SE London October Half Term 2017 Primary Times

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IDE U NG O T’S A WH

for families with primary aged children

October Half Term Edition Issue 109 9 Oct - 19 Nov 2017

in South East London

21st-29th October

www.thedockyard.co.uk

The Best Family Guide to What’s On

t ’ a s h N e w W Guess Who? Nature Game Cars Photomurals

Transform your child’s room with a Cars photomural.

Through the large print format of the wall-murals, the Disney Cars personalities seem to be literally part of the room, giving Disney fans the chance to be close to their idols. Fans of Lightning McQueen will be able to marvel at their favourite character from the comfort of their own homes, extending the film experience and giving children even more opportunities to enter into and play in a new, fantastical world. If your child isn’t a Cars fan, there are many other Disney designs. Prices start at £55. For more information visit www.komar.de.

Doodle and Draw on the Go

The new Doodle Now and Go Chalk Books are the perfect way for your children to keep themselves amused either while out and about or at home.The beautiful 8 page books come with a set of 4 ZeroDust™ Butterstix chalks which glide easily on most non-porous surfaces leaving no stains, no mess and no dust.The Doodle Now and Go Chalk Books are available with a choice of covers and provide an endless outlet for your child’s creativity whilst at the same time saving paper.

Butterstix are also available in a pack of 12 colours with a holder and are completely safe for children. Doodle Now and Go Chalk Books are available for £24.95 from www. eatwell-uk.co.uk.

Play in a Box The newest creation from the National Theatre Bookshop means that imaginative children can now try their hand at creating, producing and acting in their own play.

The Play in a Box contains 30 character cards, eight setting cards, a book full of plot twists as well as a programme and tickets. It is the perfect way to showcase budding performers’ talent and comes complete with a ‘Stagecraft Handbook’ to provide creative thespians with step-by-step instructions on everything from acting to prop design. Play in a Box is available from the National Theatre Bookshop and is priced at £12.99. For more information and to purchase your kit, visit www.nationaltheatre.org.uk.

When British wildlife teams up with a much-loved game, it can only mean one thing - a whole lot of animal excitement. Guess Who? has had a wildlife makeover by the RSPB, with a new take on the classic two-player game. It’s the flip and find guessing game you know and love, but instead of funny hats and glasses, you have to ask if the mystery character has fur or feathers to ‘Guess Who’ from a range of wildlife. Choose your animal to start playing, and then narrow down your guesses with yes or no questions such as “can you fly?” or “do you have six legs?

This special edition has twenty six of our best-known British birds, mammals and insects to choose from. The RSPB Guess Who? game is suitable for ages 6+ and can be bought for £19.99 from the RSPB shop at www.rspb.org.uk.

Staccups - The Fast New Stacking Game

Take competitiveness up a level with the ultimate fast action party game, Staccups. Challenge your hand-eye coordination in a frantic race against your opponent to stack all of your cups as quickly as you possibly can.

Each of the brightly coloured shot sized cups comes with a base colour and top colour. Simply stack the cups on top of each other on the stacking station by matching the base colour of your cups to the top colour of a stacked cup. Perfect for all the family, Staccups is for up to 4 players or teams and is recommended for ages 8+. Get it online or at any good high street toy store for £19.99.

The Picture Atlas

Explore the world by looking not only at borders, mountains, rivers, seas and oceans, but by discovering the natural wonders of the world, historical artefacts, amazing animals, fascinating cultures and much, much more.With stunning illustrations from the incredible Jill Calder and written by Simon Holland,The Picture Atlas is unlike anything you’ve seen before. From the freezing Arctic Circle with its powerful orca whales to the amazing Sydney Opera House and the Great Barrier Reef, learn, explore and be amazed by the wonders of the world. Bursting full of beautiful artwork, informative maps and astounding facts, take a trip around the world like you’ve never seen it before.

The Picture Atlas is available online and from all good high street stores for £14.99.

The Incredible Hulk Slippers

With the much anticipated Thor: Ragnarok coming to UK cinemas on the 27 October, Disney have a great range of products to share with you. Embrace the power of the green and get your feet into a pair of Thor: Ragnarok slippers and have feet as terrifying as the Incredible Hulk whilst as the same time staying snug and warm. Get your pair from the Disney Store for £7.99. For more information go to www.disneystore.co.uk.

free

IDE GU ON AT’S WH

for families with primary aged children

October Half Term Edition Issue 109 9 Oct - 19 Nov 2017

Dear Readers

in South East London

21st-29th October

www.thedockyard.co.uk

inside this issue....

The Best Family Guide to What’s On

Our advertisers are what keeps Primary Times free for all our thousands of readers - 365,000 magazines are published from this office, seven times a year - so please support them when you can and do let them know you read about them in Primary Times.

There’s so much happening over the next few weeks. Don’t forget to check through the listings for Halloween parties, fireworks displays, events for Museums at Night and a real spectacular event for those who can get to central London, the Lord Mayor’s Show on 11 November.

Whatever you get up to this half term, have a brilliant time.

Peter and the Primary Times team The Primary Times Team:

Primary Times is now printed on recycled 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 What’s On............................. 6 Family Theatre...................... 8

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Whatever the Weather............10

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Sparkly Fireworks Night will soon be here. There are some really useful guidelines available for firework safety on the Fire Service website. Take a look at www.fireservice.co.uk/safety/ firework-safety. They have tips on how to keep children safe, who should use sparklers, where to buy fireworks, which ones to buy, how to set them off and what you will need on the night.

The main thing is Be Safe, not Sorry.

Publishing Editor: Peter Watson Sales: Sarah-Jane Chapple, Clarry Frewin, Gill Pearce & 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

Contents

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By now hopefully all ‘first timers’ will have settled down in school and be ready for the first school holiday of the year. School holidays are really the time that Primary Times is invaluable as our listings are so comprehensive that if we don’t know about it, it’s not happening (with only one or two exceptions!)

E c ola b el

Out of School Activities...........16 Our next magazine will be published on 20 November, in readiness for Christmas and the New Year and all the way through to February Half Term.

The copy deadline is 3 November

Education News...................19 Competitions.......................29 Good Work Page.................31

Primary Times in South East London 7 Southbrook Mews London SE12 8LG Tel: 020 8318 0400 Email: office@primarytimes.biz Website: www.primarytimes.net Twitter: @PT_LondonSandE Instagram: @primarytimesse

Primary Times is independently published and distributed free in primary and junior schools throughout the boroughs of Bexley, Bromley and Greenwich.

Its aims are to inform families and children of current educational issues, forthcoming events, courses and attractions and to give teachers, pupils and parents the opportunity to participate in the magazine by adding to its contents or joining in the competitions which we run.

It is NOT our intention to publish any racist, sexist or politically based material whatsoever. We also undertake not to carry any advertising which we would consider to be offensive to young families or harmful to the best interests of young children.

The opinions expressed in either the editorial or advertisements within this publication are not necessarily those held by the editor or publisher. While we take great care with the compilation of information within this magazine, neither the editor nor publisher will accept any liability for the accuracy of the editorial or advertising contained within the publication.

We welcome listings being sent to us for inclusion in our What’s On section. Free listings are dependent on available space and we cannot guarantee to print all the listings we are sent. Please send them to listings@primarytimes.biz Primary Times would like to thank all the schools in the boroughs of Bexley, Bromley and Greenwich 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 South East London is operated under franchise licence.

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We can provide you with a great opportunity to help transform children’s lives  You don’t have to be married  You don’t need to be employed  You don’t need a big house  You do need a spare room and space in your life to help a vulnerable child to achieve As a Chrysalis Care foster carer you will receive:  24-hour professional support  Excellent remuneration  Job satisfaction  Comprehensive training  Access to a range of children’s services We are also looking for specialist foster carers who can provide a home to teenagers, a parent and child, children with disabilities and carers who are interested in remand fostering.

If you are considering becoming a foster carer, or would like to find out more about us,

please call: 020-8298 2800 or visit our website: www.chrysaliscarefostering.org 9 Oct - 19 Nov ‘17

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News

Izy Cheesman Oboe soloist, ensemble player and tutor.

A student at the Royal College of Music offering private oboe tuition for all ages and standards.

Available for concerts as both a soloist and ensemble player.

For more information contact Izy on

izy.cheesman@rcm.ac.uk or 07557 302915.

We’ve joined Instagram! #FollowUs for posts about places and events in South London, East London, Kent and Sussex!

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Want to earn some money for Christmas?

We are looking for a temporary part time, school hours only, administrator in our offices near Lee Station in SE12.

We’re looking for someone who would like to get involved with helping our sales team deal with all their admin. We need figures updated in Excel, chasing up of purchase order numbers and artwork, advertising leads need spotting along with loads of other jobs that help in getting our magazines out to 365,000+ families seven times a year. . The job is certainly varied and enthusiasm is a much needed part of the role together with a high level of accuracy and a pride in your work. The ability to use Excel, Word and the internet is desirable.

The role is part time 9am-2.30pm Monday-Friday for approximately six weeks and may well suit someone with children, though that’s not essential!

If you think this job vacancy fits you then send a copy of your CV to alison@ primarytimes.biz The closing date for applications is 18.10.17 4

9 Oct - 19 Nov ‘17

La Fontaine Academy’s New Mural

A beautiful, inspiring and thought provoking mural made from recycled materials is now on display at La Fontaine Academy. Created with over 15,000 plastic bottle lids, the mural was built with the help of 250 school children (aged 4 to 9 years old), their parents and carers at the two-form primary school in Bromley.

The project was completed in five phases: thinking about the design; collecting the materials, helped out by the whole school community; designing – a collaboration between children and local artist Makiko Yaginuma; creating the mural with help from parents and children and finally reflecting on environmental issues and solutions.

More than a school art project, this was a collaboration between children, teachers, school staff, families (often extended) and friends. This collective action actually makes the world a better place as the school community saved over 6 months’ worth of disposable plastic bottle lids. Bags of lids came from as far as Algeria or France, to be reused and built for the community of Bromley.

The aim of the project was to raise the children’s awareness about the value of reusing and recycling disposable objects. They collected lids from milk, water, oil, juice and detergent. But yellow lids were missing for the mosaic... An extra effort was needed: the school decided to change to 1% fat dairy milk to collect more of the precious yellow lids.

The whole community around La Fontaine have inspired and encouraged the children to develop an interactive interest in protecting our planet. Bromley can be proud.

Find out more about La Fontaine Academy at www.lafontaineacademy. org.

How to Become a Foster Carer

Have you ever thought about becoming a foster carer or wondered if you could foster a child or young person?

Chrysalis Care have 20 years’ experience as a leading Independent Fostering Agency. Chrysalis Care provides all the advice and guidance you need to begin your fostering journey. If you were to begin the fostering process now, your 2018 could look very different to 2017, letting you join Chrysalis Care in transforming the lives of children and young people, through high quality foster care.

Chrysalis Care foster carers are based across London, Kent, Essex, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire and benefit from expert 24 hour advice, guidance, training and support. If you have a spare room, a heart for children and young people and are ready for a new life adventure, please contact them to speak with one of their knowledgeable staff members. Call today on 020 8298 2800, email info@chrysaliscare.org or visit them at www.chrysaliscarefostering. org.

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News

Puressentiel Tackles Head Lice Fast

CARTOON PARTIES

Harnessing the power of natural ingredients, the Puressentiel range of head lice treatments, Lice Repellent Spray and Anti-Lice Treatment Lotion with Comb are clinically proven to treat lice within minutes without worry or side effects. The Puressentiel Lice Repellent Spray has been clinically proven to effectively repel lice and prevent infestation of the scalp for 24 hours. The Repellent Spray is ideal for using once a day to prevent an infestation.

The Puressentiel Anti-Lice Treatment Lotion has been proven to eliminate lice, larvae and nits in just 10 minutes. It is simply applied on dry hair and scalp and massaged from roots to hair ends. After being left on for 10 minutes it is washed off with normal shampoo and rinsed. A comb through removes nits, larvae and dead lice. The Puressentiel range is available from Boots, Lloyds, selected independent pharmacies and Amazon.

A unique party, full of practical fun, learning cartooning with professional cartoonist.

All equipment supplied, plus competitions, puzzles, etc. includes a personal Call 01322 433539 cartoon of every guest. 07985 718502 Invitations supplied. www.grubbyart.com

Make a great party for your children with balloons, puppetry, magic and pass the parcel.

Call me now 07527 293581 MRFRUITCAKE.CO.UK

Paddington Joins UNICEF

Paddington, the beloved children’s character is to become a UNICEF Children’s Champion, furthering UNICEF’s goal to promote the rights of children all around the world and to keep them happy, healthy and safe.Vivendi, owner of the If you had booked this space Paddington brand, have announced a long-term partnership with UNICEF, the 52,500 families could be reading world’s largest children’s organisation. Paddington’s kindness, tolerance, and all about your business...

Don’t delay, call Sarah-Jane today perseverance in the face of adversity or marmalade-related mishaps make him the perfect champion for children’s rights.

In the UK, Paddington will support UNICEF UK’s campaign around refugee children and will be featured in UNICEF UK’s OutRight campaign. Millions of children around the UK will learn about their own rights and become empowered to speak out in support of the rights of all children. This campaign will DRIVERS NEEDED FOR BUSY CIRCUIT. CALL NOW FOR DETAILS feature the story of the small bear who has to leave his home in Darkest Peru and is sent to London with a label around his neck politely asking whoever finds him to ’Please look after this bear. Thank you.’ Paddington finds a new family, home and community, with a little help from his friendly nature, politeness, and ability to stand up for himself when needed by fixing people who have ’forgotten’ how to behave with a ’hard stare’. His story will help children in the UK learn that the right to a home, to be cared for and to an education applies to all children.

020 8318 0400

Make Your Own Truffula Flower Dr Seuss’s The Lorax is coming to London’s Old Vic this autumn. Suitable for ages 6 and above, this is the tale of one little Lorax and his friends as they set out on a mission to protect the earth and save the beloved Truffula Trees. To celebrate, we’re showing you how to make a Truffula Flower of your very own.

Examples of the first six steps...

You will need: a recycled cereal box, scissors, a pencil or pen, a cup or similar size (to use as a stencil), a plate or similar size (to use as a stencil), glue and a recycled plastic bag Open up your cereal box to be flat with the brown side up. Draw around the cup to make a small circle.

Draw your flower inside this circle.Your flower can have petals of any shape or size; try out some different shapes for petals, hearts, diamonds, ovals etc. Cut out your flower. This is the flower that will sit on the top.

Using the remaining cereal box, draw around your plate to make a big circle. This large circle will be the base. Now draw your petals for your flower within the circle. Make your petals bigger than when you were drawing your petals for the small circle. Cut out your second flower. The centre of the large circle will be covered up, so don’t put any detail in the centre.You can use crayons, felt tip pens or paint to colour in your flowers if you would like to.

Put a dab of glue in the centre of the large flower and put the smaller

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flower on top of it.You can pull up the petals of your flowers towards you to make them less flat and look more like a flower.

Now cut a strip off a plastic bag to be about 30cm long and 7cm wide.

Cut into the length width ways so you have a fringe like in the picture.

Carefully using the glue, stick the strip from the plastic bag underneath the small top flower.

Now you have your Truffula flower; The finished flower all made out of materials that would have been in your recycling!

If you would like to add a leaf to your flower like we have, use the remaining cardboard from the cereal box to draw a spikey leaf, paint it green and stick the flower on top of it.

The Lorax loves trees and so do we – on your Truffula flower, you could use the leaf to write a message about why you love trees too.

Tell the Old Vic your messages by tweeting @oldvictheatre using #TheLorax Next set of steps...

9 Oct - 19 Nov ‘17

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What’s On Your family diary for October and November Ongoing Every Sun

Girls Rugby, Dartfordians RFC, Bexley, DA5 1LW 12.30-2.30pm. Join in this girls rugby club for school years 7-11. For more information and to join call Sandra on 07768 182 434.

Until 22 Oct

Soul of a Nation: Art in the Age of Black Power, Tate Modern, SE1 9TG

This exhibition shines a bright light on the vital contribution of Black artists to a dramatic period in American art and history. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.tate.org.uk/whats-on

Until 29 Oct

Thunderbirds Are Go, Emirates Air Line Cable Car, E16 1FA Enjoy an iconic flying experience with the much-loved kids TV series Thunderbirds Are Go this autumn, celebrating the eagerly awaited new episodes, coming to ITV and CITV. For more information and to book visit www.emiratesairline.gttix.com

Until 31 Oct

The Sky Tonight, Royal Observatory Greenwich, SE10 8XJ

A show presented by an astronomer who takes visitors on a tour of what can be seen in the night sky on the day of their visit and the months ahead. The journey takes in stars, planets and moons. Ages 5+.

For times, more information and to book visit www.rmg.co.uk/royalobservatory

Meet the Neighbours, Royal Observatory Greenwich, SE10 8XJ

Meet our neighbours in space in this entertaining, interactive show where you can decide which planets to visit.

Ages 5+. Charges apply. For times, more information and to book visit www.rmg.co.uk/royal-observatory

The People’s Revolt, Tower of London, EC3N 4AB

(Selected dates) 6pm, 6.30pm, 7pm, 7.25pm and 7.50pm. Infiltrate the Tower of London after hours with the People’s Revolt, an immersive, interactive experience from ground-breaking theatre company differencEngine in collaboration with Historic Royal Palaces. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london

Until 26 Nov

Michael Foreman – Painting with Rainbows, The Historic Dockyard, Chatham, ME4 4TE

Travel the world through Michael’s drawings from his sketchbook, which went with him everywhere. There will be storytelling, activities and even a chance for one of the ARP Wardens to lead you into our Air Raid Shelters for an immersive experience of life during WWII. For more information visit www.thedockyard.co.uk

Until 25 Feb

A Lifetime in Stories, V&A Museum of Childhood, Bethnal Green, E2 9PA

Michael Morpurgo: A Lifetime in Stories will look at Morpurgo’s life and writing process as well as

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

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the lives he has created for some of his remarkable characters. Free admission. For more information visit www.vam.ac.uk/moc

October Mon 9 – Tues 31 Oct

Cutty Sark Characters, Cutty Sark, Greenwich, SE10 9HT

(Selected dates) Climb aboard to hear Cutty Sark’s incredible stories brought to life by characters from the ship’s past. Ages 3+. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.rmg.co.uk/cutty-sark

Tues 10 Oct

‘If I Can’, Storytelling Experience, Red House, Bexleyheath, DA6 8JF

(Also 24 Oct) 12noon-2pm. Take a unique audio tour and listen to tales of Red House unfold in poetic prose while wandering around the ghostly house. Charges apply. For more information and to book visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/red-house

Sat 14 Oct

Treasure Hunt, Various Locations

12noon. Back for a third time, the treasure hunt will be taking in 20 years of Quay Players History. Dress according to the weather, and wear sensible shoes. All ages welcome. £5 per person, up to 4 on a team.

For more information visit www. quayplayers.org.uk

Diwali Celebration, National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, SE10 9NF 11.30am-4pm.Visit the National Maritime Museum with the whole family for this event in the lead up to Diwali. Enjoy a day of music, art and performance in celebration of this annual festival of lights observed around the world. Free. For more information visit www.rmg.co.uk/ national-maritime-museum

Character Encounters, National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, SE10 9NF (Also 21 and 28 Oct) 12noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. Meet a character from the past and take part in an exciting performance that will bring maritime history to life. Ages 6+. Free. For more information visit www.rmg. co.uk/national-maritime-museum

Astrohead, Unicorn Theatre, Southwark, SE1 2HZ 12noon-2pm.You’ll be in space again this week to celebrate the Laika production. Join in to make your very own galaxy gallery starring your head. Ages 6+. Free.

For more information visit www. unicorntheatre.com

Africa on the Square, Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN 12noon-6pm.You can expect another fantastic line-up of entertainment including live music, dancing and a talent show. Plus an African market, food stalls, fashion show and lots of fun stuff for kids.

For more information visit www. london.gov.uk

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

Your empty beds could be earning you EXTRA MONEY Have you thought about hosting foreign students for short stays? Groups visit throughout the year and pay rates are good. The children arrive at their meeting point at around 6.00pm for their evening meal. In the morning, after their breakfast, they go back to their coach between 8.00 and 8.30am. They then spend the day out with their teachers sightseeing in London and come back to you in the evening - hosts will be provided with a full programme of arrival and departure times.

Students must be dropped off every morning and picked up every evening and you will need your own transport unless you live within walking distance of the meeting point. Students can be met at : ELTHAM (station); WELLING (behind the Nag’s Head) PLUMSTEAD (Old Mill Road on Plumstead Common) THAMESMEAD (Carlisle Road) London or BEXLEYHEATH (Albion Road car park). You choose the area that suits you!

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For more details contact OPEN DOORS UK ELTHAM on 020 8294 8910 (Mon-Fri 10.00am-4.00pm) 24-hour answerphone 9 Oct - 19 Nov ‘17

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Cinderella at Greenwich Theatre

This festive season, watch Cinderella go from rags to riches in the latest all-singing, all-dancing magical pantomime at Greenwich Theatre.

The clock is ticking! Book now and applaud the greatest pantomime heroine of them all as she shows what can happen with a great pair of shoes and a sprinkle of fairy dust. Packed full of all the amazing Greenwich pantomime ingredients, it’s time to dust off your finest linens, practice your booing and join Cinders and her two horrible Step-Sisters as they embark on an adventure full of magic, mischief and musical mayhem.

Last year’s smash-hit production of Peter Pan broke all previous records with almost every performance selling out. Everything Theatre gave the production five stars saying, “Fantastically written and hilariously executed. The best way to start off the festive season this year... I can’t recommend this production enough. Truly something for anyone and everyone!”

Written by “one of the country’s greatest pantomime practitioners” (British Theatre Guide), you are in for an unforgettable festive treat

Blackheath Halls Children’s Events

After enjoying a lovely long summer of fun-filled adventures discovering all sorts of new places with your little explorers, the time has now finally come to say goodbye to summer. However, there is no need to be gloomy. This autumn, Blackheath Halls’ ever-popular Children’s Events will bring to the stage some wonderfully enchanting stories to keep the whole family entertained.

Join Norwich Puppet Theatre as they delight children with their playful retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s poetic story, The Steadfast Tin Soldier on 21 October. Indigo Moon will return with their colourful tale from the Middle East follow Aladdin on his wild and dangerous adventures on 18 November, and after sell-out tours, Let’s All Dance will present the much loved Christmas classic The Nutcracker on 25 November, a perfect treat for the whole family.

For more information visit www.blackheathhalls.com or to book tickets call the box office on 020 8463 0100.

A Poem for Every Day of the Year

Do you love poetry? Well don’t miss this one-off event at the National Theatre’s Olivier Theatre on Friday 10 November celebrating Allie Esiri’s hit book, A Poem for Every Day of the Year, the follow up to the best-selling A Poem for Every Night of the Year.

Following Allie’s previous appearances at Hay, Cheltenham and more, she’s returning to the National with this very special event featuring magical and humorous poems with readers including Joanna Lumley,

Children’s events Oct-Nov 2017 THE STEADFAST TIN SOLDIER SATURDAY 21 OCTOBER 11.30am & 3pm

THE NUTCRACKER

SATURDAY 25 NOVEMBER 1.30pm & 3.45pm

ALADDIN

SATURDAY 18 NOVEMBER 11.30am & 3pm

Tickets £14 adults £10 children Book more and save money on these events with our multibuy discount

All tickets £8.50 unless otherwise stated Box office 020 8463 0100 Website blackheathhalls.com facebook.com/ facebook.com/Blackheathhalls @blackheathhalls Blackheathhalls

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@blackheathhalls

9 Oct - 19 Nov ‘17

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Family Theatre

Family Theatre

with Cinderella. Don’t miss out on this year’s trip to the ball - book your tickets today to guarantee the best seats on the date of your choice.Visit www.greenwichtheatreorg.uk or call the Box Office on 020 8858 7755.

Family Theatre

Family Theatre

for the stage by Debbie Isitt, the creator of the much-loved films.

The perfect feel-good comedy for all the family.

Greenwich Theatre Box Office: 020 8858 7755 21 – 22 Oct

The Dream Factory

Blackheath Halls SE3

Churchill Bromley

Box Office: 020 8463 0100 21 Oct

Box Office: 020 3285 6000 9 – 10 Oct

The Steadfast Tin Soldier

The Gruffalo

There once was a remarkable Join Mouse on a daring tin soldier who fell in love adventure through the deep, with a beautiful paper dark wood in Tall Stories’ Enjoy dancer and then magical, musical tumbled out adaptation of the the show! of a window classic picture book And don’t so beginning

by Julia Donaldson forget to say a perilous and Axel Scheffler. you saw it in journey into the 5 Nov Primary unknown. Ages 3+.

Times!

The Hunting of

the Snark

18 Nov

Aladdin

Large scale contemporary Shadow Puppet theatre tells of a poor street boy who falls hopelessly in love with a Royal Princess. What magic would he need just to see her again?

Ages 4+.

25 Nov

The Nutcracker

Journey through the magical night with Clara and her Nutcracker Prince, meet the Mouse King and join the Sugar Plum Fairy in the beautiful Land of Sweets. Presented by Lets All Dance.

The impossible voyage of an improbable crew to hunt an imaginary creature is brought magically to life in this sparkling musical comedy adventure for 4 to 94 year olds.

2 – 31 Dec

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

This classic tale will be spectacularly brought to life with an abundance of comedy, sensational song and dance numbers, fabulous costumes and stunning scenery. Staring Jessie Wallace.

Eventim Apollo W6 Box Office: 08442 494 300 13 Dec – 17 Dec

Nativity! The Musical

This favourite festive film is now a major new musical adapted

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9 Oct - 19 Nov ‘17

Following the story of a young girl who has lost her ability to dream, embark on a magical adventure to find out where dreams are made, what they look like... and even what they smell like.

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+.

23 Oct

Aleena’s Garden

Join Aleena in her beautiful garden, help bring the seeds to life, meet the animals that live there, watch the flowers and trees bloom and the seasons change. Ages 0-3.

24 Oct

How Time Flies

Join the eccentric team of archaeologists inside their beautiful field tent, as they guide you through a dig to find long lost artefacts. An interactive show bursting with puppets, songs, facts and fun.

17 Nov – 7 Jan

Cinderella

This festive season watch Cinderella go from rags to riches in Greenwich Theatre’s latest all-singing, all-dancing magical pantomime.

Mycenae House and Gardens SE3 Box Office: www. mycenaehouse.co.uk 4 Nov

The Owl and the Pussycat

Let’s All Dance combines fantastic dancing, beautiful costumes and crystal clear storytelling to engage and delight young audiences. Ages 2-9.

The Old Vic SE1 Box Office: 08448 717 628 15 Oct – 5 Nov

Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax

ME

This early year’s favourite is a lovely and touching story about a parent and their love for their child by much loved children’s author Emma Dodd. Ages 2+.

26 Oct

Yana and the Yeti

28 Oct

After premiering at Nordland Visual Theatre in Norway, the internationally acclaimed Pickled Image bring their new family show to Greenwich for two special performances. Ages 8+.

Adapted for the stage by David Greig with music and lyrics

by Charlie Fink, Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax is a brilliant riot of eyepopping colour, gorgeous puppetry and infectious music to enchant adults and children alike.

Tramshed Woolwich Box Office: 020 8854 1316 28 Nov – 18 Dec

The Magic Lamp

Step inside a giant Bedouin tent where you’ll meet fantastical characters, explore enchanted treasure caves, visit opulent places and travel far across barren deserts. Presented by GLYPT. Ages 4-11.

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Let’s All Dance

Let’s All Dance is a professional dance company creating shows for family audiences. Orit Sutton, artistic director, told Primary Times, “We believe passionately that dance and the arts should be accessible to everyone. We tour extensively and keep our ticket prices as low as possible to ensure thousands of children every year can watch and be inspired by our fantastic live shows.”

The company has several shows taking place. Their ballet production The Owl and the Pussycat is currently on tour, Teddy Bears’ Picnic is available for school bookings and the festive classic, The Nutcracker, runs November – January and will visit some superb venues including The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury, The Arts Theatre West End and Sadler’s Wells.

All the productions are specifically designed for children and young people, including those with special needs, and combine dancing, storytelling and stunning costumes. It’s never too early to introduce children to the magic of live theatre and Let’s All Dance pride themselves on engaging all its young audiences for the whole show. The company also offers photo opportunities for children

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with the dancers after every performance, making great memories for all the family.

For full tour dates and venues as well as information about classes and parties visit www.lets-all-dance.co.uk or call 020 8265 4634.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Family Theatre

Stephen Mangan, Simon Russell Beale, Samuel West and Helen McCrory with live illustration throughout from renowned multi-award winning illustrator Chris Riddell.

The show starts at 6pm and runs for around an hour so is a good time for families with children.

Tickets are just £7 or £5 concessions.

Mirror, Mirror, on the wall, don’t miss the fairest pantomime of them all. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs will be spectacularly brought to life at the Churchill Theatre with an abundance of comedy, sensational song and dance numbers, fabulous costumes and stunning scenery, from Saturday 2 December.

Star of stage and screen Jessie Wallace will lead the cast as The Wicked Queen, alongside comedian and magician Pete Firman as Muddles and hilarious panto dame Jason Sutton as Nurse Nancy. Throw in a magical Mirror, a beautiful princess, a handsome prince and plenty of audience participation as you outwit the Wicked Queen and let love prevail in this glittering festive treat for all ages.

Staged once again by Qdos Entertainment, the world’s biggest pantomime producer, and the team behind the last year’s recordbreaking pantomime Peter Pan, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs will feature all of the traditional pantomime ingredients Bromley theatregoers have now come to expect in a fantastic new production of the well-loved fairy tale.

With over 34,000 theatregoers attending last year’s pantomime, audiences should book now for the fairest panto of them all, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, which runs from Saturday 2 until Sunday 31 December. Call the Box Office on 020 3285 6000 or go to www. churchilltheatre.co.uk.

9 Oct - 19 Nov ‘17

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What’s On

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

October

Whatever t

“

I saw your event in Weekend Space Cadets, Royal Primary Times....

Observatory Greenwich, SE10 Please mention you 8XJ (Also 21-22 and 28-29 Oct) 12.45saw the event listed in 4.15pm. Join in a weekend of family Primary Times Sat 14 – Sun 15 Oct

workshops and participate in a varied range of activities related to space science and space exploration. Ages 5+. Free. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.rmg.co.uk/ royal-observatory

Poetry Craft for Families, Royal Festival Hall, SE1 8XX 12noon. Work with an artist to record your own dreams and hopes for the future in light, inspired

by Morten Søndergaard’s Wall of Dreams. This event is free, dropin and suitable for all the family.

For more information visit www. southbankcentre.co.uk

Sun 15 Oct

Diwali Festival, Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN 1-7pm. Celebrate the 16th anniversary Diwali Festival, with its lively music and dance stage line up alongside an authentic street food market, craft and community stalls plus dance, yoga, henna art and much more. For more information visit www.london.gov.uk

Junior Lions Fun Day, Millwall Football Club, SE16 3LN 10am-2pm. Located in the Millwall Community Trust, Junior Lions members/Junior ST Holders can gain free entry to a day of fun on production of their card. There will be bouncy castles, an inflatable penalty shootout, arts and crafts and lots more. Non-members can join on the day for a cash payment of just £10. For more information visit www. millwallfc.co.uk

Horn Fair, Charlton House, SE7 8RE Learn all about the history of this amazing house with workshops, costumed characters and much more.

Free. For more information visit www.greenwichheritage.org

”

Low Tide Walk, Creekside Discovery Centre, Deptford, SE8 4SA

2-4pm. Wade in a wild river and experience a different perspective of London history and urban wildlife. Ages 9+. For more information and to book visit www.creeksidecentre.org.uk

The Crossness Engines Trust Open Day, Abbey Wood, SE2 9AQ

10.30am-4pm. Go along to see the most extravagant of the grand Victorian steam powered pumping stations.

Admission charges apply. For more information visit www.crossness. org.uk

Apple Day, The Woodlands Farm Trust, Welling, DA16 3RP

11am-4pm. Join in for a celebration of British apples at the farm. There will be a variety of activities including a treasure hunt and apple pressing.

A great day out for all the family.

For more information visit www. thewoodlandsfarmtrust.org

The Enchanted Garden at The Historic Dockyard Chatham Step in to The Historic Dockyard Chatham’s Enchanted Garden this October Half Term, for a week full of magic, myths and captivating fun.

The magnificent grounds of the Commissioner’s House will be transformed into an Enchanted Garden from 21 to 29 October with pumpkin carving taking place inside the Edwardian greenhouse! Why make a mess at home when you can carve

Discover Sundays, National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, SE10 9NF (Also 22 and 29 Oct) 11.30am1.30pm and 2-4pm. Be inspired by our maritime past and explore your personal connections to the sea. Ask staff where the activity is on the day.

For more information visit www.rmg. co.uk/national-maritime-museum

Fri 20 Oct – Thurs 4 Jan

Ice Rink, Ruxley Manor Garden Centre, Sidcup, DA14 5BQ

Have fun skating on Ruxley’s real ice rink this winter. Skate with a minion on weekday afternoons at 4pm and 5pm from 30 Oct or go along to a Family Disco Night every Fri at 6pm from 24 Nov - 22 Dec. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.ruxleymanor.co.uk

Sat 21 Oct 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

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The Goonies, High Elms Golf Course, Downe, BR6 7JL

Doors open at 5.30pm, film begins at 7pm. Enjoy a screening of this cinematic classic out in the open air. There will be hot and cold food and drinks available but do take along blankets, chairs and items to keep warm. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.theopenaircinema.com

9 Oct - 19 Nov ‘17

For lots more What’s On ideas see page 18...

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Fun Days Out with the Family

your pumpkin in between the greenery whilst looking out across the Enchanted Garden?

Try to find all the fairies in the trails and don’t miss out on handson fun for the whole family including storytelling or unique craft sessions. Also not to miss is Painting with Rainbows – A Michael Foreman exhibition originated by Seven Stories. Snuggle into one of the cosy reading corners, sketch away in drawing activities and there’s even a chance for an air raid experience. There’s loads to explore and maybe you’ll discover the artist within yourself too!

This is all included in the annual ticket which allows you explore the Historic Dockyard including three historic warships and 10 museum galleries. There is something to enchant everyone at The Historic Dockyard Chatham this October Half Term so make sure to visit www.thedockyard.co.uk to find out more.

Get Spooked In Bromley

Whatever the Weather!

the Weather!

to hunt the area for spooky painted skulls. Spotting ten, hidden in the window displays of twenty-five shops, will win a Halloween treat. Full details and a map are available from the customer service desk at The Glades. Face painting takes place in The Glades throughout the week with a spooky selfie shed on standby to record the fabulous face painting.

As Halloween approaches, a Day of the Dead celebration will come to Market Square with youngsters invited to book a slot for pumpkin painting, sugar skull face painting or watching professional pumpkin carving during the day before taking spooky selfies. Food and drink will be provided by Benito’s Hat and Texas Jacks with a selection of tacos and churros as well as margaritas and Mexican beers for mums and dads on offer throughout the day and night. The space will transform as darkness sets in, with older visitors invited to a Mexican Day of the Dead celebration where entertainment will include a Mariachi Band, human tables, face painting for grown-ups and much more.

For full details and to reserve your free place during the day or evening on 28 October visit www.yourbromley.com/DOTD

Wacky Witches & Wizards at Leeds Castle

This October, Bromley Town Centre is celebrating Halloween over Half Term between 21 and 28 October. From face painting and pumpkin painting to a trick or treat trail and a Mexican Day of the Dead party, there’s something for the whole family in Bromley this autumn.

Starting on 21 October, a week-long town centre trick or treat trail will give young Half Term visitors the chance

This Halloween Half Term you’ll find wacky witches and wizards around the Castle grounds and be able to listen to their spooky tales although beware, they often get themselves in a monster muddle. Silly sorcerers are making big mistakes. Note them on your trail card to be rewarded with a chocolate prize. A spooky quest is available in the Woodland Walk for younger visitors (a small charge applies). Join in the fancy dress competition at 2pm each day, dance in the children’s ‘Monster Mash Ball’ and take part in ghoulish games. Continued on page 12 B dis ook co on un lin te d t e fo ick r et s

Wacky Witches and Wizards AT HALF TERM

23rd to 29th October Follow a trail to find our wacky witches and wizards around the Castle grounds and listen to their spooky tales although beware, they often get themselves in a monster muddle. Dance in the ‘Monster Mash Ball’ and come in fancy dress for the daily competition.

leeds-castle.com

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Whatever the Weather!

On 4 and 5 November be amazed by the biggest and best fireworks in the South East of England. This year the incredible display will be themed around the ‘Best of British’. Listen out for some iconic British songs in this patriotic evening of pyrotechnics.

Arrive from 2pm onwards to enjoy live music, entertainment, a falconry display, and the maze as well as play areas and a variety of delicious food options. Then from 5.30pm music, projections and fireworks will combine against the beautiful backdrop of the castle. Live music will carry on after the display at 6.30pm.

Prices are Adults £22, Children (4-15 years) £14.50 with under 4yrs free. Book online or call the booking office on 01622 767 865. Under 4 years tickets must be reserved at the time of booking.

London to Brighton

The 2017 Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, on Sunday 5 November will be creating an Entente Cordiale in November as the event adopts a French flavour.

Germany’s Gottlieb Daimler and Karl Benz might have invented the world’s first horseless carriage, but the French dominated the early days of the automobile industry. In 1903 alone, more than 30,000 cars were built in France - representing almost half the world’s total production that year.

The 2017 Run will welcome many of those pioneering French marques. Two of those names will be familiar to everyone – heading the entry will be cars from Renault (established 1899) and Peugeot (first car built in 1889). They will be joined by cars from more than a dozen other marques.

This year, the longest running motoring event in the world will be held, as ever, on the first Sunday in November. As dawn breaks a red flag will be ceremoniously torn and the 400 entries will start their journey from capital to coast. The Run celebrates the passing into law of the Locomotives on the Highway Act in November 1896, also known as the Red Flag Act and refers to a time when these new-fangled machines had to follow a man holding a red flag.

The veteran car run is open to all vehicles built before 1905. The Run is just one element of the Royal Automobile Club’s London Motor Week. A full week crammed with motoring events, awards and functions, with popular events including the free-to-view Regent Street Motor Show on Saturday 4 November.

For more details of the event, please visit www.veterancarrun. com.

Bring your children along to the Children’s Christmas Party for plenty of festive family fun on Saturday 16 December, just £10 per child. Finally, celebrate the New Year surrounded by your loved ones at the New Year’s Eve Family party, £20 for adults and £10 for children over 5.

Mytime Active is also a great place to host your Christmas Party with a function room for hire that accommodates 120 people.

As a special offer for Primary Times readers, if you quote ‘High1’ you can get 10% off your booking (terms & conditions apply). For more information or to book, call the clubhouse on 01689 858 175 or email highelms@mytimeactive.co.uk.

Paddington’s Pop-Up London

This autumn, the world’s favourite bear, Paddington, returns to cinemas in Paddington 2 and at the heart of the story is Paddington’s love of his adopted city, London.

VisitLondon.com and STUDIOCANAL are working together to create a stunning free attraction for everyone to enjoy, spreading a positive message of acceptance across the capital and beyond.

In Paddington 2, Paddington discovers an exceptional pop-up book in Mr Gruber’s antique store. Taking inspiration from this, various breathtaking interactive installations will spring up in locations across the city, featuring London’s famous landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, Westminster, Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square between Monday 23 October and Sunday 3 December.

Quote High1 and get 10% off your booking.

T&C’s apply

Sunday lunches, party nights and celebrations throughout December

Childrens’ Christmas Party Sat 16 December £10 per child

Kids Christmas Events

Enjoy one of the many events at Mytime Active, High Elms, with your friends, family or colleagues. There is something for everyone, all year round.

On Saturday 21 October, bring along a blanket and a flask of something warm for an Open Air Cinema showing of The Goonies. The whole family will love this cinematic classic, tickets are available now from www. theopenaircinema.com.

On Friday 3 November, watch as the night sky comes alive with a spectacular fireworks display. Make sure you wrap up warm and prepare to be amazed; tickets cost £18 for a family of 4, £8 for adults and £5 for children over 5 and over 60s.

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9 Oct - 19 Nov ‘17

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Whatever the Weather!

www.VisitLondon.com will be the home of Paddington’s Pop Up London, hosting a wealth of fun and useful content to help visitors have the best possible experience – www.visitlondon.com/ paddington2. Paddington’s Pop-Up London is also supporting the work of the NSPCC.

She Tells Sea Tales: Lost at Sea

She Tells Sea Tales, the Cutty Sark’s storytelling festival of high-seas adventure returns this October Half Term. It runs from Monday 23 to Saturday 28 October, 10.30am – 4pm daily. The storytellers have been busy crafting wonderful stories on the theme of ‘lost and found at sea’ inspired by the ship, her crew and her many journeys. Brace yourself for tales of freak storms, giant waves, and mysterious stowaways as well as the adventure of the luckiest sailor who sailed aboard Cutty Sark and only just survived to tell his tale.

Join the team beneath the ship’s hull for a whole host of epic activities, all inspired by these stories. You can make a pop-up book to take home with you or even try out your own story-telling skills in the story corner.

See characters from Cutty Sark’s past brought to life – like Nannie the Witch, Captain Woodget or the ship’s cook James Robson – and meet them as they come on board throughout the week to share their real-life tales.

All activities are free with an admission ticket to the ship and are suitable for children up to 8 years (and for their grownups too) Activities vary throughout the week so please check the website for details www.rmg.co.uk

The Big Draw

Designs on your money 23–27 October 10:00am–4:30pm

Free admission

Explore the banknote gallery and learn about the various security features. You can then design your own secure banknote. What new features will you add to make it even more secure? Your imagination is the limit! Enter our competition with prizes to be won.

10:00am–5:00pm Monday to Friday.

Closed weekends and Bank Holidays. Entrance in Bartholomew Lane, London EC2R 8AH

Share your experience boemuseum T: 020 3461 5545

www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum

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9 Oct - 19 Nov ‘17

13

Whatever the Weather!

London’s Splendid Square Mile

Step Outside Guides are on a mission. They want families everywhere, especially those who live in or near the wonderful city of London, to get to know and love it as much as they do.

The latest in the series, ‘London’s Splendid Square Mile’, discovers the City of London in the company of the two mice of Philpot Lane, Cam and Bert. The City’s rich and colourful story is explored, including the Great Fire, the Guilds, and sticking-out clocks. Adults seem to enjoy this day every bit as much as kids.

This wonderful guide is small enough to fit into any bag or backpack, and as with every Step Out guide, there are clear maps to each of the locations as well as diagrams, detailed pictures and fun facts. The guide also contains useful symbols on each of the maps to help with finding good picnic spots, toilets, and accessibility options. There is also a handy ‘Rest–Your–Legs’ page to keep you entertained even when you’re having a well-earned sit down.

All Step Outside guides are available online and on the high street for £5. For more information and to get your copy, visit www. stepoutsideguides.com.

Museums at Night

Museums at Night, the UK’s after-hours festival of arts, culture and heritage is back from Thursday 26 to Saturday 28 October.

During the festival, hundreds of museums, galleries and historic spaces all over the UK will be opening their doors after dark to put on a fantastic array of special night-time events - many of which will have a Halloween theme for October. From spooky torchlit tours and Halloween story-telling to Fright Nights and a Mummy undressing party, there is something to send a shiver down even the most hardened spine!

Now in its eighth year, Museums at Night takes place twice a year, in May and October and offers the chance to engage with culture and heritage in a unique and inspiring way. Full listings of all events can be found at www. museumsatnight.org.uk. Many events are free.

Photo credit: Museum of London

information, visit www.tfl.gov.uk/thunderbirds-are-go .

The O2 will be hosting a Lady Penelope-themed Afternoon Tea.Visitors will be able to relax in the stylish and decadent surroundings of the Meridian Lounge as they sample delicious themed treats fit for International Rescue’s most stylish field agent including Tracy Island coconut pineapple verrine, FAB 1 pink bonbon torte and Lady Penelope macarons. The event will also be attended by the Lady Penelope and Parker puppets themselves.

The Lady Penelope-themed afternoon tea event will run until 30th October and tickets can be booked through www.bit.ly/ MeridianLounge.

AirJump Trampoline Park

Bounce away with your friends and family at AirJump Trampoline Park, Orpington.

Explore the epic 14,000 square foot trampoline park with 1000 square meters of pure trampoline space, open to the public 7 days a week.

With a focus on fitness and fun, AirJump proudly plays host to one of the biggest trampoline Half Pipes in the UK.There’s also the Tumble Track for budding gymnasts and the Air Bag - the most fun you can have falling flat on your face. For the more adventurous, there are Battle Beams for engaging in one on one combat, Slam Dunk Basketball hoops, and much more.

Airjump also offers parent and toddler sessions, special needs jump sessions, air jump party hire, keep fit classes and disco nights for all ages and abilities. Mascot AJ the lion is around to meet and greet customers at events and birthdays as well as award prizes to competition winners.

Thunderbirds on the Cable Car

Thunderbirds are taking over TfL’s iconic Emirates Air Line cable car across the Thames.

They will be offering families and visitors the chance to travel through the Tracy Island themed cable car terminal featuring large models of Thunderbird 1 and Thunderbird 2, and take off in one of the themed cabins amidst the palm trees to the iconic 5-4-3-2-1 countdown. The cable car terminals and all the cabins will be fitted with plenty of selfie opportunities for all the family to enjoy. The activity will run until Sunday 29 October.

In October Half Term visitors will also get the chance to meet Virgil, one of the stars of the show, and have the opportunity to bag one of the exclusive giveaways and mementoes.

Emirates Air Line family tickets are available at the discounted price of £27.50 for two adults and up to three kids. For more 14

9 Oct - 19 Nov ‘17

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MY

halloween October 23rd-26TH

spooky

Tower Bridge

half-term fun activities for kids

October 27th making workshops,

Costume best carved

pumpkin

competitions &

freaky fashion show

ARTS&CRAFTS MARKET ANTIQUES&COLLECTABLES

Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays & Weekends MARKET

Step inside Tower Bridge and experience the perfect day out for all the family. Explore the Bridge’s hidden history, its iconic structure and innovative engineering. From the high-level walkways, take in stunning panoramic views and experience the thrill of seeing London life through a glass floor. Lucky visitors may even get to see the magic of the Bridge lifting beneath their feet.

Follow Tower Bridge’s newest feature, the Walk of Fame, a pathway of plaques celebrating the lives of some of the unsung heroes who helped to make the Bridge the national treasure it is today. Arriving at the magnificent Victorian Engine Rooms you can marvel at the beautifully restored steam engines - historically used to power the Bridge’s opening roadways or ‘bascules’. Uncover fascinating stories of past workers, from coal stokers to cooks, from clerks to engineers, through oral histories and never before seen photographs and film in a new permanent exhibition.

Don’t forget to download the free Family Trail app or pick up a copy of the Family Trail booklet to begin your day full of fun, exploration and imaginative learning. To find out more about the most famous bridge in the world, visit www.towerbridge.org.uk. Group ticket information and details about regular family learning activities can also be found on the website.

Whatever the Weather!

Younger children, too small to enjoy the trampolines, will love the free soft play area. Parents and non-jumpers at AirJump can enjoy a bird’s eye view of the Park from the Air Lounge so they can relax, enjoy a healthy snack and a coffee and observe the fun happening on the trampolines below.

Book your tickets online at www.airjumptrampolinepark.co.uk or call AirJump on 08006 771 502.

Nearest Station DLR Cutty Sark

Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays

#GREENWICHMARKET GREENWICHMARKETLONDON.COM

S T O L I P L I V E D DARE S E S U B G N I Y L F D AN y, over its hidden histor sc di to ge id Br er w nes.

Step inside To ectacular steam engi sp d an s ew vi ng ni stun

£15.30 I FAMILY TICKETS FROM .20 £4 N RE ILD CH I .80 ADULTS £9

towerbridge.org.uk I 020 7403 3761 #insidetowerbridge Tower Bridge is owned, funded and managed by the City of London.

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9 Oct - 19 Nov ‘17

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Out of School Activities

Film Preview Guide LEGO Ninjago Movie

A new animated adventure in Warner Bros. Pictures’ LEGO franchise is in cinemas on 13 October.The LEGO Ninjago Movie, starring Jackie Chan, depicts the battle for Ninjago City as it calls to action young Master Builder Lloyd, aka the Green Ninja. Crowds cheer the Green Ninja as a hero, but when he takes his mask off people only see him as Lloyd, the boy unfortunate enough to be the son of The Worst Guy Ever, Garmadon. It’s hard for him to make friends or get through the day because Garmadon ruins everything, but Lloyd still yearns to have some sort of relationship with his dad.Along with his friends, who are all secret ninja warriors, and led by Master Wu, as wise-cracking as he is wise, the team must defeat Garmadon. Pitting mech against mech and father against son, the epic showdown will test this fierce but undisciplined team of modern-day ninjas who must learn to check their egos and pull together to unleash their inner power of Spinjitzu. For more information visit www.legoninjagomovie.com.

Paddington 2

Paddington is back on our screens on 10 November with Hugh Grant and Brendan Gleeson joining the all-star returning cast including Hugh Bonneville, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent, Imelda Staunton and Peter Capaldi with Ben Whishaw as the voice of Paddington.

The much-anticipated sequel finds Paddington happily settled with the Brown family in Windsor Gardens, where he has become a popular member of the community, spreading joy and marmalade wherever he goes.While searching for the perfect present for his beloved Aunt Lucy’s hundredth birthday, Paddington spots a unique pop-up book in Mr Gruber’s antique shop and embarks upon a series of odd jobs to buy it. But when the book is stolen, it’s up to Paddington and the Browns to unmask the thief. Hugh Grant plays Windsor Gardens’ local celebrity, Phoenix Buchanan, a vain, charming acting legend whose star has fallen somewhat in recent years. Brendan Gleeson plays “Knuckles” McGinty, a notorious safe-cracker and legendary strongman who becomes an unexpected new ally for Paddington.Will the nation’s much loved bear be able to recover the stolen book?

Thor: Ragnarok

Are you a fan of Marvel characters? If you are, you’re in for a treat as not one but two characters, the Hulk and Thor, are featured in the new release from Disney. Imprisoned on the other side of the universe, the mighty Thor finds himself in a deadly gladiatorial contest that pits him against the Hulk, his former ally and fellow Avenger.Thor’s quest for survival leads him in a race against time to prevent the all-powerful Hela from destroying his home world and the Asgardian civilization.Thor: Ragnarok is released in cinemas on 24 October.

WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN To be in with a chance of winning one of five copies of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul on DVD, send an email to competitions@ primarytimes.biz with ‘Wimpy Kid’ as the subject

by Friday 3 November. Don’t forget to include your name, age, address, school and contact telephone number.

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9 Oct - 19 Nov ‘17

Centre Stage Theatre Academy

Centre Stage was founded by actor Frankie Fitzgerald who is best known for his roles in Legend alongside Tom Hardy and as Ashley the grandson of Dot Cotton in EastEnders. The family run company is overseen by Frankie and Lydia Fitzgerald and has been running since 2010.

Classes run weekly for children of all abilities aged 4-18 years. Being part of Centre Stage will be the most fun and rewarding experience you’ll ever have and their aim is to provide the highest level of training to all students. This involves hard work, discipline and a 110% work ethic from everyone involved. Children take part in three classes - Dance, Drama and Singing. Centre Stage will teach the techniques and skills to put on showcases of an exceptional standard that all students will be proud of.

Their aim is to provide the best possible opportunities and unlike many theatre schools they produce 5 full scale productions per year in a professional 650 seat theatre. This is because Centre Stage believes the best way to learn about being on stage is by being on the stage. Students at Centre Stage get the opportunity to learn from teachers who have performed at the highest levels in stage, television, film and radio from the West End to Hollywood.

There are four academy locations, with classes in Bexleyheath, Bromley, Gravesend and Medway every week. They also have an extensive network of extra-curricular clubs and offer free workshops to primary schools in the area. (If your school would like some workshops tell them to get in touch!)

If you would like to book a free trial session or for more information about our classes and upcoming productions visit www. centrestagetheatreacademy.com or call on 08000 582 521.

Kids Yoga at The Lodge

With a full array of classes from Kettle Bell training all the way through to Aerial Yoga and Gong Bath Meditation sessions, there really is a class for everyone at The Lodge.

The new boutique gym aims to create a beautiful destination for all to enjoy and work on mindfulness and wellbeing by means of fitness, yoga and holistic treatments. In addition to a huge range of exercise classes and wellness sessions, the picturesque courtyard and kitchen interior play host to events, pop up restaurants and plenty more whilst serving fresh vibrant health food created by the in-house chef team. Hang out with your friends around a wood burner in the winter or the outdoor fire pit during the warmer summer evenings.

Kids yoga classes are now running every Sunday at The Lodge space. The little lodgers class for ages 5-11 is at 3.30pm and teen lodgers (12-16) at 4.30pm. Parents are welcome to have a seat while they wait in the zen kitchen and garden and try some of the delicious hot drinks and healthy meals on offer.

The Lodge is an exciting new space for everyone to enjoy and escape to. Head on down and incorporate The Lodge space in to your life.

Find out more at www.thelodge.space.

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Kerry on Dancing

It’s that time of year again! ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ is back on the TV screens. Have you ever watched the show and thought I’d love to do that or I would love my children to give it a go? Then why not try a ‘Kerry On Dancing’ class?

Ballroom dance offers a long list of benefits for children and adults. It’s a great way to relieve stress, have fun and meet new people. It’s a perfect combination of physical activity, social interaction and mental stimulation. There are 10 different rhythms and dances to master such as Waltz, Rumba, Samba and Paso Doble.

With so much to learn you will never get bored.

Out of School Activities

Out of School Activities

Ballroom & Latin American Dance School ISTD Qualified Teacher •Children •Adults

•Beginners •Advanced

•Dance Exams

•Competitions

•All Ballroom &

Latin Dances taught.

Venues in Lee, Hither Green & Blackheath www.kerryondancing.co.uk Tel: 07711 255932 email: kerry@kerryondancing.co.uk

The basics of the Ballroom and Latin dances are introduced. Once pupils have mastered the basics, they can progress to taking Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) dance examinations and can also be entered into ISTD Medallist competitions.

Kerry On Dancing offers fun, exciting, structured classes for dancers of all ages and levels. Children do not need a partner to attend. For more information go to www.kerryondancing.co.uk or email kerry@ kerryondancing.co.uk.

FLEXIBILITY BALANCE HEALTHY HABITS SELF-ACCEPTANCE FOCUS CALM

KIDS YOGA CLASSES NOW UP AND RUNNING

EVERY SUNDAY @ theLodge.space

Little lodgers : 5-11 at 3:30pm - Teen Lodgers : 12-16 at 4:30pm

0207 231 1088 - hello@thelodge.space Follow us on Twitter - @PT_LondonSandE

9 Oct - 19 Nov ‘17

17

What’s On

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

October Mini Maestro Family Concert, St Martin in the Fields, WC2N 4JJ

4.30-5.30pm. Mozart’s brilliant minisymphony for strings, called ‘A Little Night Music’, is full of action, vitality and drama for all to enjoy. It is also one of the most popular pieces ever written. For more information and to book tickets visit www.lmaorchestra. com/mini-maestro

Big Draw Festival, Tower Bridge Exhibition, SE1 2UP 10.30am-4pm. Join in this mark making workshop with artist Grace Holliday, where you’ll be up in the high level walkways looking out at the vibrant life of the River Thames and London’s skyline and adding to the Tower Bridge collage. Admission charges apply. For more information visit www.towerbridge.org.uk

Sat 21 – Sun 22 Oct

Eukanuba Discover Dogs, ExCeL London, E16 1XL Enjoy a huge range of shopping for your four-legged friends with special show offers, and watch world-class doggy displays and competitions.

A pawsome day out for the whole family. Under 12s go free. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.excel.london

Sat 21 – Sat 28 Oct

Space Race Workshop, Unicorn Theatre, Southwark, SE1 2HZ (Selected dates) 12.30pm and 3.30pm. Join the space race with your very own rocket pack.You and your grown-up will have help building the best rocket pack this side of Saturn, then ship it off to collect moon rocks.

Ages 6-10. For more information and to book visit www.unicorntheatre. com

Trick or Treat Trail, Bromley Town Centre, BR1 1DN Spot ten spooky painted skulls hidden in the window displays of twenty-five shops to win a Halloween treat. Pick up your trail map from the customer service desk at The Glades. There will also be face painting during the week. For more information visit www.yourbromley. com

Enchanted Garden, The Historic Dockyard, Chatham, ME4 4TE

Go and explore the Enchanted Garden (behind Commissioner’s House) which will be transformed with all manner of mythical beasts, sprites and fairies that will captivate children of all ages. There will be pumpkin carving, fairy trail and more.

For more information visit www. thedockyard.co.uk

Sun 22 Oct

FUNharmonics Family Concert, Royal Festival Hall, SE1 8XX 12noon. See The Gruffalo’s Child on the big screen, with live music performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.southbankcentre.co.uk

Sun 22 – Sat 28 Oct

The Marvellous Menagerie, Tower of London, EC3N 4AB

11am-3.30pm. Follow a trail and draw the animals you spot around the Tower, bring the animals right off the page at the drop-in puppet making station and listen to ‘Animal Tales’ stories from the Menagerie.

Admission charges apply. For more information visit www.hrp.org.uk/ tower-of-london

Mon 23 Oct

Funky Monkey’s Frightful Fingers, John Ball School Early Years Suite, Blackheath, SE3 0TP

10am-2pm. A spookily splendid allround introduction to the electronic keyboard for beginners aged 4-8 years old. Learn how to write and play notes C-G and try some famous tunes. There will be Theory, keyboard games, quizzes and art activities all based around music. To book visit www.funkymonkey.info

Mon 23 – Tues 24 Oct

Out of this World, Royal Observatory Greenwich, SE10 8XJ

10am-12.30pm. Join the Royal Observatory Astronomers for a Mars-themed morning with a series of activity packages for older children that include a planetarium show, two interactive workshops and a chance

Sat 21 – Sun 29 Oct

Family Wombat Trail, Red House, Bexleyheath, DA6 8JF (Selected dates) 1.30-5pm. Go along to learn more about the people who lived here and their love of wombats and see if you can find all 9 wombats hiding around the house. Admission charges apply. For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/redhouse

18

9 Oct - 19 Nov ‘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

“

I saw your event in Primary Times....

Please mention you saw the event listed in Primary Times

”

to talk to our astronomers. For more information and to book visit www. rmg.co.uk/royal-observatory

A New Life, Museum of London Docklands, E14 4AL

12noon and 2.30pm. Learn about evacuees and imagine what their lives were like as you design your own suitcase. Ages 5+. Free, drop in event.

For more information visit www. museumoflondon.org.uk/museumlondon-docklands

Mon 23 – Thurs 26 Oct Halloween Half Term Workshops, Greenwich Market, SE10

10am-5pm. Get Halloween ready at these crafty workshops over Half Term by taking part in sewing, painting and crafting with the market’s clever designer makers.

For more information visit www. greenwichmarketlondon.com

competition. Tickets available on the day.

For more information visit www.englishheritage.org.uk

John Lawson’s Circus, Ruxley Manor Garden Centre, Sidcup, DA14 5BQ

This year’s acts include Ringmaster Attila Endresz, High Speed Roller-Skating from The Manhattons, Danny Hasler unicycling and juggling, Miss Lily’s Aerial Silks and Hula Hoops, plate-spinning with Joel Hatton and everybody’s favourite Matto The Clown. To book visit www.ruxley-manor.co.uk

Witches and Wizards Academy, Leeds Castle, Maidstone, ME17 1PL

Budding witches and wizards will be put to the test and take part in a whole range of magical mayhem that will have children spookily entertained all day long as they hop from one ghoulish activity to another. Charges apply. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.leeds-castle.com

Pumpkin Carving, Ruxley Manor Garden Centre, Sidcup, DA14 5BQ

Don’t miss this spooky treat. Scare your family and friends by carving your own pumpkin. Choose whatever design you want to create the choice is yours. For more information and to book visit www.ruxley-manor.co.uk

Mon 23 – Fri 27 Oct

Mon 23 Oct – Sun 3 Dec

11am, 12noon, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm. Creepy crafts await at eerie Eltham Palace. Show off your spooktacular costumes and frighten the fearless staff in the costume competition. There will also be pumpkin carving sessions. Buy your tickets on the day. For more information visit www.englishheritage.org.uk

To celebrate the film release of Paddington 2 this autumn, interactive installations will spring up in locations across the city at selected famous landmarks such as Buckingham Palace and London Bridge. For more information visit www.visitlondon.com/ paddington2

Half Term Horrors, Eltham Palace and Gardens, SE9 5QE

The Big Draw, The Bank of England Museum, EC2R 8AH

10am-4.30pm. As part of the nationwide Campaign for Drawing, the Museum invites its younger visitors to get creative by designing a banknote. Enter your drawing into the competition, which has a prize for the best entry. Free. For more information visit www.bankofengland. co.uk/museum

Mon 23 – Sat 28 Oct

She Tells Sea Tales, Cutty Sark, Greenwich, SE10 9HT

10.30am-4pm. The storytelling festival of high seas adventure returns to Cutty Sark this Half Term. Those feeling inspired by the stories can make their own pop-up book and learn story-telling skills in the story corner. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.rmg.co.uk/ cuttysark

Mon 23 – Sun 29 Oct Pumpkin Carving, Down House, Downe, BR6 7JT

11am, 12noon, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm. Get creepy this Halloween as you carve your own pumpkins at deadly Down House. Show off your spooktacular costumes and frighten the fearless staff in the costume

Paddington’s Pop-up London, Various Locations

Tues 24 Oct

Laura Dockrill’s Mum Is Growing Down!, Royal Festival Hall, SE1 8XX 1pm. Join in the fun at this parent and child poetry event featuring Laura Dockrill and her mum Jaine Green. For more information and to book visit www.southbankcentre.co.uk

Peculiar Potions, Greenwich Heritage Centre, Woolwich, SE18 4DX 10am-1pm. During the session you’ll be able to make your own potion with just about any ingredient you can imagine a Witch, Wizard, Sorcerer or Alchemist might have. Then take it home just in time for Halloween. Ages 4+. For more information visit www. greenwichheritage.org

Tues 24 – Sat 28 Oct

October Half Term, Florence Nightingale Museum, SE1 7EW

Join in a variety of family events this Half Term. There will be storytelling and interactive sessions, art activities, trails and much more. There will also be an opportunity to meet Miss Nightingale in an interactive performance. For more information visit www.florencenightingale.co.uk

For lots more What’s On ideas see page 24...

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Education News

Education News

Pupils respond positively. They are determined to do their best and are confident about meeting ambitious targets set by their teachers.’

Primary Times asked Principal, Rebecca Hickey, how this came about.

She told us, “It is our ethos of Aspire Discover Achieve that was recognised and praised in our recent inspection, and which contributed to this. In addition, the outstanding progress made by our students, placing us as the most successful school in Bromley (Progress 8 2016), vastly impressed the inspectors.

As well as achieving the accolade of an ‘outstanding’, we have been preparing for the move to our brand new building.Year 11 students were the very first guests to be welcomed to the state of the art accommodation to receive their GCSE results!

Bromley High Achieves an All Steinway Accreditation

In September 2017 Bromley High School GDST became the first ‘all girls’ school in the world to be accredited as an All Steinway School.

This accreditation is given when a School provides Steinway pianos to play and rehearse on in all practice and performance spaces.

Preceding this, six Bromley High Music Scholars were excited to be present at the selection of their new Steinway Concert Grand Model D which involved the renowned Concert Pianist Joanna MacGregor OBE who is both a Steinway artist and an Alumna of a GDST School.

Ms Macgregor helped the pupils to choose a magnificent model D that was prepared for the selection and came especially from the Hamburg factory for the occasion.

By becoming an All Steinway School the students will have the opportunity to attend masterclasses given by Steinway Artists and perform themselves at Steinway Hall. Their brand new superb instruments and experienced guidance will inspire the students to play in many wonderful concerts and they will add immeasurably to the musical activities the school is already doing.

Bromley High Music Scholar, Amelia Mallors told Primary Times about her incredible day, “The trip to Steinway was incredible and inspiring.

Meeting the Head of Keyboard from the Royal Academy of Music was such an inspiration because she worked and practised so hard to be the amazing pianist that she is. Choosing and playing the Steinway pianos was an unforgettable experience and having these pianos at school will really enhance everyone’s playing.”

Harris Harris Academy Academy Beckenham Beckenham is is

Outstanding

in all areas

Ofsted, Ofsted, July July 2017 2017

Harris Academy Beckenham

A report from OFSTED this year rating Harris Academy Beckenham as outstanding in every category, said ‘The school’s culture of aspiration and ambition is clearly demonstrated in classes. Teachers are aspirational for their pupils and set high expectations for them.

BROMLEY HIGH SCHOOL ‘ E X C E P T I O N A L ’ (ISI 2016) 48 % A* / 76 % A* - A (G C S E 2 0 1 7 )

TASTER DAYS 4+ , 7+

AND

11+

A PPLY O NLINE

www.bromleyhigh.gdst.net admissions@bro.gdst.net

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9 Oct - 19 Nov ‘17

19

Education News

This cohort have been assessed against new, more challenging measures in the government’s bid to drive up standards. Despite this, our students did remarkably well. In our first year with a mixed gender cohort, our females out performed their male counterparts in a number of areas. 35% attained 7+ (equivalent to A*-A) in English language, three of them gained the new ‘super grade’ 9.

Just below 70% of students attained C+ (4) in English and Maths, with 74% attaining C+ in English and 75% in maths. All of these results are significantly above the national average.

It has been a delight welcoming new Year 7s as well as all of our older students to their new building.”

Migration Museum

London’s new Migration Museum in Lambeth has recently opened its most ambitious exhibition to date - No Turning Back: Seven Migration Moments That Changed Britain. With the recent EU referendum and ongoing Brexit negotiations – there is much uncertainty about Britain and its relationship with the world. But Brexit is far from the first pivotal migration moment in Britain’s history. This exhibition looks at

Blackheath High School Girls Reap the Benefits of Networking

I have no doubt that my parents’ choice of school for me had a significant and decisive impact upon the direction my life and career would take. It broadened my horizons, opened my mind and provided me with the skills and adaptability to take on the challenges that have come my way. It is with great conviction therefore, that we have set about ensuring that every student at Blackheath High has the best possible start to her exciting career and future beyond school. Achieving superb examination grades is one important element of this preparation, but a Blackheath High and GDST education means so much more than this.

During her time at Blackheath, a girl might: benefit from assemblies, work experience and career mentoring by a GDST alumna or parent; complete an internship at a firm like Nomura Bank; play in an elite sports team with girls from Norwich, Newcastle and Brighton; learn about careers in engineering at a GDST ‘Careers Insight’ residential weekend; compete in a Choral competition in front of 100s at Cadogan Hall. The power of such a network is unique within girls’ independent education and is complemented at Blackheath by an atmosphere in which girls are well known and advice is personalised and meaningful.

Of course, for careers advice and networking to be effective, girls need self-knowledge and the confidence to take the many opportunities available. As an all-through school from 3-18, we are able to develop and nurture those qualities throughout a girl’s education. Working closely with the ‘Positive Group’ (https://www. positivegroup.org) we equip the girls with strategies and tools that help them to navigate pressures and changes they will encounter throughout their lives, by teaching them about the neuroscience and psychology that they can harness to their advantage. We are incredibly proud of the diverse and impressive achievements of our alumnae; reflective of the character and courage of our girls.

We’d love you to visit us and find out more.

Carol Chandler-Thompson (Head Teacher)) 20

9 Oct - 19 Nov ‘17

seven such turning points – some which brought people together, others which moved people apart – all had a profound effect on the people who lived through them and on the country as a whole. Find out more at www.migrationmuseum.org.

To complement this exhibition the museum’s education team have created a range of facilitated workshops and self-directed activities for KS2 and above. These engage in core aspects of the curriculum, including PSHE, citizenship, history, English, art and geography. The museum is open Wednesday-Sunday 11am-5pm. To find out more or to book a school trip, please contact the Education Officer, Liberty Melly via liberty@migrationmuseum.org.

Flexi-Boarding at Farringtons

Farringtons School is in a unique position within its location in that it has a thriving boarding community as well as day pupils.

In addition to full and weekly boarding, Farringtons is able to offer flexi-boarding to help with the busy lifestyles that many families have. If parents need to be away for business or pleasure or find themselves with urgent family commitments, pupils can board and enjoy the clubs and activities available to all boarders.

Flexi-Boarding is popular with students who have a long journey to school and want to attend before or after school clubs. It is also the perfect solution for pupils who want to prioritise studying around the exam periods or prepare prior to moving away to university. Families can opt for an occasional sleepover at school or choose to board on a regular basis of two or three nights a week.

Set in twenty five acres of beautiful parkland in Chislehurst, Farringtons has excellent facilities and offers a wide range of sports and extra-curricular activities.

Full, weekly or flex-boarding is available to pupils at Farringtons in Years 7–13. For further information, please visit www.farringtons. kent.sch.uk.

PUTTING GIRLS FIRST Open Events 2017 Open Morning 14 October ‘School in Action’ Mornings 8 and 15 November

INSPIRATION, CURIOSITY, DISTINCTION

@blackheathhigh blackheathhighschool www.blackheathhighschool.gdst.net

Junior School: info@bla.gdst.net 020 8852 1537 Senior School: info@bla.gdst.net 020 8853 2929

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Education News

A recent report published by the Education Policy Institute into children’s mental health and well-being warned of the significant rise in the cases of mental health problems in children over the last five years. While the report rightly stated that teachers “are not mental health specialists”, schools do influence young people’s well-being through areas such as their ethos, curriculum and policies.

The media has also picked up on the topic of mindfulness and schools’ role in tackling the mental health issues of students.

Eltham College in Mottingham is implementing their own unique strategy to support students and have already run a successful mindfulness course with Year 9 pupils.

Fifteen teachers are currently taking part in an eight-week Mindfulness Foundation course, enabling the College to offer pupils mindfulness as part of the wider well-being curriculum.

There is, of course, a danger that mindfulness can be seen as the latest fad in education. At Eltham College it is seen as an extension of the Christian ethos that has always been present – a sense of reflection, an awareness of others and that there is more to life than just the next match or exam. To be able to pause, to consider one’s own views and the needs of others before taking the next step or action has always helped their students to be thoughtful, considerate members of a wider community.

There is a growing body of scientific evidence on the causal factors around happiness and well-being, which can be applied in work with individuals and institutions. Having a better understanding of how to increase the likelihood of happiness and how to channel the emotional pains of set-backs are important life skills.

Eltham College is expanding on the theme even further with plans for a new Medical and Well-being Pavilion to be built as part of their upcoming redevelopment ensuring that this sense of ‘thoughtfulness’ is at the heart of education at Eltham College.

Independent Education for Boys 7 to 18 and Girls 16 to 18

Mindfulness at Eltham College

Each day, discovery

Eltham College Junior School Open Day

Farringtons...

Saturday 18 November

Creating a culture of high expectations

10.00am-12.30pm

OPEN MORNING

Please book online: www.elthamcollege.london/book

Wednesday 8th November 2017, 9.15 – 11.00

A leading independent co-educational day and boarding school offering high academic standards, excellent pastoral care and a wide extra-curricular programme within a supportive Christian environment.

Co-education Juniors 3 – 11, Seniors 11 – 16, Sixth Form 16 - 18 Perry Street, Chislehurst, Kent BR7 6LR T: 020 8467 0256

www.farringtons.org.uk Follow us on Twitter - @PT_LondonSandE

FARRINGTONS SCHOOL

Grove Park Road, London SE9 4QF Telephone 020 8857 1455 www.elthamcollege.london

9 Oct - 19 Nov ‘17

21

Education News

Eltham College Junior School

The next open day for Eltham College Junior School is on Saturday 18 November between 10 am and 12.30pm. For more information and to book online, visit www.elthamcollege.london.

One of the unique aspects about Eltham College is the seamless transition from Junior to Senior School. At the end of Year 6 boys in the Junior School move smoothly into Eltham College’s Senior School.

There are no entrance exams to take because by this stage the College has known each child for some time and they are confident that they will thrive in the Senior School.

All through the Junior School each individual child’s progress is carefully monitored. Any concerns are discussed with the parents and any additional support that is needed to learn well is offered so that they are ready for the Senior School.

Without the pressure of needing to cram for entrance exams,Year 6 is an exciting time for the boys as they take part in a specially designed transition programme of academic, sporting and cultural activities that helps prepare them for every aspect of Senior School life.

Barnardo’s Launches Free LGBTQ Resources

Barnardo’s has launched free lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) resources to help teachers better educate children about same sex relationships and gender and sexual identities. The free LGBTQ resources aimed at primary and secondary schools have been launched by the UK’s largest children’s charity to sit alongside their existing Real Love Rocks resources which teach children and young people about healthy relationships and awareness of child sexual exploitation.

Teachers attending Barnardo’s Real Love Rocks training sessions have called for support as they felt unsure what they were allowed to teach about lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans relationships. Many teachers said they would not feel confident in their response if a child raised a question about gender or sexual identity in the classroom and wanted more LGBTQ inclusive curriculum content for sex and relationship education classes.

The new animations and classroom activities have been developed to help address these gaps and are tailored to be age appropriate, educating children at primary school level about the different make up of families in society, with the aim of dispelling stereotypes about gender and sexual identity.

To download the free LGBTQ resources or to find out more about Barnardo’s existing Real Love Rocks education materials, please visit www.barnardosrealloverocks.org.uk.

Schools Serve Up Soup

In the first week in October, over 1,000 schools and youth groups got together to cook up a storm using the vegetables they’d grown themselves in the Royal Horticultural Society’s Big Soup Share. It was part of a week of events marking ten years of the RHS Campaign for School Gardening.

That was over 75,000 green-fingered 3 to 18-yearolds harvesting their produce from the garden, devising delicious soup recipes and cooking up a feast to share with their classmates, friends, family and local community.

22

9 Oct - 19 Nov ‘17

Our picture shows pupils at Columbia Primary School in Tower Hamlets harvesting vegetables from their garden and preparing soup to share with friends and family. Ingrid Chen, gardening lead at Columbia Primary School, told Primary Times, “Our children love the school’s edible garden and have got stuck into all sorts of tasks with gusto from raising tiny seedlings to harvesting crops and from sorting worms from compost, to cooking home grown feasts to share with neighbours.”

Photo credit: RHS/Luke MacGregor

Get Ready for those £1 Books

World Book Day has announced its plans for 2018. The day marks the world’s biggest celebration of reading, where the nation’s entire book industry comes together to work proactively to help create readers of the future.

The 11 official £1 World Book Day books cater for a range of ages. For preschool children, the award-winning Kes Gray and Roald Dahl Funny Prize-winning illustrator Jim Field have teamed up to deliver a new title in their bestselling Oi picture book series, Oi Goat! Younger readers can catch up with their favourite Mr Men characters in a new adventure from Mr Men creator Roger Hargreaves’ son Adam, My Book About Me By Mr Silly.

Readers at Key Stages 1-2 will be able to get to know a little alien in The Baby Brother From Outer Space!, Pamela Butchart’s latest adventure, join much-loved Great British Bake Off star Nadiya Hussain and her children for scrumptious stories and delicious bakes for all the family or meet Andy and Terry, who make the world’s coolest stories together in their treehouse, in Terry’s Dumb Dot Story: A Treehouse Tale. Readers will also be able to enjoy a brand new edition of three classic Paddington Bear stories from master storyteller Michael Bond in Paddington Turns Detective and Other Funny Stories.

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

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With generosity of spirit, ‘The Friends of St Matthew Academy’ together with Academy staff, led the community in a traditional fundraising effort at the SMA Late Summer Fayre in September.

This event was about the community coming together to raise money for the Academy’s chosen charity, the Children’s Ward at Lewisham Hospital, a cause for which pupils and staff at SMA have been raising money over recent terms, and to begin fundraising for a new Academy minibus.

Heidi Alexander MP, an enthusiastic supporter of St Matthew Academy, opened the Fayre with words of encouragement and celebration. Heidi referenced the wonderful GCSE results achieved by the pupils of St Matthew Academy in August – results which were the best in the Academy’s history with 70% of pupils achieving Grade 4 or better in English and Maths.

Attractions at the Fayre included traditional games – shuffleboard, guess the number of sweets in the jar and throwing wet sponges at the teachers in the stocks. More modern activities included the giant bouncy cockerel slide and the smoothie bike. There was also an eagerly anticipated raffle, barbequed burgers and sausages, face painting, Lewisham Hospital and Metropolitan Police stalls – in fact a myriad of activities and prizes which any Summer Fayre would have been proud to host.

St Matthew Academy and ‘Friends’ look forward to hosting more events in support of the Children’s Ward at Lewisham Hospital and other Academy goals, in the very near future. Watch this space!

We believe that our school community is a happy and successful one because we offer a unique learning experience of ongoing challenge in a caring environment. Blackfen sets out to challenge students from day one in year 7 to their last exam in year 13.

We believe in hard work, resilience and a determination to succeed, learning from the lessons of failure to become successful. We believe in raising the aspirations of everyone in our community of inspiring a belief that ‘anything is possible’ amongst our students, staff, governors and parents.

We believe in developing our students into confident, responsible citizens ready to play an active role in the wider community.

Education News

St Matthew Academy Late Summer Fayre

Happy and successful community Ongoing challenge in a caring environment

70% of pupils achieved Grade 4+ in English and Maths St Matthew Academy is a diverse, vibrant, fully inclusive, Catholic, all through school for girls and boys aged 3 to 16.

Our ambition is to provide an environment which stimulates intellectual learning and growth and which promotes excellence.

30% of pupils achieved 3 or more A*-A grades Our motto is ‘Let your light shine’. It is taken from St Matthew’s Gospel and captures our belief in the uniqueness of each individual. Our aim is to ensure that the talents and strengths of each pupil are encouraged, developed and celebrated.

Please come and visit us soon. www.stmatthewacademy.co.uk

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9 Oct - 19 Nov ‘17

23

What’s On

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

October Wed 25 Oct

The Village That Had No Rain, Greenwich Heritage Centre, Woolwich, SE18 4DX 11am and 12noon. Global Fusion host this event as part of Black History Month. There will be African stories, drumming, dressing up and dancing. Ages 5+. For more information and to book tickets visit www.greenwichheritage.org

Journey Forth, Museum of London Docklands, E14 4AL 12noon and 2.30pm. Imagine a world where buildings can break free and create a comic strip of the adventures they would have in this fanciful art workshop. Ages 5+. Free, drop in event. For more information visit www.museumoflondon.org.uk/ museum-london-docklands

Introducing Hip and Hop, Royal Festival Hall, SE1 8XX 12noon. Join illustrator Sav Akyuz for a storytelling session and drawing workshop packed with colourful artwork and hip-hop inspired rhythms and rhymes. For more information and to book visit www. southbankcentre.co.uk

Farm Rhymes and Riddles, The Woodlands Farm Trust, Welling, DA16 3RP 1-3pm. Test your skills at solving rhymes and riddles. Can you figure out what animal each riddle is about, while exploring the farm? Work them all out and get a prize. There will also be a chance to meet some of the animals. For more information visit www.thewoodlandsfarmtrust.org

Wed 25 – Fri 27 Oct

Holiday to Space, Royal Observatory Greenwich, SE10 8XJ 10-11.30am. Learn more about Ted’s adventure in this workshop by choosing which planet would make a good holiday destination and helping our brave teddy bear prepare for his stay. Ages 4-7. For more information and to book visit www.rmg.co.uk/ royal-observatory

Thurs 26 Oct

London is the Place for Me, Museum of London Docklands, E14 4AL

Haunted Houses, Charlton House, SE7 8RE 10am-1pm. Make your own spooky houses with the help of the team.You can use yours to be the centrepiece of your room or just to help decorate for this Halloween. Ages 4+. For more information visit www. greenwichheritage.org

Leaf Lanterns, The Woodlands Farm Trust, Welling, DA16 3RP 10am-12noon and 1-3pm. Join in for an autumn walk round the farm to find out about different types of trees and leaves. You will be collecting what you find to then use to make and decorate a leaf lantern to take home. Book on 020 8319 8900.

For more information visit www. thewoodlandsfarmtrust.org

Fri 27 Oct

Museums at Night, The Bank of England Museum, EC2R 8AH 5.30-9pm. Listen to the mysterious tale of the Bank Nun and many more ghostly stories from the Bank of England’s past.Visitors can also enjoy a variety of gallery talks and chat to the gold and banknote experts. Free.

For more information visit www. bankofengland.co.uk/museum

The Village That Had No Rain, Charlton House, SE7 8RE 11am and 12noon. Global Fusion host this event as part of Black History Month. There will be African stories, drumming, dressing up and dancing. For more information and to book tickets visit www. greenwichheritage.org

Spices for Sale, Museum of London Docklands, E14 4AL 12noon, 1.30pm and 3.30pm. Meet a Victorian spice seller who has left his home in North Africa to live in London. Ages 5+. Free, drop in event.

For more information visit www. museumoflondon.org.uk/museumlondon-docklands

Lauren Child, Royal Festival Hall, SE1 8XX 1pm. Get inspired by UK Children’s Laureate Lauren Child, in an event exploring the magic of reading and writing via some of Lauren’s best-loved characters. For more information and to book visit www. southbankcentre.co.uk

12noon, 1pm, 2pm and 4pm. Take part in this creative poetry workshop which explores the experiences of immigrants coming to London. Ages 7+. Free tickets allocated on arrival.

For more information visit www. museumoflondon.org.uk/museumlondon-docklands

24

9 Oct - 19 Nov ‘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

“

I saw your event in Primary Times....

Please mention you saw the event listed in Primary Times

”

A Story a Day, Royal Festival Hall, SE1 8XX

3.30pm. End the working week with family storytelling and poetry. Free.

For more information visit www. southbankcentre.co.uk

Halloween Trail and Crafts, The Woodlands Farm Trust, Welling, DA16 3RP 11am-3pm. Halloween is just round the corner so join in for a day of spooky crafts. There will be a creepy animal facts trail round the farm where you can find out all the gruesome and scary things about British wildlife. Go dressed up to get in the full spooky spirit. For more information visit www. thewoodlandsfarmtrust.org

Spooky Halloween Fun, Greenwich Market, SE10 12noon-6pm. Make your own Halloween outfit with Miss Libby Rose at her free sewing workshops, have your face painted by The Gore Store, enjoy creepy story-telling, dancing and a freaky fashion show.

For more information visit www. greenwichmarketlondon.com

Lost in the Ice, National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, SE10 9NF 11am-4pm. Join in on a spooky journey through the icy depths of the National Maritime Museum at this annual family Halloween party.

For more information and to buy tickets visit www.rmg.co.uk/nationalmaritime-museum

Fri 27 – Sun 29 Oct Making Routes Festival, Various Locations

11am-5pm. A free weekend of visual arts, theatre and play for children and families taking place at the South London Gallery, Oasis Play and Battersea Arts Centre. Email mail@ southlondongallery.org to register your interest. For more information visit www.southlondongallery.org

Sat 28 Oct

The Monster Dash, Goddington Park, Orpington, BR6 9DH 5pm. Walk, jog or run past pumpkins, witches, devils and monsters and enjoy four Halloween extravaganza zones including UV foam, bubbles, gunge and devilish paint. The best dressed will be rewarded with a chocolatey treat. For more information and to sign up visit www. demelza.org.uk

SELMEC Meccano Show, Eltham United Reformed Church, SE9 5AD 10.30am-4.30pm. Discover working models of cars, trains, funfair rides and more, all built from Meccano and invent and build your own model in the Make it with Meccano workshop, which you can enter into the competition for the chance to win a prize. For more information visit www.selmec.org.uk

Day of the Dead Celebration, Market Square, Bromley, BR1 1NA Youngsters are invited to book a slot for pumpkin painting, sugar skull face painting or watching professional pumpkin carving during the day before taking spooky selfies. There will also be lots of food and drink and entertainment in the evening for grownups. For more information and to book visit www.yourbromley.com

Grand Autumn Fair, United Reformed Church, Bexleyheath, DA6 7DJ 9.45am-1pm. There will be a variety of charity stalls selling Christmas gifts and cards, jewellery, children’s toys and games, model railways and lots more all in aid of supporting local charities.

A small entrance fee applies. For more information visit www.bexleych.wixsite. com/bexley-charities-78

Trick or Treat Run London, Southwark Park, SE16 Creep it real with friends and family as you run, jog or sneak around this 2.5km or 5km central London course to raise vital funds for Breast Cancer Care.

There will be an Afternoon Spooky Run and an Evening Scare Run in the dark.

For more information and to sign up visit www.trickortreatrun.co.uk

Sun 29 Oct

Disco Kids Spooktacular, The Albany Theatre, Deptford, SE8 4AG 2-5pm. All little monsters are welcome so go along and unleash your most bone-chilling moves on the dance floor to ghostly music from favourite DJ Jean Genie. Suitable for under 7s. For more information and to book visit www. thealbany.org.uk

The Crossness Engines Trust Open Day, Abbey Wood, SE2 9AQ 10.30am-4pm. Go along to see the most extravagant of the grand Victorian steam powered pumping stations.

Admission charges apply. For more information visit www.crossness.org.uk

Light up Winter, Severndroog Castle, Shooter’s Hill, SE18 3RT 10am. As British Summer Time ends, the evenings grow darker and winter approaches. Go along and make a lantern to ‘Light up Winter’. Numbers are limited due to the small space.

For more information visit www. severndroogcastle.org.uk

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

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An Interview with Cerrie Burnell Cerrie Burnell - writer, actor and children’s TV presenter, is releasing the fourth title in her Harper series, Harper and the Fire Star. The Harper books are a magical series set in the City of Clouds, an ethereal world filled with music. The stories follow Harper as she uses her musical gifts (and a little bit of magic!) to help protect her loved ones and the world they live in. Cerrie, a popular CBeebies presenter who has long been a pioneer for diversity, left the channel earlier this year to focus on her writing career. Primary Times was able to catch up with Cerrie on the eve of her latest publication.

What inspired you to write the Harper series?

It came out of a project that I did for the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. They wanted a writer and presenter to write something that they could put classical music to. What I find startling about orchestras is the musicians’ talent - it’s like a magic display! Lots of musicians can play multiple instruments so the character of Harper became someone who could play anything.

Her instrument is a harp, hence her name. She doesn’t know this at the beginning and it’s a journey for her about discovering which instrument is for her.

Which character do you most relate to?

Probably the kids. I think all of the four children have some element of me in them. Liesel is that one kid who doesn’t want to do what everyone else is doing. She’s independent and does her own thing. I relate to Ferdie’s

poetic-ness, his wanting to be a writer and carrying a pencil because he thinks that then he is a poet. Nate is wise beyond his years. He has a relationship and reliance on a wolf.

Yeah I’d love to have a wolf! I think I probably know all the children best. Everyone’s very creative and slightly bonkers.

You’ve spoken before about having dyslexia, how has this affected you?

I think we have this really negative connotation which goes with dyslexia and that’s put upon us by schools who don’t have the funding to manage dyslexic children, but it doesn’t mean it’s an excuse. I was really lucky that I had an amazing headmistress at the primary school I went to, Crofton Junior School, who realised that I wasn’t stupid. This was in the 1980s when no one knew what dyslexia was. Eventually my mum got me privately assessed and following that I had four years of extra tuition. That’s the only way I learnt how to read, and I was reading within three months. I was 8 and a half and I couldn’t read anything and by the time I was 9 I was reading Enid Blyton. It’s a completely different way of teaching and what really saddens and disheartens me is that parents still have to pay to get their children recognised as dyslexic and that shouldn’t be the case.

Parents aren’t being given the support. Self-esteem is so fragile in children and it can go right down and it’s really unnecessary. Somehow I’ve got to try and do more about that, now I’ve got a bit more time. It’s something that really, really irks me.

Looking forward, what would you say is your dream?

Harper and the Fire Star is available to buy now at £5.99 online and from all good high street retailers.

Definitely to write more and to tell stories that perhaps haven’t been told. By that I mean looking at dyslexia and children that are on the spectrum. Writing not necessarily for children but trying to write in a way that can evoke empathy in people. I want to keep creating work really and see where that goes. I’d still like to do a bit of acting but it’d very much need to be the right thing.

If you could give one bit of advice on achieving dreams and being inspired, what would you say?

Everyone’s dream is unique to them and no one can question you on your dream because it’s yours, and if someone doesn’t agree with you, you don’t have to convince them, you don’t have to take that to heart.Your dream is specific to you, no one can tell you that you can’t do it. If you really want it then you’ll find a way.

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Halloween Treats Ghost Story Box

Can you help a friendly family of ghosts save their house? Will you evade the ghost catcher at the funfair and release all the captured ghosts? Who knows what each tale will tell? Ghost Story Box is a beautifully innovative game that helps children tell spooky ghost stories. The game contains 20 story-telling puzzle pieces printed on both sides. Each piece can be interchanged or flipped over to allow for all kinds of plot twists and turns. There are even three alternative endings. When all the puzzle pieces are used, the story stretches to over 8 feet long. The Ghost Story Box is available online and from all good high street retailers for £10.99.

For more information visit www.laurenceking.com.

Healthy Halloween Treats from BEAR

This Halloween try BEAR’s new limited edition packs of Claws - a healthier trick or treat snack for kids.There’s nothing sinister lurking within BEAR Claws, made with no added sugar, concentrates, gumming agents or any other nonsense.What’s more, they are gluten-free and suitable for vegans.They come in four terrifyingly tasty recipes - blackcurrant and beetroot, strawberry and butternut, mango and carrot as well as apple, pear and pumpkin.The perfect healthy treat for your little monsters this Halloween, you won’t find anything scary in these snacks. Just 100% fruit and veg - and that’s no trick.

BEAR Claws are available this October for a multipack of 5 priced at £2.49.

Snazaroo Mini Theme Packs The new Snazaroo ‘easy at-home’ range features ten ‘how-to’ face paint designs including a Jester, Tiger and Bunny. The pocketfriendly packs, priced at £2.99, give parents everything they need to recreate favourite characters, and with five vibrant themes (summer, carnival, Halloween, Christmas and Easter), there’s a design for every occasion.

Each pack comes with everything parents need to recreate looks at home - three colours, a brush, a sponge and an easy to follow 3-step guide. All Snazaroo products are hassle-free to wash off and are suitable for sensitive skin types, while the face paints are fragrance-free and specially-formulated to be gentle on the skin. Get your products now online or from selected high street stores. For more information please visit www. snazaroo.co.uk.

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

November Wed 1 – Thurs 30 Nov

The Sky Tonight, Royal Observatory Greenwich, SE10 8XJ A show presented by an astronomer who takes visitors on a tour of what can be seen in the night sky on the day of their visit and the months ahead. The journey takes in stars, planets and moons. Ages 5+.

For times, more information and to book visit www.rmg.co.uk/royalobservatory

Meet the Neighbours, Royal Observatory Greenwich, SE10 8XJ Meet our neighbours in space in this entertaining, interactive show where you can decide which planets to visit.

Ages 5+. Charges apply. For times, more information and to book visit www.rmg.co.uk/royal-observatory

Fri 3 Nov

Fireworks Display, High Elms Golf Course, Downe, BR6 7JL Enjoy a firework display at the golf course, doors open at 6pm for the display at 7.30pm. There will be a DJ, food and drink, glow items and face painting. For more information and to book email highelms@mytimeactive. co.uk or call 01689 858 175.

Firework Night, Barnehurst Golf Course, DA7 6JU Go along to Barnehurst Golf Course’s firework night spectacular.

For times, more information and to book visit www.mytimeactive.co.uk/ barnehurst

Sat 4 Nov

Motor Show, Regent Street, W1B 10am-4pm. This annual traffic-free event is the UK’s largest free-to-view Motor Show. Showcasing the best of veteran to pioneering motor cars, it’s a day the whole family can enjoy together. For more information visit www.regentstreetmotorshow.com

Toffee Apple Ice Cream

The team at Simply Ice Cream in Kent has created a sensational new flavour to celebrate Halloween - Toffee Apple. The ice cream is made with real Kentish apple pieces, toffee sauce and crunchy honeycomb pieces which are combined with autumnal spices in the Simply Ice Cream kitchens. The new flavour will be joining the range for a limited time only. All Simply Ice Cream is made using natural ingredients which are all locally sourced (where possible). The Toffee Apple flavour will be available from selected stores and restaurants across London, Kent, Sussex, Essex and Surrey.

The Simply Ice Cream range includes nearly thirty taste sensations. As every flavour is hand-made from scratch, you can request to have a bespoke flavour made exclusively for a special occasion.

For more information visit www.simplyicecream. 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

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I saw your event in Primary Times....

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Blackheath Fireworks, Blackheath Common, SE3 0RW

The fun fair will be open from 12noon, food stalls and bars will be open from 5pm and the display will commence at 8pm. The event is free however donations are appreciated.

For more information or to make a donation visit www.lewisham.gov.uk.

Firework Frenzy, Unicorn Theatre, Southwark, SE1 2HZ 12noon-2pm. A free event suitable for all ages. Have fun with lots of glitter and glue and create your own fantastic firework display.

For more information visit www. unicorntheatre.com

Beckenham Fireworks In The Park, Croydon Road Recreation Ground, BR3 3PR 5.00-9.00pm. A family-friendly fireworks display that has been run since 1946. There will be a quiet display at 6pm (fireworks for smaller children/autism-friendly) and a main firework display at 7.45pm. There will also be a funfair, food stalls and face painting. For more information visit www.beckenhamfireworks.com

Chislehurst Rotary Fireworks, Chislehurst Recreation Ground, BR7 5BG Gates open at 5.30pm for the main event of technicolour Fireworks provided by Phoenix Fireworks at 7.00pm. There will also be an under-12s funfair and numerous international food stalls.

All proceeds go to local charities.

For more information visit www. visitchislehurst.org.uk/fireworks

Danson Park Fireworks, Bexleyheath, DA6 8HL Enjoy a great, safe family evening out in the beautiful settings of Danson Park. Be wowed by the beautiful 25 minute spectacular firework display set over the lake. There will also be a children’s fun fair, stalls and plenty of food and refreshments available.

Gates open at 6pm for the display at 8pm. For more information visit www.dansonparkfireworks.co.uk

Your family diary for October and November

November Character Encounters, National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, SE10 9NF (Also 11, 18 and 25 Nov) 12noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. Meet a character from the past and take part in an exciting performance that will bring maritime history to life. Ages 6+.

Free. For more information visit www.rmg.co.uk/national-maritimemuseum

Firework Frenzy, Unicorn Theatre, Southwark, SE1 2HZ 12noon-2pm. Using lots of glitter and glue create and add your fantastic firework picture to the display window. Free. For more information visit www.unicorntheatre.com

Sat 4 – Sun 5 Nov

Fireworks Spectacular, Leeds Castle, Maidstone, ME17 1PL This year the incredible display will be themed around the ‘Best of British’. Arrive from 2pm onwards (car park open 1pm) to enjoy live music, entertainment, falconry display, maze and play areas. Charges apply.

For more information and to book visit www.leeds-castle.com

Diwali Divas, Cutty Sark, Greenwich, SE10 9HT 11.30am-1.30pm and 2-4pm.

Celebrate Diwali at Cutty Sark by making your very own devotional diva. Take your creation home with you or leave it underneath the ship on the illuminated sari river to create a stunning Diwali display. Ages 4+. For more information and to buy ticket visit www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark

Cutty Sark Characters, Cutty Sark, Greenwich, SE10 9HT (Also 11-12, 18-19 and 25-26 Nov) Climb aboard to hear Cutty Sark’s incredible stories brought to life by characters from the ship’s past.

Ages 3+. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.rmg.co.uk/ cutty-sark

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

”

Weekend Space Cadets, Royal Observatory Greenwich, SE10 8XJ (Also 11-12, 18-19 and 25-26 Nov) 12.45-4.15pm. Join in a weekend of family workshops and participate in a varied range of activities related to space science and space exploration.

Ages 5+. Free. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.rmg. co.uk/royal-observatory

Sun 5 Nov

The Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, Various Locations Starting in Hyde Park, the cars congregate from 6am with the first car departing at sunrise and the last car leaving from between 8-8.30am.

Members of the public will get a rare opportunity to view 400 pre-1905 vehicles travel on mass along public roads. To view the route map visit www.veterancarrun.com

Gates open at 6.00pm, there will be two excellent shows. The first a children’s show set to music with less bangs and more colour at 7.00pm and then the main event at 8.30pm with bangs and more. This event is supporting St. Christopher’s, to book tickets visit www. crystalpalacefireworks.co.uk/tickets

What’s On

More What’s On

Crystal Palace Fireworks, Crystal Palace Park, SE20 8DT

Fireworks Night, Southwark Park, SE16 2JH Southwark Council’s annual firework night spectacular is returning once again. Gates open at 5pm, last entry to the park will be at 6.30pm. There will be food, drink and entertainment.

For more information and to buy tickets visit www.southwark.gov.uk/ fireworks

Discover Sundays, National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, SE10 9NF (Also 12, 19 and 26 Nov) 11.30am1.30pm and 2-4pm. Be inspired by our maritime past and explore your personal connections to the sea. Ask staff where the activity is on the day.

For more information visit www.rmg. co.uk/national-maritime-museum

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

Mummy Puff Pastry Pizza Pies

Pile the toppings in the centre of each circle, leaving a small strip around the edges clear.

Cut the leftover pastry into strips and drape over the toppings to create mummy bandage patterns, pushing There’s nothing quite so scary as an ancient Egyptian the edges down so that they stick to the pastry circles. mummy all wrapped up in bandages and ready to Brush over with beaten egg. Tidy up the edges by chase you round the house. Not so scary but lots of cutting off the excess with the same circle cutter you fun are these Mummy Puff Pastry Pizza Pies. They’re used to cut out the original circles. easy to make and really quite healthy.

Bake in the oven for around 15 minutes until cooked Ingredients: 375g ready rolled puff pastry, through and golden. Remove from the oven and leave 2tbsp tomato puree,1/4 bell pepper finely chopped,1 to cool for a few minutes. To make the eyes, cut small spring onion finely chopped, 25g mini pepperoni slices, circles from the leftover cheese slices, then dot the 75g grated cheddar cheese and slices for the eyes, and ‘eyes’ with an edible marker pen or if you don’t have 1 beaten egg. Edible marker pen or food colouring. one, use a little food colouring with a fine paintbrush.

Pop two eyes onto each mummy pie then hand them Method: Preheat the oven to 200°C (Gas mark 6), 180°C for a fan oven. Line a couple of baking round to all your friends and family. Wait for them to tell you how clever you are and not a scary trays with greaseproof or baking paper.

Using a large circle cutter, cut out circles of Mummy in sight! pastry and place on your lined baking trays. With thanks to Grace Hall at Spread a thin layer of tomato puree Eats Amazing for the recipe. over each circle. www.eatsamazing.co.uk

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E M N J V K B P V I

R A R P H R A A O S

I T F L O O N R L P

F C C D T W G K G L

N H X S M E D L M A

O T H G I R B E N Y

B Q U P L I B R R D

S E M A L F N S C P

Can you find the following words in the wordsearch - Fireworks, Gunpowder, Sparklers, Flame, Hot, Bright, Bonfire, Gloves, GuyFawkes, Display, Match, Bang I’m good at fireworks display....

I’ve got a flare for it!

Answers

H U B K N S X S E D

Spot the Difference

G U Y F A W K E S M

In Picture B there is a white star at the bottom of the sparkler. The 3rd firework has lots more stars. The 3rd firework has another stripe. The 4th firework is missing its wick. The background has changed from blue to green

Fireworks Fiesta Fireworks Wordsearch

Anagrams

lown’s

Sparklers, Rockets, Catherine Wheel, Roman Candles

Katie

What do you get when you cross a dinosaur with fireworks?

A Dinomite!

A

Did you hear what happened when the battery and firework were arrested? One was charged, the other let off!

B

What do you call a duck who likes watching fireworks?

A firequacker!

Draw a picture of anything to do with Fireworks.

Firework Anagrams

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

Kre

lsar

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: 3 November 2017.

Good Luck!

Dl Ma esro nc an

ps

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Whatheric Leene

Design the Primary Times Christmas Card!

Win Tickets to Skate at the Tower of London

Every year, we at Primary Times send out thousands of Christmas cards and we’d like you to help us create the picture for this year’s card. It can be any picture you like to do with Christmas in some way.You might like to make it Father Christmas, a snowman, Rudolf with his red nose or maybe a nativity scene.

You can draw or paint your picture on an A4 or A5 piece of card or paper.

Our picture shows our card from last year which was designed for us by Sanuli Athauola from White Meadows Primary School.

See below for entry details.

Teachers and schools are very welcome to send in a whole class’s entries in a single envelope.The winner will see their design used for the Primary Times Christmas card and will also receive fifty copies of the card with envelopes.

Say hello to the Tower of London Ice Rink and skate at the most dramatic location in the capital. Soak up the historic atmosphere at this exclusive ice rink in the grounds of the Tower of London, home to the Beefeaters. As you glide around the 1040m² rink, take in the history, magic and ambience of the Tower. Skate in style in the centuries-old dry moat in full view of the castle’s dramatic fortress walls, close to the river Thames. The action kicks off on 17 November, running through the Christmas period until 2 January.

Head to www.toweroflondonicerink.co.uk to book.

For your chance to win one of eight family tickets to skate at the Tower of London Ice Rink, tell us what the Yeoman Warders at the Tower are popularly called. See below for details of how to enter.

Win Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul on DVD

Win a copy of Guinness World Records

Following on from ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days’, the events in ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul’ take place one year later.

A Heffley family road trip to attend Meemaw’s 90th birthday party goes hilariously off course thanks to Greg’s newest scheme to get to a video gaming convention. Based on one of the best-selling book series of all time, this family cross-country adventure turns into an experience the Heffleys will never forget. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul is available on Digital Download now and Blu-ray™ and DVD on 23 October, from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.

The bestselling annual and family favourite is back and packed with more incredible accomplishments, stunts, cutting-edge science and amazing sporting achievements than ever before. With more than 3,000 new and updated records and 1,000 eye-popping photos, it has thousands of new stats and facts and dazzling new features. There is so much to explore inside.

There’s only one book where you’ll find so many amazing facts all in one place, and that’s Guinness World Records! It makes for an exciting, engaging and educational gift available for purchase in stores and online.

For your chance to win one of ten Guinness World Records 2018 annuals, tell us what animal you’d like for a pet. See below for details of how to enter.

Primary Times have five copies of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul on DVD to give to lucky readers. For your chance to win, tell us to what event the family road trip is going. See below for details of how to enter.

Competitions

Competitions

Guinness World Records: Amazing Animals and Guinness World Records: Gamer’s Edition are also out now to purchase in stores and online.

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 3 November.

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

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What’s On

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

November Fri 10 Nov

Star Gazing, Down House, Downe, BR6 7JT

Sat 11 Nov – Sun 24 Dec Christmas Grotto, Ruxley Manor Garden Centre, Sidcup, DA14 5BQ

7-9.30pm. In this ‘introduction to astronomy’ hear expert talks and top tips, before looking through the telescopes to explore the night sky and gaze among the stars.

Book on 03703 331 181. For more information visit www.englishheritage.org.uk

Take a very special journey through the magical Christmas Grotto where you will play a fun snowball game before taking a journey through Santa’s workshop and meeting Father Christmas himself. For more information and to book tickets visit www.ruxley-manor.co.uk

A Poem for Every Day of the Year, National Theatre, SE1 9PX

Mon 13 – Sun 19 Nov

6pm. A very special one-night event celebrating Allie Esiri’s hit book, featuring magical and humorous poems with a cast featuring Joanna Lumley, Stephen Mangan and more with live illustration from renowned multi-award winning illustrator Chris Riddell. To buy tickets visit www. nationaltheatre.org.uk

There will be a glorious lineup of authors, illustrators and translators and a programme packed with live drawing, storytelling, workshops, talks about books and translation, film screenings, music, poetry and even digital and BookTubing sessions. To view the full programme of events visit www. southkenkidsfestival.co.uk

Sat 11 Nov

Sweet Success, Museum of London Docklands, E14 4AL 12noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. Become an engineer by designing your own arches and test their strength by balancing sweets on your creation.

Ages 5+. Free tickets allocated on arrival. For more information visit www.museumoflondon.org.uk/ museum-london-docklands

Lord Mayor’s Show Celebrations, The Bank of England Museum, EC2R 8AH 11am-5pm. Professional face painters will transform young visitors into one of the well-known characters from ‘The Wind in the Willows’

by Kenneth Grahame, a former Secretary of the Bank of England.

For more information visit www. bankofengland.co.uk/museum

Lord Mayor’s Show and Fireworks, Various Locations in Central London Each year the Show reinvents itself to attract a fresh audience while at the same time not losing sight of its heritage and tradition. There will be a River Pageant at 9am, a procession at 11am and fireworks at 5.15pm. For more information and to view the days itinerary visit www. lordmayorsshow.london

South Ken Kids Festival, Various Locations

Thurs 16 Nov

Christmas Lights Switch On, Regent Street, W1B With a star-studded line up guaranteed and the thrill of a live countdown, the event attracts thousands of visitors. Kick off the start of the festive season with this exciting annual event. For times and more information visit www. regentstreetonline.com

Fri 17 Nov – Tues 2 Jan

The Tower of London Ice Rink, EC3N 4AB Skate against the most dramatic backdrop in the city and soak up the historic atmosphere at this exclusive ice rink in the grounds of the Tower of London. For more information and to book visit www. toweroflondonicerink.co.uk

Sat 18 Nov

Family Activities, Tower Bridge Exhibition, SE1 2UP 10.30am-4pm. Join in some fun, hands-on family activities at Tower Bridge. Admission charges apply. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.towerbridge.org.uk

Astrohead, Unicorn Theatre, Southwark, SE1 2HZ 12noon-2pm.You’ll be in space again this week to celebrate the Laika production. Join in to make your very own galaxy gallery starring your head. Ages 6+. Free.

For more information visit www. unicorntheatre.com

30

9 Oct - 19 Nov ‘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

“

I saw your event in Primary Times....

Please mention you saw the event listed in Primary Times

”

Sat 18 – Sun 19 Nov

Origin Weekend, Down House, Downe, BR6 7JT

11am-4pm. Hear about the life and stories of Charles Darwin, get an upclose look at some of the hidden gems in the collection, enjoy a garden talk and short tour of some of Darwin’s experiments, and there’ll be crafts for the kids too. Book on 03703 331 181. For more information visit www. english-heritage.org.uk

Sun 19 Nov

Christmas Toy Parade, Hamleys, Regent Street, W1B 5BT Hamleys Christmas Toy Parade will return to Regent Street for the third year transforming the street into a traffic-free family extravaganza.

Look out for much-loved characters, colourful floats, giant balloons and even a visit from Santa himself. For times and more information visit www. regentstreetonline.com

Wed 22 Nov

Greenwich Children’s Lantern Procession, Various Locations 4-6pm. The parade will start at 4pm at Discover Greenwich ORNC, led by a jazz band from Trinity Laban, the parade will walk through the grounds, into Cutty Sark Gardens and into the Market at 5pm for the big Christmas Lights On. For more information visit www.greenwichmarketlondon.com

Fri 24 Nov – Sun 7 Jan Ice Rink, Hampton Court Palace, KT8 9AU

Join in to skate against a backdrop of one of the greatest palaces on earth – Henry VIII’s historic home, Hampton Court Palace. The open-air ice rink epitomises the very best in festive fun. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.hrp.org.uk/hamptoncourt-palace

Sat 25 – Sun 26 Nov

The Christmas Market, Leeds Castle, Maidstone, ME17 1PL (Also 2-3, 9-10 and 16-17 Dec) Discover a splendid array of seasonal gifts, toys, festive decorations, and specialist food and drink. Be enchanted by the reindeer and birds of prey while traditional funfair rides and live music keep everyone entertained. For more information visit www.leeds-castle.com

Father Christmas, Leeds Castle, Maidstone, ME17 1PL (Also 2-3, 9-10 and 16-17 Dec) Wander through the Christmas Market to an enchanted path leading to a magical grotto. Father Christmas will be waiting to greet you. Those who have been good will receive a traditional gift to take home. For more information and to book visit www.leeds-castle.com

Olde Father Christmas, Red House, Bexleyheath, DA6 8JF Sessions between 11am and 5pm.

This Victorian Father Christmas, dressed all in green, will fascinate children and adults alike with stories of old Christmas traditions. A wooden child’s toy will be presented to the children. Ages 5+. For more information and to book visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/red-house

Decoration Making, Down House, Downe, BR6 7JT 10.30am, 11.45am, 1.30pm and 2.45pm. See how Victorian house staff would have celebrated Christmas and join us in the Butler’s Pantry of Down House for festive craft making using natural foliage found in the garden. Book on 03703 331 181. For more information visit www.english-heritage.org.uk

Sun 26 Nov

Bexley Christmas Market, Beths Grammar School, Bexley, DA5 1NE 8am-2pm. At this Christmas market you will find: delicious food and drink, novelties, glass wares, outdoor wear, craft works and lots more. For more information visit www.mpjevents.net

Mon 27 Nov – Sun 24 Dec

Christmas, Greenwich Market, The market will be open 7 days a week and will have 150 Christmasthemed stalls offering unique hand crafted and designed gift ideas and stocking-fillers, festive food and drink and lots more. The special St Alfege Market (by the church) will be open every weekend. For more information visit www. greenwichmarketlondon.com

SAIL WITH December SANTA Sat 2 – Sun 3 Dec

XMAS SEASON

XMAS DRINKS, TREATS

BOOK NOW

Sail with Santa, Pier, AND GIFTS FOR Tower THE KIDS EC3N 4DT SAILINGS ON SELECTED

DATES IN DECEMBER (Also 9-10, 16-23 Dec) 10.45am, 12.45pm, 2.35pm and 4.35pm.

Meet Santa on the river Call 020 77 400 400 or visit as he’s swapped his sleigh Thames for a boat! Fun for everyone with lots of treats from Santa. For more information and to book visit www. citycruises.com

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3 November 2017.

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Good Work Page Vaishnavi Jadhav aged 11

Aleezeh Khan aged 7

. Alexander Hutchison won competitions in our September Back to School issue Congratulations to the following people who won land, Layla Dabbob, Riley Nice Ears were won by Alex English, Callum More the UBTECH competition. Copies of A Dog with . Sophia O'Regan won see Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs pantomime McGuigan and Bella Blundell. Adam Bilby is off to i, Alexander Roberts, Amelie Hill, Kiki the signed Chelsea Ladies FC shirt. Aadharshini Pand If you would like to see ie Bags. Harrison van Rensburg, Good h Puneet Rai and Adam Sadiq all won Jungle Bunc your work displayed to Mini Maestro Family Concerts and Flynn Colley, Alex Shi and Ned Trehearn are going here then just send us a l - Raphael Independent School.

Rahul Gunputh won a box of books for his schoo drawing, poem, riddles, the under 8s and our older winner was jokes or short story and Aleezeh Khan won Annie's drawing competition for rk on this page. artwo the enjoy and ers we'll do our very best to winn prize our all to Vaishnavi Jadhav. Well done include it. Send it to: Good Work Page Primary Times 7 Southbrook Mews London SE12 8LG

Thank you to EsmĂŠ Grundy for her fairy in the garden picture, Louise Cai for her cute animal sports drawing, Grace Hennessy for her self portrait and Niladri Kar for the colourful animal picture We love seeing your work so do please keep sending it to us.

Lapland A Day Trip You’ll Never Forget

Departing December 2017

From £549 Low Deposit £50pp

T

ake your children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews on a day trip they’ll never forget as you journey 100 kilometres above the Arctic Circle to a sparkling landscape of snowy forests. For here, in the remote heart of Swedish Lapland, you’ll find Pajala - the secret home of the real Santa Claus, his reindeer and his happy team of helpers.

For a few precious days in December, you can fly direct to Lapland on our specially chartered flight - the only ‘Santa’ flight into Pajala on that day - for a once-in-a-lifetime experience in a natural winter wonderland that’s as far away from the everyday, increasingly commercial Christmas celebration as you could ever hope to find.

Lapland Santa Day Trip Highlights

• Exclusive festive flights • Discovering the still, white wilderness of Swedish Lapland • Family fun in the snow • Time to enjoy organised activities throughout the day • A host of treasured memories to cherish

What does the price include?

• Exclusive chartered return flights direct to Pajala, in Swedish Lapland • Return transfers from the airport to Santa’s village • In-flight catering • Warm and cosy thermal clothing including gloves and boots • Hot berry juice to drink • A ‘Search for Santa’ experience • A private family meeting with Father Christmas • A token Christmas gift for every child • An exhilarating snowmobile ride • A traditional reindeer sleigh ride • Husky sledding through the snowy countryside • A two-course lunch of hot soup and Swedish meatballs

See more details of this and other great offers at www.newmarket.travel/ptm For further information, to book by credit card or to request a brochure please call

03301 607703 and quote PTM

This holiday is operated by Newmarket Promotions Ltd - ABTA V787X