N&W Kent September 2017 Primary Times

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for families E with primary UID G aged children ON S ’ AT H W

September Back to School Edition Issue 105 4 September - 8 October 2017

in North & West Kent

Award Winning Razzamataz Theatre Schools Maidstone & Medway are enrolling now for September for ages 2-18!

Join us this September for: New Professional College Preparation Class • Exciting Performing Opportunities • Industry Professional Tutors Limited places available, reserve your free taster session today - see page 9

The Best Family Guide to What’s On

What’s On Your family diary until October Half Term Ongoing Until 10 Sep

Summer Activity Trail, Lullingstone Country Park, Dartford, DA4 0JF 10am–3pm. Follow the clues and discover the park. Explore the woods following our self-led activity trail and see what you can discover about the park. All completed trails will receive a small prize. For more information visit www.lullingstonecastle.co.uk

Medieval Falconry, Dover Castle, CT16 1HU (Every weekend). 10am–5pm.

Gaze skywards in awe as hawks, owls and falcons soar above the castle. Discover the art of training, exercising and hunting with birds and hear the stories and legends from medieval times. Charges apply.

For more information visit www. english-heritage.org.uk

Until 24 Sep

Open Days, Herne Mill, CT6 7DR (Selected dates) 2-5pm.Visit Herne Mill, a Kentish smock windmill dating from 1789, on one of the open days. It is Grade I listed and is owned by Kent County Council and cared for by the Friends of Herne Mill. Under 16s free. For more information visit www.hernemill.btik.com

Hop Walks, Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst, TN3 8JN 11.30am and 2pm. Enjoy a guided walk to the working hop farm and enjoy a taste of Scotney Ale. Charges apply. For more information visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/scotney-castle

Until Sun 1 Oct

Game Plan: Board Games Rediscovered, Maidstone Museum, ME14 1LH An exhibition which celebrates the joy, excitement and occasional frustration of playing board games.

Get ‘hands-on’ throughout the exhibition, learn about different kinds of game and discover what sort of player you are. Charges apply. For more information visit www.museum.maidstone.gov.uk

Until 24 Oct

Seal and Wildlife Watching Trips, The Kiosk Pier Yard, Ramsgate, CT11 8LS Take a trip to an active seal colony inside a National Nature Reserve.

The trips are timed to coincide

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4 Sept - 8 Oct ‘17

with tidal flows for the best chance of seeing these wonderful mammals in their natural habitat.

For more information, times and to book visit www.seasearcher.co.uk

Until 31 Oct

The Battle of Margate 1387, Market Place, Margate, CT9 1ER An exhibition of a very important sea battle. Fought off Margate between the English Fleet and a combined French, Flemish and Spanish Fleet which resulted in a resounding victory for the English under the Earls of Essex and Nottingham. For more information visit www.visitkent.co.uk/thebattle-of-margate-1387

Until 12 Nov

The Journey to Chatham, Guildhall Museum, Rochester ME1 1PY Visit the exhibition which features original Dutch broadsheets and engravings from the museum’s collections alongside modern recreations of the battle at the Guildhall Museum, telling the story of the battle from the Dutch perspective. For more information visit www.visitkent.co.uk

Until 17 Dec

Mrs Wolfe’s Eighteenth Century, Quebec House, Westerham TN16 1TD Every Sunday volunteers cook eighteenth century delicacies from recipes used by the former resident of Quebec House.

Tackle a colouring in sheet in the exhibition room after. Free event, normal admission applies.

For more information visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/quebec-house

Britten War Requiem Prints, Royal Engineers Museum, Gillingham, ME4 4UG 10am–5pm. A series of 8 prints and linocuts by Ruth Dent, inspired by Britten’s War Requiem as sung by

“

I saw your event in Primary Times....

Please mention you saw the event listed in Primary Times

”

the Rochester Cathedral Choir.

The art represents human skill and individuality. Charges apply.

For more information visit www. re-museum.co.uk

Until 31 Dec

Gruffalo Spotter Trail, Bedgebury Pinetum and Forest, TN17 2SJ Start the trail at the Visitor Centre where you can purchase an activity kit.You can download the app before you visit and point it at the markers to bring the characters to life. For more information visit www.forestry.gov.uk/bedgebury

Heritage Open Days, National Trust, Various Locations This annual festival celebrates our diverse history, architecture and culture, offering you the chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences all for free, not all sites are involved. For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Fri 8 – Sun 10 Sep

Leeds Castle Food Festival, Maidstone, ME17 1PL Enjoy delicious food and drink from quality local producers, enjoy tastings, children’s activities and workshops. Admission charges apply. For times and more information visit www.leeds-castle. com

Wheels and Fins Festival, Joss Bay Beach, Broadstairs, CT10 3PG

September

A free three-day, music, action sports and beach festival that includes Soapbox Racing, Skateboard Mini Ramp comp, UK BMX flatland champs, Surf & Stand up Paddleboard events, Trail Bike Display Teams, Fireworks and Live Music. For information visit www. wheelsandfins.co.uk

Wed 6 Sep

Sat 9 Sep

Colourstrings Parent Information Session, Brittens Music, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1RZ 10.30-11.30am. A free short talk and demonstration on how activities in Colourstrings Kindergarten classes are progressed through each age range (0-7s) and how classes lead to the development of musical skills for ‘instrument-ready’ children. Adults and children welcome. For more information and to book call 01892 559 319 or see www.facebook.com/ brittensmusiccolourstrings

Thurs 7 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

Thurs 7 – Sun 10 Sep

Heritage Open Days, Archbishops’ Palace, Maidstone, ME15 6YE 9.30am - 5pm. A rare opportunity to look around this landmark building. This magnificent medieval Ragstone Palace was originally built as a resting place for the Archbishops of Canterbury on their way to London. For more information and to book visit www.visitmaidstone.com

2017 Funraisers Dragon Boat Festival, Bewl Water, Lamberhurst, TN3 8JH A fun day out for all the family with a wide range of entertainment for both children and adults so take your friends and a picnic. For more information visit www.funraisers. org.uk

Heritage Open Day, Oast Theatre, Tonbridge, TN10 3AN 10am–4pm. Enjoy tours of all areas of the theatre, including the vast wardrobe which houses wonderful costumes. Plus a display of some of the Theatre’s genuine costumes.

Classic cars will be on show outside and there will be children’s craft activities. Refreshments available. For more information visit www.oasttheatre.com

See Paddington & Family Fun, Spa Valley Railway, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 5QY Children’s favourite Paddington™ will be on hand at Groombridge Station to see his fans arriving on

For lots more What’s On ideas see page 10...

For thousands more ideas visit www.primarytimes.net

’S AT WH

for families IDE with primary GU aged children ON

September Back to School Edition Issue 105 4 September - 8 October 2017

Dear Readers

in North West Kent

Welcome to the first edition of Primary Times for the new school year. Reception families may not have seen us previously so let me explain a little about PrimaryTimes magazine. We are the only free local The Best Family Guide to What’s On what’s on magazine for families of children aged 4-11. We publish the magazine 7 times a year, two weeks before each school holiday with a Back to School issue in September. We have competitions and puzzle pages for children to enter and hundreds of listings so that nobody can get bored during the school holidays! We also carry useful education information, local theatre ideas and best of all, we are totally FREE... All we ask is that you mention Primary Times to our advertisers who you read about in the magazine.

Award Winning Razzamataz Theatre Schools Maidstone & Medway are enrolling now for September for ages 2-18!

Join us this September for: New Professional College Preparation Class • Exciting Performing Opportunities • Industry Professional Tutors Limited places available, reserve your free taster session today - see page 8

We’ll be back in schools from 9 October.

Peter and the Primary Times team The Primary Times Team: Publishing Editor: Peter Watson Sales: Gill Pearce, Sarah-Jane Chapple, Clarry Frewin & Andrew Langridge Listings: Hayley Hughes & Miriam Theobald Editorial: Anna Stringer Production: Alison Watson Office Manager: Chris Blower Administrators: Claire Wood & Tina Love Proof Reader: Catherine Draisey Social Media: Rachel Benson

Primary Times in North & West Kent 7 Southbrook Mews London SE12 8LG Tel: 020 8318 0400 Email: office@primarytimes.biz Website: www.primarytimes.net Twitter: @PT_Kent

Primary Times is independently published and distributed free in infant and primary schools throughout Medway and Kent.

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 Medway and Kent 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 North & West Kent is operated under franchise licence.

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inside this issue....

Primary Times is now printed on recycled text paper throughout, from 100% postconsumer waste, made in Europe by a paper mill that is certified and supports responsible forestry.

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News..................................... 4 Family Theatre...................... 6 Out of School Activities......... 8 Choosing your New School.... 11 Education News...................23

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As well as all our usual features this magazine concentrates on Choosing your New School - something that all Year 5 and 6 families will be thinking about now. We publish the definitive guide to open days for that all important decision.

We’ve already received calls from parents asking when we’re publishing the next guide so here it is. It’s a pull out section so do make sure you keep it and check out all the schools that you are considering. Our comprehensive tables take a lot of work and are prepared a long time in advance. Please check school websites to confirm the latest open day dates.

Contents

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E c ola b el P E

Our next magazine will be published on 9 October, just in time for half term.

The copy deadline is 22 September

Katie Clown.........................27 Competitions.......................29 Good Work Page.................31

WHY STAGECOACH? At Stagecoach Performing Arts, we give our students the creative courage to embrace life and make the most of their talents and opportunities.

30 years’ experience in performing arts teaching Over 600 schools worldwide 1 million children supported to reach their potential Regular national events at iconic theatres Over 22,000 casting opportunities via our talent agency A unique educational framework Your child will learn how to

SING, DANCE & ACT while developing a broad range of life skills.

STAGECOACH TONBRIDGE stagecoach.co.uk/tonbridge 01444 456208

™

Creative Courage For Life

®

4 Sept - 8 Oct ‘17

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News

Christmas at Bluewater

Stagecoach Tonbridge – Creative Courage for Life!

Stagecoach Performing Arts in Tonbridge prides itself on nurturing all children to fulfil their full potential and grow in confidence in a safe and vibrant atmosphere, inspiring children with Creative Courage for Life.

With classes on Saturday mornings the part-time performing arts school cares for and takes the time to understand each child. Enthusiastic and dynamic teachers, all with professional experience on stage, will develop their talents to become skilled performers.

As well as developing performance skills, Stagecoach Tonbridge is renowned for helping children and young adults to grow in confidence, inspiring their imaginations and even boosting academic achievements, social skills, fitness and receptiveness to new ideas.

Each child has their own abilities and capabilities – Stagecoach helps to realise these potentials in much more than just performing arts. Creative Courage for Life is the invaluable skill Stagecoach can provide your child, giving them the confidence in themselves to go out and be creative, thoughtful and assertive.

Stagecoach Performing Arts is also celebrating its 30th anniversary this summer.

All Stagecoach schools are taking part in an exciting national performance of Beauty and the Beast Junior in a bid to enter The Guinness Book of World Records!

For more information visit www.stagecoach.co.uk/tonbridge or call Wendy on 01444 456 208.

Frewen College Students Try a Simpler Life

Frewen Sixth Form students have just returned from a 5 day educational ‘trip of a lifetime’ sailing on board the converted Thames Sailing Barge Thalatta, owned by the charity The East Coast Sail Trust.

Pupils took a step back in time, to a simpler, slower way of life. They slept in hammocks for the duration of the four night sail and kept their possessions in a sea chest. They took to crewing with good heart and humour, trying all the vital crewing jobs including hoisting the anchor, setting the sails, swabbing the decks, polishing the brass, preparing meals and washing up.

For many of the Frewen Sixth Form students this was to be their first experience of sailing. One particular highlight of the trip was when the Frewen

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4 Sept - 8 Oct ‘17

This year you can experience a Christmas adventure like no other with Bluewater’s magical Santa’s Grotto and outdoor ice rink. It may only be September but tickets are now on sale for the magical Santa’s Grotto at Bluewater, located by the beautiful lakes at the West Village.

As little ones wait excitedly to meet Santa, a Christmas Chef will greet them at the entrance of the enchanting log cabin. Children will become little elf helpers before being called upon to help the Christmas Chef in his kitchen and then embark on a journey through the grotto.

As part of the experience, children will create their very own tree decoration to take home before meeting the big man himself. Each child will receive a lovely soft toy from Santa and photos can be purchased upon leaving the Grotto.

You can also take a trip to Bluewater’s spectacular outdoor ice rink, located next to Santa’s Grotto. Perfect for all the family to enjoy, there are seal shaped skating aids for kids, Bob skates for those who need to be steady on the ice and skate lessons for anyone hoping to whirl, glide, skate and slide around the huge sparkling Christmas tree.

Tickets for Bluewater’s magical Santa’s Grotto and outdoor ice rink are available to book now at bluewater.co.uk

Dickens Tribute Blooms at Gad’s Hill School

A commemorative rose has been planted at Charles Dickens’ last and favourite home, Gad’s Hill, by his great-great granddaughter and students from the now independent school.

Mrs Marion Dickens proudly positioned the ‘Charles Dickens Rose’ in the authors’ original rose garden now lovingly maintained by Gad’s groundsman.

Dickens’ Trust trustee and former publisher Mrs Dickens told Primary Times, “My greatgreat grandfather took great pride in his garden at Gad’s Hill and his favourite flowers were vivid red. When we chose a rose to bear his name, it had to be as dazzling and dynamic as he was and this bright scarlet bloom on a long stem, described as a high performance variety, reflects his famous energy perfectly. Its lovely foliage which ages from dark red to glossy olive green is equally striking. In future we hope to recreate the rose garden at Gad’s Hill and plant a whole bed of ‘Charles Dickens’, which should start to come into flower on the anniversary of his death in early June each year.”

Members of the Dickens’ Trust and Dickens Fellowship ably assisted Mrs Dickens and the Gad’s students during the ceremony, which was also attended by Gad’s Headmaster Mr David Craggs. crew welcomed a royal visitor on board - HRH Sophie, Duchess of Wessex, Patron of Dyslexia Action, who talked at length with the children. The Duchess of Wessex has a prior connection with Frewen as she opened Frewen’s prep school in 2004.

The East Coast Sail Trust is unique in the experience it offers to young people. Thalatta’s working life was spent carrying cargoes of grain between London and Ipswich, but today she is the only wooden barge providing educational cruises.

If you would like to know more about Frewen College, visit www.frewencollege.co.uk.

For thousands more ideas visit www.primarytimes.net

News

Stars of the Screen and Stage D&B Management are celebrating 25 years of securing jobs for their clients in TV, Film and the West End. After another successful year, D&B are now on the lookout for the potential stars of 2018.

To name a few, here’s a taste of D&B’s recent success. Matt Terry ended 2016 with a bang by winning The X Factor. Will Tilston hits the screens this autumn as Christopher Robin in Fox’s feature film ‘Goodbye Christopher Robin’ starring Margot Robbie and Domhnall Gleeson. Nick James won a BAFTA Award for Best Performer for his role as Hank Zipzer in the CBBC Series. Making everyone proud each weekday evening, Jacqueline Jossa (Lauren Branning), Tilly Keeper (Louise Mitchell) and Zack Morris (Keegan Baker) are regulars in EastEnders.You can also watch Carma Hylton, currently on CBBC’s The Dumping Ground as Candi-Rose.

D&B’s clients appear in films such as A Monster Calls, Bridget Jones’ Baby alongside Renee Zellweger, Ab Fab the Movie and TV shows such as The Worst Witch, The Alienist, The Child in Time with Benedict Cumberbatch, Call the Midwife, Cradle to Grave and Not Going Out. D&B are also thrilled to continuously have clients in West End Musicals and to have their clients secure over 150 TV Commercials a year.

Everyone at D&B is incredibly proud of their clients, putting their success down to excellent training, support and outstanding industry contacts. Make a big step into the acting industry and see what you can achieve with D&B Management.Visit www.dandbperformingarts. co.uk/management for more information.

one person intentionally and persistently tries to upset, hurt or intimidate another, either physically or emotionally. Bullying can have a lasting effect, leaving the young person with feelings of loneliness, fear, anger and anxiety and may lead to depression and self-harm.

Some children are reluctant to tell their parents for fear of the bullying escalating or not being believed.Young people sometimes believe they deserve to be bullied, so when a child does tell their parent, it may have taken great courage so it is important they are listened to and not judged. It can be emotionally challenging when parents learn that their child is being bullied and feelings of anger may overwhelm them as they realise they have been unable to protect their child.

Going back to school, a new pencil case and As some young people are disinclined to tell seeing old classmates is a thrill for many children, for others who have suffered bullying their parents about being bullied, it is helpful to recognise the signs: a change in mood or at school, September can be a daunting behavior, school refusal, an unexplained decline time. 70% of all young people (source: in school grades, unexplained injuries, coming YoungMinds at youngminds.org.uk) have experienced bullying, which can take place at home with missing possessions or money, upset after using the internet or mobile, school, travelling to and from school, online difficulty sleeping, change in eating habits, and at home where it can be perpetrated social withdrawal or self-harm. by siblings. Fortunately, for most children bullying is transitory with short term impact, Once children have opened up to being bullied, parents need to reassure them but for a few the impact can be devastating, demoralising and cause psychological damage. that they were right to confide, that they are believed and that the parent will work Bullying can be carefully disguised leaving young people unsure whether they are being with the school to stop the bullying and to keep them safe. Some children are able bullied as falling out with friends, teasing and to feel better once an adult has been told, name-calling is so prevalent. Bullying is when

Dealing with

Bullying

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knowing that action will be taken to stop the perpetrator, they are able to move on despite feelings of upset and anger. Others can be so adversely affected that they need counselling to help them work through their feelings. They may refuse to attend school and their school work and friendships suffer. If left unsupported, the impact of childhood bullying can lead to mental health problems such as depression, low self-esteem and anger in adulthood.

Fegans is a charity based in Tunbridge Wells, Lambeth and Surrey, which offers counselling to support children and young people suffering emotional distress and challenging behaviours, including bullying. Compassionate and qualified counsellors work with children and young people to re-build their confidence and self-esteem; promote healthy relationships and help them to heal emotionally.

Fegans will also work with the child or young person who is the bully. It can be a shock to parents who find out their child is a bully and may feel challenged by their behaviour.

Counselling could help the child to understand their own behaviour and the root of their unhappiness.

For more information, visit www.fegans.org.uk

4 Sept - 8 Oct ‘17

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Family Theatre

E M Forster Tonbridge School Box Office: 01732 304 241

17 Sep

Peter and the Wolf

Family Theatre Guide Assembly Hall Tunbridge Wells Box Office: 01892 530 613 24 Sep

Milkshake! Live

Set amongst Milkshake’s magical bookcase, this live show is sure to amaze and delight. The Milkshake cast will be singing songs and sharing stories, with the audience young and old.

12 Oct

TW Puppetry Festival :Twinkle Twinkle

A beautiful adventure in music and light, featuring high quality puppetry, magical interaction and a gorgeous original score with live music making for all. 18 months–3years.

Brook Chatham Box Office: 01634 338 338 15 Oct

The team behind last year’s production of Sleeping Beauty are coming back to Sevenoaks for a ninth record breaking panto season with the spectacular family pantomime, Snow White. It will feature a live band, stunning sets and costumes, an all-star cast and the usual laughs and traditions that the Sevenoaks Panto audiences have come to know and love.

The magical tale of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is sure to get everyone in the family feeling Christmassy. The Panto runs from 1 December - 7 January and tickets start at just £14. For more information, visit www.sevenoakspanto.com.

Primary Times has a family ticket (for 4 people) for the opening night of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, an invitation to the VIP reception and a free programme to give away to one lucky Primary Times reader.

To be in with a chance of winning, tell us how many dwarfs does Snow White make friends with in the story?

Send your answer along with your name, age, address, school and telephone number to Snow White Competition, Primary Times, 7 Southbrook Mews, London, SE12 8LG or email your answer to competitions@primarytimes.biz with ‘Snow White’ as the subject by 22 September.

4 Sept - 8 Oct ‘17

1 Oct

King Arthur

A thrilling tale of magic, heroism, love and betrayal adapted from the novel Arthur: The Three Musketeers High King of Britain, by Michael “All for one and one for all!”

Morpurgo, the author of War Join D’Artagnan and his Horse and Private Peaceful. friends Porthos, Athos Enjoy Ages 7+. and Aramis, in their quest against the show!

8 Oct the scheming And don’t Shark in the Park Cardinal forget to say Timothy Pope is Richelieu. A you saw it in looking through his rip roaring, Primary telescope – but wait, is fast paced, that a Shark, in the Park? swashbuckling Times!

From the creative team behind show.

‘The Hairy Maclary show’ - see all 3 of Nick Sharratt’s ‘Shark in the Park’ books live on Stage.

See Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Stag Theatre, Sevenoaks

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Join Peter on a hilarious adventure through the fields and forest as he discovers new sounds and noises. Featuring animal antics of singing birds, waddling ducks, sneaky cats, and a rocking wolf.

Greenwich Theatre Box Office: 020 8858 7755 24 Sep

The Hunting of the Snark

Side-splittingly funny, joyful, fast-paced and bursting with a soundtrack of witty songs by an award-winning songwriter, The Hunting of the Snark is a tour de force that‘ll delight, excite and entertain.

1 Oct

The Sandman

A contemporary ballet inspired by the Hans Christian Andersen tale of Ole Lukøje and features an original score by composer Tim Mountain. Ages 7+.

23 Oct

The Three Musketeers

Chaos, mayhem and stupidity reign supreme as children’s comedy trio the Three Half Pints swish their swords, buff their boots and flourish their feathers in their most ridiculous adventure yet. Ages 5+.

Orchard Dartford Box Office: 01322 220 000 17 Sep

Milkshake! Live

Enjoy this all singing, all dancing, musical masterpiece, which will take audiences on a journey through the world’s favourite fairy tales.

Trinity Tunbridge Wells Box Office: 01892 678 678 18 – 19 Sep

Stickman

What starts off as a morning jog becomes quite the misadventure for Stick Man, a swan builds a nest with him, and he even ends up on a fire! How will Stick Man ever get back to the family tree?

24 Sep

Rapunzel & Friends

Who can break the spell keeping Rapunzel in the tower? Why did Sludgepot the Witch cast the spell in the first place? Ponder these questions whilst we hear the stories of Rapunzel’s friends.

1 - 2 Oct

Why the Whales Came

Children Gracie and Daniel have been forbidden to go near the mysterious and seemingly dangerous Birdman. But messages and clues intrigue them and they begin to unravel the Birdman’s secrets.

The Woodville Gravesend Box Office: 08442 439 480 14 Sep

Handlebards : A Midsummer Night’s Dream Join the HandleBards’ all-male troupe at the Woodville for A Midsummer Night’s Dream as you’ve never seen it before.

Gulbenkian Canterbury Box Office: 01227 769 075 11 – 14 Sep

Stick Man

A dog wants to play fetch with him, a swan builds a nest with him, and he even ends up on a fire! How will Stick Man ever get back to the family tree? Ages 3+.

16 Sep

The Showstoppers’ Kids Show

An improvised musical show for kids of all ages. Everything is made up on the spot, entirely from your suggestions… But grownups be warned – they only take suggestions from kids. Ages 5+.

8 Oct

The Buildy-uppy Dance Show

Let your imagination run riot as hundreds of boxes are stacked, squashed and rebuilt. Help create enticing caves, wonky castles and fabulous creatures, as together you learn that the strongest thing we can build is friendship. Ages 4+.

For thousands more ideas visit www.primarytimes.net

MEDWAY www.flutterbymusic.co.uk 0772 4466064

DRIVERS NEEDED FOR BUSY CIRCUIT. CALL NOW FOR DETAILS

Family Theatre

TUNBRIDGE WELLS www.brittensmusic.co.uk/ colourstrings 01892 559319

Develop your child’s innate musicality at Colourstrings Music Kindergarten Classes, babies to age 7

Record a hit song in a professional studio visit PopStarParties.co.uk

0800 567 7197 Includes Photo Shoot and CDs!

O OTT SANTA’S GR

Knowle Farm Business Centre Wadhurst Road, Frant Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 9EJ www.popstarparties.co.uk

AT

Path offset 0.5

Take your little ones to see the big man himself.

Book tickets today at bluewater.co.uk

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4 Sept - 8 Oct ‘17

7

New Principal for Razzamataz Tonbridge It’s all change at Razzamataz Tonbridge with new principal Eve Aston at the helm. Eve, who was looking to start up a new Razzamataz franchise of her own¸ went along to visit Tonbridge and enjoyed it so much she stayed, working as a chaperone last term and is now delighted to join the Tonbridge team as principal.

Originally from Crystal Palace, she has a background in PR, childcare and more recently in wardrobe on numerous productions and is proud to be a ‘Stage School Mum’ herself with both of her children employed full time in the entertainment industry.

Eve appreciates that not only is she inheriting a fantastic well established teaching and chaperone team but a group of lovely supportive parents and, of course, all the amazing students.

Do go along to try a Razzamataz class in Tonbridge at Hayesbrook School on a Saturday morning. For a free taster session contact Eve on 07401 801 318 or email Razzamataz Tonbridge at tonbridge@razzamataz.co.uk.

You’ll be able to see Razzamataz Tonbridge perform at the Tonbridge_Layout 1 29/08/2017 Page 1 Tonbridge Christmas lights later 20:09 this year.

Out of Scho

Awards at Jigsaw Performing Arts

Nicola Lander, Owner/Founder of Jigsaw Performing Arts Schools has been shortlisted in the SME Growth category for the second year running in the Forward Ladies National Awards sponsored by HSBC. Nicola told Primary Times, “I am delighted to be shortlisted for the Forward Ladies SME Growth Award this year. I really enjoyed being a part of the awards ceremony last year; it was a really inspiring day with some great speakers and I can’t wait to go to this year’s event.”

With over 1,000 nominations this year, to be shortlisted for an award is an enormous achievement. Nicola and the team now look ahead to September’s Regional Final when the winner of the London & the South region will be announced.

For more information on Jigsaw Performing Arts Schools’ weekend drama, singing and dance classes for students aged 3-18, visit www. jigsaw-arts.co.uk or call 020 8447 4530 and book a two week trial for the autumn term today.

Jigsaw Performing Arts Schools

SCHOOL IN:

Sevenoaks ✴ ✴ ✴

3–18 years

TWO WEEK TRIAL AVAILABLE. BOOK NOW!

020 8447 4530 www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk 8

4 Sept - 8 Oct ‘17

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Creative Courage for Life

Every child has all kinds of abilities and capabilities, but unless they explore them and learn to express themselves, they may never realise the talents within them. Stagecoach teaches children and teenagers how to sing, dance and act, not only to perform on stage but also to perform better in life. Suitable for a range of abilities, Stagecoach offers the chance for kids to pursue a career in the performing arts or simply learn some new skills to share with family and friends.

Stagecoach Performing Arts Bearsted opens this autumn at Invicta Grammar School, Maidstone. New Principal, Shane Nippard, is excited to bring his wealth of experience and expertise to the area, helping children develop confidence and performance skills.

Classes are small which means every child is given attention and allowed to realise their potential at their own pace.

The teachers all have performing arts experience and are there to lead and support youngsters as they conquer fears and rise to new challenges.

Click here to choose your image

Out of School Activities

ool Activities

Early Stages classes are available for children aged 4 to 6 and Main Stages classes take place for 6 to 18 year olds. Classes run every Saturday during term time from 23 September to 9 December. The school is offering a two week trial during the Autumn Term.

To find out more, contact Shane on 01622 910 051 or visit www.stagecoach.co.uk/ bearsted

Life-changing, life-enhancing swimming lessons for ALL ages Now taking registration for our new September term

Use ‘primary5’ to get £5 off fees

07432 530 104 Dartford · Gravesend · Medway · Bromley nwkent@angelasswimschool.co.uk

NEW L O SCHO

There are 25 different images to choose from

is delighted to be opening a new school near you

Our fun and engaging weekly classes are for 4 - 18 year olds.

Children are given both structure and freedom as they learn how to sing, dance and act.

Age: 4 - 6 year olds Age: 6 - 18 year olds

Time: Saturdays 9.30am -11.00am Time: Saturdays 10.00am - 1.00pm

Venue: Invicta Grammar School, Huntsman Lane, Maidstone, ME14 5DS

stagecoach.co.uk/bearsted 01622 910051

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Stagecoach Performing Arts Schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals.

Stagecoach is a registered trademark of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Ltd.

Stagecoach Bearsted

     

4 Sept - 8 Oct ‘17

9

What’s On

More What’s On

Your family diary until October Half Term

September trains from Tunbridge Wells West at intervals throughout the day.

In the engine shed at Tunbridge Wells West will be our popular face painters and Punch & Judy with shows throughout the day.

For more information visit www. spavalleyrailway.co.uk

Sleeping Beauty Panto Dance Auditions, Woodville Theatre, Gravesend, DA11 0PA Dancers aged 6-18 are invited to audition to join Linda Lusardi and Silly Billy in the 2017 panto. No need to prepare anything, just turn up in suitable dancewear and give it your best shot. Registration at 9.30am for 6-11 yrs, 11.30am for 11-15 yrs and 1.30pm for 15yrs+.

For more information visit www. gravesendpanto.com

Heritage Open Day, The Huguenot Museum, Rochester, ME1 1LX 10am–5pm. Go and visit The Huguenot Museum for free on Heritage Open Day and find out how you can trace your family history. For times, to register and more information visit www. huguenotmuseum.org

Early Bird Walk, Sissinghurst Castle, Nr Cranbrook, TN17 2AB 7–9am. A great opportunity to see and hear the many species of birds with a guided estate walk, and don’t forget those walking boots and binoculars. For more information and to book visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ sissinghurst-castle

Will Adams Festival, Gillingham Park, Medway ME7 5LA 11am–4.30pm. Celebrate the life of Will Adams, the first Englishman to travel to Japan, at this free jam-packed festival. Learn Japanese phrases and words, create your own origami and manga and much more. For more information visit www.medway.gov.uk.

Colourstrings Parent Information Session, Brittens Music, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1RZ 3-4pm. A free short talk and demonstration on how activities in the Colourstrings Kindergarten classes are progressed through each age range (0-7s) and how classes lead to the development of musical skills for ‘instrumentready’ children. Adults and children welcome. For more information

10

4 Sept - 8 Oct ‘17

and to book call 01892 559 319 or see www.facebook.com/ brittensmusiccolourstrings

Family Fun Golf Day, Poult Wood, Tonbridge TN11 9QR Enjoy a round on Poult Wood’s fantastic 9 hole course, whatever your ability. After the game a range of tasty food and drink options will be available in the clubhouse, plus prizes and trophies will be awarded. Charges apply, to book your place call Poult Wood on 01732 364 039.

Sat 9 – Sun 10 Sep

The Craft Fair, Quex Park and Powell-Cotton Museum, Birchington, CT7 0BH 10am–4pm. Entertainment from the fantastic Cadet Band, a beer tent, BBQ & refreshments, outdoor children’s play area and lots more. Raising funds for Kent Air Ambulance. For more information visit www.quexpark.co.uk

Belmont WoodFest & Country Fair, Belmont House and Gardens, Faversham, ME13 0HH 10am-5pm. A great family day out with chainsaw demos, horse logging, willow weaving, terrier racing and ferret racing, live music and local arts and craft stalls.

Charges apply, under 16s free.

For a full list of events visit www. belmont-house.org

Hop Festival Weekend, Kent & East Sussex Railway, Bodiam Station, TN32 5UD Go along to a weekend of fun with steam trains running each day, every 45 minutes. Enjoy Punch and Judy shows, face painting, swing boat rides and balloon modelling.

Look out for Mr Topper the stilt walker. Plus BBQ and bar. For more information visit www.kesr.org.uk

Model Railway Show, West Faversham Community Centre, ME13 7RH 10am-4.30pm. Go along and see a wide range of gauges and traders.

Charges apply, free for under 3s.

For more information visit www. favershammrc.org.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

”

Hops and Honey Weekend, Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst, TN3 8JN

10am–4pm. Join in at the weekend of celebration with tours to the farm, ale tasting and local produce. Charges apply. For more information and to book visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/scotneycastle

Sun 10 Sep

Bus Rally Day, Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway, New Romney TN28 8PL 10am. There will be an impressive collection of buses and coaches on display in New Romney Station Car Park. Take a ride aboard a vintage bus including open top available between New Romney and Dungeness. For times and more information visit www.rhdr. org.uk

Country Fair, Chiddingstone Castle, TN8 7AD 11am–5pm. Go along to the popular annual Chiddingstone Castle Country Fair, where there’ll be displays of countryside activities, shopping, refreshments and loads more. Charges apply.

For more information visit www. chiddingstonecastle.org.uk

Demelza Run, Groombridge, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 9QG Whether this is your first run, or you want to beat your personal best, Demelza staff, volunteers and Dotty himself will be with you every step of the way. There will be plenty going on for spectators too including refreshments, face painting and the opportunity to take selfies with Dotty. For more information visit www.demelza. org.uk

Art on the Beach, Samphire Hoe, CT17 9FL 10am.You will make a giant fish on the beach. Suitable for all ages, all abilities. Wear clothes appropriate for the weather. Suggested donation of £5 per person towards materials appreciated. Booking essential. For more information visit www.samphirehoe.co.uk

Country Fair, Chiddingstone Castle, TN8 7AD 11am–5pm. Experience the traditions of the countryside in an idyllic rural setting - there’ll be displays of countryside

activities, entertainment, shopping, refreshments and much more.

Charges apply. For more information visit www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk

Heritage Open Day 2017, Quex Park and Powell-Cotton Museum, Birchington, CT7 0BH 10am–5pm. Step back into the world of Victorian horticulture by exploring the beautiful gardens. Take the opportunity to view several of the public rooms in Quex House which will be open to the public as well. Admission free. For more information visit www.quexpark. co.uk

Betteshanger Bikers, Betteshanger Park, Deal, CT14 0BF 10am–11.30am. (Also 17 Sep and 1, 8, 15 Oct) 10-11.30am. Get expert coaching, learn awesome cycling skills and take part in fun and exciting games from the British Cycling qualified coaches. Ages 8-14.

Book on 01304 619 227. For more information visit www.betteshangerpark.co.uk

Woodland Craft Activity Day, Bough Beech Visitor Centre, Sevenoaks, TN14 6LD 2-4.30pm. Try your hand at country crafts. There will be hurdle and mallet making, wattle and daub, pole lathe, besom brooms, charcoal making and much more in a Country Fayre atmosphere with folk musicians, shop and refreshments.

Booking essential, for more information and to book, email lynneflower@tiscali.co.uk

Learn to Ride, Betteshanger Park, Deal, CT14 0BF (Also 24 Sep and 8 Oct) Aimed at children aged 5-12 years these sessions are perfect for those who have never ridden a bike before, those who are ready to move on from stabilisers or those looking to build confidence. Book on 01304 619 227. For more information visit www.betteshanger-park.co.uk

Fri 15 Sep

Bat Walk, Bough Beech Visitor Centre, Sevenoaks, TN14 6LD 7-10pm. A short country walk around local farmland and back with bat detectors and night binoculars.

You will be looking for bats, crickets and other animals of the twilight. Booking essential, for more information and to book, email lynneflower@tiscali.co.uk

Twilight Walk, Cyclopark, Gravesend, DA11 7NP 7pm. A fantastic evening for all the family. Whether you are walking in memory of a loved one or looking for a challenge with some friends you will be raising valuable funds for ellenor. For more information and to register visit www.ellenor.org

For lots more What’s On ideas see page 26...

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Choosing your New School with

A Pull Out and Keep Feature The Primary Times 2017 Choosing your New School feature – the definitive guide to open days for that all important decision.

4.

Grades and Statistics

Of course it’s important to look at the grades the school has been achieving, remember to look at the overall statistics as opposed to just the ones from recent history. Final exam results may depend more on the calibre of the original than anything else but tables which purport to show ‘added value’ also have their drawbacks. Each school year can fluctuate significantly depending on the mix of students, so just because results have gone up/down in the last couple of years, it doesn’t mean the overall standard of teaching has. Look at the general pattern of results and compare these to others in the area.

5.

The end of the summer holidays marks the beginning of the latest adventure in your child’s life – choosing a secondary school. This task doesn’t have to be a chore however. You and your child can work together to find the perfect place for them to learn, explore and grow.

Here is a list of Primary Times’ top ten tips for choosing a school.

1.

Make a List

Even if you think you know which school you want to send your child to, it’s important to visit a few just in case, even if it’s just to reaffirm your original choice. Even the best schools can suit some children more than others. Once you have a list of schools in your area, check to make sure each one is logistically possible – does your child meet the entry requirements? Will they be able to travel there easily?

2.

Open Days

Obviously it’s a good idea to visit all the schools you’re thinking of sending your child to. Pay special attention to the environment – you know your child better than anyone so you know best what working atmosphere is most effective for them. Chat to students as well as teachers. It’s good to know that the people teaching want to be there, but if you want a more honest perception of the school you’re more likely to get it from the students. One of the most important things to look for is whether they’re happy – a happy child inevitably means a better education.

3.

Word of Mouth

Chat to other parents and locals about the different schools.

They may know things (both good and bad) which the schools themselves may not have mentioned. It’s always good to hear from other parents what they wish they had/hadn’t done in hindsight and which questions they wish they’d asked.

MYSELF LEARN ABOUT LIFE LEARN HOW TO SUCCEED LEARN ABOUT OTHERS L ABOUT MYSELF LEARN ABOUT LIFE LEARN HOW TO SUCCEED LEARN ABOUT OT LEARN ABOUT MYSELF LEARN ABOUT LIFE LEARN HOW TO SUCCEED LEARN learn more ... LEARN ABOUT TOCome LEARNand LEARN ABOUT MYSELF LIFE LEARN HOW TO SUCC www.gadshill.org LEA EARN ARN HOW TO LEARN LEARN ABOUT MYSELF LEARN ABOUT LIFE LEARN HOW OTHE HERS RS LEARN HOW TO LEARN LEARN ABOUT MYSELF LEARN ABOUT LIFE LEA ABOUT L

GAD’S HILL SCHOOL

A leading independent day school for boys and girls aged 3-16 years, in Higham near Rochester, Kent.

WHOLE SCHOOL OPEN DAY, SATURDAY 7TH OCTOBER, 10AM-12 NOON

Have you considered Gad’s Hill School?

Set in semi-rural Kent, just off the A2 between Gravesend and Rochester.

Daily bus service provided between Gad’s Hill School and surrounding areas.

4 Complete Nursery, Kindergarten, Junior and Senior school education, through to GCSE. 4 Broad range of GCSE subjects together with lots of opportunities for sports, music, drama, CCF and Duke of Edinburgh Award.

4 Pre and post-school activities available.

League Tables and Ofsted

With all the statistics floating around about schools, it’s hard to know which to trust. Ultimately these reports aren’t everything, especially as their conclusions are usually based on a few days in a school, but they are all still worth looking at. There is a great resource on the government’s performance information website (head to www.gov.co.uk) which gives a detailed and clear analysis of schools in your area.

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Gad’s Hill School, Higham, Rochester, Kent ME3 7PA. Tel: 01474 822366 • Fax: 01474 822977 • Email: information@gadshillschool.org

4 Sept - 8 Oct ‘17

11

Choosing your New School

6.

Extra-curricular Activities

Not all learning takes place in the classroom, and it’s often in after school clubs that your child discovers something they are passionate for and may even want to pursue as a career. Extracurricular clubs also open your child up to new friendship groups as well as potentially being beneficial to their mainstream education.

7. Discipline

We all respond to discipline in different ways. Some thrive under supervision and strict rules whereas others find this limiting and hard to work under. Make sure to find out what disciplinary structures are in place at each school and determine which would work most effectively with your child.

8.

Equal Opportunities

9.

Where are their friends going?

10.

Where will your child be happiest?

If your child needs SEN support or struggles in a certain area, what structures are in place to aid them and to make sure they don’t fall behind?

Although this shouldn’t dramatically affect your choice, it is worth taking into consideration. If your child finds making friends difficult then you don’t want to make moving schools harder with the added aspect of socialising. However this could also be a good opportunity for your child to boost their social skills, so it’s worth chatting it through to decide what is best.

When going to open days or evenings make sure to note your child’s initial reaction and how this changes over the course of the event. Ultimately if your child is happy then that’s the best outcome, and hopefully that will be reflected in their results as well. Above all remember not to worry – despite what the media may say, the standard of our secondary schools is still very high and in many cases getting higher. You are simply picking the best environment to unlock your child’s potential.

St Augustine Academy

As a parent, you’ve researched, checked websites and results, spoken to your friends with children also going on to secondary school but now is the time to see for yourselves what your preferred secondary schools are really like. St Augustine Academy has had very positive feedback from parents who have visited them for informal tours during the school day.

If you missed these, there will be more tours in September. Call 01622 752 490 to book a place.

In September, you will also have the opportunity to come along to their Open Events where you can talk to staff and see the range of work that students study from Year 7 to Year 11.

St Augustine is a small, friendly school with superb facilities where every student is known, nurtured and valued. As a Church of England Secondary Academy, they have a faith-based ethos which is based around key values that people of all faiths, and none can agree on and work with. This produces a calm environment where effective teaching takes place with high expectations of students.

The Academy’s Open Events are on Thursday 14 September from 6-9pm and Saturday 16 September from 10am-1pm.

‘believe in more’ Our values make our students who they are, now and in the future.

St Augustine Academy, Oakwood Park, Maidstone, ME16 8AE 01622 752490

Come and join us at our OPEN EVENTS

 Thursday 14th SEPTEMBER

6.00pm- 9.00pm

 Saturday 16th SEPTEMBER

10am –1.00pm

 Thursday morning tours from 8th September www.saa.woodard.co.uk 12

4 Sept - 8 Oct ‘17

Book a place on 01622 752490

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The Skinners’ Kent Academy offers an all-ability non-fee paying independent education and was founded in 2009. The Academy seeks to create, develop and maintain an education that focuses on providing opportunities for all and celebrates the achievements of everyone.

Mayfield Grammar School in Gravesend is a highly successful grammar school taking students from Gravesend and the surrounding areas. In June 2013 Ofsted judged the school to be outstanding in all four categories leading to an ‘Outstanding’ judgement in overall effectiveness.

As well as being rated as ‘Outstanding’ in all categories

by Ofsted in 2016, the Academy is also in the top 1% nationally for progress in Maths and Science and in the top 5% for English. It is the first non-selective school in England to become an authorised International Baccalaureate World School for both the Middle Years Programme in Years 7-11 and the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme, which is taught in the Sixth Form. The curriculum offers students the breadth and depth to apply their learning to real life context and explore topics with local and global significance.

The school offers an academic curriculum where girls achieve great success at GCSE and AS level. The Sixth Form contains over 240 students, including boys, studying AS and A Levels from over 25 subjects.

The school also offers an extensive range of extra-curricular activities and visits including trips to Paris, New York, Germany, Italy and West Coast America.

There are also sporting fixtures and trips, a comprehensive Duke of Edinburgh programme and an outdoor activity programme for years 7 and 8.

Skinners welcomes you to experience the Academy during a normal working day in their inclusive environment as tours will be running every Tuesday and Thursday throughout the months of September and October at 10am. All tours are currently bookable at www.skinnerskentacademy.org.uk. For more information on the Academy email info@skinnerskentacademy.org.uk or call 01892 534 377.

Choosing your New School

Mayfield Grammar School, Gravesend

The Skinners’ Kent Academy

Highly committed teachers and support staff work in partnership with governors and parents leading to a school “that promotes the learning and progress of every student within a caring and cohesive community” (Ofsted June 2013). They support traditional values and ensure their students develop life skills and personal qualities as well as academic qualifications.

For more information email enquiries@mgsg.kent.sch.uk.

Wednesday 18th October 2017, 1.30 pm - 2.45pm Thursday 19th October 2017, 9.00 am - 11.00 am Daytime tours of the Academy We invite you to join us for a tour of the Academy during the normal working day. Tours will be running every Tuesday and Thursday, throughout the months of September and October and they are currently bookable via the Academy website.

Open Evening, Thursday 5th October 4.00pm - 7.30pm (No booking necessary) There will be full tours of the Academy and presentations from the Executive Principal and Principal will be taking place throughout the evening. Further information will be added on to the Academy website nearer the time.

e:info@skinnerskentacademy.org.uk

t: 01892 534 377

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Thursday 19th October 2017 6.00 pm until 8.30 pm

w:www.skinnerskentacademy.org.uk

4 Sept - 8 Oct ‘17

13

Choosing your New School

Making the Step: Primary to Secondary School

At the moment your child is the oldest in the school, but from next September they will suddenly seem so small again. Making that move from primary to secondary school can feel like a giant leap. Education expert and teacher, Dr Stephen Curran, has some helpful tips for parents to get their child through this challenging change.

Be understanding Listen to your child’s apprehensions and help reassure them.

If you child has an older sibling or cousin, get them to have a quick chat about what to expect from secondary school.

Hearing about the many interesting and exciting aspects of school life will give your child a positive outlook.

Join teams and clubs Encourage your child to take part in the school’s extracurricular activities. Joining school clubs can help build friendships and confidence.

Organisation is key To relieve the stress of the school-run get everything together the night before – materials, books, uniform. Set times for homework to create a structured day and help your child keep up at school. Building a sense of routine at school and home will make your child’s transition from primary to secondary school as smooth as possible.

14

4 Sept - 8 Oct ‘17

Cranbrook School

Cranbrook School aims for all boarders to fulfil their potential and develop as well rounded individuals.

Cranbrook School is a state funded Co-Educational Grammar School with integrated day and boarding provision. With six boarding houses being home to 250 boarders, the overall school population is 770.

Boarders are admitted from Year 9 (13 years) following a test to assess suitability and students are from a wide ranging area. Each boarding house has a unique feel fostered by the strong leadership of Heads of Houses and by the expertise of boarding support staff.

Cranbrook School’s fees are extremely attractive at just £12,726 (Year 9) to £15,270 (Year 12) per annum for 2018.

For a state school the facilities are impressive with a Theatre, Lecture Theatre, Performing Arts Centre, Sixth Form Centre and Observatory together with fantastic sports facilities which include an astro turf pitch, gym and swimming pool.

Being keen to educate the whole person, the school has a wide range of extra-curricular activities running both evenings and weekends offering the Combined Cadet Force and Duke of Edinburgh plus a broad range of sports, music and drama.

Some places are unexpectedly available for Year 9 in September 2017. Please contact the Registrar on 01580 711 804 for more information.

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The Duke of York’s Royal Military School upholds its traditions with pride and offers students aged 11 to 18 a unique and iconic place to study for GCSEs and A Levels. Set in 150 acres of countryside near Dover, full and weekly boarding is available with students gaining a quality education at an affordable price.

In addition to a wide academic choice, Dukies enjoy a full and active school life which includes camping at the Brecon Beacons for Gold Duke of Edinburgh, an excellent range of sports, music, dance and drama and representing their school at special parades.

Children don’t have to come from a military family to study at the school and there is no expectation for them to go into the forces when they leave. More than 80% of Sixth Form students go on to University to study a variety of subjects.

The school’s next open morning is on Saturday October 7. Please call 01304 245 073 to book or visit www.doyrms.com for more details.

General James Bashall CBE was guest of honour and Reviewing Officer at the annual Grand Day celebrations when students paraded in full ceremonial uniform for the Trooping of the Colour ceremony led by the school’s impressive military band.

Prior to Grand Day, 30 students played a central part at a special service honouring the roles of Sir Winston Churchill and General Charles de Gaulle in WWII. They provided a guard of honour and corps of drums for the unveiling of two statues in Park Richelieu, Calais, following a request to attend by British Embassy officials in Paris. The Rt Hon. Sir Nicholas Soames MP PC, Sir Winston’s grandson, inspected the school’s guard of honour. He also spoke with great warmth about the school, having visited in 2009 to act as Inspecting Officer for the drill competition parade and to present the Baroness Thatcher Sword of Honour.

LEADERSHIP • CHARACTER • PRIDE • SELF-DISCIPLINE • SPIRITUALITY • SPORTSMANSHIP • RESPECT

Open Morning Saturday 7 October 2017 9am - 12.30 Located on a beautiful 150-acre site in Dover, Kent, The Duke of York’s Royal Military School is a state boarding school for students aged 11 to 18.

Choosing your New School

Proud to be a Dukie

We welcome applications from any student who wants to study GCSEs and A Levels at our unique and iconic school with its strong traditions.

Why Choose Us? • An independent school atmosphere at an affordable

price. £4,332 per term* covers ALL the boarding costs, with the education paid for by the State.

• GCSE results significantly above the national average.

• Graded ‘Good’ in all areas by Ofsted.

• A £24.9m building programme has just been

completed to enhance our already impressive school site and facilities including new boarding houses, teaching blocks, drama studio, sports centre and climbing wall.

• Full and weekly boarding available.

• Students enjoy an active lifestyle including sport, music, drama and outdoor activities, with over 70 clubs and activities offered.

• Unique ethos helps promote character and life skills,

with students encouraged to achieve their potential in a supportive community.

A Day & Boarding school for girls and boys aged 7-19 with Dyslexia, Dyspraxia & Dyscalculia “From the day our daughter started at Frewen we saw her confidence and interest in learning being totally rebuilt.” Parent

• Frequent involvement in high profile national events including the Royal Festival of Remembrance.

• Good transport links to London and Europe.

Find out more at one of our Open Mornings:

Thursday 21 September 2017 Saturday 7 October 2017 Daily minibus service from:Tonbridge/Tunbridge Wells area, Wadhurst, Hawkhurst, Ashford & Tenterden area.

To book your place on a tour please telephone Annabel Baker on: 01797 252494 or email: office@frewencollege.co.uk

2017/18 fees are just £12,996* per year (£4,332 per term / £433.20 if you qualify for CEA).

Please call 01304 245073 to book your place admin.office@doyrms.com

Frewen College, Rye Road, Northiam, East Sussex, TN31 6NL

www.frewencollege.co.uk Follow us on Twitter - @PT_Kent

www.doyrms.com *Fees are reviewed annually

4 Sept - 8 Oct ‘17

15

Choosing your New School

Maidstone Grammar School for Girls

Maidstone Grammar School for Girls (MGGS) has a long and successful history in the town of Maidstone and has been providing an outstanding education for girls since 1888. MGGS has a strong community, and the school’s house system brings students of all ages together in many whole school activities. This creates friendships which endure and last well beyond the years at school.

The school’s continued proven track record (OFSTED ‘outstanding’ since 2009), together with the school’s Advanced Thinking School status, underpins the academic curriculum at MGGS, providing students with a thorough grounding for their careers. Not only is MGGS well known for its broad curriculum (all students study two languages at Key Stage 3) it is also well known for the many extra-curricular activities provided for students. Pupils regularly participate in school sports clubs, activities such as Astronomy and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, as well as there being a number of music clubs, with the various school choirs being very popular.

MGGS is delighted to offer ‘Taster Days’ and ‘One-Off Taster Lessons’ throughout the year for parents/carers. These are activities for girls in years 4, 5 and 6 which enable students looking for a grammar school place to become familiar with MGGS. Where possible, the school groups students with their friends from their own primary school and they will also have the opportunity to make new friends along the way. For more details visit www.mggs.org.

and encourages all pupils, whatever their skills and interests, to participate fully in school life.

Beechwood Prep is successful in preparing all their pupils for transition to Secondary School and supports those who choose to take the 11+ helping them to attain places at selective Grammar Schools.

The inquisitive nature and curiosity of pupils is ignited by a highly-skilled and dedicated team of staff, enhanced by the quality of the pastoral care and extended by the wide-ranging curriculum and extra-curricular activities on offer. Many lessons utilise Senior School facilities and the extensive grounds of the school. All of these factors contribute significantly to the all-round excellent standards achieved by so many of Beechwood’s pupils.

The school works closely with parents, providing regular information on progress and development. Being part of a school community enables parents to appreciate the context of the learning journey and the benefits of Beechwood provision, compared to alternatives.

To arrange an appointment, please contact the school’s Admissions Department. Beechwood look forward to welcoming you to the School.

Cornwallis Academy

Cornwallis Academy is honouring its place in local history and links with the Cornwallis family. The school, in Linton, Maidstone, is set to unveil its emblem of a stag which is a modern take on the iconic crest belonging to the Cornwallis family, in September. The academy was named after Lord Cornwallis when it opened in 1959 and used the family crest as its logo until 2007 when it became part of Future Schools Trust.

Headteacher, Isabelle LinneyDrouet, told Primary Times, “Our decision to revert back to the stag was actually fuelled by our students, who wanted to see the iconic logo reinstated. We are extremely proud of the academy’s place in local history and felt that reintroducing the stag was an excellent way to acknowledge our heritage.

With this change, we want to visibly show that the desire and ambition that Lord Cornwallis encapsulated during his lifetime is central to the schools renewed ethos. Like Lord Cornwallis, we are dedicated to providing the local community with an exceptional educational service and becoming the area’s school of choice, very much in the same vain that Lord Cornwallis was ‘The spirit of Kent’.”

Find out more by visiting www.cornwallisacademy.com.

You are warmly invited to our Primary School events:

11+ Open Evening

Years 5 & 6: Tuesday 10th October 2017 6pm until 9pm

11+ Autumn Open Mornings

Years 5 & 6 Monday 16th & Tuesday 17th October 2017 9am until 11am

11+ Autumn Open Afternoon

Years 5 & 6 Wednesday 18th October 2017 1.30pm until 3.30pm

Beechwood Preparatory School

Beechwood Preparatory School offers a range of opportunities both in and out of the classroom where every pupil feels motivated to discover his or her own particular talents. The school is passionate about developing future-proof, resilient children 16

4 Sept - 8 Oct ‘17

For more information on our 11+ Open Events: http://www.mggs.org/admissions/11-open-events For our Primary School Programme BOOK NOW: http://www.mggs.org/online-bookings

Non sibi sed omnibus

A Tradition of Excellence Follow us on Twitter - @PT_Kent

New Line Learning Academy is dedicated to providing its students with an education that goes beyond the classroom, with a new school logo that seeks to be a visible representation of this aim.

Under the leadership of a new Headteacher, Paul Murphy, the school in Loose, Maidstone, will continue its journey to becoming an outstanding environment where young people can achieve academic success, while gaining a wealth of skills in a range of subjects such as early years, finance, agriculture, sport and performing arts.

Our friendly, caring environment will help to build your child’s confidence in his or her own ability so that they can realise their full potential

Open Day

Mr Murphy brings a breadth of experience to the position at New Line Learning Academy (NLL), including knowledge gained in his roles as an Ofsted inspector and as a secondary school improvement advisor. Mr Murphy told Primary Times, “There is a great deal of potential here at NLL and with the continued hard work, determination and enthusiasm, I believe we can achieve the success our students deserve.”

SATURDAY 7 OCTOBER 9.30-1.00PM • ‘Free early education’ for 3-4 year olds • After school care • Breakfast club • 7+ Scholarship opportunities • Clubs and activities

One of Mr Murphy’s first tasks is to introduce a grammar stream which will be launched in September this year along with a new logo. Eligible students will follow a personalised curriculum and enrichment programme that is carefully tailored to their needs and designed to develop their learning capabilities.

Find out more by visiting www.newlinelearning.com.

Future Schools Trust

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Choosing your New School

New Line Learning Academy

APPLY ONLINE

To find out more, please contact registrar@beechwood.org.uk

www.beechwood.org.uk 01892 532747

Future Schools Trust

4 Sept - 8 Oct ‘17

17

Choosing your New School

Maplesden Noakes School

If you are looking for a welcoming and outstanding school for your child, look no further. Maplesden Noakes School is a highly successful 11-18 mixed secondary school in Maidstone that is recognized for having high academic standards for all its students and for providing an inclusive, caring and supportive environment.

Maplesden Noakes’ Grammar Stream is a genuine alternative to the grammar school system. They know that the Grammar Stream gives students all the benefits of being in a Grammar School plus the advantage of a school that has a reputation built on outstanding care and academic excellence.

Maplesden Noakes is the highest performing high school in the area. Their curriculum is diverse and offers all students, whether academic, creative, sporting or artistic, the ability to excel in their learning. Transition from primary school to Maplesden Noakes is seamless and experienced staff ensure that students very quickly feel at home in the school. Maplesden Noakes’ careers guidance is recognized by Ofsted as outstanding and all of their students leave school having secured a place in further education or employment.

Have the best of everything - co-educational setting, outstanding teaching, challenging curriculum, excellent facilities and grammar stream education. Maplesden Noakes School is the informed choice for your child.

Dartford Science and Technology College

help and encourage our pupils in a caring, positive learning environment. Our nurturing approach is underpinned by dedicated and committed teaching, small class sizes, close links with our parent community and a clear focus on first rate pastoral care. To this end, we seek to understand our pupils as individuals and support them closely throughout their learning journey. As a parent whose children have flourished at St Edmund’s Junior School, I know how transformative the experience here can be.”

St Edmund’s welcomes day and boarding enquiries from parents and encourages families to visit the school. Entry points at ages 3+, 7+, 11+, 13+ and 16+ are the norm, but entry into other year groups is possible when places become available.

For more information please call 01227 475 601 or visit the website at www.stedmunds.org.uk.

The Holmesdale School

The Holmesdale School is a well-established 11-18 mixed secondary school in the Kent Community of Snodland. Their building was re-built in 2007 and they have exceptional facilities in a wonderful setting. They have high expectations - they expect hard work and good behaviour so that their students make excellent progress but also so that they become the best version of themselves. They want their students to be aspirational, adaptable, creative, responsible and confident and they plan their curriculum and their extra-curricular activities so that these things are achievable.

Dartford Science and Technology College (DSTC) is a ‘Good school where pupils achieve well and thrive’ (Ofsted March 2017). The staff takes pride in its constantly improving results both at GCSE and A level, where all groups of pupils make good or better progress.

Teaching is very good at DSTC, with both challenge and support in every lesson. Teachers and pastoral staff know the girls well and support them in all aspects of their learning and welfare.

A climate of excellence exists at DSTC. This is only possible because positive relationships are fostered between students, parents, staff and the wider community. There are high expectations with regard to behaviour and respect, which is why the college runs so smoothly. Additionally, they embrace strong transition with Primaries ensuring that new entrants understand what to expect and who to turn to for support.

DSTC’s highly acclaimed and well established Summer School is an integral part of its transition process. It enables the new Year 7 students to make the move to secondary school smoothly and confidently.

DSTC values diversity and culture, ensuring that equal opportunities are embedded and that the students participate fully in all school activities in order to reach their potential.

St Edmund’s School Canterbury

St Edmund’s School Canterbury is a distinctive and historic independent school for boys and girls aged 3–18 that provides a lively, challenging education in a nurturing environment. Academic standards are set high and the school is renowned for its excellence in Music, Drama and Art as well as its sporting success in cricket, tennis, hockey and football.

The current Head of the Junior School, Ed O’Connor, told Primary Times, “We have a very strong family ethos and work hard to 18

4 Sept - 8 Oct ‘17

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Visitors are always welcome so that they can feel for themselves the vibrant, positive atmosphere that will make Holmesdale an outstanding place to be.

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Be all you can be

Choosing your New School

Schools are part of a community but they should also be at the heart of a community. Holmesdale’s aim is to make themselves the school of choice for the local community and beyond – a place that parents can rely on to keep their young people safe, secure and cared for whilst achieving great results that open doors for them in the future and enriching the community in which they live.

St Ed’s is a school where every pupil is connected by a love of learning, the pursuit of possibility and the challenge of being the very best they can be.

Open Morning Saturday 30 September

01227 475601 www.stedmunds.org.uk

Dartford Science & Technology College 2017 OPEN EVENTS FOR PROSPECTIVE YEAR 7 GIRLS

• Thursday 28th September 6:00pm - 8:00pm • Thursday 12th October 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Heath Lane Dartford DA1 2LY Tel: 01322 224309 To book a tour, please go to our website:

Principal’s Talk at 6:00pm and 7:00pm The last tour on both evenings will leave at 7:30pm

YEAR 6 OPEN EVENING Thursday 28th September 2017 6pm – 9pm

• • • •

Tuesday 3rd October Thursday 5th October Friday 6th October Monday 9th October Tours commence at 9:00am, 9:40am and 11:00am

INSPIRING EDUCATION, NURTURING SUCCESS

SCHOOL TOURS Mon 2nd, Tues 3rd, Mon 16th & Tues 17th October 2017 Tours at 9.30am & 11.45am on each of these mornings

To arrange a school tour, please contact us:

01634 240416 www.holmesdale.kent.sch.uk office@holmesdale.kent.sch.uk Malling Road, Snodland, Kent ME6 5HS

“All groups of pupils achieve well” - Ofsted - March 2017 Follow us on Twitter - @PT_Kent

Big enough for choice; small enough to care

4 Sept - 8 Oct ‘17

19

20

4 Sept - 8 Oct ‘17

Follow us on Twitter - @PT_Kent

West Hill, Dartford, DA1 2HW

Shepherds Lane, Dartford, DA1 2NT

Heath Lane, Dartford, DA1 2LY

Southfleet Rd, Swanscombe, DA10 0BZ

Green Street Green Rd, Dartford, DA1 1QE

Main Road, Longfield, DA3 7PH

Common Lane, Wilmington, DA2 7DR

Common Lane, Wilmington, DA2 7DA

Parsons Lane, Wilmington, DA2 7BB

Address

Church Walk, Gravesend, DA12 2PR

Pelham Road, Gravesend, DA11 0JE

Wrotham Road, Meopham, DA13 0AH

Hall Road, Northfleet, DA11 8AQ

Colyer Road, Northfleet, DA11 8BG

Meadow Road, Gravesend, DA11 7LS

Rochester Road, Gravesend DA12 2JW

Thong Lane, Gravesend, DA12 4LF

Hubbards Lane, Maidstone, ME17 4HX

Huntsman Lane, Maidstone, ME14 5DS

Ham Lane, Lenham, ME17 2LL

Barton Road, Maidstone, ME15 7BT

Buckland Road, Maidstone, ME16 0SF

Buckland Road, Maidstone, ME16 0TJ

Boughton Lane, Loose, ME15 9QL

Oakwood Park, Maidstone, ME16 8AH

Oakwood Park, Maidstone, ME16 8AE

Oakwood Park, Maidstone, ME16 0JP

Huntsman Lane, Maidstone, ME14 5DT

Dartford Grammar School

Dartford Grammar School For Girls

Dartford Science and Tech Coll

Ebbsfleet Academy, The

Leigh Technology Academy, The

Longfield Academy

Wilmington Academy

Wilmington Grammar Sch for Boys

Wilmington Grammar Sch for Girls

Name

Gravesend Grammar School

Mayfield Grammar School

Meopham School

Northfleet School for Girls

Northfleet Technology College

Saint George’s C of E School

St John’s Catholic Comprehensive

Thamesview School

Cornwallis Academy

Invicta Grammar School

Lenham School, The

Maidstone Grammar School

Maidstone Grammar School for Girls

Maplesden Noakes School, The

New Line Learning Academy

Oakwood Park Grammar School

St Augustine Academy

St Simon Stock Catholic School

Valley Park School

01622 679 421

01622 754 551

01622 752 490

01622 726 683

01622 743 286

01622 759 036

01622 752 103

01622 752 101

01622 858267

01622 755 856

01622 743 152

01474 566 552

01474 534 718

01474 533 082

01474 533 802

01474 831 020

01474 814 646

01474 352 896

01474 331 893

Tel

01322 226 351

01322 223 090

01322 272 111

01474 700 700

01322 620 400

01322 623 100

01322 224 309

01322 223 123

01322 223 039

Tel

www.valleypark.viat.org.uk

www.ssscs.co.uk

www.saa.woodard.co.uk

www.opgs.org

www.newlinelearning.com

www.maplesden.kent.sch.uk

www.mggs.org

www.mgs.kent.sch.uk

www.thelenham.viat.org.uk

www.invicta.kent.sch.uk

www.cornwallisacademy.com

Maidstone

www.thamesview.kent.sch.uk

www.stjohnscs.com

www.saintgeorgescofe.kent.sch.uk

www.ntc.kent.sch.uk

www.northfleetgirls.kent.sch.uk

www.meopham.kent.sch.uk

www.mgsg.kent.sch.uk

www.gravesendgrammar.eu

Website

Gravesham

www.wgsg.co.uk

www.wgsb.org.uk

www.wilmingtonacademy.org.uk

www.longfieldacademy.org

www.leighacademy.org.uk

theebbsfleetacademy.kent.sch.uk

www.dstc.kent.sch.uk

dartfordgrammargirls.kent.sch.uk

dartfordgrammarschool.org.uk

Website

See school for details

Open Eve 3 Oct 5-8pm. Open Morn 4 & 18 Oct 9-10.30am.

Open Eve 14 Sept 6-9pm. Open Day 16 Sept 10am-1pm. Book Thurs morn tours from 8 Sept.

See school for details

Open Eve 27 Sept 4.30-8pm

Open Eve 12 Oct 5-8pm. Open Morn 16-18 Oct 9am, by appointment only.

Open Eve 10 Oct 6-9pm. Open Morn 16 & 17 Oct 9-11am. Open Aftrn 18 Oct 1.30-3.30pm.

Open Eve 19 Oct.

Open Eve 21 Sept 5.30-8pm. Tours by appointment only 26, 27 Sept & 3, 4 Oct 9.30am-1pm.

Open Eve 5 Oct 6-9pm. Open Morn 11-12 Oct 9-11.30am.

Open Eve 20 Sept 5.30-7.30pm. Open Morn 26-28 Sept 9.45-10.30am by appointment only.

Open Eve 12 Oct 6-9pm. Open Morn 16 & 17 Oct at 9am. Booking essential.

See school for details

See school for details

Open Eve 5 Oct.

Open Eve 5 Oct 6-9pm. Open Morn 9-11 Oct (Yr 6 only) 9.30-11.30am. See website for more.

Open Eve 28 Sept 5.30-8.30pm. Open Morn 9 Oct-13 Oct Appts 9am & 10.45am.

Open Afternoon 18 Oct 1.30-2.45pm. Open Day 19 Oct 9-11am & 6.30-8.30pm.

Open Eve 18 Oct from 7pm. Open Morn 16-18 Oct 9-11am.

Date/Time of Open Days

Open Eve 18 Oct 6-8.30pm (TBC). Open Day 19 Oct by appointment only.

Open Eve 17 Oct 6.30-9pm. Open Morn 19 Oct by appointment only.

Open Eve 27 Sept 5-8pm.

Open Eve 25 Sept & 2 Oct 5-9pm. Open Morn 9, 10, 12, 13 Oct 9am

Open Afternoon 20 Sept & 4 Oct

Open Morn 20, 27 Sept, 4 Oct 8.45-10am. Open Eve 27 Sept 5-6.30pm. See website for more.

Open Eve 28 Sept, 12 Oct 6-8pm. Open Morn 3, 5, 6, 9 Oct Tours at 9, 9.40 & 11am

Open Eve 17 Oct 6.30-8.30pm. Open Morn 18 Oct 11.30am-1pm.

Open Morn 3 Oct 9-11am, Open Eve from 6.30pm

Date/Time of Open Days

Dates correct at time of going to press. Contact the school to confirm details

Address

Name

Dartford

North & West Kent Open Day Directory 2017

Choosing your New School

Follow us on Twitter - @PT_Kent

4 Sept - 8 Oct ‘17

21

Teapot Lane, Aylesford, ME20 7JU

Pembury Rd, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 3QD

Tonbridge Road, Hadlow, TN11 0AU

Brook Street, Tonbridge, TN9 2PH

Brionne Gardens, Tonbridge, TN9 2HE

Malling Road, Snodland, ME6 5HS

White Cottage Rd, Tonbridge, TN10 4PU

Brook Street, Tonbridge, TN9 2PN

Beech Road, East Malling, ME19 6DH

Deakin Leas, Tonbridge, TN9 2JR

Tudeley Lane, Tonbridge, TN9 2JP

Borough Green Rd, Wrotham, TN15 7RD

Marlborough Rd, Gillingham, ME7 5HT

Rainham Road, Chatham, ME5 7EH

Fort Pitt Hill, Chatham, ME4 6TJ

Higham, Rochester, ME3 7PA

Walderslade Rd, Walderslade, ME5 0LP

Letchworth Avenue, Chatham, ME4 6JB

Derwent Way, Rainham, ME8 0BX

Main Road, Hoo, Rochester, ME3 9HH

Pump Lane, Rainham, ME8 7AJ

Derwent Way, Rainham, ME8 0BX

Third Avenue, Gillingham, ME7 2LX

Maidstone Road, Rochester, ME1 3BY

Maidstone Road, Rochester, ME1 3EL

Ordnance Street, Chatham, ME4 6SG

Carnation Road, Strood, ME2 2SX

Arethusa Rd, Rochester, ME1 2UW

Magpie Hall Rd, Chatham, ME4 5JB

Bradfields Ave, Walderslade, ME5 0LE

Aylesford School

Beechwood Sacred Heart School

Hadlow Rural Community School

Hayesbrook School, The

Hillview School for Girls

Holmesdale School, The

Hugh Christie Technology College

Judd School, The

Malling School, The

Tonbridge Grammar School

Weald of Kent Grammar Sch for Girls

Wrotham School

Brompton Academy

Chatham Grammar School For Girls

Fort Pitt Grammar School

Gad’s Hill School

Greenacre Academy

Holcombe Grammar School

Howard School, The

Hundred of Hoo Academy, The

Rainham Mark Grammar School

Rainham School For Girls

Robert Napier School, The

Rochester Grammar Sch for Girls, The

Sir Joseph Williamson’s Maths Sch

St John Fisher Catholic Comp

Strood Academy

Thomas Aveling School, The

Victory Academy, The

Walderslade Girls’ School

01634 861 596

01634 303 005

01634 844 809

01634 716 621

01634 842 811

01634 844 008

01634 843 049

01634 851 157

01634 362 746

01634 364 151

01634 251 443

01634 388 765

01634 830 083

01634 861 593

01474 822 366

01634 842 359

01634 851 262

01634 852 341

01732 884 207

01732 373 500

01732 365 125

01732 840 995

01732 770 880

01732 353 544

01634 240 416

01732 352 793

01732 500 600

01732 853 241

01892 532747

01622 717 341

Tel

www.waldersladegirls.org.uk

www.thevictoryacademy.org.uk

www.thomasaveling.co.uk

www.stroodacademy.org

www.st-johnfisher.medway.sch.uk

sirjosephwilliamson.medway.sch.uk

www.rochestergrammar.org.uk

www.robertnapier.medway.sch.uk

www.rsg.org.uk

www.rainhammark.com

www.hooschool.co.uk

www.thehowardschool.co.uk

www.holcombegrammar.org.uk

www.greenacre.medway.sch.uk

www.gadshill.org

www.fortpitt.medway.sch.uk

chathamgirlsgrammar.medway.sch.uk

www.bromptonacademy.org.uk

Medway

www.wrotham.kent.sch.uk

www.wealdofkent.kent.sch.uk

www.tgs.kent.sch.uk

www.themallingschool.kent.sch.uk

www.judd.kent.sch.uk

www.hughchristie.kent.sch.uk

www.holmesdale.kent.sch.uk

www.hillview.kent.sch.uk

www.hayesbrook.kent.sch.uk

www.hrcschool.org

www.beechwood.org.uk

www.aylesford.kent.sch.uk

Website

Choosing your New School

Open Eve 10 Oct 6-8.30pm. Open Morn 11, 12, 13 Oct 9am-12 noon.

Open Eve 5 Oct 5pm. Open Morn 10, 12, 17 & 19 Oct 10am. Booking essential.

Open Morn 3, 4 & 5 Oct, 9.15-11am. Head’s talk at 9.15am.

Open Eve 27 Sept. Open Morn 3, 4, 5, Oct 10.45-11.55am.

See school for details

See school for details

See school for details

Open Eve 4 Oct 6-8pm. Open Morn 10-12 Oct 9am-12 noon.

Open Morn 16 Sept 10am-12noon. Open Eve 12 Oct 6-8pm. See website for more.

Open Eve 5 Oct 5-7pm. Open Morn 7 Oct 10am-12 noon.

Morn Tours 25-29 Sept, booking required. Open Day 30 Sept 10am-1pm.

Open Eve 3 Oct 5.30-8pm. Open Morn 12 & 13 Oct 8.35am-10.30am.

See school for details

See school for details

Open Morn 7 Oct 10am-12 noon.

See school for details

See school for details

Open Eve 28 Sept 5.30-8pm. Open Morn 30 Sept 10am-12 noon.

Open Eve 28 Sept 5.30-8pm. Open Morn 3 & 19 Oct 9-11am.

Open Eve 5 Oct 5.30-8.30pm. Open Morn 13 & 17 9.30-10.30am.

Open Morn 13 & 19 Oct 9.30am-12noon. Open Eve 5.30-8.30pm.

Open Eve 5 Oct 6-9pm. Open Morn 9, 10, 11, 16, 17 & 18. Booking essential.

Open Morn 17-19 Oct 9.30-10.30am. Booking required - see website from 4pm 12 Oct.

Open Eve 19 Sept 6-8pm.

Open Eve 28 Sept 6-9pm. Tours 2, 3, 16 & 17 Oct 9.30am and 11.45am. Booking essential.

Open Morn 30 Sept 10am-12noon, 3 & 4 Oct 9.15-11.15am. Open Eve 19 Oct 5.30-8.30pm

Open Eve 20 Sept 6pm. Open Morn 21 & 26 Sept, 4 & 12 Oct 9am/9.30am, call school to book.

Open Morn 25, 27 Sept, 2, 4, 9, 11 Oct 9.30-10.30am & 12-1pm by appt. Open Eve 12 Oct.

Open Day 7 Oct 9.30-1pm. Contact registrar@beechwood.org.uk for more info.

See school for details

Date/Time of Open Days

Dates correct at time of going to press. Contact the school to confirm details

Address

Name

Tonbridge & Malling

22

4 Sept - 8 Oct ‘17

Follow us on Twitter - @PT_Kent

Southfield Rd, Tunbridge Wells, TN4 9UJ

St John’s Rd, Tunbridge Wells, TN4 9XB

Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar Sch

Tunbridge Wells Grammar for Boys

01797 252 494

01227 475 601

01304 245 073

01892 553011

01892 517 275

01892 527 444

01892 578 103

01892 534 377

01892 839 022

01580 712 754

01580 711 800

01892 521 595

01732 469 111

01322 665 231

01732 454 608

Tel

www.frewencollege.co.uk

www.stedmunds.org.uk

www.doyrms.com

Other

www.twgsb.org.uk

www.twggs.kent.sch.uk

www.sgschool.org.uk

www.skinners-school.co.uk

www.skinnerskentacademy.org.uk

www.mascalls.kent.sch.uk

www.highwealdacademy.kent.sch.uk

www.cranbrookschool.co.uk

www.bennett.kent.sch.uk

Tunbridge Wells

www.trinitysevenoaks.org.uk

www.orchards-tkat.org

www.knoleacademy.org

Website

Open Morn 21 Sept & 7 Oct.

Open Morn 30 Sept 9am-12noon. Booking essential.

Open Morn 7 Oct

Open Eve 2 Oct 4-8pm. Open Day 6, 16 & 19 Oct. Tours 10.30am & 1.45pm.

Open Eve 21 Sept 5.30-8.30pm. Open Morn 18 Oct 11am-12.30pm.

Open Morn 27, 28 Sept, 18 & 19 Oct, 9-11am. Open Eve 28 Sept 4.30-7.30pm.

Open Eve 5 Oct 4-7pm. Open Morn (Yr 6 only) 17 & 18 Oct.

4-7.30pm.

Open Morn 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28 Sept, 3, 12, 17, 19 Oct, book tours. Open Eve 5 Oct

Open Eve 26 Sept 5-8pm. Open Morn 4 & 6 Oct 9-11am.

Open Morn 28 Sept 9am-12.30pm. Open Eve 28 Sept 4-6.30pm. See website for more.

Open Eve 20 Sept 5pm. Open Morn 22 Sept & 17 Oct 8.45-9.45am.

Open Eve 26, 28 and 4 Oct 6pm, Head’s address 7.30pm.

Open Morn 19 Sept - book via school office.

appt only.

Open Morn 23 Sept 9.30am-12.30pm. Open Morn 28 Sept, 5 & 10 Oct 8.30-10am by

Open Eve 21 Sept 6-9pm. Open Morn 2 & 10 Oct 10am-12.30pm. See website for more.

Date/Time of Open Days

Dates correct at time of going to press. Contact the school to confirm details

Rye Road, Northiam, TN31 6NL

Reynolds Ln, Tunbridge Wells, TN4 9XL

St Gregory’s Catholic School

Frewen College

St John’s Rd, Tunbridge Wells, TN4 9PG

Skinners’ School, The

St Thomas’ Hill, Canterbury, CT2 8HU

Sandown Pk, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 4PY

Skinner’s Kent Academy, The

St Edmund’s School

Maidstone Rd, Paddock Wood, TN12 6LT

Mascalls Academy

Dover, Kent CT15 5EQ

Angley Road, Cranbrook, TN17 2PJ

High Weald Academy, The

Duke of York’s Military Sch, The

Waterloo Road, Cranbrook, TN17 3JD

Cranbrook School

Seal Hollow Road, Sevenoaks, TN13 2SL

Culverden Dn, Tunbridge Wells, TN4 9SH

School

Bennett Memorial Diocesan Sch

Trinity

St Mary’s Road, Swanley, BR8 7TE

Bradbourne Vale Rd, Sevenoaks, TN13 3LE

Knole Academy, The

Orchards Academy

Address

Name

Sevenoaks (inc Swanley)

Choosing your New School

Leeds Castle

Education News

Brake Road Safety Charity

This year’s Road Safety Week is taking place on 20-26 November and Brake are encouraging thousands of nurseries, schools and colleges to get involved. It’s a fantastic opportunity to get the important messages of road safety across not only to the younger generation, but also to their parents and the community.

The week has been running for 20 years, inspiring people of all ages to get together to talk about road safety.

There are lots of free electronic resources available such as assembly workshop slides, interactive resources and activity sheets.

This year’s theme is ‘Speed Down, Save Lives’ to highlight the dangers

Leeds Castle has been a Norman stronghold, the private property of six of England’s medieval queens, a palace used by Henry VIII and his first wife Catherine of Aragon, a Jacobean country house, a Georgian mansion, an elegant early 20th century retreat for the influential and famous and in the 21st century, it has become one of the most visited historic buildings in Britain. Leeds Castle welcomes school visits from the UK, Europe and all over the world, all year round. Themed workshops, self-guided visits and fun-packed itineraries ensure school groups will learn that there is much more to Leeds Castle than history.

Two brand new add-on self-guided education packages are now available to pre-book, offering great value for money and enhancing your groups visit. Choose from ‘Meet King Henry VIII’ or the ‘Private School Falconry Display’. Meet one of the most famous monarchs in English history in the Castle’s Banqueting Hall. Henry doesn’t mind having his photo taken providing you curtsy or bow before him first.

Continued on page 24 ! ip tr in ol /w ho m sc .co ee le fr st a ca in sW ed le

Discover more than just history Leeds Castle offers a variety of fun and interactive workshops which focus on the UK National Curriculum including History, Literacy, Art & Design, Science, Drama, Citizenship and PHSE.

EducationInvestor

Awards 2016

Follow us on Twitter - @PT_Kent

leeds-castle.com/education Email: bookings@leeds-castle.co.uk Tel: 01622 767865

4 Sept - 8 Oct ‘17

23

Education News

of high speed driving. If you want to get involved, head to www. roadsafetyweek.org.uk to register for your free online action pack.

For early years educators, Brake have created activities and resources for younger audiences. ‘Beep Beep!’ days are a great opportunity for teachers to introduce children to road safety basics, with the next one taking place on 27 September.You can register for a free e-pack or purchase a bumper pack containing colouring sheets, posters, laminated activity cards, a road map, an A2 activity poster, certificates, stickers, balloons and new themed resources.

For more information about the Brake charity and to register for ‘Beep Beep!’ day, please visit brake.org.uk/beepbeepday.

Education News

Continued from page 23

Alternatively, the Castle Falconry Team offer private free-flying birds of prey displays in the arena before the chance to meet the birds up close and ask questions. For more information visit www. leeds-castle.com.

Mary’s Meals

Mary’s Meals are asking you to bring hope to a hungry child with this World Porridge Day. Children all over the world are preparing for the new term, including more than 1.2 million learners who receive a daily meal from Mary’s Meals. The charity works with some of the world’s poorest communities to set up school feeding programmes that encourage children to attend class, learn, and work towards a better future.

World Porridge Day, 10 October, celebrates the huge difference that a daily mug of porridge from Mary’s Meals makes in the lives of chronically hungry children. This October, schools across the UK will be joining in with the Porridge Smiles fundraising campaign to send a real message of hope to children living in poverty.

Mary’s Meals is inviting you to host a porridge party fundraiser at school, any time in October. It’s a great way to bring staff, pupils and parents together and everyone will have fun creating a smiley face in their bowl of porridge using tasty toppings.

To request your free Porridge Smiles fundraising pack – which includes tips for setting up your party and a poster to publicise your event – visit www.worldporridgeday.com and complete the online form.You’ll also be able to see some of the best Porridge Smiles from last year in our 2016 Hall of Fame.

This October, Mary’s Meals is inviting you to reach out to children living in poverty by supporting the #PorridgeSmiles campaign To request your free Porridge Smiles fundraising pack, please visit www.worldporridgeday.com

24

4 Sept - 8 Oct ‘17

It costs just 7p to provide one meal, so your school’s fundraising will make a huge difference to children receiving Mary’s Meals. The charity is committed to spending at least 93p of every £1 donated directly on charitable activities.

Star Tuition

Primary Times spoke to Charnjit Rai from Star Tuition. She told us, “I am an experienced private tutor based in Gravesend, with many years’ experience tutoring 11+, 7+, SATS, maths and English at primary school level (KS2). I am a University Graduate and I also studied at Gravesend Grammar School for Girls.

I have been on the Board of Governors at a primary school for 7 years while my children were pupils at the school. Therefore, I have a very clear understanding of the way in which the curriculum is taught from Reception to Year 6.

Additionally, I have helped many students in gaining confidence and a clearer understanding of the subjects being taught. One of my aims is to enhance the students’ academic skills and teach them with a technique that suits them best as I understand that each child has individual needs.

Initially, I tutored my 3 children and my friends’ children in preparation for their 11+ exams; they all passed and managed to secure places at grammar schools. I am a dedicated and successful tutor who enjoys working with children and I gain great satisfaction from helping children to excel in their studies.”

Revision Tips from A E Publications

You only need to Google ‘revision tips’ in order to discover a plethora of advice on how to tackle revision. It always involves a combination of memorisation and the application of everything learnt to specific questions.

Expecting the mind to retain large amounts of information through last minute cramming is unrealistic. Excessive short-term bursts of learning activity may be successful for simple revision topics but this is not a good strategy for effective and optimum examination performance. Here is a list of recommendations before revising for any exam: 1. Eat well - there is substantial evidence to suggest that eating a healthy, balanced diet aids good brain function.

2. Drink well - drinking plenty of liquid helps reduce dehydration and maintain concentration and energy levels.

3. Build a revision planner - map out how many feasible days are left to revise and all the topics that need to be covered.

4. Allow time for final revision - it’s always a good idea to allow enough time at the end of the revision process to go through all the topics one final time.

5. Read it, Recall it, Reproduce it – don’t just glance at materials but check you have absorbed the information. It is useful to employ these three ‘Rs’ in your approach to revision.

AE Publications’ range of classroom tested workbooks and testbooks build upon what your child has been taught in the classroom and are the perfect preparation for exams.Visit www.aepublications.co.uk to find out more.

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Education News

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Prepare your child for 11+ exam success AE Publications’ workbooks, testbooks and testpacks form a comprehensive range of extra-curricular study materials that you can use with your child at home.

Our ‘how-to’ workbooks are step-by-step guides that provide you and your child with:

 Information to be understood  Techniques to be mastered

Order your free Primary Fundraising Pack at sportrelief.com/primarytimes

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Sport Relief is back from 17-23 March 2018.

It’s a fantastic way for your pupils to set personal goals and help others along the way. So, get a head start and order your free schools fundraising pack today.

Our testbooks should be used alongside the workbooks to reinforce the techniques as they are learnt.

R SS O The testpacks, which contain practice papers, should be used as part of the final T ESTE exam preparation.

OM

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Sport Relief is an initiative of Comic Relief, registered charity 326568 (England/Wales); SC039730 (Scotland).

Photo credit: Alexander Walker. SR18_125

 Exercises to practise the techniques

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25

What’s On

More What’s On

Your family diary until October Half Term

September Fri 15 – Sun 17 Sep

Grill ‘n’ Chill, The Hop Farm, Paddock Wood, TN12 6PY A fun-filled weekend featuring classic VWs. Enjoy the traditional car show but with a more chilledout vibe. For information including tickets and camping visit www. grill-n-chill.co.uk

Great British Beach Clean, Nationwide Join in to make Britain’s Beaches cleaner for one weekend. Marine litter is a problem that we can all play a part in solving, and what better way to start than with a day at the beach. For more information and to register as a volunteer, visit www.mcsuk.org/beachwatch

Twilight Walk Gravesend, Cyclopark, 7pm. Join in for camaraderie and fun to help raise money for Ellenor by walking a circular route starting at Cyclopark. All Twilight Walk participants will receive a Twilight Walk t-shirt, goody bag and finishing medal. For more information and to register visit www.ellenorlions.org

Sat 16 Sep

Great British Beach Clean, Plumpudding Beach, Minnis Bay CT7 9QP 10am–12.30pm. Clean along the refreshing ‘Northern Sea Wall’ beaches at the very western end of Minnis Bay, Birchington heading towards Reculver. Equipment will be provided. Meet outside The Minnis Bar & Brasserie. For more information visit www.nekmpa.org.uk

Junior Keeper, Wildwood Trust, Herne Bay, CT6 7LQ During the morning, the Junior Zoo Keepers will distribute a feed and meet an animal. Other skills learned include how to plan an enclosure, how to make an animal’s life more exciting, tool use, animal feed preparation and basic health and safety. For more information and to book visit www.wildwoodtrust.org

Alice Through the Looking Glass, (2016) Betteshanger, Deal, CT14 0BF Set in the heart of the Park, both the cinema screen and natural auditorium are entirely uncovered - a perfect way to enjoy long, warm summer evenings in the great outdoors. This the final film of the season. For more information and to book visit www.betteshangerpark.co.uk

26

4 Sept - 8 Oct ‘17

Boot & Autumn Fayre, The Lord Whisky Sanctuary Fund, Stelling Minnis, CT4 6AN Boots from 8am, entertainment from 12noon. Go along and enjoy the autumn fayre plus help raise vital funds for the sanctuary. To find out more about the event call 01303 862 622 or visit www. lordwhisky.co.uk

Moonlit Walk, Heart of Kent Hospice, Aylesford, ME20 7PU From 9pm. The Hospice invites you to join its annual 8 mile sponsored walk under the stars to remember loved ones and support its work.

For more information and to register visit www.hokh.org

Wildlife of the Walls (Green Gang), Drop Redoubt, Dover, CT17 9DY 10am-5pm. Collect a quiz sheet to learn about the wildlife that colonises the walls around the fort. Return your quiz sheet on the day to receive a small prize. Drop Redoubt, accompanied children free. Grand Shaft, free. Green Gang event, donations.Visit www. whitecliffscountryside.org.uk

Great British Beach Clean, Pegwell Bay, Cliffsend, CT12 5HY 2.30pm meet on the beach below the former hoverport access road. Join a beach clean and litter survey, as a part of the Marine Conservation Society’s annual national campaign to help the coast. Gloves, sticks and bags provided. For more information visit www.nekmpa.org.uk

Journey Stick Walk, Haysden Country Park, Tonbridge, TN11 9BB 10am–12noon. Go for a walk around the park and make a memory journey stick, using natural objects you find along route. Meet by the flag pole near the main car park, no booking required. This is a free event. For more information visit www.tmbc. 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

”

Great British Beach Clean, Nationwide

Join in to make Britain’s Beaches cleaner for one weekend. Marine litter is a problem that we can all play a part in solving, and what better way to start than with a day at the beach. For more information and to register as a volunteer, visit www.mcsuk.org/beachwatch

Dungenness NNR, Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Car Park, TN29 9NA

11am–5pm. Immerse yourselves in a Mexican plant tour with Tom, enjoy the music and indulge with a taste of Mexico! Tom will lead guided tours of the ‘Hot & Spiky’ House at 12.30pm and 2.30pm - join at any time. For more information visit www. lullingstonecastle.co.uk

Folly Wildlife Rescue, Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve and Jeffery Harrison Visitor Centre, TN13 3DH

Thurs 21 Sep

The Wizard of Once, Waterstones, Canterbury, CT1 2SJ

Sat 16 – Sun 17 Sep

Paws in the Park, Kent Showground, Maidstone, ME14 3JF

5pm. Go along and meet Cressida Cowell, who has written a new adventure, The Wizard of Once.

Can Xar the Wizard boy forget his hatred of Wish the Warrior girl to defeat a greater evil? Charges apply.

For more information visit www. waterstones.com

Endless activities for dogs to enjoy with their owners, including have a go events, arena displays, companion dog show and a wide range of competitions. For more information visit www. pawsinthepark.net

Sat 23 Sep

Family Arts Award Day, Maidstone Museum, ME14 1LH

Revolve24, Brands Hatch, Longfield, DA3 8NG A cycle relay open to teams of 2, 4, 6 and 8, and soloists. The 24 and 12 hour track relay takes place on the 3.9km Grand Prix circuit which delivers pure cycling emotion of arduous climbs, smooth tarmac, banking corners and exhilarating descents. For information visit www.brandshatch.co.uk

Salute to the 40s, Historic Dockyard, Chatham, ME4 4TE Become part of our 1940s Family and be transported back in time for two full days of vintage spirit!

Living history, big band performances, live vintage music, traditional seaside fun, wartime displays – Home Front and Military, Air Raid Experiences and much more. For more information visit www.thedockyard.co.uk

10am-5pm (10am-4pm on Sun).

The Erith Model Railway Society’s

Mexican Celebration Weekend, Lullingstone Castle, Dartford, DA4 0JA

7.15pm–9.30pm. A talk by one of the staff from the rescue centre on the work carried out with animal care and treatment and an insight into the ‘Project Hedgehog’ being set up. Refreshments served after the talk. For more information visit www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

2–4pm. Go along to one of the best examples of a shingle beach in the world, home to many uncommon plants, insects and spiders. This guided walk will take in the Bird Observatory and the shingle bund. Led by Owen Leyshon. For more information visit www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

Dartford Model Railway Exhibition, The Leigh Academy, Dartford, DA1 1QE

annual exhibition features up to 20 layouts, plus trade support, demonstration stands and refreshments. Charges apply. For more information visit www. ukmodelshops.co.uk/events

Children aged 5+ can gain a Discover Arts Award through the ‘Discover in a Day’ package.

Children, with a parent/guardian, investigate different art forms, find out about the Egyptian collection, create a piece of art and share their work, all in one day. For more information and to book visit www.museum.maidstone.gov.uk

Open Day, Thames-side Fire Station, Northfleet, DA11 8NT 11am-4pm. Go along to the community safety open day at Thames-side fire station. The day will feature a variety of events and activities for all the family to enjoy with the primary aim of promoting safety messages to the local community, in a fun and enjoyable way. For more information visit www.kent.fire-uk.org

For lots more What’s On ideas see page 28...

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Magic Wordsearch

W K Y H O U D I N I

I H I R A B B I E W

Z F T L W V F P C A

A S W K L D Z B A N

R C P E O U R U R D

D F A E Y B S W D P

N M W B L C W I Z A

H A T S W L Z H O M

M A G I C I A N G N

O S O R C E R Y J S

Can you find the following words in the wordsearch - Wand, Hat, Houdini, Card, Magician, Wizard, Illusion, Spell, Sorcery

Spot the Five Differences

What do you call a magician on a plane?

A flying sorcerer!

Answers

Find your way:

Magnificent Magicians

Spot the Difference

lown’s

In Picture B there are two stars on the top hat, it says MagicA, there’s a second set of playing cards, the spade and club have been swapped, the girl’s hair has changed colour

Katie

Did you hear about the magical tractor? It turned into a field!

Did you hear about the angry magician?

He pulled his hare out!

Draw a picture of the most wacky magician your imagination can think of!

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 Closing date: 22 September 2017.

Good Luck!

Try and find your way to Mr.Rabbit without waking him up!

What’s On

More What’s On

Your family diary until October Half Term

September Meet Children’s Author Lara Williamson, Waterstones, Thanet, CT10 2QF 1pm. Go along and meet Author Lara Williamson with some questions to ask her about her books. Plus you will have the chance to buy signed copies of Just Call Me Spaghetti-Hoop Boy, A Boy Called Hope and The Boy who sailed the Ocean in an Armchair.

For more information visit www. waterstones.com

Apple Fest at Macey’s Meadow Community Orchard, West Malling, ME19 6RW 2-5pm. Apples Galore – go and pick apples in the orchard for pressing and taste the most delicious juice. Taste the apple cakes and have a picnic in the orchard. For more information visit www. kentorchards.org.uk

Sat 23 – Sun 24 Sep

Family Weekend, Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway, Hythe Station, TN28 8PL Enjoy a family weekend with special trains running to see Peppa Pig at intervals at New Romney station. Pre-booking seats on the special trains is essential. For more information visit www.rhdr.org.uk

BARC Club Car Championships, Brands Hatch, Longfield, DA3 8NG BARC will entertain this weekend with a packed line-up of tin-top races on the Brands Hatch Indy Circuit. The paddock will be open to all spectators this weekend, offering you a chance to meet the teams and drivers. Under 13s free. For information visit www. brandshatch.co.uk

Day Out with Thomas, Kent and East Sussex Railway, Tenterden, TN30 6HE 10am-5pm. Meet Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends. The Fat Controller will make your day out with Thomas an enchanting experience, full of entertainment the whole family can enjoy. To book tickets and for more information visit www.kesr.org.uk

Sat 23 – Thurs 28 Sep

Festival of Flowers, Leeds Castle, Maidstone, ME17 1PL

Follow a mysterious magical floral world created by international award winning designers.Visitors will be spellbound as they follow pathways leading into secret rooms filled with fantasy floral designs. For more information and to book visit www.leeds-castle.com

28

4 Sept - 8 Oct ‘17

Sun 24 Sep

Betteshanger Bikers, Betteshanger Park, Deal, CT14 0BF 10am–11.30am. (Also 17 Sep) 10-11.30am. Get expert coaching, learn awesome cycling skills and take part in fun and exciting games from the British Cycling qualified coaches. Ages 8-14 .Book on 01304 619 227. For more information visit www.betteshanger-park.co.uk

Capstone Festival, Capstone Farm Country Park, Gillingham, ME7 3JG 11am-4pm. Enjoy a celebration of outdoor pursuits to include line dancing, scouting activities, a craft tent, land hovercraft rides, climbing wall and country band, as well as kite and mountain bike displays.

For more information visit www. enjoymedway.org

‘Pirate’ Family Rave DJ Slipmatt, Groombridge Place, Tunbridge Wells TN3 9QG 2–4pm. Dress up as a pirate or sea creature and let yourself go to the bangin’ choons of the rave master DJ Slipmatt. Throw some shapes in the open air to his classic mix of old skool, house, techno and drum’n’bass. With glitter cannons, bubble machines and more. For more information visit www. bigfishlittlefishevents.co.uk

Community Fun Day, Demelza House, Sittingbourne, ME9 8DZ 11am–3pm. Join Demelza’s Dotty, Minnie Mouse, Mickey Mouse and Peppa Pig at this year’s Community Fun Day. There will be a variety of activities fun and games to take part in. For more information visit www.demelza.org.uk

Mini Steam Fair, Crampton Tower Museum, Broadstairs, CT10 2AB A day for steam enthusiasts with exhibits which include a miniature beam engine. Free entry, donations are welcome.

For more information visit www. cramptontower.co.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

Tues 26 Sep

”

Photo Days, Wildwood Trust, Herne Bay, CT6 7LQ

An opportunity to take closeup photos of our animals with the resident photographer Dave Butcher. Different animals will be photographed across the day, with animal feeds for the more elusive animals to help you get close views.

For more information and to book visit www.wildwoodtrust.org

Fri 29 Sep

Bat Walk, Bore Place, Chiddingstone, TN8 7AR 8–9.30pm. Go along to see bats and their amazing aerial acrobatics and other night time animals.

You’ll be guided on a night walk using bat detectors to listen out for bats as they leave their roosts and fly out to catch insects. For more information and to book visit www.boreplace.org

Gorillas & Gowns Charity Fashion Show, Port Lympne Hotel, Nr Ashford, CT21 4PD

Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship, Brands Hatch, Longfield, DA3 8NG

Visit the UK’s biggest car racing series, featuring highly-modified versions of saloons and hatchbacks seen on the nation’s streets.

Admission charges apply, under 13s free. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.brandshatch. co.uk

Apple and Orchard Weekend, Ightham Mote, Nr Sevenoaks, TN15 0NT 10am-4pm. Celebrate the bounty of the Garden of England with the annual apple and orchard event. With apple tasting and local produce stalls. For more information visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/ightham-mote

Bird Box Making & Bird Trail, Samphire Hoe, CT17 9FL Build yourself a bird box from our specially prepared kits.Take it home together with instructions on where best to site it. Rangers will be by the Education Shelter with binoculars and telescopes for visitors to use to see the wildlife up close. Have a go at the bird quiz trail.To book your slot call 01304 241 806.

October Sun 1 Oct

Open Day, Bredgar & Wormshill Light Railway, Sittingbourne, ME9 8AT

6.30-11.30pm. Go along to support the Aspinall Foundations work with gorillas in Congo. The Fashion Show will be organised in collaboration with two Kent based fashion designers, Caroline Bruce and twelve year old Josh Bartfield Birch Jones. For more information and to book visit www.butterfliesanddreamsevents. co.uk/gorillas-gowns

A delightful 2 foot gauge line in the heart of Kent.View a whole range of steam locomotives of varying gauges, freight and carriage stock, and railway artefacts. Enjoy walks in the woods or just sit and watch the trains go by. Charges apply. For times visit www.bwlr.co.uk

Betteshanger Bikers, Betteshanger Park, Deal, CT14 0BF

Sat 30 Sep

The Fossil Roadshow, Maidstone Museum, ME14 1LH 10.30-3.30pm. Go along and take your fossil finds to be identified by the Medway Fossil & Mineral Society. Handle amazing fossils, play fossil games and have your face painted ammonite-style. For more information visit www.museum. maidstone.gov.uk

Waypoint Project Harvest Trail, Maidstone Town Centre, ME15 6AT 10am–3pm. Go along and hunt for baskets, discover more about local Kent food and create your own scarecrow! For more information visit www.waypointmaidstone. org.uk

Sat 30 Sep – Sun 1 Oct

(Also 8 Oct) 10-11.30am. Get expert coaching, learn awesome cycling skills and take part in fun and exciting games from the British Cycling qualified coaches. Ages 8-14. Book on 01304 619 227.

For more information visit www. betteshanger-park.co.uk

Sun 1 - Sun 29 Oct

Autumn Colour Trail, Hever Castle, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG Enjoy the crisp and rich display of autumn colour in the countryside and crunching the leaves underfoot. The Castle is at its most photogenic during the autumn months when the Boston Ivy on the front turns a vivid shade of red.

For more information visit www. hevercastle.co.uk

For lots more What’s On ideas see page 30...

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Win a Jungle Bunch Goodie Bag Based on the award winning French-American-British TV series, the Jungle Bunch are back in their new film ‘The Jungle Bunch Returns’. Maurice may look like an emperor penguin but he’s a real tiger inside. He journeyed from Antarctica to the equator because he believed he belonged there. Raised by a tigress, he’s the clumsiest Kung-Fu master ever. Maurice has a group of friends - Junior the fish, Miguel the gorilla, Gilbert the grumpy tarsier, Batricia the bat, Fred the warthog and Al and Bob, both toads, who together make The Jungle Bunch. Maurice and his friends intend to maintain order and justice in the jungle as Maurice’s mother did before him. But Igor, an evil koala, wants to destroy the jungle once and for all with the help of his army of silly baboons. The Jungle Bunch is released in UK cinemas on 15 September.

For your chance to win one of five Jungle Bunch goodie bags, tell us where Maurice the emperor penguin originally came from. See below for details on how to enter.

Win a Very Special Prize...

Competitions

Competitions A Dog with Nice Ears is a new Charlie and Lola book from Waterstones’ Children’s Laureate Lauren Child, celebrating the universal longing for pets with Lauren’s trademark humour and originality. Charlie and Lola books are hugely loved by children, parents and grandparents the world over.

This new Charlie and Lola picture book features dogs of all shapes and sizes, but while Charlie and Lola mull over, dream and imagine various options, it becomes clear that the qualities of Lola’s ideal pooch seem oddly like those of a…rabbit! A Dog with Nice Ears featuring Charlie and Lola is published on 28 September.

We have five copies of A Dog with Nice Ears, signed by Lauren Child, for Primary Times readers to win. For your chance to win one, tell us what kind of animal Lola’s ideal pooch seems oddly like. See below for details of how to enter.

A Robot is for Life, Not Just for Christmas The future of technology is looking robotic, and it’s good to be ahead of the game. UBTECH Robotic’s Jimu Robot is one step closer to beating that game and successfully sculpting a brighter future.

This spectacular robot helps parents out at home and teaches children useful life skills like coding. The kit contains 201 snap-together, interlocking parts to create a unique, life-like character.

Through building the robot at home, children’s school work is greatly helped in a fun and motivating way which also improves children’s STEM skills.Your child will be inspired both scientifically and creatively whilst having a fun project to work on. The kits are an easy and engaging way for children and parents to learn together and once the robot is built, it can be connected to Apple’s Swift Playgrounds, a free educational coding app for iPads that offers exciting new ways to code your robot.

The UBTECH Robotic Jimu Robot MeeBot Kit is available exclusively on the Apple website for £109.95. For more information visit www.jimurobots.com.

Times has one UBTECH F F B U I L D B G P Primary Robotic Jimu Robot to give away G X G D V B K N D R to one lucky Primary Times reader. be in with a chance of winning, K S T O B E E M S T To all you need to do is complete the I V T S H T A D U M word search. Then fill out the form T B O L L R M M G A with your details and send it to the address at the foot of the page.

S G B P G N I D O C Robot • Coding • MeeBot H D O O H J N B K H Machine • Science • Maths T S R Z J C B D H I Program • Jimu • Kit • Build A P B M F H P S R N M D N S C I E N C E Name..........................................................................................................................

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

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

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 competion name as the subject by Friday 22 September.

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

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4 Sept - 8 Oct ‘17

29

What’s On

More What’s On

Your family diary until October Half Term

October

Sun 1 – Tues 31 Oct The Big Draw Festival, Nationwide

The Big Draw Festival is for anyone who loves to draw, as well as those who think they can’t! It’s an opportunity to join a global community in celebration of the universal language of drawing. For a full list of the venues taking part or to register visit www.thebigdraw. org

Thurs 5 Oct

Night Time Tours, Wildwood Trust, Herne Bay, CTY6 1DB Experience the wolves tracking you silently through the woods like silver shadows on silent feet.

Hear the beavers splashing in their pond and spot the wild boar rooting under the pine trees. For more information and to book visit www.wildwoodtrust.org

Fri 6 Oct

Astronomy Evening, Bore Place, Chiddingstone, TN8 7AR Go along to look through telescopes to see Venus and the Moon. Enjoy related demos, activities and talks. Ages 5+. For more information and to book visit www.boreplace.org

Sat 7 Oct

Medway Fun Palace, Chatham, ME4 4BP 11am–4pm. Medway Fun Palace has been in it from the start! This year may include dancing, singing, experiments, painting, building bridges – but building a community too. For more information visit www.funpalaces.co.uk

The Big Draw, Maidstone Museum, ME14 1LH 10.30am-3pm. Go along and design a brick for the Egyptian pyramid.

Will you decorate your brick with heiroglyphs, amulets or Egyptian gods? Drop in to the free family event, design your brick and add it to the pyramid. For more information visit www.museum. maidstone.gov.uk

Murston Heart Fun Palace, Stadium Way, Sittingbourne, ME10

Sat 7 – Sun 8 Oct

Model Railway Exhibitions, Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone, CT20 2DZ 10am-5pm. Now in its 46th year, visit the well-established Folkestone Model Railway Exhibition. It is an ideal day out for the whole family with many quality layouts and traders on offer. Charges apply. For more information visit www. ukmodelshops.co.uk/events

Pick your Own Pumpkin, Ashford, TN25 7HY (Also 14, 15 Oct) Pull on your wellies and come and pick your own pumpkin for Halloween. FREE entry, just pay for what you pick. For more information visit www. pickyourownpumpkin.farm

Spook Academy, The Canterbury Tales, CT1 2TG (Also 14, 15 Oct) 12noon-4pm.

Enrol in the medieval attractions Spook Academy. Children will learn how to scare their parents in Ghoul School and meet Professor Spring. Families are encouraged to dress up and the best costume will receive a gift.

For more information visit www. canterburytales.org.uk

Fun Palaces, Various Locations Fun Palaces are made by local people for their own communities, bringing together arts and sciences, crafts, tech and digital, free and fun, linked by the Fun Palace network – Everyone an Artist, Everyone a Scientist. To view the full programme of events visit www. funpalaces.co.uk

Sat 7 Oct – Sat 11 Nov With Map and Musket, Quebec House, Westerham, TN16 1TD

(Also 9 Dec) 1-4pm. Go along and find out how the map makers played a key role in the Quebec

11am–3pm. A great location for the 3rd Fun Palace this year in the grounds of the Old Church.

Go along and join in for lots of free environmental fun. For more information visit www.funpalaces. co.uk

30

4 Sept - 8 Oct ‘17

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

“

centre, starting from Whitstable Road. For more information visit www.faversham.org

I saw your event in Primary Times....

Please mention you saw the event listed in Primary Times

Sat 14 Oct – Sat 4 Nov

”

Canterbury Festival, Various Locations in Canterbury

campaign. For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quebechouse

The largest festival of arts and culture in the region will provide a wide range of events, including music, theatre and dance, comedy, science, exhibitions, walks and talks. For more information visit www.canterburyfestival.co.uk

Sun 8 Oct

Sun 15 Oct

Wildlife Warden Walk, Bough Beech Visitor Centre, Sevenoaks, TN14 6LD

Festival of Apples, Bough Beech Visitor Centre, Sevenoaks, TN14 6LD

Join honorary warden Alan Ford and fungi expert Martin Allison on an autumnal discovery, who will guide you on this short walk starting from Bough Beech visitor centre.You will look for and identify a selection of fungi including porcelain and pink gills. For more information and to book visit www.kentwildlifetrust. org.uk

12noon-4.30pm. Stroll in the old Apple Orchard, taste, test and select apples of all sizes, shapes and colours. Eat freshly cooked apple fritters, play the bee game, create your own apple pig, weave some willow and much more.

For more information visit www. kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

Fun Palace, Various Locations in Whitstable 10am–4pm. Mural making in the museum, decorating with sweets in the community centre cafe and science and art activities that will create a periodic table using found objects from throughout the town, plus a treasure trail.

For more information visit www. whitstablefunpalace.co.uk

Betteshanger Bikers, Betteshanger Park, Deal, CT14 0BF 10am–11.30am. Get expert coaching, learn awesome cycling skills and take part in fun and exciting games from the British Cycling qualified coaches. Ages 8-14 .Book on 01304 619 227.

For more information visit www. betteshanger-park.co.uk

Tues 10 Oct – Sat 2 Dec

Scream & Scream Again, Maidstone Museum, ME14 1LH The exhibition takes a look at films from this period and how they were marketed abroad through a collection of rare original lobby cards and posters from around the world. Charges apply. For more information visit www.museum. maidstone.gov.uk

Fri 13 – Sun 15 Oct

MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship, Brands Hatch, Longfield, DA3 8NG A huge hit with motor racing fans, and regularly boasting huge crowds and a fantastic atmosphere, plus breathtaking action on the track.

Under 13s free. To book tickets and for more information visit www. brandshatch.co.uk

Sat 14 Oct

Boot Fair and Clearance Sale, The Lord Whisky Sanctuary Fund, Stelling Minnis, CT4 6AN Boots from 8am. Go along and enjoy the boot fair and clearance sale plus help raise vital funds for the sanctuary. To find out more about the event call 01303 862 622 or visit www.lordwhisky.co.uk

Carnival, Faversham Town Centre, ME13 8BD 6.30pm. Faversham’s illuminated carnival parade tours the town

Coins for Care, Heart of Kent, Aylesford, ME20 7PU Dig out your piggy banks and loose change jars, search your wallets and purses for the old £1 coins before they cease to be legal currency and donate them to help support local people in care. For more information visit www.hokh. org

Our next copy deadline is

22 September 2017.

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Good Work Page

Zareen Anjumuddin aged 6

Lucy Baker aged 11

Reggie Goodwin won an annual pass to competitions in our July Bumper Summer magazine. won who e peopl ing follow the to ions atulat Congr her school. Aleezeh Khan, Tirian Prentice, Alice Edinburgh Primary School won a set of books for Blackberry Farm. Amerie-Jasmin Remy-Aidoo from Family park Cyclo Captain Underpants Goody Bags.

Roberts, Sean Gribben and Phoebe O'Malley all won n Beatty, Wilso , Salter a Jessic on, Johns e Sophi Langford, If you would like to see Passes were won by Alastair Weller, Heath & Rosie lcolm AniMa .

Harris Evalyn Oliver and Emma your work displayed Harsharan Kaur Pahal, Alfie Harding, Reece Benfield, a Cook, Jacob Wasp, Jessica Sitko, James Geary books were won by Jasmine Pain, Amara & Raem here then just send us a a.

Nalep Florie and lah Riaz, Julia Hondebrink Andrews, Josephine Roberts, Ollie Melton, Abdul Lily were rs drawing, poem, riddles, winne Park the in Paws tures.

Adven Daisy Drewett won tickets to Millbrook Summer McDade, Riley Mooney, Holly jokes or short story and ford, Crock r Xande s, Costa Zach & tt Partridge, Tracey Edwards, Scarle Bethany Venn. Our Lollies Book Awards and y Rowle tte we'll do our very best to Charlo l, Turvil a Tabith & Luke , Oliver Crellin s to Loxwood Joust. Zareen Anjumuddin aged include it.

Send it to: winner was Adam Merryman. Grace Clark won ticket the er age group and Lucy Baker aged 11 won it for 6 won Annie's drawing competition for the young Good Work Page the artwork on this page. older group. Well done to all our winners and enjoy

Primary Times 7 Southbrook Mews London SE12 8LG

Thank you to Sheng for his colourful racing car scene, Fatima Khemache for her beautiful village and polluting city drawing, Bhavya for her cute country picture and Niladri Kar for his frightening group of dinosaurs We love seeing your work so do please keep sending it to us.