Family Matters - North East Somerset edition

NORTH EAST SOMERSET EDITION

ISSUE 71 • MAY 2019

what is the 11 plus?

prizes to be won!

www.familymatters-uk.co.uk

what's on

WELCOME It feels like the Easter holidays have only just finished and here we are preparing for the May half term! I’m sure we’re not the only ones that are excited about having more free time to enjoy the lighter evenings and warmer weather.

This issue is full of great ideas to keep you entertained during Whit Week and the Bank Holidays, as well as offering advice for all of you getting ready for exam season. Make sure to have a flick through our What’s On section to see what is happening in the area to keep you and the kids entertained during the holidays and some great ideas to help you celebrate Father’s Day together.

There are also a whole host of your achievements and news from all our local schools, we love seeing what you guys have been up to over the past term and seeing all your photos from special events like World Book Day! So, get yourself comfy and enjoy!

p4 preparing for sats

p7 FATHER'S DAY ISN'T JUST FOR KIDS!

p12 be ready for hay fever season

p16 make lunchboxes more exciting

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Help them prepare for

SATS

While we’re all getting excited for May half term, Year 6 children might be feeling a little anxious about SATs, which will be dominating their school days once the holidays are over.

They should of course use the half term to relax and have fun, but to make sure they are fully prepared for exams when they get back to school, here are some revision tips to help you all feel a little more relaxed about the whole thing. It’s important that they feel confident about going into the SATs, whatever their ability, hopefully, these will make the experience go more smoothly.

MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ALL THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT Pens and pencils are a must, but making sure that they have compasses, rulers, calculators, highlighters and anything else that they might need will take the stress out of revision and the actual exams.

CREATE THE RIGHT ENVIRONMENT Make sure that your living space is conductive to revision, revising subjects for exams are different to doing homework. Other siblings need to understand that they mustn’t interrupt studying and TVs and music should be at a minimum volume. Not everyone is able to study in silence, but having too much volume can be distracting.

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FLASH CARDS AND REVISION TOOLS

SCHEDULE TIME

Schools are always happy to help with resources to help with getting prepared for tests, so be sure to speak to the class teacher to see if there are any additional resources you can use. Getting involved in studying is also helpful as you can use flash cards or practice papers to help them get used to the test environments and the kinds of questions they’ll be asked.

Life is busy and it can be difficult to set aside time for them to study, but if you can schedule some revision time into the routine, this will help them get to grips with the information.

BE ENCOURAGING Any tests are stressful and your child may lack confidence in their ability, especially if they are more of a practical learner. Make sure you are calm, positive, encouraging, kind and compassionate. Let your child know that you love and respect them regardless of their results and that you are happy to help them. It’s important to be patient with them, stress can make your child irritable and they can get frustrated, so make allowances for their moods during these times.

MAKE TIME FOR FUN Remember that it is still half term and they are still children, so having fun together as a family and allowing for play and relaxation time are still important.

Do you have any tips for seeing your child through exams? Get in touch with us on Facebook or Twitter (@ukfamilymatters) with your suggestions!

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Helping children believe they can do anything Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18 year-olds

BRISTOL KEYNSHAM 0117 9028925 stagecoach.co.uk/bristolkeynsham BRISTOL SOUTH WEST 0117 9028925 stagecoach.co.uk/bristolsouthwest

Stagecoach Performing Arts is the trading name of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited. Stagecoach Theatre Arts schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach and Creative Courage For Life are registered trademarks of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited.

BOUNCE INTO SUMMER Enjoy some family time at Bath’s Trampoline Park, located on North Parade Road, just a 5-minute walk from Bath Spa railway station.

Book your space now by visiting extreme.better.org.uk/bath Better is a registered trademark and trading name of GLL (Greenwich Leisure Limited), a charitable social enterprise and registered society under the Co-operative & Community Benefit & Societies Act 2014 registration no. 27793R. Registered office: Middlegate House, The Royal Arsenal, London, SE18 6SX. Inland Revenue Charity no. XR43398

133981C_TrampolineNewspaperAd_157x115_FINAL.indd 1

26/02/2019 17:16

FATHER'S DAY ISN'T JUST FOR KIDS! This year, Father’s Day falls on 16th June in the UK, so make sure you’re prepared to celebrate the father figures in your life, whether they are your biological father, adoptive father, step father, an uncle, a grandfather or an older brother – essentially father’s day is a way of honouring men who have been there for you, or your children, throughout your life. Don’t get confused with when Father’s Day is celebrated in other countries, as this differs throughout the year, unless of course, you want to celebrate your father multiple times through the year! The UK, Ireland, USA, France, Cyprus, South Africa, the Netherlands, Greece, Japan, Canada and Saudi Arabia are all reported to celebrate Father’s Day in June. If you have Australian roots or are from Fiji, Papua New Guinea or New Zealand, Father’s Day is in September, while in Europe it is celebrated in March, November or December, depending on where you are.

It’s a great opportunity to spend some time with your dad, so we thought we’d put together a few ideas of ways you can spend the day together.

Get out and enjoy nature

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to have a good day out for Father’s Day. Why not just go for a walk in the park or take a trip to the countryside for a few hours? As Father’s Day falls in June, the weather should be pretty good.

Take him to a gig

Live music performances are a great way to have a fun night with your dad, especially if you have a similar taste in music or comedy performances. Besides, it’s always worth it to watch him let his hair down. If there is a local festival or live show going on, these can be great for the whole family.

Take a class together

If you’re anything like me, you’ll rely on your dad for help with stuff all the time, whether it’s putting together

something that arrived flatpacked or advice on how long to cook an egg, so why not learn something together? There are classes all over the place offering lessons in everything from mixology to cookery to carpentry. Younger kids will love getting to bake cakes and pastries with their dad or watching while he shows them how to put something together, while the older ones will like sampling the results.

A spa day

Look, spa days aren’t just a Mother’s Day option, skin care and relaxation are important for everyone, so why not book your dad in for some tlc? There are plenty of spa treatments that are advertised with men in mind, but if you’re more liberal about gender roles, then any of the treatments at your local spa will help him feel relaxed and pampered.

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what is the 11-plus and how do i prepare my child?

If you have chosen a grammar or independent school for your child’s further education, you’ll have already done your research into the admissions policies, but for those of you considering your choice of secondary school you’ll need to know how the application process works, how to prepare for the entrance exams and when to start the process, luckily, we’re here for you!

If you have a local grammar or independent school in mind, you should start your school visits and research as early as possible. By the time your child is in Year 4, you will need to make the decision about whether you want them to attend a grammar or independent school. This will give you adequate time to find the right school and to work with your child’s teacher to develop their English and Maths skills ready for the entrance exams. Be aware though, not every state funded grammar school will have the word ‘grammar’ in the name and many that do are of the fee paying variety. As with all things, make sure you research the schools carefully to check it is the kind of school you want to send your child.

Year 5 is when you should start visiting potential schools during open days and towards the end of the school year, you’ll need to start getting them ready for the 11 plus, which is taken at the beginning of Year 6. The results are then released in the October, which is when you will need to complete your application form.

If your child is older and you’ve decided you want to go for a grammar school, some schools offer entry at 13+ and many reopen their books at 16+. Entry is also possible at other times so check with the school for their individual admission policies.

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So, what exactly is the 11-plus?

The 11-plus is the name of the entrance exams for certain secondary schools, including grammar and selective independent schools. The content varies depending on the county, but generally focuses on English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Spatial Awareness. There are also variations depending on the exam boards, but either way, there is a strong emphasis on English and Maths core skills. Tests that include a spatial awareness element will test reasoning and logical skills.

The exam is based around testing your child’s natural aptitude as well as their skills in certain subjects. If you want to help prepare your child, make sure they read widely and develop their maths skills to a high standard.

How can I help my child?

1. Find out what exams they are sitting as the exam board, subjects, format and length among other variations exist. Some of the exam boards have past papers and practice tests available, so making sure if your child has access to these and using them will help.

2. Read widely with your child from a young age, this will help widen their vocabulary 3. Make sure your child is able to manage their time, being able to revise in exam conditions will make the real thing less intimidating, but also being able to juggle their social lives and their work loads will help for preparing them for secondary school.

4. Get a tutor, if you have the means, getting a tutor to give your child additional support in the run up to their exams offers them a good shot of feeling confident and fully prepared for the real thing.

Do you have any additional advice for parents choosing a grammar school?

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Celebrate Father’s Day at Whitehall Garden Centres

Sat 15th & Sun 16th June Events & activities for all the family including: Father’s Day Card Making BBQ Tastings & Demonstrations Children’s Pizza Making

www.whitehallgardencentre.co.uk

Enter now at www.familymatters-uk.co.uk

Win Prizes

Win a family ticket for four to Larmer Tree Festival!

Win a Family Day Ticket for 2 Adults and 2 Children to Longleat For the first time ever at Longleat, discover Koala Creek. It is home to the Safari Park’s furthest travelled residents; Southern koalas, hairy nosed wombats and a mob of long-nosed potoroos. Longleat, nestled on the county line between Somerset and Wiltshire, is the only animal collection in England exhibiting koalas and the only animal collection in Europe exhibiting Southern koalas. At Koala Creek you can to come eye to eye and within almost touching distance of the mesmerising koalas, all as part of your adventure at the astonishing kingdom of Longleat.

Larmer Tree Festival returns 18 - 21 July 2019.

Offering an unmissable line-up of music, comedy, theatre, talks, workshops and much more, Larmer Tree is the ultimate summer party for all ages. This year's Festival includes Kate Tempest, Jack Savoretti, The Cat Empire, Gomez, The Shires and KT Tunstall, as well as comedians Josie Long and Nish Kumar, and children's TV favourite Andy Day with his band Andy and the Odd Socks.

Win complimentary entry for 5 guests at Crealy Theme Park Resort.

Set in 100 acres of glorious Devon countryside, with over 60 rides and attractions and over 75,000 sq ft of indoor fun, there is something for the whole family to enjoy whatever the weather.

Win a family ticket to Haynes International Motor Museum As well as being the motoring mecca for the die hard enthusiast, the Haynes International Motor Museum also takes family fun very seriously indeed!

TO BE IN WITH A CHANCE OF WINNING THESE FANTASTIC PRIZES, simply visit www.familymatters-uk.co.uk, click on the Competitions button and complete the form. It couldn’t be easier! Closing date for entries: 1st July 2019

While the warmer weather, blooming plants and blue skies are a welcome change to cold, dreary days, for those of us with seasonal allergic rhinitis, aka hayfever, the spring and summer months can be a nightmare.

Those with an allergy to tree pollen will find their symptoms start in early spring, while grass pollen triggers issues in the late spring and into the summer and pollen from weeds affects people into late autumn. Some hayfever symptoms can even last into November for those with allergies to mould spores which can be found from spring onwards. So, though the cloudless skies and beautiful greenery might have us longingly staring out of windows, actually being in the midst of it can be challenging.

!

on

ha

h o e l l yf s ever sea

Hayfever is one of the UK’s most common allergies and affects 1 in every 5 people at some point in the year. People who suffer from hayfever will often find that they are allergic to more than one type of pollen and that their symptoms will be triggered at different times of year and by different plants. Some people are unlucky enough to have perennial rather than seasonal rhinitis meaning that they suffer all year around.

Non-suffers will never know the trauma of trying to enjoy a picnic on a hot summer’s day while your eyes are burning, your mouth is itching and a rash is developing, which is why we thought we’d answer some of the most asked questions on the subject.

Why do only some people get hayfever?

Honestly? No one seems to know. There is some evidence to suggest that hayfever and other types of allergies are hereditary and that people who already suffer from asthma or eczema are predisposed to develop either seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis.

Why are allergies worse on some days?

The weather plays a huge role in the level of pollen that is in the area, so even in the same season, you’ll find the severity of your symptoms will differ from day to day depending on the weather. Where you are also plays a part, as some pollens are more prevalent in some geographical areas than others.

So, if people are more affected by one type of pollen than the other, how do they know what they are allergic to?

The season that allergies get triggered in will help narrow down which plants are the cause, it is possible to have an allergen test, but generally, if you start getting symptoms in the spring it is likely to be trees and then grass in the summer and weeds towards autumn.

What are the symptoms?

Well, while non-suffers might just think hayfever is a bit of a sniffle and that you shouldn’t be causing such a fuss, it is so much more than that. People with hayfever will have puffy, itchy eyes, a runny nose, a sore or itchy throat, sudden sneezing, congestion, a rash, fatigue, headaches and perhaps even a combination of all these things. The pollen causes a reaction within the body which leads to inflammation of the sinuses, nose and eyes depending on how much pollen you’ve been exposed to or how severe the allergy is. Hayfever symptoms often start during childhood or teens, but can develop at any age, so the next time you hear someone complaining about their hayfever, make sure you’re a bit more sympathetic!

what’s on 25th May - 2nd June Paint a Springtime Wooden Decoration A fun art activity for all the family with a selection of springtime-themed wooden decorations for you to choose from.

Barrington Court, National Trust.

25th May Visit the Beach at Lacock!

Come along and build your very own Sand Castle or laze by the sand on our deck chairs.

Our Whitehall Beach is here from Saturday 25th May open daily through to Sunday 8th September.

Whitehall Garden Centre, Lacock. whitehallgardencentre.co.uk 25th May Mindful Moments Trail Pause, breathe and take a mindful moment with us this summer. A fun family trail with activities to make you aware of your thoughts and feelings in nature’s surroundings.

Lacock, National Trust.

28th May Crafty Cats - Tales and Legends Crafty Cats session will use a range of craft activities to transform younger visitors into fire-breathing dragons or Kings & Queens, and they will also have the chance to create a medieval regal banner to fly as they march into battle!

Undercroft of The Bishop’s Palace. Included in admission.

Palace Members free. www.bishopspalace.org.uk

28th May - Donkey Day The donkeys are visiting from Mike’s Donkeys. You can get to know the donkeys and give them a pet! There’ll also be time to get creative and make your own donkey crafts – and who will be able to spot all of the cuddly donkeys hidden around the Museum in our Donkey Trail? www.swheritage.org.uk 28th - 30th May Wildlife Days Join us for our wildlife days - lots of outdoor fun for all the family. There will be wildlife crafts and a variety of hands-on activities with our friends from local wildlife charities.

Barrington Court, National Trust.

30th May Nature Ninjas - Tales and Legends Join the team at The Bishop’s Palace on a quest to explore the tales and legends of medieval times over May Half Term! Nature Ninjas family gardening session will focus on fun plants from history! Community Garden. Included in admission, 11am 3pm. www.bishopspalace.org.uk 30th May Family Fun: Victorian Day Come and experience rural Victorian life this half-term.

Imagine life in a Victorian farmhouse, see drop scones cooking on the range and discover what it was like living in Victorian times by trying out our laundry mangle in the Museum courtyard. wheritage.org.uk

For further information about each event

2nd June Brick Express at Avon Valley Railway Jump onboard the Brick Express and enjoy our building workshops with Lego® bricks whilst you travel the line. What will you be inspired to build? There’ll be plenty of inspiration from our onboard workshop leaders as well as the scenery, station buildings and locomotives that you’ll pass by. www.avonvalleyrailway.org

hot beverages, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk

7th - 9th June Home Farm Fest 14 3 Days, 8 stages, 150+ bands, silent disco, play art children's area, funfair, village green, kid's cinema, tea and cake tents, group camping, family camping area and so much more. Book NOW! www.schoolinabag.org/homefarmfest

22nd June Charity Open Day at HorseWorld A great opportunity to see what goes on and talk to the grooms and trainers who rescue, nurse back to health, train and then find suitable homes for these wonderful animals. There will be hot food, teas, coffees and cakes as well as HorseWorld merchandise available. Entry is free!

HorseWorld, Staunton Lane,Whitchurch www.horseworld.org.uk

8th - 9th June Make a Flower Bomb Create your very own Flower Bomb to take home from 10:30am until 4:00pm. Please note your ticket is valid all day from 10:30am until 4:00pm. Whitehall Garden Centre, Lacock. www.whitehallgardencentre.co.uk 10th June LEAF Open Farm Sunday at Farrington Farm www.farringtons.co.uk 14th - 16th June The Country Garden Festival Nurseries selling a range of rare and specialist plants, to food and drink, garden gadgets and tools, sculpture, outdoor seating and paints, as well as hands-on demonstrations, all designed to inspire you to love and use your garden. www.bishopspalace. org.uk 15th June Make a Father's Day Card Join us to decorate your very own Father’s Day Card to take home on Saturday 15th June. All equipment is provided.

Whitehall Garden Centres, Whitchurch and Lacock 16th June Fish and Chip Special on the West Somerset Railway Join us for a lunchtime steam train excursion from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead return. Sit back and relax whilst enjoying your Fish & Chips. The Buffet Car and Bar will be open, serving

22nd June from 12 noon Alhampton Summer Fete Join us for a fun-filled afternoon of activities; take a ride on the miniature railway, meet the birds of prey, enter the duck race and much more... something for all the family.

29th & 30th June Teddy Bears Picnic FREE train travel for children who bring their Teddy Bear! Come and join us for this special day with lots of activities for children.

Enjoy a family teddy bear trail around the station. Enjoy Punch & Judy shows. Be amazed at our balloon modeller. www.avonvalleyrailway.org 13th July Royal Navy International Air Day RNAS Yeovilton will open their gates to up to 40,000 visitors to enjoy the magnificent five hour flying display, meet our Armed Forces personnel and see their equipment up close.

There will also be a huge array of educational ground attractions. Families will also be able to enjoy trade stalls, arena displays, helicopter pleasure flights, simulators and fairground rides. www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday 18th - 21st July Larmer Tree Festival Get ready to enjoy top-notch local, national and international artists in music, outdoor theatre, live performances, arts and comedy, as well as blissful retreats and legendary international cuisine to fill your belly and nourish the soul. www.larmertreefestival.co.uk

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make lunchboxes If your child takes their own lunch to school and is starting to get a bit bored of the same old sandwiches, why not give a few of these suggestions a whirl?

forget the brand names It’s easy enough to make your own cheese pots or dips. Store these in little containers and slice up carrots, cucumber or pop in a few bread sticks to cut down on the cost of the brand name lunchbox ideas. Present your child with a few different options and let them build their own lunch, they won’t be bored of it then!

variety is the spice of life Remember, bread isn’t the only lunch option, why not use pittas, tortillas or crackers with a variety of fillings for a healthy, filling lunch without the traditional sandwiches.

make shapes Having fun with cutters, either with fruit and veg or with ham, cheese or even sandwiches helps to make lunch more interesting.

more exciting make extra when doing

your own

leftovers are your friend

You don’t have to think of your lunch and your child’s lunch as being separate, if you’re making pasta pots or salads for your lunch, make a little extra and give your child a smaller portion.

If you have leftovers, such as pasta, sausages, chicken or small pastries, these are a great option for anyone who doesn’t want a sandwich. Plus it can feel more like a meal so they’re less likely to get hungry during the afternoon. Why not use up leftover chicken and add some salad and cous cous for a healthy meal?

let the kids help out

leave a note

Get your kids to help with preparing items for their lunchbox, whether it’s baking on the weekend or helping chop fruit and veg in the morning, either way, it is a fun activity and it also helps get stuff done.

You can buy prewritten lunchnotes that go in the lunchbox and mean that the kids get a little message from you, or you can write your own.

Also you can try writing on bananas and it looks really cute! You can even draw pictures.

Do you have any good lunch suggestions? Get in touch on Twitter and Facebook and let us know! @ukfamilymatters

I N T E R N A T I O N A L

AIR DAY ROYAL NAVAL AIR STATION YEOVILTON SATURDAY 13 JULY 2019

18TH - 21ST July 2019

THE CAT EMPIRE · KATE TEMPEST JACK SAVORETTI · THE SHIRES GOMEZ · KT TUNSTALL GOGO PENGUIN · EZRA COLLECTIVE CYMANDE · TANK AND THE BANGAS LET’S EAT GRANDMA · JADE BIRD BC CAMPLIGHT · KOKOROKO MELT YOURSELF DOWN BENJAMIN FRANCIS LEFTWICH Comedy JOSIE LONG · NISH KUMAR Family Festivaling ANDY AND THE ODD SOCKS FEATURING CHILDREN’S TV FAVOURITE ANDY DAY Plus more music, comedy, cinema, theatre, art, poetry, workshops, delicious food and festival fun for the whole family. larmertreefestival.co.uk Cranborne Chase, Dorset / Wiltshire border

TAKE OFF ON YOUR NEXT FAMILY ADVENTURE

AT THE ROYAL NAVY’S SPECTACULAR AIRSHOW! SAVE WITH ADVANCE TICKETS: Adult £28, Child (5-15yrs) £5, Under 5s FREE! Tickets also available from Local Tourist Information Centres

www.royalnavy.mod.uk/airday

made at Tyntesfield Follow tales of Hispanic explorers, complete a very Victorian trail, run riot in one of the four play areas and explore the estate as you spring into summer.

These are the places that make us. nationaltrust.org.uk/tyntesfield

© National Trust 2019 . Registered charity, No. 205846. © National Trust Images \National Trust/Anna Kilcooley.

Intrepid explorers

get a good night’s sleep, say

goodbye to your phone!

We’ve all seen the news stories imploring us to put down the smart phone and leave laptops out of the bedroom but more and more us are turning to social media, YouTube and games before bed. According to studies, playing with a smartphone, working on a computer or even watching TV will all trick your body into still thinking its daytime. The artificial light that is emitted from the screen sends messages to your brain that it is time to wake up and activates the body, resetting your internal clock and causing disruption to your sleep pattern. It’s been shown that even using a screen for four hours before bedtime will reduce the hormone that makes you tired which can lead to disorders like insomnia.

This is all well and good, but some of us use our phones as an alarm clock or have relatives or neighbours that use us as emergency contacts. If you have the option, it is recommended putting your phone into do not disturb mode and only have those emergency numbers selected to come through to you.

Also, if you put your phone on the other side of the room where you can’t reach it, you’ll have peace of mind without distractions.

In the long run, problems sleeping at night can impact how you function during the day, so getting a good rest will help you feel more alert, healthier and less stressed.

So, what can you do to unwind before bed?

It is recommended to get 7-9 hou rs of quality sleep a night, which isn’t always possibl e between kids, jobs and our busy lifestyles. The re are a few things you can do to get a better night’s sleep, even if you do have tonnes of other things to do, like:

Spend at least half an hour tech free before you head to bed.

Read a book instead of using an electronic device to help you unwind.

Try to keep your bedroom as tech free as possible so you aren’t tempted to check Twitter or switch on Towie whi le you’re in bed.

Use your bed for sleep only, don ’t sit in/on your bed to do work, answer ema ils – that way your mind will connect you r bed and sleep and help you to have an und isturbed night.

Try to keep your pets out of the bedroom, they often work on a differen t cycle to us and can get you up early/keep you up late.

Try to stay away from drinking alco hol before bed – yes, alcohol will make you drowsy, but when it starts to leave your syst em, it will wake up the brain and the body which will interrupt your sleep cycle. Also try to avoid drinking caffeine or any sugary drinks within four hours of going to bed as thes e will also wake you up and make it difficult to sleep.

Do you have any tips for getting a good night’s sleep? Let us know!

You can get in touch with us on Facebook or Twitter, @UKFamilyMatters. ukfamilymatters |

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SUMMER FUN AT THE HOLBURNE MUSEUM FREE Family Day Sunday 9 June, 12 noon – 4pm Crazily creative activities inspired by Lauren Child’s wonderful illustrations.

SUMMER ART CAMPS 5-11 year olds, weekdays Monday 29 July - Friday 23 August (9-4pm) £40 per day (£25 discount for booking 5 consecutive days) Book online – www.holburne.org or call 01225 388568 Great Pulteney Street, Bath BA2 4DB

PR OO F

WWW.HOLBURNE.ORG

Open 7 days a week we'll reward recycling with stamps on your loyalty card to earn you a free coffee and book of your choice.*

Visit our wonderful bookshop and stop for coffee or lunch in The Full Stop cafe.

Too many books to fit in the car? CALL us on 01761 451333

Ready to take on myopia MiSight ® 1 day

The first daily contact lens proven to slow the progression of myopia in children.

Slowing myopia progression can reduce the risk of myopia-related complications and vision loss in later life. The lens is specially designed for myopic children between -0.25 and -6.00DS. Three-year clinical study findings indicated that the use of MiSight ® 1 day was effective in slowing myopia progression by:

52%

as measured by mean axial elongation of the eye when compared to the children in the control group wearing a standard single-vision, one-day lens contact lens.

2 Mansbrook House, 15 High Street Midsomer Norton 01761 413212 www.edwardsmidsomer.co.uk

Established in 1939, we have provided eye care for nearly 80 years

LATEST SCHOOL NEWS

EVENTS

DIARY DATES

YOUR SUCCESSES

News and Reviews HIGH LITTLETON’S PUPILS ENJOY SCHOOL TRIPS Owl class at High Littleton School enjoyed an amazing trip to Court Farm in Banwell. They enjoyed a wonderful day outside looking at the different farm animals and exploring the exciting play equipment. They got to bottle feed lambs and watched a cow being milked!

The children particularly enjoyed eating their lunch in the café and playing outside on the pirate ship, castle and zip wire. The tractor ride was great fun and very bumpy! The children had the following to say about the visit: Keyton said “I liked riding on the tractor because it was so fast and it had so many seats and big tyres.”

The animals were a big hit with all the children, Daisy said “I liked the cows and watching them being milked”, Indie said “I liked the miniature Shetland ponies because they were so soft when I touched them,” and Evie said: “I liked the tractor ride and feeding the baby lamb, it was very thirsty!”

Fox class also went on a trip visiting M Shed in Bristol.

William, Max, Milana, Evie and Amelia wrote a review of the trip for the school, they said they went to a workshop about Joseph Fry, Princess Campbell, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, John Cabot and Hannah Moore.

As well as going to a gallery to learn more about them and dress up.

The trip also took them to the harbour side where they saw The Matthew and some swans, before exploring an old green bus and a bomb shelter.

Hedgehog Class took a trip to Bristol last term too visiting Bristol Museum where they learned more about dinosaurs.

ST MARY’S THANKFUL FOR DONATION Staff and pupils at St Mary’s have said a huge thank you to Julia and Mike, the grandparents of former pupil Ella, who has moved to a new school, for their donation to the sensory garden. The school used the donation to purchase a giant xylophone for the sensory garden. Ella loved music and this will bring pleasure to the children of St Mary’s for many years.

EASTER TREATS FOR BUZZARD CLASS Kilmersdon School’s Buzzard Class had a very busy end to last term. They baked some very delicious hot cross buns that looked very professional. Thank you to Granny Mo and Charli who gave up their time to create some Easter crafts with the children and also to Danny’s dad, Shane, who came in after school to put up the new play shed in their playground.

21 MAY - 15 JUNE Help your child to achieve beyond expectations.

Book now!

Midsomer Norton 01761 411400 Developing ability for 60 years Terms and conditions apply.

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NEW PLAY STRUCTURE FOR PENSFORD Pensford School had a new climbing structure installed in the playground over the Easter holiday! The children were very excited about this and were keen to start using it.

As a school, they are extremely grateful to The Pensford, Publow and the Stantons Community Trust, who have funded the equipment.

Andrew Hillman, Sue Osborne and their fellow trustees have been great partners in this project and have taken a real interest in the school’s development. They have been pleased to see how the school has grown and improved in recent years and the school are delighted that they have chosen to invest in the children’s play opportunities.

The PTA are also working very hard to look at the next level of development for the school's outdoor space too, and the next project should provide another exciting and attractive space for children to play and learn and this will be for pupils of all ages.

THANK YOU, ANDREW WELLS! Fosse Way School pupils received a cheque for £1,047 from Andrew Wells, who is from a Freemason’s Lodge in Keynsham recently. The Freemasons raise money for local, national and international causes and this year, chose to donate some of the money to Fosse Way School.

The school are using the money to buy a nest swing for the older pupils. The swing will help them to become more independent in regulating their sensory needs. It also gives pupils the opportunity to practise important life skills, such as sharing, working together and turn taking.

Everyone at the school would like to say a huge thank you to Andrew and his Lodge for this donation.

FLIPPING GOOD TIME AT KILMERSDON FOR PANCAKE DAY! Pupils in Eagle class at Kilmersdon School had a fantastic morning making pancakes on 5th March, they were all very impressed with Mr Bamford’s pancake flipping skills! Their creations were delicious and the whole school smelt great!

JASMINE TO KAYAK FOR ENGLAND Congratulations to Jasmine from Peasedown St John School who has been selected for the England National Kayak Squad! This is an extraordinary achievement and the whole school will be following her career with great interest!

CONGRATULATIONS BETSY! Betsy, a pupil at Kilmersdon School, held her very own art exhibition to raise money for Bristol Children’s Hospice South West on 30th March.

Her exhibition took place at the Cellar, Paulton Methodist Church.

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WELL DONE TO KILMERSDON’S HOCKEY PLAYERS! Well done to the Hockey Team at Kilmersdon School, who took part in the Regional Finals.

Many of the parents who were able to go along and support, came in to the school to say how amazing the team’s performance was and how hard they worked to win most of their games.

The whole school are really proud of the team and would like to thank the parents who have helped with lifts and the Hockey Club coaches who have helped create a fantastic team.

LONGVERNAL AND WELTON PRIMARY SCHOOL TEAM UP FOR A MATHS CHALLENGE On Friday 8th February, Year 6 mathematicians from both schools worked in collaboration with their teachers to rise to the challenge of greater depth problem solving. They were presented with challenging problem-solving tasks which necessitated them working together to solve some tricky concepts. They really had to get their heads together to creatively find solutions to tasks beyond normal Year 6 curriculum expectations! Sid, 11, reported, “It was challenging because the morning was split into four parts requiring lots of different skills.” Caitlin, 11, said, “The maths was very challenging, however I found that if you worked with your peers, we were able to work out the answers.” Alun Williams, CEO of the Midsomer Norton Schools’ Partnership said: ‘This is exactly the kind of learning opportunity that the Partnership was set up to make happen. Two great schools combining their efforts to give children more opportunity and support to achieve their very best’ Both schools were impressed with the impact of this initiative and plan to continue to work together to build greater depth problem solving skills. Headteachers, John Snell and Kerrie Courtier were delighted with the enthusiasm and mathematical ability of their pupils and have already arranged dates to meet together again in the near future!

CAN YOU HELP HENRY? Henry, a pupil at Kilmersdon School is aiming for better mobility and independence, working on skills that we all take for granted, but Henry has to work extra hard to achieve. He is raising money to pay for the intensive weekly therapy he needs to continue to build on his current skills, improving his balance, strength and coordination. His target is £15,000, if you would like to help there is a collection pot at the school office or you can visit: just4children.org/children-helped2018/helping-henry

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POTATO BOOK CHARACTERS At High Littleton Church of England School they celebrated World Book Day with a difference! The pupils dressed up potatoes into different book characters! Never let it be said that a potato is boring!

PEASEDOWN ARE FOOTBALL LEAGUE CHAMPIONS! The Peasedown St John Primary School Year 6 boys’ football squad were crowned Midsomer Norton District League Champions following their 3-2 away win against Paulton Juniors.

The team effort has been remarkable throughout the season, but credit must also go to each and every player for their individual tenacity, hard work and sheer skill, which has brought them this richly deserved title. Thanks to Mr Lucy, the team coach, Mr Kearny and all the parents who have supported the team along the way.

PEASEDOWN’S CHEERLEADERS WIN GOLD Congratulations to Peasedown St John’s Cheerleaders, who returned from the British Schools National Championships in Derby with a Gold! It was a great performance by the team, the coach, Ashia, said she was so proud of them! The school are looking forward to adding the new trophy to the others that previous squads have won!

Writhlington School’s cheerleading team, who are also part of the Dragonfly Trust, were named British Grand Champions 2019 with the highest score of the whole competition, winning for the past five years!

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PUPILS PERFORM AT DANCE UMBRELLA After 10 weeks of hard work and dedication, Years 2 and 6 at Peasedown St John School performed their dances at the Forum in Bath as part of the Dance Umbrella event. The Year 2s performed a modern dance to a well-known Disney song and the Year 6s displayed their talents by performing a routine incorporating multiple dance styles. Both performances were fantastic! Well done everyone.

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PEASEDOWN’S CROSS COUNTRY RACERS

SMART LESSONS AT KILMERSDON

On a very cold, wet evening, some of the Year 6 children from Peasedown School took part in a challenging 1.2km Cross Country event at Somervale School. It was very muddy, but the children thoroughly enjoyed it, and everyone finished the race. The boys’ team finished in second place and the girls’ team third overall. A special mention goes to Owen and Lucy who finished in 6th place out of over 100 children in their category. A big thank you to all the parents who came along and supported in what can only be described as a monsoon! Well done to the team for, as always, doing the school proud!

PEASEDOWN ARE NATIONAL CHAMPIONS! Well done to the engineering experts, Charlie, Toby and Jack, at Peasedown St John School who took part in the national finals of the Fly to the Line glider design competition at the Fleet Air Arm Museum in Yeovilton. What was even better for the school is that Mr Barnett also won the Teacher Award! Congratulations to all.

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Amanda Ware, one of the local PSCOs came to the school to talk to the children about how to keep safe online. She spoke to them about the SMART rules as well as answering their questions, the SMART rules are from Childnet International and are: S – Safe – being careful not to give out personal information when online.

M – Meeting – meeting someone you only know from online can be dangerous, so only do so with your parent/carer’s permission and only if they are also present. Online friends are still strangers, even if you’ve been talking to them for a while.

A – Accepting – accepting emails, DM or opening files, pictures or texts from people you don’t know can cause problems.

R – Reliable – the information being given to you online might not be reliable, always check information with other websites, books or someone who knows.

T – Tell – tell your parents/carers if someone or something makes you uncomfortable online or if you are being bullied.

More information can be found at www.kidsmart.org.uk or under the parents’ tab on Kilmersdon School’s website.

PENSFORD SCHOOL ART WEEK Pensford School's arts week (organised by Miss Cowin) was hugely inspirational for the children, and they produce a wide selection of wonderful work. With everything from ceramic and fabric painting to charcoal drawing and imitation Banksy works, it was a great week!

Each class then shared some of their work in assembly.

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Come and see for yourselves what the St Benedict’s experience can do for your child.

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WOW

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WHAT AN ACHIEVEMENT Bethany, aged 11, passed her stage 8 in swimming.

Congratulations!

Wilf, aged 10.

Amazing origami making - his inspiration was an origami model making lesson at school, total count of origami models is 564! Well done Wilf!

Chloe, aged 6, achieved her level 5 in the British Gymnastics Proficiency Award, Well done Chloe!

Charlotte, in Yr 6, gained 1st place for Solo Acting at the Mid Somerset Festival, amazing work Charlotte!

Freya, in Yr 6, won 1st Place at the Mid Somerset Festival in the Solo Shakespeare category, congratulations!

Callum, Yr 6, achieved his Grade 5 Piano Recital – well done Callum!

Samuel, Yr 6, achieved a Gold Medal for coming first in the Year 6 Cross Country event held at Somervale School – amazing achievement, Samuel!

Lewis, who is only two, won an award for dancer of the month and most improved dancer!

Well done Lewis!

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