TermTimes 146 by Dimension6000

M AY H A L F–TE RM ISSUE

the magazine for families

Issue 146 – May to June 2021

WIN A FAMILY PEDALO TRIP CONFIDENCE CARDS A BOOK BUNDLE A LUXURY PICNIC AIRFIX MODELS

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skateboarding LEARNING LOSS Bridging the education gap

Covering Cambridge, Fenland, Huntingdon, Oundle, Peterborough, Spalding, South Kesteven, Wisbech and more

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In this issue Regulars

Welcome back! The feeling of meeting friends, returning to school, and seeing relatives in person cannot be beaten. A lot has happened since our last October issue but with spring we have sprung into action with hope and eagerness for a new start. Much has been missed but, like us, the footsteps are on the come-back trail. As I write this letter, the youngest is eagerly waiting on the Y6 end of year school residential, whilst also searching for cricket pads ahead of a training session. Whatever experiences your child enjoys or activities that ignite your family’s passion, everyone will no doubt cherish them a bit more going forward. Walks in the park, picnics at a castle or stately home and a trip to the theatre are fun, but now Fun most definitely has a capital 'F'! The summer term for the Term Times household is the last one as our youngest prepares to move up to ‘big’ school. The last two years have somewhat been besmirched by the pandemic, but as we know positives have materialised. Like many though, we will fondly miss the experiences that primary school has provided – though not the head lice! So, from us to you, enjoy your rekindled freedoms but keep safe and have a Fun final term! P.S. A very heartfelt 'thank you' to our schools for distributing this issue and the clients who have supported it – support them where you can.

Amanda

School News......................................................4 Puzzles.................................................................15

Editorial

PODS new performance.............................4 Five tips for first-time buyers....................5 What’s on at Nene Park?.............................6 Hicks Karate is back!.....................................7 Five ways to bird watch from home.......7 Tips for protecting your family.................9 Visit the Fenland Aviation Museum.......10 Children’s learning loss explored.............11 Riverside’s apprenticeships.......................12 Cheerleading classes at Crowland..........14 Skateboarding..................................................15

Competitions

Win a luxury picnic.........................................5 Pedalo prize at Nene Park..........................6 Amazing Airfix prizes, book bundles and Confidence Cards..................................8

Contact us Publisher: Steven Beacham Editor: Amanda Stacey T: 01780 757731 E: steven@termtimes.ltd.uk 70 Rutland Road, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 1UW

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Competition Entry Mentioning the competition you're entering, send your name, age, address, phone number and school name to Term Times, 70 Rutland Road, Stamford, Lincs PE9 1UW or via email to steven@termtimes.ltd.uk

Alternatively, competitions will be posted on our website at www.termtimes.ltd.uk Please ask your parents’ permission The next issue will be out 29 June. If you before entering via the internet. would like to say a word of thanks to All winners will be picked at random and someone at home, at school or a friend anywhere who has helped you or your family Term Times' decision is final. in the last year, email us by 1 June. Tell us who they are, where they are and what they did, mentioning their school if applicable. Does your child have a birthday soon? Would you like to have it announced in a forthcoming issue of Term Times?

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Term Times distributes 50,000 printed copies to parents six times a year. Through a transparent and targeted channel, your business will be seen in a title read and respected for over 20 years. For options available, please contact the team on 01780 757731 or email steven@termtimes.ltd.uk

Just send us their name, photo, age, date of birthday and details of who it's from to: steven@termtimes.ltd.uk

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www.dimension6000.com 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/advertisers 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/ advertiser. 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 sometimes 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.

Help your their child regaidnence confi

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SCHOOL NEWS

Many schools have creative, innovative and inspiring programmes and events that Term Times and its readers would love to hear about. If your school has something or someone worth shouting about, drop the team an email (turn to page 3) and we’ll endeavour to feature it in the upcoming issue.

The rewards of remote learning at Ayscoughfee Hall School, Spalding Like most schools during the UK’s second lockdown, remote learning became a regular part of the school day with some not only delivering live literacy and maths lessons but also assemblies. It was a challenging time for students and parents as well as teachers which is why Term Times want to sing schools’ praises. Independent Ayscoughfee Hall School contacted the magazine with some fantastic insights into their online learning and parent’s feedback. As well as a full schedule of live lessons delivered via Zoom and Seesaw, one-to-one reading and even PE sessions, the whole school was able to get together for virtual assemblies. “The children enjoyed sharing birthdays and seeing who won Star of the Week, with a certificate and sticker arriving in the post, hopefully the next day!” said Head Teacher Clare Ogden.

celebrating this gentleman’s resilience, public spirit and determination. For example, they could make a cool shake, do a jigsaw, go on a litter pick or send a letter to a person living alone. The Awards proved so popular that Ayscoughfee is continuing them even though children are now back in school together. Here’s some of the wonderful feedback from parents: "I just wanted to say a huge thank you for the online learning support you've put in place. It's fantastic to have structure to home learning and the Zoom calls are keeping her attention more than I ever could! I'm sure it can't have been easy, particularly with such short notice, but I just wanted to say how grateful we are." "I just wanted to send you a note to say L is flourishing! He is bouncing out of bed and setting up his workspace each morning."

The school also introduced the ‘Capt. Sir Tom "Many thanks for all your hard work and enthusiasm Moore Challenge’ allowing children and families - I can't tell you the difference it makes to this hometo work towards Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards schooling situation." For more information on Ayscoughfee Hall School visit www.ahs.me.uk or follow the school: Facebook-squareAyscoughfee Hall School Life.

Blossoming creativity at Brington C of E Primary School, Cambridgeshire Taking inspiration from Yuval Zommer's amazing Big Book of Blooms, every student has created flower-themed art in a wonderful array of materials – some even made them edible! Many morning lessons took on a flower theme and the afternoons were devoted to creativity for the whole five days before the half-term holiday. "Our Art Week gave children a chance to expand their creativity and concentrate on their art projects over several days. We are so proud of their work and their attitude to exploring, making and learning," said Head Teacher Mark Farrell. Author Yuval Zommer was stunned by Brington's artists, tweeting his praise of their "awesome creativity" and sharing their artwork.

PODS announce

Elf the Musical Who gets excited for Santa in spring? We do! Now that PODS are bringing everyone’s favourite elf to the stage Does somebody need a hug? Let Peterborough Operatic and Dramatic Society wrap you in the cosiest of Christmas cuddles as they present the heartwarming, high-energy, sweetas-syrup-spaghetti smash-hit musical, Elf.

identity. Faced with the harsh reality that his dad is on the naughty list while his brother doesn’t even believe in Santa, Buddy resolves to win over his new family and help a heartless city rediscover the real meaning of Christmas.

Based on the much-loved holiday movie starring Will Ferrell, the show follows the story of Buddy, the accidental elf who doesn’t realise he’s really a human. As he towers over the rest of North Pole elves, bewildered at his failings as a toy maker, Buddy sets off on a quest to New York to find his birth father and discover his true

Elf the Musical follows on from PODS’ stellar run of awardwinning productions from the sell-out success of Hairspray to their critically-acclaimed Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. It’s also set to be one of the first festive productions to return to the city after the Coronavirus pandemic and PODS are determined to come back with a bang.

Don’t be a cotton-headed ninny muggins... get your tickets now! Elf the Musical is at The Cresset, Peterborough, from 23-27 November To book tickets : Cresset box office 01733 265705 or visit cresset.co.uk 4

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Sweet Picnic Box (serves four) contains: • 4x home-baked plump plain and fruit scones • 4 x clotted cream portions • 1 x jar of Rosebud Preserves strawberry jam • Decadent rocky road slab • 4 x creamy British Cheesecake (2 x with strawberry jelly and 2 x with passionfruit jelly)

The process between finding a property and putting that key in the door is not always easy – especially in 1. EARN WHILE YOU LEARN the current climate. Independent finance consultants, “My apprenticeship Riverside like The Right Broker, can helpwith guide and Training advise so allowed me to earn money whilst getting my you can find the best lender for your needs. Here’s five qualification. I got first-hand experiences and put more ways to help you move that dream: my knowledge intocloser practice.to It was a life-changing

1 2 3 4 5

experience as it has set me on my career path. I CHECK ANDam IMPROVE YOURfor CREDIT SCORE. YourLevel result3will very thankful that.” Katie Potter, affect who can giveYears you a Educator mortgage.graduate www.checkmyfile.com Early GET YOUR DEPOSIT READY: 5% CONFIDENCE or 10 % if you’re using the 2. BOOST YOUR Help to Buy scheme. Explore gifted deposits from family and from the experience, save by giving“Aside up luxuries like invaluable takeaways,hands-on gadgets and new cars. the apprenticeship has boosted my confidence GET A STEADY You’ll need a minimum three andINCOME. my people skills. It has improvedofmy payslips and your last P60/P45. If self-employed, you’ll need two leadership and teamwork, too. I have come a long years of self-assessments. way since the beginning of my apprenticeship.”

Cache Level 2 Diploma for the IF YOU HAVEAbigail BEEN Clarke, ON FURLOUGH, HAD DEFAULTS, EarlyGRANT Years Practitioner, RECEIVED SEISS This may notgraduate. be a problem, there are still lenders that will workBY withDOING you, but interest rates will be 3. LEARN higher than a standard lender. “If you struggle with coursework and learn better CONSIDER THE OTHER EXPENSES RELATED TO by doing on-the-job training, an apprenticeship BUYING A HOUSE These will include broker fees (up to £499, allows you to demonstrate your skills and solicitor fees £1,000-1,500 and moving fees). knowledge. The hands-on work gives you material to write about in your coursework, too, making it This expert advice comes from much easier. ” Charlotte Sandall Conway, Support Mortgage and Protection Consultant Teaching Level 3, apprentice. Aylin Halilova fromLearning The Rightand Broker. E: aylin.halilova@therightbroker.co.uk M:07940 029 205 /MortgagesandProtections www.therightbroker.co.uk

A Sweet Picnic Selection Boring summer picnics step aside – Noble House has one perfectly prepared for your family. Add some finesse to your next outdoor feast as you celebrate alfresco socialising with family and friends with a Noble House Prepared Picnic box.

WIN

Sophisticated and deliciously moreish, the restaurant-quality food is ideal for all occasions. Noble House offers a selection of luxury sweet, savoury and bespoke hampers.

Times readers a Noble House is giving Term et Picnic Boxes Swe two of one chance to win to page 3 for turn (worth £40 each). Simply date June 3. sing Clo er. ent to how details on hamper. ker wic ude Prize does not incl www.noblehouseprepared.com

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NENE OUTDOORS PROMOTION

What’s happening at Nene Outdoors? Outdoor recreation is great for physical and mental health and with Covid-19 restrictions lifting, there is plenty of family fun to be had at Nene Outdoors Watersports and Activity Centre.

ation Book a sorteaunyderccanvas on the

o t or m Enjoy a nigh ke. There’s tw Gunwade La of s ch nk hi w ba , ul peacef Lakeview e Glade and the campsites, Th offer visitors d an es ili m fa r hire. fo t nt ec te rf are pe ing or bell tch-only book Meadows, both pi a of ce oi ch rry e heart of Fe e of Located in th take advantag to ed at tu si e also ar e ar es it ey ps Th m ca e Outdoors. en N en at ch it es K ti Lakeside the activi cated close to . lo ly op nt Sh ie rm en conv de Fa e new Lakesi & Bar and th /campsite uk g. ark.or www.nenep

Pay & Play

The ‘Pay and Play ’ scheme allows vis itors of all ages and abilit ies to experience different water and land-ba sed activities. Da ily activities include swan peda los and row boats, stand-up paddle boards, ka yaks and canoes, dinghies and windsurfing. Buoy ancy aids are includ ed and experienced memb ers of staff will be on hand for advice and yo ur safety. On selec ted dates during the school holidays you can also give archery a go, or se e how fast you ca n climb to the top of our mo bile climbing wall in the park! www.nenepark.or g.uk/neneoutdoo rs

Take a boat trip

Located on the edge of Gunwade Lake, at the heart of Nene Park in Ferry Meadows, Nene Outdoors has a variety of water and land-based activities that the whole family can enjoy together.

A trip around Ov erton Lake in the electricallypowered passenge r boat ‘Wyndham ’ lets you enjoy unique views of the lakes and th e River Nene around Ferry Meadows. The ac cessible boat is near silen t and has minimal impact on the wildlife and en vironment. Boat trips run regularly at week ends, and daily du ring school holidays. Group bo at trips last 30-m inutes, must be pre-booked an d restricted to yo ur household or social bubble. Private hire and ca tering options are also av ailable for a longe r trip if you have a special oc casion to celebra te! www.nenepark.or g.uk/take-a-boat-t rip

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WIN A FAMILY PEDALO TRIP Enjoy a day at Nene Outdoors with a free 60-minute family pedalo ride. It can be redeemed any day (subject to availability). To enter, simply follow the instructions on page 3 before 31 May.

A kickstart for Hicks The family that kicks together sticks together – learn about what Hicks Karate School has to offer post-lockdown Martial Arts is one of the fastest and most popular sports across the UK and the team at Hicks Karate School in Peterborough is excited to be reopening. As of April, all children’s classes are operating with adults and fitness classes from 17 May. Hicks Karate School has been teaching classes for more than 25 years within Peterborough and its surrounding area. Their well-respected full-time Family Arts Centre opened in December 2012 and has quickly become the place to go for Martial Arts and fitness classes for residents of the area.

HICKS KARATE PROMOTION

Hicks Karate School offers classes from three years old and up: Little Ninjas© (age three to 5 years) Its award-winning pre-school Martial Arts class Little Ninja’s is for three–tofive-year-olds and uses a games-based approach to teaching children the fundamentals. It focuses on eight key points: focus, balance, co-ordination, discipline, teamwork, control, memory and fitness.

Karate 4 Kids (age 4 to 11 years) TheKarate 4 Kids programme teaches the fundamentals of martial arts in a fun and friendly environment, incorporating discipline, respect, focus, self-defence, confidence, perseverance, dedication and a black-belt attitude.

Teens Kick (13 to 18 years) The programme is developed to focus on fitness, self-defence and discipline, motivating and driving students towards their individual goals.

Ladies only / Adults Kickboxing Many aspects from the teen class as well as some of the fun and games taught in the children’s classes are incorporated into Kickboxing, Ladies only Kickboxing, Fitness Kickboxing, circuit training and private tuition. ‘THE FAMILY THAT KICKS TOGETHER STICKS TOGETHER’ Hicks Karate Family Martial Arts Centre, Vicarage Farm Road, Fengate, Peterborough ,PE1 5TP – Running classes seven days a week. For more information call Chief Instructor Sensei Andrew Hicks 01733 810 043 / 0797 4 196 256 www.hickskarate.co.uk

Wildlife paradise

AYS T

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With wide-open spaces and wetlands full of the sights and sounds of nature, there's plenty to see and experience at Welney Wetland Centre. With warmer weather on the horizon, families look to nature to keep our young adventurers entertained and a world of wildlife awaits them at this wetland paradise. With a variety of habitats, there's always a star species on show. However, even on days when you don’t want to leave home there are plenty of things you can do in your own garden ...

Explore a

Birdhwatch ome

from

BECOME AN UNDERCOVER BIRDWATCHER Create a hide in your garden or by a window to watch those shy birds without them even realising. MAKE A LEGO® BIRD TABLE Utilise some freestyle LEGO® building to create a place to hold seeds and water. Providing birds with these essentials will encourage them into view. IDENTIFY BIRDS Use a simple identification chart to learn which types of birds you’re seeing. LOOK AT FEATHERS Birds need to keep themselves in top condition to fly so they clean and preen their feathers. Find a feather left on the ground and take a closer look – they really are incredible! BUILD A BUG HOTEL Many species of bird love a juicy insect to munch on. If you build homes for insects and encourage a healthy population, birds will spend even more time in your garden.

WHERE TO FIND US: Hundred Foot Bank, Welney, Nr. Wisbech PE14 9TN

wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/welney

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WIN BUMPER GIVEAWAY Introduce your children to the

WIN https://uk.airfix.com

MAGIC OF MODELLING Term Times has ten amazing Airfix modelling sets to giveaway this issue. Among the starter kits on offer is the Apollo V Classic Kit (1st Prize) and moon-landing-inspired One Small Step for Man Gift Set (2nd Prize). There are also eight other brilliant kits for runners’ up. From a Jaguar I-Pace, Audi TT and F22 Raptor Quickbuilds for those motor enthusiasts to Airfix Red Arrows and Mary Rose Starter Sets.

with Airfix Starter Kits

TO ENTER THE COMPETITION visit https://uk.airfix.com/about-us and answer this simple question:

In what year did Nicholas Kove create the first iteration of Airfix? Turn to page 3 of Term Times for details of where to send your answer before 3 June.

SUPERCHARGE YOUR CHILD’S CONFIDENCE FOUR PACKS TO

WIN www.summersdale.com

Anything parents can do to help their children feel happier, more optimistic and confident in these unsettling times is probably gladly welcomed and that’s why we love these new Confidence Cards for Kids These 52 sunny and uplifting affirmation cards are designed to supercharge your child’s self-belief. Place them around their room and in line of sight and see their confidence levels soar with kind statements and mood-boosting mantras to give them an inspiring pick-me-up.

Term Times has four packs to give away from Summersdale Publishers. Simply turn to page 3 for details of how to enter before 3 June.

Three very lucky winners can receive four outstanding adventure-fuelled reads, thanks to Usborne, all ideal for ages 9+

BOOKS BUNDLE www.usborne.com 8

WIN

We’ve two novels by S.A Patrick, A Darkness of Dragons and A Vanishing of Griffins, for those looking for excitement and thrills, as well as the mythical adventure of The Castle of Tangled Magic that takes its readers through the land of forbidden magic. The Incredible Record Smashers by Jenny Pearson is our fourth novel, an inspirational laugh-out-loud read about record breaking, hope, friendship and happiness.

To be in with a chance of winning a bundle, turn to page 3 for details on how to enter before 3 June.

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HEGARTY SOLICITORS PROMOTION

Spring clean your life Polish up your family’s legal affairs and protect them from the unknown with the help of Hegarty Solicitors

Spring is a time when many of us focus on organising our households and belongings. It is also the perfect time to reflect on your current legal position. The expert legal team at Hegarty Solicitors offer a comprehensive service to support you.

Family legal protection for finances and healthcare None of us know what is around the corner, but having plans in place to ensure both you and your family have the legal protection needed to make critical decisions about your health, welfare and finances, when you need it most is one of the most important things you can do to protect your family. Recent research by Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE), shows that 65% of us think our nextof-kin will make medical and care decisions for us if we are no longer able to. In reality, this isn’t the case unless a Health & Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney is in place. Whilst there has been a rise in the number of enquiries made about Lasting Power of Attorneys (LPAs) during the pandemic, only 22% of people in the UK actually have one.

A great time to move house The Stamp Duty Holiday on house purchases has been extended until 30 June 2021. The scheme has helped hundreds of thousands of people to buy a home and it is estimated that the extension may benefit 300,000 additional property purchases in England.

Quite often wills and LPAs are seen as issues to be dealt with later in life, however all adults should have plans in place to ensure their wishes are protected and their family has the legal protection to access funds and make decisions should the worst happen.

If you are thinking of taking advantage of the stamp duty holiday, or you think it is time to move house, the experienced conveyancing specialists will guide you through the process and ensure your property purchase is as smooth and stress-free as possible. Use the online calculator at www.hegarty. co.uk/quote to find out how much your conveyancing will cost for your purchase.

The experienced team at Hegarty Solicitors can guide you through your options and ensure your affairs are managed according to your wishes. Find out more at www.hegarty.co.uk/lpa

For more information about the services available please call 01733 346333, email info@hegarty.co.uk or visit www.hegarty.co.uk

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FENLAND AVIATION MUSEUM ADVERTISING PROMOTION

The museum is open Wednesdays (1pm – 4pm), Saturday (10am – 5pm) and Sundays/bank holidays (10am – 4pm). Entry costs £3 per adult, £2 per Junior (14-17 year olds) and children/carers go free.

The Fenland Aviation Museum is re-opening After months of Covid-19 restrictions, The Fenland Aviation Museum near Wisbech, is pleased to announce it will be opening at 10am on Wednesday 19 May As soon as you begin your journey through the museum, you will realise what makes this museum so unique. In recent months the museum has enhanced its displays and changed the locations of exhibits to make it even more interactive and storytelling. It continues to showcase more than 1,000 aviation objects, including the remains of aircraft that crashed in East Anglia during World War II, such as a Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane amongst others. Coupled with these artefacts are tragic, moving stories about the young men (boys) who flew them!

You’ll also be able to see other memorabilia such as the iconic Merlin Engines, survival dinghies and many personal belongings. Visitors can absorb themselves in the era by climbing into the cockpits of some of the aircraft – great for kids – such as the Jet Provost two-seater trainer and the nose section of a Maritime Avro Shackleton. There’s a replica Mk 9 Spitfire undergoing restoration and inside the museum there’s the cockpit and nose section of a Blackburn Buccaneer, de Havilland Vampire and a Pegasus engine as fitted to a Harrier Jump Jet!

Established in the mid 1970s, the museum is actively involved in the research and recovery of historical aircraft. It has been created to house and exhibit many remarkable finds unearthed over the years and to honour those who lost their lives in many different flying accidents and terrible operational events during World War II. The museum and its volunteers aim to enlighten visitors about local aviation heritage and to honour those who lost their lives in defence of our country. So, if you feel like a cultural, enjoyable family day out, please come along – you can even bring your dog!

Lynn Road, West Walton, Wisbech PE14 7DA

www.fenlandaviationmuseum.org.uk

Are you looking for a Senior School that can offer your child the opportunity to reach their full potential?

Contact us: 01945 586750 or admissions@wisbechgrammar.com Dedicated buses across Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire and Norfolk. 10

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KIP MCGRATH PROMOTION

Mind the gap What is ‘learning loss’ and how can you help bridge your child’s skills gap? Owner of Kip McGrath Education Peterborough North, Gill Terry, explores… The Education Minister, Gavin Williamson, recently announced potential ways to support children’s learning after lockdown, including extended school days and summer school. Amongst the mixed response is the consensus that children should focus on becoming

engaged well with online learning or found some topics difficult to understand when taught remotely may suffer from ‘missed learning’ too. Gaps in skills and knowledge are to be expected and is something I am noticing a lot with students who enrol with us.

Then consider how well your child learnt at home? Was it a fight to get them to engage in school work or did they thrive? I suggest talking to your child about the lessons they enjoy and the style of delivery (e.g workbooks, watching BBC Bitesize etc.) as well as the subject matter. Notice their engagement, too: Did they watch the video? Did they want to discuss the work? Can they tell you how to do the maths question from their worksheet? If you know what works for them, you can support them at home with the resources that best suit them, many of which are free.

Giving them time and space to recover from the effects of lockdowns and social distancing is just as important as learning maths and English. Help their mental health by enrolling them in physical and social activities that they enjoy. Give your child every opportunity

If you have concerns, talk to your child’s teacher who may be able to nominate them for catch-up tuition provided by the school. Or, if you feel that your child needs more help, or the school is not running catch-up tuition, then we are here to help.

If you think your child is suffering from learning loss or you want to help them recover from missed learning opportunities, firstly don’t panic. Children can catch up if given the right materials and learning activities. more socially and physically active. To learn effectively they need to be happy and healthy, but how can you help your child if you think they’ve also suffered academically? It is likely that some children will experience ‘learning loss’ from lockdown, which is when a child achieves at a lower level than in previous years or has forgotten previously established skills such as blending sounds when reading. Younger children, whose skills were only just being developed, are the most likely to be affected. Almost every child who may not have

to play, socialise and have fun. Considering their mental health now will lead to improved learning in the long term.

Please call to book a free assessment, or book online at kipmcgrath.co.uk/Peterborough-north and kipmcgrath.co.uk/Peterborough-south

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RIVERSIDE TRAINING PROMOTION

Learn to recover, learn to grow Apprenticeships are key post-Covid. They help companies recover and employees to retrain with a wage. Find out why they’re so beneficial… It’s true that employing an apprentice can bring plenty of benefits to a company and 96% of employers who have are reaping the rewards, according to government statistics. In March 2021, the Government also announced a new funding initiative to incentivise companies of all sizes to hire up to ten new apprentices – £3,000 per trainee! Whether you’re needing to hire new staff or upskill existing members, there’s likely to be an apprenticeship to suit your business that Riverside Training in Spalding can help fulfil and manage. From accountancy and payroll administration to teaching assistants and Early Years education, Riverside Training connects students with employers and facilitates their career progression in many fields including adult care work, customer service and business administration and management, to name a few. Riverside is in the business of providing successful partnerships and amazing

REASONS TO BE AN APPRENTICE

1. EARN WHILE YOU LEARN “My apprenticeship with Riverside Training allowed me to earn money whilst getting my qualification. I got first-hand experiences and put my knowledge into practice. It was a life-changing experience as it has set me on my career path. I am very thankful for that.” Katie Potter, Level 3 Early Years Educator graduate.

2. BOOST YOUR CONFIDENCE apprenticeship experiences, which one repeat client is happy to share: “Apprenticeships allow us to build a workforce that fits our ethos and approach,” says owner of The Dandelion Education Group, Hayley StaniforthRoom. “They’re usually more receptive to developing new skills, easier to teach best practice to as there’s less poor practice hard-wired in and the lower cost make our company more financially viable. Our homegrown apprentices feel like part of the family – we share in the tears, the joy, the success and the struggles. We are very proud of our apprentices! They help our business flourish.”

“Aside from the invaluable hands-on experience, the apprenticeship has boosted my confidence and my people skills. It has improved my leadership and teamwork, too. I have come a long way since the beginning of my apprenticeship.” Abigail Clarke, Cache Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner, graduate.

3. LEARN BY DOING “If you struggle with coursework and learn better by doing on-the-job training, an apprenticeship allows you to demonstrate your skills and knowledge. The hands-on work gives you material to write about in your coursework, too, making it much easier.” Charlotte Sandall Conway, Support Learning and Teaching Level 3, apprentice.

If you have questions about apprenticeships, please get in touch with Riverside Training: www.riversidetrainingspalding.co.uk

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CROWLAND CHEER & DANCE PROMOTION

Cheers for Crowland Local dance studio offers cheerleading and three types of dance classes for a range of ages and abilities Crowland Cheer & Dance, a registered Community Interest Company, offer Allstar cheerleading and dance classes to males and females aged three to 18+. It serves competitive and recreational training, with opportunities to

perform at community events, local and national competitions. The aim of sessions is to encourage children to participate within sport, improving their physical and mental wellbeing, building friendships, increasing confidence and fitness levels. Cheerleading is quickly becoming extremely popular within the UK but is often confused with the typical American sideline cheering. Crowland Cheer & Dance provide Allstar cheerleading classes involving stunting, pyramids, baskets, tumbling, jumps and dance. There are athletes that come from a range of dance or gymnastics backgrounds and completely new beginners – the great thing about cheerleading is anyone can do it and once you start it’s addictive! The dance programme offers Street, Pom and Lyrical classes. The street classes teach a number of different

styles such as hip hop, breaking, locking, popping and house. Pom is not the typical style people would expect. Pom is a Jazz-based dance style using a combination of turns, leaps and jumps with short sharp arm motions to create a high energy routine. Many of these athletes cross over into lyrical style too. For all styles a mixture of recreational and competitive classes are offered. The recreational teams dance just for fun and take part in our local showcases, these classes are great for beginners that are starting with the foundations. Competitive teams require a try out and classes are more advanced, these teams prepare during the offseason and then compete at several competitions across the UK between January and July, as well as performing locally.

If you are interested in joining, please do not hesitate to get in contact for details and a free trial lesson so your child can ensure they love it before signing up. www.crowlanddancecompany.co.uk

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skateboarding

Let's get our bearings!

Skateboarding has soared in popularity during lockdown. We speak to local instructor Jason Emery, owner of Let’s Go Skate, about how young people can get involved Q Why is skateboarding more popular since lockdown? Group sporting activities ceased, so I think it only took one bored child to grab their dusty skateboard before all the neighbours’ kids wanted to join in.

Q What advice do you have for new skateboarders? Get in touch to arrange a one-toone lesson before investing in the equipment. This ensures that the child has the confidence to continue and learns proper technique. There are also free online tutorials and many helpful videos on Tik-Tok (www.tiktok.com/@letsgoskate).

Q What equipment should every skateboarder own? A helmet and a set of pads (knee/ elbow/wrist) reduces the risk of injury

as beginners tend to fall a lot! It is worth spending more on an entry-level skateboard by brand like Enuff (around £40) rather than a cheap, toy board £10-£20 that gives your child a handicap that rides slowly, doesn't turn and breaks easily.

Q What’s a good age to begin? It's entirely possible to start from age two but age five to six is more realistic.

Q What local skateparks do you recommend? Every skate park is unique, with pros and cons. Alconbury Weald is a lovely venue due to its small, beginner-orientated design and Adrenaline Alley, in Corby, is Europe’s biggest indoor skate park with much to offer.

Q How can parents help their kids learn safely? A skateboard fit for purpose will eliminate many problems. Ensure that they put their feet on to the screws of the board as they ride as this improves their balance. If the wheels on the skateboard spin slowly, purchase Speed Cream – a lubricant that helps to speed up the bearings. When practising, go early to a skate park when it’s quietest and always supervise them; skatepark etiquette can be difficult to understand and it's important that they don’t collide with other skaters and remain aware of social distancing. Instead of a high-five or fist bump when a fellow rider lands a trick, try tapping the board’s tail on the floor, as if clapping, too. For more information visit: Facebook-squareletsgoskateuk

PUZZLE

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE QUIZ 1 1. Who was the first man to walk on the moon? 2. What language is mainly spoken in Australia? 3. How many sides does a pentagon have? 4. What three colours make up the colour of the Union Jack flag? 5. How many days are there in December?

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE QUIZ 2

CROSSWORD COLOUR ME IN MATHS MATHS GAME GAME

1. Which is the largest mammal? 2. What type of gas do plants absorb? 3. Name two of the world’s oceans. 4. Which is the smallest continent? 5. Which is the densest jungle in the world? 6. Which is the largest planet in our solar system?

FIND 10 DIFFERENCES

Find the answers in the next issue of Term Times.

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Email: info@stmarysedu.co.uk Call: 07735 492 695 / 07854 885 030 1-B Almoners Lane, Peterborough PE3 9EH

ST MARY’S TRAVELS LTD. Peterborough

Spalding

A travel wing of St Mary’s Educational Academy Ltd., Peterborough offers executive facilities (pick-up and drop-off) for students from Queensgate, Netherton and Hampton to Spalding Grammar School (boys) and Spalding High School (girls). Interested? Contact us on 07735 492 695 or 07854 885 030 16