Families Oxfordshire Magazine

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IN THIS ISSUE

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Issue 90 March/April 2019 familiesonline.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk Families Oxfordshire 1

Contents & Competitions

Dear Reader,

Hello Spring! Finally, the most awaited season is upon us again, and I look forward to the little things: the first daffodil, blossom on the trees, the warmth of the sun, fresh cut grass, the newborn lambs and lots of family time. We have included plenty of great places to visit this spring and Easter time, and if you have yet to find childcare over the Easter break, why not book your little one onto an Easter camp; we have something for everyone in our Easter Clubs listings on page 14 and 15. @familiesCambMag

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While out life, our children all ab is h us what life children teac t. all abou dt Angela Schwin FR EE

What's in this issue?

TAKE ME

HOME

IN THIS ISSUE

WIN a family ticket to ZOG

Issue 90 March/A familiesonline.co

.uk

pril 2019

familiesonline.c

o.uk

Families Oxfordshire

DON’T MISS A COPY! Receive Families Oxfordshire by post for just £9.30 for 6 issues (1 year) or £18 for 12 issues (2 years). Call or email editor@familiesOxfordshire.co.uk for a subscription form.

Families Oxfordshire 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 Oxfordshire are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Oxfordshire. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families Oxfordshire 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.

WIN

WE’RE PUTTING THE SUM INTO

SUMMER CONTACT YOUR LOCAL MATHNASIUM FOR DETAILS OF THEIR SUMMER PROGRAMME At Mathnasium, we believe that every child has the ability to be successful in maths - it’s a matter of teaching the way that makes sense to them.

When maths makes sense, children excel - whether they’re far behind or eager to get ahead.

We Make Maths Fun

The performance is running from Friday 31 May to Sunday 2 June, and one lucky reader can win a ticket for theFriday 31 May showing at 4.30pm.Large in size, and keen in nature, Zog is so eager to win a golden star at Madam Dragon’s school, that he bumps, burns and roars his way through. Luckily, the plucky Princess Pearl patches him up ready to face his biggest challenge - a duel with Gadabout the Great!

Mathnasium of Amersham 29 Hill Ave, Amersham HP6 5BX Call 01494 729 726 eMail amersham@mathnasium.co.uk Mathnasium of Bramhall 36 Woodford Road, Bramhall SK7 1PA Call 0161 637 6050 eMail bramhall@mathnasium.co.uk Mathnasium of Chiswick 261 Chiswick High Rd, Chiswick W4 4PU Call 0207 993 2234 eMail chiswick@mathnasium.co.uk

WIN A FAMILY TICKET TO ZOG AT THE OXFORD PLAYHOUSE!

1

4. News and views 7. Baby & pregnancy news 8. What’s On, things to do, places to go 11. A closer at local schools 15. What’s On Easter clubs and classes 22,000 copies of Families Oxfordshire available through schools, nurseries, hospitals, clubs and classes, selected shops and restaurants. If you would like copies for your establishment please let us know.

EDITOR: Lisa Exell 01945 861336 editor@familiesoxfordshire.co.uk PUBLISHING ASSISTANT: Becky Lawrence admin@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk SOCIAL MEDIA & SALES: Jean@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk DESIGN: Caroline Thompson-Heap info@cheekymonkeydesigns.net

For your chance to find out how Zog fares, look out for the corresponding post on the Oxfordshire Families Magazine Facebook page this March.

Mathnasium of Clapham 122 Northcote Rd, Clapham SW11 6QU Call 0207 078 7000 eMail clapham@mathnasium.co.uk Mathnasium of Crouch End 29 Broadway Parade, Crouch End N8 9DB Call 0203 004 9404 eMail crouchend@mathnasium.co.uk Mathnasium of Radlett 289 Watling St, Radlett WD7 7LA Call 01923 388 641 eMail radlett@mathnasium.co.uk

www.mathnasium.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

Families Oxfordshire 3

News & views

News & views

IS WORLD BOOK DAY JUST ABOUT DRESSING UP? ay D k oo H B RC ld MA or H W 7T

World Book Day 2019 is on 7th March. It is a huge celebration, marked in over 100 countries, with the aim of getting children enthused about books and reading. However, some parents are less enthused and associate World Book Day with the chore of producing a fancy dress costume rather than reading.

Children who read for pleasure are much more likely to be successful in all areas of their education than those who don’t. World Book Day is a fantastic opportunity to excite all children about reading. It could be the inspiration that a reluctant reader needs to read the one great book that leads to a lifetime of reading for pleasure. So why not embrace World Book Day 2019 and make the most of all its events including dressing up!

World Book Day gives schools the freedom to drop the usual timetable and focus on books and reading. Exciting activities are planned, authors are invited in, book tokens are handed out and children love it. So be prepared, get the children involved and have fun on 7 March 2019!

For reading advice and more information on books for children learning to read, visit www.readingchest.co.uk. Families Readers can join Reading Chest with the discount code FAMWBD to get £5 off their first month’s membership. Liz Walker, Founder of Reading Chest

Don't fo rget

New arrivals at Cotswold Wildlife Children Targeted by Adults on Social Media Park New arrivals at the Park include a flock of Spoonbills in their refurbished ‘European wetland’ aviary. The Armadillos now have a home in the Walled Garden, with Tamanduas, a type of Anteater, arriving in the spring. The Park has also welcomed some tiny Yellow Striped Box Turtles in the Reptile House and a Cassowary in the walk-through lake area.

The Cotswold Wildlife Park is open every day from 10am, for more information please visit. www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk

Enjoy British Science Week

Research released by the NSPCC has revealed that one in four young people have been contacted via social media by an adult they didn’t know, and a third of these were children under 13.

2,059 children and 2,049 parents were surveyed for Net Aware, the essential guide to 40 of the most popular social media sites, apps and games that young people use.

Children and parents were asked if they’d seen violent, bullying or adult content on the social networking sites and games they use – with Facebook and YouTube receiving high risk ratings across the board.

Other sites found to be risky included Twitter and Reddit, with both rated high for inappropriate content, as well as lesser known names such as Sarahah, Episode: Choose Your Story, Omegle, ROBLOX and Yubo (formerly called Yellow).

The NSPCC encourages parents to use Net Aware to learn about the various platforms their child may be using, together with the risk rating of each.

More info at www.net-aware.org.uk

Music Can Improve Parent - Child Bond

New research suggests sharing music can improve parent-child relationships, especially during adolescence.

Researchers found that young men and women who shared musical experiences with their parents during childhood - and especially during adolescence - report having better relationships with their mums and dads as they enter young adulthood.

The authors said shared musical experiences with children don’t have to be complicated, and can include simple activities like listening to music in the car together. More info:www.tandfonline.com 4 Families Oxfordshire

5TH M ARCH

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Families can enjoy British Science Week 2019 from 8 to 17 March.

Science Week is a celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths with fascinating, entertaining and engaging activities for all ages taking place across the UK. Last year there were over 2,100 events involving almost 1 million participants. You can download a series of FREE activity packs at www.britishscienceweek.org,filled with resources and ideas to try out at home or school, without the need for a science background or expensive equipment. To find an event close to you, visit www.sciencelive.net

Panca k Day e

Oxford Skin Clinic | Skin Treatments for Problem and Ageing Skin

email: seema@yourskinstory.co.uk

Call: 07545 756057 familiesonline.co.uk

LACK OF SLEEP DAMAGING FOR CHILDREN

More than a third of primary school children are failing to get sufficient sleep, according to research by the University of Leeds.

The study has linked poor sleep with difficulties in paying attention in class, keeping up with school work, forgetfulness and absenteeism.

The NHS recommendation is that children of that age should get 10 hours sleep per night but the study discovered that out of 1,100 children ages 6 to 11, 36% were getting only eight hours sleep or less on a weekday night.

Just under a third of children reported that worrying about school work was keeping them awake, whilst around one in six children reported that they found it difficult to sleep because of concerns about bullying or friendship.

The researchers identified that children who had access to technology in their bedroom were more likely to experience a shorter night’s sleep and recommended that parents consider removing technology from their children’s bedrooms. More info: www.leeds.ac.uk

At What Age Can Children Be Home Alone?

Parents often wonder when it is safe to leave a child unsupervised at home. The law does not specify an age at which a child can legally be “home alone.” However, parents commit an offence if leaving the child unsupervised at home puts him or her at risk.

Given that maturity and understanding at specific ages differs from child to child, there is no set age at which leaving a child home alone would be risk free.

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) has published a guide “Is My Child Ready to Be Left Alone?”

This states that: children under 12 are rarely mature enough to be left alone for a long period of time; children under 16 shouldn’t be left alone overnight; babies, toddlers and young children should never be left alone. More info at www.nspcc.org.uk

PERFORM’S FOUR WAYS TO BOOST YOUR CHILD’S SELF-ESTEEM A child’s self-esteem is influenced by feeling loved, valued and believing good things about themselves. Perform have teamed up with positive parenting expert, Anita Cleare, to bring Families top tips for boosting selfesteem.

• ENCOURAGE INDEPENDENCE When children do things for themselves and are praised for this, they feel proud. Teach your child to dress themselves and wash their own hair.

• USE BELIEVABLE PRAISE It’s not believable to tell your child he did something well when he clearly didn’t. Praise concrete achievements. Saying ‘Well done for keeping on running' (even when he lost the

family problem-solving by asking for their input. This helps them feel they are making a positive contribution.

• ENCOURAGE LAUGHTER AND SHOW YOU CARE Play, chat, share jokes and funny stories.

Laughter helps children relax and feel good about themselves. Be affectionate. Snuggle and cuddle! Show your child they are utterly lovable exactly as they are. race) tells your child exactly what they have done well.

• LISTEN TO THEIR IDEAS Expressing ideas and being listened to help children feel valued. Involve them in practical

Tara Mehmet and Odette Meredith talk about stress and how to manage it

Ever felt stressed or overwhelmed? How do you feel when you’re around someone who is anxious or depressed? Tired or drained?

Ever noticed how moods can rub off on another? The things we cannot see affect us the most. We can’t see thoughts and emotions but they impact us more than we realize. We talk about the ‘vibes’ or ‘atmosphere’ between people or in places. Ever wondered why?

Stress, amongst other emotions, is not just a feeling but also an energy. This energy is transferred between people and can alter their moods as well as affect the environment. By removing this energy we can feel calmer, more relaxed and achieve mental clarity as well as positively affect those around us.

Some of the best ways to manage stress are through exercise, deep abdominal breathing, Meditation on Twin Heart* (clinically proven to reduce anxiety), getting organised (make a schedule) and being kind to yourself. *To discover the inner secrets of this energy and how to remove it to improve relationships and the health of your family visit ukpranichealing.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

More tips from Anita can be found at www.anitacleare.co.uk To book a FREE confidence-building Perform drama class in Oxfordshire visit www.perform.org.uk/try

GIGGLING SQUID to bring the flavours of Thailand to Oxford Giggling Squid is set to introduce its signature Thai cuisine to the Jericho neighbourhood of Oxford early spring 2019.

Having established a loyal following throughout the country since 2009 with its brilliant combination of bold Thai flavours and authentic cooking techniques, Giggling Squid will open for lunch and dinner located on Walton Street within an intimate setting of approximately 140 covers.

From lunchtime tapas to delicious curries, salads, rice and noodles, Giggling Squid’s menu lends itself to the distinct sharing culture of Thailand. A dedicated “little tapas for little people”

menu is guaranteed to ensure smiles all round.

Owned by Thai-born Pranee Laurillard and her husband Andrew, Giggling Squid is the nickname of one of their three children. www.gigglingsquid.com

Families Oxfordshire 5

Baby News

MCS Families Oxfordshire 87x260.qxp_Layout 1 14/02/2019 10:44 Page 1

Cambridge IVF has become the first clinic in the world to combine two cutting edge tests to further improve the chances of couples having a baby

SCHOOLS GUIDE 2019

OpenWeek 23 - 26 April 9:30am-3:00pm

SOUTHEAST INDEPENDENT SECONDARY SCHOOL OF THE YEAR

Excellence in Independent Education for Boys and Girls aged 2-18 Year 5 Senior Experience Day Friday 14 June, 2019 Please register your attendance www.cranfordhouse.net Cranford House is situated in Moulsford on the Oxfordshire/Berkshire border and operates an extensive school minibus network throughout both counties.

Families_CranfordHouse_87x130mm_MARCH 2019_AW.indd 1

12/02/2019 11:41

The NHS clinic, which is part of Cambridge University Hospitals, has introduced a super enhanced semen analysis technique, and is drawing on an advanced magnet-based technology at a time when figures show male fertility is dropping rapidly.

The clinic says latest advances increase the odds of pregnancy further - and reduce the possibility of women having expensive, invasive and possibly repeated IVF treatment they do not need.

Cambridge clinicians will not be charging extra – sticking to their mission to provide the best treatment at the lowest cost for those who dream of starting a family but can no longer access NHS-funded treatment.

The enhanced semen analysis will identify samples where there are high levels of oxidising chemicals like hydrogen peroxide, which can damage the vitality and swimming ability of sperm.

The usual culprits include heat, alcohol, smoking, pollutants, obesity, excessive exercise, infection and age and may be overcome with recommended lifestyle changes and support.

Andrologists, using a highly sensitive apparatus, will conduct their investigations at the same time as their standard semen tests, which focus on the number of sperm in a sample, their shape and movement.

In the event IVF is needed, the clinic, which aims to turn results around in three days, will recommend a technique known as magnetic cell sorting. This involves mixing a semen sample with magnetic micro-beads which attach only to the damaged sperm which can then be removed using a magnetic filter.

The single best sperm is then selected from the remaining healthy sperm to fertilise an egg using a method called Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

The advances are the latest in a series at the clinic, which in August became the first NHS centre in the country to routinely freeze embryos – significantly increasing the chances of patients becoming pregnant. It also introduced packages including PURE IVF which offers one cycle of IVF for £2500 including drugs and fees.

Head of the clinic, consultant embryologist Stephen Harbottle said: “The decrease in male fertility since 1973 has been staggering but semen testing has remained largely the same for 20 years. The combination of these two techniques has the potential to transform how we identify male factor sub-fertility. It puts us at the cutting edge of

Happy 30th Birthday Lil’ Elmer!

The secret to success is…

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

Summer Babies Never Catch Up

“Pupils’ achievements beyond the formal curriculum are exceptional” ISI Inspection March 2017 For details of our forthcoming Open Events, please visit mcsoxford.org/opendays

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

science.”

Andrology lead Ruth Chappell added: “We are have one of the largest semen testing services in the UK – testing around 5000 samples a year and it is fantastic that we are the first in the world to combine these two highly innovative tests.”

Lead clinician and Associate Professor, University of Stirling, Alka Prakash said: “IVF is expensive and requires women to take fertility drugs that can have side effects. It is also invasive as eggs are collected from ovaries using fine needles. Therefore if it can be avoided this is extremely positive.”

For more information on Cambridge IVF telephone 01223 349010 or visit http:// www.cambridge-ivf.org.uk/ about-cambridge-ivf

Summer - borns still struggle in Year 3 and 6, according to new research.

Analysis of the test results of more than 1.5 million primary school pupils across England by School Dash, an education data analytics company, confirmed the disadvantage faced by summer-born children.

The research found that pupils born between April and August performed on average 7.5% behind others in reception Mathmatics tests. By year 6, summer-born pupils are on average 3.6% behind.

Children usually start school in the September after they turn 4 years, but parents of children born between 1 April and 31 August can now ask to delay entry to Reception for a year.

The government has published guidance about delayed school admissions for summer born pupils which can be found at www.gov.uk/ publications. More info: www.schooldash.com

familiesonline.co.uk

Families LOVES the brand-new Rainbow Elmer Swaddle. The limited-edition version of the brand’s super soft, over-sized muslins has been designed specially to celebrate Elmer the Patchwork Elephant's 30th Anniversary in 2019.

David Mckee’s colourful character, Elmer, has captured the hearts of children for three decades and now, thanks to this gorgeous new swaddle from Lil’ Cubs, the iconic patchwork elephant will engage babies born in 2019! The 100% breathable cotton swaddle, measuring 120 x 120 cm, has been created using only eco-friendly dyes, and comes wrapped in a celebratory belly band, making it the ideal gift.

RRP: £20 www.lilcubs.co.uk

Monkey Music Oxford E: oxford@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 01235 519806

Families Oxfordshire 7

Families What’s on

W hat’s Onto places Things to do, be had go and fun to ages in for kids of all

Oxfordshire

CALLING ALL ‘COTSWILD EXPLORERS’

Dinosaur World Live

WHEN: March & April, Open daily from 10am

WHEN: 12 & 13 April

WHERE: Cotswold Wildlife Park& Gardens, Burford

WHERE: The Oxford Playhouse

The Cotswold Wildlife Park’s new ‘CotsWild Explorer’ activity trail launches in April for children aged 6-11 years old. The Egg themed trail pack (available from the gift shop) comes with a pop badge, lanyard and a pencil, for £2.50 per pack with 10% going to Penguin conservation. www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk

Grab your compass and join our intrepid explorer across unchartered territories to discover a pre-historic world of astonishing (and remarkably lifelike) dinosaurs. £14/£10 www.oxfordplayhouse.com

The Goose Who Flew Family Trail – Patterns in the Museum WHERE: Oxford Museum WHEN: March & April

Look closely at the objects in the museum to find beautiful patterns.

This family trail can be picked up from the Micro-Museum in the Gallery, Monday to Saturday (excluding Bank Holidays). www.oxford.gov.uk

WHERE: The Oxford Playhouse

WHEN: 23 March

Goose loves the summer, playing with his family and friends, but soon it is time for him to fly south for the winter. As his journey begins, things are not as they should be. 3-7yrs. £8 www.oxfordplayhouse.com

WHERE: Pegasus Theatre WHEN: 14 March

Fun, engaging interactive puppet session for parents and toddlers exploring different ‘worlds’ and the characters therein. Thursdays.

Booking essential. £5 www.pegasustheatre.org.uk

Lambing Weekends WHERE: Earth Trust,

Little Wittenham WHEN: 23-24 & 30-31 March Meet lambs, piglets, goats and more. Craft activities and refreshments available. Children’s activities and refreshments available. Pre-book.

Adult £7; Child £4 www.earthtrust.org.uk

WHEN: 9 – 11 April: 10.00-16.00

WHEN: 9 & 10 April

A workshop on each day hosted

by Zak Simmonds, Nell Pheonix and David Gibb, respectively. Kids get to learn from the experts and then give it a go themselves.

8 – 12 years.

Pre-book. £37.50 www.storymuseum.org.uk

Oxford Literary Festival WHERE: Venues across Oxford WHEN: 30 March – 7 April

Wonderful talks and workshops with authors. Guests include Lucy Worsley, Chitra Soundar, Christopher Lloyd, Michael Morpurgo, Janina Ramirez and many more. Booking essential. www.oxfordliteraryfestival.org

Day Out with Thomas WHERE: Didcot Railway WHEN: 30 & 31 March

Meet Thomas and his friends.

Enjoy rides all day and as often as you wish. Thomas the Tank Engine is running on his Branch Line and his friends are running on the Main Line.

Adult £15; Child £11 www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk

Enjoy spring-themed craft activity in the beautiful setting of Harcourt Arboretum. Suitable for all ages. £2 donation www.obga.ox.ac.uk

WHEN: 15 April

Budding engineers can harness the forces of friction and gravity to design a marble maze.

Fantastic for developing problemsolving skills in a really fun way.

6+. Booking essential. £7 www.scienceoxford.com

WHERE: Ashmolean Museum WHEN: 10-11 & 17-18 April

Celebrate the beauty of Japanese Spring with cherry blossominspired crafts and springtime stories. Drop-in. All family events are free, with a suggested donation of £1 per child. www.ashmolean.org

Family Open Afternoon WHERE: Soldiers of Oxfordshire

Museum WHEN: 10 & 17 April: 14.00-16.00 Take the kids along to this familyfriendly museum and get them to indulge in some springinspired craft. For age 3-9 yrs. Drop-in. £2 per child www.sofo.org.uk/ whats-on/

Farmer Carters’ Courtyard – Easter Holidays WHEN: 6 -20 April

Marble Mazes at the Museum of Oxford

Easter Holiday Fun Japanese Spring

Spring into game mode and help Farmer Carter with our great quiz trails and activities within the woodlands, fort maze and courtyard as well as tractor trailer rides & baby animals! www.milletsfarmcentre.com

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CH MAR 31ST

Mothering Sunday Afternoon Tea

WHERE: Waddesdon Manor WHEN: 31 March

Spend time with your family with a sparkling afternoon tea served with a selection of delightful pastries, cakes and dainty savouries.

Adult £27; Child £15.50 waddesdon.org.uk/whats-on

Bluebell Walk

WHERE: Oxfordshire WHEN: Late spring means

bluebells. Delight in the magic of these pretty flowers with a woodland walk: Harcourt Arboretum, Nunenham Courtney; Greys Court, Peppard (National Trust); Warburg Nature Reserve, near Henley; Stoke Wood, near Bicester, Shotover Wood, near Oxford. FREE

Eggsplorers

Learn to Play Day

Muckers

Environmental Education Centre WHEN: 17 April Find out about the amazing lives of egg-laying animals on a trail and complete the challenge for a wildlife-friendly chocolate reward. Craft activities too; aimed at children 4-11 years.

Booking essential. £5 www.bbowt.org.uk

WHEN: 23rd -24th March

WHEN: 17 - 20 April

WHERE: Sutton Courtenay

Mole’s classmates look a bit scary. Surely Mr Badger will look out for her? Streetwise Rattie, rich kid Toad and cheeky Otter teach her the ways of The Riverbank, then Toad gets locked up for joyriding! £22.00/£18.00/£14.00/£10.00 www.oxfordplayhouse.com

WHEN: 10 April: 13.00-16.00

WHERE: Millet’s Farm Centre

8 Families Oxfordshire

WHERE: The Oxford Playhouse

WHERE: Harcourt Arboretum

WHERE: Sutton Courtenay

Play The World

IN THE WILLOWS

WHERE: The Story Museum

Family Craft

Nature Tots-Didcot

Environmental Education Centre WHEN: 6-7 March An opportunity for pre-schoolers to interact with and learn from nature. Outdoor nature play, games, stories and craft on this wild and wonderful nature reserve.

Booking essential. £5 www.bbowt.org.uk

Easter Story Makers

t forge Don't

Spring Fair

WHERE: Oxford

Botanic Garden & Harcourt Arboretum WHEN: 27 April: 11.00-16.00 Immerse yourself in wonderful surroundings, enjoy traditional music and taste delicious local produce. Children can have a go at craft activities and meet some farmyard animals. www.obga.ox.ac.uk

Taste, Think, Wonder: How do You Celebrate Spring?

WHERE: PMT Oxford

WHERE: The Oxford Playhouse

A free national event to encourage everyone in the UK to start making music. Supported by Jools Holland OBE, and run by charity Music for All. A special day of activities and classes based around guitar, violin, piano, flute, brass, the recorder, and vocals, with live performances throughout the day. To find your nearest FREE musiclesson, visit www.musicforall.org.uk/ learntoplayday/

Paloma has always mucked about with Pijon. Life is fun and loopy, until all of a sudden, Paloma comes face to face with a blinding light named Big Luce. Performed in both English and Spanish for ages 5-7. £9 www.oxfordplayhouse.com

MADAGASCAR THE MUSICAL WHERE: New Oxford Theatre WHEN: 30 April - 4 May

Join Alex, Marty, Melman and Gloria as they bound out of the zoo and onto the stage in this live music spectacular.

Watch your friends as they escape from New York’s Central Park Zoo only to find themselves in the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar. Get on and ‘move it, move it’! £13.00 - £45.40 www.atgtickets.com

WHERE: Pitt Rivers Museum WHEN: 11-12 April

What do you do to celebrate Spring? Handle objects that are important in celebrating Spring across the world. Drop-in event suitable for ages 6+. FREE www.prm.ox.ac.uk

Easter at Blenheim Palace WHERE: Woodstock WHEN: 19 - 22 April

The Pleasure Gardens will transform into an Easter wonderland with lots of interactive experiences, familyfriendly activities and shows to enjoy.

With fairground and circus skills activities.

From £7.40 Child www.blenheimpalace. com familiesonline.co.uk

Big Easter Event

Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt

Abingdon WHEN: 6 April: 12.30-15.15 Easter fete, featuring live music from local choirs and musicians, food (including lots of chocolate!), spring crafts, games and stalls.

Performance of the Abingdon Passion Play. FREE www.abingdon.gov.uk

Henley-on-Thames WHEN: 6 - 23 April Hunt for clues around the estate to win a Cadbury chocolate prize.

Two separate trails this year: one in the run up to, and a different one on, the Easter weekend. £3 www.nationaltrust.org.uk

WHERE: Abbey Grounds,

Easter Trail

WHERE: Museum of The History

of Science WHEN: 6 - 21 April Challenge yourself to the museum’s Easter Trail. Drop-in.

Begin at the Entrance Gallery. 7+.

FREE www.mhs.ox.ac.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

WHERE: Greys Court,

Help your family to achieve a happy and healthy lifestyle both physically and emotionally Learn easy to apply techniques for every day situations to harmonise relationships and the home environment Discover the empowerment to transform your life and the lives of your loved ones WellBeing Seminars & Courses for Families Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire & Berkshire Personal Development Seminar Health & Positive Self Image Seminar Managing Personal & Professional Relationships Seminar Pranic Healing Level 1 Course www.ukpranichealing.co.uk/tara-mehmet www.ukpranichealing.co.uk/odette-meredith

Families Oxfordshire 9

Families Education

Where learning happens everywhere...

O M PEN OR

Tuesd NING ay (Early 26 March Y Wedn ears) & esd 6 May ay

“The schools provides pupils with a strong educational foundation to gain a life-long love of learning” ISI Inspection A Co-Educational Prep School from 2-11 years • 60 acres of beautiful grounds • 5 miles from oxford • Excellent sports facilities • Excellent academic results • 60+ extra-curricular activities

For more details visit: www.chandlings.org.uk

Abingdon Preparatory School

ABINGDON PREP SCHOOL

Strings at Abingdon Prep

OPEN MORNING

Tuesday lunchtime and Other Half activities are well underway at Abingdon Prep. From the music room, the Strings group can be heard in full flow; violins, violas, cellos and double bass are shaping up for a performance in assembly at the end of term.

We adapt our music to capture boys’ imagination, whether it’s Djembé drumming, a cantata performance at Christ Church Cathedral or one of our seven annual productions.

Our music is multicultural, with numerous ensembles from the traditional orchestra, string and choir groups to folk, wind and jazz bands,

Wednesday 1 May

guitar, strings, keyboard and music technology.

We want every boy to learn to enjoy music irrespective of ability and there’s plenty of opportunity to perform, from informal family audiences to a full house at Abingdon School’s Amey Theatre. For those with a particular talent, we provide comprehensive music scholarship preparation with boys winning awards to their senior schools every year since 2010.

Abingdon Preparatory School, Josca’s House, Kingston Road, Frilford, Oxfordshire OX13 5NX 01865 391570 www.abingdon.org.uk

Chandlings Prep School

Ask abou

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Transfer Process

Would your children enjoy a pony ride to start the day?

Or pond dipping, practice in the ballet studio, a visit to the vegetable garden?

At Chandlings Prep School, learning happens everywhere. We educate boys and girls aged 2-11 within 60 acres of idyllic Oxfordshire, Just five miles from Oxford.

Indoors or outside our children swim, play rugby, tennis, hockey or cricket, and enjoy fencing, archery and even golf. They learn team-building on the rope course in the bluebell wood and watch birds from the eco hide. They cook in the food tech room, practice in the music suite, create in the DT room or act in the mini-amphitheatre.

Whatever they do, our children are happy and

to Abingd on School

“Exceptional

- pupils’ achievement, both inside and outside the classroom. ISI Inspection

” abingdon.org.uk/prep

Op Mornei n ngs

26TH M A 8TH M RCH AY

over 80% of our leavers gain their first choice of acclaimed secondary school; 50% with scholarships. We are ‘a hidden gem’; see why at our next Open Morning or book an individual tour.

Visit www.chandlings.org.uk or contact Mrs Francesca Gentili our Admissions Registrar on 01865 730771 or admissions@chandings.org.uk.

Our next Open Mornings are on Tuesday March 26 (Early Years) and Wednesday May 8 (Meet the Head)

Cokethorpe Junior School Cokethorpe Junior School Buddy Up for Sponsored Walk Cokethorpe Junior School recently walked a total of 729 km on their charity sponsored walk which this year raised money for the NSPCC. The children walked a circuit of 3km around the School’s parkland and collected stickers at halfkilometre checkpoints. One of the check points was manned by Buddy, the mascot for the NSPCC’s Speak Out, Stay Safe campaign which aims to give children the knowledge they need to stay safe from abuse and neglect. Buddy had previously visited Cokethorpe to attend an assembly and support workshops that were delivered to Year 5 and Year

rching for a e s ly e iv t c a

E C N E L L E C EX

For talented boys we have Funded Places that can be worth up to 100% of the fees at 11+, 13+ or for Sixth Form. Radley is a top boys’ boarding school near Oxford.

01235 543174

www.radley.org.uk/funded-places

OPEN

DAY

Friday

17th M

ay

Getting the Best out of Boys To attend an Open Day please contact

pa.registrar@moulsford.com • 01491 651438 Moulsford Preparatory School, Moulsford-on-Thames, Oxon, OX10 9HR Independent day and boarding school for boys aged 4-13 www.moulsford.com

Cranford House

Pupils at Cranford House were treated to a literary treat this week thanks to visit from a celebrated British storyteller Award-winning illustrator and the artistic genius behind the much-loved Winnie the Witch series, Korky Paul, visited the South Oxfordshire school. Korky spent the day introducing both Nursery and Junior pupils to the art of storytelling through pictures, as well as working with GCSE students to hone their draughtsmanship.

Headmaster, Dr James Raymond, commented, “Reading for pleasure sits at the heart of daily life here at Cranford House so it has been wonderful to welcome such a well-known literary figure into familiesonline.co.uk

6 by specially trained staff and volunteers from the NSPCC. The children made Buddy hats, badges and pendants which they sported during the walk and are looking forward to presenting a cheque for their sponsorship money to the NSPCC next month.

Cokethorpe School, Witney, Oxon OX29 7PU Telephone: 01993 703921 Email: admin@cokethorpe.org

O pe n W ee k 23R D - 26T APRIL H

school. We aim to offer our pupils as many inspiring experiences as we possibly can and I’m sure that meeting Korky will be something that stays with them for a long time.”

Join us during Open Week to see Cranford House in action for yourself.

23-26 April 9:30am – 3:00pm www.cranfordhouse.net Cranford House, Wallingford OX10 9HT 01491 651218

Families Oxfordshire 11

Families Education

Families Education

Oxford High Prep School

Magdalen College School

New Head for Oxford High Prep School Jessica Williams joins Oxford High School as new Head of Prep.

Jessica has a wealth of experience in independent education, including being Deputy Head and Head of Girls at Ashfold Preparatory School. Under her leadership, Oxford High’s Prep and Pre-Prep will continue to provide an innovative, stimulating curriculum where girls progress at an accelerated pace that is challenging, but appropriate for each individual child. Girls can join OHS Prep from age 4 and, according to Jessica, the focus on social and emotional

The Oratory School The Oratory School to welcome girls from 2020 The Oratory has announced that from September 2020, it will become a coeducational school, welcoming girls and boys from the age of 11 to 18.

The Oratory is an HMC Catholic Independent Day and Boarding School set in the beautiful Chiltern countryside.

Joe Smith, Head Master said, “We are delighted to be making this announcement and excited to be able to offer families of girls and boys alike our unique Oratory education.

Our teaching is second to none and our value

Magdalen College School is an independent day school for boys aged 7 to 18 and girls in the sixth form, situated in the heart of Oxford’s historic city centre.

development - where every girl can feel valued and positive about themselves and their achievements - remains at the core of what her team at Oxford High do. Jessica comments, “As you walk through the door of OHS you are struck by the friendly, happy atmosphere. It’s a busy, bustling place to be and the girls have a real sense of purpose and pride in what they do!”

Belbroughton Road, Oxford OX2 6XA 01865 318500 www.oxfordhigh.gdst.net

O pe Mornin ng

Moulsford Preparatory School

9TH M ARCH

When making decisions about your child’s education, it is sometimes hard to think ahead.

added results at A Level place us in the top 3% of schools nationally.

As a Catholic school which welcomes pupils of all faiths or none, visitors often comment on the inclusive family atmosphere of our school and it is this supportive environment that nurtures the confidence, self-expression and resilience that are vital for success and happiness in the world today.

Open Morning Saturday 9 March The Oratory School, Woodcote, Nr Reading RG8 0PJ. 01491 683522 www.oratory.co.uk

to the very highest level’, the school was named South East Independent School of the Year 2019

by The Sunday Times. In addition, the school was the first of its kind to be named Independent School of the Year twice by The Sunday Times, in 2004 and 2008.

Magdalen College School, Cowley Place, Oxford OX4 1DZ www.mcsoxford.org 01865 242191 marketing@mcsoxford.org

Founded in 1480 by William Waynflete to school the choristers of Magdalen College’s now world-renowned chapel choir, MCS boasts a rich heritage as the city’s grammar school.

MCS’s Junior School is made up of 150 boys aged 7 to 11, and is located on The Plain, adjacent to Magdalen Bridge.

Following on from the ISI’s Inspection report of 2017, which described MCS as a ‘vibrant, active community which develops pupils’ personal skills

At Moulsford Prep School, we believe in keeping options open for as long as possible to allow skills and interests to develop. Our broad extracurricular programme enables boys to try a huge range of activities, to explore unexpected talents and to grow in confidence as they mature.

Simultaneously, the academic curriculum encourages and stretches boys through collaborative and cross-curricular projects.

Teaching is geared entirely to how boys learn best, with active and outdoor learning to appeal to

O pe n D ay 17TH M AY

energetic and busy boys.

Excellent relationships with a wide variety of top independent senior schools ensure Moulsford boys progress to the very best option for them: Eton, Radley, Harrow, Marlborough, Wellington, St Edwards, Bradfield and Stowe for those wishing to board, and Abingdon, Magdalen College School, Pangbourne, Shiplake and The Oratory providing excellent day school options.

Next Open Day: Friday 17th May Moulsford-on-Thames, Oxfordshire OX10 9HR 01491 651438 www.moulsford.com

The Oratory Prep School The Oratory Preparatory School is an independent day and boarding school, providing an enriched education for boys and girls aged 2 to 13.

Set within 65 acres of Oxfordshire countryside, it nurtures happy and inquisitive children. A commitment to the pastoral care of each child and an ethos of inclusive learning lie at the heart of the school, reflected in the creation of a Deputy Head Pastoral and School Counsellor.

A focus on outdoor learning through sport, music, and the arts are central to the self-discovery of the children, and the outstanding facilities allow for sporting fixtures such as rugby, girls’ cricket

and even mini triathlons. Children enjoy weekly swimming lessons from Kindergarten upwards and have many opportunities to discover themselves and their talents through our Saturday Enrichment Programme and After School activities, which include fencing, upcycling and decoding.

To arrange a personalised tour, visit oratoryprep.co.uk, call 01189844511 or email registrar@oratoryprep.co.uk.

Radley College Radley offers an environment for boys to grow in self-confidence, thrive academically, and make the most of an enormous range of opportunities.

Top 3% Top of 3% schools of schools for Coeducational for Coeducational value value addedadded at A Level at A Level from 2020 from 2020 HMC CATHOLIC HMC CATHOLIC DAY AND DAYBOARDING AND BOARDING SCHOOL SCHOOL FOR BOYS FOR BOYS AGEDAGED 11 TO 18 11 TO 18 Near Reading Near Reading • 01491 • 683522 01491 683522 registrar@oratory.co.uk registrar@oratory.co.uk • oratory.co.uk • oratory.co.uk

12 Families Oxfordshire

A place with A place a palpable with a palpable buzz and buzz vibrancy and vibrancy that gets that thegets balance the balance betweenbetween giving children giving children the freedom the freedom to be themselves, to be themselves, whilst whilst maintaining maintaining a focus on a focus traditional on traditional values values The Good Schools The Good Guide Schools Review Guide 2018 Review 2018

CONTACT CONTACT US TOUS ARRANGE TO ARRANGE A VISIT A VISIT GoringGoring Heath,Heath, South Oxfordshire South Oxfordshire 01189 844 01189 511 844 • registrar@oratoryprep.co.uk 511 • registrar@oratoryprep.co.uk oratoryprep.co.uk oratoryprep.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

The door is open to any talented candidate, regardless of their means or their background, and we hope that we will have many applicants who wish to join us in the pursuit of excellence.

A Radley education is about independent thought and learning with enthusiasm. It is about cultural awareness and academic ambition. It is about learning to live with others and preparation for the world beyond its gates. Above all, it is about the core values that will underpin success throughout a Radleian’s life. If you have a talented familiesonline.co.uk

boy, who excels academically or at music, sport, art or drama then we have places that can be funded up to 100% of the fees.

To arrange a visit please contact us: admissions@radley.org.uk or 01235 543 174 or complete the enquiry form on our website www.radley.org.uk/funded-places.

Families Oxfordshire 13

Easter Clubs & Classes

n O s ’ t a h W to do this

Things liday Easter ho port & usic, s Drama, m omething ... s education one in for every

re Oxfordshi

WHERE: Oxford High

4 – 18 April All children (3-14 yrs) have the opportunity to participate in sports, arts & crafts, and icebreaker games to encourage all areas of development and to bond with other children and staff;talent shows, dancing, cooking, and off-site trips! £21/half-day £41/day £180/week www.active-camps.com 01865 594325

WHEN: 22 March:

WHERE: Binfield Heath, Oxon WHEN: 5 April

WHERE: Holiday Inn Oxford

Explore and experience the ancient art and science of Pranic Healing and how it can be applied to relationships through this transformational seminar.

10.00 – 12.00 £20 www.ukpranichealing.co.uk

Holiday Sports Camp

Jonathan Markson Easter Tennis Clinic

WHERE: Wantage Leisure Centre

WHERE: University of Oxford

WHEN: 8 – 12 April: 10.00-16.00

Professional coaching on clay courts for children 7 - 17 years old (above beginner level).

Focus on a keystroke per day to help improvers and allow experienced players to perfect their skills in groups of one to six players. £345 www.marksontennis.com/ oxford-tennis-camp-easter

Active Camps

MANAGING PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIPS SEMINAR

PERFORM: weekly drama, dance and singing classes

Runs every school holiday and is perfect for getting your kids active with swimming, trampolining, football, gymnastics, tag rugby, arts & crafts and more! £20.50/half day £33/day www.better.org.uk 01235 766 201

WHERE: Oxford, Abingdon, Didcot, Wallingford, Thame

Confidence building fun for 4-12s. A unique mix of drama, dance and singing specially formulated to bring out every child’s true potential.

Classes are kept small to ensure lots of individual attention. Summer term commences late April. No-obligation FREE trial sessions.

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

ALL STARS CRICKET

WHERE: Venues across Oxfordshire

Children aged 5-8 years-old can get a great first experience in cricket with sessions accredited by the England & Wales Cricket Board.

Help your child develop key skills in a fun and safe environment where parents can join in too. Kids receive a brand-new kit bag full of goodies and attend 8 weekly sessions. Book ahead, sessions begin May 2019. www.allstarscricket.co.uk

Monkey Music Oxford WHERE: Oxford, Abingdon,

Thame Award winning music classes for kids 3 months to 4 years.

Educational and fun four-stage curricula designed to nurture a lifetime love of music. Weekly term time sessions.

Book a FREE trial class. www.monkeymusic.co.uk 01235 519 806

Mathnasium Learning Centres

Better Holiday Club and Tennis Holiday Club WHERE: Whitehorse Leisure

Centre, Abingdon Keep kids aged 5-11 years entertained with a variety of sports and leisure activities, while giving you peace of mind that they’re in safe hands. Children can try a new sport, make new friends, and have a lot of fun.

Full days only 8.15am-17.45pm.

01235 540 700 whitehorse@gll.orgwww.better. org.uk

WHERE: Oxford

Monday-Thursday & Saturday Where Maths makes sense! By producing a tailor-structured learning plan for each student according to his/her knowledge and skill level, the Mathnasium Method can help children in Years 2-12 better understand maths and leap ahead. Try the FREE maths skills assessment/trial session.

01865 655968 www. mathnasium.co.uk/northoxford

If booking any courses, please mention Families Oxfordshire Magazine.

EASTER TENNIS CAMP

Holiday Sports Camp

WHERE: Thame Leisure Centre

OFSTED registered and accept childcare vouchers. Activities generally include; Swimming, Basketball, Cricket, Gymnastics, Trampolining, Bouncy Castle, Football, Go-Karts, Table Tennis, Craft, Treasure Hunt, Street Dance, Archery and Racquet Sports. 01844 215607 www.better.org.uk

Camp Adventure

WHERE: Bicester Leisure Centre

For children 5 ½ -11 years to learn new skills, make new friends and have great fun in a safe environment.Kids can play football, basketball and hockey, and even try street dancing and swimming. Arts and crafts, team games and dressing up!

01869 253 914 www.leisurecentre.com

Bright Sparks Holiday Science Camps WHERE: St Barnabas’s C of E

Primary School 8 April: 9.00-15.30 Spring has Sprung science workshop. Designed to entertain primary school-aged children, whocan experiment for themselves, take part in science challenges and investigate how things work. Packed with messy experiments, fun games and science crafts. £30 01865 522 775 www.brightsparksscience.co.uk

8 - 12 April 2019, Oxford University, Iffley Road Suitable for 8 - 17 Year Olds

ANDREW FLINTOFF CRICKET ACADEMY WHERE: Bloxham School, Banbury WHEN: 8 - 12 April

For boys and girls 5-16 years old. All levels welcome. Freddie Juniors (5-7) establishes the fundamentals of cricket and sport in general.

Freddie Seniors (8-16) enjoy learning new skills in all cricketing disciplines. £47/day £125/3-day £190/week www.activatecamps.co.uk/ venues/bloxham-school

14 Families Oxfordshire

familiesonline.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

Families Oxfordshire 15

Explore

Independent, Co-educational Day School, for 4-18 Year Olds

Question

Open Morning

Achieve

Saturday 16 March and Saturday 18 May 2019 9.30am - 12.00pm

#ThisIsMyCokethorpe

www.cokethorpe.org.uk

An ‘Exceptional’ education from £3,000 per term Pre-Prep School Stay and Play 13 March 2019

www.oxfordhigh.gdst.net/visit-us