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Sports centre staff including lifeguards and Learn to Swim teachers
Summer is finally here! The start of long lazy days, time to get up, go on a walk and rediscover the pleasure of doing nothing at all with days relaxing in the garden with the family. When you feel like doing something more energetic for the day like visiting the beach, a museum, farm or water park then this issue of families will give you some inspiration. Have a lovely summer.
Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment, until it becomes a memory.
Dr Seuss
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Cambridge Kids Club is a multi-setting wraparound playwork provider. They offer reliable and affordable breakfast, after school and holiday clubs for children from reception to year 6. Kids Club have consistently been rated “GOOD” by Ofsted and their mission is to deliver the highest standard of care, at an affordable price.
During the school holidays (including half-term and training days) a full and varied programme is offered. Each week has a theme to it and the activities and outings are based around that theme. For children staying all day, a mid-morning snack and a light afternoon snack is provided.
Kids Club believe children’s play should be freely chosen, personally directed behaviour, motivated from within: through play, the child explores the world and their relationship with it, elaborating all the while a flexible range of responses to the challenges they encounter: by playing the child learns and develops as an individual. To enter please visit our Facebook page @FamCambsMag and like and share our competition post and follow our page. Good luck. Please see the Facebook page for T&C’s.
EDITOR: Lisa Exell 01945 861336, editor@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk
ASSISTANT EDITOR: Amanda Dawson, admin@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk
SOCIAL MEDIA: Amanda Dawson, admin@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk
DESIGN: Caroline Thompson-Heap, caroline@thompson-heap.com
Families Cambridgeshire reaches over 40,000 readers and is available through schools, nurseries, hospitals, clubs and classes, selected shops and restaurants. If you would like copies for your establishment please let us know.
Families Cambridgeshire is a franchise of Families Print Ltd of 75 Lisbon Avenue, Twickenham, TW2 5HL. Families is a registered trademark of Families Print Ltd. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. The contents of Families Cambridgeshire are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Cambridgeshire. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine but the franchise owner and Families Print Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers, nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.
Bright Horizons, one of the UK’s Best Workplaces™, is delighted to announce that applications are open to join the teams at two of its brand-new nurseries in Cambridgeshire. The new nurseries should both open later this year. One will be on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus located on Francis Crick Avenue, while the other will be located on Milton Road in Cambridge. Both nurseries will offer children aged 3 months to 5 years environments where they can flourish.
Ros Marshall, UK Managing Director at Bright Horizons, said “We’re looking forward to welcoming families to our newest nurseries in Cambridgeshire. A key priority for us now is the recruitment of early years professionals. We’re keen to attract the best people to Bright Horizons and ensure the teams are ready for these new openings.
Bright Horizons already has eight nurseries in Cambridgeshire and is a leading Early Years provider in the area. It provides a comprehensive range of support and benefits for its people as well as sector-leading professional development through a diverse range of learning opportunities. From classroom sessions to online courses and e-learning resources, Bright Horizons ensures that all its colleagues receive tailored, wide-ranging and accessible training experiences. More info at: www.careers.brighthorizons.com/uk/en/home
Ready, Set, Read!
The Summer Reading Challenge encourages children ages 4 to 11 to read six library books during the long summer holiday and collect rewards, such as stickers, on their way to receiving their challenge certificate and medal.
Children can read any books they like on the Summer Reading Challenge; stories, fact books, poetry, jokes and / or graphic novels. This year's theme is Marvellous Makers and the organiser’s aim is to tap into children’s imaginations, telling amazing stories and coming up with fun new creations, to celebrate the creative arts.
It’s all free, fun and a great way to keep children reading over the summer holidays. The Challenge will launch in libraries on 6th July and continues until 1st September. More info: www.summerreadingchallenge. org.uk
According to new data, a quarter of children ages 3 and 4 in the UK now own a smartphone – a fact that comes as the government considers banning all children under 16 from owning a mobile phone.
The figures, from the communications regulator Ofcom, show high and rising rates of online activity by children of infant-school age, with 38% of children ages 5 to 7 using social media (compared with 30% a year ago) and 76% of them using a tablet.
Ofcom’s annual study of children’s online habits also found the proportion of children ages 5 to 7 sending messages or making voice and video calls had risen from 59% to 65% in the last year. The number of children of that age using WhatsApp rose from 29% to 37% and the proportion using TikTok increased from 25% to 30%. More info: www.ofcom.org.uk
Children, and parents, will love the limitless open-ended STEAM learning opportunities that CONNETIX, the colourful magnetic tiles, inspire.
The super versatile CONNETIX tiles provide a blank canvas for children to create their own 2D and 3D masterpieces, from castles to race-tracks, rainbows, animals, elaborate ball runs and so much more. Through playfully exploring, designing and constructing their fantastic builds, children are exposed to a wide range of STEAM learning concepts. They'll be discovering shapes and colours, and exploring gravity and motion, magnetism, construction and engineering.
3yrs+ from £28 to £180. www.connetixtiles.com, www.amazon.co.uk
The Big Butterfly Count is a UK-wide survey which helps to assess the health of our environment by counting the amount and type of butterflies we see.
This year, the world’s biggest survey of butterflies will take place from Friday 12th July until Sunday 4th August.
The annual citizen science programme attracts tens of thousands of people out into their garden, local green space or the countryside to spend fifteen minutes counting butterflies and helping to inform conservation action.
Butterflies are indicators of a healthy natural environment and, with half of Britain’s butterfly species already threatened or near threatened with extinction, it’s never been more important to understand how our insects are responding to the changing climate and to take action to protect them.
More info: www.bigbutterflycount.org or download the FREE Big Butterfly Count app.
The Festival of Archaeology will be running from 13th to 28th July and this year’s theme is Archaeology and Community.
At its heart, archaeology is all about people and how we explore and interpret the past through the lens of the present day. Archaeology has the unique ability to bring people from all walks of life together through our shared sense of community – what it meant in the past, what it means to us now and how we can shape our future.
Through nationwide digital and on-site events, archaeological experts will help families discover how their local landscape has changed to become what it is now, as well as discover exciting stories about their local community.
Join educational guided walks, listen to talks, get involved with exciting archaeological excavations or join digitally online through social media and discover more about your local area.
More info:www.archaeologyuk.org
Stagecoach Cambridge & Cambourne provide quality part-time training in the performing arts for children aged 4 – 18 years. Their aim is to nurture and develop young potential through singing, acting and dance classes in Cambridge & Cambourne, stretching young imaginations and helping to develop confidence, physical awareness, communication and articulation - as well as being educational and fun.
Young people’s participation in the arts provides ideal ways for them to alleviate their physical and mental stresses while meeting their social, emotional and psychological needs through collaboration and focussed engagement, bringing a sense of purpose and ownership to their lives and work.
Stagecoach is the UK’s largest network of performing arts schools, with more than 2,000 extra-curricular performing arts schools worldwide. Stagecoach aims to make a difference in its students' lives by teaching Creative Courage for Life, with many students going on to be professionals and world-renowned actors, singers and dancers. Early Stages classes are available for children aged four to six and Main Stages classes take place for six to 18-year-olds every weekend.
Open Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays after school and at weekends with workshops during the school holidays, join the fun! 01223 359974 stagecoach.co.uk/Cambridge Cambridge@stagecoach.co.uk
Ultimate Activity Camps welcome children between the ages of 4 and 14 between Monday and Friday from 8 am to 6 pm, ensuring a full day of fun and excitement for campers of all ages! Offering actionpacked adventure during this summer break, where the fun never stops. All camps are regulated by Ofsted, so parents can relax knowing that their children will be well-cared for, safety is their top priority, with rigorous protocols in place to ensure your child's well-being. Offering a range of great activities from sports and thrilling survival camps to unleashing creativity through art and inspiring tech camps, there's something for every child’s wild imagination.
Together, they'll embark on unforgettable adventures, conquer challenges, and build memories that will last a lifetime. Ultimate Activity Camps are designed to inspire personal growth and development through teamwork, problem-solving activities, and leadership opportunities. Kids will boost their confidence, resilience, and selfesteem, all while having the time of their lives.
To book a place visit www.UltimateActivityCamps.co.uk
Pupils' futures are being “put at risk” as the number of children enjoying writing in their spare time has plummeted to an “unprecedented low”, the National Literacy Trust has warned. According to the charity, the number of children and young people who said they enjoy writing in their free time has fallen to the lowest point since the National Literacy Trust’s survey started 14 years ago.
A survey of more than 76,000 UK children and young people revealed that fewer than 3 in 10, 8 to 18-year-olds say they enjoy writing in their free time – the lowest level recorded by the charity since it first started surveying children about their writing in 2010.
Last year, 3 in 10, 11-year-olds left primary school without the writing skills expected for their age, while a third of 16-year-olds did not achieve a grade 4 or above in English and maths GCSEs; with those from disadvantaged backgrounds worse affected.
When children and young people enjoy writing and write daily in their free time, their writing skills, critical thinking skills, confidence, creativity and wellbeing benefit.
Providing opportunities for children and young people to feel inspired to write at school was found to be linked to their enjoyment and frequency of writing in their free time. Twice as many young people who took part in a creative writing group, storyteller visit, book group or writing competition in school last year said that they enjoy writing in their free time and write daily compared to their peers who did not take part in those activities.
The National Literacy Trust’s ‘Words for Life’ website provides a wealth of free activities, ideas and inspiration for families to help get children of all ages excited about writing at home: wordsforlife. org.uk/write
Cuddledry, the brand behind the multi award-winning innovation the Hands Free Baby Towel, is a must have for every family, from the beach to bath time!
The genius design ensures there are no more struggles when it comes to getting baba out of the water. Instead of having to hold a towel while simultaneously getting a wet baby safely out the water, the Cuddledry towel attaches around the parent/carers neck like an apron. The thoughtful design, with super cute hood, ensures little ones can be wrapped quickly, easily and quite literally cuddled dry.
Made from a gorgeous two-layer luxurious bamboo towelling fabric, one layer softly absorbs moisture to dry little ones, whilst the other layer keeps the parent dry - genius!
RRP: from £31.99 | Stockist: Sweet Dreamers 0
We offer a quiet, trafficfree area with expert support readily available. Enjoy faster, fun, and eco-friendly journeys with your family.
A baby girl born deaf can hear unaided for the first time, after receiving ground-breaking gene therapy when she was eleven months old at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge.
Opal Sandy from Oxfordshire is the first patient treated in a global gene therapy trial, which shows “mind-blowing” results. She is the first British patient in the world and the youngest child to receive this type of treatment.
Opal was born completely deaf because of a rare genetic condition, auditory neuropathy, caused by the disruption of nerve impulses travelling from the inner ear to the brain.
Within four weeks of having the gene therapy infusion to her right ear, Opal responded to sound, even with the cochlear implant in her left ear switched off.
Clinicians noticed continuous improvement in Opal’s hearing in the weeks afterwards and at 24 weeks confirmed close to normal hearing levels for soft sounds, such as whispering, in her treated ear. Now 18 months old, Opal can respond to her parents’ voices and can communicate words such as “Dada” and “bye-bye.”
Children with a variation in the OTOF gene often pass the newborn screening, as the hair cells are working, but they are not talking to the nerve. It means this hearing loss is not commonly detected until children are 2 or 3 years of age – when a delay in speech is likely to be noticed.
team@outspokencycles.co.uk
The Bike Depot, 140 Cowley Rd, Cambridge, CB4 0DL
Professor Bance added: “We have a short time frame to intervene because of the rapid pace of brain development at this age. Delays in the diagnosis can also cause confusion for families as the many reasons for delayed speech and late intervention can impact a children’s development.”
www.cuh.nhs.uk/news/baby-born-deaf-can-hear-afterbreakthrough-gene-therapy
On Things to do, places to go and fun to be had for kids of all ages in
WHERE: Royston Museum
WHEN: 6th July
Hidden in the grass, along with the bugs there’s a tiny world full of fun. Join Royston Museum this summer to play traditional fayre games, nature themed crafts and their interactive bubble show! There’s something for the whole family. FREE www.roystonmuseum.org.uk
WHERE: Cambridge University Botanic Garden
WHEN: 6th July, 10.00 – 13.00
Find out all about these mysterious creatures and make a moth mobile. Speak to the Botanic Garden moth trapping team and find out if they have caught anything in their trap. Age 3+ Free. Booking essential. Adult garden entry payable. www.botanic.cam.ac.uk/
WHERE: Parks in and around
Cambridge
WHEN: 14th July and 4th, 11th & 18th August and 1st September, 15.00 – 17.00
While away a couple of hours on a lazy Sunday afternoon by packing up a picnic, grabbing a blanket and heading down to enjoy free music events, promising to be extra special this summer, with eight music events taking place on various Sundays from July 14th to September 1st. FREE www.cambridgelive.org.uk/cityevents/Music-in-the-Parks
WHERE: Cambridge Arts Theatre
WHEN: 11th – 14th July
Spot is having a very special birthday party and you’re invited! With party hats, songs, dancing and lots of interactive party games, this is going to be the best birthday party ever! Every ticket to Spot's Birthday Party comes with a free party hat and a post-show meet & greet with Spot! Age 2+. £18.00, www.cambridgeartstheatre.com
WHERE: Skylark Garden Centre, Wimblington
WHEN: 20th July – 2nd
September
Explore the GIANT 12-acre themed Maize Maze; have UNLIMITED fun for 1 day with everything the funyard has to offer, including Go-Karts, Pig Racing, Water Wars, The Beach, King Coop’s Castle, Scarecrow Smash, Bale Mountain and much more! From £12.00 when booked online with code skylark-events.co.uk
WHERE: Royston Museum
WHEN: 25th July – 1st September (Thursday – Sunday)
Time travel through thousands of years of history this summer at Royston Museum. Explore a different part of their history each week, starting with Royston’s first settlers 5000 years ago. Get up close to real objects from their past, make fun crafts to take home and much more.
£3.00 per child or £6.00 for all 6 weeks! www.roystonmuseum.org.uk
WHERE: University of Cambridge Museums and beyond!
WHEN: 23rd July – 2nd
September
At venues across Cambridgeshire with everything from storytelling and play-based activities for younger children to hands-on happenings suitable for all ages. Many events FREE www.museums.cam.ac.uk
WHERE: Nene Valley Railway, Peterborough
WHEN: 27th and 28th July
Travel behind Thomas on his Branch Line to his countryside station at Yarwell passing through the Wansford Tunnel. If you want to travel to Peterborough and enjoy a longer ride, a Rover ticket will be required, which will include your Thomas trip. From £5.00 www.nvr.org.uk
WHERE: Milton Country Park
WHEN: 31st July, 15.00
Filled with catchy music, heaps of audience interaction, and a laugh-a-minute script, this hilarious and exciting musical of the boy who never grew up promises to have every member of the family entertained throughout…You’ll be HOOKED! Suitable for ages 4+ From £14.50 www.immersiontheatre.co.uk
WHERE: Nene Valley Railway, Peterborough
WHEN: 2nd August, 12.00
Join Thomas on his Big Adventure, as he takes the main line from Peterborough to Wansford with his special train. On arrival at Wansford, enjoy a fun-packed hour with the Adventure Show, Miniature Railway and Playground - the ideal place for the kids to let off steam. From £10.00, www.nvr.org.uk
WHERE: Nene Valley Railway, Peterborough
WHEN: 18th August
A wondrous journey through the world of Witchcraft and Wizardry where you will see the enthusiastic wizard JJ as he tries to perfect his magical skills, and Professor Persephone as she tries to teach JJ how to use magic correctly. Maybe learn some spells too before boarding the magical train. www.nvr.org.uk
Dinosaur World Live
WHERE: Cambridge Arts Theatre
WHEN: 19th – 21st August
Follow an intrepid explorer across uncharted territories to discover a pre-historic world of astonishing (and remarkably life-like) dinosaurs. Meet a host of impressive creatures, including every child's favourite flesheating giant, the Tyrannosaurus Rex! A special meet and greet after the show offers all brave explorers the chance to make a new dinosaur friend. £20.00 www.cambridgeartstheatre.com
The Flying Codman
WHERE: Nene Valley Railway, Peterborough
WHEN: 22nd August, 14.30
Enjoy one of their daytime Fish and Chip Services with Family and Friends. Jump on board one of NVR's trains and tuck into a freshly cooked chippy tea from Fryz of Bretton Chip Shop. From £10.00 www.nvr.org.uk
WHERE: Cambridge Arts Theatre
WHEN: 23rd – 25th August
Join the tea-guzzling tiger in this delightful family show; packed with oodles of magic, sing-along songs and clumsy chaos. Don’t miss this stunning stage adaptation of the classic tale of teatime mayhem... expect to be surprised! £18.00 www.cambridgeartstheatre.com
Thomas and his Teddy Bears Big Adventure
WHERE: Nene Valley Railway, Peterborough
WHEN: 23rd August, 12.00
Come and join Thomas on his Big Adventure, and bring your Teddy out for a ride, as he takes the main line from Peterborough to Wansford. Enjoy a fun-packed hour with the Adventure Show, Miniature Railway and Playground - the ideal place for the kids to let off steam. From £10.00 www.nvr.org.uk
WHERE: Farms in Cambridgeshire WHEN: July and August Pidley Park Farm, Hunts and Lidgate Farm in Isleham are just two of the farms open in the region during the PYO season. Check each venue for opening times and types of fruit available. www.pyo.co.uk
Heritage Craft Weekend
WHERE: Denny Abbey, Waterbeach
WHEN: 25th August
Visit a wide range of heritage crafts people who will be showcasing their trade. From wood turning to beekeeping, each stallholder will also have a variety of handmade items on sale. Normal admission plus donation www.dennyfarmlandmuseum. org.uk
WHERE: Stow Bardolph
WHEN: July and August, 10.00 – 17.00
Make friends with a wide variety of tame animals and experience all their young at close quarters throughout the season as well as enjoying their adventure playground. 01366 382162 www.churchfarmstowbardolph. co.uk
WHERE: Hannam’s Wake Hub, Stretham
WHEN: July & August weekends during school holidays, 10:00 –18:00
Inflatable obstacle course for summer fun with your family and friends. Price includes life jacket and wetsuit. Ringo rides and cable knee-boarding /wakeboarding are also available. Pre-book. £22pp/hour www.cambridgeaquapark.com 01353 886955
Lido
WHERE: Jesus Green WHEN: July and August, 7.00 – 19.00
The Lido is unheated, wetsuits are not compulsory but are strongly recommended at water temperatures below 14 degrees. There is a newly built Sauna, sunbathing space and a small hut for refreshments and ice creams nearby. Prices from £3.50 www.better.org.uk
You can make a real difference to the lives of children or young people as a foster carer for your local authority.
Generous pay and benefits
24/7 support
Local training and development
Local support groups and networking opportunities
If you are over 21, have a spare bedroom, and are willing and able to provide a stable and loving environment for children, then we want to hear from you.
0800 052 0078
Text FOSTERING to 60777
Email fostering@cambridgeshire gov uk Visit cambridgeshire gov uk/fostering
Starting or changing school can be both an exciting and nerve-wracking business, not only for parents but also for children who pick up on the vibe at home. With planning, you can feel more confident in the way you support and celebrate your child’s milestones and transitions as they occur.
Be sure to read the information pack provided by school.
• Teach your child to dress in their school clothes as independently as possible.
• Show your child how to use cutlery for school lunches; or packed lunch boxes and wrappers.
• Practise listening skills by giving instructions and asking your child to repeat them back to you.
• Have fun with activities that practise fine motor skills, such as tracing or threading beads.
• Explain that school is the place they will learn skills such as reading and writing, to help them in life. And make new friends to play with!
• Let them know their teacher will be excited to meet them and is hoping they are kind and friendly as well. This helps your child to be more relaxed.
• If your child is a little anxious, it can help to remind them where you’ll be and what you’ll be doing while they’re at school. Tell them you’ll be thinking about them and looking forward to seeing them at the end of the day.
• It helps to prepare for returning to school after the long summer holidays.
• A week before school starts in September, tell your child it’s time to get their brain ready to learn again, which means getting used to school bedtimes! It also usually means getting up earlier than in the holiday. Start to limit screen time that can distract their brain and make concentration at school more difficult. Put together a homework kit and decide when and where homework will be done (allowing for after school clubs).
• Getting organised and putting a few things in place before the new school year will make for an easier start in September!
• Moving to secondary school is another big transition that many children look forward to but can find a little overwhelming when it happens. In the weeks leading up to the new term:
• Remind them that no one expects them to be perfect. If they get lost during the first week, all they need to do is ask for help! Talk about what is likely to be expected of them and remind them you’re still available for help and support at home. This reassures their brain and helps their confidence.
• Tell them that if they’re not sure of something, asking questions is okay, providing they’re polite.
• Explain that it’s fine to feel excited and a little bit anxious. Ask them if there’s anything they’re worried about. Aim to suggest reassuring and practical solutions to even their smallest worries, which are quite normal when starting a new phase.
Finally, relax! Your child will feel more confident if you are proud of who they are and delighted with the progress they are making.
Gail Hugman is proprietor of Lessons Alive (www.lessonsalive.com) and author of A Short and Simple Book for the Why’s, 100 Things to Learn before you’re 10, plus the recently published Making the Pennies Drop, which shows parents exactly how to teach key skills to children.
Planning for homework before school starts helps set expectations. First, decide where the homework will be done and ask your child what they think would help them to be organised.
Prepare a homework kit in a box or drawer. This can save valuable minutes in a busy evening. It helps your child focus on their assignments rather than spend time searching for a pencil! Work on it together and put them in charge of making a checklist. Ask them to make sure everything goes back when they’ve finished and let you know if things wear out or get lost and need to be replaced.
Older children may be given a small budget for essential equipment which encourages responsibility and organisation.
Useful items include: a timer – helps brains to stay focused; pen; pencils; colouring pencils; eraser; pencil sharpener; ruler; dictionary; glue stick; scissors; protractor; Post-its; paper; counters; spelling practice sheets; dice; string; hole punch; paper clips; plastic pockets for work; stress or juggling balls; craft materials; water; background calming music (optional!)
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Things to do this Summer - drama, music & sport something for everyone in
Ultimate Activity Summer Camp
WHEN: 22nd July – 23rd August
8.30 – 5.15 (Extended hours
8.00 – 18.00)
WHERE: Sancton Wood Prep School
Kids can enjoy a range of over 40 sports, games and craft activities each week, led by inspiring experienced staff in superb facilities. Take the stress out of childcare and join this outstanding Ofsted regulated school holiday club! (Age 4 – 14) www.ultimateactivity.co.uk
WHEN: 8th July – 2nd August, 8.00 – 17.30
WHERE: The Perse School, Cambridge Open to children aged 7 to 19 from all schools offering a huge range of courses including hockey, cookery, outdoor pursuits, golf, photography and water sports. All courses run for a week of mornings or a week of afternoons. persesummerschool.co.uk
Stagecoach Holiday Drama Clubs and Workshops (age 7 – 15)
WHEN: 22nd July – 16th August, 10.00 – 16.00
WHERE: Coleridge Campus, Cambridge Students will study drama, dance and singing all lead by specialist and DBS checked teachers. They will work towards a musical theatre piece to perform for family and friends on the final afternoon. No previous experience is necessary, only energy and enthusiasm! www.stagecoach.co.uk 01223 359974
Summer Holiday PlayScheme (4 – 11 years)
WHEN: 22nd July – 2nd September, 8.00 – 18.00
WHERE: Various locations around Cambridgeshire
Fully supervised care throughout the school holidays where children may participate in arts and crafts, play games, read or chat amongst themselves in a safe and secure environment. Each week has a theme and the activities and outings are based around that theme. cambridgekidsclub.com
WHEN: 5th - 8th and 19th - 22nd August
Course
WHERE: Impington Village College, Impington
Performing arts training for Razz Tots (2-3yrs), Minis (4-5yrs), Juniors (6-8), Inters (9-11yrs) to Razz Seniors (12-18yrs) along with Street Dance (7-18yrs) and Acro Arts (7-18yrs), with access to talented performers through specialist workshops and classes. Small classes to nurture a child’s confidence and self-esteem, plus a lot of fun. From £72 for 12 weeks. Free taster session available.
www.cambridge.razzamataz. co.uk 01223 755113 or 07895 347239
WHERE: Paxton Lakes, Little Paxton
Official RYA training centre that welcomes people 8 years+, with large selection of boats and equipment available. Tuition in 4 lessons, either mornings or afternoons on 4 consecutive days. Online booking site webcollect.org.uk/plsc
Adult £130.00
Child (minimum age 8) £110.00 ww.paxtonlakes.org.uk 07736 670570 (evenings only)
WHEN: July and August
WHERE: Royston Museum
From collage to clay, printmaking to photography Royston Museum has a range of workshops for children to enjoy this summer. Lasting 90 minutes and led by a talented facilitator, each workshop is a great opportunity for children aged 8+ to get creative and learn something new. £10.00 per child www.roystonmuseum.org.uk
WHERE: Chesterton Community College; Coleridge Campus, Cambridge; and Cambourne Village College, Cambourne Stagecoach aims to nurture and develop young potential through singing, acting and dance classes in Cambridge & Cambourne, stretching young imaginations and helping them to develop confidence, physical awareness, communication and articulation. From £25.00 for two-week trial www.stagecoach.co.uk 01223 359974
WHERE: North Cambridge Academy, Arbury Rd, Cambridge A series of fun classes for young children: Creepy Crawlies and Wiggly Worms (6wks to crawling); Toddling Tigers (crawling to 2yrs); Jumpy Joeys (2-3yrs), and Marvellous Monkeys (3-4yrs). Pre-book for term.
From £7.30/session
www.cambridgegymnastics. co.uk, 07971 864653
The term ‘cultural capital’ entered the social consciousness in 1979, when Pierre Bourdieu introduced the concept in his book Distinction: A Social Critique of the Judgement of Taste. Broadly speaking, it refers to the knowledge, skills and experiences that are valued by a society.
It is thought that those who gain and harness this type of knowledge are more likely to have a social advantage. Take a child who is regularly taken to libraries, museums and sports games, with further crosscultural experiences through travel. It completely follows that this child is likely to excel further in their education and enjoy more social mobility than a child who is not offered these experiences.
Cultural capital is sometimes thought of as the background knowledge to understanding a culture. For example, a passage in your child’s English test might mention that food has been ‘sautéed.’ A child who has had the benefit of eating in restaurants using this descriptor may well understand the term, whereas another child who has not had these experiences will not. This gives the first child a reading advantage. Latin words are another obvious example. A child who has had some training in Latin might come to automatically understand Latin phrases in our everyday lives eg the Invictus Games or phrases such as ‘quid pro quo.’
Now don’t worry, I’m really not about to suggest that you start taking your child to Michelin starred restaurants and enrol them in an immersive Latin course this summer! However, it is valuable to think about how you can equip your child with the type of knowledge, skills and experiences that can help them both in school (reading especially) and in their life beyond. In fact, research has proven that background knowledge compensates for a weaker reading ability, so any opportunities to bolster your child’s background knowledge are beneficial.
Some people are concerned that attempts to teach cultural capitalism might lead to expressions of cultural elitism and it is certainly a reasonable concern. However, providing broad based knowledge and experiences are not exclusive to a single culture and your child should certainly not be getting the impression that one culture is superior to another.
In conclusion, it is definitely worth considering how to support your child’s background knowledge, in the form of cultural capital.
The summer holidays give you time to line up some culturally rich activities for your kids. It’s great to capitalise on your local area and look for low-cost activities.
Check out whether your nearest museums are hosting events for children over summer. Why not visit the museum anyway to soak up some local history? We often take local places of historical significance or interest for granted but this summer you could spend longer there and seek to learn a bit more together.
Local libraries may also be running events for kids over the summer. Or deep dive into one of your child’s interests and borrow a stack of non-fiction books on the subject. Galleries and exhibitions may also be popping up in your local area: have a look at what’s on in July and August.
Cultural capital is not and should not be limited to a single culture, so do try to go beyond British culture. Are there any local opportunities to experience forms of art from other cultures?
Erin Miller is a teacher with a keen interest in how research can be used in the classroom to improve learning.
If finding outside experiences rich in cultural capital seems easier said than done, there’s still plenty you can do from home.
The best place to start is with books. The World Book Day website (www.worldbookday.com) has quality recommendations for children’s books, both old and new and spanning the globe. For reluctant readers, try audiobooks.
Many galleries and museums have award-winning online virtual tours and activities. For older children, these include the National Gallery at www.bit.ly/ngvirtualt and the British Museum at www.bit. ly/britmu
With a general election coming up, it could also be a good time to introduce your child to the world of politics. You could encourage your child to research your local candidates and discover some of the differences between the main parties. Finally, how about trying out some new foods over summer? Perhaps try a new recipe at home with foods you wouldn’t normally eat.
22nd - 28th July
Summer week 1 - 7 - 15 years old
29 th July - 4th August
Summer week 2 - 7 - 15 years old
5th August - 9 th August
Summer week 3 - 7 - 15 years old
12th August - 16th August
Summer week 3 - 7 - 15 years old
