EDUCATION: NEWS & REVIEWS Ed’s Reading Room
Hi kids, parents, grandparents, teachers – and book lovers everywhere! I’m Ed and here is my Autumn book selection for you to enjoy. The books are all available online from Ed’s Reading Room at www.edontheweb.com. Ed’s Reading Room is an exciting free online book and story club for primary children in homes and schools.
FOR AGES 5:7 YEARS Short John Silver by Chris Inns and Dave Woods (Orchard £4.99) ED SAYS: ‘The story of Short John Silver tells us what happened to this famous pirate before he grew up! Short John Silver needs the help of Captain Poopdeck and his crew of scoundrel pirates to help him find Treasure Island and he promises they can all share the buried treasure. After their adventures sailing the Seven Seas they are eager to get their hands on their reward. But things aren’t always what they seem! ‘This is a very funny tale on the high seas with super illustrations throughout – ideal for young readers on their own or reading together.’ Catch that Bat! by Adam Frost (Bloomsbury £4.99) ED SAYS: ‘Tom and Sophie love living on a houseboat with their parents who both work with animals. In their latest adventure they learn a lot about nocturnal creatures that prowl and swoop while most humans are sleeping. They particularly become involved with a young bat who is in danger. Will Tom and Sophie’s moonlight vigil help to reunite the young bat with its family? ‘This is a fantastic story that gives detailed information about working with animals. It is full of zoological facts and is great fun for boys and girls alike.’
FOR AGES 7+ YEARS The Thunder Omen by Caroline Lawrence (Orion £4.99)
ENSURE YOUR CHILD S NEW SCHOOL YEAR GETS OFF TO A CONFIDENT START
It is common that most children start their new school term with fresh notebooks and a crisp new uniform, but it is just as important to ensure they are equipped with the most vital tools needed for a successful year ahead; a good grip on the core subjects of maths and English and the learning skills required for academic progression. At your local study centre, Kumon offers individualised maths and English study programmes tailored to all ages and abilities. Established for over 50 years, the programmes enable children to develop their study skills and confidently tackle advanced work. Through daily study of the Kumon programmes, your child will develop the ability to learn for themselves so they do not become dependent on – or limited by – the skills and knowledge of others. Your child will then be able to apply these skills to all subjects and outside of school too. The new school year is an ideal time to take advantage of a free assessment and enrol your child at one of the six local Kumon centres in Bedfordshire, to ensure they gain maximum benefit from the year of learning ahead. For more info call 0800 854 714 or visit www.kumon.co.uk
Beechwood Park celebrates its ISI results Beechwood Park school in Markyate is celebrating the results of its recent Independent Schools Inspectorate (‘ISI’) inspection. The Early Years Foundation Stage provision is described as ‘outstanding’ and the preparatory school praised for offering: • a high quality of curricular and extracurricular provision • excellence in the learning environment, the children’s achievements and the standard of pastoral care • a safe and welcoming environment • an excellent boarding experience which boarders thoroughly enjoy • a high level of parental satisfaction. Housed in a historic mansion, this is a co-educational, day and flexi-boarding school, which is holding its next Open Morning on Friday 18 October. For more information or to attend tel 01582 840333 or see www.beechwoodpark.net
ED SAYS: ‘It is the midwinter festival of Saturnalia. Threptus, the young apprentice of the soothsayer Floridius, is enjoying the feasting and fun. However, along with the celebrations, pantomimes and general mayhem, disaster is threatened by the thunder omen. Will Threptus be able to help Floridius overcome his latest dilemma? With Floridius and the sacred chickens, Threptus’ life in Ostia is always chaotic. ‘This is an exciting mystery full of historical facts about ancient Rome that will delight young readers.’
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Bedfordshire
editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk