South London February Half Term 2022 Primary Times by Alison Watson

What’s On Where

FOR FAMILIES OF PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN

South London

Imagine 20 YEARS OF

CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL FOR AGES 0 – 11

12 D AY S OF JAMPA C K E D FUN

W LOA ITH FRE DS O E EV F OVE ENTS HAL R F -T E RM

9 – 20 Feb 2022

DAYS OUT • COMPETITIONS • EDUCATION & MORE...

FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2022 31 JANUARY - 20 MARCH 2022 ISSUE 133

LONDON’S WARSHIP EXPERIENCE

EXPLORE ALL NINE DECKS OF HMS BELFAST Scan the QR code to visit our website or search: HMS Belfast

Dear Readers Christmas and the New Year seems a while ago now. It wasn’t the best time for many people but I wish you all a very happy and healthy 2022 and hope we’re back to normality soon. Tel: 020 8318 0400 Claire and Hayley spend many hours looking for fun Email: office@primarytimes.biz filled ideas to cover the school holidays. They are always Website: www.primarytimes.co.uk looking out for new places to cover so if you have your own Twitter: @PT_LondonSandE favourites that we don’t mention, please do let us know as it Instagram: @primarytimesse may be that we haven’t come across them yet. If you do visit Publishing Editor: Peter Watson any of our suggestions please mention you read about them Sales: Andrew Langridge, My Yen Doyle, in Primary Times - the best Family Guide to What’s On. Primary Times in South London 7 Southbrook Mews London SE12 8LG

Gill Pearce & Catherine Dillon Listings: Claire Wood, Hayley Hughes Production: Alison Watson Office Manager: Chris Blower Administrator: Claire Wood Social Media: Rachel Benson

Primary Times is independently published and distributed free in primary and junior schools throughout the boroughs of Croydon, Lambeth, Lewisham & Southwark. 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 Croydon, Lambeth, Lewisham & Southwark 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 London is operated under franchise licence.

If you are visiting any of our suggestions do make sure you check that the event is still going ahead. We live in very uncertain times currently and it’s always worth double checking. All our listings should have contact details on them but if you can’t find what you are looking for just give us a call. Calling all schools and teachers - Don’t forget to email us with your news or if you have something to celebrate in your school. We would love to hear from you so we can let all our readers know what you’ve been up to. Email us at office@primarytimes.biz with your latest news.

Contents

inside this issue.... Calling All Teachers..................4 What’s On.................................6 After School Activities............... 7 Whatever the Weather................10 Family Theatre.......................... 14 Education News...................... 16 Competitions........................... 19 All Your Own Work..................23

Are you following us in Twitter and Instagram? Follow us on Twitter so you don’t miss out on our competitions offering some fab prizes, info on events and updates from our advertisers. You can find us @Twitter/PT_LondonSandE. We also get sent lots of photographs so look out for our favourite ones on Instagram @primarytimesse. We’ll be back around the 21st March for the Spring school holidays - have a good half term.

Peter and the Primary Times team

Funny Is Power this Red Nose Day Red Nose Day is back on Friday 18 March – bigger, better and redder than ever! Whatever you and the children do, no matter how big or small, you can help people live free from poverty, violence and discrimination. So why not plan something special this Red Nose Day? Head over to www.comicrelief.com/rednoseday to explore a whole load of fun’raising resources, tips and ideas. Together, we have the power to change lives. Donate to Dress up Whether it’s dressing up or dressing down, wearing something different is a great way to sprinkle Red Nose Day joy on everyday activities – and of course, raise some money in the process. Capture the power of funny by encouraging superhero-style costumes – think Superman, Wonder Woman, or a brand new heroic creation. Children could even come dressed as someone they admire from their family or community – the more inventive, the better! If keeping it simple is more up your street, a classic non-uniform day is always a winner. Whatever you go for, just be sure to collect a small donation from all those well-dressed superstars. Sponsor the Superheroes What’s your school’s hidden talent? Does your class have a special superpower? Now’s the time to find out! Perhaps you’re great at singing, incredible at times tables, champions of the dancefloor or epic chefs. Choose your skill and set yourself a Red Nose Day challenge, asking for friends, family and classmates to sponsor your efforts and raise money for a great cause in the process. And remember, this one isn’t just for the kids! Pupils will love discovering their teachers’ hidden talents too, so get practising and prepare to take on what you do best for Comic Relief. Take on the Blue Peter challenge Get involved with this year’s Blue Peter challenge for the chance to have your superpower featured on the live special on Red Nose Day itself! Head over to www.bbc.co.uk/bluepeter to find out how to take part – and be sure to tune in on the day, whether that’s on BBC iPlayer or CBBC.

Bake a Difference A few delicious sweet (or savoury!) treats go a long way when it comes to spreading the Red Nose Day joy, so why not grab a recipe and encourage some baking action? Head over to www.comicrelief.com/primary to discover a whole host of yummy, child-friendly recipes, and just see if you can’t turn those cakes, biscuits and brownies into some serious dough. Set up a stall during lunchtime, break time or after school to give children a chance to sell their baked delights – whether they’re homemade, shop-bought, or a complete mystery. And for anyone wondering, eating definitely counts as taking part!

31 Jan - 20 Mar ‘22

Calling All Teachers

Out of the Smoke

‘Out of the Smoke’ is an excellent class read for Upper Key Stage 2. Matthew Wainwright is an experienced educator who offers school assemblies and literacy workshops, in-person and online. To book a visit, and to access a range of activities and learning materials, visit the author’s website, www. matthewwainwright.co.uk. Discounted class sets of ‘Out of the Smoke’ (up to 50% off) can be ordered from the publisher.To enquire, email books@wakemantrust.org.

Calling all Teachers...

Graduate the School of Skate

GRADUATE THE

SCHOOL OF SKATE

Amy d axle oing an drop -in!!!!

AND LEARN…… Resilience

Determination

Creativity

Perseverance

Confidence

SchoolofSkate.co.uk/schools

Teachers - are you looking for a new Enrichment Activity?

School of Skate is operating in South and East London schools and offers an alternative sport with many associated mental health benefits. Pupils can learn valuable life skills, like perseverance, independence, and selfdiscipline. Skateboarding contributes to wellbeing, with no rules, permitting play, freedom of expression and creativity. It is a social group activity that transcends cultural and gender boundaries. School of Skate offers a structured Appsupported learning programme developed over 5 years. Beginners perform The Drop In, to get their certification, exclusive T-Shirt and sticker pack! Teachers can visit www.schoolofskate.co.uk/schools for more information.

Children’s Stories Rise from the Ashes of the Crystal Palace At 7.10pm on 30 November 1936, the first sparks of flames were seen emerging from the Crystal Palace in south-east London.The smoke and glow from the great fire were reported to have been seen as far away as the south coast, as the mysterious blaze consumed the People’s Palace, which had stood proudly for eight decades, three times bigger than St Paul’s Cathedral, hosting the first FA Cup Finals and welcoming millions of visitors every year from around the world including, of course, Queen Victoria herself.

Danger on the Streets of Victorian London

Plunged into the criminal underworld of Victorian London, Billy the chimney sweep knows he must fight - or die. But with notorious gang leader Archie Miller closing in on him, every turn he takes only leads to more trouble. When the ‘Poor Man’s Earl’ offers Billy a chance to exchange his gangland life for an education, Billy must decide if his pride is too high a price to pay, and whether turning on Archie will mean freedom - or certain death. Based on the life and work of the 7th Earl of Shaftesbury, who campaigned tirelessly for the rights of child workers in the 19th century, Out of the Smoke (published by Wakeman Trust, £7.99) is a thrilling historical adventure for ages 9 and up, taking readers on a breakneck journey from the spires of Westminster to the slums of Soho. Reviews are calling it “fully immersive and fantastically told” and “a story rich in menace and hope.” Out of the Smoke is available to order online, and from all good bookshops.

31 Jan - 20 Mar ‘22

At 7.10pm on 30 November 2021, nine young writers aged between 7 and 13, came together with their families to celebrate winning the ‘Your Crystal Palace Writing Competition’ in the Crystal Palace Museum, the last standing part of the Palace. Each brilliant story brought to life an imagined tale of what could happen if the Crystal Palace were to return again. The competition saw entries from schools across the South-East, and the prizes included an iPad for overall winner China Wright from St Joseph’s School, and a bundle of goodies for each of the nine winning children. Some of the other schools providing winners included Paxton Primary School, Rockmount Primary School, Heavers Farm Primary School and Crown Lane Primary. Each of the winning stories are now exhibited in their own dedicated display at the Museum along with a bronze helmet that one of the firemen wore trying to battle the flame 85 years ago.The stories are also on display at the Upper Norwood Library Hub.

Wear a Hat for Brain Tumour Research Wear a Hat Day is back! Join thousands of school children, parents and teachers across the UK on Friday 25 March and get hatty to help find a cure for brain tumours. This year’s unmissable fundraiser has a regal theme, celebrating the Platinum Jubilee with four new royal hat badges. It’s the perfect way to bring everyone together and enjoy hat-themed events for Brain Tumour Research. Register today to get your free fundraising pack at www.wearahatday.org.

"I wouldn't wish my anxiety on my worst enemy." Help test a course designed to prevent children developing anxiety. If you are a parent who experiences anxiety and has a child aged 2-11 find out how you can make a difference.

parentingwithanxiety.org.uk

Registered charity number 1153487 (England and Wales) SC046840 (Scotland)

At the Parenting with Anxiety Project at the University of Sussex, they are focused on finding ways to help parents and children navigate the world with confidence. They know it is not always easy, but they believe it is possible. If you feel anxious you may find yourself feeling worried about your children.You may be concerned that they are feeling anxious too. Their research shows that with the right support parents can help their children become more confident. They now want to find out if families will benefit from an 8-module online course. If you would describe yourself as high in anxiety and have a child aged 2-11, they would love you to join them. Half of the parents will do the course and the others will just answer questions. Everyone who takes part is playing an important role in helping children with anxiety. Visit www.parentingwithanxiety.org.uk for more information.

Local News

If You are Feeling Anxious You are not Alone!

MARCH 2022

www.wearahatday.org

Mishka by Mike Maroney This is a pretty near perfect animal action adventure. Readers will be captivated not only by the heroic actions of Mishka, but Mike Maroney’s relatable characters – both the dastardly and the good guys. Ingeniously setting his story in Siberia, a place we all know little about, also provides plenty of scope for the vivid imaginations of its young readers. It’s a great bedtime story for youngsters, or an independent read for older children. Mishka wholeheartedly deserves to be recognised as a modern children’s classic. It also beautifully illustrates that special bond between grandparent and grandchild. Horridgrad in Siberia lived up to its name, a town full of criminals and corrupt officials, ruled by Ivan the Horrid. When Natasha had to stay, her grandfather bought her a snow-white puppy, to cheer her up. She called him Mishka. Mishka grew to be big and brave. He foiled a post office robbery and saved some children from drowning. Soon he helped scare all the thugs from the streets. Everyone felt safer with Mishka around. But Mishka turned out to not be a little puppy at all. Ivan was not about to let the ‘Big Dog’ ruin his racket. When he discovered Mishka’s secret he plotted to use it to get rid of him for good. Published by Talisman, Mishka is available in paperback priced £6.99 and in Kindle format on Amazon. Follow us on Twitter - @PT_LondonSandE

31 Jan - 20 Mar ‘22

What’s On

What’s On Your family diary for February and March

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

Ongoing Virtual Tours, Bluebell Railway, Sheffield Park Station, TN22 3QL Explore Sheffield Park and Horsted Keynes with the virtual Bluebell Railway Tour, which includes Steamworks!, the shop, signal boxes and tours around the platforms and also the Bluebell Railway Museum. For more information visit www. bluebell-railway.com/virtual-tours

Weekends

Thames Tunnel, The Brunel Museum, Rotherhithe, SE16 4LF

(Selected dates) 11am-5pm. Go 16m underground in a tour of the Thames Tunnel Shaft with the volunteer guides, find out why Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s first project was almost his last and join in a walking tour to discover areas of London shaped by this engineering marvel. For tickets visit www. thebrunelmuseum.com

Until 20 Feb

Sowing Roots, The Garden Museum, Lambeth, SE1 7LB

This free exhibition is part of the Garden Museum’s Sowing Roots project, a first of its kind journey into the history of the gardening cultures and traditions that Caribbean people carried with them when they moved to the UK after World War II. For more information visit www. gardenmuseum.org.uk

Until 20 Mar

Picture the City, Bank of England Museum (Online)

This digital exhibition brings together eight landscape paintings showing us the beautiful scenery historic London has to offer For more information visit www.bankofengland.co.uk/ museum/whats-on

Until 26 Mar

Until 1 Apr

Midsummer Night’s Dream, Shakespeare’s Globe (Online)

To help teachers, parents and students with the challenges of teaching during the pandemic Shakespeare’s Globe are making their 2021 production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream available to watch for free in your school.Visit www. shakespearesglobe.com to register to access the film.

Until 30 Oct

Cats and Dogs, Horniman Museum & Gardens, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ

This immersive exhibition explores the scientific, social and cultural role that cats and dogs play in our world, and invites visitors to go on an exciting, sensory journey, exploring what it’s like to be a cat or a dog. For more information and to book tickets visit www.horniman.ac.uk.

February Sat 5 Feb

Coder Dojo, Prince Philip Maritime Collections Centre, Kidbrooke, SE3 9QS

10.30am-12noon. Take part in an array of specially designed coding activities or work with friends to create your own exciting project. In the final half an hour of the session, you will be able to share and present your projects with your peers. Free. Ages 7-17. To book visit www.rmg. co.uk

Young Farmers, Vauxhall City Farm, Lambeth, SE11 5HS

10am and 1pm. Take part in this Saturday club which inspires young people, aged 7-14 to get involved in all aspects of the farm and take part in some great indoor and outdoor activities. For more information and to book visit www.vauxhallcityfarm. org

Story Space, Tate Britain, SW1P 4RG

(Selected dates) Featuring a library of books by Black authors, Indigenous authors and authors of colour from around the world, Story Space celebrates books that centre children of colour, and aims for everyone to see themselves reflected in the books they read. Free. For more information visit www.tate.org.uk

31 Jan - 20 Mar ‘22

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 5-Sun 6 Feb

Story Seekers, Imperial War Museum, SE1 6HZ

(Also 12-20 & 26-27 Feb) 10am4pm.Your family can discover real artefacts and find moving and surprising stories from people who braved shark-infested waters to ingenious nurses and those who built machines of conflict. Free. For more information and to book admission tickets visit www.iwm.org.uk

Family Activities, HMS Belfast, SE1 2JH

(Also 12-20 & 26-27 Feb) 10am-3pm. Join in HMS Belfast’s interactive family activity Sea Legs where you will complete fun tasks around the ship, and then travel back to D-Day in 1944 with Family Mission: D-Day Edition. Ages 7+. Free event with general admission. For more information and to book tickets visit www.iwm.org.uk

Sun 6 Feb

Chinese New Year 2022, Year of the Tiger

The usual celebrations have been cancelled this year, but you can still get involved by following #CNYLondon on social media for an online programme of events and activities. There will also be a special television broadcast today and you can look for the London Eye lit up in red and gold. For more information visit www.visitlondon.com

Wed 9 – Sun 20 Feb

Imagine Children’s Festival, Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX

Celebrate 20 years of Imagine Children’s Festival! The largest festival of its kind in the UK is dedicated to families experiencing and enjoying all kinds of art and culture together. For more information and to view the full programme of events visit www. southbankcentre.co.uk

The Origin of Carmen Power, Southbank Centre, (Online) In this playful online quest, monsters, magic powers and unicorns help share Carmen’s real-life experience of cancer. Ages

7 – 13. Contains themes that some young children may find difficult. For more information visit www. southbankcentre.co.uk

Wed 9-Mon 28 Feb

Snowdrop Walk, Hever Castle, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG Wrap up warm and stroll through the extensive gardens to enjoy the heavenly carpet of snowdrops which create a magical trail for visitors to follow. Charges apply. For more information visit www.hevercastle. co.uk

Fri 11-Sun 13 Feb

Peppa Pig: My First Concert, Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX

(Various times) From Mozart to muddy puddles, everyone’s favourite Pig family leads an introduction to live orchestra for the whole family. Ages 2+. For more information and to book visit www.southbankcentre. co.uk

Fri 11-Sun 20 Feb

Shape the World with OKIDO, Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX

From 10.30am. Let your kids loose with the Chinese game of Tangram and its unlimited number of possibilities for imaginative play. Ages 2-11. For more information and to book your free ticket visit www. southbankcentre.co.uk

Sat 12 Feb

Crafty Cartoons with Bino & Fino, Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX

10.30am & 1.30pm. In this family event, watch as the lovable brother and sister duo appear on-screen, then follow their lead to craft and dance across the ballroom floor. For more information visit www. southbankcentre.co.uk

Little People, BIG DREAMS: Guess Who?, Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX

11am and 1.30pm. Have your questions at the ready as the creator of the popular book series Little People, BIG DREAMS challenges you to figure out the famous mystery characters. Ages 4-7. For more information and to book visit www. southbankcentre.co.uk

Two Terrible Vikings, Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX 11am. Join Horrid Henry author Francesca Simon and Dennis the Menace illustrator Steve May to

For lots more What’s On ideas see page 8...

In the wake of the upheaval caused to education by the pandemic, there is a lot of pressure on schools to help students catch up on missed academic work. This can sometimes be at the expense of extracurricular activities. Indeed, such activities are as important as homework and children benefit from a wide range of after-school clubs and classes. This makes organised, out of school activities even more important. A wide variety of activities can make children happier at school, more motivated, creative, and resilient. It can improve their wellbeing, sense of purpose and help them develop stronger collaboration skills. It will have a positive impact on their life outcomes and contribution to society, post COVID and well into the future.

Explore, Create and Have Fun through Dance this Half Term

Take part in dance courses for children and teens this half term at Central School of Ballet, at their new studios just 10 minutes from Waterloo Station in London. The dance courses take place from 11-14 February for ages 4-16 years, depending on the course and ability. There’s a range of dance styles available for fun and to develop flexibility, musicality, coordination, balance, stamina, and to improve dance skills.

Central School of Ballet_Primary Times ad_Feb half term_AW.indd Follow us on Twitter - @PT_LondonSandE

love

www.funkymonkey.info

31 Jan - 20 Mar ‘22

13/01/2022 15:37

After School Activities

Ballet courses are available for beginners through to more experienced and older age groups including an audition preparation course. There’s a Musical Theatre Course available, open to all abilities, with the chance to learn songs and choreography from a well-known musical. Or try a Dance Around the World Course, also open to all abilities, to learn about four styles of dance from different cultures across the globe. Find out more about age groups for each course and ability levels, and how to book at www.centralschoolofballet.co.uk/classes-courses. If a weekly class in ballet at a world famous ballet school is of interest then find out more about Central’s Junior School where the in-house syllabus Read, write & music with is tailored across eleven layers for pupils aged 3-18 years.The classes provide a solid foundation for Home aspiring dancers to build skills and 01732 457 100 Keyboard Tuition enjoy the artform. Find out more at 5-8 9-12 years www.centralschoolofballet.co.uk/ Step by step videos classes-courses/junior-school. at your own pace! Venue-based Keyboard Central School of Ballet is a worldTuition leading professional dance training 4 5-8 9-12 years Small groups/free trial! centre in London offering classes and Os SE/SW courses for all age groups to develop W T n way fu arn! dance skills, improve fitness and for to le wellbeing. Find out more at www.centralschoolofballet.co.uk.

What’s On

More What’s On Your family diary for February and March

February discover their hilarious new series, Two Terrible Vikings. Ages 7-9. For more information and to book visit www.southbankcentre.co.uk

Growing Up, Making Mistakes and Becoming YOU!, Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX 2pm. Rudimental’s Leon Rolle and writer Derek Owusu’s new book, About This Boy, is about finding confidence, being yourself and never giving up on your dreams. Ages 9+. For more information and to book visit www.southbankcentre.co.uk

Young Farmers, Vauxhall City Farm, Lambeth, SE11 5HS

Sat 12-Sun 20 Feb

Nature Week, Hever Castle, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG

Pull on your wellies and head around the lake for a free nature themed scavenger hunt and then warm up in the ‘Think Tank’ classroom where children can paint and decorate their very own pine cone and turn them into critters. For details visit www. hevercastle.co.uk

Family Activity Trail, Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX 11am-4pm. Collect a trail sheet and lead your family on a do-it-yourself adventure by Anna Bruder, packed with discoveries galore. Activity sheets and drawing materials can be collected from the Welcome Desk, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall. For more information visit www. southbankcentre.co.uk

Sat 12-Sun 27 Feb

Bluebell on Ice, Bluebell Railway, Sheffield Park Station, TN22 3QL

Go ice-skating in the locomotive shed this February half term. Don’t worry, the display engines will still be tucked up nice and warm inside the shed and available for visitors to explore. Also during half term ‘Kids for a quid’ is back. To book tickets visit www.bluebell-railway.com

Sun 13 Feb

Storytelling: Macbeth, Shakespeare’s Globe, Bankside, SE1 9DT

12.30pm & 3pm. Be swept through the hurly-burly of Macbeth in a gloriously spooky and bloody

storytelling set in medieval Scotland. Ages 5-12. For more information and to book visit www. shakespearesglobe.com

FUNharmonics: Sir Scallywag and the Golden Underpants, Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX

12noon. The heroic story of Sir Scallywag, based on the book by Giles Andreae and Korky Paul, is told by the London Philharmonic Orchestra with music by Paul Rissmann. Ages 5+. For more information and to book visit www. southbankcentre.co.uk

Fun DMC, Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX 1.30pm. For those too young for the club, Spin Doctor hosts a kid-friendly block party of stomping hip-hop, funk and disco anthems. Fancy dress encouraged. For more information visit www. southbankcentre.co.uk

The Tempest Workshop, Shakespeare’s Globe, (Online)

12.30pm. Bring The Tempest to life in this fun and practical interactive online workshop. Ages 5-8. For more information and to book visit www. shakespearesglobe.com

Sun 13-Sat 19 Feb

Telling Tales, Shakespeare’s Globe, Bankside, SE1 9DT

This family festival returns with a packed programme of activities for February half term. Uncover the magic of storytelling together in a family workshop or explore Shakespeare’s plays in a fun storytelling session. To view the full programme of events visit www. shakespearesglobe.com

Mon 14 Feb

Macbeth Workshop, Shakespeare’s Globe, (Online) 11am. Bring Macbeth to life in this fun and practical interactive online workshop. Ages 9-12. For more information and to book visit www. shakespearesglobe.com

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

”

Palaver Party, Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX

10.30am & 1.30pm. Palaver Party is about being free to be whoever you want to be. Drag, cabaret, performance and disco usher in a family extravaganza. For more information visit www. southbankcentre.co.uk

Cosmic Kids Yoga, Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX 10.30am, 12.30pm & 2pm. Breathe deep and stretch with Jaime Amor, creator of Cosmic Kids Yoga, as she guides you through a live version of her trademark yoga and storytelling sessions. Ages 5+. For more information and to book visit www. southbankcentre.co.uk

Green Hearts Everywhere, South London Botanical Institute, SE24 9AQ

2-3pm. Make little green paper hearts filled with native wildflower seeds that are not only cute to look at but can be planted in unloved places to create new little wildflower patches. Part of the Climate Coalition’s ‘Show the Love’ campaign. Ages 5-11. To book visit www.slbi.org.uk

Mon 14-Tues 15 Feb

Nature Detectives, Centre for Wildlife Gardening, SE15 4EE

10am-3pm. A two day course for families who are Southwark residents discovering clues to the wildlife around us. For more information and to book visit www.wildlondon.org.uk

Mon 14-Fri 18 Feb

Picture the City Family Workshops, The Brunel Museum, Rotherhithe, SE16 4LF

11am & 1.30pm. Encounter one of the people who changed the face of the Thames and the Docklands forever in a character encounter, learn to master the arts like Marc Brunel and create your own watercolour wonder. To book visit www.thebrunelmuseum.com

Mon 14-Sat 19 Feb Family Guided Tour, Shakespeare’s Globe, Bankside, SE1 9DT

Join this Family Globe Theatre Guided Tour, ideal for those with children aged 7-11 years old. The tour introduces younger visitors to Shakespeare’s London and to the theatrical world he created. For more information and to book visit www. shakespearesglobe.com

Family Sword Fighting Demonstration, Shakespeare’s Globe, Bankside, SE1 9DT

Join the Globe Fight Team for a demonstration of Early Modern stage combat, learn about historical sword fighting, handle the weapons, and have your photo taken with the swords that are used for Exhibition fights. For more information and to book visit www.shakespearesglobe.com

Tues 15 Feb

A Midsummer Night’s Dream Family Workshop, Shakespeare’s Globe, Bankside, SE1 9DT

11am & 1.30pm Dive into the playful comedy of A Midsummer Night’s Dream together as a family in this fun and practical workshop. Ages 9-12. For more information and to book visit www.shakespearesglobe.com

Bulb Lasagne Workshop, Beckenham Palace Park, BR3 1SY

Plant up a pot with layers of bulbs that flower at different times to take home and enjoy watching the plants grow and the flowers bloom. This outdoor activity is for children aged 4-12 years and there are two time slots at 10am and 11am. To book visit www.beckenhamplacepark.com/ events

Pop Up Projects: Stories to Make a Difference, Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX 10.30am & 1.30pm. Through craft, storytelling, live illustration and a reading of A Swallow’s Kiss, explore the 10 Stories to Make a Difference collection. Ages 5+. For more information visit www. southbankcentre.co.uk

Tues 15-Thurs 17 Feb A Midsummer Night’s Dream Family Workshop, Shakespeare’s Globe, Bankside, SE1 9DT

11am & 1.30pm. Start your day with a walk inside the wooden ‘O’ to hear about the history of Shakespeare’s London and the theatrical world he created.You’ll then visit one of the rehearsal rooms to take part in an interactive workshop for the whole family. Ages 5-8. To book visit www. shakespearesglobe.com

Wed 16 Feb

The Tempest Storytelling, Shakespeare’s Globe, Bankside, SE1 9DT

12.30pm and 3pm. Be guided through the strange and wonderful land of The Tempest by the Globe’s storyteller in this interactive live storytelling event. Ages 5-12. For more information and to book visit www.shakespearesglobe.com

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

Due to Covid 19 restrictions please do check with the venue that the listing is up to date before planning your visit. 8

31 Jan - 20 Mar ‘22

A first-class education for girls aged 4 to 18, since 1887

Nothing should hold a girl back. Discover how we educate fearless girls, happy and confident about their futures. Celebrating 135 years Prep School Morning: Friday 19 March ofOpen empowering pupils Senior School 25 March to Open forge Morning: their ownThursday path. sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net

Virtual open events and taster sessions are bookable on our website. www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net | admissions@syd.gdst.net 020 8557 7004 | 15 & 19 Westwood Hill, London SE26 6BL

Whatever the Weather

Fun Days Out with the Family Telling Tales at Shakespeare’s Globe

Get the kids into Shakespeare this February Half Term with the return of Telling Tales, the family festival at Shakespeare’s Globe. These events are the perfect introduction to Shakespeare’s plays for children aged 5 – 12 and their grown-ups to take part in together. Uncover the magic of some famous plays in these Storytelling sessions. Delve into the spooky and bloody Macbeth, take a trip through the mystical land of The Tempest or experience the most famous love story of all time in Romeo and Juliet, plus many more stories. Or take part in an interactive Family Workshop. Step inside the Globe’s wooden ‘O’ to hear about the history of Shakespeare’s London and the theatrical world he created. Then, join in fun activities and games drawing out elements of a Shakespeare play. Explore the topsy-turvy world of Twelfth Night, the playful A Midsummer Night’s Dream or enter the mind of Hamlet! Can’t make it to Bankside? You can also join from home with a number of live online events, led by Globe practitioners. Choose an online family workshop and get the whole household involved or join an interactive online storytelling of The Tempest. For the full line up of events and to book your place, visit www. shakespearesglobe.com/seasons/telling-tales.

Celebrate Imagine Children’s Festival at 20

Imagine Children’s Festival turns 20 in 2022 but has no intention of growing up any time soon! They’ve got over 160 events jam-packed into 12 days and over 50% of the festival is completely free. You can find the very best children’s theatre, comedy, music, literature, dance and, most importantly, full-on fun for children and their grown-ups this February Half Term. Imagine Children’s Festival is all about unlocking creativity, celebrating the individuality of every child and bringing families together. This year, they’re also focusing on wellbeing and mindfulness, with a wide range of access-friendly events. The multi-arts line-up for 2022 includes some of the best-loved faces from children’s literature and television. YolanDa’s Band Jam (16 Feb) is a live version of the much-loved CBeebies TV show from saxophonist YolanDa, who introduces kids to the joys of music with singing, dancing and playing. Kids can join the beloved Peppa Pig, along with Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig and George, as they discover how music comes together and enjoy some trotter-tapping orchestral music in Peppa Pig: My First Concert (11 – 13 Feb). Hear from the very best children’s authors including Julia Donaldson and Friends: A Pocketful of Songs (19 Feb) which is a fun-packed musical show filled with much-loved characters. Escape with Jacqueline Wilson (20 Feb) sees the bestselling children’s author share how she started her writing career, as she introduces her new books, The Runaway Girls and The Primrose Railway Children. Celebrated poet, author and former Children’s Laureate Michael Rosen (20 Feb) reads a selection of his bestloved poems and stories, while introducing his new picture book, Sticky McStickstick, a story of hope and perseverance and a fond testament to Rosen’s trusty NHS walking stick. The festival runs from 9 - 20 February. For the full line-up of events go to www.southbankcentre.co.uk/imagine

TELLING TALES

Half Term Family Events 13 – 19 February

Imagine 20 YEARS OF

CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL FOR AGES 0 – 11

12 D AY S OF JAMPA C K E D FUN

W LO ITH FRE ADS O E EV F ENT O S HAL VER F -T E RM

Join us in person or from home Book now at shakespearesglobe.com 10

31 Jan - 20 Mar ‘22

9 – 20 Feb 2022

HMS Belfast isn’t an average museum, but a real-life warship with nine decks to explore. Check out the top 5 must-see moments. Sit in the Captain’s chair: Take the helm of this iconic warship when you sit on the Captain’s chair in the upper decks. Find your rank: Discover the different roles and responsibilities on board and assign each family member their own role – who would be in charge? Steer the ship yourself: Test your skills at the new interactive Lower Steering Position. In this simulation, take orders from the Captain on D-Day 1944 and lead the fleet to the beaches of Normandy. Enjoy free family activities every weekend in February and March: Take on ‘Family Mission: D-Day Edition’ and get to grips with the science and skills needed to survive on HMS Belfast in ‘Sea Legs’. Learn about HMS Belfast’s history and those who served on board: With new interactive displays, photographs and stories, discover how HMS Belfast played a vital role in Second World War and Cold War history. But that’s not all! There’s so much more to discover - step inside the gun turrets, explore the living quarters, enter the shell rooms, visit the Sick Bay, climb to the top of the Flag Deck or relax in the café with tasty treats! Book today at www.iwm.org.uk/hms-belfast. Open daily this half term, HMS Belfast is recommended for children aged 5+. Adult admission tickets cost £25 and kids go half price! Book a great day out at HMS Belfast without worry. If you, or any member of your party, test positive for COVID, have symptoms or are asked to self-isolate, tickets can be rebooked for another time. Photo credit: ©IWM

An Exciting Year at Bluebell Railway

Bluebell Railway is getting ready for another exciting year of events, including ice skating in the locomotive shed this February Half Term. Don’t worry! Display engines, like Stepney, will still be tucked up nice and warm inside the shed and be available for visitors to step aboard and explore. Road meets Rail takes place between 28 and 30 May. Set at Horsted Keynes Station in the heart of the countryside, step back in time and enjoy vintage fairground rides and see huge steam tractors, ploughing engines and road rollers busy at work. Look out for Miniature Monday! In the summer between 29 and 31 July, Stepney’s friend Fenchurch, who will be 150 years old this year, will star in a special birthday gala. His friends will come from other railways to chuff up and down the line and show the big engines that terrier engines are small, but mighty!

Whatever the Weather

Experience London’s Warship this Half Term

The locomotive engineers are busy restoring Fenchurch’s boiler so he can make steam and are tidying up his motion so he can turn his wheels smoothly. He will then have a new coat of paint to match his pal Stepney – very smart! Visit Bluebell Railway by car or train. At Sheffield Park Station near Haywards Heath there’s lots of free parking, disabled parking and electric car charging points. Alternatively, you could travel by a modern main line train to East Grinstead Station and walk 2 minutes to the Bluebell Railway Station to continue your journey by steam! Visit www.bluebell-railway.com to find out more.

A Fabulous Half Term Adventure 12 - 27 February

Kids for a Quid!

Bluebell on Ice Come Ice Skating at Sheffield Park Station in the amazing Locomotive Shed! Skate only tickets available or add one to your All-Day Rover Ticket.

All-Day Rover tickets for accompanied Kids under 16 are just £ 1 Connections to Bluebell Railway from East Grinstead Main Line Station Free Parking at Sheffield PArk Station!

For more information and T’s and C’s head to the website:

www.bluebell-railway.com Follow us on Twitter - @PT_LondonSandE

31 Jan - 20 Mar ‘22

Whatever the Weather

A Family Day Out with City Cruises

Wrap up warm and take in London’s breath-taking riverside landmarks whilst sailing along the Thames on a fun-filled day out with friends and family this winter. Make the most of your trip with a 24 hour river pass. It’s an all-day, hop on, hop off Thames ticket offering unlimited access to the river for 24 hours. To make it even more special, if you get a 24 hr Family River Pass, up to 3 kids go free! Find out more at www.cityexperiences.com/london/city-cruises.

The Secret Life of Vets

Kids can join in with Vets in Action at ZSL London Zoo this half term, Saturday 12 - Sunday 20 February.Vets in Action is an award-winning role-playing experience for budding veterinarians. They will be able to truly step into the role of a vet at ZSL London Zoo - during a fun week of interactive family events celebrating their incredible work. After arriving for work at the Zoo’s specially recreated zoo vet centre, junior vets will be prepped with hairnets and masks before helping experts examine, diagnose and carry out treatments on soft toys, experiencing first-hand the huge variety of work carried out by the Zoo’s vets, vet nurses and zookeepers – from microchipping meerkats to ultrasounding pregnant sloths.

However, despite attempts to keep passenger levels up, over time the numbers dwindled and in 1994 London Transport was successful in removing services between Epping and Ongar. Following a change in ownership in 2007, the new group worked hard behind the scenes and in 2012 regular services provided by steam and diesel resumed. Over the years the Railway has increased in size with a range of days out for families including the popular Santa Specials, appearances from Peppa Pig and her brother George, a Halloween ‘Scream and Steam’ and a unique regular bus service from Epping by traditional London buses. This is the Railway’s 10th Anniversary so if you’ve not had a chance to visit the Epping Ongar Railway this is the year to do so. Look out for some great events. All details are on the Railway’s website, www.eorailway.co.uk

Picture the City at the Brunel Museum Picture the City with your whole family this February Half Term at the Brunel Museum. Encounter the people who changed the face of the Thames and the Docklands forever in the character encounters. Learn to master the arts like Marc Brunel and create your own watercolour wonder. Explore the Museum to find out just why the Thames Tunnel was described as the Eighth Wonder of the World.

Coinciding with the Picture the City exhibition with the Bank of England Museum, families will be encouraged to reflect on the changing face of London’s docklands. There will be opportunities to meet those who lived and worked in the Docklands, from Marc Brunel, who’s Thames Tunnel owes its

EPPING ONGAR RAILWAY

Additional demonstrations and talks throughout the week will take families further inside the exciting world of the Zoo, explaining everything the ZSL team does to keep its 20,000 residents in tip-top condition, from newborns - including the recent Sumatran tiger cub born over Christmas in Tiger Territory - to 26-year-old giant Galápagos tortoises Dolly, Polly and Priscilla, who live life in the slow lane in their Giants of the Galápagos home. A great value day out, all Vets in Action activities are included in the entry price - book your tickets online now at www.zsl.org. Photo credit: ZSL London Zoo

Happy 10th Anniversary to the Epping Ongar Railway The Epping Ongar Railway started life in 1865 when an extension was opened to the railway that then ran only to Loughton. Bringing a railway to the towns of Ongar and Epping, with stops at North Weald and Blake Hall, transformed the futures of these areas and in particular Ongar. Allowing people and goods to travel to the city of London was a major boon to the area.

31 Jan - 20 Mar ‘22

So what makes us unique? Well, other than our fantastic team of volunteers, who are eager to meet you: • We’ve got an impressive range of steam and diesel locomotives and unlike any other heritage railway – a wonderful fleet of heritage buses too. It really is three experiences* – one great value day out! • We’re the closest heritage railway to London. • We’re the only heritage line on the former London Underground network. • We’re the longest heritage line in Essex. • We’re triple award winners – including Heritage Railway of the Year in 2013 and Volunteers Award for Restoration of Ongar Station. Finalist in Essex awards for Best New Business and Best Small Attraction. • Our buses also serve all stops on the route, including Epping High Street.

www.eorailway.co.uk 01277 365200 Follow us on Instagram - @primarytimesse

Whatever the Weather

existence to its proximity to the wharves and docks where cargo was stored, to the dock worker Ben Tillet, who decades later demanded better pay and conditions for dock workers. The Picture the City exhibition runs from 12 January to 20 March at the Bank of England Museum. It is also available for free online. For more information, visit www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum/whatson/2022/picture-the-city

Family Fun at The London Wetland Centre

Discover the amazing wildlife at The London Wetland Centre and learn how they preserve the wetland’s natural habitat. Create some magical memories this half term and treat the family to an adventure from Sunday 12 to Saturday 20 February. Enjoy a fun and creative outdoor experience, meet a stunning array of thriving wildlife, and tackle a range of special hands-on activities. And while you’re there, create a feast for the imagination in the Mud Kitchen, tie yourself up in knots in the Adventure Workshop or crack the clues and navigate the maps on the Orienteering Challenge. Track freshly-made animal footprints and explore the nocturnal habits of the wetlands’ mammal life. Learn how they record the different species of mammals, whilst setting real-life tunnels and discovering who’s been out and about during the night. Book now for your family adventure, at www.wwt.org.uk/london/half-term.

THE BRUNEL MUSEUM

Discover it this half-term

at London Wetland Centre

mud kitchen

adventure workshop

map challenge

...and more

Book now wwt.org.uk/london/half-term

LET’S DO WINTER SIGHTSEEING

THERE IS LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL

11am to 3pm, Saturdays and Sundays FROM 1 NOVEMBER TO 31 MARCH

General Admission: £6 Child/Concessions: £4 Family Ticket: £10

KIDS GO FREE

with a Family River Pass

Visit thebrunelmuseum.com for opening days and times Connect with us: BrunelMuseum @Brunel_Museum Brunel Museum Railway Avenue London, SE16 4LF thebrunelmuseum.com

To book your tickets call us 02077 400 400 or go online at www.citycruises.com

Take in London’s breathtaking riverside landmarks whilst sailing down the Thames

31 Jan - 20 Mar ‘22

Family Theatre

Southbank Centre

19 Feb

intotheclouds: SEND Audiences

Julia Donaldson presents a musical show filled with muchloved characters, including Zog, The Highway Rat, Superworm and The Gruffalo. Ages 4+.

www.southbankcentre.co.uk 9 Feb

A Pocketful of Songs

Fluffy and soft and bright: welcome to the Cloud Factory for a 19 Feb playful, sensory and highly visual theatre experience. Ages 5-11. Big Laughs

11-13 Feb

The best shows around... Albany Deptford Box Office: 020 8692 4446 6 Feb

The Dark

breathtaking physicality. This production explores anxiety for children aged 3-9 yrs.

Enjoy the show! And don’t forget to say you saw it in

Canada Water Theatre

Adapted from Box Office: 020 7525 Lemony Snicket’s 2931 picture book, The Primary 5 Feb Dark is a universal Times! The Dark and empowering Peut-Être merges vibrant story about facing one’s fears. physicality with live music to Ages 5+ create a captivating, accessible 16-17 Feb performance for the whole family. Ages 5+ Meal One A magical, immersive, music-led Fairfield Halls performance, filled with breathtaking projections, singing, Croydon unexpected transformations and Box Office: 0300 500 0595 augmented reality surprises. 1-3 Mar Ages 5+

Blackheath Halls

Box Office: 020 8463 0100 12 Feb

The Bag That Went Boo!

Join in for a fantastical journey of paper bag proportions, dive into the sea and travel to the land of snow. Watch out for a giant paper bag wandering about making strange noises. Ages 3-8.

19-20 Mar

The Smartest Giant in Town This heart-warming tale is brought to life in a musical, puppet-filled adventure, following on from Little Angel Theatre’s other bestselling adaptations of Julia Donaldson’s picture books. Ages 3+

Brixton House Theatre

www.brixtonhouse.co.uk 24-26 Feb

Butterflies

An uplifting tale of friendship, courage and facing your fears, told using innovative staging, touching humour and 14

31 Jan - 20 Mar ‘22

Oi Frog & Friends

Frog is looking for a place to sit, but Cat has other ideas and Dog is doing as he’s told. Little do any of them know that chaos is coming. Expect songs, puppets, laughs and more rhymes than you can shake a chime at.

Shakespeare’s Globe Box Office: 020 7401 9919 12 Mar-16 Apr

Macbeth

This gripping, 90-minute production, with thrilling action and chilling, supernatural moments in Macbeth’s bloody journey from hero to tyrant, has been created specifically for young people but is a perfect introduction to Shakespeare for all ages.

Greenwich Theatre

Peppa Pig: My First Concert

Peppa and George learn all about the different sounds that instruments make together. Join them as they lead an introduction to live orchestra for the whole family.

12-13 Feb

The Dark

Featuring vibrant new choreography and live music, The Dark is a universal, empowering story about facing your fears. Ages 5-10.

16 Feb

Josephine

With passion, wit and jazz, this play tells Josephine Baker’s story, from the slums of St Louis via the bright lights of Paris and into the hearts of the world. Ages 8+

16 Feb

Club Origami

What can we make with a single square of paper? With dance and live music, Club Origami invites the audience to create new ways of moving and thinking. Ages 2-5.

17 Feb

Little Murmur

Jump into a world of dance, technology and illustration to see this heartfelt journey take flight, telling an honest and funny tale about the trials and tribulations of seeing things differently. Ages 7-11.

It’s Imagine Children Festival’s 20th birthday party, so you’re in for a bag of laughs with comedians and all-round funny people.

20 Feb

The Mighty Kids Beatbox Comedy Show

Calling kids aged 5 to 100: join this mighty gang in an interactive show where the worlds of comedy and beatboxing collide with electrifying results.

Stanley Arts, South Norwood Box Office: 020 8251 0184 13 Feb

Mama G’s Story Time

Join Mama G for some half term family fun as she shares stories and songs about being who you want and loving who you are.

Unicorn SE1

Box Office: 020 7645 0560 6 Mar-16 Apr

Gulliver’s Travels 2022 Gulliver’s fantastical imaginings are vividly brought to life using video camera, intricate table-top sets and projection alongside live performance in this playful, funny and highly inventive show. Ages 7+.

11 Mar-17 Apr

Wild

This energetic story, told with atmospheric sound, movement and puppetry, celebrates the free spirit in all of us. Ages 2-6.

Wyndham’s Theatre, WC2

17 Feb

ShayShay’s ShapeBox Office: 0344 482 5151 Shifting Shenanigans Booking until 24 July Jump aboard an adventure Life of Pi with ShayShay, Sophie Brain

Box Office: 020 8858 7755 26-27 Feb

and Mahatma Khandi, from the stars in the sky to the fish in the sea and everything in between.

The Snow Beast

17-18 Feb

This show is a captivating collision of storytelling, original music, puppetry and interactive science experiments, inspiring budding scientists of all ages. Suitable for ages 6+.

for Little

Bellies

Butterflies

Through an uplifting tale of friendship, courage and facing your fears, this production explores anxiety for children aged 3-9 yrs.

After a cargo ship sinks in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, a sixteen year-old boy named Pi is stranded on a lifeboat with a hyena, a zebra and a Royal Bengal Tiger. Time is against them – who will survive?

In Brixton, south London, Brixton House will open its doors to families across the UK this February. Formerly known as Ovalhouse, the theatre will reopen as Brixton House in the hub of the local community. With two studio theatres, rehearsal rooms and public spaces including a café and bar, the venue will be open and accessible to all. The theatre has a long legacy of working with ground-breaking artists and ideas, and its new building will allow the theatre to continue to build upon this tradition. One of the first shows will be a brilliant play for young theatregoers. A coproduction by Tangled Feet and Half Moon, Butterflies is an uplifting tale of friendship, courage and facing your fears. In a timely response to the COVID pandemic, Butterflies takes children on a journey to help them explore the experiences of anxiety they may have experienced. Three friends embark on an exciting adventure to chase their butterflies away. They cross new seas to uncharted lands on a journey filled with discovery. The only trouble is they’re all a bit worried about it. Playing from 24 until 26 February, this is the perfect play to introduce your family back into the theatre. Brixton House aims to encourage families to engage, learn, create, experiment, play, and participate in a year-long creative arts programme and become future storytellers. Alongside theatre made for all ages, Brixton House will

Family Theatre

South London’s Newest Theatre

have a new participatory arts programme. There will be fun activities open to all age groups, from tap-dancing to African drumming, youth theatre groups, to family circus workshops sessions. For the full programme and to book tickets visit www. brixtonhouse.co.uk and follow @brxhousetheatre on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates. Photo credit: Greta Zabulyte

Shakespeare Week

Every year, the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust organises Shakespeare Week, giving primary school aged children a chance to have a great first encounter with Shakespeare his characters, stories and language. This year’s week runs from 21-27 March. Join them for an exciting week of projects, challenges, online events and exhibitions. Visit the resources section on the website, www. shakespeareweek.org.uk, to access hundreds of free resources that promote creativity across the curriculum. The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust works with primary schools and cultural organisations across the UK to offer children and their families a variety of rich and enjoyable experiences that weave Shakespeare’s works, life and times across the whole curriculum. They passionately believe that every child should have the opportunity for a great first experience with Shakespeare.

31 Jan - 20 Mar ‘22

Education News

Education News A Date for Reflection and Looking Ahead

It is hard to believe that 2022 heralds Sydenham High’s 135th birthday! They feel incredibly proud of the first-class education that has been delivered to pupils at Sydenham High since the first 20 pupils entered the doors on 22 February 1887. The pioneering women who founded Sydenham High School championed the unfashionable cause of education for women, overcoming considerable opposition on the grounds of religion, social status and gender, as well as lack of funding that boys’ public schools were afforded at the time. Their aims were to provide an academic grounding, first-class teaching and an environment that developed character and personality. Sydenham High actively encourages pupils to step outside their comfort zones. This mentality is fostered throughout the school, allowing every pupil to develop academic enthusiasm, an enquiring mind and the ability and awareness to stand up for what is right. In recent years, the school has grown in size and so has the dedication to the objectives laid out 135 years earlier, allowing pupils to reach their potential whatever their starting point. One former pupil attests to this saying, “Sydenham High truly helped me to come out of my shell and learn, in a safe, cultivating environment, shaping me into the confident, happy and driven young woman I am today.”

Maths – No Problem!

Master Maths at Home with a new series of educational workbooks from DK and Maths - No Problem! This January DK brings you a new series of educational books from Maths — No Problem! - the award winning primary mathematics education programme that combines proven learning theories with advanced mastery teaching techniques. Entitled Master Maths at Home, these exciting new workbooks combine the effectiveness of a maths mastery approach with a friendly, accessible and vibrant design. The workbooks are brought to you by the same educational experts who developed the Maths — No Problem! primary series, recommended by the Department for Education and fully aligned with the UK National Curriculum. The Master Maths at Home workbooks also include four sets of six workbooks covering Level 1 to Level 6, and they help children develop a deep, long-lasting and secure understanding of core concepts including addition, subtraction, division, multiplication, algebra, fractions, decimals, and much more. The workbooks guide children through various different ways to solve problems, helping them to develop a thorough and adaptable understanding of concepts and making it easier to apply their knowledge to different scenarios. Every topic is supported by clear examples and helpful hints to encourage proficiency.

31 Jan - 20 Mar ‘22

Alumnae have become climate change consultants, doctors, authors, scientists, artists, Grammy Award-winning musicians and even a horseracing icon. Whatever they chose to be, they did so by remaining true to themselves even if that meant going against the grain. Sydenham High believes pupils can do whatever they put their minds to. As the school celebrates 135 years of Sydenham High they remember and appreciate all those who came before, while feeling empowered to forge their own path and create a new history that can last for 135 more. Making

a Difference with South Bank University Academy

At South Bank University Academy, students gain the knowledge, build the character and have the experiences that lead them to be the changemakers in their world. Living a good life and improving the lives of others, they will create a better future. What makes South Bank UA different? • The enriched curriculum. Students are offered diverse opportunities to extend their experience, become positive citizens and improve the lives of others. Day 10 and after school and holiday programmes provide a unique curriculum of community work, educational and cultural visits and engagement with external businesses and agencies. This develops students’ professional skills, supports their personal development and increases their social and cultural capital. • Access to technology through devices and platforms brings opportunities for powerful learning. Every student is provided with their own Chromebook throughout their time at South Bank UA. All lessons and additional learning resources are available to students online. • They provide bespoke mentoring and tutoring programmes for students, often delivered through partnerships with external providers. Every student has taken part in at least one mentoring/ tutoring/coaching scheme before finishing Year 11. • The academy develops students’ ambition and prepares them for successful careers through an extensive careers advice information and guidance programme, their guest speakers programme, workplace visits, Real World Learning offer and activities with London South Bank University. • South Bank UA strives to make all of their enrichment opportunities available at no cost to all students as part of their commitment to Social Justice. This includes cultural visits, tutoring, musical instrument tuition and participation in the Duke of Edinburgh Award programme.

The Laurels School

Since 1993, PACT Schools have contributed to guiding their boys and girls to become the best version of themselves. At the Laurels School, the aim is for your daughter to achieve academic excellence and to forge a compass for life. Parents are supported through a strong and close relationship in an atmosphere of respect, trust and transparency. It is The Laurels’ aim to develop in each girl a sense of their own self-worth through its unique Character Development Programme supported by a one-to-one tutorial system which helps each girl to develop a sense of self-awareness, to learn about their weaknesses and strengths

Education News

and to help them to think about how to make the right choices for the right reasons. In September The Laurels School moved to an exciting new site which, after extensive refurbishment, opened its doors with facilities offering pupils the very best of possibilities to enable them to develop physically and academically. The Laurels School is on several bus routes serving areas including Chelsea, Clapham and Balham. If you would like to know more about The Laurels School’s education vision, please get in touch and you will be very welcome to visit the school.

St Dunstan’s College Celebrates Oxford Success

St Dunstan’s College is delighted to reveal four students have been offered places at the University of Oxford. Sixth Form students Claudia, Adam, David and Bjorn have all been offered places at the prestigious university following the application and interview process. Headmaster, Nicholas Hewlett, celebrated the news telling Primary Times, “These are outstanding outcomes that showcase the terrific academic success being realised at St Dunstan’s in so many different areas.” Speaking about the news, St Dunstan’s Deputy Head Academic, Jonathan Holmes said, “This is a tremendous achievement for these four students, their teachers, and the whole Oxbridge team here at St Dunstan’s, and to get these Oxford places is a further sign of the academic excellence achieved from our ambitious and driven students.” David, who joined at the Sixth Form through the St Dunstan’s bursary programme, said, “That programme allowed me to even think about coming to an independent school and have the resources to be able to do the things I wanted to do. It really did help me a lot and I’m very grateful for the opportunities. It changed my life for the better and gave me a way to focus on a path that I want to do, so I’m very grateful for the opportunity being given to me – but I also pat myself on the back because I have worked really hard for this.” Find out more about St Dunstan’s Aiming High Programme at www.stdunstans.org.uk

Discover St Dunstan’s Scholarships and Bursaries at 11+, 13+ and 16+ Find out more at one of our open events or virtual Q&As. To book, please visit www.stdunstans.org.uk

Independent Education with a Catholic Ethos for Girls 11-18

School bus routes including Clapham, Streatham, Beckenham and Norwood Junction Our Lady’s Close, London SE19 3FA

020 8674 7229

thelaurelsschool.org.uk

31 Jan - 20 Mar ‘22

What’s On

More What’s On Your family diary for February and March

February ZooNation Youth Company’s Hip-Hop Half Term, Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX 10.30am. Pop, lock and laugh your way through a family-friendly hip-hop dance class, a lunchtime DJ dance jam and a special performance from ZooNation Youth Company. Ages 5+. For more information visit www. southbankcentre.co.uk

Writing Magical Objects, Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX

11am & 1.30pm. Create your own stories and turn everyday objects into magical items with Michelle Harrison, author of the Pinch of Magic adventures. Ages 9+. For more information and to book visit www. southbankcentre.co.uk

The Tempest Family Workshop, Shakespeare’s Globe, Bankside, SE1 9DT 11am & 1.30pm. Start your day with a walk inside the wooden ‘O’ to hear about the history of Shakespeare’s London and the theatrical world he created.You’ll then visit one of the rehearsal rooms to take part in an interactive workshop for the whole family. Ages 5-8. To book visit www. shakespearesglobe.com

Gaspard’s Foxtrot, Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX

1pm. The latest tale in the delightful Gaspard the Fox series is narrated by the book’s author, Zeb Soanes, with music by the Philharmonia Orchestra. Ages 5+. For more information and to book visit www.southbankcentre. co.uk

YolanDa’s Band Jam, Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX

2pm. In a live version of her CBeebies TV show, saxophonist YolanDa introduces kids to the joys of music with singing, dancing and playing. Ages 3-11. For more information and to book visit www. southbankcentre.co.uk

Twelfth Night Storytelling, Shakespeare’s Globe, Bankside, SE1 9DT

12.30pm & 3pm. Tumble through the topsy-turvy world of Twelfth Night in this high energy family storytelling. Ages 5-12. For more information and to book visit www. shakespearesglobe.com

Fri 18 Feb

Do Your Own Thing DJ Takeover with Heart n Soul, Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX

10.30am & 2.30pm. Break out your best moves at a free family party with the Do Your Own Thing DJs, taking over The Clore Ballroom with their favourite tunes. For more information visit www.southbankcentre.co.uk

Budapest Festival Orchestra: Family Concert, Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX

11am & 12.45pm. Colourful chamber music takes us from slow and lyrical to faster and dance-like in a familyfriendly concert with musical insights from conductor Iván Fischer. Ages 6+. For more information and to book visit www.southbankcentre.co.uk

Romeo and Juliet Storytelling, Shakespeare’s Globe, Bankside, SE1 9DT 12.30pm & 3pm. Experience the most famous love story of all time in an exhilarating live storytelling of Romeo and Juliet. Ages 5-12. For more information and to book visit www.shakespearesglobe.com

Reduce, Reuse and Recycle, Centre for Wildlife Gardening, SE15 4EE

10am-3pm. Have fun sorting recycling, finding out ways to reduce your waste and re-using items that would otherwise go in the bin. Make a recycled planter, a packed lunch wrapper and other crafts. Southwark residents only. For more information and to book visit www.wildlondon. org.uk

Thurs 17 Feb

Twelfth Night Family Workshop, Shakespeare’s Globe, Bankside, SE1 9DT

1.30pm. Start your day with a walk inside the wooden ‘O’ to hear about the history of Shakespeare’s London and the theatrical world he created.You’ll then visit one of the rehearsal rooms to take part in an interactive workshop for the whole family. Ages 5-8. To book visit www. shakespearesglobe.com

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

”

Make a Comic Book with Maisie Chan, Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX

11am and 1.30pm. Create your own comic book with mutant characters with the author of Danny Chung Does Not Do Maths, at an event for ages 7 – 11. For more information and to book visit www. southbankcentre.co.uk

Journey to the Last River, Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX

3.15pm. Head deep into the Amazon rainforest with Teddy Keen’s story of The Lost Book of Adventure, a tale that has been hidden from the world, until now. Ages 7-12. For more information and to book visit www.southbankcentre.co.uk

Romeo and Juliet Family Workshop, Shakespeare’s Globe, Bankside, SE1 9DT

Fri 18-Sat 19 Feb

Poems Made From Words Found in the Bin, Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX

11am & 2pm. With the help of artist Rhiannon Armstrong, recycle words that were headed for the bin to create a poem of your own. Once your poem’s finished, it becomes a GIF to be shared with your friends and family. Ages 6+. For more information visit www. southbankcentre.co.uk

Sat 19 Feb

Make, Do and Maintain, Prince Philip Maritime Collections Centre, Blackheath, SE3 9QS

10.30am-12noon. Ever wondered how to keep your silver shining or how to mount a picture? Join in to build a community of makers and menders. This is a club for old and young to share current skills and discover new ones. Ages 7+. For more information and to book visit www.rmg.co.uk

Hamlet Storytelling, Shakespeare’s Globe, Bankside, SE1 9DT

12.30pm & 3pm. Experience the intriguing story of Hamlet in an exhilarating live storytelling. Ages 5-12. For more information and to book visit www.shakespearesglobe. com

Like a Charm, Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX

11am. Elle McNicoll uncovers her mystical new book, Like a Charm, in conversation with Aisha Bushby. Ages 8+. For more information and to book visit www.southbankcentre. co.uk

Grimwood, Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX 11am. Watch how Nadia Shireen draws the wildly funny characters of Grimwood, and hear her read from the laugh-your-head-off series. Ages 7+. For more information and to book visit www.southbankcentre. co.uk

A Hilarious & Gross History of The Human Body, Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX 2pm. Follow writer, comedian and former doctor, Adam Kay, on a hilarious and deliciously disgusting tour of the history of medicine and the human body. Ages 7+. For more information and to book visit www. southbankcentre.co.uk

Macbeth Family Workshop, Shakespeare’s Globe, Bankside, SE1 9DT

11am. Start your day with a walk inside the wooden ‘O’ to hear about the history of Shakespeare’s London and the theatrical world he created.You’ll then visit one of the rehearsal rooms to take part in an interactive workshop for the whole family. Ages 5-8. To book visit www. shakespearesglobe.com

The Rapping Princess, Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX

2pm. Sit down with Hannah Lee for a rhythmic interactive reading of her new picture book, The Rapping Princess. Ages 4+. For more information and to book visit www. southbankcentre.co.uk

Hamlet Family Workshop, Shakespeare’s Globe, Bankside, SE1 9DT

For lots more What’s On ideas see page 20...

Due to Covid 19 restrictions please do check with the venue that the listing is up to date before planning your visit. 18

31 Jan - 20 Mar ‘22

Win Worzel Gummidge on DVD

Four glorious stories from the magical world of Worzel Gummidge, written and starring the multi-BAFTA award have ??????? to give awaywinning to Mackenzie Crook, are now ders. For your chance to win, available on DVD and Digital Download. ????????????. Send your answer Inspiredtoby the classic books of Barbara ng with your name, age, Euphan Todd, Worzel Gummidge is hool and phone number to the treasured tale of a charming and mpetition, Primary Times, irreverent scarecrow who mysteriously k Mews, London SE12 8LG comes to life on Scatterbrook Farm. wer together with your details Thistoenchanting series is infused with a ns@primarytimes.biz with fun, mischievous spirit and is delivered the subject by Friday 28 February. with a timely environmental message. Worzel Gummidge includes four fun filled, family friendly adventures - Saucy Nancy, Guy Forks, Twitchers and Calliope Jane. Worzel Gummidge is distributed by ITV Studios and is available now from Amazon. We have five copies of Worzel Gummidge for lucky Primary Times readers to win. Just tell us who plays Worzel. See below for details of how to enter.

Your chance to win lots more prizes We have many more books, toys and games to win than we have room for on these pages. For your chance to win a prize follow us on

@PT @PT_LondonSandE and retweet to win

When the War Came Over COMP.indd 1

Win a Copy of When the War Came Home When the War Came Home by Lesley Parr is a mesmerising historical mystery set in the aftermath of World War One, from the author of The Valley of Lost Secrets. When Natty has to move to a new village, she meets two young soldiers who are still battling the effects of war. Huw can’t forget the terrible things he’s seen, but Johnny doesn’t even remember who he is. As Natty tries to keep a secret and unravel a mystery, she finds her own way to fight for what she believes in – and learns that some things should never be forgotten. The story includes an interactive clue so readers can unravel the mystery alongside the characters. When the War Came Home is published by Bloomsbury in paperback at £6.99.

Competitions

We have five copies of When the War Came Home for lucky Primary Times readers to win. Just tell us who wrote the book. See below for details of how to enter.

Win a box of books for your school

Primary Times are offering schools the chance to win a selection of great books for their library. We have a whole box full of titles from super stories to fun educational books. We have several boxes of books to give away and the titles in each may differ. To enter the competition send your name, address, phone number and the name of your school using the details below. 21/01/2022 16:58

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.

lots more prizes Don’t forget to include the name of the competition.

Alternatively email your answer and details to competitions@primarytimes.biz with the competition name as the subject by Friday 4 March 2022.

re books, toys we have room for If you are entering more than one competition you can put all entries in the same envelope. or your chance Follow us on Twitter - @PT_LondonSandE 31 Jan - 20 Mar ‘22 ollow us on

What’s On

More What’s On Your family diary for February and March

February Young Farmers, Vauxhall City Farm, Lambeth, SE11 5HS

(Also 26 Feb) 10am and 1pm. Take part in this Saturday club which inspires young people, aged 7-14 to get involved in all aspects of the farm and take part in some great indoor and outdoor activities. For more information and to book visit www. vauxhallcityfarm.org

Sat 19-Sun 20 Feb

Garland of Ragas, Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX 11am and 1.30pm. Celebrate the arrival of spring and the life of influential musician Ravi Shankar by making colourful paper flowers incorporating imagery from the Shankar family archives. For more information visit www. southbankcentre.co.uk

Sun 20 Feb

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

10.30am-12.30pm. Explore the Creek with experts and find out about the local and natural history of this amazing urban space. Low tide walks let you get on to the river bed safely with the help of a guide. Ages 8-17. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.creeksidecentre. org.uk

Top Draw!, Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX 10.30am & 1.30pm. Imaginations at the ready. Journey with the Southbank Centre on an ink-filled day of illustration and storytelling. For more information visit www. southbankcentre.co.uk

A Morning with Michael Rosen, Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX

10.45am. The former Children’s Laureate introduces Sticky McStickstick, his moving and inspirational new picture book – a story of perseverance and hope. Ages 5+. For more information and to book visit www.southbankcentre. co.uk

From LT to LRT, Epping Ongar Railway, Ongar, CN5 9BN

Go along to the first bus event of 2022. The running day will feature vehicles operating additional routes through the glorious Essex countryside, with a dusk photo run. Further vehicles will be on display at North Weald station. For more information visit www.eorailway. co.uk

Escape with Jacqueline Wilson, Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX

3pm. The bestselling children’s author reveals how she created her mostloved characters and introduces her new books in this talk. Ages 8-12. For more information and to book visit www.southbankcentre.co.uk

Little Poets, Beautiful Voices, Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX

3.15pm. Joseph Coelho shares his latest picture book, My Beautiful Voice, illustrated by Allison Colpoys, about a little girl who finds courage through poetry. Ages 5-10. For more information and to book visit www. southbankcentre.co.uk

“

I saw your event in Primary Times.... Please mention you saw the event listed in Primary Times

”

the farm and take part in some great indoor and outdoor activities. For more information and to book visit www.vauxhallcityfarm.org

Sat 5-Sun 6 Mar

Story Seekers, Imperial War Museum, SE1 6HZ

Sunday Spot, South London Gallery, SE5 8UH

(Also 12-13, 19-20 & 26-27 Mar) 10am-4pm.Your family can discover real artefacts and find moving and surprising stories from people who braved shark-infested waters to ingenious nurses and those who built machines of conflict. Free. For more information and to book admission tickets visit www.iwm. org.uk

March

(Also 12-13, 19-20 & 26-27 Mar) 10am-3pm. Join in HMS Belfast’s interactive family activity Sea Legs where you will complete fun tasks around the ship, and then travel back to D-Day in 1944 with Family Mission: D-Day Edition. Ages 7+. Free event with general admission. For more information and to book tickets visit www.iwm.org.uk

Sun 27 Feb

2pm & 3.15pm. Each family group will create abstract drawings inspired by each other’s emotions, using a range of coloured inks and pastels to create artworks exploring what love, happiness and anger can look like for each of us. Ages 3-12. To book visit www.southlondongallery.org

Fri 4 Mar

Becoming Anne, Hever Castle, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG Visitors to this childhood home of Anne Boleyn, will be able to find out more about her youth and what made her into the woman who so caught Henry VIII’s eye in a series of exhibitions detailing her life. Admission charges apply. For more details visit www.hevercastle.co.uk

Sat 5 Mar

Young Farmers, Vauxhall City Farm, Lambeth, SE11 5HS

(Also 12, 19 & 26 Mar) 10am and 1pm. Take part in this Saturday club which inspires young people, aged 7-14 to get involved in all aspects of

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

Family Activities, HMS Belfast, SE1 2JH

Sun 6 Mar

The Merchant of Venice Storytelling, Shakespeare’s Globe, Bankside, SE1 9DT

(Also 13 Mar) 11am & 2pm. Place stereotype under the microscope in this interactive storytelling event for all the family to explore Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. Ages 5-12. For more information and to book visit www. shakespearesglobe.com

Mon 14-Fri 20 Mar

Dazzling Daffodils, Hever Castle, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG

Feel uplifted this spring with 60,000 new daffodil bulbs set to bloom across the gardens, there will be a wide range of varieties to enjoy. Admission charges apply. For more details visit www.hevercastle.co.uk

Wed 16 Mar-Sun 19 Jun

Wild & Cultivated: Fashioning of the Rose, The Garden Museum, Lambeth, SE1 7LB The museum’s spring/summer 2022 exhibition will explore the use of roses in fashion from the Victorian era to today, with designs from Alexander McQueen, Philip Treacy, Ashish and Comme des Garçons

amongst other historic and modern collections. To buy tickets visit www. gardenmuseum.org.uk

Fri 18 Mar

Red Nose Day 2022, Nationwide

People across the UK will be coming together to do things big and small, that will add up to something massive. Comic Relief spends the money raised to help people living tough lives across the UK and Africa. For fundraising packs and more info visit www.comicrelief.com/ rednoseday

Mon 21-Fri 27 Mar Shakespeare Week, Nationwide

An annual celebration giving primary school aged children opportunities for enriching and enjoyable early experiences of Shakespeare. For more information and to register for free resources and visit www. shakespeareweek.org.uk

Fri 25 Mar

Wear a Hat Day, Nationwide

Join thousands of school children, parents and teachers across the UK and get hatty to help find a cure for brain tumours. This year has a regal theme, celebrating the Platinum Jubilee. Register today and get your free fundraising pack at www. wearahatday.org

Sat 26 Mar

Macbeth Family Workshop, Shakespeare’s Globe, Bankside, SE1 9DT

12noon. Start your day with a walk inside the wooden ‘O’ to hear about the history of Shakespeare’s London and the theatrical world he created.You’ll then visit one of the rehearsal rooms to take part in an interactive workshop for the whole family. Ages 5-8. To book visit www. shakespearesglobe.com

Thurs 31 Mar

Philharmonia at the Movies: ET the Extra-Terrestrial, Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX

7.30pm. Director Steven Spielberg’s heart-warming masterpiece is one of the brightest stars in motion picture history. Settle in to see it accompanied by a live score. For more information and to book visit www.southbankcentre.co.uk Our next copy deadline is

4 March 2022 If you have something you would like us to try and publicise (space permitting) please email it to

listings@ primarytimes.biz

Due to Covid 19 restrictions please do check with the venue that the listing is up to date before planning your visit. 20

31 Jan - 20 Mar ‘22

Word Search S G Q Y E K C O H P

G C U N E T B A L L

B S Y B G U R F C V G O L F I I O D U J K O T N I MD A H E S I N N E S L MA N CM A H D C N B M U T J A K M L Q A D S K I Y SW I MM I N

L L A B T O O F N G

Can you find all these words in the word search? Netball, Football, Hockey, Rugby, Athletics, Swimming, Tennis, Badminton, Dance, Gymnastics, Golf, Judo, Squash, Ski

Why did the golfer wear two pairs of pants? In case he got a hole in one!

Spot the Difference: In Picture B the bicycle wheels are green, there are 2 tennis balls. In the 2nd row the boy’s teeshirt is longer, the girl is wearing culottes, the final girl’s hair is much longer and a ribbon on the kite has changed to pink. Olympians: Lauren Price...Boxing, Jason Kenny...Men’s Keirin, Galai Yafai ...Men’s Flyweight, Laura Kenny...Women’s Madison, Max Whitlock...Pommel Horse, Adam Peaty...100m Breastroke, Mo Farah...5,000 metres, Jade Jones...Taekwando, Nicola Adams...Women’s Flyweight, Charlotte Worthington... Women’s Freestyle BMX, Giles Scott...Men’s Finn, Charlotte Du Jardin...Open Dressage, Rebecca Adlington...800m Freestyle, Katherine Grainger...Double Scull

atie c lown’s K Sports Spectacular

Spot the 6 Differences What is harder to catch the faster you run? Your breath!

What’s an insect’s favourite sport? Cricket!

Why didn’t the dog want to play football? It was a boxer!

Can you draw a picture or write a poem about anything to do with sport? Make it as bright and colourful as you can! Send it to us to have a chance of winning a Primary Times Tee Shirt AND seeing your prize winning entry published in the next Primary Times! Categories: ages 4-7 and 8-11 Please write your details in CAPITALS Name: Age: Address:

Postcode: School:

Send your entry together with this completed form to:

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

competitions@primarytimes.biz Closing date 4 March 2022. Good Luck!

Olympic Gold Medalists Join the Olympian up with the sport they won their gold medal for...

Lauren Price Jason Kenny Galai Yafai Laura Kenny Max Whitlock Adam Peaty Mo Farah Jade Jones Nicola Adams Charlotte Worthington Giles Scott Charlotte Du Jardin Rebecca Adlington Katherine Grainger

Double Scull Open Dressage Men’s Keirin Women’s Flyweight Boxing Men’s Flyweight Pommel Horse 100m Breastroke 5,000 metres 800m Freestyle Women’s Freestyle BMX Men’s Finn Taekwando Women’s Madison

A n s w e r s

Meet Emma Carroll

author of The Week at World’s End Primary Times were lucky enough to speak to Emma Carroll, once a secondary school teacher, now a multiple award-winning writer. Our interviewer, Rachel Benson, found her charismatic, energetic, and incredibly welcoming. Her latest release, The Week at World’s End, is based in 1962. Runaway, Anna, befriends Stevie and Ray as she hides from people who are trying to poison her. As tensions rise between America and Russia, and with the threat of war, Stevie wonders if Anna has been sent with a special message just for her. We were lucky enough to speak to Emma one Monday morning, typically, by Zoom. A little ice breaker - you used to pick avocados do you hate them or eat them by the dozen like us? I eat a lot of avocados, I love them! It was in Israel that I was picking them. Because it was quite hot we used to go picking them around dawn, and the chap who took us down there always carried a gun, because there were wolves, wild dogs and jackals that you could sometimes come across in the orchard. Luckily, we didn’t! What originally inspired you to become a writer? Well, I’ve always loved English. Even as a primary school student, English was always my favourite subject, it was the thing that made sense. Sort of in the opposite way to Maths really! But when I got to secondary school I had the most amazing English teacher, called Mrs Bailey, and she just got me. I loved her for that. She gave me that confidence. I’ve never forgotten that teacher who really made a difference to me. With lots of creative professionals there’s that one teacher who really inspires them, isn’t there? It’s that one person who sees in you the thing that you haven’t quite yet seen in yourself but you know it’s there somewhere. When someone else can see it too it justifies it to you. A lot of your books are based on historical events, with The Week at World’s End set around the Cuban Missile Crisis. Why have you chosen to do that? First of all because I really like reading books like that. The very first book I wrote, Frost Hollow Hall, isn’t based around a historical event, that’s just a Victorian ghost story. It was only when I got to write my second book, The Girl Who Walked On Air,

that I really began to think about historical events that might trigger the story. That’s actually quite a helpful way of writing historical fiction because you’ve got an event to hang your story on. The Week at World’s End was inspired by my parents. They were teenagers during the Cuban Missile Crisis. When I talked to my Mum and Dad about living through this week when the world was on the brink, it sounded absolutely terrifying. That would be a really interesting thing to write about. When you look at 1962, Kennedy was President of the US, Martin Luther King was giving a lot of speeches, the space race was going on and the Beatles had their first song out. So there were so many things happening, I thought ‘let’s do it!’ What’s your favourite thing about this book? I think the fact that they live in this little close and it really reminds me of my childhood. It’s a real book of the heart. On your website you talk about needing lots of cups of tea when writing (which we love!) What else do you need/do when writing? I really like this space (Emma gestures to the room she’s talking to me from). It’s only a tiny little room at the back of my house but it is my favourite place to write. It’s having the quiet space where I know that I am clicking into that creative mode. What else? I like to have a dog in here with me. I do like that. Emma turns her screen round to show me her view - the rolling Somerset hills out of the window and in front, a dog bed complete with resting dog. That’s Bert. It’s normally my other dog but he got here first today. Tea. I like nice notebooks. That’s sort of it really - tea, dogs, quiet space. Do you have any tips for any budding writers? The most important thing that any writer can tell you is to read. It’s where we get a lot of our ideas from.You also learn about your own tastes. It’s really important to choose a type of story to write that you yourself would want to read. Also, experiment. Don’t necessarily go down one route. Try writing poetry. I’ve heard of a lot of writers saying that a story they have written has started as a poem. Emma Carroll’s latest release promises to be an adventurous, nostalgic and historical treat for readers of all ages. The Week at World’s End, published by Faber, is released at the beginning of September and is available from all good book shops.

All your own work!

Nayyara Taiba aged 6

Margaret Gbadamosi aged 11

competitions in our Christmas/Winter 2021 Congratulations to the following people who won er of the Nintendo Switch with Blaze and the magazine. Honor Morgan was the lucky prize winn l winner. Nayyara Monster Machines. Deacon Miles was our Paw Patro If you would like r 8's and our older Taiba won Annie's drawing competition for the unde to see your work our competition winners on winner was Margaret Gbadamosi. Well done to all displayed here then just send us a drawing, this page and enjoy all the artwork! poem, riddles, jokes or short story and we'll do our very best to include it. Send it to: Good Work Page Primary Times 7 Southbrook Mews London SE12 8LG

Thank you to Ayaan Talukdar aged 5 for his really fun piece on Zog and to sisters Annaliese aged 6 and Anastasia aged 8 for their lovely, colourful drawings. We love seeing your work so do please keep sending it to us. We're happy to receive artwork from the whole class so do feel free to send us class entries.

Our students gain the knowledge, build the character and have the experiences that lead them to be the changemakers in their world; living a good life and improving the lives of others.

They will create a better future. Book a tour and see for yourself, please contact admissions@southbankua.org.uk or visit our website at southbankua.org.uk

For more information: Call 0207 277 3000

southbankua.org.uk

@southbankua