Families Cambridgeshire September October 2018

FRE E

TAKE ME

HOM E

IN THIS ISSUE

WIN a family ticket to Sleeping Beauty

Issue 50 September/October 2018 familiesonline.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk Families Cambridgeshire 1

King’s Lynn Corn Exchange

Sunday 28 October, 2.30pm £16.50 / Child £15 Box Office: 01553 764864

www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk

St Mary’s girls love learning.

BOOK A VISIT: stmaryscambridge.co.uk/visit

Contents & Competitions

Dear Reader,

What’s in this issue?

Autumn marks the transition from summer into winter and the start of a new academic year as the children return to school and the after school clubs and classes begin. As routine sets in and children start school for the first time, older primary children start the search for a good secondary school. We have put together a few ideas for extracurricular activities as well as dates of school open days to help with whatever stage your little ones are at.

WISE WORDS: When you let go of pride, you let humility and compassion in. They will open up your world and allow you to see the richness of life.

WIN

@familiesCambMag facebook.com/FamiliesUKCambridgeshire

4 News and Views 7 Pregnancy & Baby News

A FAMILY TICKET FOR FOUR TO SLEEPING BEAUTY THIS DECEMBER

The Princess is searching for happiness, Evil Carabosse is searching for revenge, Chester the Jester is searching for someone to laugh at his terrible jokes and Dame Nellie Night Nurse is searching for a man… in the two front rows! For your chance to experience this spellbinding tale, look out for the corresponding post on our Cambridgeshire Families Magazine Facebook page this September.

8 What’s on this Autumn 11 School Spotlight 13 Good Schools Guide League Table & Open Days 15 Extra Curricular Clubs & Classes

EDITOR: Lisa Exell 01945 861336, editor@familiesCambridgeshire.co.uk PUBLISHING ASSISTANT: Becky Lawrence, admin@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk SOCIAL MEDIA: Crystal McClean DESIGN: Caroline Thompson-Heap, info@cheekymonkeydesigns.net DON’T MISS A COPY! Receive Families Cambridgeshire by post for just £9.30 for 6 issues (1 year) or £18 for 12 issues (2 years).

Call or email editor@familiesCambridgeshire.co.uk for a subscription form.

22,000 copies of Families Cambridgeshire available through schools, nurseries, hospitals, clubs and classes, selected shops and restaurants. If you would like copies for your establishment please let us know.

Families Cambridgeshire is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Cambridgeshire are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Cambridgeshire. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families Cambridgeshire its distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd, and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

familiesonline.co.uk

RECRUITING NOW Successful ‘business mum’ is seeking 5 working partners to work part-time from home, alongside & without compromising family commitments or current career.

If you have a supervisory, managerial, sales, marketing, recruitment or selfemployed background, or you wish to develop an extraordinary lifestyle, please call Kay Montandon 07791 793924

Families Cambridgeshire 3

News & views

SPHERO MINI ROBOTIC BALL

Fa m

LO ilies V ES

This latest little toy is set to be the next ‘Big thing’ for kids, Sphero Mini, is a tiny, app-enabled robotic ball, that can be controlled using the app, or with facial expressions through its new Face Drive™ feature. It’s about the size of a ping pong ball, so it can easily be used on the go. With the Sphero Mini, you can play a variety of different games - use the ball as a controller to shoot your way through space, race a ship through a tunnel, or rotate your ball to destroy a polygon of bricks. Priced at just £49.99 it’s affordable and introduces children to basic code skills. My boys rated these 10 out of 10 and have loved playing together with the mini Sphero ball, which kept them amused for hours! www.Sphero. com, Amazon UK and Curry’s

New measures to crack down on child maintenance cheats

Minister Justin Tomlinson recently announced that new measures to tackle parents refusing to pay their correct child maintenance amounts will take effect. The announcement comes as part of the response to a consultation on how to give the Child Maintenance Service stronger compliance, collection and enforcement methods to make sure parents are properly supporting their children.

New powers will include: • Confiscating passports from non-paying parents - parents who repeatedly refuse to pay child maintenance may have their passports withdrawn.

• Deductions from joint bank and business accounts - previously child maintenance could be taken from personal bank accounts, but now powers will be extended to allow withdrawals from joint and business accounts.

• Improved maintenance calculations - taking into account assets where parents use complicated financial arrangements to evade their child maintenance responsibilities.

• Increasing the size of the Financial Investigation Unit – allowing the department to investigate more complex case

TWO THIRDS OF CHILDREN NOT SAFE IN CARS Parents are being advised to check their children’s car seats after a new study found that two in three children aren’t safe while travelling.

The What Car? study, created in conjunction with specialist organisation Child Seat Safety found that 59% of children are sitting in car seats that have been incorrectly fitted or are inappropriate for them.

The survey on 3,000 seats, with and without children in them, held at random seat-checking events throughout the UK, revealed that 36%

CURIOSITY IS KEY TO EARLY CHILDHOOD SUCCESS

New research links curiosity levels in young children with later academic success.

Researchers from the University of Michigan assessed the reading and maths ability of 6,200 kindergarten children and found that the children of parents who reported their child’s behaviour as highly curious did the best at school, regardless of socioeconomic status. The results were consistent for both boys and girls.

The children’s reading and maths scores were consistently better the more curious they were.

That was true even when the students weren’t very good at a self-control measure called “effortful control,” which tracks how attentive and persistent students are when completing tasks.

“Even if a child manifests low effortful control, higher curiosity may be associated with more optimal academic achievement,” the authors of the study wrote.

The study, published in the journal Pediatric Research said that cultivating curiosity in children, especially in those from deprived backgrounds may be a valuable way of fostering academic achievement.

More info at www.nature.com 4 Families Cambridgeshire

were incorrectly fitted in the car, while 33% of those that had children in them weren’t suitable.

Many of the mistakes were said to be “simple and easy to avoid,” and included tightening seat belts, incorrect head restraints or harnesses being in the wrong position.

In the UK, children are legally required to remain in a car seat until they are either 12 years old or at least 135 cm tall, whichever comes first.

More info at www.gov.uk/child-car-seats-therules

ONLY HALF OF PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN BEING READ TO DAILY The number of toddlers being read to daily has dropped by 20% since 2013, according to recent research.

The annual Understanding the Children’s Book Consumer survey from Nielsen Book Research found that while 69% of pre-school children were read to daily in 2013, that figure has now dropped to just 51%.

The study found parents complained of obstacles preventing them from reading to their children. Nearly a fifth said it was hard to find the energy at the end of the day, whilst 16% said their child would rather do other things. One in five parents don’t feel comfortable in bookshops, and nearly half are overwhelmed by the choice of children’s books.

The publisher Egmont, which co-funded the research, said the decline correlated with an increase of almost a fifth in the proportion of toddlers watching online video content daily, and warned that the “steep decline” in reading to young children “signalled a significant threat to child development, with potential long-term social impact.”

More info at www.egmont.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

News & views ONE FESTIVAL - TWO WEEKENDS - 5000 FREE EVENTS

Fruit Juice with Breakfast Increases Risk of Obesity

Children who drink fruit juice with breakfast are more likely to become overweight or obese.

A study, led by the Medical University of Vienna, revealed that children who had orange or apple juice with their breakfast were 50% more likely to be overweight, while those who drank water saw their obesity risk fall by 40%.

It also found that skipping breakfast is linked to weight gain as it makes children more likely to snack during the day.

The study, published at the European Congress on Obesity in Vienna, questioned 652 children aged 13 on their breakfast habits and, while most types of food had no clear relationship with weight, those who drank fruit juice more than three times a week were 50 per cent more likely to be overweight or obese.

More info at https://eco2018.easo.org/

School Mental Health Referrals Rise By Over a Third

The number of referrals by schools seeking mental health treatment for pupils has shot up by more than a third in the last three years, the NSPCC has revealed.

The charity found that schools made 123,713 referrals seeking professional help for pupils from NHS Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) since 2014/15. Just over half (56%) came from primary schools.

Referrals have been steadily increasing every year, reaching 34,757 in 2017/18, the equivalent of 183 every school day.

The NSPCC is warning that increased demand for mental health support is placing the system under real pressure, jeopardising the well-being of thousands of children.

Nearly a third of referrals from schools to CAMHS over the last three years were declined treatment as they did not meet the criteria for support.

More info at www. nspcc.org.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

This September, for the first time ever, England’s biggest festival of heritage and culture will take place across two weekends.

Heritage Open Days, 6th to 9th and 13th to 16th September is an annual celebration of England’s architecture and culture which allows visitors free access to historical landmarks that are either not usually open to the public, or would normally charge an entrance fee. Coordinated nationally by the National Trust with support from the People’s Postcode Lottery it

brings together thousands of organisations and properties across England.

With a theme of ‘Extraordinary Women,’ this year’s festival will offer visitors more opportunities to discover the secret history of their towns, villages and countryside. There are hundreds of activities for kids, including dressing up, woodland walks, and railway rides.

Best of all, every single event is FREE! For up to date information on events taking place near you visit, www.heritageopendays.org.uk

More than a Third of Parents Think Homework Unhelpful

According to a recent Ofsted report, more than a third of parents said homework isn’t helpful to their children in primary school. Many parents said homework was a huge cause of stress for the whole family and had a negative impact on home life.

Nearly three quarters of parents thought allowing children more time at school to plan and get ready for lessons through research was a better alternative to homework.

Parents gave some very clear messages about homework, both negative and positive. Those who spoke positively said that homework enables them to feel part of their child’s learning and that it helps them to support that learning with other activities, such as visits to museums and home projects. The discipline, planning and time management skills that homework gives children were welcomed and homework was viewed as a way of promoting independent learning. More info at www.gov.uk/government/publications/ ofsted-parents-panel

Boosting Children’s Self-esteem and Life Skills with Perform A common struggle shared by many children is lack of confidence. This can stop some children reaching their full potential.

Perform Drama, is a unique drama school that uses drama, dance and singing to help all children achieve their true potential – even those that are shy and reserved.

“Perform is NOT a stage school” stresses Perform Producer, Karen. “It teaches life skills through fun drama games and end of term shows. The real aim of the classes is to help children develop the 4Cs: Confidence, Concentration, Coordination and Communication.

“Classes are small with both a Producer

and a Teacher. Children are offered a free trial and the Producer spends time beforehand with each parent establishing their goals. For instance, speaking more clearly or making eye contact when introduced to someone unfamiliar.”

Producers report back to parents after each class on the focus of the week and answer questions about the progress of individual children.

“Shy children often come to classes clinging to their parents.

I can pretty much guarantee that within 5 or 6 classes, they will run in without waving goodbye” reports Karen.

For more information on your local classes in Cambridge, visit www.perform.org.uk

Calling all Muggles and Wizards

All Harry Potter fans in Cambridgeshire now have a place to go and stock up on the latest Quidditch stick, wizarding wands, Bertie Botts Beans and chocolate frogs. A new magical Harry Potter shop, Jacks on Trinity has been transformed into something from ‘Diagon Alley’. A must see when in Cambridge to spend some well earned pocket money or soak up the magical atmosphere. www.jacksontrinity.co.uk

www.jacksontrinity.co.uk Families Cambridgeshire 5

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR OPEN MORNINGS VISIT PERSE.CO.UK/OPEN-MORNINGS

Baby News

SnuzPod We love this SnüzPod Bedside Crib which has been expertly designed to make the UK’s favourite bedside crib even better.

Boasting a stunning new look and brand-new features, the all-new SnüzPod includes a reflux incline, wider and lighter lift-off bassinet for use around the home and dual-view breathable mesh sides, making it the perfect sleep solution from newborn to six months.

RRP: £199.95 | Stockist: www.snuz.co.uk

ilies Fam S VE LO

More sleep for mum and dad!

The unique SnüzPouch, which is now available in two sizes 0-6 months and 6-18 months, features the brand’s nappy change zip. The super handy extra opening makes night changes quick and easy, with minimum disturbance for baby, which means more sleep for mum and dad!

RRP: From £36.95 Stockist: Mothercare

familiesonline.co.uk

Babies Prefer Hearing Voices of Other Babies

Recent research has revealed that babies appear to be much more interested in listening to other babies than they are listening to adults.

Researchers from McGill University and the University of Montreal conducted experiments on five month old babies. By using a synthesizer that simulates movements of the mouth, tongue, and vocal cords, they were able to produce vowel sounds that mimicked human voices. The babies displayed a clear preference for the synthetic baby voices, listening to them for 40% longer, on average, than the adult voices.

“This doesn’t mean mum or dad should give up ‘oohing’ and ‘aahing’ in high voices“ says Linda Polka, a professor at McGill University.

“Babies do respond to these kinds of sounds. However, infant speech captures and holds infant attention, sometimes prompting positive emotions. This may motivate infants to be vocally active and make it easier to evaluate their own vocalisations, perhaps energising and supporting spoken language development.”

More info at www.sciencedaily.com

BE PREPARED FOR THE BABY BOOM THIS SLEEPTEMBER! With September now officially the busiest birthing month of the year, the Sleep Council is offering some tips for new parents as part of its Sleeptember campaign.

According to the Office of National Statistics*, over the past decade eight of the top 10 birthdays fall in September, with September 26 the most popular birthday of the year (39 weeks and two days after Christmas Day!).

Lisa Artis of The Sleep Council said: “Our Sleeptember campaign this year is focusing on children’s sleep but the arrival of a new baby can be tough on parents’ own sleep routines. And it can be particularly difficult for mums who breastfeed as it’s a role their partners can’t share.

“So while broken nights are almost inevitable, there are things you can do to help you cope, as well as setting early routines to teach newborns the difference between day and night.

“The most important thought to hang on to is that by the age of three months, many babies can sleep at least five hours at a time. By six months, night time stretches of nine to 12 hours are possible!”

Here are some tips on surviving those first few weeks: • Sleep when your baby sleeps. Turn off the phone and turn a blind eye to chores.

• Try to keep baby alert and active in the daytime and create a calmer atmosphere in the evening.

• Share the night time wake-up calls.

• Don’t be tempted to keep baby in bed with you.

• Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

• Learn to accept help. If people offer help, take it!

• Prepare for sleep. If you have trouble falling asleep, get rid of ‘electronic distractions’ and keep your bedroom cool and dark. www.ons.gov.uk Families Cambridgeshire 7

W hat’s Ocens to

Wildlife Trust Bat Safari Punt Tours

Saturdays WHERE? Scudamores Punting Cambridge Your chance to spot the Soprano Pipistrelle or Daubenton’s bat flitting around the punt and maybe other species too!

Child £15.00; Adult £20 www.scudamores.com/batsafari-punting 01223 359750

Clip’n Climb WHEN?

September & October WHERE?

Clifton Road Industrial Estate, Cambridge Climbing centre meets theme park! Experience 20 unique climbing challenges that twist, turn, light and excite. Helps people of all ages and abilities to feel proud about challenging themselves and reaching new heights. Pre-book.

Adult £17.50; Child £12.50 www.clipnclimbcambridge.co.uk

Open air cinema hosted by/in aid of EACH, with a live band to entertain until the film begins.

Refreshments for sale; picnics encouraged. Take blanket/chair.

Pre-book. £12 www.each.org.uk/cinema

Skaters

Dragon Boat Race

WHERE? Mill Road, Wisbech

WHERE? River Cam, Ditton

WHEN? September & October

WHEN? 8 September

Lots of fun family skating sessions taking place throughout the summer- there is entertainment for everyone; on skates and off! Also Skaters Rink Hockey Club meet every Tuesday, 6pm Beginners, first session free (£6 thereafter).

From £3 www.skaterswisbech.co.uk 01945 882048

Meadows Plenty of bank-side family entertainment including funfair rides, children’s activities, inflatables and Chinese lion dancing plus bar and food stalls. www.dragonboatfestivals.co.uk

Fre

e!

Heritage Open Days

WHEN? 6-9 & 13-16 September WHERE? Cambridgeshire Discover local, hidden gems.

Churches, museums, railways, gardens: lots of venues open their doors to the public.

Booking recommended.

FREE www.heritageopendays.org.uk

The Greatest Showman WHEN? 8 September: 18.30 WHERE? Cherry Hinton Hall

Open air cinema hosted by/in aid of EACH, with a live band to entertain until the film begins. Refreshments for sale; picnics encouraged.

Take blanket/chair.

Pre-book. £12 www.each.org.uk/cinema

PYO PUMPKINS WHERE? Lidgate Farm, Isleham WHEN? September & October

Check facebook for information, then go along to pick your own pumpkin. Farm sells delicious cakes and has a small indoor play area.

07860 727089 8 Families Cambridgeshire

WHERE? Kings Lynn Corn

Exchange Four hugely talented girls pay tribute to one of the UK’s finest Girl-Bands. Featuring songs such as DNA, Wings, Salute, Black Magic, Love Me Like You, Secret Love Song and many more. £16.50 www.kingslynncornexchange. co.uk 01553 764864

ire

WHEN? September: Fridays &

The Greatest Showman

WHEN? 8 September: 13.00

pla Things to do, be had go and fun to ages in for kids of all

C a m br idges h

THE LITTLE MIX EXPERIENCE

Sandringham Game & Country Fair WHEN? 8-9 September:

10.00 – 18.00 WHERE? Three main arenas displaying the best in equine sports, country pursuits and the wonderful world of dogs; a huge steam and vintage area and more.

Adults £12.50; Child £4.00; under 4s FREE www. livingheritagecountryshows. co.uk.

Fre

e!

Whittlesey Festival

WHEN? 9 September: 10.00 - 16.00 WHERE? Market Square Exciting activities throughout the town. Live music, theatre and dance performances on the Market Square, St Mary’s Church and the Church Yard Green. And more!

FREE www.fenland.gov.uk/ whittleseyfestival Fre

e!

Open Cambridge WHEN? 14-15 September

Events celebrating city’s heritage.

Pre-book events from 13 August.

FREE www.opencambridge.cam.ac.uk 01223 766 766

WHEN? 15 September: 18.30

WHERE? Huntingdon Racecourse

Fre

e!

The Cambridge Food Garden & Produce Festival

WHEN? 15 & 16 September:

10.00 – 17.00 WHERE? Parker’s Piece, Cambridge Enjoy fresh and baked produce tent. All day programme of cookery demonstrations from well known as well as local chefs and other foodies FREE www.oakleighfairs.co.uk

Sleepyhead

WHEN? 6 October: 11.30 & 13.30 WHERE? The Key Studio,

Peterborough Baby gets his hands on the magic top hat and when his friend Rabbit shows up the fun and games really begin! A little adventure with a lot of laughs for 2-5 year-olds.

Adult £9.50; child £7.50 www.vivacity-peterborough.com 01733 207 239

Prickwillow Ploughing Festival WHEN? 6 & 7 October:

10.00 – 18.00 WHERE? Prickwillow Museum Festival with vintage/classic tractor ploughing, heavy horse and working displays. Crafts and entertainment for all the family. www.prickwillowmuseum.com familiesonline.co.uk

Families What’s on The Wild West (of Norfolk)

MINISTRY OF SCIENCE LIVE!

10.00 – 17.00 WHERE? Church Farm, Stow Bardolph Lots of fun activities and entertainment; the farm will be decorated with a ‘wild west’ theme with plenty of opportunity to engage with animals.

Exchange Not your ordinary science show.

It comes with a bang; it comes with a whoosh. But most of all it comes with a hovercraft built on stage…. Oh, and a Human Cannon too!

WHEN? 18-28 October:

FLAWLESS

WHEN? 11 October: 19.30 WHERE? Kings Lynn Corn

Exchange This fantastically high-energy, acrobat-fused, feel good, family show follows the journey of 10 Big Dreamers, seeking the opportunity to live their ultimate dance fantasy on board the “Intergalactic Dream Ship”. £26.50 www. kingslynncornexchange.co.uk 01553 764864

Adult £7.90; Child £7.50 www.churchfarmstowbardolph. co.uk

Half Term Autumn Trail WHEN? 20 - 28 October:

11.00 – 16.00 WHERE? Peckover House, Wisbech Find clues around the garden, and then go along to the Reed Barn to collect your Autumn-biscuit.

Normal admission. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ peckover-house 01945 583463

Half Term Activities

WHEN? 20 - 28 October WHERE? South Angle Farm Park,

Fre

e!

The University of Cambridge Festival of Ideas

WHEN? 15-28 October Events

held in lecture halls, theatres, museums and galleries around Cambridge; a host of inspiring sessions for people of all ages and interests. FREE www.cam.ac.uk/ festivalofideas

Halloween Special

WHEN? 20 - 31 October WHERE? Audley End Miniature

Railway Train Ride through the woods to visit the witches, craft making, face painting, story-telling, visit the dance tent and a gift for every child. Pre-book only. www.audley-end-railway.co.uk

Soham Usual themed activities to encourage young children to explore this sweet little farm, with reptiles, chickens, goats and all manner of creepy crawlies.

Adult £4; Child £8; under 2s FREE www.southanglefarmpark.co.uk

Milkshake! Live WHEN? 22 October WHERE? Kings Lynn

Corn Exchange Bob the Builder, Little Princess, Fireman Sam, Pip from Pip Ahoy!, Winnie and Wilbur, Wissper, Milkshake’s very own Milkshake! Monkey-all on stage to entertain. £16.50 www.kingslynncornexchange. co.uk 01553 764864

Wizard’s Express 26th & 27th October 2018 Visit the Amazing Wizards Waiting Room • Take the steam hauled, “Wizard’s Express” from Wansford to Peterborough via Wellwarts and return • Halloween Goody Bags, including glow stick for all Children over one year of age. • Spooky goings-on aboard the train with Halloween/Wizards characters • Fancy dress highly recommended, wear your best Halloween or Wizards outfit • Buffet Car on board to purchase hot and cold drinks, light refreshments and Halloween fare. • £18.00 per person • Arrive for 6.15pm Returning to Wansford just after 9:00pm

WHEN? 28 October: 14.30 WHERE? Kings Lynn Corn

Adult £16.50; Under 16 £15 www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk 01553 764864

Horrible Histories: Awful Egyptians

WHEN? 23 - 27 October WHERE? Cambridge Arts Theatre

From the fascinating Pharaohs to the power of the pyramids, discover the foul facts of death and decay with the meanest mummies in Egypt.

Adult £25; Child £19 www. cambridgeartstheatre.com 01223 503333

Snow White & the Seven Ghouls

Autumn Monsters

WHEN? 6 October: 11.00 - 15.00 WHERE? Cambridge Botanic

Garden Make creepy autumn monsters to spook your friends and family.

Find out about autumn and examine the wonderful seeds and leaves that can be found at this time of year. Drop-in.

Usual Adult admission; Children FREE www.botanic.cam. ac.uk

WHEN? 25 & 26 October WHERE? Key Theatre,

Peterborough In the sleepy town of Boney Bottom, the creatures and beasties are getting ready for “Humans-ween”-the time of year when all those terrifying humans come out to scare young monsters. Full price £15.50; Family £9.50 www.vivacitypeterborough.com 01733 207 239

Halloween at Denny

WHEN? 28 October: 11.00 - 16.00 WHERE? Denny Abbey,

Waterbeach Come dressed to scare or impress. Activities include pumpkin carving, broom stick races, spooky songs and much more. Usual admission www.dennyfarmlandmuseum. org.uk

The Wizard’s Express

WHEN? 26 & 27 October: 18.15 WHERE? Nene Valley Railway,

Stibbington Join Harry the Wizarding Train spotter and his friends on The Wizard’s Express. Go aboard as the train waits at Wansford, departing from platform 2 and a bit! Pre-booked tickets only. www.nvr.org.uk

Skaters

Mill Road, Walpole Highway PE14 7QJ Prices start at £3 with sibling discount given. www.wisbechskaters.co.uk

01945 882048

indoor entertainment and skating for all ages familiesonline.co.uk

Families Cambridgeshire 9

A DIVERSE & ENRICHING EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE

Inspir ing year o 2 - 16 d i s c ov l d s t o uniqu er t heir e i n a s u t a l e nt s ppor ti v e nv i r o nmen e t.

OCTOBER OPEN MORNINGS FRIDAY 12th SATURDAY 13th AT CHERRY HINTON HALL Visit www.cambridgeinternationalschool.co.uk or call 01223 778290 for further information 10968-CIS-Families Magazine (half page) Advert v5.indd 2

24/07/2018 16:36

St Faith’s is a national award winning independent school for girls and boys aged 4-13 years.

We highly recommend early application to avoid disappointment.

Request a prospectus and application form via our website www.stfaiths.co.uk Anna Cornell, our Registrar, would be delighted to arrange a personal tour for you.

Please call her on 01223

229421

Families Education

Cambridge International School Cambridge International School is a small, thriving day school offering an inspiring education to children of all nationalities aged 2 – 16 years old. The Nursery and Primary school are located in Cherry Hinton Hall and the Seniors at Abington. Cherry Hinton Hall has recently undergone a £3.5 million redevelopment ensuring the children have a stimulating and modern learning environment. This redevelopment has also allowed the nursery to be extended to welcome 2-year olds for 50 weeks a year.

CIS supports children of all abilities and ensures that everyone feels valued. Through small class

sizes and the nurturing and caring community, children at CIS are taught to reflect on their strengths and weaknesses in order to learn how best to improve. It is believed that children are not defined solely by their academic abilities, but by their unique talents and personalities.

Contact Tracey Headland, Registrar on 01223 778290. E-mail admissions@cischool.co.uk or visit www.cambridgeinternationalschool.co.uk

Cambridge International School

St Mary’s School St Mary’s School is the leading independent day and boarding school for girls aged 4-18 in Cambridge.

In our dynamic, nurturing environment every girl is valued, supported and inspired. A St Mary’s girl is known for her confidence and curiosity, her community spirit, her agile mind, her resilience and drive.

By providing girls a space in which their intellectual and social confidence can flourish, we empower girls to aim high, to follow their dreams and to make a positive contribution to society.

As a Mary Ward School, we balance tradition

with innovation. Traditional values such as integrity, justice, hard work and freedom sit at the heart of our forward-looking approach to education.

Girls from all faiths and non-secular backgrounds join our happy, diverse school community. They leave us ready for the future; equipped with the skills, qualities and values they need to pursue a life of fulfilment.

St Faith’s Cambridge Bright Beginnings, Exciting Futures Starting school is one of the most significant milestones in a child’s life,and the early years are crucial for confidence building as each child begins their educational journey.

The gentle and nurturing beginning to life at St Faith’s, coupled with a dynamic curriculum, equips our children with a lifelong love of learning.

The St Faith’s community is a happy one, with a friendly inclusive culture. Children are encouraged to ‘Be their best self’ as they learn and grow, and are encouraged to develop lively,enquiring minds to equip them for the challenges of the future.

From the challenge of riding balance bikes to sharing reading with our older pupils; to Book Week and Little Inventor Day; and hatching ducklings and competing in Sports Day- life in Pre Prep at St Faith’s is full of adventure, learning and challenge.

Contact our Registrar, on 01223 229421 or admissions@stfaiths.co.uk www.stfaiths.co.uk

Wisbech Grammar School An all-round education that inspires…

Wisbech Grammar School is a flourishing community where pupils have, both individually and collectively, a real sense of pride in their school. The School’s educational philosophy is rooted in an understanding that each pupil has different strengths and distinct qualities. Our primary focus is to develop these strengths, instil a passion for learning and educate in the broadest possible sense. However, we don’t just focus on academic achievement but delivering an all-round education that inspires.

Period 5 (13:40 -14:20) and twilight sessions after

familiesonline.co.uk

school provide a rich variety of opportunities which excite and challenge our pupils to extend a current passion or to find a new one. There are choices from cultural, creative, academic extension and support, sporting, musical, dramatic, recreational, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme and opportunities in the DT workshop.

Contact: 01945 586750 www.wisbechgrammar. com email: admissions@wisbechgrammar.com

Families Cambridgeshire 11

Discover who

you are...

Image: Recent production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

WHOLE SCHOOL OPEN MORNING (3-18) SATURDAY 29 SEPTEMBER 10:00 - 12:30

With dedicated bus routes across Norfolk, Cambs and Lincs, we’re closer than you think!

CONTACT US: 01945 586750

admissions@wisbechgrammar.com

GCSE League Table school than bumping along at the bottom of a

So much education data is now produced by the government that there are near endless ways of ranking schools and parents can find it all rather baffling.

The traditional statistics at GCSE level showing the percentage of pupils at each school achieving A*-C, now reclassified as grades 9-5, in certain key subjects is still a popular way of listing and comparing schools. As an extension to this, in recent years, schools have also been graded according to their success with the English Baccalaureate (EBacc), a grouping of 5 core subjects, typically English, Maths, Science, a Modern Language and Geography or History. Exam data collected in 2017 was used to calculate the latest performance indicator, ‘Progress 8’, now entering its third full year.

The Progress 8 figure can show how good a school is at helping pupils progress beyond a pre-calculated national average by comparing each individual child’s levels of attainment at

Key Stage 2 and at GCSE. A figure around 0 suggests that the school is meeting the progress average. Above 0 and the school is doing well at helping pupils progress, below 0 the opposite is the case.

Of course, the data only tells us part of the story. Many independent schools publish little or no data so often they don’t even feature on league tables and, as recent scandals involving grammar schools removing underperforming pupils from assessments demonstrate, we can’t necessarily trust state school figures to be an accurate representation of the whole picture either. But sometimes, one has little choice but to look to league tables when trying to form an opinion of a school. When judging schools based on league tables, don’t place too much importance on any one particular indicator. The best schools may not top every table but their quality will be reflected in good scores across the board.

On the whole, Cambridgeshire schools did well in 2017. The county’s EBacc and Progress 8 scores were above the national average and Chesterton Community College’s remarkable 1.12 Progress 8 score set it among the best scoring schools in the country.

For families in Cambridgeshire, unlike in many other parts of England, the majority of children still attend their nearest secondary school. The local authority performs favourably on national offers day in placing 93% of children in their preferred secondary school.

Parents have a greater choice in deciding where their children will be educated if independent schools are an option. There are a number of good independents spread across the county and Cambridge itself is a hotbed of high-performing schools. It is worth remembering that a third of independentlyfamiliesonline.co.uk

league-table-topper. Be honest with yourself

about what you hope your child will gain from their school.

Remember, the most important things to bear in mind are:

your own child;

your own family.

Does the school have the kind of environment educated pupils in the UK now have some kind of fee assistance. School fees don’t necessarily put private education beyond the reach of families with average incomes.

Although GCSE and A level results are an important factor to bear in mind, they are far from being the only one, which is why many of us will be taking in multiple school Open Days in the coming term. You want to choose a school which is ideal for your child, with inspiring teaching and good facilities to match.

However, at the risk of information overload, it is crucial you decide what is really important to you and your child. And be realistic: for example, a not-very-academic child will be much happier in the top half of a non-selective

School

Type

where your child will be happy? Do the

children look like people who could be his

or her friends? How about the parents, are they people you’d like to get to know? Do

the teachers and pupils appear to have good relationships? Is the place well-maintained or are there too few litter bins and smelly loos (take a look!) What will the journey be like,

from the outset and in later years when you

child travels in independently? Does the school empty out at 3.30pm every day or can your

child stay for after-school activities? Remember that secondary school may hold the key to

your child’s future happiness at university, work and in life generally, so research your options and ask lots of questions!

GCSE Grade 5 or above in Eng & Maths

Achieving EBacc at grade 5/C or above

Progress 8

Wisbech Grammar School

Independent

86%

N/A

N/A

Chesterton Community College

Academy

80%

49%

1.12

St Bede's Inter-Church School

Academy

71%

40%

0.5

Comberton Village College

Academy

64%

42%

0.57

Cottenham Village College

Academy

63%

37%

0.48

The King's School Ely

Independent

63%

42%

N/A

Parkside Community College

Academy

63%

54%

0.38

Sawston Village College

Academy

63%

40%

0.3

St Mary's School

Independent

63%

N/A

N/A

Swavesey Village College

Academy

58%

47%

0.43

Cambridgeshire Independent School Open Days CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Cherry Hinton, CB1 8DW & Bourn Bridge Road Cambridge, CB21 6AN (Senior) Bourn Bridge Road 01223 778290 www.cambridgeinternationalschool.co.uk OPEN DAYS: Friday 12 and Saturday 13 October ST FAITH’S SCHOOL Trumpington Rd, CB2 8AG 01223 352073 www.stfaiths.co.uk ST MARY’S SCHOOL Bateman Street, CB2 1LY 01223 224167 www.stmaryscambridge.co.uk OPEN MORNING: Junior School - 22 September Senior School - 6 October

THE KING’S ELY Cambridgeshire, CB7 4EW 01353 660707 www.kingsely.org OPEN DAYS: Nursery to Year 6 Friday 21 September: Year 7 & Year 9 Saturday 22 September THE PERSE SCHOOL Hills Road, CB2 8QF 01223 403800 www.perse.co.uk OPEN MORNING: Upper School Saturday 29 September Prep School Saturday 6 October Pelican Pre Prep Saturday 13 October WISBECH GRAMMAR SCHOOL North Brink, PE13 1JX 01945 58363 www.wisbechgrammar.com OPEN MORNING: Saturday 29 September Families Cambridgeshire 13

The secret to success is…

sharing your child’s reading journey Regular deliveries of books at your child’s reading level.

www.readingchest.co.uk Book Rental for Children Learning to Read

Extra Curricular What’s on?

Jill Bridger School of Dance

n W hat’s O asses

WHERE? Cambridge,

Clubs and cl Sport, Drama, Music, ... and Education

so me th ing fo e v er y o n e

r

Baby Sensory

WHERE? Cambridge, Cambourne,

Ely, Trumpington Award-winning Baby Development classes that are fun and help with your baby’s sensory development.

New clients can try for FREE, otherwise book block of 5 or 10 classes. Run throughout year and not just term time. £42.50 or £80 www.babysensory.com/ cambridge cambridge@ babysensory.co.uk, 07850 163930

Razz Tots

WHERE? The Shirley Centre,

Cambridge A new class starting in September especially for pre-schoolers designed to improve confidence, improve social and motor skills and to provide a secure foundation for little one’s development. From 2 years. www.cambridge.razzamataz. co.uk 01223 755113 or 07895 347239

Stagecoach Performing Arts

WHERE? Cambridge and

Cambourne Bring out the best in your child and encourage them to develop excellent communication skills, grow in self-esteem and enjoy the benefits of improved co-ordination and fitness levels.

Term commences second week September.

From £25 for two week trial www.stagecoach.co.uk 0800 915 0199

Mini Athletics

WHERE? Cambourne,

Huntingdon, Impington, St Neots, Trumpington Saturdays or Sundays Mini Athletics enhances athleticism through a progressive model of balance, co-ordination, speed and agility exercises. Older children then progress to learning specific techniques in athletics based games. For 2-7 year-olds, with FREE trial classes. www.miniathletics.com

Cambourne, St Ives, Eddington, Northstowe 1988 – 2018 – celebrating 30 years! Pre-school Melody Bear dance classes, RAD Ballet and ISTD tap & modern lessons for ages 18 months to 18 years.

Classes encourage children to achieve their personal best and to find an outlet for self expression.

Contact to book autumn classes. www.danceschool.biz 01480 469711 jill@danceschool.biz

TISKA Karate

WHERE? Parkside Federation,

Cambridge, Wednesdays 17.00 New Beginner classes start in September. Shotokan Karate classes, open to children from age 4, are mixed, creating a relaxed, family-like atmosphere. Helps promote self-confidence and a sense of achievement and motivation. Beginners can trial for FREE. www.tiskakarate-cambridge. co.uk 07941 829187

Skaters

WHERE? Mill Road, Wisbech

Tuesday-Sunday: various times From Friday Groovy Tots session (no skates) to afterschool, home education and family skating sessions, there is entertainment for everyone; on skates and off! Also Skaters Rink Hockey Club meet every Tuesday, 6pm Beginners, first session free (£6 thereafter).

From £3 www.wisbechskaters. co.uk 01945 882048

Eden Dance

WHERE? Chesterton Sports

Centre, Cambridge Eden dance prides itself on offering small class sizes and personal attention. Students of all ages and skill levels are encouraged to express themselves through music and movement, improving confidence. Weekday evenings and Saturdays for 3 – 18 year olds. 01223 778655 www.edendance.co.uk

Perform weekly drama, dance and singing classes

WHERE? Hills Road Sports Centre

& Newnham Croft Primary School Confidence building fun for 4-12s.

A unique mix of drama, dance and singing specially formulated to bring out every child’s true potential. With no-obligation, FREE trial sessions.

020 7255 9120 www.perform.org. uk/try enquiries@perform.org.uk

PAXTON LAKES SAILING CLUB WHERE? Little Paxton

October half term Official RYA training centre that welcomes people from 8 years, with large selection of boats and equipment available. Maximum 12 places on 4-day course with qualified instructors to ensure personal attention. Booking now. Adult £125:00 Child £85:00 www.paxtonlakes.org.uk 07812 124690 (eve only)

familiesonline.co.uk

Families Cambridgeshire 15

STAGECOACH CAMBRIDGE AND CAMBOURNE Childcare vouchers now accepted

CELEBRATING IT’S 30TH YEAR

Unlock your child’s potential with Stagecoach Performing Arts SINGING, DANCING AND ACTING CLASSES for 4 - 18 year olds, where students learn to embrace life with creativity and courage.

Classes after school and at weekends.

Find out more today: CAMBRIDGE AND CAMBOURNE 01223 359974 cambridge@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/cambridge

TM

Creative Courage For Life ®