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Families Issue 131.qxp 06/03/2022 09:16 Page 1

IN THIS ISSUE

Easter Fun What’s On Clubs & Classes

Issue 131 March / April 2022

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Families Issue 131.qxp 06/03/2022 09:17 Page 2

Cut out and Keep

Make an Easter birds nest! Spring is springing and the birds are nesting. So why not take the time to get crafty with the kids and help them make their own bird’s nest for Easter. Once you have gathered all of the pieces, you can put together your bird’s nest in no time. Your child will love developing new skills as they explore making, sticking and creating. Once the nest is complete, why not go on a walk and enjoy the sights and sounds of spring and see if you can spot birds’ nests in the trees? You will need: • • •

Paper plate Brown paper squares Brown shredded paper

• • •

Feathers Wiggling eyes Bird cut outs (see below)

Instructions:

Step 1:

Cut the paper plate in half. With one half, cut out a semicircle.

Step 2:

Cover both halves in brown paper.

Step 3:

Add the brown shredded paper to the half with the semi-circle cut out.

Step 4:

Step 5:

Then cut out the blue and yellow circles with the bird beaks in them and stick into the nest.

Step 6:

Add the wiggly eyes and feathers to the birds. And, ta da, your nest is complete!

Stick the two pieces together, the half with the shredded paper on it on top of the other (so it makes a nest).

With thanks to Karen Allen, co-owner of Kidzplay Playbox for this craft activity. Kidzplay Playbox produces creative playboxes which are guaranteed to be fun and contain high quality, engaging activities. Visit www.kidzplay.co.uk for playboxes delivered to your door.

16 Families XXX

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Families Issue 131.qxp 06/03/2022 09:41 Page 3

What’s Inside 4 5

Local News & Views Meet the Head

6 7 8-9 10-11 12-15

Get in Touch

by Mike Kane, Headmaster of ESMS Junior School

0131 622 0405

Habit Stacking Can you choose a school Clubs & Classes Holiday Camps Out & About

editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk @FamiliesEdinburghMagazine @Familiesedinbur

Join our Team After 15 years the mother daughter super team, Karen and Kathryn, have hung up their delivery sheets for the last time. They have played a MASSIVE part of the life of Families Edinburgh magazine helping to get the copy of the magazine you are now reading into your hands. I miss them already. While they have left big shoes to fill they sadly do need filling. If you are looking for some very flexible, very part time work helping to deliver Families Edinburgh then get in touch! A car is needed for this role. Email: editor @familiesedinburgh.co.uk

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Families Issue 131.qxp 06/03/2022 09:40 Page 4

news &views

New Montessori Primary School in Edinburgh.

Experience Edinburgh’s Newest TEE-rific Virtual Golf Centre! AccessEA are delighted to introduce their brand-new Virtual Golf Centre situated in the heart of New Town.

The Montessori Nursery School in Murrayfield is delighted to announce they will shortly be welcoming children aged 6–12.

This state-of-the-art golf simulator is open to the public for practice, to learn or to play (6pm–10pm weekdays / 9am– 5pm weekends). Practice on one of 37 courses including Gleneagles, Loch Lomond and The Belfrey. Learn from one of our expert coaches. Or simply come along and Play the many interactive games available. To book a time, visit www.accessea.co.uk/sports-hub/virtual-golf-centre/ Or contact info@accessea.co.uk Teenage life is the most awkward seven years you’ll ever have. 84 months of change, 364 weeks of weird and 2,555 days of scrolling and inconvenience. In the grand scheme of life, it’s not a lot. Unless you’re an actual teenager, in which case, it’s EVERYTHING! This is a personal development title for teens, with a difference – there’s no waffle, no dad chat, no fluff. Full of hilarious, real-life inspiration and a few crazy ideas along the way, A Head Full of Everything will leave readers feeling motivated, energised and reassured that nobody has life all figured out. In his new book, bestselling author, award-winning comedian and international keynote speaker, Gavin Oattes will challenge you to embrace your inner weird, to never grow up, be true to yourself, protect your mental health and be sure that, for your seven glorious teenage years, you act your age. Literally. Out now £12.99

Their world-renowned Montessori curriculum supports a holistic approach that unlocks the natural curiosity of children, developing confident life-long learners and responsible citizens of the world. Supported by a caring and highly experienced team, children will also have opportunities in Art, Nature and Spanish, as they develop academic learning, interpersonal skills, empathy, resilience, joy and a thirst to discover more. The new school plans to open in August 2022. For more information contact info@themontessorinurseryschool.com www.themontessorinurseryschool.com

“Free the child's potential, and you will transform them into the world.” ~ Maria Montessori

Edinburgh Startup wins Theo Paphitis Small Business Sunday Award Congratulations to Jenni Fuchs from Edinburgh, who started up her unisex children’s clothing brand Awsm Street during lockdown. Finding herself out of working during the pandemic, following a career of over 15 years in the cultural sector, Jenni was inspired to launch Awsm Street after being frustrated at the lack of clothing choices on the High Street for her two boys. She says “Everything was either very gendered towards the stereotypical pink or blue, of increasingly colourless the older my boys got. But they love to live life colourfully, so I decided to make our own clothes and show that unisex clothing doesn’t have to mean monochrome. We believe that all colours are for everyone!”

Montessori Primary School for children aged 6-12 opening in Murrayfield August 2022. Monday - Friday (term time) 8.15 - 15.30 0131 346 8921 www.themontessorinurseryschool.com

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Families Issue 131.qxp 06/03/2022 09:17 Page 5

Meet THE head

My name is Mike Kane, and I am the Headmaster of ESMS Junior School here in beautiful Edinburgh.

At ESMS, our children are taught together in our Junior School from Nursery to Primary 7, then at Senior School they receive the benefits of single-sex education before joining together again for a co-educational Sixth Form.

How would the students at the ESMS Junior School describe you?

How do you think a Headteacher can make a difference to an individual student?

This is always a tricky question, as you are inevitably drawn to say what you hope the answer would be. I would like to think that the children see me as someone who smiles a lot and someone who likes to stop, chat and have a joke. They probably think I like to talk a lot too. Above all, I hope they see me as someone who cares and who is interested in their world and what is happening to them.

I think a Headteacher can make fundamental differences to each individual student in a myriad of ways. There are the personal interactions, and it is so important that you can show that you are invested in those around you. This can show itself in the classroom; it can show itself in the corridors with brief passing interactions and for a Headteacher in particular, it shows itself in your willingness to attend as many events as possible. Above all, a Headteacher can set a tone. They can show it is ok to make mistakes as long as you try and as long as you are honest. A Headteacher can demonstrate the importance of values which matter beyond life in the school and for life in the workplace.

What was it about the ESMS Junior School that made you want to apply for the position? I started working at ESMS as an English Teacher at Stewart’s Melville College. I spent many happy years there, progressing through the ranks to become a Head of Guidance before joining the management team as Head of the Upper School. 6 years ago, I made the move to become the Headmaster of the Junior School. The attraction of being the Headmaster of the Junior School was entirely down to the opportunity to play an important role in supporting the education of so many children. Knowing our ESMS Senior Schools as I did, there was also the great advantage in knowing where the children would go next, and this certainly played a part in coming across to operate at this level. I have always been in awe of the work rate and care shown by primary teachers – who wouldn’t want to work with people like that?

What inspired you to become a teacher and later a Headmaster? Initially it was undoubtedly my love for English Literature and English Language which led me into this career. As a student I helped edit the student newspaper at my university and saw that as a possible career path, but before coming to university I had the opportunity to work as a student teacher in Poland for UNESCO at a time before the wall came down. I spent my time there teaching English and coaching karate, which I look back on fondly. Therefore, to find a place like ESMS which encourages academic teaching and the offering of extra-curricular interests, was a major draw..

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Tell us something about yourself that no one else knows? I have one particular affliction: I am a terrible singer, but I love to sing! Ordinarily, this doesn’t cause many problems, but as the Headmaster of the ESMS Junior School, when there are prizegivings and assemblies; it can be an issue, especially if I am in front of a microphone. Girls and boys in my school may not know that when it comes to singing together, the technicians all know to turn my microphone off, so that when I am singing with gusto, I do not put off all the beautiful singers around me. I think it is for the best! To find out more about an ESMS education or arrange a tour of our purposebuilt facilities and extensive outdoor play spaces, please contact our Admissions Manager, Hannah Ireland. Email: admissions@esms.org.uk Tel: 0131 311 1111

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Tidy bedrooms and school performance By Usha Patel The instruction ‘Tidy your room!’ is the bane of most children’s lives. But there’s so much more to keeping bedrooms tidy than maintaining a positive environment. In fact, the very act of regular tidying can actually help children in other areas of their life too, including at school. It’s all part of building certain processes and routines that are important to their overall development. Nurturing a sense of tidiness By the age of four, children can usually hold just one notion in their active memory, for instance, immediate instructions such as picking up certain toys or doing one tidying job. Young children often struggle with being given too much to do all at once simply because their active memory is quickly drained. However, by the time they are sixteen, they can hold six or even seven notions in their active memory at a time. If you want your child to more easily absorb a sequence of instructions, you can try habit stacking, with tidying their bedroom a perfect example of how to nurture it. Habit stacking is achieved by linking an existing habit with a new one you want to create. How a tidy bedroom can help with working memory How easily can your child find something in their bedroom? To recall where a particular item is, children first need to retrieve the information from their long-term memory storage and bring it forward to their active thinking. The more items they have to put away, the more working memory is used to remember where each one is located.

Working memory is a critical cognitive function for everyday activities from learning to reading, remembering spellings, maths and mathematical tasks. By encouraging your child to start small and create the tidying habit and then retrieve the items, you are exercising that same part of the brain. It’s impossible to overstate just how important working memory is in every aspect of your child’s life. In fact, Dr Tracy Packiam Alloway, award-winning psychologist who has conducted extensive research on memory and the brain, states it is a more significant indicator of academic success than IQ. So, there’s no need to feel like you are being a nag when you ask your child to tidy their room; it really is good for them. There’s a direct line from toybox to brainbox - just don’t expect them to thank you for it yet! Usha Patel (www.ravivpracticelondon.co.uk) is a neurocognitive therapist and an expert in special educational needs.

Habit stacking to improve bedroom tidying

Tips for improving tidying and working memory

Beds take up a large portion of any bedroom and having a madeup bed can contribute to a ninety percent tidier room if your child’s room is small. Using a habit stack to instruct your child to make their bed could be worded like this:

Introduce and start using habit stacking from a young age.

‘After your feet touch the floor in the morning, plump up your pillow and pull the cover straight to make your bed. After making your bed, head straight to the bathroom’. A room tidying habit stack might sound like this:

Celebrate the implementation of each new habit with plenty of praise and encouragement. Comment on how much better your child’s room looks and how pleased you are with their efforts; Dr BJ Fogg says happiness helps behaviour change! Creating and ingraining a new habit usually takes around twenty one days. Once the habit is in place, add another and keep going. Gradually build the chain of habits to achieve the right result.

‘Pick up your cars and put them in the blue crate. Then sit your soft toys next to each other on the shelf.’

Exercise your four-year-old child’s working memory by asking them to retrieve one item. Build up to four items by age nine and seven by age sixteen.

Habit stacking becomes a routine that can be easily adapted and made more complex with age. It creates a series of sequential steps that leave no gaps for distraction. Importantly, it does not drain active memory. If you want to find out more, Habit Stacking creator Dr BJ Fogg’s book Tiny Habits is an excellent guide to the science of behaviour change.

Every child develops at their own pace, bear this in mind and support or reduce when needed at every stage.

6 Families Edinburgh

When you deem them old enough, explain the science behind what they are learning and how clever they are making their brains!

Call us on 0131 622 0405

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Families Issue 131.qxp 06/03/2022 09:17 Page 7

Your child’s education - can you choose their school? Choosing a school for your child is one of the most important decisions that parents and carers make. In Scotland, children attending mainstream schools are assigned places at their catchment area schools, but for a variety of reasons, parents may wish for their children to be educated at schools other than their catchment school. As a parent, you have a right to request this, but you will need to make something known as a ‘placing request’ to the education authority in which their chosen school is located. The relevant local authority website will usually have details of their processes and timescales. The deadlines for placing requests will vary depending on the timescales set by the local authority concerned and this information will be available online. Generally a placing request is normally made shortly after a child is registered for their catchment school, sometime between December and February many months before the new school year starts. Where primary aged children are concerned, it is important that you register the child for their catchment school before making the placing request. While you have the right to ask for your child to be educated in a different school, the reality is that the pressure on education authority resources is always increasing. Practically speaking, space often can’t be found at the most popular state schools for every child that might wish to be educated there. Therefore the education authority has certain exemptions which allow the refusal of the placing request in certain circumstances. These exemptions are known as statutory grounds of refusal. It is the responsibility of the education authority to prove that that particular exemption exists.

appropriate in all the circumstances to refuse your appeal. It is up to the council to provide enough evidence to prove these points. You have the right to appear or be represented at the appeal committee hearing. The appeal can be decided on the paperwork alone, but we would recommend that you attend the hearing. Once the hearing is concluded, the decision may be delivered at the end of the hearing or the appeal committee hearing may require further time to consider matters and they will advise you of the outcome in writing later. A parent who has made an unsuccessful reference to the appeal committee may then appeal to the Sheriff Court. You must lodge an appeal within 28 days of the decision. At this stage, if not before, your case will benefit from clear, practical legal advice.

At Gibson Kerr, our education law solicitors are here to help you understand the process and how best to present your case. So if you need advice, please don’t hesitate to contact our Family Law Partner,

Fiona Rasmusen, on 0131 226 9161 or email fiona.rasmusen@gibsonkerr.co.uk.

Once a placing request is made, the local authority will consider it and issue their decision to the parents. If the placing request is refused, the letter will confirm why. It is at that stage that an appeal can be made. You would normally have 28 days to appeal that decision to the education appeal committee of your education authority. The letter of appeal is called the ‘reference’ to the appeal committee. The appeal committee must grant you an appeal unless there is a ground for refusal and it is

www.gibsonkerr.co.uk

You can’t choose their future career. But you have the right to choose their school. In Scotland, children are automatically offered a place at the school in their catchment area. However, as a parent, you may have reasons for wanting them to attend another school. And you have the right to ask for a place at a school of your choice. At Gibson Kerr, our solicitors have experience in educational law cases and can guide you through the appeal process, helping you give them the best start you can, whatever their future plans. If you want to learn more about making a request on behalf of your child, or any other aspect of educational law, including appealing disciplinary decisions from universities, get in touch for a chat with our Family Law Partner, Fiona Rasmusen, on 0131 226 9161 or email fiona.rasmusen@gibsonkerr.co.uk. www.gibsonkerr.co.uk

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Families Issue 131.qxp 06/03/2022 09:52 Page 8

CLUBS&CLASSES EDA, voted highest ranked dance school in the UK and Ireland offers classes in RAD Ballet, the faculty being led by RAD Ballet examiner Julie Mitchell. EDA also offer classes in Commercial, Pre School Dance (for those little movers!), Parent and child Tennie Toes classes, Jazz, Tap, Acro, Turns and Limbering, Progressing Ballet Technique, Contemporary (led by i-D Company examiner Jenni Inglis), Boys only classes, Competition classes and much more! (Including performing each year at the King's Panto!). We pride ourselves on our high standards and constantly apply ourselves to be the best we can be but the most important thing is that all of our pupils are cared for, nurtured and have FUN!! All taster lessons are FREE! For more information please email hello@eda.scot BRAND NEW Teenie Toes classes in Stockbridge/Comely Bank and Corstorphine! Our Teenie Toes classes are aimed at children aged 16 months (or walking!) to 2.5yrs. Our fun and creative classes will encourage musicality, listening skills and coordination and are all delivered in a safe and caring environment. Parents/carers are invited to join these classes and what better way to make special dance memories with your little one! Email hello@eda.scot to book a FREE TASTER CLASS !

Rugbytots is a highly energetic play programme for boys and girls aged 2-7 years that has run in Scotland since 2008 with classes in most regions. One mum recently commented “Many thanks, Rugbytots has been by far the best activity that we have taken part in and worth every penny for the range of skills and the discipline.’

Fun packed football classes for children aged 18 months - 5 years. Introduce your child to football in a safe and relaxed atmosphere with the use of great props and imagination. We have the following classes Super Tots (18m – 2.5yrs) Super Kickers (2.5yrs – 3.5yrs) Super Strikers (3.5yrs – 5yrs)

Come along and join in the fun! We have classes running throughout Edinburgh and the Lothians. Trial classes may be available subject to availability. Check our website at www.rugbytots.co.uk to find your nearest venue or e-mail sandra@rugbytots.co.uk or call 0345 313 3252

super-strikers-edinburgh.class4kids.co.uk

That moment, when everything else melts away and their smile washes over you. That skin-to-skin contact, nurturing, bonding and developing in the warmth of the water. Water confidence builds life confidence, for you and your baby, and who better to guide you than the best trained teachers in the world? When you’re ready, we’re ready. We’ll teach you to teach your baby to swim. From lesson one, we’ll get your little one used to the sensation of the water, developing their natural instincts and transforming these into core aquatic skills. We run lessons at 9 pool across Edinburgh and Dalkeith. Call 0131 554 6682 for information.

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Families Issue 131.qxp 06/03/2022 09:17 Page 9

CLUBS&CLASSES

PQA Edinburgh is a dedicated performing arts Academy with classes for children and young adults from 6-18 years old in Comedy & Drama, Musical Theatre (singing & dancing) and Film & Television.

Kip McGrath Centres in Marchmont & Inverleith, continue to provide professional tuition in maths & English, for both in centre and online. The huge success of our online lesson delivery has meant that during lockdown we taught about 10,000 lessons to all ages 5-adult.

At PQA Edinburgh, we are always working on exciting projects to develop skills, confidence and explore our student’s creativity. Every student has something unique to offer, and it’s our job to encourage and develop this! Our team are highly skilled, enthusiastic, and experienced in working with young people in performing arts. We are passionate about providing opportunities for each individual student to grow and develop their skills, whether it’s just for fun or to potentially pursue a career in the industry.

Our results speak for themselves: ‘We wanted to let you know that Paula has got into EA! Thanks to your hard work! Appreciate it’

Our current projects at Nicolson Square include an immersive theatre show, a film challenge and we will be rehearsing for a collaborative musical to be performed in the West End!

'Michael was struggling with maths and now has moved up to the top group. He found the online learning very engaging..' Call or text Indy on 07826 525380 for a FREE assessment.

If you would like to get involved contact edinburgh@pqacademy.com

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Families Issue 131.qxp 06/03/2022 09:17 Page 10

Holiday Camps Dance Base Easter Holiday Camp 18-22 April 2022 10am-5pm daily This Easter, Dance Base has teamed up with Jo Richards and Circus Alba to present a holiday camp packed full of dance, circus, crafts and storytelling. In a week designed to keep your kids active and entertained, the groups will work with on street dance choreography, learn and practise circus skills (including acro-balance, hula hoop and juggling), before using their creativity in craft and storytelling activities. On Friday afternoon there will be a mini-performance so that friends and family can see what the groups have been working on. With a group for P2-4 and another for P5-7, the full camp is £150 (£130 additional child) with some subsidised £75 places available. Visit dancebase.co.uk for full details.

HOP, SKIP and JUMP into Easter with AccessEA! Join in this Easter for our EGG-stra special Holiday Camps at the Edinburgh Academy Junior School. Come along to our fun and flexible camps, open daily from 4 –19 April, 8am– 6pm. Our camps are open to all children aged 5–14. Be spoilt for choice with nine EGG-citing camps to choose from; MultiActivity, Hockey Skills, Rugby Sevens, Judo, Musical Theatre, Netball, Outdoor Adventure Camps, Harness Climbing and Virtual Golf Lessons.

GET READY FOR SUMMER - BOOKING NOW: Mighty Oaks Summer Club Prepare for a week with nature like you’ve never seen before! Join the Botanics' Mighty Oaks team as we look into the world of Power Plants; the plants that power our world.

All camps are run by specialist coaches, making sure each child learns new skills while having fun with friends. Don’t need a full week’s camp? We have you covered with our MultiActivity Flexi-Pass, providing you with the flexibility to choose one day or every day of the holiday, morning, afternoon or full day.

Through trails, challenges, games, crafts and other activities, learn about the secret powers of the plants of the Botanic Garden whilst growing new skills and bonds with the rest of your teammates.

Our camp prices are set to suit everyone; Half Day £23, Full Day £35, 1-Week Half Day £100 and 1-Week Full Day £150.

Uncover the powers of invisibility, folklore tales, prehistoric remains, mysterious potions along with challenges of skill, balance, detecting and creativity. www.rbge.org.uk

Summer dates are coming soon, so sign up to our newsletter on our website for early bookings. Find full camp details at www.accessea.co.uk/what-s-on Or contact info@accessea.co.uk

AS SEEN ON

MAKE YOUR CHILD’S DEVELOPMENT MORE FUN!

DISCOVER RUGBYTOTS

Our dynamic weekly play sessions enable boys and girls aged 2–7 to develop their social and physical skills in a fun, positive environment. For more details, just call or email:

EASTER HOLIDAY CAMP 18-22 April 10am-5pm daily

0345 313 3252 kirsty@rugbytots.co.uk

Dance Base presents a week of holiday activities packed full of dance, circus, crafts and storytelling led by Jo Richards and Circus Alba. Group 1: P2-4. Group 2: P5-7 rugbytots.co.uk

The world’s favourite rugby play programme

10 Families Edinburgh

dancebase.co.uk | 0131 225 5525 | 14-16 Grassmarket EH1 2JU

Call us on 0131 622 0405

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Families Issue 131.qxp 06/03/2022 09:17 Page 11

Junior STEM Discoveries

Dn Dance Holiday Camps

April 11th – 15th, 9.30am – 1pm Daily. £150. Ages 5 – 8. Created for our youngest Ninjas, this camp is all about becoming a maker with STEM while designing and building hands-on projects! Electric playdough, marble machines, and tall towers are just a few of the fun projects kids will tackle as they develop their engineering and design skills.

Introduction to Web development April 19th – 22nd, 9.30 – 1pm Daily. Age 11+ Ninjas will learn about creative website development by building their own website and fan page. As Ninjas work on various project prompts, they will gain a foundational understanding of HTML and CSS. Using these essential computing languages, Ninjas will publish websites and share links to showcase what they've learned.

School holidays are great for kids, but it’s important to find enough of the right things to do to stimulate their young minds.

Find out more or book at www.codeninjas.co.uk/edinburgh-min-uk/camps

That can sometimes be a challenge, particularly for working parents. Sound familiar?

Rugby Tots Easter Camp Running in the Trinity Scout Hall from 11th to 15th April for children aged 4 - 7

DN Dance offer holiday clubs that provide the perfect balance of creative stimulation, learning and fun to ensure your child has a super rewarding week. Easter camps running 19 - 22 April are inspired by Encanto!

Check www.rugbytots.co.uk to find out more or e-mail

Find out about more about these and Summer holiday camps at www.dndance.co.uk/holiday-clubs

sandra@rugbytots.co.uk or call 0345 313 3252

EASTER HOLIDAY CAMPS

Join us this Easter with nine EGG-citing camps on offer! Perfect for all 5 - 14 year olds

RUGBY

HOCKEY

SUMMER CAMPS COMING SOON ADVENTURE

JUDO

MULTI-ACTIVITY

MUSICALS

CLIMBING

GOLF

Book now at

Dates

Location

4th – 19th April 2022

The Edinburgh Academy, EH3 5PL

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Families Issue 131.qxp 06/03/2022 09:17 Page 12

OUT&ABOUT

We LOVE sharing everything that is going on in and around Edinburgh with you every issue but please remember to check with the venue before setting out just in case anything has changed. All details are correct at the time of going to print but as we've all learnt over the last couple of years - things can change!

MARCH From March Dynamic Earth’s What’s Up: Spring 2022 selected times throughout the day Included in Dynamic Earth admission price

Sundays Filmhouse Juniors Films for a younger audience! Tickets cost £5.00 per person, big or small! For these shows we choose to screen dubbed versions where these are available, but some films will be in their original language with subtitles – these are marked on individual film descriptions. Please note: although we normally don't approve of people talking during screenings, these shows are primarily for kids, so grown-ups should expect some noise! To find out what is on go to: filmhousecinema.com

14 - 19 March Hairspray Edinburgh Playhouse Welcome to the 60s, where everyone’s grooving to a brand-new sound! Enter our vivacious heroine Tracy Turnblad, who has big hair, a big heart, and big dreams to dance her way onto national TV, and into the heart of teen idol Link Larkin. Can she win equality – and Link’s heart – without denting her ’do? atgtickets.com/edinburgh

Year round Cuddly Corgi Treasure Hunt The Royal Yacht Britannia

Gaze out on the stars and planets that are visible for our current skies, dive in to beginner-friendly guides on astronomy topics, and be kept up to date on some of the most interesting events and discoveries happening today. Our two resident astronomers will be your guides on this journey in our fantastic 360-degree planetarium!

Discover all five decks aboard The Royal Yacht Britannia and spot Clarence the Corgi and his friends, hiding all over the ship in our Cuddly Corgi Treasure Hunt. Explore the five decks, from the State Apartments to the Crew’s Quarters, with a fascinating audio guided tour. Children can enjoy their own version and children under 5 years go free as they follow in the footsteps of Royalty. Don't forget to stop off in the Royal Deck Tea Room and enjoy delicious milkshakes, hot chocolates and cakes with stunning waterfront views.

15 - 26 March SIX Festival Theatre DIVORCED, BEHEADED, LIVE! The international smash hit musical SIX makes its royal return to the Festival Theatre! Think you know the rhyme, think again… www.capitaltheatres.com/whats-on/six

Discover the Deep

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0131 550 7800 | dynamicearth.co.uk 12 Families Edinburgh

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Families Issue 131.qxp 06/03/2022 09:17 Page 13

OUT&ABOUT

2 - 24 April Easter Eggcitement Almond Valley Heritage Centre

APRIL

16 - 19 March The Bohemians present Shrek the Musical King’s Theatre Based on the Oscar®-winning DreamWorks Animation film, Tony Award-winning Shrek The Musical brings all the beloved characters you know from the film to life and proves there's more to the story than meets the ears! www.capitaltheatres.com/whats-on/shrekthe-musical

17 - 20 March Oi Frog & Friends Festival Theatre Join FROG, CAT and DOG in this Olivier Award nominated action-packed stage adaptation of Kes Gray and Jim Field’s bestselling books. www.capitaltheatres.com/whats-on/oi-frog 27 March - HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY

Visit Dynamic Earth for a packed programme of events and experiences for the whole family! As part of the Edinburgh Science Festival, dive to the bottom of the ocean to discover Scotland’s incredible marine habitats and the amazing creatures that live there with our fun family drop-in activities! You can try your hand at family boat building and make your own vessel out of natural materials, meet marine scientists and join us in the evening for special extended versions of our presenter-led planetarium shows; You Are Here and Under Pressure: The Ocean Show! Find out more at dynamicearth.co.uk 2 - 24th April Easter Festival Conifox Adventure Park Enjoy a fun-packed family day out when you meet Baxter Bunny, The Easter Bunny, The Big Bad Wolf, Professor Eggbert and their friends in the eggciting NEW Easter Festival in a fully immersive, theatrical sensory experience for all the family.

The farm is alive with the cheeps and bleats of baby animals. Grab your clue sheet, sharpen your pencil, and tear around the farm collecting clues on the springtime trail. Keep a lookout for hidden eggs that might win you a prize. In the craft area you can make masks and other springtime decorations. Our famous plastic duck race adds to the fun over the Easter weekend

9 - 24 April Easter Trail Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh 10am to 4.30pm daily Age 3+. £2 per trail booklet from the John Hope Gateway reception, West Gate Join the annual Easter Trail and look for clues as you explore the Garden. Complete the trail and receive a yummy Easter treat from Mackie's of Scotland.

Holiday Clubs at the Botanics

Join us for

The Mighty Oaks Holiday Club 2022 Discover the plants that power our world

Trails Games Crafts Challenges Stories

Ideal for children aged 8 – 12

Book now at rbge.org.uk/holidayclubs

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OUT&ABOUT 14th - 16th & 21st - 23rd April

Planetarium Lates From 6pm. Adult (12+) £12 / Concession £10. Dynamic Earth

9 - 24 April Edinburgh International

Come with us as we take a deep dive into the global ocean; we'll explore dark, hidden ecosystems and see the collective efforts of hundreds of marine scientists and engineers, striving to learn all we can about these enigmatic worlds! We will also be showing You Are Here in a special 50-minute edition, plus, Planets 360 a reimagining of British composer Gustav Holst's The Planets orchestral suite! Our bar will be open throughout the night so you can sit back, relax, and experience these shows like never before!

Science Festival The world’s first and still Europe’s biggest science festival, Edinburgh Science Festival is back to its usual Easter holidays slot with an ambitious programme of exhibitions, a science playground at City Art Centre, workshops, Big Ideas discussions and many more events for curious minds of all ages, taking place in and around Edinburgh. science festival.co.uk

9 - 24th April Deep Sea Discovery 10am - 4pm. Free with admission to Dynamic Earth 9 - 24 April Exploring Edinburgh’s Volcano 8+ (2 - 3 hours) FREE Long before the dinosaurs, Edinburgh was part of a ring of fire; like the one that now circles the Pacific Ocean, with volcanoes emerging from a shallow tropical sea. Take a walk around Holyrood Park and explore the evidence for these ancient volcanoes and how the geology still shapes the city and landscape we see today. This self-guided walking tour was created by the University of Edinburgh. There are two versions of this trail available – one for families and one for adults and young people. Visit www.sciencefestival.co.uk for the trail map.

Dive to the bottom of the ocean to discover Scotland's incredible marine habitats and the amazing creatures that call our deep ocean home with Dynamic Earth's fun family drop-in activities. Get up close to real-life specimens of creatures collected from the deep, carry out your own biodiversity survey of a cold-water coral reef and discover all the species that live right here in Scotland's seas. Find out about the threats to these environments, such as ocean acidification, with exciting experiments and demonstrations to learn how we can protect these important habitats. Finally, use all the amazing creatures you'll see as inspiration for crafting and colouring your own funky fish hat!

15 - 18 April Come and have some Easter fun at Newhailes! Follow the trail, collect the clues, solve the puzzle and win your chocolate-y reward! Join us this Easter for a fun filled trail and lots of other surprises too!

9 - 24th April Edinburgh Science Festival at the National Museum of Scotland

Tickets are valid all day so just come along any time between 10am and 4pm. *A £3 car park charge applies to all non NTS members

10:00 - 17:00 Two weeks of science-fuelled exploration at the National Museum of Scotland, from free interactive exhibits to family workshops and adult talks. The Grand Gallery will be home to DataSphere, a multi-media exploration of the information driving our world. Elsewhere in the museum gets hands-on with amazing drop-in experiments from the University of Edinburgh, and children’s workshops exploring everything from Creative Coding to Disease Detectives. 13th April Journey to the Deep 10:30am and 1:30pm Adult £7 / Child £5. Dynamic Earth 9th - 24th April HMS Challenger Log Exhibition 10am - 4pm Free with admission to Dynamic Earth On the 150th anniversary of the Challenger Expedition, marvel at the amazing discoveries it made in this outdoor exhibition of the gorgeous illustrations from the ship's original reports.

14 Families Edinburgh

Journey all the way to the deepest part of the ocean in this outdoor family walk. Walk 1.1km to represent the 11,000m distance to the deepest point to the ocean, the Mariana Trench. Take part in fun, family-friendly activities as you learn about the conditions at different depths and the creatures that live there.

Call us on 0131 622 0405

17 April Happy Easter Sunday!

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OUT&ABOUT Until 24 April Under the Skin Hand-made screenprints with layers of colour that result in bold and joyous designs. However, they carry a serious message too: when a UV light is shone on the print, the skeleton of the animal is revealed. Visitors to Waterston House will be handed UV torches with which to enjoy and ponder a series of around 20 of these interactive prints. Each print focuses on a vulnerable species and is developed in association with a charity involved in its conservation. The exhibition is open Wednesday to Sunday (10-4) until 24 April and families are very welcome! Scottish Ornithologists’ Club, Waterston House, Aberlady www.the-soc.org.uk

24 April Engaging Gardens Spring Festival Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh 12PM – 4PM (Free - drop in) Join us in the vegetable garden at the start of the growing season as we get going with our annual spring tasks. Find out more about the lifecycle of the productive plots and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of the garden with our family friendly activities

20th April Boat Building 10:30am and 1:30pm. Dynamic Earth Learn some boat building techniques and discover how huge ships were constructed hundreds of years ago. Put your newly learned skills to the test as you build your own boat out of natural materials, consider what it would research, and launch it on the pond in Holyrood Park to see if it remains afloat! 23 & 24 April Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever King’s Theatre Prepare for the brand new Peppa Pig live show packed full of songs, games and laughter, it really is the best day ever for Peppa Pig fans! www.capitaltheatres.com/whats-on/peppapigs-best-day-ever

24th April Meet the Marine Scientists 10am – 4pm Free with admission to Dynamic Earth

26 - 30 April Fantastically Great Women who Changed the World

Meet marine scientists investigating Scotland's deep-sea environments in this drop-in event. Discover the cutting-edge equipment they use to research at extreme depths, experience diving to the deep with footage from deep-diving vehicles and see some real-life deep-sea creatures up close.

The world premiere of a brand new kickasspirational pop musical bursts to life as the Fantastically Great Women take to the stage to tell their stories. www.capitaltheatres.com/whatson/fantastically-great-women-who-changedthe-world

King’s Theatre

WHAT WILL YOU PAINT?

pottery painting fun birthday parties unique gifts for all occasions baby hand & footprints clay imprints take home kits vouchers 100s of colours to choose from

NEW EXPANDED PREMISES www.doodlescotland.co.uk 27-29 Marchmont Cres EH9 1HQ 0131 229 1399

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Email us - editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk

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+++++ ‘INSPIRED & INSPIRING’ Musical Theatre Review

TUE 26 - SAT 30 APRIL

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