East London Primary Times September 2021

PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN FREE INSIDE: WHAT’S O N WHERE GUIDE OVER 51,000 COPIES FOR FAMILIES OF

East London

BACK TO SCHOOL 2021 6 SEPTEMBER - 10 OCTOBER ISSUE 74

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Meet Emma Carroll

author of The Week at World’s End Primary Times were lucky enough to speak to Emma Carroll, once a secondary school teacher, now a multiple award-winning writer. Our interviewer, Rachel Benson, found her charismatic, energetic, and incredibly welcoming.

Her latest release, The Week at World’s End, is based in 1962. Runaway, Anna, befriends Stevie and Ray as she hides from people who are trying to poison her. As tensions rise between America and Russia, and with the threat of war, Stevie wonders if Anna has been sent with a special message just for her.

We were lucky enough to speak to Emma one Monday morning, typically, by Zoom.

A little ice breaker - you used to pick avocados do you hate them or eat them by the dozen like us?

I eat a lot of avocados, I love them! It was in Israel that I was picking them. Because it was quite hot we used to go picking them around dawn, and the chap who took us down there always carried a gun, because there were wolves, wild dogs and jackals that you could sometimes come across in the orchard. Luckily, we didn’t!

What originally inspired you to become a writer?

Well, I’ve always loved English. Even as a primary school student, English was always my favourite subject, it was the thing that made sense. Sort of in the opposite way to Maths really! But when I got to secondary school I had the most amazing English teacher, called Mrs Bailey, and she just got me. I loved her for that. She gave me that confidence. I’ve never forgotten that teacher who really made a difference to me.

With lots of creative professionals there’s that one teacher who really inspires them, isn’t there?

It’s that one person who sees in you the thing that you haven’t quite yet seen in yourself but you know it’s there somewhere. When someone else can see it too it justifies it to you.

A lot of your books are based on historical events, with The Week at World’s End set around the Cuban Missile Crisis. Why have you chosen to do that?

First of all because I really like reading books like that. The very first book I wrote, Frost Hollow Hall, isn’t based around a historical event, that’s just a Victorian ghost story. It was only when I got to write my second book, The Girl Who Walked On Air,

that I really began to think about historical events that might trigger the story. That’s actually quite a helpful way of writing historical fiction because you’ve got an event to hang your story on.

The Week at World’s End was inspired by my parents. They were teenagers during the Cuban Missile Crisis. When I talked to my Mum and Dad about living through this week when the world was on the brink, it sounded absolutely terrifying. That would be a really interesting thing to write about. When you look at 1962, Kennedy was President of the US, Martin Luther King was giving a lot of speeches, the space race was going on and the Beatles had their first song out. So there were so many things happening, I thought ‘let’s do it!’

What’s your favourite thing about this book?

I think the fact that they live in this little close and it really reminds me of my childhood. It’s a real book of the heart.

On your website you talk about needing lots of cups of tea when writing (which we love!) What else do you need/do when writing?

I really like this space (Emma gestures to the room she’s talking to me from). It’s only a tiny little room at the back of my house but it is my favourite place to write. It’s having the quiet space where I know that I am clicking into that creative mode.

What else? I like to have a dog in here with me. I do like that.

Emma turns her screen round to show me her view - the rolling Somerset hills out of the window and in front, a dog bed complete with resting dog.

That’s Bert. It’s normally my other dog but he got here first today.

Tea. I like nice notebooks. That’s sort of it really - tea, dogs, quiet space.

Do you have any tips for any budding writers?

The most important thing that any writer can tell you is to read. It’s where we get a lot of our ideas from.You also learn about your own tastes. It’s really important to choose a type of story to write that you yourself would want to read. Also, experiment. Don’t necessarily go down one route. Try writing poetry. I’ve heard of a lot of writers saying that a story they have written has started as a poem.

Emma Carroll’s latest release promises to be an adventurous, nostalgic and historical treat for readers of all ages. The Week at World’s End, published by Faber, is released at the beginning of September and is available from all good book shops.

Dear Readers Primary Times in East London 7 Southbrook Mews London SE12 8LG

I’m writing this letter in the middle of the school summer holiday and can’t believe that we’re about to start a new school year. I hope you all had a good summer and are refreshed and ready to start the new term.

For all our new readers in Reception who haven’t seen us before, we are the FREE What’s On, Where to Go, Things to Do magazine that comes home in the Book Bag two weeks before any school holiday plus a Back to School issue in September. We are full of ideas on how to spend the school break. Lots of the events are free to attend so do read through Publishing Editor: Peter Watson our listings pages and mark what you fancy doing. Whilst Sales: My Yen Doyle, Andrew Langridge, we’re still in a period of uncertainty do make sure that you Ty Smith & Catherine Dillon confirm that the details in our listings are correct. We plan our Listings: Claire Wood, Hayley Hughes listings a long time in advance and with so much change at Production: Alison Watson the moment it is worth checking. We also list local theatre, Office Manager: Chris Blower educational news, competitions, puzzle pages and lots more Administrator: Claire Wood that’s relevant to families of primary aged children.

Social Media: Rachel Benson Tel: 020 8318 0400 Email: office@primarytimes.biz Website: www.primarytimes.co.uk Twitter: @PT_LondonSandE Instagram: @primarytimesse

Primary Times is independently published and distributed free in primary and junior schools throughout the boroughs of Barking & Dagenham, Havering, Newham, Redbridge, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest. Its aims are to inform families and children of current educational issues, forthcoming events, courses and attractions and to give teachers, pupils and parents the opportunity to participate in the magazine by adding to its contents or joining in the competitions which we run. It is NOT our intention to publish any racist, sexist or politically based material whatsoever. We also undertake not to carry any advertising which we would consider to be offensive to young families or harmful to the best interests of young children.

The opinions expressed in either the editorial or advertisements within this publication are not necessarily those held by the editor or publisher. While we take great care with the compilation of information within this magazine, neither the editor nor publisher will accept any liability for the accuracy of the editorial or advertising contained within the publication. We welcome listings being sent to us for inclusion in our What’s On section. Free listings are dependent on available space and we cannot guarantee to print all the listings we are sent. Please send them to listings@primarytimes.biz.

Primary Times would like to thank all the schools in the boroughs of Barking & Dagenham, Havering, Newham, Redbridge, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest for their assistance in distributing the magazine and for their contributions to its contents. We would also like to thank all the advertisers who have supported this publication and therefore made it possible.

Please support their endeavours when and where you can. No part of this magazine, including the advertisements within it may be reproduced, in part or in whole, without the express written permission of the Publishing Editor. Primary Times is currently publishing over 2.5 million copies per issue under franchise licences throughout England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Primary Times East London is operated under franchise licence.

If you do use anything you found in the magazine please do let our advertisers know. Tell them you read about them in Primary Times!

Our listings pages are free, space permitting, so if your school has a fund raising event or you know of something relevant for us to list then please let us know. Please send them to us early - we go to press about 3 weeks before the magazine is published. Please send your listings to listings@primarytimes.biz

Contents

inside this issue....

Local News...............................4 Autumn Adventures.................6 What’s On.................................8 Family Theatre..............................10 Choosing Your New School........ 11 Out of School Activities............17 Competitions........................... 21 All Your Own Work!.................23

Our next edition will appear in schools the week beginning Monday 11 October, just in time for the October Half Term.

Peter and the Primary Times team

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Helping Kids Shine

1 Sept - 10 Oct ‘21

3

Local News 4

Going Back to School

By Wendy Robinson, Service Head at Childline School is a huge part of children’s lives so it’s really important they’re happy there and feel comfortable – for their well-being and to maximise their potential.

Children have had a lot to get to grips with over the last 18 months. Covid; virtual lessons; isolation; the list seems endless.

It’s only natural if they feel a little apprehensive about going back to school. It’s common to worry about what the new school year will bring, bullying, or keeping up with homework and exam stress, for example.

If you think something is bothering them but they’re struggling to talk about it, there are some signs you can look out for: • becoming withdrawn or depressed; • missing school or making excuses so they don’t have to go in; • changes in their eating habits.

If you’re concerned about your child, talk about it – keep calm and listen carefully. If you’re not sure how to start the conversation you can find tips on the NSPCC website, www.nspcc.org.uk.

Talk to your child about how they’re feeling and what they want to happen next. Speak to the school and your child’s teachers. This will help build a greater support network for them. Make sure they know who to ask for help.

Help your child take time out – if they’re being bullied it may make them feel low so try and find ways to build their confidence but don’t leave them to cope alone. Talk to the school about how this situation is being addressed.

If they’re worried about the next day, help them to prepare for it. Remind them to take things step by step and that you’re there for them at the end of the day, whether it’s a good day or a bad day.

If they’re struggling to make friends, help them find children they have something in common with by joining a club for example. If they’re a bit shy, explore the Childline website together where you can find advice on how to start conversations. The number of friends they have isn’t important. What matters is having friends they’re close to and who are supportive.

If they’ve fallen out with friends, it’s likely they will soon make up again. Let them know they can talk to you about what’s happened without fear of being judged. If their friend has upset them, encourage them to be assertive and talk to them about how they feel.

There’s plenty of advice on the Childline website – children can read more about how to make new friends, how to keep up with their homework and what to do if they’re being bullied.

If your child doesn’t feel they can talk to you, encourage them to call Childline on 0800 1111, or visit www.childline.org.uk for advice or to speak to a counsellor online.

Photo credit: Tom Hull

1 Sept - 10 Oct ‘21

Hold Your Party at Kiddiewinks Kiddiewinks, situated on the first floor of Romford Shopping Hall, are delighted to be able to offer two fabulous party packages for your children up to the age of 8.You will be given the full party experience with one of their fabulous friendly play team on hand to help take away the stress of hosting a party – just leave it to them! They will ensure your child has a fabulous day, makes memories with their friends and host an awesome party your child will remember forever.

You can choose from one of two options. With Private Hire you take over the whole venue for up to 40 children for £240 plus food or with the Party Package (and a minimum of 10 children) the party costs £6 per child plus food.

Food choices include a hot option of £3.95 each with nuggets, pizza, fish fingers or hotdog with chips and drink or a cold food option for £3.50 each with cheese, ham or jam sandwich, crisps, biscuit and a drink £3.50.

On Sundays only the cold food option is available as the kitchen is closed.

Follow these simple steps to help you survive hosting your child’s party. Choose Kiddiewinks Softplay (of course) as the venue, decide the date of the party and then how many children will attend. Book your party option on line at www.kiddiewinkssoftplay. com or call the friendly Kiddiewinks Play team on 01708 760 714 for further details. They will be happy to help.

A few days before the party supply a list of names of guests and their food choices - Ta-da!

They are looking forward to hosting your party and meeting you and your Kiddiewinks very soon. Don’t forget to check out Kiddiewinks’ social media channels for upcoming events and news.

The Bear who Inspired Winnie the Pooh Did you know that the stories about Winnie the Pooh were inspired by a teddy owned by Christopher Robin, son of AA Milne the author?

Purchased from Harrods in London, Edward Bear was given to Christopher Robin by his mother Daphne as a first birthday present on 21 August 1921. So he was 100 years old in August.

Daphne’s husband and Christopher’s father, AA Milne, was so enamoured by the partnership he witnessed between a boy and his bear, that he began to write stories about their journey through life together - and the stories of Winnie the Pooh were born.

The UK’s oldest remaining teddy bear manufacturer, Merrythought, will celebrate the birthday with an adorable quartet of Edward bears to charm a new generation of children and adults across the world.

Hand-crafted in Shropshire, the premium teddy bear collection includes adorable Edward bears in three different sizes - 11inches, 18inches and 39inches and a cute limited edition 7in version. Edward, Christopher Robin’s Teddy Bear’ is available to buy from www. merrythought.com, www.harrods.com and Harrods toy department (fourth floor), London.

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10 CHILDREN (MIN) 1.5 HOURS OF PLAY / 30 mins food

FOOD

£3.95 HOT FOOD CHICKEN NUGGETS, FISH FINGERS, PIZZA OR HOT DOG CHIPS AND A DRINK £3.50 COLD FOOD HAM, CHEESE OR JAM SANDWICH CRISPS BISCUIT AND DRINK Do it yourself on line...... 3 easy steps. Visit www.kiddiewinkssoftplay.com 1 - Click book a party 2 - Choose book party and your date/time 3 - book out 10+ children for our party experience !

Nearer the time we will contact you for food choices - easy as 1 2 3!!

Ask a member of the play team for more info or give us a call on 01708 760714

Mary’s Meals’ Superheroes

The global school feeding charity has created educational superhero activity packs to teach pupils about life for children in some of the world’s poorest countries. Primary pupils can learn how food is changing the story of the lives of children in these countries.

Free downloadable activity packs help pupils learn more about Mary’s Meals’ work feeding children in 19 countries where poverty levels are high, including Malawi, Haiti and Madagascar. Centred on Upile, a girl from Malawi, and her friends, the educational resource shows how the daily cup of vitamin-enriched porridge children receive from Mary’s Meals gives them energy and superhero powers!

Resources on offer include a video, fun activities, such as colouring-in sheets and the chance for children to design their own superhero masks. The materials also support learning across the curriculum including language, literacy and health and wellbeing. The educational packs are aimed at primary school children and contain different resources for 5-7 year olds and also 8-11 year olds.

Mary’s Meals has also produced an updated resource called Amazing Grace which is aimed at pupils in upper primary school.

This explores how poverty can prevent children around the world getting an education, but how a daily meal at school is transforming the lives of children like Grace, enabling them to gain an education and learn and grow.

Both Superheroes and Saving Grace are available on the children’s resources page of the Mary’s Meals website, www.marysmeals.org.uk

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Film Preview Guide

Local News

Book your childs Party at Kiddiewinks £6.00 per child

Cinderella on Amazon Prime Kay Cannon’s Cinderella featuring an all-star cast will launch exclusively around the world in over 240 countries and territories on Prime Video this September.

The highly anticipated musical incorporates pop songs from contemporary global artists and original songs by Camila Cabello and Idina Menzel. Cinderella is a classic we all know and love with a fresh, empowering perspective that will resonate with audiences and families around the world. Cinderella is a bold new take on the traditional story you grew up with.The heroine is an ambitious young woman, whose dreams are bigger than the world will allow, but with the help of her Fab G, she is able to persevere and make her dreams come true. Cinderella is available on Amazon Prime from 3 September.

Felix and the Hidden Treasure Felix and the Hidden Treasure is an adventurous and heart-warming story for all the family. Convinced that his father, who disappeared at sea two years ago, is still alive, 12-year-old Felix embarks on a search for him in the company of Old Tom, a retired fisherman, Squawk, a thieving one-legged parrot, and Rover, a cat who acts like a dog.Their journey takes them to Darkshadow Island, where a secret community inhabits an underground city, ruled by the megalomaniacal Morgäa, possessor of a priceless treasure. Felix and the Hidden Treasure from Signature Entertainment will be available on digital platforms from 27 September.

Hotel Transylvania: Transformania

Drac and the pack are back, like you’ve never seen them before in Hotel Transylvania:Transformania. Reunite with your favourite monsters for an all-new adventure that presents Drac with his most terrifying task yet.When Van Helsing’s mysterious invention, the ‘Monsterfication Ray’ goes haywire, Drac and his monster pals are all transformed into humans, and Johnny becomes a monster! In their new mismatched bodies, Drac, stripped of his powers, and an exuberant Johnny, loving life as a monster, must team up and race across the globe to find a cure before it’s too late, and before they drive each other crazy.With help from Mavis and the hilariously human Drac Pack, the heat is on to find a way to switch themselves back before their transformations become permanent.

Transformania is only at cinemas from 8 October.

My Little Pony: A New Generation

Entertainment One’s animated adventure film ‘My Little Pony:A New Generation’ gallops to debut on Netflix on 24 September.The unimaginable has happened...

Equestria has lost its magic!

Idealistic Earth Pony, Sunny is determined to find a way to bring enchantment and unity back to their world.Teaming up with open-hearted Unicorn Izzy, the pair travel to faraway lands.Their mission is full of misadventures, but these new best friends each possess their own unique and special gifts that may be just what this ponyverse needs to restore magic and prove that even little ponies can make a big difference.

1 Sept - 10 Oct ‘21

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Autumn Adventures Fun Days Out with the Family Railway runs regular heritage steam and bus services on weekends. From 9-11 October the Railway will transform its stations to resemble Underground stops and bring in some special ‘London Transport’ vehicles. If your children love the tube, then they will love this day out – or indeed any day out on this very special steam railway. Remember to look out for the special 0.0Km post at Ongar!

Enjoy Family Days Out in Greenwich

Lions Take to the Streets of London

The Tusk Lion Trail has hit the streets of London and other cities around the world, celebrating the magnificence of lions and raising awareness of threats facing the iconic King of Beasts.

African lions are facing greater threats to their survival than ever before.

With the continent’s entire population estimated to have declined by as much as 50% in the last three decades alone, there are now fewer wild lions remaining than rhinos.

The trail of full size lion statues is dotted around the capital’s streets. They have been decorated by a star-studded line-up of artists from across the worlds of design, film, music, sport, theatre and comedy, each crafting their own unique pieces.

Explore the full list of participating artists, follow the trail and download maps at www.tuskliontrail.com. Follow @tusk_org for the latest news and to share your snaps #TuskLionTrail.

There is plenty going on at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich for all the family this September with installations on the grounds as part of Greenwich+Docklands International Festival (GDIF), the return of Open House, afternoon tea on the Colonnades, film and TV tours every weekend and a free exhibition from children’s illustrator Nick Ellwood.

Running until 31 October, discover Nick’s charming illustrations inspired

EPPING ONGAR RAILWAY

LT WEEKEND 8, 9, 10 OCTOBER As much fun as a day by the seaside but with steam trains and vintage buses!

Where Does the Underground Start?

With the Circle Line looping around Central London and other lines criss-crossing the capital and reaching into the suburbs, it seems an odd question to ask where the Underground ‘starts’? However the answer is in fact Ongar!

The explanation dates back to 1972 when Ongar was selected as the reference point for all distances. The station, which was then the Eastern Terminus of the Central Line, was chosen because it was far away enough from all the other stations to ensure that no ‘negative’ distances were recorded on account of the special way that lines running south of the Central Line were measured.

The station is now part of the Epping Ongar Railway. The

Travel on our heritage bus services from Epping tube for a fun start to these special events

www.eorailway.co.uk 01277 365200

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1 Sept - 10 Oct ‘21

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16/08/2021 11:37

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Visit Essex this Autumn

Summer may be over but there is still plenty to enjoy in Essex this autumn from museums to animal attractions. Why not book a weekend break with or without the kids or treat the family to a fun day out at the end of the school week?

The autumn is a great time for watching wildlife, so try birdwatching at one of the county’s peaceful reservoirs or take a seal watching boat trip.

The country parks offer a great opportunity to crunch autumn leaves and find conkers and fir cones. Or head to the coast. Nothing beats wrapping up warm and taking a brisk walk along the beach followed by supper in a country pub. For lots of ideas for days out in Essex, go to www.visitessex.com.

Discover your favourite spot in over 350-miles of coastline.

Relish some retail therapy and scrumptious food at one of the town or outlet centres. Go wild and explore zoos, farms and castles. Essex is truly spoilt for choice with visitor attractions.

From animal encounters at Colchester Zoo to the many farms like Old MacDonald’s Farm, as well as wildlife sanctuaries, there’s something for all the animal lovers in the family.

Step back in time and soak up the atmosphere at some of Essex’s heritage attractions for a day out with a difference.

Enjoy the buildings and gardens at Audley End, Layer Marney Tower and Hedingham Castle and be enchanted by RHS Hyde Hall and Beth Chatto gardens or Essex Country Parks.

1 Sept - 10 Oct ‘21

Autumn Adventures

by the history of the Old Royal Naval College and the Painted Hall. Situated in the Visitor Centre, 500 Years of Mischief & Mayhem in Greenwich features fun augmented reality elements, a children’s gallery and an interactive quiz.

As part of Open House (4 and 5 September), visitors will be able to take a peek into parts of the site not normally open to the public including Admiral’s House and the Jacobean Undercroft in the Queen Anne’s Building. Free pop-up talks and tours of the grounds will be running throughout the weekend.

There is plenty for families to do for free, including selfguided tours of the site and using the Smartify app around the beautiful outdoor spaces.You can buy tickets to visit the incredible Painted Hall, which includes expert tours of the grounds, kids’ activity trail booklet and an excellent multimedia guide.

Or why not join one of the regular film and TV location tours?

Billed as possibly one of the most popular filming locations in the world, the Old Royal Naval College boasts an impressive roll-call of film location credits including Thor: The Dark World, Pirates of the Caribbean on Stranger Tides, Cruella and Les Miserables. Included in the price of a Painted Hall ticket the film and TV location tours offer a fascinating insight into how some of the most iconic movie scenes were created and what really happens behind the scenes.

Plus be sure to catch GDIF’s Borealis, a spectacular immersive installation inspired by the Northern Lights which will light up the skies in the evening above the Old Royal Naval College until 5 September.

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What’s On

What’s On Your family diary for September and October

Due to Covid 19 restrictions please do check with the venue that the listing is up to date before planning your visit.

Ongoing Daily

Luna Loves Art, Discover Children’s Story Centre, Stratford, E15 4QZ There are 10 bright and colourful artworks to find on a special art trail around Discover. Find the art and make your own pieces inspired by Fiona Lumbers’ illustrations. Pick up a free trail sheet on your way into the Story Worlds and join the trail. For more information visit www.discover. org.uk

The Untold Stories, Discover Children’s Story Centre, Stratford, E15 4QZ Free with your session pass, this audio storytelling installation runs on a continuous loop in the first floor storytelling space and is available to drop in any time during your visit.

For more information visit www. discover.org.uk

Children’s Art Trail, Canary Wharf, E14 4SG Canary Wharf have put together an art trail for children, ‘Big Inspiration for Little Minds’ which features 12 pieces of art, plus a handy map to show their locations. To download the art trail before you go visit www. canarywharf.com

Minigolf, Canary Wharf, E14 4SG 12noon-6pm. Head over to Columbus Courtyard to test your putting skills on a colourful course.

With 9 holes to play through it’s the perfect place to show off your minigolf skills to your friends and family. Free of charge. For more information visit www.canarywharf. com

Children’s Floor Games, Canary Wharf, E14 4SG Alongside Minigolf in Columbus Courtyard, children’s fun floor games return this summer. Whether it’s a colourful hopscotch or space invader line maze, the games are the perfect afternoon entertainment. For more information visit www.canarywharf. com

The Canary of the Wharf Mystery History Family Trail, Canary Wharf, E14 4SG Go on an adventure around Canary Wharf’s open spaces. The trail begins in Crossrail Place Roof Garden and

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1 Sept - 10 Oct ‘21

ends in Jubilee Park. Along the way kids will complete various tasks and activities to help unlock a code to receive a reward. For more information visit www.canarywharf. com

Every Sat

Street Athletics, Roding Valley Rec Ground, IG10 3LG 10.15-11.15am. Epping Forest’s Street Athletics sessions for children age 4-12 years will help improve their co-ordination, balance and speed through athletics games whilst having fun. Charges apply.

For more information visit www. eppingforestdc.gov.uk

Street Tennis, Roding Valley Rec Ground, IG10 3LG 8.45-10am. Street Tennis is about having fun and playing games all while improving skills such as coordination, movement and improving your tennis ability. This session is the perfect introduction to Tennis for 4-12 year olds. Charges apply. For more information and to book visit www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk

Every 3rd Tues

KidsTime Workshop, International Praise Centre, E6 1EN Fun group workshops for children aged 5-18, where a parent or carer in the family has a mental illness. They offer a safe, non-judgmental place where families can come together to talk and learn about mental illness.

For more information visit www. families.newham.gov.uk

Teen Talk Online Workshop Young people (10-16 years) can connect with peers in similar situations, share what’s on their mind and get helpful answers, information and support to cope with some of the challenges of having a parent with a mental illness. For more information visit www.families. newham.gov.uk

Our listings are prepared a long time in advance.

To make sure you have the latest details do contact the event nearer the time to make sure they haven’t changed

“

I saw your event in Primary Times....

Please mention you saw the event listed in Primary Times

Until 5 Sep

”

Borealis, Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, SE10 9NN

Go and see this immersive installation inspired by the Northern Lights which will light up the night skies above the Old Royal Naval College, with music to enhance the atmosphere. For more information and to book tickets visit www.ornc.org

Until 11 Sep

Chisenhale Summer of Art, Chisenhale Road, E3 5QZ Join this free programme of arts activities set to inspire people of all ages and abilities to move, play and create.You can explore your imagination and experience family art activities, creative workshops, dance classes and live performances. For full details visit www.chisenhale.org.uk

Until 12 Sep

Take One Picture, National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN This summer, the National Gallery will showcase artworks by primary school children across the UK in the 26th annual Take One Picture exhibition. The programme aims to put art at the centre of children’s learning across the curriculum.

For more information visit www. nationalgallery.org.uk

Hares about Town, Southend on Sea, SS1 1AA Visit this spectacular public art event across Southend where huge hare sculptures, each one individually designed by an artist, will form a free family-friendly trail of discovery for you to explore. For more information visit www.visitessex.com

Until 26 Sep

Van Gogh Alive - The Experience, Kensington Gardens, SW7 2AP Immerse yourself in the life of the renowned artist Vincent Van Gogh as his iconic paintings come to life in

a multi-sensory experience with a thrilling display of over 3,000 inspirational images. For more information and to book tickets visit www.vangoghaliveuk.com

Until 30 Sept

Summer by the River, Various Locations The riverside between London Bridge and Tower Bridge will be home to al-fresco drinking and eating pop-ups - before opening up with a full-packed programme of free entertainment, screenings and activities. For more information and to see what’s on visit www.londonbridgecity.co.uk

Until 31 Oct

Pet Life, Museum of the Home, Kingsland Road, E2 8EA Go along to this pawsome pet adventure, a new multi-sensory immersive experience for families.

Families will be able to attend in small groups, choosing one of four animal companions to take with them on their adventure.

To find out more visit www. museumofthehome.org.uk

Until 11 Dec

Space Fact and Fiction, Braintree Museum, CM7 3HW (Tue-Sat 10am-4pm) Go along to this family exhibition and get up close to a Dr Who Tardis and a Martian War Machine from War of the Worlds, see some real meteorites that fell to Earth and find out how to become an astronaut. For more information visit www.braintreemuseum.co.uk

September Wed 1 – Thurs 30 Sep Totally Thames Festival, Various Locations

This is an annual celebration of the River Thames with over 100 events taking place on, beneath and along the Thames from Richmond to Barking and Dagenham. For more information and to find out what’s on and where visit www. thamesfestivaltrust.org

For lots more What’s On ideas see page 16...

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t ’ a s h N ew W Polar Gear Drinking Bottle

Children can head into the new school year with a bottle that’s going to stand out from the crowd – and certainly help it from getting mixed up with their peers. Every day is an ocean adventure with this Polar Gear Sticker Bottle. It’s fitted with a handy flip up drinking straw and a cool sticker sheet so kids can decorate their bottle exactly how they like.The Polar Gear Ocean Adventure Tritan Bottle 500ml costs £4.99 from high street favourite Ryman.

Stand4 Socks

Stand4 Socks make comfortable high quality socks in original and stylish designs.Their latest range are celebrity socks featuring Marcus Rashford, Emmeline Pankhurst, Elton John and David Attenborough to name but a few. But this isn’t all.With every pair of socks purchased, a thick, antibacterial pair of socks is donated to a homeless person in need. Socks are the number one requested item at homeless shelters. So far Stand4 Socks have donated over 150,000 pairs of socks to homeless and vulnerable people across the UK.They expect to reach over 250,000 socks donated by the end of this year. Find out more at www.stand4socks.com. Prices start at £9.99 a pair with discounts for bundles of 4, 6 or 10 pairs.

Mechanics Gravity Magnetic Track

The Mechanics Gravity Magnetic Track harnesses the invisible forces of magnetism and gravity through original and surprising means. The spheres inside the circuit are set in motion by an innovative magnetic cannon that uses the force of attraction of the accelerating magnet.

The motion is provided by the invisible forces of gravity and magnetism, without using electricity or batteries. The play experience is based on these fundamental principles of physics. Mechanics Gravity is a STEM product that can truly stimulate curiosity and inspire a desire to learn more about science.

The Geomag Mechanics Loops and Turns Construction Set is suitable for children aged 8+ to develop their imagination and curiosity through the science of magnetic construction. The 130 piece set costs £34.99 from The Entertainer.

Mummies Unwrapped

Mummies are everybody’s favourite museum fascination but how much do we really know about how they’re made? Mummies Unwrapped explores the ins and outs of the mummification process - from drying out a dead body and stuffing it with mud, to holding a grand funeral procession to send the mummy into the afterlife. Unwrap the mysteries of the fascinating world of ancient Egyptian mummies!

Written with input with some of the world’s leading Egyptologists from the British Museum and filled with grisly detail, Mummies Unwrapped is the perfect gruesome guide for children aged 7 and up, with wonderfully detailed illustrations from the author Tom Froese.Young readers will delve beyond the dazzling gold cover to uncover the secrets of the embalmers, tales of the tomb robbers and even what happened when pets were mummified!

Mummies Unwrapped is published by Nosy Crow at a recommend price of £11.99.

AirBrush Plush Unicorn

AirBrush Plush is an innovative new product from Arts and Crafts brand Canal Toys. Combining design flair with fabulous art skills, it’s a unique toy that will let kids create a bespoke magical unicorn that is perfect for cuddles afterwards.

Style your own super cute plushie however you want. Stick one of the 100+ stencils to your white unicorn plushie and then choose from four gorgeous coloured markers. Use the AirBrush tool to either spray directly onto the plushie fur or through a stencil to create wonderful patterns and designs.

When you feel like a change, wash off your design using a damp cloth. Explore your creative imagination using swirls, whirls and stripes to design a new creature again and again.AirBrush Plush comes at a recommended price of £24.99.

Schleich Interactive Play Sets

Spark your little one’s inner storyteller with some amazing new interactive playsets from Schleich. Enter exciting worlds full of dinosaurs and erupting volcanoes, horse club tournaments or wildlife animals that hide from their ranger. Children’s imaginations can be inspired to run wild as they create their own wonderful stories. From the underside of paws to the colours of the dinosaur’s feathers, to ensuring seamlessly moving parts, models are realistically detailed and hand painted.

An action-packed erupting volcano play set boasts a host of super cool interactive functions guaranteed to spark thrilling and imaginative dinosaur-based jungle adventures.The volcano erupts with stones being catapulted from the crater, with accompanying smoke and vibrations, along with threatening dinosaur and earthquake sound effects – kaboom! The volcano also boasts an exciting obstacle course, plus a marble run, hidden escape slide and a secret cave where the dinosaurs can hide!

Schleich Volcano Expedition Base Camp is great for 4-12 year olds and can be picked up from www.schleich-s.com,The Entertainer or Smyths for £99.99.

Pug and Koala Backpacks

Skip Hop have added two new fun animal designs to its best-selling Zoo backpacks for kids – a Pug and a Koala - the perfect accessory for back to school.

Easy to wear and with beautiful details, including cute stand out features, young learners will be happy to carry their own kit to school.

Made from durable materials, the backpack features a roomy main compartment, ideal for pencil case, books and toys, a zip front pocket, an insulated pouch for snacks, a mesh drinks bottle side pocket, comfy padded adjustable straps that protect little shoulders and easy to clean lining. There is also a write-on name tag inside. Other animal characters in the best-selling backpack range include Dino, Flamingo, Fox, Monkey, Narwhal, Shark and Unicorn.

The recommended price is £20.

Family Theatre

Family Theatre

The best shows around...

Barbican

Broadway Barking

Anything Goes

Dancers Delight Under 18’s

Box Office: 020 7638 8891 Until 31 Oct (Selected dates) Featuring a 50 strong company, including tap dancing sailors and a full-sized live orchestra, this is a mustsee, five star musical.

Box Office: 020 8507 5607 11-12 Sep

A celebration of the best young street dance talent from around the UK.

16 Oct

LDN Wrestling

Back by popular demand, the bone crunching superstars of LDN Wrestling face the very

best home-grown talent and fans favourites for two hours of entertainment for all the family to enjoy.

26-28 Oct

Stages – Mary Poppins Reappears

inspirational, fun-loving and fabulously uplifting musical sensation is not to be missed.

Ages 6+.

Half Moon Young People’s E1

Box Office: 020 7709 8900

Mystical nanny, Mary Poppins, www.halfmoon.org.uk returns to London to save the 22-23 Oct day in this musical Big Red Bath dance show Enjoy (Also 16-20 Nov) suitable for all the the show!

Rubba-Dubba-Giggle, family.

Rubba-Dubba-Laugh, And don’t 29 Oct there’s magic to be forget to say found in the Big Red Swan you saw it in Bath. This uplifting Lake Primary and playful production The compelling Times! blends music, song and legend of a tragic humorous character based romance in which a princess, performances in a unique take Odette, is turned into a swan by on this well-loved book. For an evil curse. This ballet will give ages 2-5 years. you memories to cherish long after the final curtain falls.

Greenwich Theatre

Brookside Theatre Box Office: 01708 755775 8-11 Sep

Hairspray

Featuring the infectiously feelgood songs Good Morning Baltimore, Big, Blonde and Beautiful and, of course, You Can’t Stop the Beat, this

Box Office: 020 8858 7755 Until 5 Sep

The Wolves of Willoughby Chase

This production tells the story of two brave, determined girls, as they fight against ferocious wolves and battle their way through wastelands to defeat their very evil guardian, Miss Slighcarp. Ages 6+

Children’s Poetry Award The Centre for Literacy in Primary Education (CLPE) has announced the 2021 shortlist for the CLiPPA (CLPE Children’s Poetry Award. The shortlist announcement featured live poetry readings from leading children’s poets alongside performances by children from primary schools.

The five books on the shortlist are: Slam! You’re Gonna Wanna Hear This, chosen by Nikita Gill. Nikita Gill brings together exciting new poets, all well known to poetry audiences but many making their first appearance in print.

Bright Bursts of Colour, Matt Goodfellow, illustrated by Aleksei Bitskoff. The poems in Matt Goodfellow’s collection range from the silly to the sensitive, and all will resonate with children aged 7 – 11.

Run, Rebel by Manjeet Mann. Compelling, powerful and authentic, Mann’s verse novel speaks directly to its YA audience.

10

1 Sept - 10 Oct ‘21

Big Green Crocodile Rhymes to Say and Play, by Jane Newberry, illustrated by Carolina Rabei. A collection of new nursery rhymes, this is a book for parents and adults to share with the very youngest to spark a lifelong love of poetry.

On the Move, by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Quentin Blake, Walker Books On the Move is both personal and universal, with messages of home, identity and family.

The winner of the 2021 CLiPPA will be revealed at the Cheltenham Literature Festival, in a Poetry Show introduced by CLiPPA judges, Zaro Weil and Allie Esiri, and featuring performances by the shortlisted poets. Schools across the UK and beyond will be able to watch the show on The Times and The Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival platform and access poetry CPD sessions created by CLPE. The free Shadowing Scheme to involve schools in CLiPPA 2021 will launch alongside the announcement of the winner. For more information, visit www.clpe.org.uk/poetry/CLiPPA. Follow us on Instagram - @primarytimesse

A Pull Out and Keep The complete Feature

Choosing your New School with

guide to open days for that all important decision.

Choosing your New School

Choosing your Child’s Secondary School

Choosing a secondary school may at first appear to be a daunting and complicated decision faced by parents. However it doesn’t need to be.

It’s an important decision but, with so many schools to choose from and so many variables and specialisations, it can be a bit overwhelming. There are ways to make the process of finding the best school for your child easier. We have lots of ideas in this supplement as well as a table of local school websites to help you.

Slick brochures and grand claims can be misleading and it is the people within a school that will have the most important impact on your child’s future. So, look beyond the website, visit, ask questions, get a sense of the school and what it stands for. Children enjoy facilities and activities but they are shaped by people and by values.

The road ahead will have ups and downs and you will want to share them with people who believe in your child, who have high expectations for them and who genuinely care.

Children succeed when they feel like they fit, when a school considers them as a person rather than a number or statistic and when they are allowed to reach for their individual potential. From the very first moment you set foot in the right school, you will get the feeling that they really want to get to know you and that they are just as excited about you joining their family as you are about joining them. Lots of schools will want to share their way, their philosophy, their vision, but the right ones will want to share yours.

The best education is built around the child and not the other way round.

Talking about previous Ofsted reports with a school, especially neutral or negative ones, can provide a good indicator of how the school takes on criticism, actively listens and puts plans in place to strive for better.

Think about how the size of the school will suit your child. Smaller schools may be able to provide continuous one-to-one support to a child, while bigger schools could have a better community spirit and group learning as well as more variety and options. Weigh up all the pros and cons and see what you think.

Remember that you must return your application form to your local education authority by Sunday 31 October 2021. They may not accept late applications.

St Thomas the Apostle School

St Thomas the Apostle School and Sixth Form is a boys’ Catholic school with a mixed sixth form in the heart of South East London.

Their intake reflects the multi-faith community in which they are situated and they are a very popular choice in the local area, with families recognising the outstanding all-round education they are able to provide.

The school continues to be proud of its outstanding results, which consistently place them with the top schools for progress nationally. St Thomas the Apostle School is the best Catholic boys’ school in the country. Sixth form results this year were impressive, with students achieving an average grade of an A at A level. Such results are enabling students to go to the destination of their choice, including Oxbridge for some.

GCSE results are also consistently high thanks to the hard work and dedication of students and their teachers.

The most recent Ofsted inspection (November 2018) praised every aspect of the school, grading the school as Outstanding in every category. Inspectors remarked that:

“Pupils behave impeccably in lessons and throughout the school. They are polite, thoughtful and determined to do well.”

“Staff at all levels go the extra mile to make sure pupils achieve, feel cared for and thrive within a supportive and productive learning environment.”

“Teachers’ high expectations are at the heart of teaching in the school and pupils’ attitudes to learning are highly positive.”

St Thomas’ achievements have also been recognised on a national level, including being awarded the TES UK Secondary School of the Year 2017. The judges observed that, “this outstanding school manages to nurture the unique talents of its students alongside rigorous teaching and high expectations.”

They are looking forward to welcoming you to one of their open events in September. In the meantime please check the website, www. stac.uk.com, and Twitter @stacsouthwark for the school’s latest news.

Diary Dates

• You must apply for a secondary school place by 31 October.

• 1 March 2022 is National Offer Day. Parents can log onto their local authority’s website to see their offer, after which letters will be posted out.

• You must apply for a place at a school, even if it’s linked to your child’s current primary school.

Are you starting Secondary School in September 2022?

We would like to invite you to attend the FBA Open Evening on: Monday 20th September 2021 Session Times for a Tour and Talk are 5.45pm, 6.45pm or 7.15pm; 8pm Tour only.

To book your session visit fbaok.co.uk/openevening

Alternatively, we are running two Open Mornings on:

28th September 2021 or 5th October 2021 from 8.40 – 9.40am To find out more and to book your session visit fbaok.co.uk/openevening Booking is essential.

KNOWLEDGEABLE • RESILIENT • ARTICULATE • CREATIVE • EMPATHETIC • REFLECTIVE • STUDIOUS

Brentwood Road Romford Essex RM1 2RR www.fbaok.co.uk

12

1 Sept - 10 Oct ‘21

@fba_official

Follow us on Instagram - @primarytimesse

The Frances Bardsley Academy has provided exemplary education for girls aged eleven to eighteen for over one hundred years.

At FBA, students are taught how to learn and how to achieve the best possible grades in the subjects which they take but this is only one part of an outstanding and complete education. They believe a holistic approach and the caring community supports the physical, moral and spiritual development of their girls through a wide range of opportunities in the curriculum and the numerous activities that take place beyond the classroom.

In 2016 FBA became the founding school in the LIFE Education Trust.

At the heart of the Trust is a strong ethos which encourages courageous optimism, boundless creativity and a heartfelt compassion. The Trust provides a breadth of specialist services, education expertise and outstanding leadership support to deliver the highest academic achievement and personal development for all students.

If you’re starting secondary school in September 2022 then please do go to the Open Evening event on Monday 20 September from 5.45–9pm or one of their Open Mornings on 28 September or 5 October from 8.40-9.40am. To find out more about all of these events and to book your session, visit www.fbaok.co.uk/openevening.

Booking is essential.

This is a wonderful school and they look forward to welcoming you and your daughter to it.

Follow us on Twitter - @PT_LondonSandE

Choosing your New School

Dare to Achieve the Extraordinary

Thursday, 16th September 2021 Doors open 5.30pm Head Teacher’s address 5.45pm, 6.30pm and 7.15pm

1 Sept - 10 Oct ‘21

13

Choosing your New School

FIND YOUR LOCAL SCHOOL OPEN DAY INFORMATION Barking and Dagenham Name Address

Tel

Website

All Saints Catholic School

Terling Road, Wood Lane, RM8 1JT

020 8270 4242

www.allsaintsschool.co.uk

Barking Abbey School

Sandringham Road, IG11 9AG

020 3967 7030

www.barkingabbeyschool.co.uk

Dagenham Park C of E School

School Road, RM10 9QH

020 8270 4400

www.dagenhampark.org.uk

Eastbrook School

Dagenham Road, RM10 7UR

020 3780 3609

www.eastbrookschool.org

Eastbury Community School

Hulse Aveue, IG11 9UW

020 8507 4500

www.eastburyschool.co.uk

Goresbrook School

Cook Road, RM9 6XW

020 3597 6666

www.goresbrookschool.org.uk

Greatfields School

St Mary’s, IG11 7TD

020 3946 5900

www.greatfieldsschool.com

Jo Richardson Community School

Castle Green, Gale St, RM9 4UN

020 8270 6222

www.jorichardson.org.uk

Riverside School

Riverside Campus, Renwick Rd, IG11 0FU

020 3946 5888

www.riversidecampus.com

Robert Clack School of Science

Gosfield Road, RM8 1JU

020 8270 4200

www.robertclack.co.uk

Sydney Russell School, The

Parsloes Avenue, RM9 5QT

0203 959 9900

www.sydneyrussellschool.com

Warren School, The

Havering Name

Whalebone Lane North, RM6 6SB

020 8270 4500

www.thewarrenschool.net

Address

Tel

Website

Abbs Cross Academy and Arts College

Abbs Cross Lane, RM12 4YB

01708 440 304

www.abbscross.net

Hornchurch High School

Broadstone Road, RM12 4AJ

01708 691441

www.hornchurchhighschool.com

Bower Park Academy

Havering Road, RM1 4YY

01708 730 244

www.bowerpark.co.uk

Brittons Academy, The

Ford Lane, RM13 7BB

01708 630 002

www.brittons.havering.sch.uk

Campion School, The

Wingletye Lane, RM11 3BX

01708 452 332

www.thecampionschool.org.uk

The Coopers’ Company & Coborn School,The

St Mary’s Lane, RM14 3HS

01708 250 500

www.cooperscoborn.org.uk

Drapers’ Academy

Settle Road, RM3 9XR

01708 371 331

www.drapersacademy.com

Emerson Park Academy

Wych Elm Road, RM11 3AD

01708 475 285

www.emersonparkacademy.org

Frances Bardsley Academy for Girls, The

Brentwood Road, RM1 2RR

01708 447 368

www.fbaok.co.uk

Gaynes School

Brackendale Gdns, RM14 3UX

01708 502 900

www.gaynesschool.net

Hall Mead School

Marlborough Gdns, RM14 1SF

01708 225 684

www.hallmeadschool.co.uk

Harris Academy Rainham

Lambs Lane South, RM13 9XD

01708 552 811

www.harrisrainham.org.uk

Marshalls Park Academy

Pettits Lane, RM1 4EH

01708 724 134

www.marshallspark.org.uk

Redden Court School

Cotswold Road, RM3 0TS

01708 342 293

www.reddencourtcloud.co.uk

Royal Liberty School for Boys, The

Upper Brentwood Rd, RM2 6HJ

01708 730141

www.royalliberty.org.uk

Sacred Heart of Mary Girls’ School

St Mary’s Lane, RM14 2RQ

01708 222 660

www.sacredheartofmary.net

Sanders Draper School

Suttons Lane, RM12 6RT

01708 443 068

www.sandersschool.org.uk

St Edwards C of E Academy

London Road, RM7 9NX

01708 730 462

www.stedwardsacademy.co.uk

Website

Newham Name

Address

Tel

Brampton Manor Academy

Roman Road, E6 3SQ

020 7540 0500

www.bramptonmanor.org

Harris Academy Chobham

40 Cheering Lane, E20 1BD

020 3747 6060

www.harrischobham.org.uk

Cumberland School, The

Oban Close, E13 8SJ

020 7474 0231

www.cumberlandcst.org

Eastlea Community School

Pretonia Road, E16 4NP

020 7540 0400

www.eastlea.newham.sch.uk

Forest Gate Community School

Forest Lane, E7 9BB

020 8534 8666

www.forestgatecst.org

Kingsford Community School

Kingsford Way, E6 5JG

020 7476 4700

www.kingsfordschool.org.uk

Langdon Academy

Sussex Road, E6 2PS

020 8471 2411

www.langdonacademy.org

Lister Community School

St Mary’s Road, E13 9AE

020 8471 3311

www.lister.newham.sch.uk

Little Ilford School

Rectory Road, E12 6JB

020 8478 8024

www.littleilford.newham.org.uk

Oasis Academy Silvertown

Rymill Street, E16 2TX

020 7059 2500

www.oasisacademysilvertown.org

Plashet School

Plashet Grove, E6 1DG

020 8471 2418

www.plashetschoolnewham.com

Rokeby School

Barking Road, E16 4DD

020 7540 5620

www.rokeby.newham.sch.uk

Royal Docks Academy

Prince Regent Lane, E16 3HS

020 7540 2700

www.royaldocksacademy.org

Sarah Bonnell School

Deanery Road, E15 4LP

020 8534 6791

www.sarahbonnellonline.co.uk

School 21

Pitchford Street, E15 4RZ

020 8262 2121

www.school21.org.uk

St Angela’s Ursuline School

St George’s Road, E7 8HU

020 8472 6022

www.stangelas-ursuline.co.uk

St Bonaventure’s

Boleyn Road, E7 9QD

020 8472 3844

www.stbons.org

Stratford School Academy

Upton Lane, E7 9PR

020 3823 2030

www.stratfordschoolacademy.com

14

1 Sept - 10 Oct ‘21

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Bancroft’s School Beal High School Caterham High School Chadwell Heath Academy Eastcourt Independent School Forest Academy, The Ilford County High School Isaac Newton Academy Kantor King Solomon High School Loxford School Trust Mayfield School Oaks Park High School Palmer Catholic Academy, The Seven Kings School Trinity Catholic High School Ursuline Academy Ilford, The Valentines High School Wanstead High School Woodbridge High School Woodford County High School for Girls Woodford Green Preparatory School

Tower Hamlets Name

Address

High Road, IG8 0RF Woodford Bridge Rd, IG4 5LP Caterham Avenue, IG5 0QW Christie Gardens, RM6 4RS 1 Eastwood Road, IG3 8UW Harbourer Road, IG6 3TN Fremantle Road, IG6 2JB 1 Cricklefield Place, 1G1 1FY Forest Road, IG6 3HB Loxford Lane, IG1 2UT Pedley Road, RM8 1XE 45-65 Oaks Lane, IG2 7PQ Aldborough Road South, IG3 8EU Ley Street, IG2 7BT Sydney Road, IG8 0TB Morland Road, IG1 4JU Cranbrook Road, IG2 6HX Redbridge Lane West, E11 2JZ St Barnabas Road, IG8 7DQ High Road, IG8 9LA Glengall Road, IG8 0BZ

Address

Tel

020 8505 4821 020 8551 4954 020 8551 4321 020 8252 5151 020 8590 5472 020 8500 4266 020 8551 6496 020 8911 6666 020 8498 1300 020 8514 4666 020 8590 5211 020 8590 2245 020 8590 3808 020 8554 8935 020 8504 8946 020 8554 1995 020 8554 3608 020 8989 2791 020 8504 9618 020 8504 0611 020 8504 5045

Tel

Website

www.bancrofts.org www.bealhighschool.co.uk www.ecaterham.net www.chadwellacademy.org.uk www.eastcourtschool.org.uk www.theforestacademy.org www.ichs.org.uk www.isaacnewtonacademy.org www.kshsonline.com www.loxfordschooltrust.net www.mayfieldschool.net www.oakspark.co.uk www.tpc.academy www.sevenkings.school www.tchs.org.uk www.uai.org.uk www.valentines-sch.org.uk www.wansteadhigh.co.uk www.woodbridgehigh.co.uk www.woodford.redbridge.sch.uk www.wgprep.co.uk

Choosing your New School

Redbridge Name

Website

Bishop Challoner Catholic Federation of Schools sch.uk Bow School Central Foundation Girls’ School George Green’s School Mulberry Academy Shoreditch Langdon Park School London Enterprise Academy Morpeth School Mulberry School for Girls Oaklands School Stepney All Saints C of E School St Paul’s Way Trust School Stepney Green Maths,Computing & Science Col Swanlea School Wapping High School

352 Commercial Road, E1 0LB

020 7791 9500

www.bishopchallonerfederation.towerhamlets.

44 Twelvetrees Crescent, E3 3QW 25-33 Bow Road, E3 2AE 100 Manchester Road, E14 3DW Gosset Street, E2 6NW Bright Street, E14 0RZ Aneurin Bevan Hse, Commercial Rd, E1 1RD Portman Place, E2 0PX Richard Street, E1 2JP Old Bethnal Green Road, E2 6PR Stepney Way, E1 0RH St Pauls Way, E3 4FT Ben Jonson Road, E1 4SD 31 Brady Street, E1 5DJ 153-157 Commercial Road, E1 2DA

0207 536 5525 020 8981 1131 020 7987 6032 020 7920 7900 020 7987 4811 020 7426 0746 020 8981 0921 020 7790 6327 020 7613 1014 020 7790 6712 020 7987 1883 020 7790 6361 020 7375 3267 020 3597 3670

www.bow-school.org.uk www.central.towerhamlets.sch.uk www.georgegreens.com www.mulberryacademyshoreditch.org www.langdonparkschool.co.uk www.londonenterpriseacademy.org www.morpethschool.org.uk www.mulberryschoolforgirls.org www.oaklands.towerhamlets.sch.uk www.stepneyallsaints.school www.spwt.net www.stepneygreen.towerhamlets.sch.uk www.swanlea.co.uk www.wappinghigh.org

Buxton School Chingford Foundation School Connaught School for Girls Eden Girls’ School, Waltham Forest Forest School, The Frederick Bremer School George Mitchell School Heathcote School and Science College Highams Park School Holy Family Catholic School Kelmscott School Lammas School Leytonstone School Norlington School and 6th Form South Chingford Foundation School Walthamstow Academy Walthamstow School for Girls Willowfield School

Cann Hall Road, E11 3NN 31 Nevin Drive, E4 7LT Dyers Hall Road, E11 4AE Blackhorse Lane, E17 5SD Snaresbrook, E17 3PY Siddeley Road, E17 4EY Farmer Road, E10 5DN Normanton Park, E4 6ES Handsworth Avenue, E4 9PJ 1 Shernhall Street, E17 3EA Markhouse Road, E17 8DN 150 Seymour Road, E10 7LX 159 Colworth Road, E11 1JD Norlington Road, E10 6JZ Rushcroft Road, E4 8SG Billet Road, E17 5DP Church Hill, E17 9RZ 209 Blackhorse Road, E17 6ND

Waltham Forest Name

Others Name

St Thomas The Apostle School

Address

Address

Hollydale Road, SE15 2EB

Follow us on Twitter - @PT_LondonSandE

Tel

020 8534 3425 020 8529 1853 020 8539 3029 020 8523 1810 020 8520 1744 020 8498 3340 020 8539 6198 020 8498 5110 020 8527 4051 020 8520 0482 020 8521 2115 020 8988 5860 020 8988 7420 020 8539 3055 020 8531 9231 020 8527 3750 020 8509 9446 020 8527 4065

Tel

020 7639 0106

Website

www.buxtonschool.org.uk www.chingfordfoundation.org www.connaught-school.co.uk www.edengirlswalthamforest.com www.forest.org.uk www.bremer.org.uk www.georgemitchellschool.com www.heathcoteschool.com www.highamsparkschool.co.uk www.holyfamily.waltham.sch.uk www.kelmscottschool.co.uk www.lammas.waltham.sch.uk www.leytonstoneschool.org www.norlington.net www.southchingfordfoundation.org.uk www.walthamstow-academy.org www.wsfg.waltham.sch.uk www.willowfield-school.co.uk

Website

www.stac.uk.com

1 Sept - 10 Oct ‘21

15

What’s On

More What’s On Your family diary for September and October

September Fri 3 Sep

Mudlarking Tour, Obelisk under Millennium Bridge, Thames Path, EC4V 3TT Join Thames Explorer Trust for a chance to find archaeological artefacts revealed by the River Thames. Who knows what will be discovered - smoking pipes, pottery, bones? There is lots of evidence of London’s past to be found.

For more information visit www. thamesfestivaltrust.org

Fri 3 – Sun 5 Sep

Classic Boat Festival, St Kathrine Dock, E1W 1LA Fri 12noon-6pm, Sat 11am-6pm and Sun 11am-5pm. This year’s festival will offer an impressive display of around 40 beautiful vintage boats and a wide array of unique waterside attractions at Central London’s only marina.

For more information visit www. thamesfestivaltrust.org

Sat 4 Sep

Race for Life, Brentwood 3k, Weald Country Park, CM14 5QL From 10.30am. This is a 3K for everyone. Under 6s go free. Event is in aid of Cancer Research UK. For more information and to register your place visit www.raceforlife.org

Sat 4– Sun 5 Sep

Dancing City, Various Locations across Canary Wharf 1-5.30pm. London’s much-loved annual outdoor dance festival returns with an extended twoday programme, showcasing captivating performances across the extraordinary piazzas, parks and waterfronts of Canary Wharf. Free.

For more information and to see what’s on visit www.festival.org

Open House, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, WC2E 9DD 10.30am-4.30pm. Journey through time and enjoy some of the stunning front of house spaces in one of the world’s most celebrated theatres.

There will be family activities and musical performances every hour from 11am-4pm. For more information visit www.roh.org.uk

Open House, Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, SE10 9NN Take a peek into parts of the site not normally open to the public including Admiral’s House and the Jacobean Undercroft in the Queen Anne’s Building. There is plenty for families to do for free, a kids activity trail booklet and an excellent multimedia guide. For more information visit www.ornc.org

Family Fun Weekend – Totally Thames, Cutty Sark, SE10 9HT Go along for a weekend of fun activities for deaf and hearing families, and celebrate the Thames at the magnificent Cutty Sark. Suitable for ages 4+. For more information and to book tickets visit www. thamesfestivaltrust.org

Lighting up the Lea, Cody Dock, South Crescent, E16 4TL 12noon-6pm. Cody Dock’s Lighting up the Lea weekend festival will be filled with free creative and fun activities. There will be live music, workshops and the Riverside Café will be open serving homemade lunches and delicious ice coffee.

For more information visit www. thamesfestivaltrust.org

Sat 4 – Sun 12 Sep

Open House Festival 2021, Various Locations Open House will return this September with another hybrid event focused on the recovery of London.

For more information and to view the full programme of events visit www.open-city.org.uk

Sun 5 Sep

Grit of Life, Regents Canal, Angel & Islington, N1 8AP 7-10pm. The 83 year old Widgeon Theatre Boat is back on the waterways touring a new production the ‘Grit of Life’.You will enjoy tapping feet, partaking in a quiz and listening to newly written songs.

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Please mention you saw the event listed in Primary Times

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Steam Gala, Epping Ongar Railway, CM5 9BN Annual steam gala with an intensive steam hauled service in operation.

Further details to be announced.

Sign up to their newsletter via the homepage to be notified when tickets go on sale or visit www. eorailway.co.uk for more details.

(Suitable for children aged 7-12 years). For more information visit www.thamesfestivaltrust.org

Sun 12 Sep

70 Years of the RF, Epping Ongar Railway, North Weald Station, CM16 6BT

11am-6pm.Vision Redbridge Culture & Leisure will bring the community back together with their annual festival of fun with various stalls and hubs offering sports taster sessions, crafts, workshops, an art trail, yoga and much more. For more information visit www.visionrcl.org. uk

The event based at the Railway’s North Weald Station will feature routes and tours operating to local towns and villages, commemorating 70 years of the iconic RF class AEC Regal IV. There will also be visiting vehicles and a surprise or two. For more information and to book visit www.eorailway.co.uk

Fri 10 – Sat 11 Sep

Reflection Gardens, Royal Victoria Gardens, Royal Docks, E16 See both sides of the Thames light up at dusk in this atmospheric and enchanting experience. There are echoes of local stories, whilst trees glow with fire and flowers blossom into life with flames. Free. For more information visit www.festival.org/gdif

Healing Together, Various Locations Enjoy a programme of street arts, installation and performance with the environment at its heart, taking place at Royal Victoria Gardens in North Woolwich, Royal Docks, and Woolwich Town Centre. Free. For more information and to see what’s on visit www.festival.org/gdif

Wanstead Festival, Christchurch Green, E11 2RH

Fri 17 - Sun 19 Sep

Grit of Life, Three Mills Residential Moorings, E3 3AF 7-10pm. The 83 year old Widgeon Theatre Boat is back on the waterways touring a new production the ‘Grit of Life’.You will enjoy tapping feet, partaking in a quiz, and listening to newly written songs.

(Suitable for children age 7-12).

For more information visit www. thamesfestivaltrust.org

Sat 18 Sep

London to Brighton Electric Vehicle Rally This new event is being held to demonstrate and celebrate the rapid development of electric vehicles and renewable energy. Starting on the banks of the River Thames and finishing on Brighton Beach. For more information, or to enter visit www. londontobrightonelectricvehiclerally. com

Fri 10 - Sun 12 Sep

Relaxed Opening, Tower Bridge, SE1 2UP

7-10pm. The 83 year old Widgeon Theatre Boat is back on the waterways touring a new production the ‘Grit of Life’.You will enjoy tapping feet, partaking in a quiz, and listening to newly written songs.

(Suitable for children age 7-12).

For more information visit www. thamesfestivaltrust.org

(Selected times) Explore the Towers, Glass Floor and Engine Rooms and take part in a family trail in a calm, tranquil atmosphere. For people with autism and other special needs, as well as their siblings, families and carers. To book visit www. towerbridge.org.uk

Grit of Life, Mile End, E14 7RF

Sat 11 Sep Our listings are prepared a long time in advance.

To make sure you have the latest details do contact the event nearer the time to make sure they haven’t changed

Sat 11- Sun 12 Sep

Riverside Craft, Faraday Prep School, Trinity Buoy Wharf, E14 0FH Go along to Faraday Prep School for a day of free workshops at their inspirational setting beside the Thames. From rooftop sketching to weaving on the quayside and batik, you’ll learn from their talented teachers and local artists.

For more information visit www. thamesfestivaltrust.org

Clacton-on-Sea Beach Clean, CO15 1QX 9am-1pm. Meet outside the Toby Carvery at 9am for this beach clean event. To take part contact Ben Clarke on 07369 297355 or email ben.clarke@parkdean-resorts.com This event is school friendly. For more information visit www.mcsuk. org

For lots more What’s On ideas see page 22...

Due to Covid 19 restrictions please do check with the venue that the listing is up to date before planning your visit.

16

1 Sept - 10 Oct ‘21

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Regaining Children’s Confidence with Razzamataz Theatre Schools

Lockdowns and the on-going isolations when school bubbles burst have had a worrying impact on children’s mental health and social development. As professionals working with youngsters aged 4 to 18, Razzamataz have seen first-hand how the pandemic has affected students.

Covid curtailed many of the normal interactions that children would have had. Many found returning to face-to-face classes really challenging. Through performing arts, Razzamataz can encourage students to express any worries they have and help them build resilience through teamwork. #MoreThanJustATheatreSchool has become the hashtag attached to Razzamataz because of feedback from students and families on the positive impact that being part of the Razz family has on them.

Out of School Activities

Out of School Activities

Although some go on to gain places at prestigious performing arts colleges and into West End shows such as Hamilton, &Juliet, Matilda and School of Rock, many attend Razzamataz because of the huge difference it makes to their confidence and the life skills.

Research has also found that children participating in creative activities are often happier than those that don’t.

So, when students return after the summer break, Razzamataz staff will be working on helping them to reconnect with any loss of confidence and life skills that occurred as a result of the pandemic, while they make new friends and have lots of fun!

Book a free trial this September by contacting your nearest branch or visiting www.razzamataz.co.uk.

The School of Skate

Since Sky Brown’s Bronze medal in the Olympics, skateboarding has been in the public eye, and there are many more girls skateboarding now. One day in August The Guardian reported that as many as half the skateboarders at Brixton skatepark were female. In recent years many modern concrete skateparks have been built, so there is probably one close to you.

The School of Skate is a skateboarding school which opened in Charlton in 2017 when the skatepark was completed and has since expanded to four other sites across London. The school reports as many as half of their students are girls, if not more.

The first challenge in learning to skate is to get a skateboard which is fit for purpose without breaking the bank, and this is something School of Skate can help with because you can go along and try one of theirs at a group lesson for as little as £12. If you decide to buy a board, they can help you choose the right size and advise where to pick one up.

They also include access to an app, so you can track your progress through the beginner programme, and learn outside the ‘classroom’.

Visit your local School of Skate skatepark at Victoria Park, Mile End or Hackney. Find out more at www.schoolofskate.co.uk.

All School of Skate coaches are SkateboardGB accredited.

www.schoolofskate.co.uk

FREE TASTER SESSIONS IN SEPTEMBER! ROMFORD: FRIDAY 3rd, 10th OR 17th at St Edwards Primary School HORNCHURCH: FRIDAY 3rd, 10th OR 17th at Benhurst Primary School OR SATURDAY 4th, 11th OR 18th at The Campion School contact Jessica on 07710 595 070 romfordandhornchurch@razzamataz.co.uk We also have branches in Brentwood • Chelmsford • Rayleigh • Southend and Thurrock go to razzamataz.co.uk for more information!

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1 Sept - 10 Oct ‘21

17

Out of School Activities

Boost Your Child’s Confidence this Autumn

Perform weekly classes are packed with drama, dance and singing, with a special focus on developing confidence, communication, coordination and concentration. Perform don’t worry about whether children get their lines or moves right, instead, they use a mix of drama games and fun activities which boost self-esteem, allowing every child to shine. The magical end of term shows for friends and family are a wonderful celebration of everything the children have achieved.

To book a no-obligation FREE trial class at Wanstead, South Woodford, Walthamstow Village, Victoria Park, Barbican, Hackney, Gidea Park, Hornchurch, Upminster or Chigwell, visit www.perform.org.uk/try or for more information call 020 7255 9120 or email enquiries@perform.org.uk.

Perform are offering Primary Times readers a special £40 introductory discount on bookings made by 15 October – just quote PTEL151021.

If you had booked this space 47,750 families could be reading all about your business... Don’t delay, call My today

020 8318 0400

18

1 Sept - 10 Oct ‘21

Anna Fiorentini Anniversary Showcases

Join Anna Fiorentini Theatre and Film School this September to get the opportunity to perform in their Anniversary Showcases.

If you join the Hackney or Docklands branch you can perform at the Hackney Empire and if you join the Greenwich branch you’ll get the chance to perform at the Greenwich Theatre.

Students will follow a timetable of drama, singing, dance and film all taught by leading industry professionals. Many of their students have won leading roles on TV, film and in the West End. However, they are just as interested in students who wish to increase in confidence and selfesteem.

Due to popular demand, the Greenwich branch will be running a new afternoon school on Saturdays. The school will be hosting a Taster Day for each branch to allow prospective students to get a feel of the school. There is no obligation to join and it’s a great way to experience for yourself whether the Anna Fiorentini Theatre and Film School is for you before joining. They do have a Bursary Scheme available for students who may struggle to afford fees.

To find out more and to book your Taster Day, visit the website: www.afperformingarts.com/theatre-and-film-school.

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Tuition has been shown to boost learning and help students achieve academic goals, such as progress in a particular subject, or help with preparation for an entrance exam such as 7+ and 11+. School closures caused by the pandemic led to an increase in demand for private tuition education.

When selecting a tuition provider, decide what is important to you. Some important factors Clarssroom offer you are the opportunity to meet the tutoring team before signing up.

An open day visit or trial session can prove to be a useful opportunity for your child to get a feel of the tutoring setting.

They also give feedback and progress reports which are vital to help parents keep abreast of their child’s achievements and development areas.

Choose your learning delivery method – this can be one-to-one, or group sessions delivered in person or online. Some private tuition providers offer a blend of these.

Small class sizes give your child the attention and the focus required. Clarssroom also offer additional conveniences like bespoke programme booklets, a variety of payment methods and termly parent-teacher meetings, which all add to your child’s success.

Whatever is important to you, at Clarssroom, all of these come as standard in all their private tuition services. Clarssroom have a track record of helping children to read and write from 3½ years onward, excel at school in Reading, Maths and English and succeed at selective school entrance examinations.

A Confident Start with Performing Arts

Building self-esteem is a crucial requisite for your child’s long term social well-being and happiness. Performing Arts is great for well-being and happiness. Dance really gets bodies moving, excellent for aerobic fitness and co-ordination. Learning to use breath and voice to make a great sound in singing is exhilarating and improves the speaking voice. Drama combines movement and voice as well as lots of teamwork and thinking on your feet which builds confidence, creativity and self-esteem.

Jigsaw wants to give your child the very best start by developing their confidence through the Performing Arts.

Jigsaw offers dance, drama and singing lessons from the age of 3 all the way up to 18 years.

They put their focus on each and every student being able to thrive in a fun and friendly environment. Sessions are designed to develop children’s confidence, focus and social skills from an early age, giving them a head start in life. Go along, make new friends, and join in the fun this autumn!

Out of School Activities

Tuition with Clarssroom

There is nothing better than Performing Arts to connect and bring people together. It’s also lots of fun and lots of laughs - just what we need right now!

Book a two week trial so your child can give Jigsaw a go. Head to their website www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk where you will find more information about your nearest Jigsaw school.

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VISIT ON OPEN DAYS Frances Bardsley Academy For Girls, Brentwood Road, Romford, Essex RM1 2RR Book a trial and FREE assessment on Saturday 18th & 25th September and 2nd, 9th, 16th & 23rd October | 9:30AM & 11:30AM Childcare Vouchers Accepted

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Find your nearest school at: Jigsaw-arts.co.uk 1 Sept - 10 Oct ‘21

19

Answers Spot the Difference In Picture B the ladybird has a dot missing. The ladybird’s wings have changed colour.The bee has an extra stripe. The ant has an extra section. The crocus is missing in the bottom left of the photo. There is an extra spider and an extra leaf. One of the white flowers has changed colour

K atie

lown’s Luscious Leaves Spot the 8 Differences

Word Search E F O G G Y D R O P

E T H Z N E D L O G

G N AM A R U N T H U J M L N F CM B B

I A V T R Q A F E X

L P E B H E P V T P

T L S R L Y B E S F

S E T I T F B I C H

U Y S S N L R N H J

Can you find all these words in the word search?

Autumn, Foggy, Harvest, Drop, Earthy, Hibernate, Maple, Ant, Golden, Leaf, Rustling, Brisk, Crisp, Stem, Vein, Twig Why did the scarecrow win a medal?

He was outstanding in his field!

A

R C P K A C G I W T

Why do birds fly south for winter?

Because it’s too far for them to walk

How does an elephant get out of a tree?

It sits on a leaf and waits for Autumn

Can you draw a picture or write a poem about anything to do with leaves, trees or the park?

Make it as bright and colourful as you can!

Send it to us to have a chance of winning a Primary Times Tee Shirt AND seeing your prize winning entry published in the next Primary Times! Categories: ages 4-7 and 8-11 Name: Age: Address:

Postcode: School:

Send your entry together with this completed form to:

Annie's Competition, Primary Times, 7 Southbrook Mews, London, SE12 8LG or scan them both and email them to:

competitions@primarytimes.biz Closing date 24 September 2021. Good Luck!

What is a ’s scarecrow it? u r f favourite rries Straw-be

B

What did one leaf say to another?

I’m falling for you!

How do you fix a flat pumpkin?

With a pumpkin patch!

Colouring in Corner

Win Mummies Unwrapped by Tom Froese Mummies are everybody’s favourite museum fascination.

Mummies Unwrapped explores the ins and outs of the mummification process - from drying out a dead body and stuffing it with mud, to holding a grand funeral procession to send the mummy into the afterlife. Unwrap the mysteries of the fascinating world of ancient Egyptian mummies!

Mummies Unwrapped is the perfect gruesome guide for children aged 7 and up, with wonderfully detailed illustrations from the author Tom Froese. Young readers will delve beyond the dazzling gold cover to uncover the secrets of the embalmers, tales of the tomb robbers and even what happened when pets were mummified! Mummies Unwrapped is published by Nosy Crow at a recommend price of £11.99.

For your chance to win one of five copies of Mummies Unwrapped, tell us which ancient culture mummified their dead.

See below for details of how to enter.

Win a Trip on the Epping Ongar Railway London Transport Weekend Get your kids into trains and buses with these fantastic tickets for the Epping Ongar Railway over their London Transport Weekend.

The weekend will feature special engines in London Transport livery and the stations will all be dressed as tube stations – just like they were when tube services were withdrawn in 1994. The Epping Ongar Railway is the only heritage line accessible by tube - so leave the car at home. In fact, back in 1972 Ongar was selected as the ‘Start of the Underground’ for calculating all distances and was given a special 0.0Km post.

The event takes place on 8-10 October and there are 4 family tickets available for the lucky winners. To win a family ticket, simply tell us which station has a 0.0km sign on it signifying that it is the ‘start of the Underground’? See below for details of how to enter.

Win an Amazing Gorilla Prize with Cindergorilla To celebrate the publication of Cindergorilla by well-known local author and entertainer, Gareth P. Jones, Primary Times and Farshore have a glorious gorilla competition! One lucky reader and a parent or guardian will win an exciting Cindergorilla experience day (complete with a trip to London Zoo and GoApe TreeTop Adventure). The winning reader will also receive a signed and illustrated copy of the book to celebrate publication!

Cindergorilla loves to dance. She longs to go to the Saturday Night Disco Ball, where the other gorillas strut their stuff, but her horrid aunt and cousins, Gertrude and Grace always say no. Instead Cindergorilla must stay home and do the housework! But all that changes when Cinder gets a visit from her Hairy Godmother….

Cindergorilla is the second book in Gareth’s Fairy Tales for the Fearless series, and is a fun-filled twist on the classic children’s fairy tale Cinderella. It celebrates resilience and is a fun disco-dancing adventure, combined with stunning illustrations by Loretta Schaeur.

Cindergorilla is published in paperback by Farshore on 16 September at a recommended price of £6.99.

To be in with a chance of winning this fabulous prize, all you need to do is complete and cut out the word search. Then fill out the form with your details and send them to the address below by the closing date. Or scan a copy of your completed form and email it to the email address below.

Terms and Conditions: Fulfilment of prizes may be delayed by any future Government lockdowns but will be honoured when possible.

Find the following words • Cinder • Gorilla • Zoo • Grace • Dance • Ball • Hairy • GoApe • Gertrude • Disco

E H D I S C O X

P D S C V I X A

A A U Y K N Z L

O N L R W D O L

G C L I T E O I

G E A A B R L R

R B B H N L E O

T M P E C A R G

Name .....................................................................

Age .........................................................................

Address .................................................................. ................................................................................ ................................................................................

School.....................................................................

To enter any of the competitions send your answer along with your name, age, school, address and phone number to Primary Times, 7 Southbrook Mews, London, SE12 8LG. Don’t forget to include the name of the competition. Alternatively email your answer and details to competitions@primarytimes.biz with the competition name as the subject by Friday 24 September 2021.

If you are entering more than one competition you can put all entries in the same envelope.

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1 Sept - 10 Oct ‘21

21

Competitions

Competitions

What’s On

More What’s On

Your family diary for September and October

September Sat 18 – Sun 19 Sep

Festival of Home, Museum of the Home, E2 8EA A two-day weekend festival of talks, performances, workshops, food and music, exploring home and belonging.

For more information visit www. museumofthehome.org.uk

Dinosaur Weekend, Epping Ongar Railway, CM5 9BN Take a steam hauled train ride to Ongar and into the ancient Epping Forest, and meet the baby dinosaurs on board the train. See Baxter the T-Rex as you arrive at North Weald and visit the mini Jurassic playground.

Charges apply. For more information visit www.eorailway.co.uk

celebratory event at Parsloes Park where there will be music, dance, free inflatables, rides, family fun and food.

For more information visit www. lbbd.gov.uk/summer-of-festivals

Wed 22 Sep

Paint a Savannah, Born Free Foundation, Remote – Zoom Webinar Join artist John Dyer for a free interactive art webinar. Ask John questions about his future art expedition to Africa and find out how he approaches painting the savannah, before painting along. Perfect for primary age children. To register visit www.bornfree.org.uk/school-events

Fri 24 - Sun 26 Sep

Grit of Life, Walthamstow Marshes, Tower Hamlets, E10 7QL

Sat 18 - Sun 26 Sep London Design Festival, Various Locations

Watch London turn into a giant gallery during the London Design Festival as dynamic and innovative projects pop up across the capital.

Many of the exhibitions are public and free to attend. Tickets for special events and talks can be bought online. For more information visit www.visitlondon.com

Sat 18 Sep - Sun 17 Oct Essex Bigger Weekend, CM1 1QH

Residents from Essex, Kent and East Sussex can enter a ballot up until 6 Sep to be in with a chance of securing free tickets and vouchers for popular attractions at the Essex Bigger Weekend. Attractions include Colchester Zoo, Escape Live, to open-top bus tours of Clacton.Visit www.visitessex.com

Sun 19 Sep

Youth Parade, Various Locations 1.30-6.30pm. Line the streets to cheer on the parade from Abbey Green to Barking Park and join the

7-10pm. The 83 year old Widgeon Theatre Boat is back on the waterways touring a new production the ‘Grit of Life’.You will enjoy tapping feet, partaking in a quiz, and listening to newly written songs.

(Suitable for children age 7-12).

For more information, visit www. thamesfestivaltrust.org

Sat 25 Sep

The Islanders: Royal Docks Walking Tour, Royal Victoria DLR Station, E16 1BZ Join experienced tour guide Mike Moran (City Highlights) for a historical walking tour of the Royal Docks, covering all aspects of the area’s community and industrial heritage. This event is a free ticketed event. For more information visit www.thamesfestivaltrust.org

Real Ale Train, Epping Ongar Railway, CM5 9BN Running as part of the Autumn Diesel Gala, the train will make a number of journeys between North Weald, Ongar and Epping Forest throughout

Our listings are prepared a long time in advance.

To make sure you have the latest details do contact the event nearer the time to make sure they haven’t changed

“

I saw your event in Primary Times....

Please mention you saw the event listed in Primary Times

”

the evening. Train times to be confirmed and the Real Ale and Cider list will be on their website closer to the date. For more information visit www.eorailway.co.uk

Sat 25 - Sun 26 Sep

Autumn Diesel Gala, Epping Ongar Railway, CM5 9BN The diesel fleet comes to the fore for a weekend of action over some of the steepest gradients in preservation. Expected to be the last appearance of D6729 (37029) in its current guise, before it has a wellearned makeover as a 60th birthday present. For more information visit www.eorailway.co.uk

charge by St. Margaret’s House, a community based charity in Bethnal Green. For more information visit www.funpalaces.co.uk or call 0208 980 2092.

Sun 3 Oct

Virgin Money London Marathon, Various Locations The London Marathon returns to the capital this year, starting in Greenwich Park and finishing on The Mall in St James’s Park. For more information and to view the interactive map of the course visit www.virginmoneylondonmarathon. com

Thurs 7 Oct

National Poetry Day, Nationwide Join in the fun in this UK-wide celebration of poetry with thousands of amazing events across the UK in a variety of venues, all celebrating poetry’s power to bring people together. This year the theme is Choice. For more information and to sign up visit www.nationalpoetryday. co.uk

Sun 26 Sep

Valentines Park 5k, IG1 4TG 10.30am. Entries are now open for the 7th and final race of the ELVIS series, hosted by East London Runners. Marshalls, runners and cake bakers are required. For more information visit www. eastlondonrunners.org.uk

October Fri 1 – Sun 3 Oct

The Cake and Bake Show, ExCel London, E16 1XL The show is brimming with all things baking, cake decorating and sugar craft and after a year of virtual baking tutorials and following the latest Tik Tok trends it’s time to finally put those skills to test. There’s also a cupcake competition and a kids competition for under14s. For more information visit www.excel.london

Sat 2 Oct

Boundary Estate Fun Palace, Virginia Primary School, E2 7NQ 11am-4pm. A free day of interactive art, science, sport and history for all ages. This is the fifth Boundary Estate Fun Palace made by local residents for the whole community and all activities are free for everyone.

Visit www.funpalaces.co.uk or email boundaryfunpalace@gmail.com

St Margaret’s House Fun Palace, Old Ford Road, E2 9PL 12noon-4pm. Go along and enjoy a day of fun filled activities free of

Fri 8 - Sun 10 Oct

London Transport Weekend, Epping Ongar Railway, CM5 9BN Go along for a gala weekend to celebrate the Epping Ongar Railway’s links with London Transport. Steam and diesel trains in operation, and more besides, with a London Transport theme. Further details to be announced. For more information visit www.eorailway.co.uk

Fri 15 Oct

Just One Tree Day, Nationwide Schools throughout the UK and around the globe have already committed to this international nonuniform day that encourages children to bring in £1 to plant a tree and help reforest the planet. To sign up and for more information visit www. justonetree.life

Our next copy deadline is

24 September 2021 If you have something you would like us to try and publicise (space permitting) please email it to

listings@ primarytimes.biz

Due to Covid 19 restrictions please do check with the venue that the listing is up to date before planning your visit.

22

1 Sept - 10 Oct ‘21

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All your own work!

Maya Revoir aged 5

Areeba Islam aged 10 Beare, Darius Patel competitions in our July Bumper Summer issue. Will Congratulations to the following people who won etition schools. The Chessington World of Adventure comp and Asher Tomlinson won boxes of books for their to see Out Chichester competition. Zach Deboo is going was won by Emma Boyce. Zoe Lewis won the Flip s Vagg s winner was Noah Whitbread. Willow-Dixie the Jungle Book at Emmetts Garden. Our Mega Camp y Popp Paws in the Park tickets were won by Arthur Lyus, won a Swingball pro wth Millbrook Garden Centre. er u. Alexa Ling will be enjoying a week at the PQA Summ Moore, Ella Sinclair, Ben Gibson and Theo Christiano s at Luke Williams won tickets for The Three Musketeer School. Our Ropetackle winner was Yasmin Wilson. r aged Monster-Saurus Summer was Prisha Garg. Maya Revoi BOAT. Our lucky winner of a tablet with Tiny Pop's our all winner was Areeba Islam aged 10. Well done to 5 won our Annie's Drawing competition. Our older artwork! competition winners on this page and enjoy all the If you would like to see your work displayed here then just send us a drawing, poem, riddles, jokes or short story and we'll do our very best to include it. Send it to: Good Work Page Primary Times 7 Southbrook Mews London SE12 8LG

Thank you to Tame Akin-Agboola, Munaver Murghal, Liyana Soobratty and Katharina Hopkins for their fun, imaginative and clever drawings and poems.

We love seeing your work so do please keep sending it to us. We're happy to receive artwork from the whole class so do feel free to send us class entries.

Lapland This holiday is operated by Newmarket Holidays Ltd - ABTA V7812 ATOL 2325

Santa Experience Day Trip

Fly direct from your local airport to a still, white wilderness high above the Arctic Circle, where amongst the snowy forests, in a land inhabited by the ancient Sami people, with their husky dogs and herds of reindeer, as children of all ages know, there also lives, hidden from view, a Very Special Person.

Deposit £99pp Flying from London Gatwick 4 December 2021

From £665 per adult £579 per child

Your Lapland Day Break price includes: · Return flights to Pajala in Swedish Lapland, North of the Arctic Circle · Search for Santa experience · Private Santa Meeting · A child’s token gift · Snowmobile Adventure · Reindeer Sleigh Ride · Husky Dog Experience

· Tobogganing, snowballing and snowman-making · Thermal Clothing · Lunch · In-flight catering · Return airport transfers to Santa’s Village · A Perfect Family Memory

See more details of this and other great offers at www.newmarketholidays.co.uk/ptm For further information, to book or to request a brochure please call

0330 160 7927 and quote PTM