Families Oxfordshire Magazine September-October 2014

September/October 2014 - www.familiesoxfordshire.co.uk

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BUMPER Cover image: © Steve Reid Blitz Photography, Gosport, Hampshire

Clubs and classes School open days Back to school

Confidence Building Fun

Watch your child’s self-esteem soar with our weekly classes for 4–12s Child development is at the heart of everything we do. So our drama, dance and singing sessions will boost your child’s confidence, improve their concentration and give them an outlet to have fun.

Call 0845 400 1276 or visit perform.org.uk for a free class at your nearest venue.

Try a Free Drama Class September/ October 2014

www.familiesoxfordshire.co.uk

Oxfordshire Magazine

Families Oxfordshire - useful information for parents of 0 - 12's in Oxon. Find us online at familiesoxfordshire.co.uk

Open Morning Abingdon Prep School 11 October 10.00am – 12.00pm

Tours followed by Headmaster’s address at 11.30am

“Outstanding” Latest ISI Inspection Report

Open Day

Saturday 4 October 2014 10.00am - 12.30pm For more details please contact: Mrs Karen Copson 01235 858462 admissions@manorprep.org Faringdon Road, Abingdon, Oxon OX13 6LN

www.manorprep.org

Discover more at

abingdon.org.uk/prep

Big enough to challenge: small enough to care Independent Catholic boarding and day school for 400 girls aged 3-18 (and day boys aged 3-8)

Bursaries are available for girls entering Year 3 and above The Rye bursary programme is designed for pupils entering Year 3 and above from a low income background.

The programme exists to help highly motivated pupils who may not be able to achieve their academic potential without our support.

Please contact the Registrar, Fern Saxton 01865 762802, for further information.

Pullen’s Lane, Oxford OX3 0BY enquiries@ryestantony.co.uk | www.ryestantony.co.uk

September/ October 2014 2 FamiliesMag_180-130L.indd 1

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Oxfordshire Magazine 06/08/2014 16:10

OXFORDSHIRE MAGAZINE Dear Families Reader

date order.

Welcome to our back-to-school issue where you'll find 20 pages filled with information and features to help you start the new autumn term. You'll find heaps of local, education and clubs news in this issue, a list of Oxfordshire’s independent school open days happening soon and new What's On listings in easy-to-view

Our latest give-aways are three easy2name label sets and a FREE family ticket for Dare to See at The North Wall in November!

We’re also looking for two team members, to deliver the magazine in the Wantage and Chalgrove areas. So please do get in touch if that sounds of any interest and we hope your first weeks back to school have started really well.

4

Local and education news

6

How to create a healthy dialogue with your school or nursery

8

Independent school open days

9

Can extra tuition help?

10 The importance of after school clubs 11 Clubs & classes news

Best wishes

Emax

12 Clubs & classes listings 14 What are the wonder weeks?

Editor: Ema Murphy 01993 815966 - 07733 228 038 editor@familiesoxfordshire.co.uk www.familiesoxfordshire.co.uk Next issue: November/December 2014 Booking deadline: 2 October 2014 Copy deadline: 10 October 2014 36,000 readers per issue Printed by Warners Design: Rebecca Carr

15 Mindfulness - the secret to happy parenting 17 What's on

Confident, happy & motivated learning

Can you deliver?

Oxfordshire

In this issue...

We are looking for distributors in Oxford.

If you have a few hours to spare every two months during term time and would like to earn some extra money, please contact us for more details. You must have a polite manner and be able to carry and have your own transport.

Contact Ema Call 01993 815966/ 07733 228 038 or email: editor@familiesoxfordshire.co.uk

September/ October 2014

OPEN MORNING, 11 OCTOBER, 9.30 – 12 NOON For more information or to book a personal tour please contact our Director of Admissions Mrs Jean Simmons on 01491 651 218, or admissions@cranfordhouse.net.

Future Open Events in 2015: Junior School Open Morning 26 Feb 2015, 9.30am – 12.00 noon Senior School Open Evening 30 April 2015, 6.30pm – 8.30pm

www.cranfordhouse.net Telephone: 01491 651218 Registered Charity An independent school, boys from 2 - 7, girls from 2-16 Number: 280883

www.familiesoxfordshire.co.uk

Oxfordshire Magazine 3

News and Views

Local news and school matters THREE Easy2name sets to give-away!

We have three Easy2name ‘Off to School’ sets to give away, each worth £18.90 and containing waterproof stickers, iron on nametapes, shoe covers, 1 bag tag and a shoe bag, all personalised with your choice of name! The brilliant stickers will stay stuck even through the dishwasher and microwave so ideal for lunchboxes and water bottles and labelling uniforms.

To enter: Email your name, address and number via Families at www.familiesoxfordshire.co.uk, by scrolling down to Contact Editor and quoting Easy2name before 30 September! Please state clearly the name of your child and whether you require the labels/ bag in red, blue or pink.

WIN 4 tickets to see Dare To Sea at The North Wall!

Dive into an enchanted underwater world this autumn with Peut-Etre Theatre as they present their brand new show Dare To Sea. A magical journey for children and adults, this FrancoBritish collaboration brings together dancers, circus and visual artists to create a new world teeming with wild fish, mermaids and dark creatures in the abyss. The show runs for one night only on Friday 7th November, 6.30pm.

To win a family ticket just answer the question and email it to editor@familiesoxfordshire.co.uk before 30 September: Q: What circus talents do the mermaids have in Dare To Sea? Visit; www.thenorthwall.com for a clue! For more information call 01865 319450.

School new starters advised to walk & cycle From the new term Charity Sustrans is encouraging parents to consider walking or cycling to their child’s new school and is helping them do so safely by providing easy advice on road awareness and cycle safety.

Sustrans has some great advice for parents at www.sustrans.org.uk/saferstreets

Looking to be your own boss?

Jo Jingles provides a fun business opportunity running interactive and educational music, singing and movement classes for babies and pre-schoolers. Now running for over 20 years we offer a great package to run a business to suit your family and lifestyle. If you’re looking for that new challenge and this is something you’d be great at visit www.jojingles.com for further details.

A jungle encounter in the Cotswolds!

If you’re pondering on things to do with the children, why not visit the Cotswold Wildlife Park and experience the fantastic new Skymaze? It's an adventure playground, with a great wooden structure standing 20 feet high, with tree houses, slides and jungle bridges! It's a brilliant new addition to the park. And did you know, the park is open ALL year round - apart from Christmas Day?! Go to www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk to plan your visit.

Get ready for back to school with Explore Get the new academic year off to a great start at Explore Learning. With tailored courses designed to support your child to become a confident and engaged learner.

Explore Learning centres provide maths, English and 11+ tuition to 5-14 year olds of all abilities. Explore fits easily around family life; the centres are open 7 days a week, with children able to attend up to twice a week on a drop-in basis. Call your local centre to book a free trial, or visit www.explorelearning.co.uk

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Join us in standing by the thousands of families coping with childhood cancer.

Wear your gold ribbon this September.

“Cancer totally changes your life. I can’t really remember life before. I am constantly worried” says Jilly, mum to seven year old Hunter who is being treated for leukaemia.

This September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Show your support for the thousands of families who are coping with the devastating impact of a cancer diagnosis and its treatment. Wear a gold ribbon, ‘Go Gold’ with your fundraising, or join in with our ‘Big Bucket Collection’. Visit www.clicsargent.org.uk/ccam for more information.

4 September/ October 2014

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Oxfordshire Magazine

News and Views

Local school children walk for local charity

Celebrating outstanding results in Oxford Magdalen College School is celebrating another set of outstanding A-Level results with 100 pupils achieving A* or A in all exams taken. Master, Dr Tim Hands said: “This is yet again a formidable set of results.

What is particularly significant is the high achievement of all our pupils in the traditional, demanding, hard, ‘facilitating’ subjects such as Maths and Further Maths, that universities and the Government now favour.”

Pupils from Rye St Antony took part in a 10-mile sponsored walk in the Oxfordshire countryside earlier this year, to raise £10,000 for Helen & Douglas House. Rye St Antony has strong links with Helen & Douglas House, which is a local pioneering Children’s Hospice offering specialist symptom and pain management, medically-supported short breaks and end-of-life care, counselling and practical support for families. Well done to everyone who took part.

Oxford School appoints new Head Teacher

Headington School has appointed a new Head to lead its Preparatory School. Mrs Jane Crouch who took up the post this summer said she was: “delighted at the prospect of joining Headington School. It has such a strong reputation and is very well-regarded across the UK.”

Launch of free school meals for infants From September all Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 children will be entitled to a free and healthy lunch at school. According to Schools Minister, David Laws, free school meals encourage healthy eating and their pilots have shown that ‘children in schools that offer universal free school meals are academically months ahead of their peers.’ The move has been welcomed by the Child Poverty Action Group. www.childrensfoodtrust.org.uk/schoolfoodplan

Limite d places - book now!

OLA commemorates World War One Our Lady’s Abingdon invited members of the local community to join the school in reading the novel Private Peaceful, as part of the town’s World War One commemorations in the summer. Abingdon Library supported the initiative along with Abingdon’s independent bookshops, Mostly Books and The Bookstore, by offering discounted copies of the novel.

Abingdon School tours Barcelona

Inspiring and enriching young people through the performing arts.

Stagecoach offers the ideal balance of learning, performing and, of course, fun! Top quality training in drama, singing and dance to inspire creativity and develop young talent age 4-18.

Skills for the stage – skills for life!

Stagecoach Schools OXFORD 01869 278600 Maya Sprigg email: oxford@stagecoach.co.uk

ABINGDON 01865 390970 Julia Howson email: abingdon@stagecoach.co.uk

BANBURY 01908 969467 Melissa Allen email: banbury@stagecoach.co.uk

Also this summer musicians and staff from Abingdon School did an eight-day tour of Barcelona, where the First Orchestra and Chapel Choir played five concerts at prestigious venues including the Sagrada Familia Cathedral and Esglesia de Sant Domenec, Puigcerda. The varied programme included works by Elgar, Mozart, Rossini and Gershwin Michael Stinton.

THAME 01865 763767 Nicky Goodwin email: thame@stagecoach.co.uk

www.stagecoach.co.uk

Pictured - the Barcelona Tour Group September/ October 2014

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Oxfordshire Magazine 5

Education

How to create a healthy dialogue with your school or nursery

However it’s often impossible to know what really goes on at school – children are not very forthcoming when it comes to recounting their day. If they do raise any issues, or if you sense something is amiss, it can be difficult to know how to broach the subject with school.

As both a parent and a primary teacher, I know how hard it can be to strike the right balance. If you’re meeting a teacher outside of parents’ evening or class surgeries, it’s because there is a problem. These meetings can easily become tense, with both ‘sides’ on the defensive.

Here are a few tips for successful communication: Assume the best of your child’s teacher They are trained professionals who understand the curriculum and child development. They ultimately want the same as you – a happy child who is learning.

Let teachers know if there are problems at home You don’t have to go into graphic detail, just tell them if something’s happened which may affect your child’s behaviour.

Please don’t assume that your child always tells the truth! After all, teachers don’t automatically believe what your child tells them about home.

Remain calm and neutral “Little Johnny came home rather upset about xxx, I wondered what your take on it is…”, rather than “Why did you shout at Little Johnny like that?”

Mediation If you have issues with a teacher’s conduct, and feel upset or angry, it’s best that an additional member of staff is present.

Talk to the teacher first Even negative feedback is appreciated. Going directly to the head is a bit like them phoning your boss whenever your child misbehaves!

Remember that teachers are human They sometimes make mistakes, so try to forgive them for it.

Helping out in school Get an insight into how things are run and improve your relationship with the school by volunteering.

Parent helper Helping out in class can be fun and rewarding. Research shows that having a parent who volunteers improves a child’s experience of school.

Organise a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check (Disclosures in Scotland) - you can then volunteer regularly or as a one-off.

School trips If you’ve had the DBS check, this one is great for ingratiating yourself. On what is invariably a stressful day, a responsible parent helping out can be a lifesaver!

6 September/ October 2014

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© Dunnes Stores

Research shows that the better your relationship with your child’s school, the more they will enjoy learning and do well.

Use your expertise Maybe there’s a school club that would fit your skill set or interests. If not, you could talk to the class or even do an assembly. One volcanologist parent at my son’s school did a legendary presentation including exploding volcanoes.

Join the PTA Fostering closer home-school links, the PTA usually organise the school’s fundraising projects, from fetes to family quiz nights. Run by committee, they may include ‘class reps’ who pass on information from other parents in the class.

School Governors Comprising parent governors and other community members, this group of elected volunteers helps to make management decisions, such as running buildings and budgets, supporting staff and setting discipline standards.

It can be time-consuming, particularly if the school’s results are getting worse or it’s going through a big change like appointing a new head teacher, or joining with another school.

Parent Council member Some schools have a Parent council, where parents meet to share ideas that are fed back to the school governors.

This is great if you’re too busy to commit to PTA or Governors, but want to have an input.

For tips on Back to School like how to settle a child at nursery or health packed lunches etc go to www.familiesonline.co.uk

Oxfordshire Magazine

Oxfordshire’s only Catholic, co-educational independent day school, for girls and boys aged 3-18 www.olab.org.uk  Small class sizes  Outstanding pastoral care  Nursery to Sixth Form on one site  Excellent GCSE & A Level results

Open Morning: Saturday 4th October For further information call us on 01235 524658 or email office@olab.org.uk Radley Road · Abingdon-on-Thames · Oxfordshire · OX14 3PS Families Oxfordshire half page Sep14.indd 1

7/11/2014 1:56:22 PM

Open Morning Saturday, 10th May 2014 The school is extremely successful in meeting the academic needs of all students and enabling them to achieve high standards.

Students are creative, think for themselves and relish stretching the boundaries of their knowledge.

ISI Inspection Report - October 2013

Become a Host Family to an International Student studying at a Local Boarding School Occasional Weekends and Half Terms only

Do you have a spare room in your house?

It doesn’t matter what age you are.

Good daily payments.

An 11-18 independent, co-educational, school in North Oxford • entry at ages 11+, 13+ • direct into the Sixth Form

www.doverbroecks.com September/ October 2014

For more information call Ben 01684 252757 Email: ben@pippasguardians.co.uk www.pippasguardians.co.uk

www.familiesoxfordshire.co.uk

Oxfordshire Magazine 7

Oxfordshire Independent School Open Days Autumn 2014 Our Lady’s Abingdon Abingdon, OX14 3PS

Dragon School Oxford, OX2 6SS

Abingdon Preparatory School Frilford, OX13 5NX

Cokethorpe School Witney, OX29 7PU

Cranford House Moulsford, OX10 9HT

Rupert House School Henley-on-Thames, RG9 2BN

Boys & girls, 3-18 yrs. ( 01235 524658 8 olab.org.uk Sixth Form - 23 September (evening) Junior - Saturday 4 October (morning)

Boys 4-13 yrs & girls 4-7 yrs.

(01865 391570 8 Abingdon.org.uk/prep Saturday 11 October 10am-12 noon

Boys 2-7 & girls 2-16 ( 01491 651218 8 cranfordhouse.net Saturday 11 October 9.30am-12 noon Juniors 26 Feb 2015 9.30am-12 noon Seniors 30 Apr 2015 6.30pm-8.30pm

Magdalen College School Oxford, OX4 1DZ

Boys 7-18, girls Sixth Form.

20 September 9.30am-12 noon 16 October (afternoon) Senior School 6 November (afternoon) Junior School Book afternoons at mcsoxford.org

Rye St Antony Oxford, OX3 0BY

Girls 3-18, boys 3-8 ( 01865 762802 8 Ryestantony.co.uk Wednesday 17 September 10am-1pm

D’Overbroek’s College

Girls & boys 11-18 yrs. ( 01865 310000 8 Book online doverbroeks.com Saturday 11 October 10am-1pm

Manor Preparatory School Oxfordshire, OX13 6LN

Boys 2-7 yrs, girls 2-11 yrs. ( 01235 858462 8 Manorprep.org Saturday 4 October 10am-12.30pm

Radley Oxford, OX14 2HR

Boys 13-18 yrs.

Foundation awards 11+ & 13+. ( 01235 543174 8 Radley.org.uk Entry and assessment details found online.

8 September/ October 2014

Boys & girls 4-13 yrs. ( 01865 315405 8 dragonschool.org Saturday 20 September Saturday 11 October

Boys & girls 4-18 yrs. ( 01993 703921 8 cokethorpe.org.uk Saturday 27 September 9am-12 noon

Girls 4-11 yrs & boys 4-7 yrs. ( 01491 574263 8Ruperthouse.org Tuesday 23 September 10am-12 noon

Chandlings School Oxford, OX1 5ND

Girls & boys 2-11 yrs. ( 01865 730771 8 chandlings.org.uk Thursday 2 October 9.00am-11.00am

Ferndale Preparatory School Faringdon, SN7 7JF Boys & girls 3-11 yrs. ( 01367 240618 8 ferndaleschool.co.uk Open days to be announced

Headington Preparatory School Oxford, OX3 7TD

Sibford School Oxfordshire, OX15 5QL

Boys & girls 3-18 yrs. ( 01295 781200 8 Sibfordschool.co.uk Monday 13 October 9.45am

Oxford High School Oxford, OX2 6XA

Girls 4-18 yrs. ( 01865 559888 8 Register at oxfordhigh.gdst.net Saturday 15 November

Oxford Montessori Schools Oxford, OX3 9UW

Girls & boys 2-16 yrs. ( 01865 358210 8 Oxfordmontessori.co.uk Tuesday 30 September 10am-5.00pm

Summer Fields School Oxford, OX2 7EN Boys 8-13 yrs. ( 01865 459204 8 Summerfields.com Saturday 4 October

St Helen & St Katherine Abingdon, OX14 1BE

Girls 9-18 yrs. ( 01235 520173 8 Shsk.org.uk Whole school Saturday 27 September 10am-2.30pm Sixth Form Thursday 2 October 5pm-8.30pm

Girls 3-11 yrs. ( 01865 759100 8 headington.org Tuesday 16 September 10am

The Kings School Witney, OX29 6TA

St Clare’s Oxford, OX2 7AL Co-educational college

Saturday 4 October 9.30am-12.30pm

( 01865 552031 8 stclares.ac.uk Saturday 27 September 10am-2pm

New College School Oxford, OX1 3UA

Boys 4-13 yrs. ( 01865 285560 8 newcollegeschool.org Saturday 8 November 10am-12 noon

Boys & girls from Primary to Secondary. ( 01993 778463 8 Tkswitney.org.uk

The Unicorn School Abingdon, OX14 1AA

Boys & girls with dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, Speech & language impairment. ( 01235 530222 8 Unicorndyslexia.co.uk Thursday 16 October 9am-12 noon

Carrdus School Banbury, OX17 2BS

Girls 3-11 yrs, boys 3-8 yrs & nursery. ( 01295 263733 8 Carrdusschool.co.uk Thursday 2 October www.familiesoxfordshire.co.uk

Oxfordshire Magazine

Education

Can tutoring help your child?

Paying for extra tuition has become very popular over the last few years. According to a poll last year by the Sutton Trust, nearly one in four 11-16 year olds at state schools in England and Wales said that their parents had paid for them to have extra help with their lessons.

So should you hire a tutor? If you don’t, will they be at a disadvantage when it comes to tests like the 11+ or Common Entrance exam, if everyone else seems to be sending their children for extra lessons?

Why get a tutor?

With stress on getting good grades now starting at KS1 and 2 with SATs children are expected to achieve from a very young age. Schools cannot provide the one-to-one support, which can provide valuable help in some instances.

If a child is struggling with a subject area, or missing knowledge that is holding them back (e.g. after time off school), then a tutor is a great idea. If your child has additional needs, like dyslexia or ADHD, a tutor can provide valuable targeted support (if they have a statement, your child may be entitled to oneto-one support in school).

Perhaps your child is having trouble getting the C-grade in Maths/English GCSE that they need for further education. Maybe they want

to study a subject not offered at their school.

Interview preparation for University is also a popular reason to hire a tutor, particularly for Oxbridge interviews.

However, if their problem is lack of motivation, then a tutor might not be the best idea – if they don’t want to work, you’re just wasting your money! Tutoring very young children can also be a problem – they can be so tired after a full school day and adding tutoring on top can wipe them out completely. There’s a lot of pressure on high achievers too - if they are doing well at school, why add needless stress?

When is it best to get help?

It’s best to start sooner rather than later. For example, if you’re hiring someone to help after the GCSE mocks in February there’s a limited amount they can achieve - if you think tuition will benefit your child, start from September of Year 11 onwards.

How to find a good tutor If you can get someone who is personally recommended, then obviously that is the best option. Make sure you check their references and DBS checks, and interview them before you hire them. It sounds obvious, but they need to get along with your child, as well as looking good on paper. Study centers and tuition agencies such as Lotus Tutors and Brainiacs 11 Plus will ensure that their staff

By Hannah Hunter

are safety checked and appropriately qualified, with some agencies only employing graduates in key subject areas.

How much will it cost?

According to the good schools guide, an hour’s tuition can cost parents anything from £30 to well beyond. If this is beyond your budget, you could team up with friends for group tuition. Study centres may be more affordable - children learn in small groups, and they often accept childcare vouchers toward payment.

For example, Explore Learning centres, located at Sainsbury’s at Heyford Hill, cost between £98-119 per month for 2 sessions a week, with reduced fees for siblings.

Help for Free Your child’s school may already offer older revision classes – make sure you’re aware of what’s available. There are excellent online resources to support at home learning – for example the BBC bitesize website has games and revision subjects up to GCSE level.

Perhaps you know someone who is a teacher, or has language or music skills, who may be able to informally help your child – you could do a childcare swap or similar in lieu of payment. www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk/tutors www.explorelearning.co.uk www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize www.brainiacs11plus.co.uk www.lotustutors.com

Maths & English tuition Explore Learning centres provide maths and English tuition to children aged 5-14, designed to improve knowledge, confidence and enjoyment of learning.

Families Oxfordshire.indd 1 September/ October 2014

tries new things with relish. She counts the days until she can come back here!”

Explore Parent.

Book your free trial session today to find out how Explore Learning can help your child to gain confidence, enthusiasm and new skills.

HILDCARE

USE THEM AT EXPLORE!

VO

UCHERS

01865 595 509

Inside Sainsbury’s, Oxford

?

As members, children work with tutors who are great role models, enthusiastic about learning and fantastic motivators. The individual focus allows children to work at their own pace – whether they are finding school tricky or are top of the class!

“The hesitancy and lack of confidence that held her back is gone. Now she

C

Explore helps children make fantastic academic progress, in addition the vibrant atmosphere keeps them engaged and focussed enabling them to have fun while they learn.

www.familiesoxfordshire.co.uk

www.explorelearning.co.uk/oxford

01/08/2012 14:55 9 Oxfordshire Magazine

Why it’s important for children to do after school activities chance for your kids to shine outside of the classroom.”

She adds: “Learning a new skill can also affect what happens in school – kids feel more confident and able to try new tasks.”

Whether or not you reckon you might be raising the next Picasso or David Beckham, there’s no doubting the pluses for after school clubs.

From ballet to basketball and art to archery, there’s an after school activity out there for every child. And the best thing about them is they’re brilliant for all sorts of reasons – not just learning a new skill.

For a start, after school clubs give kids the chance to let off steam outside of the classroom. When you consider that in many countries around the world, kids don’t even start school until 6 or 7 years old, a full day in the classroom for youngsters can be a big ask. That’s why an alternative to the three R’s can be hugely rewarding.

As clinical psychologist Dr Julie Fraser suggests: “It’s an opportunity for kids to explore different talents. Not everyone is brilliant at academic subjects and it’s a

Certainly all the research shows this to be the case. Every leading study into extra curricular activities demonstrates that academic grades actually improve when kids participate in outside school clubs. One 2005 study from the US actually showed that kids who attended clubs performed much better in maths and verbal reasoning tests than kids who didn’t.

But kids clubs are not only great for improving academic levels but for developing important life skills too.

“It’s brilliant for developing social skills, dealing with new environments, talking to different adults and mixing with different children,” says Dr Fraser. “But best of all, after school clubs are confidence building.”

Team sports like football, rugby, and netball are not only brilliant for keeping kids active but also helping them learn team work where they can begin to appreciate what’s good for the whole team, rather than just thinking of themselves. Competitive sports are also great for learning difficult life lessons like being a gracious winner - and loser. But for team building clubs with a less competitive edge, you could consider Woodcraft Folk, Brownies and Scouts.

Learning a musical instrument is great for discovering the art of practice, patience and persistence. Drama clubs are great for shy kids who learn to find their voice singing and acting alongside others, while ballet and dance is great for kids to learn discipline and self-expression.

The list is endless. There are clubs for almost anything you can imagine. Archery, swimming classes for bumps, babies and beyond across Oxfordshire

Find a class near you... facebook.com/swimkidzoxfordshire tina@swimkidz.co.uk 07904 663814 www.swimkidz.co.uk

Free Happy Nappy

when you book a course

10 September/ October 2014

www.familiesoxfordshire.co.uk

chess, horse riding, computer clubs, film making and even circus skills are all proving popular alongside the more traditional arts and crafts, swimming, tennis and kung fu.

There are clubs for nature lovers run by the Woodland Trust, BMX biking for tots, and even kids yoga and tai chi.

There’s so many to choose from, it’s tempting to try them all but it’s also important not to overburden kids with too many activities. Frantically driving from one after school club to the next seems to be missing the point. New skills, team work and confidence building aside, the most important thing to think about when deciding which club to choose is surely the fun factor.

After that, the trick is to stay involved.

“It’s important to talk with the teacher, find out how they work and show an interest in the class, “ says Dr Fraser. “That way you can be sure your child really is enjoying the club, and you will begin to watch them flourish and grow.”

Visit our hugely popular online Directory for a comprehensive listing of your local Clubs and Classes. www.familiesonline.co.uk Research cited from College Board Research Howard and Everson. New York 2005. http://research.collegeboard. org/sites/default/files/publications/2012/7/ researchreport-2005-2-extracurricularactivities-high-school-higher-sat-scores.pdf

My Sound My Self Offers engaging Kodály musicianship classes for children in Oxford. Small groups. Music therapy sessions are also available.

07545 122 869 www.mysoundmyself.com Oxfordshire Magazine

Clubs & Classes

Clubs & classes news A new swimming club

Swimkidz Oxfordshire run progressive, fun and stimulating swimming lessons for children from birth, with highly qualified instructors, warm pools and small class sizes ensure you and your child fully enjoy and achieve the best from the lessons.

To find out more email tina@swimkidz. co.uk or call 07904663814 or visit the Facebook page facebook.co.uk/ Swimkidzoxfordshire

New things for Karate kids

As of September Tiny Tigers Education are starting a new Stay and Play session on Mondays at 10:30-11:30am. (£3 per child or £25 for a block of 10.) Along with a new interactive parent and toddler session for 2 year olds in Abingdon. Plus some great new Karate and Jeet Kune Do classes for kids from ages 4 upwards with two free trial classes available!

On Saturday 18 September families are invited to visit the Abingdon Dojo for a FREE Open Day from 9am-1pm. Children can experience a 30 minute trial sessions - to see if this amazing martial art is for them. www.tinytigerseducation.co.uk

‘Taking Centre Stage’

Congratulations to the young performers at this summer’s Stagecoach shows. Youngsters from the age of four took to the stage in Oxford, Abingdon, Thame and Banbury and the standard was high. Young cast members shone through their enthusiasm and sheer love of performing!

Pictured here are children from Stagecoach Oxford’s ‘The Princess and The Pirates’ who received a standing ovation! For details of your local Stagecoach please visit: www.stagecoach.co.uk/oxford

Teaching young children the art of Musicianship

Drama, dance & singing for 4-8 year olds

My Sound My Self is a new class offering educational and fun singingbased musicianship classes (Kodály specialisation) for children from three years of age, music therapy plus Mindfulness training for 11-19’s.

The small classes are to facilitate learning, development, discovery of the world of sounds and the experience of being connected to one's own-self. Classes are led by Zsuzsanna Hörcsög (MA, GCert, BA Hons, QTS, Certified Teacher, Kodály music specialist). Tel:07545 122 869 www.mysoundmyself.com

From September to December, Perform children will be travelling through space on an inter-planetary adventure with The Space Queen and The Little Green Alien. They’ll eat cheese with The Man on the Moon, groove with The Sparkly Spaceman and visit Venus with the beautiful Princess Star to confront and stop The Cruel Commander, who plans to destroy Planet Earth… Interested 4-8 year old’s can try out the classes in Oxford, Abingdon or Thame by attending a Free Trial Session. Book on 0845 400 4000 or go to the website: www.perform.org.uk

September/ October 2014

www.familiesoxfordshire.co.uk

New outdoor activities for young children

A wonderful new experience is now available for toddlers and young children, encouraging them to spend more time outside in the fresh open air!

Little Wild Things is all about providing outdoor nature play for children, making mud pies, climbing trees and building dens.

Set in an Oxfordshire woodland, the team run exciting hands-on sessions for children and their families. They believe that children who spend more time outdoors are happier and healthier, and learn to understand, love and be inspired by nature. That’s good for them, good for communities and good for the natural environment. We all want children to love being outside, because nature is something you can never grow out of. So get your little ones out to play with www.littlewildthings.org.uk Don't forget to say you saw these adverts in

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Oxfordshire Magazine 11

Clubs & Classes

Local clubs & classes autumn 2014 At Families we want to help you to find suitable activities for your children. Our mission is to find as many of them as possible in Oxfordshire (but this may take some time!) If you know of any please do send in details to editor@familiesoxfordshire. co.uk. We will include another updated list in our Jan/Feb 2015 issue. If you do make contact with any of these classes, remember to say where you saw them.

MUSIC Salt Box Music Co. 01993 704207/ 07710154601 www.saltboxmusic.co.uk Fun & educational group music sessions for 0- 4 year olds; Global percussion!

Puppets & props! Musical games! Instruments used from all over the world and where possible sourced through Fairtrade! All Weekly classes include a wide range of techniques to develop core skills such as rhythm, tempo, pitch, texture, and dynamics, delivered in a uniquely fun and imaginative way. In Witney, Botley and Carterton.

Free taster sessions.

Robert Wiecha Music Tuition musictutorials@live.co.uk 07577 202 726 Children and adults learn to play the piano or guitar by classically trained teacher, with home visits.

My Sound My Self Musicianship 07545 122 869 www.mysoundmyself.com Educational and fun singing and musicianship classes (Kodály specialisation) for ages 3+, music therapy and mindfulness training for 11-19 year olds. Small classes in Oxford.

Matrix Music School & Arts Centre 01235 847264. www.matrixmusicschool.co.uk The Yamaha Music School at Matrix offers group music courses for beginners aged 3-7 years.

The curriculum includes singing, piano/keyboard playing, reading/ writing, music appreciation and more at various levels. Also at Matrix: art, ballet, fitness and instrumental lessons.

Clockwork Music 07528 146 891 07757 011 539 www.clockworkmusic.co.uk

Pre-school music classes following a specialist music curriculum for babies from three months to children of four years old. Original and traditional music, rhymes and games.

Venues held in Headington, Abingdon and Thame. Call for a free trial session.

MAD Academy

01869 369502 www.madacademy.com High energy music and dancing classes for babies and children.

Music with Nick Cope www.nickhope.co.uk Music and movement for under 8’s and their carer’s in East Oxford, Abingdon, Botley and Summertown. A professional musician, Nick runs other regular sessions in and around Oxfordshire for young children and their families.

The Jill Stew School of Dance 01993 772464 www.jillstew.co.uk Classes in Witney, including Classical Ballet from the age of three, Modern Dance, Tap Dancing, Contemporary Dance, Jazz Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre.

Marianna’s School of Dance 07747 481 798 Fun & inspiring ballet with RAD possibility for exams. At the Yoga Garden. Behind Cibo’s, South Parade, Summertown.

BirdSong Music 01865 559649 www.birdsongmusic.co.uk BirdSong runs classes for babies, toddlers and young children with a philosophy based on learning about music while having fun, involving singing in groups and linking music with movement.

Classes are held in Summertown and Wolvercote.

DANCE Whitestar Performers 07717 837 706 www.whitestarperformers.co.uk Dancing for tots, singing & drama for 6-11 year olds and yoga for parents and children in Kidlington.

McGahan Lees Irish Dance Academy 07971 035 797 www.marionflanagon.co.uk Irish dancing for children 3+ and adults in Oxford, Abingdon and Bicester. (Formerly Marion Flanagon School.) Private lessons and holiday workshops available.

Babyballet 07583048496 www.babyballet.co.uk A magical movement-to-music class for little dancers aged 6 months-5 years with Charlotte Russell. Classes in Witney.

Expression School of Ballet & Theatre Arts 07956 231 155 www.expressiondance.co.uk A vibrant young dancing school offering tuition in ballet, tap and modern dance for children and adults in Headington, Marston and central Oxford. Develop selfconfidence, poise, co-ordination and musicality in a fun way.

BABY & TOTS Tiny Tigers Education 01235 364371 www.tinytigerseducation.co.uk Exciting karate based motor skills development for 2-6 year olds to improve emotional and physical intelligence. Email: theresa@candomartialarts.co.uk Nature Tots 01235 862024

christinedonaldson@bbowt.org.uk

For pre-school little ones to interact with nature through outdoor play, games, stories in Sutton Courtenay Environment Centre.

Flair Dance Studio 01993 813373 www.flairdancestudio.co.uk Freestyle disco and street dance classes in Oxford for all ages and abilities.

Baby College 01865 436920 www.babycollegeoxford.co.uk Fun parent and baby development classes.Plus baby massage and yoga classes.

littlewildthings.org.uk littlewildthings@outlook.com 07855 625402

outdoor nature play for children

Mud painting...find a frog... race a snail...dig for treasure...

Join us for a wild woodland adventure!

12 September/ October 2014

www.familiesoxfordshire.co.uk

Oxfordshire Magazine

Clubs & Classes Baby signing 07927 339 102 www.tinytalk.co.uk With Tiny Talk for 0-2 year olds, singing, sign and relax at Drayton Village Hall, Drayton.

Tatty & Baby Bumpkin 0845 680 3476 www.tattybumpkin.com To enhance feelings of well-being with yoga, story-telling, active play and music in Abingdon.

Rugbytots 0845 313 6707 www.rugbytots.co.uk Rugbytots is a specially designed programme using rugby skills, fun and enjoyable whilst developing basic core skills 2-7 year olds.

Little Wild Things 07855 625 402 www.littlewildthings.org.uk Little Wild Things is all about outdoor nature play for children, making mud pies, climbing trees and building dens, set in an Oxfordshire woodland! Including hands-on sessions for children and their families. Get your little ones to spend more time outdoors to learn to understand, love and be inspired by nature.

SWIMMING Swimkidz Oxford 07904663814 tina@swimkidz.co.uk Fun and stimulating swimming lessons for children from birth, across Oxfordshire. With highly qualified instructors, warm pools and small class sizes to ensure you and your child enjoy and achieve the best from their lessons.

Water Babies 01869 325499 www.waterbabies.co.uk Teaching babies to swim in various locations in Oxford core skills from birth upwards.

Dippers & Divers 01235 763328 www.dippersanddivers.co.uk For babies, beginners and after school in Abingdon, Wolvercote and Harwell Primary School.

Oxford Swim School 01865 864537 www.oxfordswimschool.co.uk An exciting venture at Oxford High School, Summertown. Intensive week courses and more.

Learn to swim with Jane Brooks (ASA Swimming teacher).

07855 324417 www.janebrooksgymandswim For non-swimmers to advanced.

September/ October 2014

Puddleducks 01666 577377 www.puddleducks.com For babies and pre-school ages upwards. Classes in Abingdon, Didcot and Oxford areas.

MARTIAL ARTS Tiny Tigers Education 01235 364371 www.tinytigerseducation.co.uk Exciting karate based motor skills development for 2-6 year olds to improve emotional and physical intelligence. Email: theresa@candomartialarts.co.uk Washinkai Karate www.washinkai.org Cherwell School, Marston Ferry Rd, Oxford. 5.30-6.30pm, Monday’s for Ages 5-11 at Kung Fu Academy www.kung-fu-academy.co.uk South Oxfordshire Community Centre, Lake St. Oxford.

Traditional martial arts classes.

Oxfordshire Taekwon-do & Little Puma’s 07831 950 850 www.oxfordshiretkd.co.uk For all ages in Didcot, Wantage and Grove.

Aikido for children 07773 982719 www.shudokan-oxford.co.uk A powerful martial art and method of self-protection. Classes held at South Oxford Community Centre, Lake Street and Oxford Brookes Centre for Sport.

Oxford Karate Academy 07956 902 101 United Reform Church, Banbury Rd, Oxford, OX2 7HN. Karate for all ages.

THEATRE / PERFORMANCE PQA – The Pauline Quirke Academy 084567 32022 www.pqacademy.com Performing arts tuition for 4-18 year olds including a child’s own movie screened at the cinema, free trinity exams and a West End Show. Run on Saturdays in Wheatley. Book for a free taster session.

Matrix Music School & Arts Centre 01235 847264 www.matrixmusicschool.co.uk Matrix provides a friendly place for children to enjoy music art and ballet lessons, in Sutton Courtenay Nr. Abingdon.

Stagecoach 01869 278600

www.stagecoach.co.uk/oxfordshire

Where children are taught how to sing, dance and act on stage and beyond. See your child gain confidence, rise to the challenge and build essential life skills while learning and having fun! Weekly classes throughout Oxfordshire and half term workshops.

Youngstar Oxford 01235 539772 www.youngstaroxford.tv TV & Film acting for 8-18’s.

Nurturing talented actors hoping for a route in to TV and film! In Abingdon, Wantage & Oxford.

Perform Enquiries@perform.org.uk 0845 400 1276 www.perform.org.uk For 4-12 year olds, Perform uses a unique mix of drama, dance and singing formulated to bring out every child's true potential. Classes are small to ensure individual attention by experienced teachers. Classes in Jericho, Botley & Abingdon.

Mini media workshops www.mini-mediakids.com Creative fun for 6-11 years at Barefoot Books, Summertown.

ART Creative Art 01608 677558 www.lisajayne.uk.com At the Lisa Jane Art Studio at The Stables, Radford Farm, Nr Enstone,Oxfordshire OX7 4EB. Buttermilk Art School 0754 915 7855 www.georgeirvinefineart.co.uk Buttermilk Stud, Barford Road, OX15 0PL. Courses for children ages 9-13, taught basic art skills, learn about artists and more.

Art Club www.janestrother.co.uk With Jane Strother at her studio in Headington, limited places for ages 7-9.

OTHER TRAX Motor Project Tel: 01865 243077 www.trax.org.uk Mechanics, archery and more in a safe environment. Ages 8+.

Pregnancy Yoga 01865 245754 www.yogavenue.co.uk Suitable for 14 weeks+. 6 week course. 4-5.30pm. at 2 Avenue Lane, Oxford OX4 1YF.

www.familiesoxfordshire.co.uk

GYMNASTICS Oxford Rhythmic Gymnastics 07866846273 gymnastics@dancegz.co.uk For girls from ages 3-16 who enjoy rhythm and who want to master skills.

Abingdon Gymnastics Club 01865 340992 www.abingdongymclub.co.uk For tots and pre-school upwards and holiday classes for a wide range of gymnastics.

Little Monkeys Gym 01865 841409

www.janebrooksgymandswim.co.uk

Little Monkeys Gym teaches preschool gymnastics to children who can walk up to 4.

SPORTS Premier Tennis 0845 475 1147 hello@premiertennis.co.uk www.premiertennis.co.uk Tennis coaching and camps run by former professional players for tots to teenagers and adults in Oxford. Using innovative age and level-appropriate coaching to help all ages enjoy the game.

Little Kickers 01235 859 250 www.littlekickers.co.uk Football classes for kids 18 months-7 years. In Oxford, Didcot, Wallingford & Wantage.

Kidlington Youth Football Club E: Steveforse@talktalk.net Charlbury Cricket Club 07818 255 388 andreamayho@aol.com Witney & Standlake Tennis Club 07734 059 769 info@exceltennis.co.uk Rugby at Gosford All Blacks 01865 373994

LANGUAGES Coyotes ELE www.spanishcoyotes.com For ages 4-6 at South Oxford Community Centre, Lake Street, Oxford OX1 4RP. Mariella Montenegro 01367 243589 Spanish at Louie Memorial Pavillion, Arnolds Way, OX2 9JD.

Chris Polatch 0845 450 4909 www.cp-fl.com

French for 5-12’s, effective, fun and lively in Oxford.

Oxfordshire Magazine 13

What on earth are Wonder Weeks?

By Frans Plooij, an international expert on the mental development of infants and author of The Wonder Weeks

Have you ever wondered what’s going on in your baby’s head? Why does a normally well-tempered baby suddenly become difficult and demanding? No, it’s not cramps, teething or other standard answers.

It’s a wonder week! When this phase is over, your baby will be doing things he could not do before. Wonder Weeks are key developmental leaps in every baby’s life. They influence the rest of a child’s life.

Frans Plooij shares his five golden tips with Families.

1

Stop doubting yourself or your baby.

All babies go through ten wonder weeks during his first 20. Every wonder week consists of three phases: the fussy phase, the week of wonders (in which he is happy again and suddenly does a lot of new things), and the practice period. The fussy phase is the phase in which parents start doubting themselves, or even worse, their baby. The truth is there is nothing wrong with either you or your baby. Remember: the fussy behaviour is actually a sign of a gigantic leap forward.

build up self-confidence, happiness and from a developmental point of view: stimulating the brain in the right way.

4

Don’t see the fussy phase as a carte blanche to stop parenting.

OK, we now know when the leaps will start and when they will end. Yes, these wonder weeks will start and end without any interference from you. However, this does not mean you should just wait for them to pass!

You should really help your baby, be there for your baby and show him he can rely on you. He’s going through a hard time and needs your help and love.

5

Try to see the world through your baby’s eyes!

This is of course in line with informing your self about what you baby perceives in each leap so you can help him, but it’s also just a lot of fun. During the leap of patterns (8 weeks), your baby loves observing patterns. So these kinds of pants will be a visual treat!

2

Know when the leap starts and when it ends.

The good news is you can calculate pretty accurately when your baby will be making a leap. The leaps are based on the due date. Not the date of birth. (see book)

3

Inform yourself about the leap.

This is really the most important thing to do. If you know what your baby is looking for in a particular leap you can make the fussy phase shorter and sweeter. There are great advantages for your baby if you know how to help him through each leap.

In the short run he will be comforted and soothed better. A parent who is able to really understand what a baby is going through and what the baby wants to discover in that particular wonder week, is helping their baby to 14 September/ October 2014

Do you know why a baby now starts to look at your eyes and mouth, and before only at the outsides of your head? Before this leap he could only really perceive contrasts. So he would look at the contrasts of your face against the light sky. After the second leap he looks at the patterns www.familiesoxfordshire.co.uk

in your face: your eyes, mouth and your hairline.

Does he move a bit like Pinocchio?

That’s because his body now is able to move in patterns. The ‘ah ah oh oh’ sounds he now makes? Patterns with his vocal cords! Try all this.

Place your fingers on your throat and feel the static movements when you make the same sounds your baby now makes. Next up is the leap of smooth transitions. Try following a moving object with your eyes and feel how your eyes are making a smooth movement. Your baby is now able to do this for the first time in his life. It’s so much fun to see the world through your baby’s eyes and if you know what to look for in each wonder week, you’ll see so much more of the special things your baby does and you’ll be so much more equipped to give him the proper help.

The Wonder Weeks. How to stimulate your baby's mental development and help him turn his 10 predictable, great, fussy phases into magical leaps forward describes in easy-to-understand terms the incredible developmental changes that all babies go through during the first 20 months of their lives.

Available at Amazon, Waterstones and your local bookstore.

Price £15.99

Oxfordshire Magazine

Parenting

Mindfulness - the secret to happy parenting

By Mette Theilmann

Mindfulness is the difference between being a DOer and a BEer. As parents today, we often experience high levels of pressure and stress to make sure our children become well-rounded individuals. We pack their lives with a variety of activities and sports clubs to keep them fit, sociable and confident, encourage them to do well at school, make the right friends and painstakingly pore over every decision about their education. The daily routine of family life with all its chores and demands and our own feelings of responsibility to ensure our children are confident, independent, responsible and happy can all make for very stressed and exhausted parents.

Basically what I am saying is that if we are not physically on the go, we are mentally on the go; thinking about what to do and where to be next.

It’s no wonder that 90% of parents describe themselves as frantic rather than fun. It’s no wonder that parents today have become DOers rather than BEers.

It’s not helped by the fact we’re always having to take calls, check texts and e-mails; our children quickly realise they don’t have our full attention when we’re attached to our tablet, laptop or phone!

This can also create huge challenges when we try and tackle the issue of their screen time too. The effect of this “full on all the time” way of life is that we are never really in the moment or mindfully there for ourselves or our children and this can have a negative effect on us both!

September/ October 2014

For us, it can cause stress/irritability and exhaustion and we can start to react to situations in a much more negative way. We stop listening properly to our children; we are just too busy thinking about other things. We forget to enjoy the small moments with them and sadly miss out on opportunities to praise them.

We then often start to feel guilty as deep down we know that this is not the parent we want to be and we can start to lose our confidence as a parent. This can encourage self-doubt in our children too as they can start to think that we don’t want to be with them. They start playing up to get our full attention as they know we always react when they are fighting or misbehaving. They feel that we are not listening and start not listening to us, or each other. They start mimicking our behaviour and becoming like us!!

Our stress is being passed on to them.

But the good news is that the key to mindfulness can be achieved by anyone, anywhere.

Mindfulness aims for you to fully focus on each moment you are with your children.

Mindfulness helps you to find the balance between being a DOer and a BEer. When we do become “mindfully there”, we become a great role model for our children based on respect, care and deep love. Since we are fully aware of what they say, do and feel we really get to know our children again and re-connect with them. We feel proud of ourselves at the end of each day as we feel we are doing the right thing, even if things haven’t gone to plan! We gain energy and motivation as a parent as we start www.familiesoxfordshire.co.uk

to see the same emotions and feelings manifesting themselves in our children.

We will have a positive and dynamic focus on problem-solving in stressful situations and become more openminded to positive discipline. Our children develop healthy social skills based on listening and respect for other people.

They become like us (and in a good way!) and we start to have fun together again!

Awareness is the first key to mindfulness.

Our daily tasks and challenges are not going to go away but when you become aware that you are not “in the moment” and are just too busy thinking about other things or multi-tasking, remind yourself why you need to focus now.

Relax your body, breathe slowly and look at your children and smile. Try to think more calmly and remember that mindful parents become essentially better able to manage difficult situations and issues arising in the family and within themselves.

ParentingSuccess offers parenting workshops and one-to-one parent coaching on all family issues.

To find out more go to www.parentingsuccesscoaching.com “I started to enjoy every moment with my family, good and bad, instead of always being on my way to doing something else or thinking about doing it.”

Suzanne, Berks

Oxfordshire Magazine 15

27TH - 28TH SEPTEMBER Come and meet Wallace & Gromit at various intervals each day!

Ride the steam trains and find out more about the railway's cracking gadgets and gismos!

©Aardman Animations Ltd 2014

www.watercressline.co.uk

IT’S TIME TO BOARD THE WIZARD EXPRESS! 31st OCT - 2nd NOV

www.watercressline.co.uk 16 September/ October 2014

www.familiesoxfordshire.co.uk

Oxfordshire Magazine

What's on in September & October Please always check with the venue before attending any events listed in case details have changed since we went to press.

Days out with Thomas at Didcot Railway

Wildlife on the Move

6 September Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway Trains depart Chinnor at 10.30, 12.00, 13.30 and 15.00.

Wildlife watching train rides on the Chinnor and Princes Risborough railway for the chance to observe and identify wildlife on the move as you travel by train along the foot of the Chilterns. No need to book.

Ticket prices apply.

Family Garden Open day

7 September Root and Branch, Westmill Farm, Faringdon 1pm-4pm Fun for all the family at a therapeutic gardening and rural crafts centre for people in Oxfordshire with mental health difficulties. Browse the organic garden and craftwork displays, with refreshments, cakes and plants for sale, music and raffle. £2 adults. Child 50p. www.rootandbranch.info/events

Ewelme Novice Horse & Fun Dog Show

7 September 9am-5pm – show jumping and showing Novelty classes including Best Decorated Manes, Tails and Toes and Clear Round show jumping and the Fun Dog Show starts at 1pm with winners for the Waggiest Tail, Best six Legs and Best Condition. Dog Agility display at 12 noon. Refreshments, stalls and photographer. ewelmehorseshow.co.uk

September/ October 2014

Halloween at Oxford Castle

RHS Gardner’s Day

10 September Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens Enjoy the outdoors at a gardener’s day with a difference, when The Park will play host to over 20 members of the Royal Horticultural Society’s ‘Herbaceous’ and ‘Tender Ornamental’ Plant Committees. They’ll be sharing their gardening wisdom and passion for plants with visitors.

Plus garden talks and plant demonstrations and displays.

A good time to introduce the family to horticulture perhaps?

Blenheim International Horse Trials

11-14 September Blenheim Palace Enjoy the 24th annual Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials - attracting the world's best riders and thousands of spectators from Oxfordshire and beyond. www.blenheimhorse.co.uk

The Henley Show

13 September The Henley Showground, Hambleden RG9 3AS 8.30am The Henley Show, recently described as one of the best Agricultural shows in the country.

Heritage Sunday

14 September Vale & Downland Museum, Wantage, OX12 8BL 2pm A special Sunday event for visitors to chat with costumed members of the education team about everything from the smell of the Wantage tanneries to how ancestors used to flatten creases with an old fashioned iron. FREE family gallery trails will be available and a family craft activity will be on offer plus information on tracing your family tree.

Oxfordshire Goes Wild

Discovering Tutankhamun at Ashmolean Museum

The Flying Pig Festival

12, 13 & 14 September Sandhill Farm Airfield, Shrivenham, Oxon SN6 8BH Go for a fun family packed weekend including trial gliding lessons, vintage aircraft and skydiving displays along with over 20 bands playing! A charity event supporting special needs schools with music by Freya Beya, the National Autistic Society and Viscountess Barrington’s Trust Memorial Hall Fund. Camping also available. www.flyingpigfestival.co.uk

The Thame Show

18 September 8am-6.30pm The show that’s filled with competitions for livestock, show-jumping and a premier dog show. It also hosts many inviting exhibits, a large food hall selling local produce, a craft hall, an indoor shopping mall and many trade stands for a varied and enjoyable day out for all the family. www.thameshow.co.uk

13 September Bure Park Primary School & Nature Reserve, Bicester With the Museum of Natural History 12pm-4pm Meet wildlife and conservation groups, find out about their work and get involved. Owl pellet dissection, live animals and much more! In collaboration with Oxfordshire Nature Conservancy Forum. Drop-in.

For more details visit www.oum.ox.ac.uk

www.familiesoxfordshire.co.uk

Oxfordshire Magazine 17

What's on Skymaze at Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens

Culham Show

20 September Culham village playing field, OX14 4ND. 1pm This exciting event will have something for everyone to enjoy, with prize raffles, music, fair rides, licenced bar, food and drink, craft and shopping stalls, competitions, games, entertainment, displays, children's activities, magician, bouncy castle, tombolas, tea and cakes, face painting, children's centre play bus and much more!

Tel: 07920 448919.

Super Sunflowers for Under 5’s

23 September University of Oxford Botanic Garden, Oxford OX1 4AZ 10.30am-12.30am Join the Botanic Garden to see the sunflowers at their best! Use mini watering cans to help water the garden on the ‘tiny tour’ and get messy making compost castles. Then plant a pretty flower bulb to take home and grow. Free with entrance fee. Drop-in.

Me And My Cat Theatre A THOUSAND CRANES

27 September The North Wall Arts Centre 11am & 2pm The phone rings at the Amazing Kitamura Detective Agency. It’s a boy called Nicholas, but on the screen, we see a picture of a cat!

Calling all junior Detectives… join Detective K as she sets off on an exciting and hilarious adventure, full of manga clues and mysterious events. But will she solve the mystery and return Nicholas to his own body in time? He needs help, fast… A family show not to be missed! www.thenorthwall.com Don't forget to say you saw these adverts in

OXFORDSHIRE MAGAZINE

18 September/ October 2014

Bugs 'R' Us

27 September Museum of Natural History 1pm-4pm With over five million insects in the collection, the museum just loves bugs! Live bug handling, crafts and amazing specimens. Co-hosted with Minibeast Mayhem. Drop-in.

For more details visit www.oum.ox.ac.uk

Wallace & Gromit

27-28 September Mid Hants Railway The Railway Station, Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 9JG Join Wallace and Gromit for a Grand Day Out at the Watercress Line! Catch the big steam trains to Alresford where Wallace and Gromit will be making appearances at various intervals along with activities for younger children. Adult £17, child £9, under 2’s FREE. Family / four £43.

Family Dog Show

27 September Millets Farm 10am morning registration Filled with fun and competitive categories including the 'Best Biscuit Catcher', the 2nd Millets dog show charity event supporting the Guide Dogs, is sure to be enjoyable for all the family. There are numerous classes for your family pooch to enter plus a small selection of stands to browse. Free to spectate. See website for details. www.milletsfarmcentre.com

Thame Food Festival

27 September Thame town centre Thame Food Festival is a wonderful showcase for over 150 local and artisan food and drink producers and retailers. Enjoy children’s workshops, food based treasure hunts and competitions, a restaurant and bookshop, street music and live entertainment and demonstrations by TV chef Raymond Blanc OBE and others.

www.familiesoxfordshire.co.uk

Days out with Thomas the Tank Engine

4-5 October Didcot Railway Centre, Didcot, OX11 7NJ 9.30am-5pm Meet Thomas and his friends Duck and Diesel and The Fat Controller who’ll be keeping an eye on everything. Enjoy rides with them all day and as often as you wish.

Includes colourful 'Professor Crump' clowning around the centre, balloon modellers, circus workshops and story readings. Tel: 01235 817200.

The Jungle Book Indigo Moon Theatre

19 October The North Wall Arts Centre 2pm Inventive shadow theatre, powerful original music and colourful digital projections combine to bring Rudyard Kipling’s classic tale to life.

Ages 4+. www.thenorthwall.com

Halloween Howl

25 Oct-1 Nov 2014 Millets Farm 10.30am-4.30pm The Millets Maize Maze is transformed into a spooky world of webs and witches, with bone-shaking and spooktacular experiences both inside and out for an enjoyable day of Halloween for all the family. Also hosting: CSI Millets Do You Dare? Maze Spook Squad Trick or Treat Woodland and more!

Half Term Activities

25 Oct-2 Nov Blenheim Palace Families can enjoy plenty of Halloween entertainment at Blenheim as the autumn season draws in and thoughts turn to Halloween tricks and treats! And lots of other Halloween entertainment to be had. www.blenheimpalace.com

Oxfordshire Magazine

What's on Half Term Halloween Execution!

25 Oct-2 Nov Oxford Castle Unlocked 10am-5.30pm Steel yourself for a ghoulishly gory Halloween to explore execution, using the castle’s millennia of history. Discover the crimes that justified the penalty and meet the executioner and do a family friendly interactive trail around the castle. Are you brave enough?

The Great Pumpkin Hunt

25 Oct-2 Nov Waterperry Gardens 10am-5pm Garden entry fee applies. Find 10 pumpkins hidden in the ornamental gardens and win a special prize, for a great chance to get out and let off steam in beautiful surroundings. No need to book just turn up and enjoy! £2 per child (Who must be accompanied by an adult.)

27 - 31 Oct Pitt Rivers Museum Explore the Museum with a variety of family trails by picking one up at the information desk or download from the website.

Each are designed to help families explore together and many are suitable for under 5s.

Lots of half term activities to be enjoyed for all ages. For dates and times visit www.prm.ox.ac.uk

Discovering Tutankhamun Exhibition

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Half Term Activities

25 Oct-2 Nov Waddesdon Manor A range of activities including: Horrible Half Term Trail where Doctor Otto von Ziegler has lost his monster, Dave. Can you find all Dave’s body parts along Miss Alice’s Drive and put him back together to claim your reward? Normal admission applies. £1 per child. Other activities include a Witches Day and Petrifying Pumpkins! See website for dates and times. www.waddesdon.org.uk

Half Term Exploring

Half Term Family Fun

25 Oct-2 Nov River & Rowing Museum Various activities including Peace Dove, Snuggly Squirrel, Amazing Autumn and Marvellous Minibeasts for all to enjoy. Visit the website for specific days and times. www.rrm.co.uk

BRITAIN’S FIRST MUSEUM

Until 2 Nov Ashmolean Museum This exhibition Discovering Tutankhamun will tell the story of one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Find out more about the hunt for the tomb and the thrill of its discovery, and see Howard Carter’s original records, drawings and photographs. www.ashmolean.org Visit our website for a full list of Firework display events

www.ashmolean.org/tut Free for Under 12s September/ October 2014

27-31 Oct The Storey Museum There’s so much to do at the Story Museum for children including under 3’s ranging from Nick Cope’s Songbook, Spooky Stories and Cartoon workshops, Magic and Science and even a Quidditch Demonstration! Go online for details: www.storymuseum.org.uk

Wizard Weekend

31 Oct-2 Nov Mid Hants Railway The Railway Station, Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 9JG Watch the Watercress Line transform in to a place of magic and mischief on Halloween!

Walk in Harry Potter's footsteps over the railway footbridge where he received his Hogwarts Express ticket. Go dressed as a witch, wizard or Halloween spook and find out about bats, owls and all things magical! Plus lots of activities. Adult £17, child £9, under 2’s FREE. Family / four £43. For more details visit www.watercressline.co.uk

www.familiesoxfordshire.co.uk

KIDS’ THEATRE

A Thousand Cranes:

BOOK NOW 24 July–2 November 2014

Half Term Activities

Indigo Moon Theatre

Me & My Cat

The Jungle Book

Sat 27 Sept

Sun 19 October

Exciting adventure based on Satoshi Kitamura’s wellloved story book. Follow a trail of manga clues and help Detective K rescue Nicholas!

Inventive shadow theatre, powerful original music and colourful digital projections combine to bring Rudyard Kipling’s classic tale to life.

11am & 2pm For ages 6+

2pm For ages 4+

Come and explore! All tickets: £7 Box Office: 01865 319450 www.thenorthwall.com The North Wall, South Parade, Oxford, OX2 7JN www.familiesoxfordshire.co.uk

Oxfordshire Magazine 19

Children have many talents.. . .we discover what they are

Find out more at our Open Day Saturday 27 September 2014 9.30am - 12.00pm

www.cokethorpe.org.uk

We’re looking for boys with great potential Our Foundation Awards can provide up to 100% of the fees for boys who are currently in state education.

Candidates should show strong academic potential and, ideally, be keen contributors to music, art, drama or sport. Radley is a leading boys’ boarding school set in beautiful grounds just 4 miles south of Oxford.

Awards are open for boys at 11+ or 13+. If your son shows great potential and would enjoy boarding school life, we’d love to hear from you.

Entry and assessment details can be found online. radley.org.uk 01235 543174

September/ October 2014 Call32621-RC-Found-Families-TVWest-AW.indd 01993 815 966 to advertise with us 1

www.familiesoxfordshire.co.uk

Oxfordshire Magazine 01/08/2014 08:43