience movie magic in this beautiful Californian beachscape. To book visit www.backyardcinema.co.uk

Tues 25 May

Story Stompers, Brockwell Park Community Greenhouses, Herne Hill, SE24 0PA 9.30am. Join in for an outdoor story, explore the gardens and woodland with Beth, and enjoy story themed craft activities and natural play – whatever the weather. Suitable for pre-school aged children. For more information and to book visit www.brockwellgreenhouses. org.uk

Thurs 27 May

Back to the Future (PG), Backyard Cinema, Capital Studios, Wandsworth, SW18 1ET 4pm. Catch your first flight of the summer with Backyard Airlines as you’re transported

Our listings are prepared a long time in advance. To make sure you have up to date details do contact the event nearer the time to make sure the information hasn’t changed.

to the sun-kissed beaches of Los Angeles. Stick your feet in the sand and experience movie magic in this beautiful Californian beachscape. To book visit www. backyardcinema.co.uk Walkies at Wisley, RHS Garden, Wisley, GU23 6QB 3.30-6.30pm. Explore the beautiful outdoor areas with your canine companion for a special ‘Walkies at Wisley’. For more information and to book your slot visit www.rhs. org.uk

Fri 28 May

Mary Poppins Returns (U), Backyard Cinema, Capital Studios, Wandsworth, SW18 1ET 4pm. Catch your first flight of the summer with Backyard Airlines as you’re transported to the sun-kissed beaches of Los Angeles. Stick your feet in the sand and experience movie magic in this beautiful Californian beachscape. To book visit www. backyardcinema.co.uk The Greatest Showman (PG), Backyard Cinema, Capital Studios, Wandsworth, SW18 1ET 4.30pm. The Backyard Cinema is back with London’s biggest indoor beach cinema. Feel the sand between your toes as you watch your favourite films. Today’s screening at ‘Miami Beach’ is: The

“

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

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Greatest Showman. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.backyardcinema. co.uk

Sat 29 May

Moana (PG), Backyard Cinema, Capital Studios, Wandsworth, SW18 1ET 12noon. Catch your first flight of the summer with Backyard Airlines as you’re transported to the sun-kissed beaches of Los Angeles. Stick your feet in the sand and experience movie magic in this beautiful Californian beachscape. To book visit www.backyardcinema.co.uk Heroes and Villains, Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX 12.30 and 4pm. Take part in an epic superhero battle against some dastardly villains in this heroic family concert with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. For more information and to book visit www.southbankcentre.co.uk The Lion King (2019, PG), Backyard Cinema, Capital Studios, Wandsworth, SW18 1ET 12.30pm. The Backyard Cinema is back with London’s biggest indoor beach cinema. Feel the sand between your toes as you watch your favourite films. Today’s screening at ‘Miami Beach’ is 2019’s: The Lion King. For more information and to buy tickets visit www. backyardcinema.co.uk

From 29 May

Get Up and Grow, RHS Garden, Wisley, GU23 6QB Explore the beautiful gardens and solve all the clues on a trail designed to help families

discover all the different kinds of pollinators that contribute to a healthy garden ecosystem. For more information and to book visit www.rhs.org.uk

Sat 29 May – Sat 5 Jun

Horrible Histories, Hampton Court Palace, KT8 9AU Learn all about the truly Terrible Tudors this half term. From the horrible Henries to the end of evil Elizabeth, hear the legend (and the lies!) about the torturing Tudors at Hampton Court this summer. To buy tickets visit www.hrp.org.uk/hamptoncourt-palace

Sat 29 May – Sun 6 Jun

Love Your Zoo Week, Battersea Park Children’s Zoo, SW11 4NJ During this week see the animals using heart shaped ‘enrichment’. Can you spot which animal has this enrichment and work out what it’s for? Also, take a photo of your favourite animal and post it on social media to be in with the chance of winning an Armadillo Experience (Ages 5+). To buy tickets visit www.batterseaparkzoo. co.uk The Little Gardener, Kew Gardens, Richmond, TW9 3AE 11am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm and 4pm. The theatrical show from How It Ended, adapted from the book ‘The Little Gardener’ by Emily Hughes will delight young visitors this half term. The show is performed inside a small greenhouse with four half hour performances every day. To book visit www.kew. org/kew-gardens

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

Due to Covid 19 restrictions please do check with the venue that the listing is up to date before planning your visit. 6

May-July 2021

Wear A Hat Day with Flowers

Back by popular demand, Brain Tumour Research’s (BTR) Wear A Hat Day with Flowers is taking place on Friday 18 June. As COVID-19 restrictions continue to ease, Wear A Hat Day with Flowers is the perfect way to bring loved ones together and celebrate, whilst raising funds to help find a cure for brain tumours. Last year, the inaugural Wear A Hat Day with Flowers raised over £40,000 to support vital work. Join BTR this year for another blooming brilliant day of floral hatty fun and help them raise even more. BBC TV’s Instant Gardener Danny Clarke is once again supporting the event. Danny knows the pain of a brain tumour diagnosis having lost his sister Margot to a glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). You can plan your own fun floral hatty events at school or work or in the wider community and spread some joy, whilst raising lots of money to help fund the fight.

Share your amazing florally-hattastic photos with BTR on social media using the hashtag #WearAHatDayWithFlowers and tagging @braintumourrsch

GET YOUR BLOOMING HAT ON! #WearAHatDayWithFlowers 18.06.2021

www.wearahatdaywithflowers.org Registered charity number 1153487 (England and Wales) SC046840 (Scotland). Company limited by guarantee number 08570737.

for your FREE fundraising pack!

Photo by Venture Studios

Register today on www.wearahatdaywithflowers.org and you’ll immediately have access to a digital fundraising pack containing downloadable posters, top tips and event ideas to maximise your fundraising event.

G I V E YOUR C HI L DR E N A H E A D STA RT Everyone wants the best for their children and, with a little forward planning, it is possible to give them a bright future and first-class education. Whether you are considering tax-efficient ways to save for, spread the cost of, or protect funds set aside for, school fees, we can help you plan by providing you with a range of financial solutions and investment options to help your loved ones on life’s journey. Contact us for further information. The value of an investment with St. James’s Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds selected and may fall as well as rise.You may get back less than the amount invested.

HALLETT WEALTH MANAGEMENT Associate Partner Practice of St. James’s Place Wealth Management

Tel: 02080420537 | Mob: 07770 322477 Email: neal.hallett@sjpp.co.uk Web: www.hallettwm.co.uk

The Partner Practice is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products. The ‘St. James’s Place Partnership’ and titles ‘Partner’ and ‘Partner Practice’ are marketing terms used to describe St. James’s Place representatives. H2SJP33840 12/19

May-July 2021

Family Theatre

Box Office: 03303 334 811 17 Jul – 22 Aug

Billionaire Boy

From the award-winning West End producers of Gangsta Granny comes this amazing new production of David Walliams’ best-selling story Billionaire Boy. Ages 5+

Globe SE1

The best shows around... Apollo Theatre

Box Office: 0330 333 4809 29 Jul – 28 Aug

Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain Part 5

Don’t miss this brand-new production of Britain’s favourite history show! It’s history with the nasty bits left in. Ages 5+

Colour House Theatre Merton Abbey Mills

Box Office: www. colourhousetheatre.co.uk 22 May – 27 Jun

Red Riding Hood

What magical powers does

Little Red’s cape possess? Will they help her with an escaped Wolf on the loose? All will be revealed in this hilarious, fun-filled musical, suitable for all the family to enjoy.

The Exchange Twickenham

Box Office: 020 8240 2399 29 Jul – 1 Aug

The Three Little Pigs

Join the three pigs as they embark on their adventures, building houses and running away from the big bad wolf. Full of singing, dancing, counting, phonics and madcap fun in this interactive show.

ABC of Opera: Classical This book is a spectacular musical adventure for children through the 500-year history of opera. Written by world-renowned opera singer, Mark Llewelyn Evans, ABC of Opera: Classical provides children with an enjoyable and educational first glimpse into the often daunting world of opera and classical music. When a school trip to the Natural History Museum in London reunites Jack and Megan with an old friend Trunk, they are whisked away to the Academy of Barmy Composers and the cities of Salzburg, Vienna and Paris for an adventure in opera’s classical period (1750–1820). Tasked with taking the music and stories of Windy Wolfie (Mozart, the penniless prodigy), Tortellini Rossini (the king of the dining table) and the moody but resilient Bilious Beethoven back to the present, will they be able to triumph over the return of Mozart’s most evil creation? It’s an accessible, fun introduction to opera for primary school children. Combining facts, jokes, songs, brilliant illustrations and a humorous story, this book is perfect for use as a teaching resource in schools as well for home-learning. The book has received praise from The National Children’s Orchestra who said, “The history of classical music has never been so much fun!” With two further ABC of Opera books planned, covering the Romantic and Modern music eras, these musical adventures through the history of opera are set to provide a unique and creative way to introduce children to this art form for many more years. 8

Garrick Theatre

May-July 2021

Box Office: 020 7401 9919 19 May – 30 Oct

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Open Air Theatre Regents Park Box Office: www. openairtheatre.com 7 – 24 Jul

Anansi the Spider

This retelling of the classic West African and Caribbean folk tales, for ages 3-7, will be bought vividly to life for all ages to enjoy outdoors on the theatre lawn.

Palace Theatre

Box Office: 0330 333 4813 15 Jul – 29 Aug

A posse of wannabe actors, What the Ladybird determined to put on a play Heard against the odds. The Join the clever Ladybird as Fairy Queen and King Enjoy she leads the animals at war, and one on their quest to the show! wild spirit hell-bent save the day in And don’t on causing as this joyous stage much havoc as forget to say adaptation of the possible. What you saw it in bestselling picture could possibly go Primary book by Julia wrong? Donaldson and Lydia Times! Monks. Ages 3+ Hampton Court

Palace, East Molesey Box Office: www.hrp.org.uk/ hampton-court-palace 29 May – 5 Jun

Horrible Histories

Learn all about the truly Terrible Tudors this half term. From the horrible Henries to the end of evil Elizabeth, hear the legend (and the lies!) about the torturing Tudors at Hampton Court this summer.

London Palladium

Box Office: lwtheatres.co.uk 1 Jul – 5 Sep

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat

Theatre Royal Haymarket

Box Office: www.trh.co.uk 12 Jul – 5 Sep

The Tiger Who Came to Tea

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

The Turbine Theatre Nine Elms Box Office: www. theturbinetheatre.com 31 May – 5 Jun

The Big Bubble Show

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.

New Wimbledon

Box Office: www.atgtickets. com/wimbledon 13 Jun

The Extraordinary Time-Travelling Adventures of Baron Munchausen All they have is their wits, some silly hats and the suggestions of an audience full of giggling children (and their grown-ups) to ensure that all ends happily ever after. Show takes place in the Studio.

Maxwell the Bubbleologist presents a show filled with magic, comedy, natural science, education, inspiration, entertainment and unbelievabubble tricks.

Tower of London, EC3N

Box Office: www.hrp.org.uk/ tower-of-london 29 May – 6 Jun

Knight School: The Show

Learn what it takes to become a fully-fledged knight in this performance that promises to be packed full of laughs, loyal deeds, chivalric manners, courteous conduct and courageous activity. Ages 5-12.

Fun Days Out with the Family Follow Kingston’s Magical Market AR Trail

Kingston First, the town centre’s Business Improvement District, has launched its first ever augmented reality (AR) trail in Kingston town centre, a hidden magical market that can only be seen through the magic of AR technology. School children from across the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames took part in a competition to design the trail’s characters, with twelve winning designs selected and turned into moving, dancing and wiggling 3D creations. Characters designed by the children include ‘Elfie Holly the Purveyor of Wishes’ to ‘Rona Rainbow the Purveyor of Magic Clouds for Zapping Covid’.

The trail begins at the ‘Out of Order’ installation on Old London Road (red telephone boxes), with twelve characters at different locations across Kingston town centre, accessed by either downloading the app or by scanning the QR code which can be found on the posters.

Here comes the sun!

Here Comes the Sun...

Kirsten Henly, Chief Executive of Kingston First said told Primary Times, “With the pandemic making it difficult for us to organise the usual events and activities, the Magical Market AR Trail is the perfect way for families to discover something new and enjoy being out and about in Kingston town centre in a Covid-secure way. We hope that lots of children and their families experience the trail and enjoy seeing the twelve characters come to life before their very eyes.” Head to www.inkingston.co.uk/kingstonmagicalmarket to find the app download links, view the trail map, and meet all of the characters. Kingston First are asking people to share their photos by tagging @InKingstonUK and using the hashtag #KingstonMagicalMarket.

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May-July 2021

Here comes the sun!

Barnes Children’s Literature Festival

London’s largest children’s literature festival is back, from Saturday 26 to Sunday 27 June! The UK’s number one bestselling children’s authors Julia Donaldson and Sir Michael Morpurgo will herald the hugely welcome return of London’s largest children’s books event when they open the Barnes Children’s Literature Festival on Saturday 26 June. The queen of picture books, along with her husband Malcolm, will perform two shows at Barnes with singing, dancing and storytelling from her stories including The Gruffalo. Sir Michael Morpurgo returns to Barnes with his new book, A Song of Gladness, which was inspired by his time living in lockdown. Julia and Sir Michael will lead another stellar line-up with events by former UK Children’s Laureates Dame Jaqueline Wilson and Lauren Child, superstar illustrator Axel Scheffler and the country’s favourite comedian Julian Clary. They’ll be joined by master storytellers Frank Cottrell-Boyce, who wrote the award winning Millions and Cosmic among others, and David Almond, the author of Skellig. Children’s literature legend, Helen Oxenbury will make a rare appearance having designed this year’s Festival poster. She was inspired by one of her dear friends, Barnes beloved Judith Kerr and her most famous creation, The Tiger Who Came To Tea, as well as her own classic illustrations for We’re Going on a Bear Hunt. The Costa Children’s Book Award winner Hilary McKay will appear along with middle grade marvels Ross Welford and Maz Evans and some of the best known names from picture books including Rob Biddulph, Lydia Monks and the stars of Supertato Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet.

Other highlights include Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Medicine science show with Professor Tom Solomon, Paddington Bear’s First Concert and workshops with Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. For the full programme, visit www.barneskidslitfest.org. Photo credit: Steve Ullathorne

Littlehampton - Fun for All the Family

Whether you are looking to enjoy a day building sandcastles on Littlehampton’s award-winning beach, relax in one of the beautiful parks or burn some energy at the fun filled Harbour Park, this fantastic seaside town on the West Sussex coast promises great family memories for this years’ staycation. Littlehampton seafront is ideally set up for families. It has friendly, approachable lifeguards, plenty of sand (you can walk far out to sea at low tide), pristine waters and all the facilities you need. Those facilities include cafés and easy access from the car parks. Within walking distance, the river Arun is a great place for a spot of crabbing and boat watching. The expansive seafront greens, with plenty of picnic tables and free to use barbecue units, offer a perfect setting for family fun, not to mention being ideally located for sunset watching. For more ideas and to start planning your visit, head over to www. visitlittlehampton.co.uk Those looking for a fascinating insight into this sunny seaside town are encouraged to visit Littlehampton Museum. Free of charge and open Monday to Saturday, visitors can explore a variety of exciting galleries, many with audio points and interactive elements to help guide you through the story of the town.Visit www. littlehamptonmuseum.co.uk for more information.

Your Your Wildest Wildest Adventure Adventure is is Back Back Family theme park and zoo, Chessington World of Adventures Resort has reopened with a NEW adventure for 2021 - jaw dropping new ride, Croc Drop. Dropping now, brave explorers plunge 25m on the thrilling drop tower into the giant jaws of a crocodile, Sobek, the ancient Egyptian Crocodile God and protector of the Nile, who has been possessed by evil spirits, transforming him into a cruel deity. With the once fertile River Nile lying stagnant, riders must take part in a ceremony to banish the evil spirits from Sobek, plunging into the crocodile’s soul and releasing the waters back into the Nile. Those of a minimum height of 1.2m must ‘brave the drop to release the curse’. Chessington also has seasonal events throughout the year for the entire family to enjoy. They start with new summer festival, Wilder-fest. Things then get spooky in October during Howl’o’ween, before finishing the year with Winter’s Tail, where you can meet Father Christmas in his enchanting grotto. Chessington also marks 90 years since the opening of its zoo in July. There’s lots to do with your little monkeys at Chessington with a host of rides and attractions where kids step straight into the pages of their favourite stories and meet the

May-July 2021

characters too. Join everyone’s favourite patchwork elephant, Elmer, as he and his friends take flight on Elmer’s Flying Jumbos, before helping Witch and her Cat find her lost belongings in Room on the Broom - A Magical Journey. Plus, meet a creature with ‘terrible tusks’ and ‘terrible claws’ - the Gruffalo as you float down the lazy river on The Gruffalo River Ride Adventure. There are soft play areas, live daily shows, Zoo-per encounters with animal talks and feeds and a SEA LIFE Centre. This year, there are new dedicated events for pre-schoolers featuring Elmer, Octonauts and Room on the Broom. Squeeze in even more by visiting when the Resort is quieter on weekdays during term-time. Adult and preschooler tickets cost just £25 during the term. Chessington is a COVID-secure venue, with all the required hygiene and safety measures in place to ensure guests have a safe, wild adventure. To allow for social distancing, the Resort is still reducing the number of guests it welcomes each day, with pre-booking online essential at www.chessington. com where you can save up to 33% on tickets and find out more about everything you’ve read here.

Battersea Park Children’s Zoo reopened in April after more than four months of closure. The Zoo is the perfect place for little explorers. With conservation and education at its heart, this much-loved family park is home to over 100 amazing animals from around the world. From monkeys, meerkats and otters to lemurs, tropical birds and native farm favourites – there really is something to inspire everyone. The Zoo also boasts an impressive adventure playground, ideal for children of all ages and abilities to learn, discover and play. Imaginations will run wild in the great outdoors whilst exploring the real-life tractor, fire engine and helicopter as well as the giant climbing web and sensory sandpit. Visit their website to find exciting opportunities to get up close with some of the animals and get a taste of what life is like as a zookeeper. Anyone visiting Battersea Park Children’s Zoo during May Half Term will see the animals using heart shaped ‘enrichment’ to celebrate Love your Zoo week. Enrichment provides the animals with appropriate challenges and opportunities to express natural behaviours. It could be a heart shaped puzzle feeder for a monkey or a heart shaped paddling pool for an otter. Be sure to go and see if you can spot which animal has this enrichment and work out what it’s for. Tickets to the Zoo can be bought at the gate or online at www. batterseaparkzoo.co.uk. They look forward to seeing you.

RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival

Here comes the sun!

Battersea Park Children’s Zoo

The RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival supported by Viking will be back to transform the grounds of Hampton Court Palace from 6 – 11 July. Celebrate summer with the whole family at the UK’s biggest festival of flowers, which this year will focus on gardening for everyone with lots of inspiration, ideas and activities. Local Kingston Forest School will be hosting a range of workshops for children and families throughout the Festival. Little visitors can enjoy hands on activities, such as willow weaving, that will explore the different ways we can connect and enjoy spending time in nature. An array of bug hotels, bee hives, bird boxes and hedgehog homes will be on display in the much-loved Schools’ Competition. For this year, pre-schools and primary schools from across the South East will create homes for wildlife as the competition looks to raise awareness of the decline in the UK’s insects, birds, mammals and amphibians.Visitors can vote for their favourite wildlife home and there will be plenty of ideas to take home to try in their own green spaces. Plus kids will be able to try out some pond dipping in the wildlife area in the brand new RHS Allotment and families can explore the showground and go on the hunt for plants as they follow the ‘Bee Happy’ Family Trail in partnership with Fiskars Gardening Tools. Tickets are available to buy online now and children under 16 go free (Each paying adult can bring two children aged 16 and under free of charge - no ticket required). To book or for more information please visit www.rhs.org.uk/hamptoncourt Photo credit: RHS and Mark Waugh

6–11 July 2021 RHS Members’ Days 6 & 7 July

Kids go free*

Full of inspiration to get the whole family growing Forest School | It’s a Wild World bug hotels and habitats Creative crafts | Plants, gardening and wildlife activities galore Bee-themed family trail in partnership with Fiskars Gardening Tools

Book now rhs.org.uk

Supported by

Your visit supports our work as a charity *Two children 16 and under free with an accompanying adult RHS Registered Charity No: 222879/SC038262

May-July 2021

Film Preview Guide We’ve all been missing going to the cinema this past year. We may have got square eyes watching the television so much but it really isn’t the same as the big screen is it? We’ve got some great ideas for you for your ﬁrst trip back (plus one or two also available on streaming services).

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 in cinemas nationwide from 4 June with previews from 28 May.

Luca Set in a beautiful seaside town on the Italian Riviera, Luca is a comingof-age story about one young boy experiencing an unforgettable summer ﬁlled with gelato, pasta and endless scooter rides. Luca shares these adventures with his new found best friend but the fun is threatened by a deeply-held secret.There are sea monsters from another world just below the water’s surface. Luca arrives on Disney+ on 18 June.

The Mitchells vs. The Machines From the humans who brought you Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse and The LEGO Movie comes The Mitchells vs.The Machines, an animated action-comedy about an ordinary family who find themselves in the middle of their biggest family challenge yet… saving the world from the robot apocalypse. No big deal, right? It all starts when creative outsider Katie Mitchell is accepted into the film school of her dreams and is eager to leave home and find “her people”. Her nature-loving dad insists on having the whole family drive her to school and bond during one last totally-not-awkwardor-forced road trip. But just when the trip can’t get any worse, the family suddenly finds itself in the middle of the robot uprising! Everything from smart phones, to roombas, to evil Furbys are employed to capture every human on the planet. Now it’s up to the Mitchells, including upbeat mom Linda, quirky little brother Aaron, their squishy pug Monchi, and two friendly, but simple-minded robots to save humanity.The Mitchells vs.The Machines is on Netflix now.

May-July 2021

Hotel Transylvania – Monster Pets Are you a fan of the Hotel Transylvania ﬁlms. Can’t wait for the last of the series, Hotel Transylvania:Transformania, due out later this year? Well you’re in luck. Sony Pictures Animation have produced a short online movie to tide you over available on YouTube or Facebook. In Monster Pets, Drac’s lovable, monster-sized puppy, Tinkles, has more energy than ever and just wants to play ball! Unfortunately, Drac is too busy juggling his duties at the hotel, so he is determined to ﬁnd a monster pet companion for his huge furry friend.After a series of mismatches, Drac’s plan goes awry when Tinkles chooses a very unlikely companion.

PETER RABBIT™ 2: The Runaway In Peter Rabbit 2:The Runaway, the lovable rogue is back.After the marriage of Bea and Thomas, the two of them and the rabbits have created a makeshift family, but despite his best efforts, Peter can’t seem to shake his mischievous reputation. Adventuring out of the garden when Bea and Thomas decide to go on a trip, Peter ﬁnds himself in a world where his mischief is appreciated, but when his family risks everything to come looking for him, Peter must ﬁgure out what kind of bunny he wants to be. Peter Rabbit 2 is released in cinemas on the day they reopen – 17 May. Enjoy!

Win Maya the Bee Goodies and a Family Cinema Ticket Maya the Bee: The Golden Orb is the third film in the successful Maya the Bee series. When a bored Maya and Willi bust out of winter lockdown early, they are catapulted headfirst into a top secret mission! Entrusted with the care of a sacred seed, Maya and Willi team up with their old pals Arnie and Barnie to deliver the seed to its new home atop the mysterious Bonsai Mountain. Maya the Bee: The Golden Orb is released by Kaleidoscope Entertainment into cinemas on 17 May. For your chance to win a Maya the Bee plush toy, an enamel mug, a snack pack from Fruit Bowl and a family cinema ticket, tell us how many legs a bee has. Send your answer to us along with your name, age, address, school and phone number to Maya the Bee Competition, Primary Times, 7 Southbrook Mews, London SE12 8LG or email your answer together with your details to competitions@primarytimes.biz with ‘Maya the Bee’ as the subject by Friday 18 June. wwww.mayathebeefilm.co.uk

Education News

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 them 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 weeklong 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 their Virtual Open event. They 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 they receive. This information will all be presented via video link, with speeches, presentations and video clips delivered by the senior team, teachers and students.

Education News Graveney School

Graveney School is holding its Online Virtual Open Event for prospective Year 7 pupils on Wednesday 23 June from 9.30am - 3pm. However, they very much hope to be able to offer live visits again in the autumn term! 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, completed in September 2019, which includes ten humanities classrooms and an observatory. 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 these achievements, whilst non-examined, were exceeded.

Do not underestimate the power of READING

Read & Write with Bo Peep

From Spring to Summer! May 31 – July 30 Online individual and group sessions available For students aged 6-16. From as little as £5! 01444 391220/info@bopeeplearning.co.uk or visit www.bopeeplearning.co.uk

Graveney School

Virtual Open Events for Admissions in September 2022

Wednesday 23 June Year 7 Virtual Open Day Event - 9.30am-3pm

• 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

For more information visit www.graveney.org and click on ‘Admission’ Graveney School, Welham Road, London SW17 9BU

May-July 2021

Education News

Peepal Tree Learning

The teams from Peepal Tree Learning have given us some thoughts on why people choose tutoring for their child.

When should we look at tutoring?

Sometimes a little extra help outside the classroom can really improve your child’s confidence as well as their grades. But when is the right time to think about a little extra help?

Catching up, if you have moved or your child has missed some school.

A little extra help can be very useful if your child has missed some school due to illness, injury or perhaps a house move. In some cases, even missing one topic can make it tricky as it might be something that future learning is built upon. It’s especially useful when a child moves school, as subjects might be covered in a different order. We recommend asking the teacher what’s been covered that your child may have missed. This can be discussed with the tutor to help your child catch up. The school will no doubt appreciate the support with the transition.

Help with a particular topic or in a specific area

The fast-paced nature of the classroom may sometimes leave behind a child who has not quite got to grips with something. As well as leaving gaps in their knowledge, more importantly, it can cause them to lose confidence or believe ‘I am not good at that’. Getting some tutoring support can help to identify what your child is finding tricky and address it head-on. Feeling comfortable and confident is the foundation for all learning success.

To offer challenge

Tutoring can be great if your child would like to gain an in-depth understanding of a subject – whether in preparation for an exam, such as the 11+, or simply because there is a passion or interest. The benefit of tutoring is that the teacher has time to really help your child get a full understanding. This is particularly useful if you are planning for your child to take the 11+ where true comprehension, rather than ‘learning to repeat’ is what is really being tested. To learn more about Peepal Tree Learning’s approach to tuition and why their pupils make progress, get in touch. They’d love to meet you and your family. Email info@ peepaltreelearning.com or call 020 8287 4437.

May-July 2021

Learn about Animals at Home

The RSPCA has launched a new education programme for parents to teach their children about animal welfare at home. The new programme focuses on the welfare of dogs, cats and rabbits and provides parents with information and activities they can do with their children. During the pandemic, there has been a huge surge in pet ownership and these activities can help prepare those families who are thinking about getting a pet, or help those who have recently bought or adopted a pet, to learn more about their animal’s needs and behaviour. The programme begins by introducing the concept of compassion and outlining the animal’s needs, there are then a range of discovery activities focusing on dogs, cats and rabbits for parents and children to complete together, and the final section is advocacy which brings together their learning and encourages the family to champion animal welfare in a creative and imaginative way. This could be carrying out a litter pick, creating a wildlife friendly garden, or keeping an eye out for higher welfare labels like RSPCA Assured when shopping. David Allen, Head of Education and Prevention at the RSPCA, told Primary Times, “Whilst adults should always be ultimately responsible for pets, caring for them can involve the whole family. Children can help with things like cleaning small animal enclosures, preparing a pet’s food and enjoying going out for walks with the dog - all as part of regular supervised family activities. Helping to care for pets can encourage children to become more responsible and increase their empathy and compassion to others.”

Mental Health and Wellbeing Workshops at Polka The Polka Theatre may be closed but that hasn’t stopped their efforts to provide educational resources and entertainment for children during the pandemic. Addressing the impact of lockdown-living on emotional and mental health, the theatre has created a series of digital Mental Health and Wellbeing workshops to be freely accessed by schools, from Reception to Year 6. Following successful in-person workshops with primary school children last autumn, Polka will now take these workshops online. The videos use drama activities to bring an interactive, practical and fun approach to talking about mental health at a young age. Using the fictional story of Mo, a boy living through lockdown during the pandemic, children will be able to explore the problems and stresses he faces, making connections with their own experiences and emotional challenges. All recordings are accompanied by activity sheets to engage learning further. With varying degrees of home-schooling having dominated the last year, Ofsted reports have shown a notable decline in children’s mental and physical stamina within the classroom. Through the digital workshops, Polka hopes to provide invaluable tools and resources to help address these problems. These filmed workshops, free to schools and the community, are part of a 10-month programme from Polka Theatre, helping children to express and understand the feelings and emotional challenges they are facing. Polka temporarily closed for a major redevelopment in February 2019 and will reopen in 2021. In the meantime, Polka continues to offer activities to schools, community groups and the public, helping to keep children creative, with a range of live, recorded and downloadable activities. For more information, visit www.polkatheatre.com

King’s College School, Wimbledon, has a history of enabling bright young minds from every background to access the school. However, helping children to move from their state primary school to the new opportunities of an independent education in 20 acres of space, in the heart of Wimbledon, is about more than simply offering bursaries. It is about making the move right for each child. King’s desire to appeal to the 93% of pupils who attend state primary schools, as well as those from traditional prep schools, was the driving force behind the opening of the lower school for Years 7 and 8 in 2016. More than a third of boys in the lower school have joined from primary schools, and King’s want to encourage any bright boy who would like to come to the school to feel that King’s will do all they can to welcome him. The pastoral care at the school is exceptional, while the range of drama, music, sport and other activities is incredibly exciting, meaning that although King’s pupils do phenomenally well in public exams, this has not come at the expense of their wider interests or their own humanity. Financial assistance of up to 100% of tuition fees (inclusive of scholarships) and up to 100% of other costs (for the expense of daily school lunch, transport, uniform, relevant trips and so forth) is available. With many boys gaining bursarial support at 11 and 13, and girls (as well as boys) able to seek support with fees in the sixth form, maybe it is time to consider King’s for your child. For more information, visit www.kcs.org.uk.

Top boys’ or co-ed school in London (The Sunday Times Parent Power 2017-2020)

Education News

Bursaries at King’s

11+ open evening Wednesday 16th June Junior school open morning Friday 25th June Up to 100% bursaries available at 11+, 13+ & 16+ AN A LEVEL & IB SCHOOL · BOYS 7-18 · GIRLS 16-18 · KCS.ORG.UK

May-July 2021

K atie

lown’s Bee Bonanza

in honour of World Bee Day on 20 May. organised by the United Nations www.un.org/en/observances/bee-day • #WorldBeeDay

Spot the 8 Diffences

Word Search F N B S B U E C O E

G R M K E E B T L P

D R O N E E A N L E

MR AWS P L Y E N O H S S O L BW JW L H X O H I V E A R N S P CWK H Z J V S E D X Z H E R E NWU E N E K E E B R

Can you find all these words in the word search? Bee, Honey, Beekeeper, Pollinator, Beeswax, Queen, Beehive, Blossom, Buzz, Drone, Worker, Sting, Pollen, Swarm Why do bees hum? Because they’ve forgotten the words!

What do you call a bee with a hard to hear buzz? A Mumble Bee!

What type of bee can’t make up its mind? A May-Bee! B

What do you call a bee that lives in America? A USB!

Can you draw a picture or write a poem about anything to do with bumble bees or other insects? Make it as wacky 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:

JAM

What is a bees favourite sport? Rug-bee!

A n s w e r s

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 16 June 2021. Good Luck!

Spot the Difference In Picture B there is an apple on the tree, one of the E’s has gone, the label says Jam, there is a bird, there is a green circle on the flower, the bee’s wings are purple, the stripes are missing on a bee.

S T I N G Q E L P R

Join the dots & colour in

★ MAKING LEARNING FUN TO KEEP UP, TOP UP, CATCH UP! ★

NEW FOR 2021! EYFS learning support activity books

ONL Y

Nursery Ages

3- 4

Reception Ages

4- 5

£3.5

All the Winning@Books are available at

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EACH

Get free shipping using promo code: PRI05LON Ask about our school discount orders email: info@snowtigermedia.co.uk

WI N T HE BO OK OF YOU R CHOICE F O R YO UR E NT IR E CLAS S !

Question

How many legs does a spider have? For details of how to enter, please see the bottom of this page.

Win Do You Love Dinosaurs? Books

Most people do love dinosaurs and there will be even more of them when they’ve read this bright and colourful book by Matt Robertson, which is perfect for all young dino-fans. Young readers can find out fun facts on these mighty creatures. From the ferocious hunters like Spinosaurus and T-Rex to the gentle giants like Diplodocus and Triceratops, the speedy Velociraptor to the armoured Ankylosaurus, discover all the weird and wonderful things that made dinosaurs so amazing! Do You Love Dinosaurs? is published by Bloomsbury in paperback at £6.99. For your chance to win one of five copies, just tell us the name of your favourite dinosaur. See below for details of how to enter.

Win VIP Tickets to See Zippo’s Circus 2021 The brilliant Zippo’s Circus, ‘London’s Favourite’, and several times voted ‘Britain’s Best Circus’, is coming to Figges Marsh, Mitcham from Thursday 17 to Tuesday 22 June with a brand new 2021 Covid-safe production. The thrilling Brazilian Lucius Team of motorcyclists in the famous Globe of Death will take centre stage. Back by popular demand is Paulo Dos Santos– a brilliant 3 foot 6 inches (107cm) tall showman, acrobat and aerial performer. Buy discount tickets at www.zippos.co.uk or book by phone on 08712 102 100 (premium charges apply). Enter our competition to win a VIP Ringside Family Ticket (2 adults and 2 children). Winners get free popcorn and candy floss for all four of you! To enter, tell us how tall the showman and acrobat Paulo Dos Santos is. See entry details below. Photo credit: Piet-Hein Out

Competitions

Win a Giant Pass The Pigs game

Pass The Pigs has been a much loved family game for years but you’ve never seen anything quite like this! They’ve gone super-size! These giant inflatable pigs can bounce around the garden, house, beach or even the pool. It’s Pass The Pigs like you’ve never passed them before! Inflate your pair of porkers, throw them and see how they land. Giant Pass The Pigs is suitable for anyone from age 4 and can be played by 2 or more players. Giant Pass The Pigs is available at a recommended price of £14.99. For your chance to win one of five packs, just tell us how many legs a pig has. See below for details of how to enter.

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

competitions@primarytimes.biz with the competition name as the subject by Friday 18 June 2021. If you are entering more than one competition you can put all entries in the same envelope.

May-July 2021

What’s On

More What’s On Your family diary for May and June

May Sun 30 May

Finding Nemo (U), Backyard Cinema, Capital Studios, Wandsworth, SW18 1ET 12noon. Catch your first flight of the summer with Backyard Airlines as you’re transported to the sun-kissed beaches of Los Angeles. Stick your feet in the sand and experience movie magic in this beautiful Californian beachscape. To book visit www.backyardcinema.co.uk Community Pizza, Brockwell Park Community Greenhouses, Herne Hill, SE24 0PA 1-2pm. Community pizza days return for summer 2021. Roll out your dough and top it with toppings of choice.Your pizza will be baked in an amazing woodfired cob oven which reaches 500°C. For more information and to book visit www. brockwellgreenhouses.org.uk The Little Mermaid (U), Backyard Cinema, Capital Studios, Wandsworth, SW18 1ET 12.30pm. The Backyard Cinema is back with London’s biggest indoor beach cinema. Feel the sand between your toes as you watch your favourite films. Today’s screening at ‘Miami Beach’ is: The Little Mermaid. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.backyardcinema. co.uk

Mon 31 May

The Little Mermaid (U), Backyard Cinema, Capital Studios, Wandsworth, SW18 1ET (Also 12 Jun) 12noon. Catch your first flight of the summer with Backyard Airlines as

Our listings are prepared a long time in advance. To make sure you have up to date details do contact the event nearer the time to make sure the information hasn’t changed. you’re transported to the sun-kissed beaches of Los Angeles. Stick your feet in the sand and experience movie magic in this beautiful Californian beachscape. To book visit www. backyardcinema.co.uk The Wind in the Willows Online Concert, St Martin in the Fields, WC2N 4JJ Watch Mole, Ratty, Mr Toad and Mr Badger come to life in John Rutter’s setting of The Wind in the Willows in this online concert. For more information and to book visit www.stmartin-in-the-fields. org

June Tues 1 – Fri 4 Jun

Young Farmer Day, Deen City Farm, Merton, SW19 2RR 10am-4pm. Join the livestock staff for the day and learn about all the work it takes to keep the yard running and all the animals at the farm happy. It’s not all hard work though, you might learn all about handling small animals, or maybe take the ferrets for a walk around the yard. To book visit www.deencityfarm. co.uk Own a Pony Day, Deen City Farm, Merton, SW19 2RR 10am-4pm. Each morning there will be a different themed activity, subjects

“

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

”

vary but could be tacking up to ride or plaiting for competition. In the afternoon the children go out for a half hour ride followed by a fun horse themed quiz and games. For more information and to book visit www.deencityfarm. co.uk

Wed 2 Jun

Sumer Cycle, Kew Gardens, Richmond, TW9 3AE 5.30-9pm. Join in to celebrate summer with a magical evening bike ride. As bicycles are not usually allowed in the Gardens, this is a unique opportunity for you to explore Kew’s most beautiful spots with friends and family. To book visit www.kew.org/ kew-gardens

Sat 5 Jun

Scoob! (PG), Backyard Cinema, Capital Studios, Wandsworth, SW18 1ET (Also 19 Jun) 12noon. Catch your first flight of the summer with Backyard Airlines as you’re transported to the sun-kissed beaches of Los Angeles. Stick your feet in the sand and experience movie magic in this beautiful Californian beachscape. To book visit www. backyardcinema.co.uk

Sun 6 Jun

The Witches (2021, PG), Backyard Cinema, Capital Studios, Wandsworth, SW18 1ET (Also 13 Jun) 12noon. Catch your first flight of the summer with Backyard Airlines as you’re transported to the sun-kissed beaches of Los Angeles. Stick your feet in the sand and experience

movie magic in this beautiful Californian beachscape. To book visit www. backyardcinema.co.uk Henry V Online Storytelling Event, Shakespeare’s Globe, SE1 9DT 2pm. Join the Globe Theatre’s practitioners as they rally the troops for battle in this interactive online storytelling session of Henry V. Ages 5-12. For more information and to book visit www. shakespearesglobe.com Scoob! (PG), Backyard Cinema, Capital Studios, Wandsworth, SW18 1ET (Also 13 Jun) 12.30pm. The Backyard Cinema is back with London’s biggest indoor beach cinema. Feel the sand between your toes as you watch your favourite films. Today’s screening at ‘Miami Beach’ is: Scoob!. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.backyardcinema. co.uk

Thurs 10 Jun

Summer Cycle, Kew Gardens, Richmond, TW9 3AE 6-9.15pm. Join in to celebrate summer with a magical evening bike ride. As bicycles are not usually allowed in the Gardens, this is a unique opportunity for you to explore Kew’s most beautiful spots with friends and family. To book visit www.kew.org/ kew-gardens The Wizard of Oz (U), Backyard Cinema, Capital Studios, Wandsworth, SW18 1ET 4.30pm. The Backyard Cinema is back with London’s biggest indoor beach cinema. Feel the sand between your toes as you watch your favourite films. Today’s screening at ‘Miami Beach’ is: The Wizard of Oz. For more information and to buy tickets visit www. backyardcinema.co.uk 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

May-July 2021

t ’ s a h N ew W Spectacular Science! Stretchy Slime Mix.

Peppa Pig Wishes for Me

Peppa Pig fans can now squeal with excitement as they receive a personalised birthday video from Peppa & George to help celebrate their special day. Peppa Pig Wishes for Me allows parents to order a unique and personalised video message direct from Peppa Pig herself, for the ultimate surprise on their child’s birthday. Each video message is recorded by Peppa and personalised with your child’s own name, age and special mention from the sender. Ordering is quick and easy at www.peppapigwishes.com. Parents simply enter their child’s details and the special birthday video from Peppa is delivered straight to your phone within 3 days via WhatsApp and email. Imagine the snorts and giggles as your little one receives their very own birthday message from their favourite friend – Peppa!

The Dr. Oetker Spectacular Science! Mixes bring a whole load of fun and education to the kitchen as the combination of baking and science creates an engaging family activity with some yummy results. As well as bringing the fun of interactive science reactions to baking, the kids will enjoy learning something new. The latest in the range is Spectacular Science! Stretchy Slime Mix which, as well as being as much fun as it sounds, also introduces the process of ‘gelatinisation’ and how liquids and solids react to create stretchy slime. Other mixes in the range are Crazy Colour Changing Icing and Squashable Jelly Bubbles. Each Dr. Oetker mix is available from Asda and other large stores ReNewToys One of the biggest problems we face today is the impact of man-made materials for a recommended price of £2.50. on the environment. For example, 95% of the pollution in the Mediterranean Giant Pass The Pigs Sea is plastic. Similar problems are being experienced all Pass The Pigs has been a much loved around the planet. It is with this idea in mind that Mondo, family game for years but you’ve never a multinational group with over 70 years of experience in seen anything quite like this! They’ve gone the toy market, has launched ReNewToys. This brand-new super-size! These giant inflatable pigs can set of beach products (buckets, rakes, spades and more) bounce around the garden, house, beach is built using recycled materials coming from the preor even the pool. It’s Pass The Pigs like consumer food chain. Food grade plastics cannot contain you’ve never passed them before! Inflate dyes or other additives deemed harmful to humans, therefore enhancing the your pair of porkers, throw them and chemical safety of Mondo toys. They are the ideal choice for playing outdoors see how they land.Will you get a Leaning while taking care of our coastlines. Jowler, a Mixed Combo or will you Pig Out? Giant Pass The Pigs is suitable for anyone from age 4 and Winning @ Home Education Books can be played by 2 or more players. Giant Pass The Pigs is The world of education and learning has evolved rapidly since available at a recommended price of £14.99 from Amazon and the pandemic, with youngsters now needing to engage in other online and high street outlets. different ways, particularly when it comes to the “new normal” of learning from home. Some home education books can look bit bland and don’t seem to represent today’s society.That Go Adventuring with Chief & Lilly acertainly couldn’t be said of the new Winning @ Education The Adventures of Chief & Lilly is a fun filled adventure series which is a fun and exciting way of introducing your child series taking children on global adventures to maths and English.The Winning @ range is designed to to cities around the world. Full of adventure, help your child develop a love of learning from as young as 3 education and a sprinkle of Magic Dust, The years old.The entertaining activities help children achieve their academic Adventures of Chief & Lilly is a must have in milestones and build their confidence.There are different objectives every school and home. highlighted on every page to trace their progress and encourage children to Each book contains an exciting adventure work independently.These fun activity books will help increase confidence, with memorable takeaways and fun facts independence and love of learning. All volumes in the series are available to encourage children to research. In the now from the publisher’s website at www.snowtigermedia.co.uk. first book of the series, ‘Chief & Lilly Go to London’, meet Shelby and Kobe who help The Wingman the stuffed toys find Pierre, a lost French Perfect for playing in the park, the Wingman is light, quite bear hidden somewhere in one of London’s small (15 cm across) and easy for little fingers. It throws most popular landmarks, Buckingham Palace. like a Frisbee but with its unique aerodynamic design, Subsequent books take them to Paris and Wingman flies over 130 feet and doesn’t veer off course Ancient Rome. to leave you or your partner hanging. With its silicone You can purchase copies from www. material, you can catch it easily by squishing it in your hand chiefandlilly.com. Enter discount code PT25 and fold it away to fit snugly in your pocket. It is described to get a 25% discount with your order as indoors and outdoors safe and while it’s very light, I wouldn’t necessarily until 30th June 2021. throw it at your favourite vase! It is however very unlikely to cause injuries. The One clumsy dog, one bossy rabbit, one world! Wingman is available at about £7 from Amazon and leading toy and leisure stores.

What’s On

More What’s On Your family diary for May and June

June Sat 12 Jun

The Witches (2021, PG), Backyard Cinema, Capital Studios, Wandsworth, SW18 1ET (Also 19 Jun) 12.30pm. The Backyard Cinema is back with London’s biggest indoor beach cinema. Feel the sand between your toes as you watch your favourite films. Today’s screening at ‘Miami Beach’ is 2021’s The Witches. For more information and to buy tickets visit www. backyardcinema.co.uk Back to the Future (PG), Backyard Cinema, Capital Studios, Wandsworth, SW18 1ET 4.30pm. The Backyard Cinema is back with London’s biggest indoor beach cinema. Feel the sand between your toes as you watch your favourite films. Today’s screening at ‘Miami Beach’ is: Back to the Future. For more information and to buy tickets visit www. backyardcinema.co.uk

Wed 16 Jun

Summer Cycle, Kew Gardens, Richmond, TW9 3AE 6-9.30pm. Join in to celebrate summer with a magical evening bike ride. As bicycles are not usually allowed in the Gardens, this is a unique opportunity for you to explore Kew’s most beautiful spots with friends and family. To book visit www.kew.org/ kew-gardens

Thurs 17 – Tues 22 Jun

Zippo’s Circus, Figges Marsh, Mitcham, CR4 3LB London’s Favourite Circus is back, and it’s Covid-safe. This top-quality, all-human circus features the thrilling Motorcycle Globe of Death,

Our listings are prepared a long time in advance. To make sure you have up to date details do contact the event nearer the time to make sure the information hasn’t changed. acrobats, jugglers, aerialists, and much more. Circus fun for all the family. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.zippos.co.uk

Fri 18 Jun

Wear a Hat Day with Flowers for Brain Tumour Research Back by popular demand, Wear a Hat Day with Flowers is the perfect way to bring your loved ones together and celebrate, whilst raising funds to help find a cure for brain tumours. Register today on www. wearahatdaywithflowers.org

Fri 18 – Sun 20 Jun

Artisan Festival, Hampton Court Palace, KT8 9AU Join in for a great family day out in the spacious East Gardens of the stunning Hampton Court Palace. There will be luxury shopping, hand-crafted gifting, Artisan producers, street food, vintage tunes, traditional fête games, workshops and more. To buy tickets visit www.hrp. org.uk/hampton-court-palace

Sat 19 Jun

The NeverEnding Story (PG), Backyard Cinema, Capital Studios, Wandsworth, SW18 1ET 4.30pm. The Backyard Cinema is back with London’s biggest indoor beach cinema. Feel the sand between your toes as you watch your favourite films. Today’s screening

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at ‘Miami Beach’ is: The NeverEnding Story. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.backyardcinema. co.uk

Sun 20 Jun

Finding Nemo (U), Backyard Cinema, Capital Studios, Wandsworth, SW18 1ET 12.30pm. The Backyard Cinema is back with London’s biggest indoor beach cinema. Feel the sand between your toes as you watch your favourite films. Today’s screening at ‘Miami Beach’ is: Finding Nemo. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.backyardcinema. co.uk Children’s Garden Quiet Sessions, Kew Gardens, Richmond, TW9 3AE Join in for a quiet session in the Children’s Garden aimed at children aged 2-12 years with special educational needs and disabilities. For more information and to book visit www.kew.org/kewgardens Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (U), Backyard Cinema, Capital Studios, Wandsworth, SW18 1ET 4.30pm. The Backyard Cinema is back with London’s biggest indoor beach cinema. Feel the sand between your toes as you watch your favourite films. Today’s screening at ‘Miami Beach’ is: Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.backyardcinema. co.uk

Mon 21 – Sun 27 Jun

Children’s Hospice Week Take part in the UK’s only awareness and fundraising week for children with life-shortening conditions and their families and the palliative care services that support them. Take the opportunity to do something to support your local children’s hospice. For information visit www. togetherforshortlives.org.uk Celebrate Armed Forces Day with Fun Kids Radio 9am-6pm. Children across the UK will be able to meet members of the Armed Forces in a Covid safe environment through DAB broadcast radio, podcasts and online interaction.. For more information visit www. armedforcesday.org.uk

Fri 25 Jun

The Greatest Showman (PG), Backyard Cinema, Capital Studios, Wandsworth, SW18 1ET 4.30pm. The Backyard Cinema is back with London’s biggest indoor beach cinema. Feel the sand between your toes as you watch your favourite films. Today’s screening at ‘Miami Beach’ is: The Greatest Showman. For more information and to buy tickets visit www. backyardcinema.co.uk

Sat 26 Jun

The Gallagher Premiership Rugby Final, Twickenham Stadium, TW2 7BA Go along and enjoy the showcase of the domestic season. After 22 hard-fought rounds and two semi-finals it will come down to one final game to decide the Gallagher Premiership Rugby 2021 Champions. Charges apply. For more information and to book visit www. premiershiprugby.com

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

May-July 2021

Fun Gardening Activities for Children It’s National Children’s Gardening Week from 29 May to 6 June, so it’s the perfect time to get children into gardening. Whether you have a small patio or a large lawn, gardening is a great and inexpensive way to get your little ones outside, appreciating nature and getting creative. Here are some fun ideas which we’ve put together in conjunction with Squire’s Garden Centres to get your children into gardening. Quirky Planter Creations

Turn unwanted items into perfect plant pots! You’ll be amazed at what can be recycled – old wellies, a pair of jeans, empty food tins or even plastic bottles all make fantastic planters. Then watch as your flowers bloom.

Create Crackin’ Cress Heads

Carefully remove the top of your eggs, wash the shells and dab them dry. Draw faces on your shells with felt tip pens. Dip some cotton wool in water, squeeze out the excess, and then place one cotton wool ball inside each shell. Sprinkle a few cress seeds on top. Sit your cress-filled shells in egg cups or an egg box on a sunny windowsill and watch them grow! Cress seeds are available for £1.99 at Squire’s.

Bring Bees to Your Garden

Gardens with bees mean that your flowers and fruit will be pollinated and then set seed, and most importantly produce fruit for you.To make bees welcome, why not add quiet areas in the garden for wildlife, including bees, to take over? World Bee Day is on 20 May.You could take the opportunity to make a bee hotel. Bee homes are fun to make and can be made into a pretty, as well as a useful, feature in the garden. The Wildlife Trusts have a guide about how to make one at https:// www.wildlifetrusts.org/actions/how-make-bee-hotel. If you really get

Gardening Page May 2021 NO ADS.indd 1

into bees in your garden, Friends of the Earth have a Bee Saver Kit which includes a spotter guide, hints about making your garden bee friendly, bee friendly seeds and more.

Grow Your Own

Try growing tomatoes, strawberries or even a pumpkin in time for Halloween! Pumpkin seeds can be sown outdoors in May and June and are £1.99 per pack at Squire’s.

Encourage Other Wildlife into Your Garden

Add flowering plants such as lavender, foxgloves or roses which provide nectar, plant a shrub or tree for shelter, create a log pile for bugs and insects, or add a pretty ladybird tower to your garden.

Sensational Sunflowers

Sunflowers are bright and cheery and very easy to grow. Sow seeds outdoors in May and the flowers will bloom from June to September. Sunflower seeds are available for £1.99 per pack at Squire’s. Squire’s also has a ‘tallest sunflower’ competition that children can enter. Simply take a photo of your child next to their tallest sunflower between 1-20 August 2021 for the chance to win £100! Find all the details at www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk

Make Your Own Miniature Terrarium

Use a clean glass or jam jar and add a layer of decorative stones and sand. Top with soil, and then add moss on top that will act as grass. Plant miniature plants or cuttings into your jar. Add a small rock, or even mini people, Lego figures, plastic dinosaurs or animals to really bring your terrarium to life!

Make Yourself a Scarecrow

You can’t always be out in the garden to keep watch over your crops. With a few old clothes, some straw and a couple of pieces of wood to make a basic cross shape you can make yourself a scarecrow to do it for you. There are lots of guides online. He or she may not frighten many birds but scarecrows are great places for the helpful bugs to hide and will look great in the garden.You could make your scarecrow’s face, scary, funny or sweet. You could even swap heads occasionally – that might give the birds a surprise! There are 16 Squire’s Garden Centres across the South East. Shop instore or buy online for local delivery at www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk

May-July 2021

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What’s On

More What’s On Your family diary for May and June

June

July

Moana (PG), Backyard Cinema, Capital Studios, Wandsworth, SW18 1ET 12.30pm. The Backyard Cinema is back with London’s biggest indoor beach cinema. Feel the sand between your toes as you watch your favourite films. Today’s Screening at ‘Miami Beach’ is: Moana. For more information and to buy tickets visit www. backyardcinema.co.uk

Thurs 1 Jul

Sat 26 – Sun 27 Jun

Barnes Children’s Literature Festival, Various Locations London’s largest children’s literature festival returns to Barnes Green. There will be over 60 events featuring Julia Donaldson, Sir Michael Morpurgo, Dame Jacqueline Wilson, Axel Scheffler, Lauren Child and many more. To view the full programme of events and to buy tickets visit www. barneskidslitfest.org

Sun 27 Jun

Our listings are prepared a long time in advance. To make sure you have up to date details do contact the event nearer the time to make sure the information hasn’t changed.

May-July 2021

The Parent Trap (1998, PG), Backyard Cinema, Capital Studios, Wandsworth, SW18 1ET 4.30pm. The Backyard Cinema is back with London’s biggest indoor beach cinema. Feel the sand between your toes as you watch your favourite films. Today’s screening at ‘Miami Beach’ is 1998’s The Parent Trap. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.backyardcinema. co.uk

Fri 2 Jul

The Greatest Showman (PG), Backyard Cinema, Capital Studios, Wandsworth, SW18 1ET (Also 10 Jul) 8.30pm. The Backyard Cinema is back with London’s biggest indoor beach cinema. Feel the sand between your toes as you watch your favourite films. Today’s screening at ‘Miami Beach’ is: The Greatest Showman. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.backyardcinema. co.uk

Sun 4 Jul

The Goonies (U), Backyard Cinema, Capital Studios, Wandsworth, SW18 1ET 4.30pm. The Backyard Cinema is back with London’s biggest indoor beach cinema. Feel the sand between your toes as you watch your favourite films. Today’s screening at ‘Miami Beach’ is: The Goonies. For more information and to buy tickets visit www. backyardcinema.co.uk

Tues 6 – Sun 11 Jul

RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, KT8 9AU Promising a magical mix of gardens, plants, flowers, shopping, live music and delicious food, why not make a date for a sensational summer’s day out in the gorgeous grounds of

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Hampton Court Palace. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.hrp.org.uk/ hampton-court-palace

Thurs 8 Jul

Tom & Jerry The Movie (PG), Kew Gardens, Richmond, TW9 3AE 5pm. This summer go along to enjoy an open-air screening of Tom & Jerry The Movie in the beautiful surroundings of Kew Gardens. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.hideawaycinema. com

Fri 9 Jul

Paddington (PG), Kew Gardens, Richmond, TW9 3AE 1pm. Enjoy an open-air screening of Paddington in the beautiful surroundings of Kew Gardens. Admission to the gardens is also included. For more information and to buy tickets visit www. hideawaycinema.com Moana (PG), Kew Gardens, Richmond, TW9 3AE 5pm. Go along to enjoy an open-air screening of the family favourite Moana in the beautiful surroundings of Kew Gardens. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.hideawaycinema. com

Sat 10 Jul

Back to the Future (PG), Backyard Cinema, Capital Studios, Wandsworth, SW18 1ET 4.30pm. The Backyard Cinema is back with London’s biggest indoor beach cinema. Feel the sand between your toes as you watch your favourite films. Today’s screening at ‘Miami Beach’ is: Back to the Future. For more information and to buy tickets visit www. backyardcinema.co.uk

The Lion King (U), Kew Gardens, Richmond, TW9 3AE 9am. Join the Hideaway Cinema to enjoy an openair screening of The Lion King in the beautiful surroundings of Kew Gardens. Admission to the gardens is also included. For more information and to buy tickets visit www. hideawaycinema.com

Sun 11 Jul

Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (U), Backyard Cinema, Capital Studios, Wandsworth, SW18 1ET 4.30pm. The Backyard Cinema is back with London’s biggest indoor beach cinema. Feel the sand between your toes as you watch your favourite films. Today’s screening at ‘Miami Beach’ is: Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. For more information and to buy tickets visit www. backyardcinema.co.uk Up (U), Kew Gardens, Richmond, TW9 3AE 12.30pm. Enjoy an openair screening of Disney Pixar’s Up in the beautiful surroundings of Kew Gardens. Admission to the gardens is also included. For more information and to buy tickets visit www. hideawaycinema.com The Greatest Showman (PG), Kew Gardens, Richmond, TW9 3AE 4.30pm. Join the Hideaway Cinema to enjoy an open-air screening of The Greatest Showman in the beautiful surroundings of Kew Gardens. For more information and to buy tickets visit www. hideawaycinema.com

Our next copy deadline is

18 June 2021. If you have something you would like us to try and publicise (space permitting) please email it to

listings@ primarytimes.biz

All your own work! As we've haven't been in book bags for so long we don't have any competition winners to write about here but we do have some lovely artwork and poems that we've been sent over the last year which we thought we would publish.

From this issue on we will have lots of competitions to enter and our Katie Clown page is back so enter as many as you like. You can't win if you don't enter! If you do enter please make sure you include your contact details, so that if you win we can send you your prize.

Margaret Gbadamosi Sarah Mohamed Zuhdi Emilia Narkevic

Emilia Narkevic

Alexa Rafferty

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

Tabitha Keeling-Jones

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

Santa Experience Day Trip

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

Deposit £99pp Flying from London Gatwick 4 December 2021

From £665 per adult £579 per child

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

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

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

0330 160 7927 and quote PTM