Gloucestershire Primary Times BTS-Oct Half Term (BOTH) edition updated

Family What’s On Guide

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Children’s flu vaccination:

get the facts

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Primary Times Gloucestershire

Edward Jenner School

Making Learning Happen aStrong traditional Maths and English aInvestigative and exploratory Science aConfidence-building through individual programmes aAffordable provision aSmall class sizes, gradual transitions Registered for children aged 5 to 16 years Space to learn and play

Full time or part time places to support home schooling

To arrange a visit, please contact the school

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office@edwardjennerschool.org www.edwardjennerschool.org.uk

44 London Road, Gloucester GL1 3NZ

Contents Dear Reader REGULAR 5. News 8. Theatre 9. The Family Guide 12. Corkboard 13. Advertising features 14. For the Kids 15. Classified

The pandemic ways but the has changed our lives in universal. I’m desire to emerge stronger so many with this com delighted Primary Times seems Half Term (BObined Back to School and is back message abouTH) edition, helping deliv October nated (P4). If t the importance of gett er a vital risks to us, ou we’re all protected againsing vaccicoronavirus arr loved ones and the NHS t flu, the from e Meanwhile, G so much lower. lo uc es te rshi made a very welcome retu re’s schools have ties are resum rn and family fective social ing, especially outdoors, activiwith efdistancing (see P12). Even thea review of Birdl tr es and, ar e planning scal productions w ed course, a seco ith smaller audiences (P8-down this progress nd wave of the virus coul ). Of , so, for up d reverse loween and B dates, including on Halon “follow” our w fire Night, “like” and com/Primar ebsite plus Facebook. y shire and #P Times GloucesterTGlos.

One activity st reading. We co ill available to all is Cheltenham L ver online versions of Stroud Book iterature Festival and lucky to speaWeek (P5), while I was star Simon Fak to ‘Horrible Histories’ his new child rnaby as he launches re fect for stayin n’s book (P6) - perthis autumn! g in, if you have to, Mike (publi sher and e ditor)

e eatr ThOU CESTERSHIRE GL

The Family Guide

FEATURES 6. THE WIZARD OF ...OOPS! ‘Horrible Histories’ and ‘Paddington 2’ writer, actor and, now, children’s author, Simon Farnaby, reveals how children can get into writing and performing.

8. ANTI-BULLYING WEEK, Black History Month and other news.

This magazine is great for the climate because: # Our paper comes from sustainably managed forests # The environment needs more trees to soak up CO2 # Sustainable forests for paper are a big part of the climate solution # Our magazine is useful for at least six weeks # It is easibly recyclable after use and can be turned into new paper

School visiting and online open days this autumn

Primary Times is independently published and distributed free through primary schools in Gloucestershire. It aims to inform families and children about current educational issues, forthcoming events, courses, attractions and to give teachers, pupils and parents the opportunity to participate in the magazine by adding to its contents or by joining in the competitions. It is NOT our intention to publish any racist, sexist or politically based material whatsoever. We also undertake not to carry any advertising which we would consider to be offensive to young families or harmful to the best interests of young children.

Primary Times would like to thank all the schools in Gloucestershire for their assistance in distributing the magazine and for their contributions to its contents. We would also like to thank all the advertisers who have supported this publication and therefore made it possible. Please support their endeavours when and where you can. The copyright on all written material, logos and advertising artwork produced by our studio remains with Primary Times or with the relevant contributor. Before entering a competition in this magazine, please see our terms and conditions at primarytimes.co.uk/gloucestershire/tcs.

Entry into the competition is deemed as acceptance of these conditions. Primary Times currently publishes over 2.7 million copies per issue under franchise licences throughout Britain.

Gloucestershire Primary Times Published under franchise from Primary Times Ltd by

Starfish Publishing Ltd

Editorial, design, sales and distribution: Mike Gartside Sub-editor and proof-reading: Tom Phillips Family What’s On Guide

All enquiries & competition entries: Primary Times, Glos, PO Box 3438, Bristol, BS3 9JF

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KING’S GLOUCESTER 3 Oct EDWARD JENNER SCHOOL - Call to arrange a visit THE CRYPT SCHOOL 14 & 15 OCT WYCLIFFE PREP Call to discuss NEWENT COMMUNITY SCHOOL - Pre-booked visits until the Christmas holiday MALVERN ST JAMES 10 & 15 Oct SIR WILLIAM ROMNEYS SCHOOL - 1 to 3 Oct

Children’s flu vaccin ation:

get the facts

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Your new

Gloucestershire Primary Times:

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& offline)

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BACK TO SCHOOL+OCT HALF TERM (BOTH) EDITION 1 OCTOBER-30 NOVEMBER 2020 ISS.172

Gloucestershire Primary Times

BOTH EDITION 2020 3

Children’s flu vaccinations: what you need to know The return to school this September has been like no other. Bubbles, staggered drop off and collection times, and a feeling of uncertainty.

One thing that does remain the same is the need for your child to have their flu vaccination. As in previous years, this year’s vaccination is delivered through a simple nasal spray. And, as in previous years, the nasal spray not only protects your child from flu, but also protects your wider family and community as, when it comes to flu, children are what is known as “super spreaders”.

However, at Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust, we know that in other ways, this year is definitely not like previous years.

This year’s nasal spray is for all primary school aged children, but also includes year 7 for the first time.

Because of Covid-19, we have had to make some changes to the way we deliver our school-aged flu vaccinations. This is so we can create a safe environment for your children and their school.

What will be different?

Our nurses will be wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) in order to protect your child, their school, and themselves. We know this might seem scary or strange to some children, so the pictures above will help them know what to expect.

We will not be solely school-based this year. As well as our normal visits to schools to deliver the flu vaccination, we will also be running school based community clinics in addition to our countywide community clinics outside of school hours.

What do I need to do now?

We’ll be sending home information packs and consent forms in your children’s book bags, so please keep an eye out for these and make sure you return the consent forms as soon as possible.

This year’s consent form will be able to be completed online, or as a paper copy. Even if you do not want your child to have their flu vaccination, it is important that you consent or decline the flu vaccination via either the paper or online consent form. Failure to do so will result in further contact from the Immunisation Team to ensure you have received the offer of vaccination.

For more information, frequently asked questions, clinic dates and times, and the online consent form, please visit our website at www.ghc.nhs.uk/childrensflu

Contact us on: 0300 421 8140

News

Hedgehogs: when to help

Schools’ Day is back!

Stroud Book Festival returns by popular demand

C

hildren’s authors James Carter and Abi Elphinstone hold online sessions for Stroud Book Festival’s Schools’ Day this November as a free, online version of the event goes ahead thanks to a successful crowd funding campaign.

While Carter leads a “fact-fizzing” exploration of space and science using poetry and music, based on his book ‘The Big Beyond’, ‘The Unmapped Chronicles’ author Elphinstone explains how she creates magical worlds, such as her latest ‘Jungledrop’, inhabited by spirited children.

With the festival now in its fifth year and Schools’ Day three years old, the organisers had hoped to expand in 2020, dramatically replanning when covid struck.

“The book festival has grown enormously since we started,” says Louise Brice, Stroud Book Festival’s publicity and marketing director. “Over 700 primary-aged children attended in Stroud’s Subscription Rooms in 2019.”

The pandemic saw them replan with an emergency Arts Council England grant and a successful £10,000 crowd funding campaign

bringing this year’s 21-event online programme to life, while the Authors Licensing & Collecting Society (ALCS) contributed to Schools’ Day. The adult programme includes authors such as Kei Miller, environmentalist Jonathon Porritt, businesswoman and designer Cath Kidston and Gloucestershire-born Joanna Trollope.

“We’ve always wanted the festival to be accessible to all ages,” says Brice. “We understand how important books are to children on their learning journey and wanted to be entertaining, inspiring and educational.

[This part of] Gloucestershire has lots of small rural schools which don’t necessarily have the resources to get to these events, so the ALCS sponsorship helped us offer this free event.”

The authors will record their events which will be made available via a YouTube channel on the festival website. Brice says all the primary schools who attended last year will be contacted to take part again.

“We’ve always had really good

Abi Elphinstone

feedback from the schools, that the programme is really good. In our first year [children’s author] Caroline Lawrence was unbelievable, while [BBC’s ‘One Show’ presenter] Ade Adepitan was very generous, letting children have a go on his state-of-the-art wheelchair.”

Stroud Book Festival Wed 4 Nov-Sun 8 Nov W: stroudbookfestival.org.uk Schools’ Day Thu 5 Nov W: stroudbookfestival.org.uk/ schools-day

James Carter

W

ould you know what to do if you found an ill or injured hedgehog? If you don’t, then Wild Hogs Hedgehog Rescue in Frampton on Severn has a guide to hedgehog first aid. Hedgehogs can, for example, suffer from hypothermia - and not just in the winter - and should be warmed up in a quiet place before you attempt to feed them.

The guide also provides details of the symptoms hedgehogs in need of help might display - fractures, burns, dehydration etc - as well as a guide to recognising when a creature doesn’t need your help: “Healthy hedgehogs will often rouse from hibernation for short period even in cold winter weather. Do not assume these hedgehogs need help unless they are underweight or obviously unwell.” In all cases, if you are in any doubt, you can call Wild Hogs for advice on 07949 976717 and, if necessary, arrange to take the animal to the centre.

Independent Day School Girls & Boys 3-18 Years

Open Morning

SATURDAY 3rd OCTOBER To attend, please register at www.thekingsschool.co.uk

DISCOVERING

talent

For more information call 01452 337337 or email admissions@thekingsschool.co.uk #DiscoveringKingsTalent

Gloucestershire Primary Times

BOTH EDITION 2020 5

‘Paddington 2’ writer and actor Simon Farnaby tells Mike Gartside how he fell in love with writing for kids as he publishes his first children’s book.

The wizard of

oops!

P

oo has played a small but significant part in Simon Farnaby’s comedy life. Quite apart from all the bowel-churning moments in ‘Horrible Histories’ (of which he was an original member), and the pooing guinea pig in his new children’s book ‘The Wizard in my Shed’, it provided unexpected light relief for at least one member of the ‘Paddington 2’ cast.

As a comedian, actor and writer, first for grown-ups and then for children, Simon has been involved with some of the funniest moments in kids’ onscreen entertainment over the last 15 years. He has helped write and acted in over 70 episodes of ‘Horrible Histories’ and was co-writer of the second Paddington movie, starring Ben Whishaw, Sally Hawkins, Hugh Grant and Julie Walters.

He is full of tips on how children can enjoy both writing and acting and even remembers his first ever performance in a play. “I was aged five or six, in a nativity play at primary school,” he recalls. “I can still remember my line, ‘The star is coming over the hills, Malachi’.

“I always used to do little plays for my mum and dad and put on shows with my brother and 6 BOTH EDITION 2020

sister, which graduated to writing my own stuff in secondary school for school assemblies.”

After studying at university and performing in his own standup comedy sketches, he moved to London, performing in clubs and joining a theatre group, Fit to Burst, which stormed the capital of comedy, The Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

“I didn’t really intend to write for children,” he says. “But I used to do pantomime at The Georgian Theatre, Richmond [in North Yorkshire]. The kids were raucous and would throw sweets at you: it was chaotic… there were no rules, which made it fun and unpredictable. When I started ‘Horrible Histories’, I had the same feeling that I had with the pantos, ‘This is fun and liberating!’”

After years of success, how would he recommend children get into writing or acting? “Just do stuff,” he urges. “Keep doing it, don’t be afraid to fail and write lots of stories. Remember to make bad things happen to your characters. When I started, I used to write stories where nothing ever happened, but you need a bit of conflict and turmoil.

The twists and turns make it more satisfying. Performing is

Primary Times Gloucestershire

the same: keep doing it, don’t be afraid to do things with mates.

The more you do the better you get.”

That sense of playfulness pervaded the making of ‘Paddington 2’. “Hugh Grant is great, like a naughty school child,” he says. “All the best actors have a mischievous nature. I tell my sixyear-old daughter, ‘Treasure your playtime and if you can keep it going into adulthood, you’ve cracked one of the secrets of life.

And if you get paid for it, even better.’”

His first children’s novel, ‘The Wizard in My Shed’, features a wizard or, more accurately, a warlock (a bad wizard), who’s been expelled from the Dark Ages for being generally evil and finds himself in 21st-century suburbia with Rosie and her pet guinea pig.

“Hugh Grant is like a naughty school child. All the best actors have a mischievous nature.”

“I like time traveller stories, or where kids meet unusual creatures, such as ‘ET’, ‘Stig of the Dump’ or ‘Lilo & Stitch’. And I like a bit of magic. The book has quite a lot to do with nature: I’m intrigued by the Dark Ages where they had trees, grass, humans and magic: they really believed in magic. I imagine ‘What if it was real?’ We’ve lost sight of it somehow in the modern world.”

Of course, there’s been plenty of comedy magic off-screen in Simon’s career, not least when a member of the ‘Paddington 2’ cast absolutely had to “go” on set. “The character played

by Jessica Hynes, the woman at the kiosk, had a parrot on her shoulder. Once, when the camera rolled, the parrot did a poo. The wardrobe lady had to come in and clean it up, which took about 20 minutes. Then Paul King, the director, shouted ‘Action!’ and he pooed again. It wasn’t funny for Paul, but we all laughed!”

Simon Farnaby appears at The Cheltenham Literature Festival on Thu 8 Oct (see The Family Guide, P9). See P12 for review of ‘The Wizard in My Shed’.

Advertising feature

A new chapter at Wycliffe W

ycliffe Preparatory School has started a new chapter in its prestigious history with the appointment of Mrs Helena Grant (pictured) as Head.

Mrs Grant’s arrival coincides with exciting new developments at the prep school, based in Stonehouse, near Stroud. Wycliffe officially started its new 3+ Nursery Class in September and over the summer completed a range of refurbishment work including full resurfacing of its artificial turf pitch for the use of hockey and other sports.

“Wycliffe is far more than bricks and mortar,” explains Mrs Grant.

“It is about our holistic approach

which nurtures young minds whilst caring for their wellbeing and providing them with a safe, caring environment. Wycliffe is about support, not only for the child but also for the family, providing education, a range of activities and care from 8am to 6pm. We work hard to be there for the family when you need us.”

Mrs Grant and the team have carefully planned the new academic year with the safety and wellbeing of the children at the heart of all their decisions.

Throughout the pandemic, including lockdown, Wycliffe has ensured that children’s education has continued. “In March, Wycliffe started a Directed Learning Programme, which was planned in anticipation of a lockdown. It meant that our pupils could continue with their learning and remain connected to their friends,” says Mrs Grant.

“Feedback from parents was highly positive, with children as young as Reception taking part in remote activities and learning. The message which came through time and again was how the teachers responded to each individual, whether they felt anxious, needed flexibility in their Directed Learning or support in their learning tasks.”

Opening safely in September has been a priority for the school, underpinned by Wycliffe’s deter-

mination to provide its full curriculum including Drama, Art, Music and DT, Sports and After School programmes, as well as creating a welcoming space for all the children to return to. Children are organised into “bubbles”, while cleaning systems, rigorous oneway systems and careful pinchpoint planning (such as lunch, drop off and pick up) ensure a smooth flow of pupils through the school. Wycliffe’s pastoral team is also ready to help with any anxious children and works closely with parents and guardians.

For Mrs Grant, Wycliffe represents what education should be.

“I believe in childhood,” she explains. “I believe in fun, being outdoors and as active as possible, getting messy, exploring and holding on to that wonderful sense of curiosity into the early teenage years. And that is why I chose to work here.

“My vision for the school is clear - strong academics, a range of opportunities to challenge and inspire all children and a personalised pastoral care system to support all in our community.

I plan to continue the strong sense of the individual and the pioneering spirit which enables us to write our own story; hopefully a varied, adventurous and satisfying one.” wycliffe.co.uk

Our inspiration is you

Malvern St James is a leading Independent Day and Boarding School for girls aged 4-18 in Malvern, offering exceptional academic, sport, music, drama and equestrian provision. A variety of scholarships and bursaries are available.

School minibus routes cover the local area and flexi, weekly or full boarding is available.

Be anything, achieve everything

REGISTER FOR OUR NEXT OPEN MORNING SATURDAY 10 OCTOBER MALVERNSTJAMES.CO.UK/VISIT Gloucestershire Primary Times

BOTH EDITION 2020 7

News The kids are united Teaching tools available to primary schools for Anti-Bullying Week

A

nti-Bullying Week, which returns from Mon 16 to Fri 20 Nov, has launched a resource pack aimed at primary teachers, as it focuses on the theme ‘United Against Bullying’. The pack features a short film for classrooms, an assembly plan, a lesson plan (which could span two lessons), a poster and ideas to help bring Anti-Bullying Week to life.

Organised by the National Children’s Bureau and the Anti-Bullying Alliance, the week also features Odd Socks Day, supported by BBC presenter Andy Day and his band The Odd Socks (pictured) who are running a competition to create the artwork for band’s next single – send entries in by Wed 14 Oct. There’s also a competition for children during the week itself, when they can send pictures of themselves in odd socks on Twitter using the handles @abaonline, @andyoddsock and #AntiBullyingWeek or #oddsocksday, with winners announced on 4 December. Andy’s current single ‘The Kids are United’ forms part of the campaign week.

In a statement on behalf of the 300 young people and 100 school staff members who developed the theme, the Anti-Bullying Alliance says, “Bullying has a long-lasting effect on those who experience and witness it. But by channelling our collective power, through shared efforts and shared ambitions, we can reduce bullying together. From parents and carers, to teachers and politicians, to children and young people, we all have a part to play in coming together to make a difference.”

Ffi: Anti-Bullying Week: W www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/ or, for resources, www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/anti-bullying-week/school-resources

Black History Month launches resources

I

n a year which has seen a surge in support for the Black Lives Matter movement and the toppling of statues associRosa Parks in 1955, with ated with the Martin Luther King in the Harriet Tubman slave trade, Black background History Month, which runs until the end of October, is an ever more important chance for children to put current events into perspective. The month celebrates and honours the often unsung accomplishments of Black Britons in all areas of life, both in the past and today.

This year, to help schools and teachers get the most out of this nationwide event, the organisers have produced a special Black History Month Schools Resource Pack. A set of five posters highlights sporting icons, poets and writers, global icons, movers and shakers, as well as providing a Black history timeline, while there are also assembly notes and ideas for Key Stages 1, 2 and 3 activities that can all be downloaded. The packs cost £49.50 and can be ordered from the Black Lives Matter website (see below). A separate pack aimed at adults is available for use across the public, private and voluntary sectors. See the website, too, for details of national BHM events taking place during October and beyond.

The BBC has also released resources for primary schools to coincide with Black History Month, including short films about the life and work of such key historical figures as the Civil Rights activist Rosa Parks, anti-slavery campaigner Harriet Tubman and nurse Mary Seacole. The BBC website also includes recordings, including a woman recalling being taken to hear Dr Martin Luther King’s famous ‘I have a dream …’ speech, and ideas for BHM-themed assemblies.

Ffi: Black History Month W: https://www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk/ black-history-month-schools-resource-pack/ BBC Black History Month Resources W: www.bbc.co.uk/teach/ black-history-month-primary-and-secondary-resources/zjwf8xs 8 BOTH EDITION 2020

Primary Times Gloucestershire

Theatre GLOUCESTERSHIRE

NEWS

A

fter months of lockdown, which have hit the theatre sector harder than many other areas of cultural and family life, Gloucestershire’s venues are beginning to show some early signs of life.

Despite cancelling its annual pantomime, The Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, has been piloting socially-distanced shows and says it might replace ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ with a pared down Christmas production involving Gloucestershire’s most famous clown, Tweedy.

If this goes ahead, the theatre expects to announce details at the end of September The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, is also working on a pandemic-friendly Christmas show which it hopes to announce soon.

Most confident of all, The Barn Theatre, Cirencester, which ran outdoor shows featuring Tweedy in the summer, has announced a full “recovery programme”, with smaller cast sizes, and reduced capacity audience divided by Perspex screens. Its productions include ‘Peter Pan’ from Sat 21 Nov- Sun 3 Jan (see listing).

Iwan Lewis, artistic director of the Barn, says, “I am thrilled that we have been able to produce this Theatre Recovery Season for the end of 2020.

We have been overwhelmed by the positive response to our new safety procedures since we opened at the end of July. We are confident that our audiences will experience the safest and most enjoyable return to live theatre.”

Peter Pan, The Barn, Sat 21 Nov Sun 3 Jan

Elsewhere, The Cheltenham Playhouse has no productions announced until April, while The Cotswold Playhouse, Stroud, has posted a March 2021 reopening date. The Bacon Theatre, Cheltenham, also remains closed until further notice.

THE BARN THEATRE

5 Beeches Road, Cirencester, GL7 1BN. 01285 648 255 (Box Office open 10am-5.30pm, Mon to Sat) boxoffice@barntheatre.org.uk, barntheatre.org.uk Peter Pan Sat 21 Nov to Sun 3 Jan, £10-£28 (adult)/£30-£84 (family), concs for u16s, over 65s & uniformed public service members • In this new stage adaptation of the JM Barrie classic by Alan Pollock, a father in a hotel room, 3,000 miles away from his daughter but desperate not to miss her bedtime, recreates the epic tale of adventure, pirates, fairies and a sinister crocodile.

Conceived and directed by Kirk Jameson with music by Nick Barstow.

Countdown to World Space Week

T

he world’s first satellite, Sputnik 1, was launched from the then Soviet Union exactly 63 years ago on 4 October, so it’s highly appropriate that this year’s World Space Week begins on that very day and has as its theme ‘Satellites improve life’. The week, which runs until Sat 10 October, is all about celebrating the exploration of space and educating and exciting young people (and adults!) about science and technology. Keep an eye on the World Space Week UK Facebook page for the latest updates on events taking place across the UK. Schools and home teachers, meanwhile, can access a wide range of teaching resources relating to science, technology, computing and, of course, space from the World Space Week website. These cover all sorts of scientific topics and are geared towards specific year groups, providing tips for teachers and suggested activities. The website even includes instructions for building your own satellite from both NASA and the European Space Agency.

Ffi: World Space Week UK W: www.bis-space.com/

The Family Guide THE PANDEMIC

The situation has improved significantly since the summer, with socially distanced open-air and some indoor events going ahead, but programmes can still change at short notice, particularly with local lockdowns. All events listed here were going ahead at the time of writing and most needed booking in advance, so please check with organisers before travelling and follow the latest public advice. See also Facebook.com/ PrimaryTimesGloucestershire for updates.

OCTOBER UNTIL MON 5 OCT GIFFORDS CIRCUS: THE FEAST Giffords Circus HQ, Fennells Farm, Lypiatt, Stroud GL6 7NE, everymantheatre.org.uk • Back in action after having to postpone their production ‘The Hooley’, Giffords return with this socially-distanced meal and circus experience in a big top featuring Tweedy, Lil Rice and the Giffords Circus Band. Book through The Everyman Box Office, Cheltenham. Lunch, tea and dinner performances. 01242 572573.

Prices up to £60.

UNTIL SUN 1 NOV OF EARTH AND SKY Gloucester city centre venues, inc. Gloucester Bus Station, Gloucester Train Station, Llanthony Secunda Priory, ofearthandsky.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/printed-mapv3pah.pdf • A walking tour and poetry installation by artist Luke Jerram with poetry

by Gloucestershire people used as the basis for a sculpture trail in 31 parks and public spaces across the city. Over 80 poetry submissions were received, curated by Jerram and local poet JPDL. The route can also by cycled with six, 10 and 25 mile routes.

UNTIL SUN 1 NOV BIRDLAND TIMED VISITS Birdland Park & Gardens, Rissington Rd, Bourton-on-the-Water GL54 2BN, www.birdland.co.uk/ • Experience an extraordinary selection of avian life, in bookable two-hour time slots. See review P11. 01451 820480.

THU 1-SAT 3 OCT SIR WILLIAM ROMNEYS SCHOOL OPEN MORNINGS Sir William Romney’s School, Lowfield Rd, Tetbury GL8 8AE., swr.gloucs.sch.uk/ • Experience the ethos and quality of teaching at this academy for 11 to 16 year olds. 9-11.15am. 01666 502378 x236.

FRI 1-SUN 11 OCT CHELTENHAM LITERATURE FESTIVAL (CLF) Various Cheltenham venues & online, cheltenhamliteraturefestival.com • With the return of outdoor and some indoor events, this annual festival has a great selection of readings, workshops and talks for primary-aged children, some bookable in advance and lots available online until the end of the year. A selection is listed below, marked (CLF). Events listed at The Den digital hub are accessed via this section of the festival website and include both live, bookable events and online only. Venue details for live events on booking. See website for full family programme.

THU 1-SUN 18 OCT NEWENT SCHOOL OPEN VISITS Newent School, Watery Lane, Newent GL18 1QF, newent.gloucs. sch.uk/ • Instead of an open day, parents of Y6 students can pre-book their own visit around this high-achieving secondary school throughout the autumn.

Virtual tours also available. 01531 820550.

SAT 3 OCT 11+ ONLINE REVISION DAY Online, www.cotswoldeducation. co.uk • Cotswold Education offers tips and tricks for the 11+ tests. 9am-4pm, £70.

SAT 3 OCT KING’S GLOUCESTER OPEN MORNING King’s School, Gloucester GL1 2BG, www.thekingsschool.co.uk • Discover what this independent day school for girls and boys aged 3 to 18 might be able to offer your child. 01452 337337, admissions@thekingsschool.co.uk SAT 3-SAT 31 OCT PICK UP A PUMPKIN! Cotswold Farm Park, Guiting Power, Cheltenham GL54 5FL, www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk • Pick your own pumpkin at Cotswold Farm Park! Book online in advance. 9.30am-5pm. 01451 850307.

Of Earth and Sky by artist Luke Jerram, featuring poetry by Gloucestershire people, runs throughout Gloucester until Sun 1 Nov.

SUN 4 OCT ROB BIDDULPH: DOG GONE (CLF) Everyman Theatre, Regent St, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ, www. cheltenhamfestivals.com/literature • Illustrator and “draw along with” artist Rob Biddulph introduces his new picture book ‘Dog Gone’, talks about his #drawwithrob videos that kept us entertained in lockdown and shows you how to create some more of his characters. Take pens and paper! All attending must book.

12noon, £6. Age 4+.

SUN 4 OCT-SUN 1 NOV TAURUS CRAFTS: WELCOME BACK Taurus Crafts, The Old Park, Lydney GL15 6BU, www.camphillvillagetrust. org.uk/shops-cafes/taurus-crafts/ • Families are invited to take part in socially-distanced craft sessions, taking place in a new, heated marquee. Groups of four can come along, choose a craft kit and head to their own making space in a safe environment. More activities planned for November, so keep an eye on the centre’s website for new announcements. Opens 10am.

hero and enjoy a reading with storyteller Danyah Miller. 8-8.15am.

Age 5+. Available to view online until 31 Dec.

THU 8 OCT STORIES ALOUD: SIMON FARNABY (CLF) The Den, Digital Hub, www. cheltenhamfestivals.com/literature • Simon Farnaby reads from ‘A Wizard in my Shed’. 8-8.15am. Age 8+. Available online until 31 Dec. See feature and review P6.

FRI 9 OCT JOSEPH COELHO: POEMS ALOUD (CLF) The Den, Digital Hub, www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/literature • Roar with the traffic or croak like a frog as author and poet Joseph Coelho performs from his latest book ‘Poems Aloud’. Find out how he finds new ways of reading poems. 8-8.40am. Age 5+. View online until 31 Dec. FRI 9 OCT STORIES ALOUD: JASBINDER BILAN (CLF) The Den, Digital Hub, www.

MON 5 OCT NIZRANA FAROOK: THE GIRL WHO STOLE AN ELEPHANT (CLF) The Den, Digital Hub, www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/literature • Step into the lush landscapes of Serendib with author Nizrana Farook as she delves into an incredible world of jungles, jewels, wildlife and adventure. Nizrana talks about her own journey as a writer, from notebook to published author. 8-8.40am.

Age 8+.

TUE 6 OCT CPD: POETRY MATTERS! DEVELOPING A LOVE OF POETRY IN THE PRIMARY CLASSROOM (CLF) Zoom, www.cheltenhamfestivals. com/literature • Aimed at primary teachers, this webinar draws from the findings of the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education’s ‘Poetry in Primary: What We Know Works’ booklet, exploring how a focus on poetry in the classroom can increase children’s motivation to read, write and perform. Introduces participants to ideas that can easily be transferred to the classroom.

5-6pm.

TUE 6 OCT STORIES ALOUD: LAUREN CHILD (CLF) The Den, Digital Hub, www. cheltenhamfestivals.com/literature • Author and illustrator Lauren Child celebrates 75 years of Pippi Longstocking with a new, lavishly illustrated edition of ‘Pippi Longstocking Goes Aboard’. Find out why Pippi was Lauren’s childhood

Fireworks latest

W

hile several traditional fireworks displays are still scheduled around Gloucestershire, and the events listed here have told us they are going ahead, the final decision for many will depend on the latest social distancing advice and may not be announced until a few days beforehand. At the time of writing The Gordon League Rugby Club Fireworks Display, Gloucester, had not confirmed, while Coates Fireworks, which runs displays in Uley, Dursley and Gotherington Village, advise checking their website in the last two weeks of October for up-to-date details (see listing). Definitely cancelled are The Fire Service College Fireworks Display, Moreton-inthe-Marsh, Quedgeley Fireworks Display, Birdlip PTA Bonfire Night and Walls Rugby Club Fireworks, Gloucester.

Gloucestershire Primary Times

BOTH EDITION 2020 9

TFG

continued

THE PANDEMIC

All events listed here were correct at time of writing but are subject to change or cancellation at short notice. Please check with organisers before travelling and see Facebook. com/PrimaryTimesGloucestershire for updates. Please follow the latest public advice.

Kite Day, Taurus Crafts, Sun 11 Oct

cheltenhamfestivals.com/literature • The Costa Book Award-winning author reads from her new book ‘Tamarind & the Star of Ishta’, complete with a Himalaya and friendly monkey. 8-8.15am. Age 9+. Available to view online until 31 December 2020.

FRI 9 OCT CLIPPA POETRY AWARD SHOW (CLF) The Den, Digital Hub, www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/literature • Hear five poets perform from all the shortlisted collections for the Centre for Literacy in Primary Poetry Award (CLiPPA), watch author and illustrator Chris Riddell draw along and find out who has won the 2020 award, live! Also news about how your school can be involved in the shadowing scheme. 2-2.35pm. Age 6+.

SAT 10 OCT GUESS HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU STORYTELLER SHOW (CLF) Everyman Theatre, Regent St, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ, www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/literature • Storytelling by Liz Frost based on the popular ‘Guess How Much I Love You’ by Sam McBratney and Anita Jeram, plus an enchanting new story in the same vein. 12noon12.45pm, £8. Age 3+.

SAT 10 OCT LIZ PICHON: SHOE WARS (CLF) Cheltenham Town Hall, Main Hall, Imperial Square, Cheltenham GL50 1QA, www.cheltenhamfestivals. com/literature • The Tom Gates author/illustrator introduces her new novel ‘Shoe Wars’, complete with a whole cast of new characters including super-baddy, Wendy Wedge. Bring pen and paper to take part in the drawing. 10-11am, £8. Age 8+.

SAT 10 OCT MALVERN ST JAMES GIRLS SCHOOL VIRTUAL OPEN MORNING Online, www.malvernstjames.co.uk/ visit • A virtual tour of the school hosted by head, Mrs Olivera Raraty, following which parents can book a personal visit. 10am.

SAT 10-SUN 11 OCT DOG SWIM Sandford Park Lido, Keynsham Rd, Cheltenham GL53 7PU, www. sandfordparkslido.org.uk • Take your canine for a dip in the lido at the very end of the pool’s summer season. 10am-2pm, £12 (one dog & two humans).

SUN 11 OCT CARRIE HOPE FLETCHER: INTO THE SPOTLIGHT (CLF) Cheltenham Town Hall, Main Hall, 10 BOTH EDITION 2020

Imperial Square, Cheltenham GL50 1QA, www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/literature • Actress and author Carrie Hope Fletcher’s children’s debut ‘Into The Spotlight’ is inspired by Noel Streatfield’s ‘Ballet Shoes’, published 125 years ago. Carrie talks with author Anna James (‘Pages & Co’) about “the original feelgood novel”, making dreams come true and the similarities between writing and performing. 1-2pm, £8. Ages 9+.

SUN 25-WED 28 OCT SPOOKTACULAR HALLOWEEN FUN WITH HENRY VIII Berkeley Castle, Berkeley GL13 9BQ, www.berkeley-castle.com/ • Berkeley Castle hosts ghastly goings on in All Hallows’ Week,

including an audience with Henry VIII and the two wives he beheaded, while a grim executioner and gaoler tour the castle.

Also face-painting. Two bookable sessions daily starting 11am and 2pm. 01453 810303.

SUN 11 OCT KITE DAY Taurus Crafts, The Old Park, Lydney GL15 6BU, www.camphillvillagetrust.org.uk/shops-cafes/ taurus-crafts/ • Get along, make and fly a simple kite (or bring your own), and enjoy a demonstration by the Avon Kite Flyers. 11am-4pm.

WED 14-THU 15 OCT VIRTUAL OPEN DAY Online, The Crypt School, Podsmead Rd, Gloucester GL2 5AE, www.thecryptschool.org/ admissions/open-events • Instead of the usual open day, this is a chance to discover virtually what The Crypt School can offer your child. Advance booking essential.

Sessions at 9.30am and 11.30am.

01452 530291, enquiries@crypt. gloucs.sch.uk. @TheCryptSchool TUESDAY 13 OCTOBER - SUNDAY 1 NOVEMBER GAIA Gloucester Cathedral, Gloucester, 12 College Green, Gloucester GL1 2LX, https://www.gloucestercathedral.org.uk/ • Artist Luke Jerram, whose Of Earth and Sky poetry exhibition is also running in Gloucestershire, exhibits this remarkable scale model of our planet, made up from high resolution images from NASA satellites. See also Page 15 for a chance to win tickets. Times and prices TBA.

2–11 October Enter The Den for draw-alongs, storytelling, facts, fiction and poetry with a host of favourite authors and illustrators

THU 15 OCT MALVERN ST JAMES GIRLS SCHOOL VIRTUAL OPEN EVENING Online, www.malvernstjames. co.uk/visit • A virtual tour of the school hosted by head, Mrs Olivera Raraty, following which parents can book a personal visit.

From 5.30pm.

SAT 24 OCT-SUN 1 NOV OCTOBER HALF-TERM ACTIVITIES Taurus Crafts, The Old Park, Lydney GL15 6BU, www.camphillvillagetrust.org.uk/shops-cafes/ taurus-crafts/ • A “fantastic” programme of hands-on creative activities, performances and free trails, see website and Facebook for up-to-date details. From 10am.

Primary Times Gloucestershire

Watch for free at home or school on cheltenhamliteraturefestival.com Available until 31 December 2020

Archie & The Unicorn, Clearwell Caves, Sat 28 Nov-Thu 31 Dec

SAT 31 OCT THEATRE TOUR Everyman Theatre, Regent St, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ, everymantheatre.org.uk • Discover the magic behind the scenes at one of the UK’s leading regional theatres, including the beautiful auditorium restored by renowned theatrical architect Frank Matcham. Tour lasts one hour.

10-11am, £10. Call 01242 572573 to join waiting list.

NOVEMBER WED 4-SUN 8 NOV STROUD BOOK FESTIVAL Online, stroudbookfestival.org.uk/ • As well as fabulous array of talent for the grown-ups, including Joanna Trollope, Kei Miller, Jonathon Porritt, designer and businesswoman Cath Kidston and Michael Cashman, the Schools’ Day promises children’s events for all ages, including a weekend event with Ben Miller, children’s author and TV comedian of ‘Armstrong and Miller’ fame. All events are free. See News, P5 THU 5 NOV STROUD BOOK FESTIVAL: SCHOOLS’ DAY Online , stroudbookfestival.org.uk/ • Special events for KS2 classes from Stroud Book Festival, this year featuring poet/guitarist James Carter exploring space in ‘The Big Beyond’ (9.30-10.30am) and bestselling author Abi Elphinstone talking about her fantasy book ‘The Unmapped Chronicles’ (11-12noon). 9.30am12noon, free. See News, P5.

SAT 7 NOV BONFIRE NIGHT Hillside Brewery, Hollybush Farm, Ross Rd, Longhope GL17 0NG, www. hillsidebrewery.com • A roaring bonfire is promised lighting up the Hillside Brewery meadow, with “awe-inspiring” fireworks display and fire performer to keep kids (and big kids!) entertained all evening.

From 6pm, £20 per car.

MON 16-FRI 20 NOV ANTI-BULLYING WEEK Nationwide, www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk • This year’s Anti-Bullying Week takes as its theme ‘United Against Bullying’ and opens on the Monday with Odd Socks Day when you can celebrate being unique by wearing odd socks to school. See

Would you like your event listed here?

Email: mike.gartside@ primarytimes. co.uk Deadline for Christmas & New Year FRI 30 OCT

Review Birdland

the website for resources and ideas that schools can use to put across the anti-bullying message. See also News, P5.

TUE 24 NOV-THU 31 DEC LOCAL FIREWORK DISPLAYS 2020 Various, see website for up-to-date details, www.coatesfireworks.co.uk • Displays are scheduled in various places around Gloucestershire, but at the time of going to press most were awaiting confirmation. See website for details.

SAT 28 NOV-MON 21 DEC WESTONBIRT ENCHANTED CHRISTMAS Westonbirt Arboretum,, Westonbirt, Tetbury GL8 8QS, www.forestryengland.uk/westonbirt • Take a journey to the “West Pole” this winter, enjoy the beautifully illuminated arboretum, meet the elves who help Father Christmas create his toys and possibly meet a very special visitor. 4-9.30pm. £16 (adult)/£8 (children). Relaxed sessions on 28 Nov & 5 Dec. Advanced booking essential. NB Due to social distancing no presents will be handed out this year, although there is a small gift in the admissions pack.

SAT 28 NOV-WED 30 DEC SPECTACLE OF LIGHT Sudeley Castle & Gardens, Sudeley Castle & Gardens, Winchcombe GL54 5JD, sudeleycastle.co.uk/ events/spectacle-of-light • See the castle, gardens and romantic ruins lit under the stars and take a stroll around the grounds with its dazzling illuminations. The charac-

ters of ‘The Nutcracker’ are a new element of this display, now in its fifth year. Entry at six different time slots from 4.45pm onwards. £15 (adult)/£9 (child). Tickets available from Everyman Theatre box office.

SAT 28 NOV-THU 31 DEC ARCHIE AND THE UNICORN Clearwell Caves, nr. Coleford GL16 8JR, clearwellcaves.com • Experience this walk-through story for children, set in the beauty of this ancient iron mine, adorned with twinkling lights. You will encounter a Christmas stall with stocking fillers and café on the journey, offering perhaps the West Country’s deepest retail experience.

10am-3.30pm. Standard admission applies.

DECEMBER SAT 5-SAT 12 DEC CHRISTMAS MARKET Taurus Crafts, The Old Park, Lydney GL15 6BU, www.camphillvillagetrust.org.uk/shops-cafes/ taurus-crafts/ • Arts, crafts, gifts, toys, food and drink, plus Christmas trees at this large Christmas market. Open 10am-5pm.

Rissington Rd, Bourton-on-the-Water, Glos, GL54 2BN (with sat nav. use GL54 2AY)

A

s we arrive, the pretty village of Bourton-on-the-Water is humming with people, although everyone is doing their best to stay the requisite distance apart. Expecting a huge queue to the attraction, we are relieved to find the modest line of people is well managed and moving swiftly.

Once inside, we head straight to the penguin enclosure, an early highlight on a continuing tour of delights and surprises.

Standing so close to the Humbolt and Emperor penguins you can almost converse with them, their preening, cries and waddling so human-like as they await their feed, yet so graceful and nimble in the water.

As we orient ourselves, it’s clear that

is still essential and open-air attractions are the best way for families to enjoy a relatively normal day out, a prebooked visit to Birdland is the ideal way to give the children a thrilling, fun and educational experience. (Mike Gartside) Ffi: Birdland T: 01451 820480 W: www.birdland.co.uk

the park is laid out in a series of walkways, with Out of Africa the main theme, leading to the larger and tropical species.

After a cup of coffee at the Flamingo Point Café, it’s over to the parrots, breathtaking in the brightness and variety of their colours. To an adult cooped up in urban environments most of the time, it’s a slight shock that these birds really are every bit as beautiful as they appear on the screen, while the two boys (just turned 10) pause their racing around, genuinely captivated to experience these exotic sights first hand.

About two hours of gentle strolling takes us past the forest of pink that is the flamingos, the larger than life pelicans with their extraordinary bills, the baleful emus and a host of darting tree dwellers. The Jurassic Journey, with its dinosaur sculptures, is a winding forest walkway with a chance to sit in specially built watches and experience the wildlife inhabiting the waterways.

At a time when social distancing Gloucestershire Primary Times

BOTH EDITION 2020 11

d r a o b Cork

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Parents’ and teachers’ new s, education an d contacts

October at Taurus Crafts

“Welcome Back!” That’s the message that Taurus Crafts are sending out this October Half Term as they invite families to get involved in their socially distanced activity programme.

“We have a large, heated marquee area that we have turned into a ‘making space’ for creative groups to get busy,” says Tom Haverly, marketing manager at the centre. “Groups of four can come along, choose a craft kit, and head to their own making space in a safe environment.”

There’s a great range of kits to choose from including, clay play, paint a pot, badges, and pumpkin painting. The activities will run daily from Sun 4 Oct to Sun 1 Nov with more events to be announced, so keep an eye on the centre’s social media channels for all the details.

Onsite, Taurus Crafts still offers fantastic food and drink and, when the fun, is finished in the making space, why not pick up a free activity pack or have a go at the free trail challenge?

Taurus Crafts adheres to all current guidelines, risk assesses activities, and has measures in place to minimise risk. Please check details on the website before planning and travelling to an event.

Taurus Crafts W: www.camphillvillagetrust.org.uk/ shops-cafes/taurus-crafts/

Time to reflect Waddle happen next?

The SS Great Britain in Bristol has some very special visitors, but they need your help. Stanley and his fellow penguins have come all the way from the South Atlantic to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the ship’s homecoming from the Falkland Islands, but they’ve been enjoying themselves so much they’ve lost their eggs. What they’d like you to do is follow the Penguin Trail around the historic dockyard and see if you can reunite the penguins with their chicks. And because it’s such a special year for the SS Great Britain, don’t forget to check out the ship’s special photography exhibition along the harbourside. The Penguin Trail runs from Thu 22 Oct-Sun 1 Nov and tickets must be pre-booked online.

This year hasn’t been the easiest for many people, but The Reflections Project is encouraging children and young people “to reflect upon this year in a creative and positive way” and then create a short story (up to 900 words of fiction or non-fiction), a poem (up to 600 words) or a piece of art (any medium reproduceable as a single image) “that will help you look back and reflect upon 2020 and all that has happened”.

The best of the work submitted will be published in an anthology that will be sold online and in selected bookstores around the UK (as well as being held in major national libraries), with £2 from each copy going to charities that help fight childhood hunger and organisations dedicated to ‘rewilding’ the environment. The competition is open to all 8-18 year olds in the UK and is free to enter.

Ffi: thereflectionsproject.org

Ffi: SS Great Britain Great Western Dockyward, Bristol BS1 6TY W: ssgreatbritain.org

Book reviews

By Wally Wordmonger

Everything? Everything!

From the Big Bang, our best guess at the origin of the universe 13.8 billion years ago, to satellite technology, global warming and renewable energy today, this slender yet comprehensive volume is a vivid introduction to everything that science has revealed to us in the last few centuries. It’s an ideal accompaniment to work in the classroom, with its concise timeline outlining the broad sweep of events from the formation of galaxies, the birth of this planet, life and evolution to the emergence of humanity and modern society.

For kids confused at where, say, a dinosaur exhibit in a museum fits into history, a quick glance at Anna Claybourne’s straightforward text will show you where to place it, within a million (or possibly billion) years. Jan Van Der Veken’s illustrations are inspirational, dynamic and clear, creating a mental reference for any under-10s which is likely to stay with them throughout their educational journey, in the sciences or otherwise. (Mike Gartside) The History of Everything (In 32 Pages) Anna Claybourne, ill.

Jan Van Der Veken, Laurence King, www.laurenceking.com, £14.99 12 BOTH EDITION 2020

Primary Times Gloucestershire

The guinea, the girl, and the warlock When is a wizard not a wizard? When he’s a warlock, of course, as Merdyn the Wild from the Dark Ages never ceases to point out. Endowed with magical powers, an overabundance of self-esteem and general malevolence towards the world, Merdyn is halted in his evil ways by one Jeremiah Jerabo and dispatched from his sixth century home – by accident as it happens - to a shopping mall in the modern day town of Bashingstoke. Here he befriends schoolgirl Rose (and her guinea pig Bubbles), who discerns that Merdyn is simply misunderstood and nursing a broken heart. No prizes for identifying the real baddy in this tale.

The writer behind much of ‘Horrible Histories’ and ‘Paddington 2’, Simon Farnaby, recounts the tale with energy and pazzazz, introducing magical twists, more time travel and the inevitable bumbling copper, outwitted at every turn by Merdyn, Rose and her mum Suzy, who believes the warlock to be the missing brother of her deceased husband.

To my untrained ear, Merdyn’s use of old English idioms like thou, thee and “…eth” seems a little bit awry but who knows how they spoke in the Dark Ages? Otherwise, this is a splendid romp of a read for children of all ages, by turns madcap, hilarious and heart-tugging as the various characters’ stories are revealed. Among those characters, of course, is Bubbles, lent the power of language by Merdyn, who at last is pioneering roles for the long-overlooked guinea pig in all areas of fiction. (Wally Wordsworth) The Wizard in my Shed, The Misadventures of Merdyn the Wild Simon Farnaby, ill. Claire Powell, Hodder Children’s Books, £12.99

ation

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Curtain rises on Theatre Stars Gloucester Exciting news for Gloucester children who want to learn theatre skills. Theatre Stars, a Gloucestershire-based stage school which already runs lessons in Cheltenham, Tewkesbury and Newent, is opening a new school in Gloucester this October.

Theatre Stars founder Jon Morgan, an actor with numerous credits, says that while his pupils have gone on to roles in movies, television and the West End, his main focus is to help children build confidence and make friends.

“We teach musical theatre singing and acting to children aged 7 to 14 in two-hour sessions,” says Jon. “We also teach acting for screen, with a lot of work in front of camera. As an extra we also offer tuition in small groups for the nationally recognized London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts (LAMDA) gradings, something which can eventually be used on university applications.”

And to demonstrate how effective the school’s approach is, Theatre Stars won the 2020 GHP Social Care Award for Best Performing Arts Organisation in 2020. Theatre Stars has free introductory sessions at all its locations and, subject to the latest public health advice, looks forward to welcoming children to its Gloucester school this autumn. Please contact the school to confirm exact dates.

Ffi: Theatre Stars E: theatrestars@hotmail.com T: 07428 004358

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Foundations laid at MSJ will last your daughter a lifetime The team at Malvern St James Girls’ School Prep passionately believes it provides the best possible start for your daughter. By building solid foundations to last a lifetime, the school starts each child on their personalised learning journey. The staff are incredibly committed, dedicating time and care to ensure your daughter feels safe, confident and happy from her very first day.

Pre-Prep at Malvern St James spans the three years from Reception to Year 2, while Prep spans the four years from Year 3 to Year 6.

The building also houses the Senior School which enables the youngest girls to benefit from all the outstanding learning facilities on offer. The excellent specialist subject teachers from Senior School also teach in Prep.

The school believes in developing the life skills of the girls from their very first day; always mindful of the years ahead of them beyond school and the need to prepare them for the wider world.

The beautiful campus is in Great Malvern, Worcestershire, and school minibuses operate with multiple collection points around Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

Wraparound care is also available.

A warm welcome awaits you at MSJ Prep. To find out more join the school at its next Open Morning on Saturday 10 October.

“The staff are incredibly committed, ensuring she feels safe, confident and happy from her very first day.”

r the local area and flexi, weekly or

full boarding is available.

Ffi: Malvern St James (MSJ) Girls’ School W: www.malvernstjames.co.uk REGISTER FOR OUR NEXT OPEN MORNING SATURDAY 10 OCTOBER MALVERNSTJAMES.CO.UK/VISIT

Newent Community School and Sixth Form Centre is a caring and supportive 11 to 18 mixed comprehensive serving Newent, surrounding villages and thanks to excellent transport links Gloucester city, the Forest of Dean and Herefordshire. The school operates dedicated bus services for students living in Gloucester city and the Forest of Dean.

It is a high achieving school at the very heart of its community. It offers a strong tradition of academic success within a positive and caring learning environment based upon mutual trust and respect.

Newent continues to be a good school, as confirmed by Ofsted following their visit in March 2018. They observed that it offers high quality education, with students making strong progress. In addition it was observed that the students feel safe, and are safe, in school. This is achieved by the school’s culture of care and vigilance.

Of course, the team is disappointed that it cannot invite large groups of visitors to the school to attend its Autumn Open Day events. Parents will understand that this is not appropriate in the current crisis.

Instead, the school offers small, bespoke, pre-booked visits for current Y6 students every day throughout autumn, until Christmas.

In addition, to complement these visits, parents/carers can access a full virtual tour of the school via the link on its website.

Ffi: Newent Community School and Sixth Form Centre T: 01531 820550 W: newent.gloucs.sch.uk/

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School for girls aged ng Independent Day and Boarding and equestrian ceptional academic, sport, music, drama arships and bursaries are available.

, rything

High achievement at Newent

Discovering talent since 1541 Those parents looking for a forward-thinking, pupil-centred, inspirational education for their child will find a visit to The King’s School in Gloucester is a must. King’s is the leading independent day school in the area, with just over 630 pupils, girls and boys, aged 3 to 18. The inspiring cathedral setting is unequalled, giving a special sense of identity.

In this unprecedented year, King’s has demonstrated its commitment to student success: the school became adaptive and flexible in the remote delivery of the full curriculum for all year groups.

The excellent 2020 A Level and GCSE results demonstrate King’s tradition of academic success. At A Level, 97% of grades were A* to C and 55% were A* or A. At GCSE level 98% were A* to C (9 to 4) grades and over 50% were A*/A (9 to 7).

However, the school’s ambition for its pupils does not begin and end with exam results. King’s prides itself on developing the well-rounded individual. Music, sport and drama play an important role in school life and pupils are actively encouraged to participate in the many extra-curricular activities on offer.

Increasingly, families throughout Gloucestershire are sending their children to King’s for a great all-round education while its scholarships, bursaries and countywide bus service make it accessible for all. The best way to find out more about King’s is to visit and experience this unique environment for yourself.

King’s next whole School Open Morning is Sat 3 Oct. Visitors should pre-register via the school website.

Ffi: King’s School, Gloucester T: 01452 337337 E: admissions@thekingsschool.co.uk W: www.thekingsschool.co.uk Gloucestershire Primary Times

BOTH EDITION 2020 13

eFor the fun! f o s e g ole pa h w o tw

THEBUZZWORD

PAINT A PICTURE AND WIN A BOOK

Artytude!

This summer, Artytude was published in our National online edition and we had entries from all over the country on the subject of A fun thing I’ve done during lockdown. It’s been so exciting to see what you’ve all been doing during this strange time and we are so impressed by all your arty activities.

Well done to all the following, who win a prize from the editor’s Jenga-like pile of children’s books.

Max Simpson, 8, Coberley Primary School, Gloucestershire Max tells us he has used his daily walks during lockdown to collect reeds and stones for his otter artworks. He glued them to scrap paper and card to make this river otter hunting fish, creating an extraordinarily vivid and realistic natural scene. What a talent!

ACROSS 1 The most effective way of preventing disease (11) 7 Nine 10s are?(6) 8 What your teacher does when she passes on information directly from a book (5) 9 One of the USA’s 50 states (4) 12 The act of starting up a computer (3, 2) 13 The place you are now (4) 14 Twelve months, 52 weeks or 365 days long (4) 16 The opposite of lends (7) 20 Preposition: in the direction of (2) 21 Food that comes from animals (4) 22 You might have to do this to a knot (5) 23 City in southern Italy famous for its pizza. (6) 24 Crossing the road without looking is very... (5)

DOWN 1 To disappear suddenly (6) 2 One hundred years, or a score in cricket (7) 3 Old-fashioned word for no. (3) 4 An endangered amphibian (6) 5 A colour and a fruit. (6) 6 In total agreement (2, 3) 10 Someone who does not drink alcoholic drinks (8) 11 Places where boats and ships shelter (8) 15 The name of our species (5) 17 A helicopter blade (7) 18 The opposite of closes (5) 19 What children often have read to them before they go to bed (5) 20 Informal word for thanks (2) TOO HARD? Why not ask a grown-up for ideas?

Children under 7 will find the orange clues easier.

The joke’s on us Boy: I’ve just given your vacuum cleaner away.

Parent (horrified): Why? Boy: You said it was only gathering dust!

14 BOTH EDITION 2020

Primary Times Gloucestershire

Azaria Mitcheson Soley, 5, Torpoint Nursery and Infant School, Cornwall The good ship ‘Moana’, a raft of cardboard and bunting for sails, looks like it will carry Azaria to the ends of the earth and perhaps even to Polynesia, where the legend filmed by Disney first came from.

Sanaya Azeem, 5, Hallsville Primary School, London This picture of a woman in a beautiful dress is breathtaking!

The patterns are so intricate, and the colours complement themselves perfectly. Well done Sanaya, and keep up your painting because you are clearly very good at it.

Daisy Pritchard, 4, The Granary Nursery School, Framlingham, Suffolk Daisy has called this happy, energetic picture ‘Home Sweet Home’. She has perfectly expressed what a wonderful place home can be, even when you’re stuck there for rather a long time!

The next competition is about SEEING MY SCHOOL FRIENDS AGAIN Send in your painting or drawing to PRIMARY TIMES, GLOS, P.O. BOX 3438, Bristol, BS3 9JF or as a high resolution image to mike.gartside@ primarytimes.co.uk by Monday 2 November.

Don’t forget to include your name, age, school and home address so we can send you the prize. See primarytimes.co.uk/gloucestershire/tcs for competition terms and conditions.

kidsf kids f

How to play this mini-sudoko: fill the empty boxes with a number from 1 to 4. Each box, each row and each column contains all four numbers but the same number cannot appear twice in the same box, row or column.

Alternative

universe

(or spot the difference)

COMPETITION

The joke’s on us Knock knock Who’s there?

Wooden Shoe Wooden Shoe who?

Wooden Shoe like to hear another joke?

ANSWERS - Alternative Universe One of the shoes of the girl in the red jacket has turned blue.

She also has a green hairband Two leaves have appeared in the cloud on the left The girl on the left is wearing leggings A new tree has sprouted in the centre of the picture The children have been joined by a squirrel in the bottom right of the picture And a curious deer has popped in (on the left) And a hedgehog, (in the centre) And a snail (in between them) And it must be getting quite late because a bat has just appeared, too.

Number crunching

In the first picture, Energetic Jenny and her pals are having a fantastic autumn time kicking some leaves in the woodland. But, yikes!, things are a bit different in the second picture as the seasonal scene takes on even more life. Can you spot 10 autumn differencest?

(Answers below)

See our Facebook page, Primary Times Gloucestershire, for all other answers.

Gloucestershire

Classifieds CRAFTS THE SKY IS THE LIMIT!

Paint -aPot

Win cinema & dinner for four, £50 shopping and a family day out!

For all your dancewear needs •Ballet •Tap •Modern • Home delivery service •Jazz • Gymnastics •Paint your own ceramics • www.colourdancewear.co.uk Gifts •Decopatch • Parties and events • • 07814 391050 • • 01453 766910 • www.paint-a-pot.co.uk

T

his October half term, Gloucestershire families have a chance to win lots of prizes including £50 to spend at Gloucester Quays, thanks to a partnership between the shopping centre and Gloucester Cathedral. Entrants must pick up a trail map of the ‘Of Earth And Sky’ exhibition by artist Luke Jeram (See The Family Guide, P9), and visit at least 10 of its 31 installations.

They must write down the words they find at the installation on the trail map, which is easily available from multiple locations, and drop it off at the Gloucester Quays Customer Service desk, where they can submit their details through an online registration form.

Among the prizes is a signed book by Jerram and four tickets to his Gaia exhibition at Gloucester Cathedral (See P10). The competition runs until Sun 18 Oct, with the winner announced on Mon 19 Oct. Ffi: Of Earth And Sky W: ofearthandsky.co.uk/

Get spotted!

Call Mike on 01452 937123

TUITION LONGLEVENS TUITION Learn online with Lizzie!

Primary Maths and English booster lessons.

11 Plus preparation.

Specialised help for children with dyslexia.

Places are limited, so sign up now for the autumn.

Contact: Lizzie Manley (NNEB, BSc (Hons) PGCE) on

01452 387228

Gloucestershire Primary Times

BOTH EDITION 2020 15

Newent Community School and Sixth Form Centre

NEWENT COMMUNITY SCHOOL AND SIXTH FORM CENTRE STRONG track record of academic success OPEN and friendly environment

Judged

OUTSTANDING pastoral care

by Ofsted 2018

EXTENSIVE community sports facilities FANTASTIC performing and creative art opportunities

‘GOOD’

Striving for

Excellence

www.newent.gloucs.sch.uk Mr Alan Johnson, Principal Watery Lane, Newent, Gloucestershire GL18 1QF Tel: 01531 820550 Email: admin@newent.gloucs.sch.uk | Web: www.newent.gloucs.sch.uk | Twitter: @newentschool