Term times winter half term 2015

Supporting

See page 13

Issue 112 January 2015 – March 2015

WIN Vet visit for your class Tickets for Dinosaur Zoo Tickets to see Puss in Boots

Let’s celebrate!

After-Dark Fun

at Cambridge Museums

Music The essential FREE publication for you and your children www.termtimes.ltd.uk TT 112.indd 1

Helping a child’s development

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Only £18 per day!

Spy Xperience:

Dectective Xperience:

Dance Xperience:

Futsal Xperience:

Your special mission includes challenges such as navigation, gadget making, code breaking 5 - 11yrs and spy hunts.

17 and 18 February at Stamford Welland Academy 19 and 20 February at Hampton Leisure Centre Try your hand at fingerprinting, tracking suspects, reconstructing a crime scene 5 - 11yrs and much more!

16 February at Stamford Welland Academy 17 February at Bushfield Leisure Centre

16 February at Bushfield Leisure Centre 18 February at Hampton Leisure Centre 19 February at Stamford Welland Academy

Then this is for you. Have fun and learn to play the way Messi, Ronaldo and many other top players do. 5 - 11yrs 16 February at Bushfield Leisure Centre 18 February at Hampton Leisure Centre

19 February at Stamford Welland Academy

9.30am-4pm (Extra time: 8.30-9.30am & 4pm-5pm £5 ph.)

T: 08453 716121 E: sara.strid-coughlan@sports-xtra.com www.sports-xtra.com PLEASE BOOK IN ADVANCE

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www.lilliputspalding.co.uk 12 High Street, Spalding Lincs. PE11 1TX

Learn some cool dance moves.

Previous dance experience not needed. If you like to dance, 5 - 11yrs you’ll love this day!

Our sports Xperience course is for any sports-mad child but also ideal as an introduction for children.

5 - 12yrs Sport Xperience:

• 15 free hours pe r week for 2, 3 and 4 ye ars old.

(During term tim e).

• Fresh meals an d snacks prepared daily on site.

• Fully trained, de dicated and caring staff.

• Open Monday to Friday, 7am to 6p m.

A fun, caring an d homely learning environm ent where children feel valued and supp orted to reach their full po tential.

Lots of messy play and fun activities to suit all children Messy Monsters Holiday Club is Ofsted registered, open all school holidays, for children aged 3-16 yrs. Located in Belsize Community Centre in Woodston, with two rooms and an outdoor area. Open 8am-6pm. 3 meals are provided including breakfast, a cooked dinner & tea for only £22 per day. Half sessions are offered from 8am-1pm or 1pm–6pm at £12. However, the Club aims to offer flexible hours which they would be happy to discuss.

10% discount offered to siblings on full weeks.

Book now to avoid disappointment by calling Becky on 07580 809425 or visit the Facebook page messymonstersholiday club or email messymonstershollidayclub@hotmail.co.uk

www.termtimes.ltd.uk Winter half term edition 27/01/2015 09:12

Welcome...

Welcome to the first Term Times of 2015! The TT family have lots planned for the next few months and, although the warm weather still feels a long way off, the (slightly) lighter mornings and promise of green shoots and snowdrops are surely a sign of Spring being not too far away.

We are trying our best not to spend too many days at home and our region has a lot to offer in the way of both indoor and outdoor events and attractions just waiting to be explored. In this issue we visit the great Cambridge Museum initiative ‘Twilight at the Museums’ where many of the world-class Exhibitions and Museums of Cambridge throw open their doors for some great after-dark adventures.

We have also looked at how easy it is to get our children learning music in schools and there’s a miniguide to some of the instruments they may like to play. The region will be full of concert pianists and professional oboe-ists. Maybe for the first few months we should also be investigating the best brand of earplugs!

As usual, we have some great competitions, including the chance to win a visit for your class from Cromwell Vets and tickets for a family of four to see ‘Puss in Boots’ at the Stamford Arts Centre. All in all, there is a lot to keep the whole family occupied… and even enough for me to limit my pining for better weather to a minimum of five minutes each day. Wishing you all a very happy half term… whatever it holds.

PS. Don’t forget World Book Day on Thursday, 5th March. On page 17 we preview WBD and explore some of the favourite children’s book characters that will make appearances in our schools.

All the best,

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Amanda

COMPETITION WINNERS NAME

LOCATION

COMPETITION

Cassia Lomax

Folksworth

Big Sky

Peggy Casey

Peterborough

Big Sky

Emily Sharp

Peterborough

Big Sky

Luica Marie- Lane

Peterborough

Big Sky

Sophia Smith

Stamford

Big Sky

Taylor Bradberry

Newborough

Big Sky

Robert Kiernan

Keyston

Bridges Café

Anoushka Jackson

Cambridge

Bridges Café

Conall Darby

Cambridge

Bridges Café

Hannah Housego

Cambridge

Bridges Café

Olivia Ayto

Huntingdon

Bridges Café

Debbie Montague

Helpston

Kick Boxing

Kieran Dilley

Peterborough

Panto

Carla Pienescu

Warboys

Where’s Santa Book

Danny Wright

Weston

Where’s Santa Book

Rhys Pritchard

Huntingdon

Where’s Santa Book

Archie Slattery

Bourne

Where’s Santa Book

Harvey Matthewman

Peterborough

Where’s Santa Book

Ema Gonova

Farcet

Skylark

Rosie Nichols

Wisbech

Skylark

Leighlan Gregory

Chatteris

Skylark

Jesse Mccann

Baston

Skylark

Competition Entry

Enter at www.termtimes.ltd.uk

Mentioning the competition you are entering, send your name, age, address, telephone number and name of your school to 70 Rutland Road, Stamford, Lincs PE9 1UW or via email to steven@termtimes.ltd.uk Alternatively, competitions will be posted on our website. Please ask your parents’ permission before entering via the internet. All winners will be picked at random and Term Times decision is final.

Cover image: © University of Cambridge Museums, Martin Bond

Designed by

Dimension6000 www.dimension6000.com 01733 772095

Facebook “f ” Logo

1 Church Street, Whittlesey, Peterborough PE7 1DB

Publisher: Steven Beacham | Editor: Amanda Stacey T: 01780 757731 E: steven@termtimes.ltd.uk www.termtimes.ltd.uk 70 Rutland Road, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 1UW CMYK / .eps

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Term Times/Term Times Ltd are independently published and are trading styles of 12th Man Services and Solutions Ltd. Distributed free throughout primary schools in your area. Its aims are to inform families and children of current education issues, forthcoming events, places to visit, attractions etc. Every care is taken to ensure that the information in the magazine is correct at the time of going to press. However, please check opening times/entry fees etc., before setting out on a journey. We also aim to give teachers, parents and children, the opportunity to participate in the content of Term Times. Term Times does not intend to publish any racist, sexist or political matters, nor carry out editorial or advertising that may be considered to be offensive to families. Opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of Term Times or the schools that distribute it. The publishers cannot be held responsible for any erroneous or misleading claims or comments made by any contributor. Competition winners will have their details shared with the competition supplier for purposes of fulfilling delivery/provision of the prize. Details of the winners will also be published in a subsequent issue and by entering the competition you grant Term Times permission to publish these. Our thanks go to the schools for their assistance in distributing the magazine, and for their contributions to its contents. We would also like to thank the advertisers who have supported this publication and made it possible. Please support them where you can.

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thing Grafham Water Centre has some ar! for everyone - throughout the ye bs, family With a huge range of courses, clu m Water activities and holiday clubs, Grafha and young Centre is a great place for adults rs! people alike to spend time outdoo

y Club’ is back again this year for Grafham’s multi-activity ‘Discover during the school half-term runs It young people aged 8-11 years. plus the Easter and summer ber, Octo and May , uary Febr holidays in day or lots throughout the year one Book day. per breaks, at a cost of £36 ing to do in their holidays! excit y reall and give your children something May is a fantastic event 4th Monday, The Water Centre’s Open Day on of the activities for e som try and g alon e Com for the whole family! le the barbecue and samp or ic picn just £3 a session - you can bring a and sign up for your activity up turn just book to need No . refreshments though as the Open Day is sessions on arrival. Do come early lar! really popu activities are on the All of the courses, clubs and family ntre.co.uk er-ce -wat website – www.grafham 01480 810521. call or y toda look a take not Why

Rugby fun There can be so much involvement for the whole family when your active under-6 joins Little Scrummers Rugby Club. You will soon discover that the exciting outdoor lessons involving tag rugby on Saturday mornings - in Pet erborough and Cambridge - can be utilised as family-fun activities whenever and wherever you want!

You can prac

tice what has been taught in your garden, at the park, on the beach or where-ever there is an open space. It really does involve the who le family as tag rugby is a safe, non-cont act form of rugby and everyone can play it at any age. So come on and have a go!

There are many other advantages for joining Little Scrummers Rugb y. At the weekly 50-minute sessions, the children gain confidence and impr ove their levels of fitness, communicati on and behaviour at these entertain ing sessions lead by fully-qualified coac hes who play or coach at their own local rugby clubs.

So if you have pre-school children with loads of energy who love runn ing around and mixing with other child ren, then sign up for a free trial sess ion to see if it’s the right fit for you and your family. For more information, cont act Carly Poyser on 07738 591232 or visit www.littlescrummers.com

New Year Opportunity

All you need is a full UK driving licence. So if you are looking to return after a career break, or want a job that will fit around your life, call us today.

Working for Cross Keys Care will give you the opportunity to build a rewarding career in a supportive environment. Care work is a career that really makes a difference to people’s lives. Cross Keys Care is a company that really values you and will help you to reach We will offer you regular contracted hours, so no zero hour’s contract your maximum potential through learning and development. Speak s. We also provide full training, so don’t worry if you have no experience. Carers to us today about the opportunities we have available. You can call get a free uniform, generous paid holidays, the use of company vehicles or excellent mileage us on 01733 396484 or visit www.crosskeyshomes.co.uk and click allowance and paid training days! on ‘finding work’.

Cross Keys Care is currently recruiting enthusiastic, motivated and flexible care workers. If you want a job that provides a huge amount of satisfaction with a growing company this could be the job for you.

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HOST FAMILIES wanted in the Peterborough area If you are English speaking and have a kind and friendly disposition you could earn extra cash from that empty room.

Please call us on 01733 555925 More details about the World Language School can be found at www.worldschool.co.uk

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We are what we eat

How a Cambridge school made the most of an absorbing topic

time offspring Spending more

with the

‘Mrs Morris, I do like your spontaneity!’ my teaching assistant remarked, as I dug the spade into the soil. I looked down at my beige trousers and open shoes and smiled - I had been swept along with the children’s excitement when one suggested planting wheat grains in the school garden to see how quickly they would grow. What a super opportunity for learning - definitely one not to be missed!

* Kate Chapman is a freelance journalist whose work appears in a variety of newspapers and magazines.

She also writes the blog Yellowbelly Mummy, charting the ups and downs of being a mum-of-two in rural Lincolnshire. Join in the discussion at: /yellowbellymummy and follow her adventures by visiting:

Children cleaning wheat

www.yellowbellymummy.wordpress.com

There’s nothing like the start of a new year to focus the mind. To me, it always feels like the beginning of a new book - with a fresh, blank page before me, all crisp and clean waiting to be filled with the promise of new adventures and endless possibilities.

I’m sure many of you have lots to look forward to in 2015; a new year is always a good time to take stock and re-focus - maybe you’re starting a new job, moving house or perhaps you’re preparing for the pitterpatter of tiny feet!

Like Christmas, New Year has its own rituals and traditions, but I’m not a fan of making resolutions – I’ve been there before, pledging the same things over and over again - not to eat so much cake, do more exercise, you know the drill - and I always fail miserably. At all of them.

Resolutions aside, there are some changes I would like to make in 2015. Last year was a landmark one in the Chapman household with my daughter starting primary school and, come this time next year, we’ll be completing the application forms for our son.

Although it sounds so far off, I just know those 12 months will fly by and, in reality, it won’t be long before I’ll be waving my little man off on his first day too.

I hate to use clichés - although it’s not going to stop me - it doesn’t seem five minutes ago since they were both tiny, helpless newborns.

Actually, it was four-and-a-half years since my eldest was born, but I remember it like yesterday - arriving home from hospital with our precious bundle, all wrapped up in her car seat, wondering what on earth we were supposed to do with her next.

We had just had a visit from a plant scientist, who told the children all about wheat and set them washing and sorting, separating the wheat from the chaff and counting the grains of wheat in one ear. So many opportunities for children to use their Maths, English, team-work and enquiry skills, as well as enjoying getting muddy!

This was part of our topic ‘We are what we eat’. The following week saw us finding out about how the wheat is used to make dough, and then how pizzas are made, at Cambridge’s Jesus Lane Pizza Express restaurant. The children loved looking around the restaurant and kitchens, particularly inside the walk-in fridge! The highlight of the trip for the children was making their own pizza, following the instructions from the chef, and then taking the pizzas home in their very own Pizza Express boxes. The children’s great recounts of the trip afterwards told us not only how much they had learnt from the trip (‘ the pizzas are cooked for 4 minutes at 361 degrees...’), but also how excited and inspired to write they were.

After a term of visitors, maps, cooking, trying new foods and working in the school garden, we celebrated the end of our topic by holding a cafe for parents. Having just had a speaker from Water Aid, we decided to raise money for them. So, a week of writing menus and invitations, and making cakes, sandwiches, bunting, flowers for the tables, sign posts and posters about the work of Water Aid, and we were ready to welcome guests into the transformed dinner hall. The children loved welcoming their parents and acting as waiters and waitresses (‘what would you like, madam?’), and parents were incredibly generous with their donations to Water Aid. All in all, a fitting celebration of the end of a fantastic topic, which was all made possible by the enthusiasm of our visitors, the generosity of Pizza Express, and the parents who supported the various activities and provided a steady flow of menus and recipes for our role-play area - thank you!

Article by Kirsty Morris, Acting Assistant Head at Shirley Community Nursery and Primary School.

We welcome articles on a range of educational topics.

Send all communications & submissions to steven@termtimes.ltd.uk

And within the blink of an eye she’s grown so quickly, both physically and in character, into Little Miss Independence. I suppose what I’m getting at is, that the older I get, the more quickly time seems to pass.

Another cliché, I know.

So, while it’s not technically a resolution, this year I’m determined to make the most of every second to try to manage my time more effectively - not an easy feat as I feel like a circus juggler with so many balls up in the air.

I know I’m not the only one guilty of this but I always seem to get side-tracked by household chores when I should be playing or shouting ‘in a minute’ when my kids request another story.

The truth is it won’t be long before they’d rather be playing with someone else - or will be able to read themselves another book.

I don’t want to miss a single minute. So for me, 2015 is going to be the year I stop saying ‘in a minute’ and start saying ‘yes, of course’ because really it won’t be long before they don’t need me so much.

Before I go, I’d just like to take the opportunity to wish you all a Happy New Year - I hope 2015 brings you health, happiness and love.

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The power of

music Musical skills – a waste of time and money or essential for a fulfilling and expressive life? Does music help a child’s educational development? Education specialists believe it supports children not only in creative thinking but all aspects of their learning.

Singing supports speech and language while learning to play an instrument helps with physical co-ordination and maths. Playing music together encourages listening, thinking and concentration as well as social skills.

Performing or taking a grade exam develops confidence and a sense of achievement. It’s fun as well and you make new friends. What’s not to like?

So why doesn’t everyone sing and/or play as a matter of course? Does it really ‘cost too much’ to give a child a boost in his/her educational development? Sometimes the long-term value of studying music, despite the benefits, is forgotten.

Music is around us all the time, whether in the car on the way to school, on a TV programme, backing a film or on the latest video game and always when out shopping! It’s no surprise that the UK has one of the biggest music industries in the world, full of jobs organising, making and distributing music. Even those who don’t go into a related area of work will often carry on playing as an adult and, of course, enthuse the next generation of young musicians.

A child experiences music from any age – children even recognise and respond to sound in the womb. Joining in music sessions before they go to school encourages sharing, listening and vocalising skills as well as basic co-ordination and rhythm. Children can learn an instrument as soon as they show interest. Violin, viola and cello, or recorders, keyboard/piano and ukulele can all be started before the age of eight. Cambridgeshire Music, your county music service, can give advice on the best instrument for a particular age and help you choose what is right for your child.

Families may worry that a child might miss other subjects in school to attend a music lesson. Most children experience little or no difficulties as schools and music providers work closely to avoid such problems and respond to any parental concerns.

What should a good music lesson cost? The quality of music tuition depends on the price you pay like any activity. Cambridgeshire Music has solutions for all budgets. Low-cost opportunities may be possible in school; some may have no charge at all. Specialist individual lessons and groups can cost anywhere from a few pounds to £17 depending on the length of lesson and size of group.

Having an instrument to play and practice upon is, of course, essential – Cambridgeshire Music can loan an instrument for £2.09 per week avoiding an expensive investment until your child is ready.

Even with rates comparable to other leisure activities for children this may be beyond a family budget so there are schemes to help with costs.

Schools are required to have remission schemes that cover some or all of the cost of lessons for families eligible for school support, including the loan of an instrument as well. Children who are looked after by the local authority can access lessons at no cost.

For families who need a little help to enable their child to take up an instrument but cannot access school support, the Music Education Hub in your area may well provide assistance.

One of the most enjoyable parts of working in music education is meeting adults later in life who are still playing or enjoying music regularly and remember with great pleasure their music-making when they were younger.

It is something that stays with you for life even as your interests, careers and other hobbies may change. Every child deserves that chance to discover his/her musical talent.

For more information, visit our website or drop Cambridgeshire Music a line and we will advise or point you in the right direction for further advice.

Cambridgeshire Music. Tel: 01480 373500 www.cambridgeshiremusic.org.uk or cm@cambridgeshire.gov.uk 8

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FLUTE: Most popular woodwind instrument for all ages. Although classed as a woodwind instrument, the flute doesn’t actually use a reed to create its sound. Pricing: £170+.

Which instrument is for you?

Peterborough Music Ltd tells us the most popular instruments around for children, some tips in choosing them and some interesting facts you may not have known!

WIN

£10 GIFT VOUCHER

Tips: Younger players may want to look into a flute with a curved head-joint.

This shortens the reach, making the keys more accessible for smaller arms.

Educational: Many exam boards available to sit exams in from Grades 1 to 8.

Similar Instruments: Clarinet, Recorder, Fife.

Celebrity That Can Play: Celine Dion (learnt in school).

Famous Song: Grieg - Peer Gynt Suite, Morning Mood.

Maintenance: A flute mop or cleaning rod to pull through the flute to absorb moisture after playing.

Send us a picture of your child practicing with their instrument. The winning photo will be published in the Easter issue and the sender will receive a £10 gift voucher.

DRUMS: The most popular percussion instrument, commonly found as a 5-piece drum kit with cymbals. Perfect for all ages and also now available as an electric kit that takes up much less space than an ‘acoustic’ kit and you are able to plug in headphones! Pricing: £270+.

Tips: Practicing basic rudiments is key to improving. Slow and steady wins the race.

Similar Instruments: Other percussion such as Djembes, Cajons and Bongos.

Celebrity That Can Play: Justin Bieber.

Other Equipment Needed: If your drums don’t come with cymbals (but most beginner kits do!), you’ll want to invest in a couple. Same goes for a stool and drum sticks.

Maintenance: As drums are made of wood, you want to keep them somewhere at a reasonable temperature.

GUITAR: Available in many different shapes and sizes for all ages. Has 6 strings; children often start with nylon-strung guitars as they are softer on the fingers.

Pricing: £50-£100.

Tips: Persevere through painful fingers - your fingertips will get used to it and the pain will disappear.

Education Fact: Several boards sit exams from Debut (pre-grade 1) up to Grade 8, in all different styles.

Celebrity That Can Play: Johnny Depp.

Other Equipment Needed: Depending on the type of guitar, electric will require an amp and cable to connect the two to amplify the sound. Acoustic and nylon-strung guitars may only require a plectrum, gig bag, strap, and stand. All of these are player’s preference.

Maintenance: Best kept in room temperature, away from windows & radiators.

UKELELE: A 4-stringed instrument that looks like a very small guitar although the nylon strings are tuned to different notes. They come in four different sizes/pitches; soprano, concert, tenor and baritone. Soprano and concert are the smallest and most popular with all ages. Pricing: £35+.

Similar Instruments: Guitar, Bass Guitar, Mandolin, Banjo.

Celebrity That Can Play: Zac Efron.

Famous Song: George Formby - When I’m Cleaning Windows.

Other Equipment Needed: No other vital equipment. Player may choose to use a plectrum and buy a gig bag.

PIANO/KEYBOARD: A very versatile instrument for playing and writing all styles of music. Learners can play on a keyboard or digital piano at home for size and sound convenience. Pricing: Keyboards £100+, Pianos £329+.

Tips: Practicing scales and correct fingerings to make playing easier long term pays off!

Celebrity That Can Play: Jonathan Ross.

Other Equipment Needed: Nothing else necessary. A stool to sit on and music headphones may be desired if playing keyboard or digital piano.

Maintenance: Acoustic pianos will need tuning every so often depending on age and storage. Digital pianos and keyboards are very straightforward.

For more information and expert advice visit www.peterboroughmusicltd.com or call 01733 345385 Visit their shop in at 4 Cattle Market Road, Peterborough PE1 1TW.

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February 2015 Half Term activities at Vivacity

Key Theatre

Boom Boom!

Arthurs Dreamboat Sunday 15 February 2015 - 11.30am & 2.30pm (plus 10 minutes “meet the puppets” after the show) Tickets are £7.50 including fees.

The Basil Brush Show Sunday 22nd February 2015 - 11.30am and 2.30pm Tickets are £13 including fees.

Dinosaur Zoo Wednesday 25 February - 1.30pm & 4.30pm Thursday 26 February - 10.30am & 4.30pm Tickets are £13.50 including fees or if you’re feeling brave then Danger Seats are £16.

Call the Key Theatre Box Office on 01733 207 239 or book online at vivacity-peterborough.com/theatres-and-arts

Key Theatre Peterborough

Heritage Peterborough Museum - The Big Thaw Monday 16th – Friday 20th February 2015 10.00am – 5.00pm daily (last admission 4pm) Oh no! Someone’s left the heating on too high over the winter, and our Ice Age collection has defrosted!

Our store is completely flooded so we can’t go in and we think

Something’s escaped! something has escaped…

Can you help us hunt down what ancient creature has been brought back from extinction…?

There’s no need to book, just drop in. £3.50 adults, £2.50 concessions, £8 families (under 5s and Heritage Pass Holders FREE)

For more information call 01733 864 663 or email museum@vivacity-peterborough.com

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February 2015 Half Term activities at Vivacity

Libraries Space fun!

Come and join us at Vivacity Libraries this half term in an attempt to complete your mission!

Your mission is to complete the space trail. You can take part in games that are out of this world, and make your own space shuttle.

Decorate your own alien mask, create your very own pom-pom alien and enjoy some great stories.

Space themed fun at Vivacity Libraries

At the following libraries: Stanground, Sat 14th Feb, 10.00am-1.00pm Orton, Mon 16th Feb, 1.00pm-4.00pm Thorney, Mon 16th Feb, 1.30pm-3.00pm Central, Mon 16th Feb, 2.00pm-5.00pm Werrington, Tues 17th Feb, 10.00am-1.00pm Dogsthorpe, Tues 17th Feb, 2.30pm-4.00pm Eye, Wed 18th Feb, 1.30pm-3.00pm Bretton, Wed 18th Feb, 2.00pm-5.00pm Woodston, Wed 18th Feb, 2.30pm-4.00pm Hampton, Thurs 19th Feb, 1.30pm-4.30pm

You don’t need to book, just drop-in on the day! These sessions are suitable for children aged 4 – 11 years old and they will need to be accompanied by an adult. Just £4 per child!

Sports NEW Vivacity Swim Academy with the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA)

Collect stickers and badges with our fun-packed swim school! Learning to swim is one of the most important and fun life skills a child can learn, and we take children from their first splash through to being a confident and happy swimmer.

a Children receiveack p fun swimming for each stage: • Your own swimming passport to track your progress • 25 stickers and badges to collect along the way • Stage certificates to receive in assembly • Your own Vivacity swimming cap

PLUS all these benefits: • Fun and structured 12-week courses • Continual assessment • Children can join the course anytime • Teaching in small groups of 10

Choose from Foundation or Learn to Swim stages 1-7 with sessions at the Regional Fitness & Swimming Centre, Jack Hunt Pool and Vivacity Premier Fitness with prices from £60 for a 12 week course.

To book call 01733 864 000 and select your preferred centre, mail swim.academy@vivacity-peterborough.com or visit vivacity-peterborough.com/swimacademy to use the online booking form.

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Try Martial Arts in 2015 Martial Arts have always been a family-based activity but in many schools parents are mere spectators. Martial Arts have too many benefits to be just a spectator sport! Anyone can do it, you don’t have to be fit to start and your confidence will grow week by week.

Our Family martial arts programmes develop team spirit which will help grow and strengthen the unity of your family. When individuals work together as a team, their individual talents will naturally improve.

As a parent you will get into great shape, become more physically confident and provide a wonderful role model of health and vitality.

You will also develop these life skills that will make you unstoppable as well as learning how to defend themselves against bullies and strangers: • • • •

Fitness Perseverance Confidence Self Awareness

• • • •

Respect Self-Esteem Friendship Self-Control

• Self-Improvement • Courtesy • Integrity

Give it a go in 2015. For more details visit www.hickskarate.co.uk

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Celebrating the achievements of young people

A love of learning

outside school

The Children’s University aims to provide high quality, exciting and innovative learning activities and experiences outside normal school hours to children aged 7 to 14, engaging schools and the wider community as learning partners in the realisation of this.

Children’s University Undergraduate Level (30 to 400 hours) Children’s University Award

30 65 100

Children’s University Certificate

130 165 200

Children’s University Diploma

230 265 300

Children’s University Degree

330 365 400

The Children’s University places great emphasis on celebrating the achievements of the young people who participate in its programmes. Those who achieve the required hours are invited to attend graduation ceremonies to be presented with their certificates of achievement in front of family and peers.

Graduation ceremonies take place at a number of venues. In Peterborough, most are hosted by the University Centre Peterborough. By entering a HE or FE institution, it is hoped that the ceremony will celebrate the young person’s achievement and encourage and inspire them to further their learning journey.

The ceremonies are formal and friendly. Young people wear caps and gowns - the recognised dress of successful learning - to receive their certificates.

For more information about the Children’s University in Peterborough, email PeterboroughCU@btinternet.com

Children Learning

to Succeed…

First Class Learning English and Maths Tuition in Peterborough

New for

2015

Individualised and flexible learning plan for each child Compatible with National Curriculum Weekly Classes in the Hamptons on Mondays and Tuesdays Help your child to increase their confidence in school

Classes on Tuesday For further information or to arrange a free assessment for your child contact us Ruth Ekblom – Centre manager Telephone: 07957 893 287 or 01733 602 502 Email: peterboroughsouth@firstclasslearning.co.uk

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Twilight at the

Museums

Discover a night of adventure at Twilight at the Museums and make this February half-term one to remember.

Cambridge’s annual after-dark event for kids is on Wednesday, 18 February, 4.30 to 8.30… so wrap up, grab your torch and get ready for fun.

DESTINATION: EXPLORATION!

Museums and collections across the city are joining forces for an evening of after-hours fun. With 13 venues taking part, there are loads of free drop-in and bookable activities to keep everyone entertained.

Explore the murky depths of the ocean at The Polar Museum’s Deep Sea Darkness event; play Guess Who with the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology; step into the natural world of the Botanic Garden’s glowing glasshouses; and bring a spot of technical know-how to the evening with hands-on fun at the Museum of Technology. Joining the Twilight team for the first time is the University Library. Expect to find quizzes, torch-lit exploring and even book-making.

Travelling between the museums is all part of the fun – look out for an interactive light display outside the magnificent Fitzwilliam Museum and discover the historic streets of Cambridge after dark in a torch-lit tour with the Cambridge Guides.

If all that exploring has built up an appetite, ‘Steak and Honour’ - burger van with a difference - will help to keep grumbling tummies at bay alongside Caffe Mobile with their hot drinks and cakes. More food and drink options will be available with cafes at the Fitzwilliam, Botanic Garden and Farmland Museum, and the Museum of Cambridge running a special Twilight Tea Room (for workshop participants only).

Make sure you pick up or download a copy of the Twilight What’s On so that you have the all-important Passport. Use it to collect a stamp at every place you visit along the way – well, you can’t beat a bit of healthy competition between friends…

So, wrap up, grab your torch and get ready for fun.

© University of Cambridge Museums, Martin Bond

Here’s a taste of what you’ll find – keep an eye on the website for all the juicy details so you can start planning.

• Guess Who: Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Downing Street • Deep Dark Pollinator Hunt: Cambridge University Botanic Garden, Brookside • Treasures by Torchlight: Museum of Classical Archaeology, Sidgwick Avenue • Reading After Lights Out: Cambridge University Library, Milstein Exhibition Centre, West Road • Shadows and Light at Denny: Farmland Museum & Denny Abbey, Ely Road, Waterbeach (A10) • Deep Sea Darkness: The Polar Museum with Museum of Zoology, Lensfield Road • Guided Torchlight Tours: Cambridge Official Guides, Downing Street • Sedgwick After Dark: Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences, Downing Street • Science in the Dark: Cambridge Science Centre, Jesus Lane • Cosmic Mission: Whipple Museum of the History of Science, Free School Lane • Technology and Torchlight: Cambridge Museum of Technology, Cheddars Lane • Twilight Illuminations: Fitzwilliam Museum, Trumpington Street www.cam.ac.uk/museums/twilight Find us on Facebook Cambridge University Museums Follow us on Twitter @CamUnivMuseums #CamTwilight This event is presented by the University of Cambridge Museums, supported using public funding by Arts Council England

As a special offer for Term Times readers, cut out this coupon and present it to one of our Twilight Guides to receive a free glow stick on the night!

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FIRST AID

Available for any occasion...

COURSES

• plasma screens • loud music system • disco lights • Wii dance • karaoke • dance floor • smoke machine • custom made seating • drink optics • champagne ice buckets

Paediatric Course Dates 2015

9th & 10th February 9th & 10th March 20th & 21st April

No ordinary bus!

The ultimate playbus for toddlers...

• ball pit • slide • Wii dance and games • music • climbing wall • swing-ball and not forgetting the delicious • candy floss and popcorn machines....

A wide selection of coaches and buses available for hire ranging from 12 to 70 seats with seatbelts.

Disabled access coach with a lift available.

01733 351 694 info@deckerbus.co.uk

www.deckerbus.co.uk

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Yummy Yummy!

Venue: Centre 68, Westgate Church, Peterborough

BOOK NOW

T: 01733 351909

E: denise@fenlandfirstaid.co.uk

£75 per person

www.fenlandfirstaid.co.uk

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Be prepared for

World Book Day!

World Book Day 2015 is on Thursday, 5th March.

It is a day that creeps up on parents each year and fills many with dread at the thought of making or buying another costume so that children can go to school dressed as their favourite book character.

World Book Day is a day to celebrate books to get more children enthused about reading. It is now in its 17th year and is celebrated in over 100 different countries, with the aim of encouraging children to read more.

Children who read for pleasure are much more likely to be successful in all areas of their education than those who don’t. World Book Day is a fantastic opportunity to excite all children about reading and, in particular, reluctant readers. It could be the inspiration your child needs to read the one great book that leads them to a lifetime of reading for pleasure. So why not embrace World Book Day 2015 and make the most of all its events including dressing up?

Most schools do ask children to dress up as a book character on World Book Day. Plan ahead to avoid the last-minute stress of raking through cupboards looking for costumes the night before. Use the opportunity to read and talk more about books and stories with your children for the weeks leading up to 5th March. Discuss your favourite books and characters from your own childhood. If you don’t have any dressing up ideas, then use it as a reason to visit your library or bookshop.

coat, red scarf, hat, jar of marmalade, small suitcase and a ‘Please look after this bear’ notice). For an easy option, think about Mr Men: Mr Happy - wear yellow and smile; Mr Greedy – wear pink and stuff a cushion in; Mr Bump – wear blue with a couple of bandages; Mr Forgetful – is a good way out if you get really stuck!

Although it is good to plan ahead, be aware that your school may throw in a curveball, as my children’s did last year, when they announced a few days before World Book Day that they were going to have a themed dressing-up day instead and all children had to dress up as a character from a Roald Dahl book (after many parents had already bought Harry Potter and Hermione outfits!).

World Book Day is a fantastic event, which allows teachers to plan exciting activities focusing on books and stories. Authors are invited to talk to children in schools around the country, book tokens are handed out and children get excited about reading again. So be prepared, get the children involved and have fun on 5th March, 2015!

Liz Walker, Founder of Reading Chest

Some easy costume ideas are: Charlie Bucket, Grandma Josephine, Grandpa Jo (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) - suitable tatty clothes, a golden ticket and a Wonka Bar; Harry (Harry and the Bucket full of Dinosaurs) – boy clothes with a bucketful of Dinosaurs; Paddington –

Grandma Josephine & an Umpa Lumpa from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

For reading advice and more information on books for children learning to read, visit www.readingchest.co.uk Readers of Term Times can use the discount code TERMTIMES to get £5 off their first month’s membership. For more information on WBD visit www.worldbookday.com

Well Done Gracie!

Gracie with Debbie Smith (right) and Wendy Northcott from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Five-year-old Gracie Batten has been raising money for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Gracie, who attends Peakirk-cum-Glinton C of E Primary School, took part in the Perkins Great Eastern Fun Run and ran an impressive three miles to raise money for the babies being looked after in NICU. She also had a stall in her front garden where she sold homemade loom bands.

Shelley Batten, Gracie’s mum, said: “Gracie’s dad frequently runs sponsored marathons and she has always wanted to run with him. I suggested that we ran the Perkins Great Eastern Fun Run to raise money. Gracie has always wanted to be a ‘baby doctor’, so when I told her about the department, and that some my friend’s babies had been helped there, she decided she wanted to raise money for them.”

Staff on the ward welcomed Gracie and presented her with a certificate as a thank you for her efforts.

Debbie Smith, Deputy Sister, said: “It was an absolute pleasure to be able to meet Gracie and thank her for her fundraising efforts. She is an incredible young girl and we were thrilled to hear she wanted to become a doctor who looks after poorly babies.”

Overall Gracie has managed to raise £97.50, but her fundraising efforts have not stopped there. This year she has asked Santa for some knitting needles and wool so she can learn to knit hats and blankets for the babies in NICU. Sam Hunt, Operational Lead Nurse for Children, Neonates & Safeguarding, said: “The team feel privileged that the people of Peterborough and beyond continue to support the unit. The money donated gets used for a wide range of items for the babies and their families including new equipment and furniture to make the areas where families stay a more home from home environment.”

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Piper, Kitniss & Binky

Lucy Vet Louise

Receptionist Denise Bella & Bambi

Nurse Lauren Lily May

Oscar

Carol-Ann Nurse Laura

MEET THE VETS

WIN

Have Tilly visit your school class and learn all about what it is like to be a Vet with the Cromwell Veterinary Group. A Nurse and a Vet will visit your class and take you through an educational experience with lots of fun games to participate in.

If you would like to see Tilly and win this experience for your class, simply unravel the ball of string and tell us who the correct set of best friends is.

Entry can be via post, website or email and please state your full contact details with school/class information. Other prizes are available for the winning entrant as well, including a goodie bag for the winner and a vets dressing up box for the school.

Terms and conditions apply, and the prize can only be redeemed with the nominated school agreeing to the visit. Visit with the dog (Tilly) attending session is subject to the school granting permission. Arranged at a mutually convenient time. Closing date is 17th February.

For more information on leading pet health care for your family friend visit www.cromwellvets.co.uk or see the advert on page 6.

WIN

FAMILY TICKETS TO ENJOY PUSS IN BOOTS

Win tickets for a family of four to see Puss in Boots at Stamford Arts Centre on Thursday, 19th February 2.30pm.

Would you trust a talking cat? You never know, he might turn you from a pauper to a prince just like the hero of Puss in Boots!

CBeebies’ Patrick Lynch brings Puss in Boots almost literally to life in this magical experience live on stage.

Using smoke and mirrors as well as hidden trapdoors, he’ll show how this sure-footed feline fools both the King and the Ogre to put his master at the top. Children will enjoy all the puppets, the working windmill and so much more in this classic, furry tale!

For a chance to win one of the family tickets, simply send us your details via the normal entry instructions on page 3. Closing date is 9th February. There are two sets of family tickets available; four tickets in each set - worth £26 each - must include at least one child. For more information visit www.stamfordartscentre.com

WIN

FAMILY TICKETS FOR ERTH’S DINOSAUR ZOO

Dinosaur Zoo brings amazing pre-historic creatures to the stage at the Cambridge Corn Exchange in a unique way that is super-fun for all the family. Meet Dinosaur Zoo’s newest addition, Australovenator, a carnivorous theropod and the most complete carnivorous dinosaur skeleton that has been discovered in Australia. Other dinosaurs range from the cutest baby dinosaurs right the way up the scale to the most ferocious giants. The Zoo is for everyone aged 3 and above.

The show runs for 50 minutes and is followed by a 15 minute meet-and-greet with the Dinosaurs!

For a chance to win a family ticket (4 people), simply answer the following question. Which country was Dinosaur Zoo created in? We have two sets of family tickets to give away for the Sunday 15th February 2pm show. Please enter via the normal instructions on page 3. Closing date is 7th February.

For more details and ticket information please visit www.cornex.co.uk/erths-dinosaur-zoo

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Frankie & Benny’s competition Winners!

Well done to our three lucky competition entrants who will be going on an educational and fun trip to a local Frankie & Benny’s restaurant. Not only will they be attending but also their lucky class friends (and teachers!), learning about the life in a restaurant and also making their own lunch!

Thomas Kingsford Aged 6 I deserve to win because...

I love Frankie and Benny’s and I want my class and teachers to love it there too.

Lacey Fitt Aged 6 I deserve to win because...

Not everyone in my class can afford to go to Frankie and Benny’s.

Charlie Slack Aged 5 I deserve to win because...

Me and my friends have worked really hard this term.

TEACHERS – If you have been on great school trip or a holding an experience day in school let us know all about it.

We would love to hear what happened, what was taught and also how much fun it was.

Not valid in conjunction with any other offer or discount promotion including breakfast, lunch or specials menus, Bank Holidays, or Monday Madness (Mondays 5pm - 11pm). One free kid’s meal when an adult main course is purchased from the main menu. One kid’s meal per voucher.

Available for children up to the age of 11 years. Voucher must be surrendered upon redemption. Valid at a Frankie & Benny’s or Little Frankie’s restaurant excluding airport localtions. Valid until 11.03.15. No photocopies/torn/damaged vouchers will be accepted. No cash value.

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