Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
Families London southeast magazine for September 2013
Citation preview
®
FREE
familiesse.co.uk south east london
SEPTEMBER 2013ISSUE NO. 152
ESTABLISHED 1996
0845 400 1277perform.org.uk
Watch your child’s self-esteem soar with Perform’sunique drama, dance and singing classes. Our weekly workshops will do wonders for their social, linguistic and physical development as well as being the best fun they’ll have all week.
Free Drama Class Classes for 4–12 year olds
Book now for our enchantingRapunzelautumn half-term holiday courses!
f a m i l i e s s e . c o . u k2
News&Viewsemail your news to [email protected]
ddddLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn ttttttttttttttttttttttttttooooooooooooooooooooooo RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRReeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaadddddddddddddddddddtooooooooooooooooootooooooonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR aaaaLLL aaa ddddddddddddddddddddddddddddaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRttttttttttttttttttttttottttttoonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL dddddddddddddddaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa eeeeeeeeee RRRRRRRRR dddddddddddddddddaaaaaaaaaaaaaaeeeeeeeeeeeeeeRRRRRRReeeRRRRRRRtoooooootoooooootttttttoooootttttttooooonnnnnnnnnnnnnnrrrrrrrrrrrrrraaaaaaaaaaaaaaLeeeeeeeLeeeeeeeLLLLLLLeeeeeeeLLLLLLLeeeeee ddddddddddddddaaaaaaaaaaaaaaooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaaa eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee RRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!oosskkkeeeee55 kk !!!!FFFFFFFFFFRRRRREEEEE!!rrrrrrrrrr FFFFffffffffoooooooooorrrffffffffffffffffffffffoooooooooooooooooooooooorrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!fffoooooooooooooooooofooooooo RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRssssss ffffffkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkksssssssssssssssssss –––––––––––– ffffffffffffff–––––––kkkssskksskkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkiinnn 555555555555 WWWWWWWWWWWeeeeeeeeeeeeeeekkkiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnnnnn 55555555555555555555555555 WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeekkkiiiiii eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnniiiiiii !!!!!!!!!!!!ssssssssssssssssssssssssskkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeWWWeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeWeeeeeee5555555555555555555555555555555 RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrfffffffffffffffffffffooofffffffoooWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!eeeeeeeeeee RRRRRRRRR !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFrrrrrrrrrrrrrr rrrrrrr oooooooofooooooofoooooooffffffffffffffoooofffffffoookkkkssssskkkkssssskkkkkkkssssssskkkkkkkssssssseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeWWeeeeeeeeeeeeeeWeeeeeeeeeeeeeeWWWWWWWWWWWWWWeeWWWWWWWee555555555555555555555555nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii oooooooooooooo !!!!!!!!!!!!!!––––––––––––––eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee RRRRRRRRRRRRRRiiiiiiiiiiiiii
From 26 August to 30 September your child can join thousands of children across the UK taking part in the Reading Eggs Great Literacy Challenge – a nationwide effort to inspire children to read!
This FREE event will give your child 5 WEEKS FREE* access to Reading Eggs – the online reading programme that teaches children aged 3 – 13 the literacy skills needed for lifetime reading success.
Sign up for your FREE trial* today and see for yourself how your child’s reading improves by using Reading Eggs. Whats more, for every new sign up Reading Eggs will donate £1 to our charity partner Tommy’s!
Hurry, offer ends 30 September, 2013. Register today at
www.readingeggs.co.uk/learn
FREE 5 WEEK TRIAL*
*Free trial only available for new customers who sign up at the above address.
The multi-award winning online reading programme!
Proudly supporting Tommy’swww.tommys.org
A t t 30 S t b hild j
National Poetry DayMark this 3 October with a nationwide celebration of poetry. Poetry is for everyone, everywhere, from assemblies, bus-queues, cafes, greengrocers, hospitals and ice-rinks to waiting-rooms, yacht clubs and zoos.
This year’s theme is water, with Coleridge’s great phrase ‘Water, water, everywhere’ as inspiration. Check out the website for a myriad of poems on the subject, together with ideas on how to turn the theme of water into lines ofpoetry. Participants this year are challenged to smuggle poetry into the most unlikely places, not just in libraries and classrooms but on fishing boats and ferries, via postcards, mobile phones and announcements on station platforms.Find out more at www.nationalpoetryday.co.uk
Amaze PengeAmaze Penge is a support group for parents and carers of children with additional needs in Penge and Anerley. The group meets from 9.30-11.30am on Tuesdays during term time, at Anerley Methodist Church, Oakfield RoadSE20. A £1 donation includes coffee and cake. For more information, call Cherry on 07882 760 828 or email [email protected].
High Achieving Girls
Congratulations to the girls from southeast London’s Day School Trust schoolsfor achieving truly impressive exam results this summer.
For the second consecutive year, Sydenham High School saw an increase inthe number of students gaining top grades at A Level, along with its consistent100 per cent pass rate. This is bucking the trend nationally.
At Bromley High, 84% of the exams were graded A* to B; Blackheath Highsaw an increase in A* to B grades with 73% being attained this year, whileStreatham and Clapham High students celebrated record A Level results withthe number of A*s achieved almost doubling and 20% of all grades at A*.
To see these and other local schools in action, make a note of the Open Daydates on page 8.
Eczema AdviceNational Eczema Week runs from 14-22 September this year. With onein five children in the UK sufferingfrom eczema, for thousands of parents it’s often an upsetting andfrustrating condition they have tomanage on a daily basis.
Harley Street Dermatologist andeczema specialist, Dr Tabi Leslie,says: “What many parents don’t realise is that simple straight forwardsteps can make a big difference toyour little one’s skin.
“Using a reasonably priced andtrusted range of products like E45creams and emollients means you won’t feel like you need to scrimp on howmuch or how often you use the products. For best results apply liberally to dryskin and eczema areas.”
For a symptom tracker diary, a free call with a national eczema nurse and advice on common household irritants, along with many other tips, visitwww.eczemaadvice.co.uk.
®
For back issues and more articles than we can squeeze into each issue, a directory of local companies, competitions
and the latest What’s On listings - join us online!
www.familiesse.co.uk
families south east - september 2013
Success at Sydenham High
september 2013 - families south east 3
Front cover: Boy’s schoolwear from F&F at Tesco,0800 505555, www.tesco.com/clothing
Next Issue out: 4 October, deadline 16 September
Families South East - 020 8699 7240 [email protected]
Fundraising Events
© Families South East. We take every care preparing this magazine, but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisersnor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence. Families South East is part of the Families group, established in 1990 and headed by Families SouthWest. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence.
AT THE BEGINNING of the school holidays, our son jumped off a 12ft wall andfractured both of his ankles. Yes - I know (I can hear you wincing from here). Two‘long sock’ casts, a pair of crutches, several visits to the brilliant King’s and abig rethink of our summer plans for outdoor fun. Picture a robot with smelly feetand you’ve got it. We’ve never played so much Scrabble, Boggle, Othello,backgammon or cards in such a concentrated timespan - it’s been rather likethe ‘70s when there were only three channels on TV and families had to maketheir own amusement.
Meanwhile that “aaah” you can hear is the collective sigh of parents acrosssoutheast London as children clatter into classrooms for a new school year -here we go again!
Robina Cowan, editor
IN THIS ISSUE
Local News and Views 2-3Successful schools, eczema advice and putting the fun into fundraising
Education News 4-9Local schools’ news, helping children at home, andopen day dates
Out of School Activities 10-14Clubs and classes that put the fun into learning new skills
The Book Page 15Justine Crow’s take on family life, seen through the pages of new books
Family Life 16A family solicitor on divorce, and wi-fi worries
What’s On 17-19September events and days out for the whole family
The Back Page 20Local business contacts to make your life easier
The Pointer School (Blackheath)A Prep, Pre-Prep & Nursery School for boys & girls between the ages of 3 and 11
• First Class examination results • Organic food• Breakfast club and after school care
(8am-6pm)• Christian Evangelical in ethos• Numerous extra-curricular clubs
(36 in total, from fencing to horse riding)
• Large variety of outdoor and PE activities
• ‘The Brazilian Kickers’ teach football theBrazilian way
• Holiday club (Christmas, Easter and Summer and Half-Term)
Founded by Muriel & Della Pointer in 1951
OFSTED: “OUTSTANDING IN ALL AREAS“ See OFSTED reports on our websiteTelephone: 020 8293 1331 Email: [email protected]
www.pointers-school.co.uk
Anyone for coffee?At 23 years old, Macmillan’s World’s Biggest Coffee Morning, which this year takes place on Friday 27 September, is the original and most successful charity fundraising event of its sort.
It’s not surprising really when all it involves is getting together with family, friends or colleaguesfor coffee and cake to help Macmillan ensure noone has to face cancer alone. Last year, more than 5 million people took part and raised a record-breaking £15 million.
New for 2013, The Little Book of Treats is packed with mouth-wateringly tastyrecipes from celebrities, professional chefs and foodie bloggers, with everypenny of the £4 suggested donation going to help make sure that no one facescancer alone. If you can’t make it to an actual coffee morning, head down toyour local M&S Café where 50p from the sale of every coffee on 27 Septemberwill go to Macmillan.
For more information and a fundraising pack, go towww.coffee.macmillan.org.uk, call 0845 602 1246 or text COFFEE to 88080.
Midnight walk for childrenJoin the fun and sign up for St Christopher’s Midnight Walk!
The five mile walk will set off from St Christopher’s Hospice in Sydenham at11pm, raising funds for the hospice’s Candle Project, providing vital support tochildren who have lost someone close to them. Candle relies on voluntary support to keep being there for children who need help. Why not get a team together of friends or people at work? Perhaps you could also ask your company if they would like to support this event. As well as walkers, volunteersare sought to help marshal the route.
Entry is £15 (including a Midnight Walk t-shirt). Children under 18 must have parental consent, and those aged 11-15 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian on the walk. To register or find out more, go to www.stchristophers.org.uk/midnightwalk, or call Rebecca on 020 8768 4570 forpaper entry forms.
Jeans for GenesWear your denims on Jeans for Genes Day on 20 September and help change lives.
In aid of Genetic Disorders UK, Jeans for Genesaims to change the world for children with geneticdisorders. Individually, genetic disorders are rarebut together they affect 1 in 25 children born in theUK - that’s more than 30,000 babies each year. Their associated health problems mean that genetic disorders are the biggest cause of death of children aged 14 years and under.
Genetic Disorders UK (GDUK) is a new charity that provides much-neededadvice and support for individuals and families affected by genetic disorders,available online at www.geneticdisordersuk.org. Jeans for Genes is all about getting together, wearing jeans and donating £1. For a fundraisingpack and registration, go to www.jeansforgenesday.org.
f a m i l i e s s e . c o . u k
f a m i l i e s s e . c o . u kfamilies south east - september 2013 4
Open Morning forProspective Parents
& Girls
Saturday 5 October 2013
Please visit us at www.jags.org.ukJames Allen’s Girls’ School
144 East Dulwich Grove, London SE22 8TETel: 020 8693 1181 No need to book
www.thameschristiancollege.org.uk
OPEN MORNING SATURDAY 5th OCTOBER 10 .00 -1 .00
For full list of open mornings, enrolment and fee details contact 020 7228 3933 Thames Christian College, Wye Street, London SW11 2HB
Thames- because small
schools build big futures
our exceptional independent school
for boys and girls
education news
Lesson in writing and lifeIf the girls of year 7 at Sydenham High School wantto become authors they should think seriouslyabout first taking a job with a financial magazine.
That was the advice of popular teenage fictionauthor Gemma Malley (pictured), when she visitedthe school to talk about how she became an authorand the inspiration behind her successful series ofdystopian tales set in the future.
The author of seven successful titles, includingThe Declaration and The Killables, started her career working for a pensions magazine and foundthe disciplines of learning a topic from scratch,working to a brief and keeping to deadlines a greattraining ground for when she eventually set abouther own writing.
She also revealed that although she was not a science student at school, she has become fascinated by all things scientific as they now play a major role in her storylines. Gemma answeredquestions from the girls and then signed copies of her books including her latest, The Disappearances, in the school’s Westwood Theatre.
Sydenham High is holding a number of opendays this term - see our Open Day listings for dates;call 020 8557 7004, www.syd.gdst.net.
IB success at St Dunstan’s College Year 13 students at St Dunstan’s College celebrated theirexam results early in July, following the publication of an excellent set of International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma results. 73% of Higher Level subjects taken by the studentswere awarded the maximum of 7 or 6 points - equivalent toachieving an A*-A grade at A Level. 93% of subjects wereawarded 7, 6 or 5 points. The College’s average IBDiploma score was 36.3 (523 UCAS points, equating tomore than two A*s and an A grade at A Level).
St Dunstan’s is the only independent school in southeastLondon to offer the IB Diploma to sixth form students. Headmistress, Mrs Davies, commented:
“I am absolutely delighted with these results. All the students have worked extremely hard over the past twoyears and everyone at St Dunstan’s is incredibly proud ofthem. Our IB students continue to perform well above theworldwide and UK IB averages. Once more, they have wonplaces at top universities including Cambridge, Durham,Bristol, Nottingham and Exeter. The breadth, as well as thedepth, offered by the IB Diploma gives students the edgein our increasingly global society, preparing them for successful lives at university and beyond.”
St Dunstan’s College is holding a number of open daysthis term - see our Open Day listings for dates; call 0208516 7200 or see www.stdunstans.org.uk.
Sophia Bennett goes back to schoolBecoming a published author is a dream for many people, and former StLeonards-Mayfield School student Sophia Bennett has certainlyachieved hers, as she is now celebrating the release of her fifth teenagefiction book. At the end of the summer term, she paid a special visit tothe East Sussex based school to meet current students, who interviewedher on what it takes to be a published writer.
Sophia gave a talk to forty students from years seven to nine abouthow she became a published author after winning The Times/ChickenHouse writing competition in 2009. Her newly-published fifth book, YouDon’t Know Me, follows the story of four teenage girls who accidentallybecome famous after a video of them singing is posted online. The book explores themes of friendship and the influence of social media on relationships.
Following Sophia’s talk, four St Leonards-Mayfield students interviewed Sophia on a range of topics, including her past, the inspiration for her characters and stories, and how to forge a career in writing.
Sophia, who now lives in Wandsworth, was a student at St Leonards-Mayfield School from 1977 to 1984 and says of her time there: “English was always my thingat school, and I loved writing. My time at Mayfield was so special because I was surrounded by books, many of which are still among my favourites.”
The school organised Sophia’s visit as part of its 150th anniversary celebrations, which included burying a special time capsule containing artefacts to representlife in 2013. It will remain buried near the school’s new sixth form centre until the school’s bicentenary in 2063.
Mayfield is an independent Catholic boarding and day school for girls near London. The next Open Days will be on 19 September and 8 November, with a sixthform open evening on 4 October. For more information, see www.mayfieldgirls.org or call 01435 874642.
Schools’ news
f a m i l i e s s e . c o . u k september 2013 - families south east 5f a m i l i e s s e . c o . u k
OPEN MORNING
www.dulwichpreplondon.org
SATURDAY 21st SEPTEMBER | 9.00AM
Come and see for yourself why the Independent
Schools Inspectorate gave St Leonards-Mayfield its highest rating. Join us for an open day event or book a personal visit. Call now on 01435 874642 or email [email protected]
The Old Palace, Mayfield, East Sussex TN20 6PH
‘Excellent’ in all areas
Independent Schools Inspectorate Report 2012
Visit
our N
EW
Sixth
Form
Centre
An independent Catholic boarding and day school
for girls aged 11 to 18
Open Mornings 19 September and 8 November 2013
Sixth Form Open Afternoon
4 October 2013
www.mayfieldgirls.org
“A brilliant future” for The John Roan SchoolThe John RoanSchool was luckyenough to be oneof the last schoolsin the country to secure fundingthrough the previous government’s BSF Programme. Building workstarted in earnest in July 2012, and staff and pupils willbe moving backinto the refurbishedMaze Hill listedbuilding in thesummer of 2014,and the stunningnew state-of-the-artbuilding on the Westcombe Parksite in September 2014.
Years 7, 8 and the 6th Form will be based in Maze Hill so that every Year 7 studentcan have a 6th Form mentor. Years 9, 10 and 11 will be based on the WestcombePark site. Year groups will remain at 210 students, enabling pastoral care to continueto be outstanding. The 6th Form will double in size to 350.
John Roan’s superb sports facilities in Kidbrooke Park Road are ten minutes’drive away, and the school has its own outward bound centre in Braithwaite in theLake District which every student is able to visit.
Headteacher Des Malone adds: “We are all delighted with this summer’s continuing upward trend in GCSE results, along with our ‘outstanding’ rating for Alevel performance. Furthermore, in surveys 96% of students give a high satisfactionrating with the school, as do 94% of parents, and these figures are consistent yearon year. We have over 300 years of history, a track record of Oxbridge and RussellGroup University entrants, and a brilliant future.”
The John Roan School is a co-educational, Specialist School in Science andMathematics. For school news, admission criteria and Open Days information, visitwww.thejohnroan.greenwich.sch.uk or call 020 8516 7555.
Supporting girls to achieve excellentoutcomesBy Louise Simpson, Bromley High School Head
“What makesa goodschool? Ofcourse wewant our children tosucceed academicallybut whatabout thewider aspectsof school life?The atmosphere, the ethos, politeness, enthusiasm and commitment of the pupils; all of these are essential parts of what makes an excellent school, and it is in such a school thatyour daughter will achieve her potential.
At Bromley High School those ‘extras’ are essential. By providing excellent pastoral care, stimulating and challenging lessons for girls of a wide range of abilities, and by having an outstanding range of extracurricular opportunities, we constantly outperform local schools by every measure.
Here you find happy, communicative, confident and well-rounded girls. Girlswhose personal development is nurtured and encouraged by our excellent staff andwhose academic performance benefits from all the additional activities that we offerto challenge, motivate and inspire them. Come and see for yourself!”
Bromley High is holding an open morning on 28 September, and a sixth formopen evening on 7 October. There are also taster days for prospective pupils. For details, see www.bromleyhigh.gdst.net or email [email protected].
education news
Senior School (11-18)
42 Abbotswood Road, SW16 1AW
020 8677 8400 [email protected]
Empowering girls to pursue ideals and knowledge unafraid
Senior School Open DaySaturday 28 September 10 am - 1 pm
Sixth Form Open EveningWednesday 9 October 6.30 pm - 8.30 pm
Register for Open Events at www.schs.gdst.net
Prep Department, 70 Thurlow Park Road, SE21 8HZPre Prep Department, Elmcourt Road, SE27 9BZemail: admissions@rosemeadprepschool.org.ukwww.rosemeadprepschool.org.uk
We all look forward to meeting you at our
Open MorningsSaturday 28th September 10.00-12.30
Tuesday 5th November 9.30-11.00
Tours of the school are held on Tuesday morningsduring term time. Bursaries available
Please call 020-8670 5865 for further information
Independent Co-educational 3-11 years. Founded 1942. ISA & IAPS
f a m i l i e s s e . c o . u kfamilies south east - september 2013 6
Support at homeLearn to read with Reading Eggs - free trialChildren love working and playing on computers, and the online Reading Eggs programme combines interactive reading and writingactivities to bring out the bestin each child.
The award-winning andhighly successful programme,for children aged 3-13, hasproven reading results. Over512 interactive games teachphonics and sight words, supporting what children learnat school and helping them develop the skills and strategies they need for sustained reading success.The programme supplies one-to-one lessons that match your child’s ability, with detailed assessment reports along the way.
Reading Eggs has been developed by expert educators with over 20 years’experience; it is used by over two million children worldwide; and over 90% of parents have noticed an improvement in their child’s reading ability since usingReading Eggs.READER OFFER: From now until 30 September your child can join thousands ofchildren across the UK taking part in the Reading Eggs Great Literacy Challenge -a nationwide effort to inspire children to read. This free event will give your childfive weeks FREE access* to Reading Eggs. Sign up today and see for yourselfhow your child’s reading improves. (*Free trial only available for new customerswho register at www.readingeggs.co.uk/learn.)
Preparing for the entrance exam seasonChildren may have to take the examsbut it also requires a battery of skillsand knowledge from parents to make sure their children reach examseason possessing a quiet confidence and self-belief, secure in their English and maths knowledge and well-practised inexam techniques.
Fleet Tutors advise: “Start early isthe mantra you’ll hear from parentswho’ve been through the experience. Whether you use a tutor or do-it-yourself, asteady structured programme prepares a child, not just for exams, but for the bigchanges they face when they start ‘big’ school in year 7.
Don’t lose sight of your child in all of this. Focus on what they are doing right.Confidence drives self-belief which encourages learning and also establishes anoutlook that will serve them well throughout life.”
Fleet Tutors have been providing private home tutoring for over 35 years. Call 020 8580 3911 or go to www.fleet-tutors.co.uk.
Maths DoctorMaths Doctor is an award winning company, run by qualified teachers. Over 500 tutors provide one-to-one maths and physics tuition across the whole of the UK. The service starts with a free online assessment of your child’s level and learningstyle, which enables Maths Doctor to hand pick the best tutor for your requirements.
To request a tutor, register your details on www.mathsdoctor.co.uk or call 020 7193 1871 to arrange a free, no obligation assessment.
Faster fingersSign up your child to a touch-typing course and they’llhave a skilll for life. Yes Tuitionand Training have developed a course which is fun and effective - children learn in as little as ten hours. Sessions areheld out of school and during school holidays in Sydenham. See www.yes-tuitionandraining.co.uk or call Norman on 020 7515 1707.
7september 2013 - families south east
BROMLEY HIGH SCHOOLCELEBRATES 130 YEARS OF
ExcellenceWithUsshe will
Thrive
130
BHS
[email protected] Tel: 020 8781 7000 www.bromleyhigh.gdst.net/fse1
OPEN MORNINGSaturday September 28th 2013, 9.30 am ‐ 1.00 pm
SIXTH FORM OPEN EVENINGMonday 7th October 2013 from 6.45 pmFind out more about life at Bromley High School
4+, 7+, 11+, 13 + and 16+Fees Assistance & Scholarships available
in the Senior School
Junior School Open DaySaturday 21 September 10 am - 12 noon
Register for Open Events at www.schs.gdst.net
Nursery and Junior School (3-11)
Wavertree Road, SW2 3SR
020 8674 6912 [email protected]
Outperforming expectationson a daily basis
Is my child dyslexic?Reading and writingis essential when it comes to the intellectual development of children. But when a child has literacyproblems likedyslexia, this development becomes even more challenging.
According to a recent report A Fishin the Tree by TheDriver Youth Trust, onaverage three children in every classroom are dyslexic and struggle with literacy -which equates to 1.2 million in the UK.
Though dyslexia is categorised as a disability, if you see the signs and catch itearly enough, using the right tools and techniques, your child should have a goodchance of developing at the same pace as every other pupil in their class. Here are some frequently asked questions that can help you to determine if your child is dyslexic:
1. Firstly, dyslexia is hereditary so do you or anyone in your family have dyslexia?2. Does your child display poor concentration and are they easily distracted?3. Is their performance in class below average compared to their classmates?4. Do they struggle with their ‘b’s and ‘d’s, ‘p’s and ‘q’s and use them the wrong
way round?5. Do they have difficulty following instructions especially if they are written?6. When reading out loud, do they miss words or add words that are not included?7. Do they take longer to read compared to other children their age?8. Are their oral skills noticeably more developed compared to their reading and
writing skills?9. During activities, do they prefer to keep to themselves rather than play with
others?10. Do they have a headache or tummy ache on the days they have a particular
lesson that they do not like?
Should your child experience most of these indicators, it is likely that they have somedegree of dyslexia. Identifying that your child has dyslexia is the first step and earlyidentification is crucial. With a combination of technology and techniques, your child has every opportunity to overcome dyslexia at school, at home and ultimately,at work.
Texthelp, a manufacturer of dyslexia support software, offers advice on solutions that can help your child with their dyslexia. For more information, seehttp://texthelp.com/uk/campaigns/readwrite-gold.
The nits are coming...It’s a new term, and millions of head lice are rubbing their little legs together withglee at the thought of lots of children’s heads to feast on.
New research reveals that a whopping 63% of primary school children have been infested with lice. The survey also reveals that 50% of parents do not tellfriends when their child has head lice, with 1 in 10 admitting it is because they
are too embarrassed.Usefully, shampoo makers
Vosene have launched an interactive ‘Nitwatch Heat Map,which tracks head lice outbreaksas they happen, allowing parents to find out instantly if an infestation hits their area. Themap tracks Twitter conversationsall over the country, includingthose with the hashtag #nitwatch. Parents can also‘register a concern’ on the website, where they’ll be entered into a free prize drawfor the chance to win a miniVosene Kids 3in1 Shampoo & Defence Spray set and a back to school goodie bag.Find the map atwww.vosene.co.uk/nitwatch,and be prepared with the
comb and lotions...
f a m i l i e s s e . c o . u k
8 f a m i l i e s s e . c o . u kfamilies south east - september 2013
education news
Open DaysSaturday 21 September 10.00am – 12.30pmThursday 7 November 1.30pm – 3.00pmTuesday 19 November 1.30pm – 3.00pm
Co-educational academic excellence
The best start for boys and girls
www.alleyns.org.uk
Please email [email protected] or call 020 8557 1519 to obtain a prospectus or for any other information.
ALLEYN’S JUNIOR SCHOOL
Charity number: 312747
Stanstead Road, London, SE6 4TY
www.stdunstans.org.uk
Junior School Open Mornings 2013Thursday 19 September
Nursery & ReceptionWednesday 2 October & Thursday 3 October
Nursery & Pre-PrepThursday 7 November
Prep(At all events tours start at 09.00 & 11.00)
To book your place, please contact Rosemary Scard on 020 8516 7225 or [email protected]
Senior School Open Days 2013Saturday 5 October, 9.30 -11.30
Saturday 16 November, 9.30 -11.30
St Dunstan’s CollegeCo-educational Independent day school for 3 -18 year olds
Charity number: 312747 Stanstead Road, London, SE6 4TYwww.stdunstans.org.uk
Your child’s future starts here
Sydenham High School GDST 28 September, 8 October, 6 + 13 November,Junior school 15 Westow Hill SE26, 020 8557 7000 21 September, 3 October, 5 + 12 November,Senior school 19 Westow Hill SE26, 020 8557 7000,www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net
Streatham + Clapham High School GDST 21 September Nursery and Junior school, Wavertree Road SW2, 020 8674 691228 September Senior school9 October Sixth Form, 42 Abbotswood Road SW16,020 8677 8400, www.schs.gdst.net.
Bromley High School GDST 28 September whole school, 7 October sixth form, Blackbrook Lane BR1, 020 8781, 7000, www.bromleyhigh.gdst.net
Alleyn’s School21 September, 7 + 19 November Juniors28 September, 12 October, 6 November Seniors,Townley Road, East Dulwich SE22, 020 8557 1519,www.alleyns.org.uk
St Dunstan’s College19 September Nursery and Reception, 2 + 3 October Nursery and Pre-Prep, 5 October, 16 November Senior School7 November Prep, Stanstead Road SE6, 020 8516 7200, www.stdunstans.org.uk
St Leonards-Mayfield19 September, 8 November whole school4 October Sixth form. The Old Palace, Mayfield, E Sussex TN20 6PH,01435 874642, www.mayfieldgirls.org
Dulwich Prep London21 September Nursery and Reception 8 Gallery Road SE21, Years 1-8 42 Alleyn Park SE21, 020 8670 3217,www.dulwichpreplondon.org
Rosemead Preparatory School 28 September, 5 November, and tours on Tuesdaymornings by appointmentPrep department 70 Thurlow Park Road SE21 Pre prep Elmcourt Road SE27, 020 8670 5865,www.rosemeadprepschool.org.uk
James Allen’s Girls’ School5 October, 144 East Dulwich Grove SE22, 020 8693 1181, www.jags.org.uk
Thames Christian College5 October, Wye Street SW11 2HB, 020 7228 3933,www.thameschristiancollege.org.uk
Oakfield Preparatory SchoolGroup tours held once a month,125-128 Thurlow Park Road SE21 8HP, 020 8670 4206, www.oakfield.dulwich.sch.uk
open daysCheck the schools’ websites or telephone for more details and
admissions criteria. For more schools and more dates,see our What’s On guide at familiesse.co.uk.
James Allen’s Girls’ School
Thames Christian College
9september 2013 - families south east
020 8557 [email protected] Westwood HillLondon SE26 6BL
Senior SchoolJunior School Sixth Form
An outstanding* education that goes way beyond exams*Inspection Report 2012
Open DaysJunior: Sat 28 Sept 10am - 1.00pmSenior: Sat 21 Sept 10am - 1.00pmSee website for additional dates in October and November
Taster M
ornings - booking esse
ntial
Reception Th
urs 3 Octo
ber 9.15-11.00am
Year 7
Weds 9
October 9
.00-11.45am
Q: ‘A major step towardseducation withoutboundaries is classroomswithout walls.’ discuss.In September 2014, The John Roan will have a brand
new, flexible, state-of-the-art building at our Westcombe
Park site, while our 1928 facility at Maze Hill will have
undergone extensive redevelopment. Our innovative,
future-proof learning environments will include classroom
walls that can be re-arranged for maximum flexibility, and
wireless connectivity that’s able to stream 30 videos in
30 classrooms with no loss of quality.
To learn more, go to: www.thejohnroan.greenwich.sch.uk
A:
NEW SCHOOL BUILDINGS OPEN IN 2014
f a m i l i e s s e . c o . u k
f a m i l i e s s e . c o . u k10 families south east - september 2013
020 8447 4530 www.jigsaw-arts.co.ukCO
Venues in Bexleyheath Chislehurst
and more
TWO
WEEK TRIAL
AVAILABLE
JIGSAW WEEKEND PERFORMING ARTS SCHOOLS
Find out with a FREE assessment from the UK’s award-winning maths tuition service.
Call 020 7193 1871
Could your child benefit from extra maths lessons?
mathsdoctor.co.uk
500+ qualified
tutorsacross
the UK
WANTED
Cool kids who love to
ROCK!Our fun & educational group keyboard lessons
are a fantastic way to start making musicInspiring reception classes, 4-5 years
Action-packed junior classes, 5-8 years
SEPTEMBER TRIALS AND HALF TERM TASTER DAYS BOOKING NOW
www.funkymonkey.info0800 107 7949
Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes... ‘bringing music to children’
• Exciting physical play programme• Specially designed equipment
• Supervised by trained staff• Develops a child’s confidence,
balance and co-ordination• First steps to an active life
• Great fun! • Parties available
Established
1979
The springboard to confidence for your child
For more information please call Julia on:020 8464 4433
[email protected] in: Battersea, Clapham,
Dulwich, Blackheathwww.tumbletots.com/dulwich
StagecoachStagecoach has been established for over 25 yearsand is the most well known and successful of the theatre school franchises. Classes are fun, energeticand challenging, developing the confidence and self esteem of all students regardless of age or experience.
Your local Stagecoach Theatre Arts school is currently enrolling for the Autumn Term. All studentsreceive classes in dance, drama and singing in a disciplined and creative environment.
Call your local principal now for more information.Classes are currently available in Beckenham 020 8541 0833, Dulwich 020 8949 4116, Sydenham020 8949 1116 and Blackheath 020 8417 0010,www.stagecoach.co.uk.
Freedom AcademyFreedom Academy has launched its Children’sAgency. Pupils are already starring in the ‘Lion King’,and ‘Oliver!’ ‘Thriller Live’, productions at The NationalTheatre, filmed a number of series for CBBC and canalso be seen in various TV commercials.
The afterschool arts school will be adding a FridayPerforming Arts session from January 2014, to allowchildren who attend alternative weekend classes achance to take part in many performances and opportunities.
Freedom Academy are looking forward to startingrehearsals for this year’s Christmas show ‘Peter Pan’,to be staged at the fantastic 350 seat Michael CroftTheatre, Alleyns School - exciting! For more information and bookings, see www.freedomacademy.co.uk or call 020 8244 4873.
Explore the fantastic fairytale forest with PerformThis term, Perform children in southeast London willnot just be having fun acting, singing and dancingeach week, they’ll be exploring the magical and wonderfully exciting Fairytale Forest too. Meet many of the well loved characters from classic fairytales andcountless cool new friends like the Funky Fairy.
Perform’s Principal Lucy Quick says “Fairytale Forest is the most exciting theme yet. Not only areFairytales amazingly dramatic stories, but accordingto child psychologists, when children deal with dramatic situations through drama, it equips them to deal with real-life situations so much better”.
As well as promising ‘the best fun of the week’, Perform specializes in helping children develop the 4 C’s. Confidence, Communication, Co-ordination andConcentration and according to parents and teachersall over London and the southeast ‘you can always tella Perform child’.
Classes are in Beckenham, Blackheath, Bromley,Dulwich, Greenwich, Hither Green and West Wickham;and any interested 4-8 year old can try out the classesby attending a free trial session. 0845 400 1277.READER OFFER: Perform are bringing new afterschool classes to East Dulwich from 25 September. As well as a free trial session, luckyFamilies readers are offered 10% off the feesby quoting FAMS231013.
Music, dance and drama
Out of school in southeast London -
Clubs & Classesfor children
From funky moves to French fun classes, tennis to top-up maths, children come alive after school and on Saturdays to gain new skills, confidence and friends.
There are more clubs and classes in southeast London than we can shake a hockey stickat - and more than we can pack into these pages; but these are a brilliant place to start.
For even more, hop onto our website with this link http://bit.ly/16sZwoY
september 2013 - families south east 11f a m i l i e s s e . c o . u k
ACTING * SINGING * STREET DANCE * GLEE CLUB * PERFORMING ARTS
Week long courses jammed full of acting, song and dance! BOOK A FREE TRIAL CLASS TODAY!
TEL: 0208 244 4873 www.freedomacademy.co.uk [email protected] South East LondonAges 2.5 yrs - 19 yrs
Tiny Totsage 2.5-3
Little Acesage 3-4
Junior Champsage 5-7
Grand Slammersage 8-11
fun filled tennis games and activities indoorswith sponge balls and mini tennis rackets
FREE introductory sessionphone 07877 391005
www.tennis-4-kids.comemail: [email protected]
Jigsaw Performing Arts -a parent’s tale“The competition for children’s free time is ferocious.Tennis, ballet, cookery - they can do it all and did!They tried everything, and as they discarded one activity after another, my bank balance shrank, the pileof unused equipment and clothing grew. So when mydaughter asked to join a Jigsaw performing arts class,I was reluctant to say the least. Classes every weekseemed like a huge commitment - for both of us, andPolly - a shy, timid 7 year old - had never shown anygreat desire to tread the boards - what on earth couldshe possibly get out of it?
Well, I was wrong. Eight years on it’s the best investment I ever made in my daughter’s future. Jigsaw helped her achieve so much. Apart from having a huge amount of fun, the outstanding teachers helped Polly gain tremendous confidence,develop great social skills and learn how to work in a team.”
Jigsaw Arts has many schools in London and thesoutheast, for students aged 3-18. To find one, go towww.jigsaw-arts.co.uk or call 020 8447 4530.
Lucy SparklesLucy Sparkles provides drama, music and danceclasses and parties for children aged 0 - 6. The teachers are real musicians and/ or actors, providing live guitar or keyboard music fun. For more information and a free taster class, phone Lucyon 07903 913429, email [email protected] orvisit www.lucysparkles.com. READER OFFER: Lucy Sparkles are offeringFamilies readers 10% off all parties with an SE15or SE22 postcode and 5 % off all parties with anSE postcode until the end of the year.
Tinkling the ivories withFunky MonkeyFunky Monkey Keyboard Classes are always on thelook out for funky new pupils to enrol on their innovative music scheme in SE/ SW London.
Funky Monkey offer both Reception classes (4-5 years, encouraging musical understanding andintroducing keyboard skills) and Junior classes (5-8
years, teaching electronic keyboard alongside readingand writing music in a small group). The format is designed to encourage an all-round music experiencethat kids just love.
There will also be wonderful taster days in the October half term, which book up quickly. This alladds up to affordable, educational music lessons with a difference. For a trial class visit www.funkymonkey.info or call Ali Edwards on 0800 107 7949.
Diddi dancing preschoolersDiddi dance is the only pre-school dance programmeto explore 14 different dance styles from reggae andhip hop to ballroom and Bollywood. Classes are ideally suited for 2-4 year-olds, however early moversfrom as young as 16 months really enjoy the sessions.A free trial class is offered and then booking is madein half term blocks through the new online bookingsystem.
Parties and nursery sessions are available as wellas weekly classes. For classes in SE1-SE18, callAnne-Marie 079 7398 2790. For classes in SE19 -SE26, call Nicola 07832 913282. Or read more at www.diddidance.com.
Shake it, Royal Baby ofGreenwich!A unique postnatal Salsa classes for new mums carrying their babies in a sling is now also in Greenwich. This is a fun and easy cardio workout thatburns fat and releases endorphins as well as tonesyour entire body and stimulates your baby’s mind.
Latino Bambino also runs dance sessions for Toddlers ages 1-4 full of Latin/ Tropical rhythms andcolourful props. From goo-goo ga-ga to Cha ChaCha! Southeast London parents can also benefit fromtheir Children’s Party Entertainment with a Latin flavour for a real ‘Fiesta’ atmosphere. Classes every Friday in SE10 and Wednesday in SE16; visitwww.latinobambino.com or call 07961838349 to findout more.
Jigsaw Performing Arts
families south east - september 2013 12 f a m i l i e s s e . c o . u k
Imagination for the EverydayEarly years Drama
www.theatretots.com
Weekly classes in Lee, Blackheath and Hither Green
Schools, nurseries and parties too!
[email protected] - 07801072776
Theatrebugs - ‘Confidence through Creativity’After two years of bugtastic nursery classes, holidayworkshops, birthday parties and under 5’s clubs, Theatrebugs Greenwich is proud to announce thelaunch of its first action packed all singing, all dancing, all acting after school club that will reallyknock your socks off!
For 31⁄2 to 6 year olds, and a different theme eachterm, the team squeeze lots of fun, games, drama,song and dance into a one hour, jam packed class.They’ll have a bucket load of fun while you watch theirfocus and vocabulary improve, their confidence bloomand their imagination soar! They will jump into magicalstories and become pirates, sharks, hedgehogs,fairies, princesses and maybe even dinosaurs, whoknows what could happen? Your child gets the attention they deserve from fully trained, enhancedCRB checked teachers
Every Friday from 13th September, (unlucky forsome, but not for Theatrebugs) at the Elsie MarshallMemorial Hall in Blackheath. To sign up, [email protected] or call 07531 804 242.For Theatrebugs classes in East Dulwich, Herne Hill,West Wickham and Clapham, call 0800 975 5290,www.theatrebugs.co.uk.
Offspringers Offspringers is a new Charlton-based company offering creative dance for babies, toddlers andpreschoolers. Run by an ex-professional dancer, theclasses combine rhythm, movement, story-telling andsong within interactive dance sessions designed tostimulate children’s imagination, music appreciation,coordination, self awareness, language and social interaction - not to mention smiles!
Within each session, independent learning and creativity is encouraged by the use of an engaging yet flexible curriculum which encourages the input and ideas of the children.
Sign up online to Offspringers’ blog to receive regular posts including movement games to try athome, class content updates, news, views and signposts to dance-inspired activities and outings for you and your child. 07900 216633, www.offspringers.com.
New - The Strings ClubIf music be the food of love then here’s a way to anticipate a feast! Join the award-winning Strings Club- fun-filled instrumental courses for children aged 4-12- and find your own recipe for musical harmony. Simply choose from Guitar, Violin, Ukulele or Cello -complete beginners to advanced.
Beginning 12 Septembe in Brockley, The StringsClub 10-week course will inspire your child to loveplaying music. An instrumental hire-scheme also enables your child to begin playing straight away aswell as taking it home to practise. All Strings Clubcourses are led by top strings tutors (DBS-cleared)and culminate in a grand end of course concert.
Founder of The Strings Club, Amy Cunningham
says: “I am so excited to be launching in Brockleywhere I spent much time of my twenties. I adore thearea and I really want to create a musical communityof kids who love to play music in Brockley!”.
To book a place, call 0779 933 2562 or visitwww.thestringsclub.org to join the mailing list for latestupdates, offer and top tips.
Sparkle MusicSparkle Music offers quality Kodaly inspired musicclasses. The gentle pre-crawling baby classes giveparents the chance to learn a range of songs, rhymesand musical activities to enjoy with their baby. Sessions include playsongs, soothing lullabies, multi-sensory props and instruments to explore andlisten to. Through a progressive and lively curriculum,the classes for 2, 3 and 4 year-olds teach about pulse,rhythm and melody through singing, imaginativemovement, the careful use of instruments, role play,musical games and stories. Classes now in SE6. Firstclass free! Call Anna on 0771 123 8352/ [email protected], www.sparkle-music.co.uk.
Award-winning Boppin’BunniesLocal company Boppin’ Bunnies has been named‘Best Local Activity for the Under 5s’ in this year’sWhat’s On for Little Ones’ Awards.
Boppin’ Bunnies was set up by musician and localmum of two Anna Shepherd, to run live music-makingweekly classes using their own original music. Thereare classes in Greenwich, Blackheath, Eltham, Charlton, Sidcup, Honor Oak and New Cross. Emailfor a free taster session! [email protected].
Olé KidsOlé Kids
Spanish classes for children and parents
Join us for fun, energy packed and culturally rich Spanish classes Half Moon Pub- Herne Hill
Thursdays 4.30 pm(children 6 months to 5 years old)
Quote: ‘FSE’ for a free trial!
FREE weekend Spanish workshops for childrenIberica Restaurant Canary Wharf 1 to 4 pm
(for families eating at the restaurant only)
Spanish/Latin flauvored PartiesPrivate classes all agesSchools and nurseries
Telephone : 020 7386 0376/07734 900221 Email : [email protected]
www.olekids.com
Book your class
Latino Bambino Tumble Tots
Freedom Acadamy
september 2013 - families south east 13f a m i l i e s s e . c o . u k
Sports and movement
Drop in tennisSydenham Tennis Club run weekly drop-in sessionsfor 9 to 12 year-olds every Wednesdays from 4.30during term-time, and 9.30am on Saturdays for over12s. These sessions are supervised by a qualifiedcoach and are suitable for children who haveplayed tennis before and are able to rally. There’sno need to book, and the sessions are free formembers, and £5 for non-members.
Membership of the tennis club is only £48 pa forjuniors and the club is now giving junior members a discount on coaching lessons. There is lots of information about junior tennis at Sydenham atwww.sltcc.co.uk.
Tumble Tots is ‘best activity’Tumble Tots was crowned winner of Best ActivityProvider 2013 at Tommy’s Baby-Friendly Awards.The programme is designed to develop children’sphysical skills of agility, balance, co-ordination andclimbing, and fostering confidence and self-esteem.
Each weekly session combines fun, excitementand challenge on brightly coloured Tumble Totsequipment in a safe and caring environment. Allsessions are run by staff specially trained to get the best out of your child. It is structured accordingto the different ages and stages of a child’s development. For classes in Blackheath, Dulwich,Battersea and Clapham, call Julia on 020 84644433, www.tumbletots.com/dulwich.
Tennis-4-KidsTennis-4-kids have a new website, designed to make things a lot easier for all users. They explained:“We have introduced colourcoding for different age groups which will make navigation around the sitemuch more user friendly. There is a specific section for our holiday sessions andclearer information on where and when we hold ourregular term time sessions. Updating informationwill be quicker and easier so should generally be upto date. We used a local company (Lancasters) to design the site and are very pleased with the resultsand feedback.”
Tennis-4-Kids offer a fun-filled introduction to tennisfor children aged 21⁄2 to 11 years. Sessions areplayed indoors with small rackets, sponge balls anda scaled-down court. For details or to book a freeintroductory session, call Gordon on 07877 391 005,email [email protected] or log ontowww.tennis-4-kids.com.
Autumn
Termnow enrolling
Perform
Sparkle Music
families south east - september 2013 14 f a m i l i e s s e . c o . u k
What will we discoverInside the story sock?
What do you think is hiding?Come here and take a look...
Olé KidsOlé Kids offer well thought out Spanish classes forchildren of all ages in groups, private classes, nurseries and schools. The classes are run completelyin Spanish. Because they learn through immersion,children soon start using Spanish as a tool for communicating whilst they do what they like doingbest: games, songs, stories and activities that bringthem closer to Spanish and Latin American cultures.
Bilingual and beginners can learn in the samespace from day one since there is a clear structurethat helps them feel comfortable whatever their level of language.
Also contact Olé Kids to spice up your birthday parties with a Spanish/ Latin American flavour.
And their weekend workshops at Iberica CanaryWharf while you eat are a real treat. 020 7386 0376 or 07734 900221, www.olekids.com.
French and SpanishLe Club Français and El Club Español teach Frenchand Spanish in a fun way through games, songs,plays etc, giving the children the opportunity to speakand understand the language without them realising.Each class also teaches the way of life through food,customs and celebrating festivals etc.
The informal and friendly classes provide an environment for children to develop their self-esteemand self-confidence where they quickly acquireenough knowledge to enjoy using the language forcommunication and expression.
Children from 3 to 11 can benefit from the classes.Members also have access to Babelzone websitewhere the children can listen to songs, stories andplay games in their own time. All teachers are nativeFrench or Spanish as it the best way of teaching a language; it also gives children a head start in understanding and speaking the language with theright accent. There is always a free trial session,classes are competitively priced and sibling discounts
are available. For more information or bookings, email Severine, [email protected] or call 020 8699 7665.
Story SockStory Sock is a class for 2-4 year olds like no other.Using a combination of art, craft, songs, games andprops, stories are explored and brought to life to encourage confidence, independence, and (most importantly) an enthusiasm for books and reading.There are regular weekly classes in Blackheath andGreenwich as well as children’s parties, tailored to any theme. For more information or to book a free trial session call Katy on 07957 136270 or [email protected].
German Saturday schoolDeutsche Samstagsschule Greenwich opened lastyear and has already doubled in size. It is run by localparents as a not for profit organisation to help childrenfrom German speaking families practise and improvethe German they learn at home and widen their knowledge of German culture and traditions in a funand friendly environment.
To meet demand, a second pre-school classopened this April, with a class for older children (7-10years old) opening this September. A few places arestill available for the 5-10 year olds, but there is a waiting list for children aged 3 to 4.
The classes and regular social events give childrenand their families an opportunity to meet and makefriends with other German families. The German Bakervan also visits the school every Saturday during termtime, so pupils and local residents can stock up onauthentic German cake, pretzels, bread and otherfoods popular in Germany and Austria. For enrolment, waiting list, membership enquiries or tofind out more, visit www.dssgreenwich.org.uk or email [email protected].
Languages
Sparkle Music Olé Kids
Theatrebugs
f a m i l i e s s e . c o . u k
wholesale palaver involving towels, a vast lump of ice with whatlooks like a woolly mammoth embedded within and Trashacausing a bloodbath with a bag of melting fruits of the forest.By the time I’ve finished clearing up the various putrefied liquids, the tip has shut and the car boot remains full of the rubbish from yesterday’s to do list.THE POWER OF DOING LESS by Fergus O’Connell - Capstone rrp £9.99. Billed as “short, sharp and fun to read”, itis the promise that I will reap the benefits of work-sharing thatgets my attention. Quite how that extends to duties such asfridge maintenance remains to be seen - you can’t fit two heads in simultaneously afterall. But ultimately, is housework a priority? This guy says to only do the really important stuff andeverything else can hang. This could be an experiment which isheavenly joy in the short term but self-defeating in a fortnight’stime when I can’t get the front door open for shoes piled upagainst it. MISSING OUT: IN PRAISE OF THE UNLIVED LIFE by AdamPhillips - Penguin rrp £9.99. So, with the boot defiantly full ofbulging black bin bags and the hoover on strike, I’ll have lots of time to sit back and undertake existence-enhancing pursuits instead. Like reading. Reading real books that don’t containrecipes or solutions to problems. Books like this that, um, helpme to analyse where I went wrong and then encourage me topoke up with the consequences. Oh for goodness sakes, passme the cocktail shaker!SAVE WITH JAMIE by Jamie Oliver - Penguin rrp £26. “Shopsmart, cook clever, waste less,” he says. No finished copy ofthis by deadline but by gosh our boy can talk up a promise, eh?If it does half of what it says on the tin, it’ll be worthy of its placenext to the spice rack, but the emphasis on budgeting looks atedge skewed when it comes to the price-tag. Ouch.THE HUNGRY STUDENT COOKBOOK by Charlotte Pike,Quercus rrp £7.99 is somewhat, ahem, cheaper though no less useful. If someone you know is about to enter the world of the communal kitchen, 150 dinner ideas with accessible ingredients might not mitigate the shock of being in debt in perpetuity for the sake of two lectures a week and no paid workat the end of three years, but it will go some way preventingdeath by pot noodle. JUNKET IS NICE by Dorothy Kunhardt - NYRB rrp £9.99.These vintage editions feel like proper books, with cloth spinesand everything. Junket may be a thing of the past - just thatsimilar British staple of yore, blancmange - but an excellent children’s picture book that combines repetition with sillinessgoes on forever. CHANGING THE GUARD AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE byA.A. Milne & E.H. Shepherd - Egmont rrp £12.99. Posh, archaic,precious, irrelevant, I’m sorry but open this up just once and itis irresistible. And it is never to soon to teach your child “JamesJames Morrison Morrison Weatherby George Dupree...”BUN B’S RAP COLORING & ACTIVITY BOOK rrp £7.99.And you can give ‘em all the Christopher Robin in the universe but they’ll still go through their hip hop and stoopidback-to-front hat phase. And I know - the ‘u’ is missing. Butbreathe deep and fingers crossed they’ll grow out of it and get into Bob Dylan next.THE VERY NOISY HOUSE by Julie Rhodes and Korky Paul -Frances Lincoln rrp £11.99. I do like a Korky Paul showcase and this doesn’t disappoint with its tale of consequences thatbegins with the clomp clomp of an old lady and rises upwardsto a cacophonic crescendo, then room-by-room the racket
dwindles until we are left with clomp clomp all over again. Allgood clean exhausting fun.LITTLE MOUSE’S BIG BOOK OF BEASTS by Emily Gravett -Macmillan rrp £11.99. This wondrously detailed bonkers story comes with torn pages and nibbled corners, rolled up newspaper and books-within-books. Ingenious and scatterbrained, it does my OCD no good at all. Where’s thathoover?ABC & DO by Leo Singh & Karen Wall - Egmont rrp £12.99. Yet another terrific Egmont title in the bag this month - a smartlift-the-flapper that reveals that A is for Apple and B is for Biteand that F is for a fridge much fuller than mine now that it hasbeen D for defrosted.And the same publisher has come up with this cheery series ofOLIVE & MOSS board books too featuring Colette the Cow,Louis the Lion, Michael the Monkey and Margot and Mo, rrp£5.99, on the topics of colour, shapes, noises and numbers respectively. But before Egmont get too bigheaded, can I reportthat KATE & WILLIAM, A ROYAL FAIRYTALE by Ink Robin &Adam Larkum, rrp £6.99 is the most pedestrian fairy tale I haveever encountered. They’ve left out all the interesting bits aboutcastles burning down, divorces, wicked stepmothers andnaughty princes and left us with the same old yawnsome tedium we get from that pile of glossy dross in the dentist’swaiting room. HOW TO WASH A WOOLLY MAMMOTH by Michelle Robinson & Kate Hindley - Simon & Schuster rrp 6.99. Hahaha!This is more like it! The expression on the aforementioned extinct mammal’s face when the kid shoves him in the tub isone of exquisite bafflement. As well it might be when not fiveminutes earlier it was trapped in a glacier at the back of myfridge. Actually, it wasn’t really a mammoth. When the ice finallysuccumbed, I found a kebab on a stick. And mysteriously theentire household denied all knowledge of it. So it just arrived,got frozen and blocked the little drainhole all of its own volition.Yeah, right. Exquisite bafflement all round then.DUSTBIN DAD by Peter Bently and Russell Ayto - Simon &Schuster rrp £6.99. This particular dad’s capacity for eatinganything and everything is familiar. When I was small, all theadults in my life were shameless when it came to nicking thefood off our plates and we children learned to eat pretty damnswiftly once the grub was served. It doesn’t take a therapist towork out why I am so greedy. GOING SWIMMING; GOING TO PLAYSCHOOL by SarahGarland - Frances Lincoln rrp £5.99. Ah. So here we are. Nicenew board book editions of old favourites for the new term andwhen it comes to littleys, as a swimming teacher, I’m telling you now, it is ALL in the preparation. If your tyke has never encountered the booming clamour of a pool before, don’t expect it to slide into the water without a fuss. And please,please, please wipe its nose first.MAD DOGS & ENGLISHMEN by Tom Jones - Virgin rrp£12.99. It may be a new start for our kids but if the prospect ofAutumn cheeses you off as much as it does me, you are goingto need more than mouldy pumpkins and cornershop sparklersto buck you up. Using the formula of his previous Tired of London, Tired of Life, the author takes us around the countrymonth-by-month with all sorts of distractions such as eatingkippers at Craster and participating in the Pagham pram raceto seeing the tulips in Spalding, visiting the Stanley SpencerGallery at Cookham (something I’ve hung my nose over forages) or riding the Anderton boat lift in Cheshire; his selectionis enchantingly eccentric and absolutely my kind of list of thingsto do. I better get down that tip and empty the boot before weset off, eh? Mindyou, late to catch a ferry, the master of timemanagement (for it was he) once packed two bags of rubbishthat I’d put out for the bin men. We didn’t work out what thesmell was until we got to France.
The Bookseller Crow is a fantastic, volume stuffed shop run by some of the most knowledgeable bookworms in the business.
Call in for the feel of a real bookshop, or if you’re too busy, pick up the phone or point your mouse at their website for a fast mailorder service. Justine Crow recommends this month’s best titles.
One of the recurring themes when it comes to ding-dongs between me and the kids’dad is ‘time management’. Once I’m done trying to kill him each time he uses thephrase, I remind myself that it is a desk-bound executive’s catchword, the shibbolethof someone who maybe does a lot but doesn’t have to go very far to do it. I, on theother hand, always seem to be a chore behind schedule because whatever the jobis, it always takes longer thanks to unforeseen complications - traffic, cat sick,tantrums etc. Hence defrosting the fridge goes from a simple unplugging to
The Bookseller Crow, 50 Westow St. Crystal Palace, London SE19 3AFTelephone: 020 8771 8831 email: [email protected] www.booksellercrow.co.uk
september 2013 - families south east 15f a m i l i e s s e . c o . u k
If you are experiencing otherwise unaccountable symptoms of tiredness, skin rashes, poor sleep, irritability, memory problems, lack of concentration, headaches, dizziness or depression, they may relate to electromotive force (EMF) exposure.
Research studies have shown that prolonged exposure to wi-fi signals, mobile and cordless phones can have adverse effects on our health, with children and teenagers being more vulnerable. In May 2011The Council of Europe classified EMR from mobile phones as “possibly carcinogenic” and stated that
precautions are needed to avoid similar social tragedies such as those surrounding asbestos, tobacco and unleaded petrol.
Simple tips to keep your family safe (just in case it isn’t)• Always turn off your wi-fi router off at night (just a switch)• Never put your mobile close to your baby’s head, nor let them use it as a toy. Think twice about
whether your cordless baby monitor is necessary, or place it as far as possible from baby. These devices also emit EMR; they work with wi-fi after all
• Carry your phone in your bag, not your pocket. Manufacturers’ small print warnsusers to keep mobiles away from the body, even though advertising campaignsshow the opposite
• The NHS advises children and teenagers to text or make short, essential callsonly. The further away from the body/ ears the better
• Persuade your teenager not to sleep next to their phone at night (and especiallynot keep it under their pillow for secret texting)
• Do not use your phone as an alarm clock next to your head• Go back to a corded house phone. Radiation from cordless (DECT) phones is
intense, and in some cases higher than a mobile phone (models/ devices vary in intensity - check SAR levels)
• Use your internet through the mains. No re-wiring is required, simply buy two Ethernet boxes to plug in computers and laptops to your regular electricity socket
• Get informed. Families has collated lots of useful websites, articles, reports andvideos, online at www.familiesonline.co.uk/radiation.
ElectroDOTThe electroDOT from Phi Harmonics is programmed to harmonise EMFs from theelectronic equipment that we use regularly. Its powerful natural energy signature locksonto and ‘entrains’ these signals, changing them from potential conflict into harmonywith the natural electromagnetism of our own bodies. The tiny, self-adhesive electroDOT can be attached to mobile phones, computers, anything electronic, whereit has been shown to reduce thermal heating.
ElectroDOT users report more energy, greater concentration, better sleep, fewerheadaches, a sense of calm and a cooler head. For orders or more information, seewww.energydots.net or call 01803 782008.
families south east - september 2013 16 f a m i l i e s s e . c o . u k
mag
e fro
m S
tock
.xch
ang
Firstly, you need to be married for one year andmust be convinced that your marriage hasirretrievably broken down. It is further necessary tobase the divorce on what is known as a “fact”. Themost commonly used are adultery, unreasonablebehaviour, two years’ separation with the otherspouse’s consent or five years’ separation. The person applying for the divorce (i.e. “the Petitioner”)cannot rely on his/ her own adultery or unreasonablebehaviour. In order for there to be a straightforwardundefended divorce, it is necessary where adulteryis alleged for the other spouse (“the Respondent”),to admit to it. Conversely, it is unnecessary for theRespondent to admit to unreasonable behaviour.Whatever the basis for the divorce, both spousesmust agree that they cannot reconcile in order forthere to be an undefended divorce. You cannot file a joint petition together to end the marriage.
To start the process, the Petitioner must file a petition at the court. The court then sends a copy ofthe petition to the Respondent together with a formfor completion. This form asks various questionssuch as whether the Respondent will defend the divorce. It is very rare for a divorce to be defendedas it usually does not achieve anything. Allegationsof bad behaviour in a divorce petition are very rarelyimportant in dealing with other matters such asarrangements for children or money.
Once the Petitioner has received the Respondent’s duly completed Acknowledgmentform, it should then be possible for the Petitioner to make the next application which is for the DecreeNisi. The court will consider this application and provided that the divorce papers are all in order, itwill fix a date for the pronouncement of the DecreeNisi. The Decree Nisi is a certificate to say that thePetitioner is entitled to a divorce.
Six weeks and one day after the Decree Nisi, it is open to the Petitioner to apply for the decree Absolute. It is only once the Decree Absolute hasbeen pronounced that the marriage is dissolved and there is a divorce.
Provided that both parties do what is required ofthem promptly, an undefended divorce usually takesabout six months to complete and there is ordinarilyno need for anyone to attend court personally and itcan be dealt with in the post.
It is really for the Petitioner to progress the divorce. It will not happen automatically just because the court has issued the divorce petition.For example, the court will not chase the Respon-dent to return the completed Acknowledgementform or indeed the Petitioner to make the applicationfor the decree nisi at the relevant time.
If the Respondent fails to provide the completedand signed Acknowledgement form, the court would
require convincing evidence thatthe Respondent has actually received the divorce papers before allowing the proceedings to progress. Sometimes it is necessary for aprocess server tobe instructed topersonally give the papers to theRespondent. Theprocess server wouldthen provide a statement to the court to confirm that this has happened and the Petitioner should then be able to submit to the courtthe application for the decree nisi even if the Respondent does not reply to the divorce paperswithin the requisite time limit.
About the authorMandeep Clair is a mediator, collaborative lawyerand an experienced family solicitor at South EastLondon Solicitors Grant Saw. The practice offersfriendly, professional family mediation and legalservices including an initial fixed fee appointment of£100 inclusive of VAT for legal advice in respect ofrelationship breakdown and/or issues concerningchildren. If you then go on to instruct us to deal withyour case, we will credit this payment back to youon your next bill. Please call 020 8858 6971 or [email protected].
“I want a divorce. How do I go about it?”By Mandeep Clair
family life
Wiped out by wi-fi?
september 2013 - families south east 17
CAKE & BAKE SHOW SENSACIONAL - THE UNICORN
What’sOnFind even more activities: www.familiesse.co.uk then click What's On
T: 01635 298326
A Theatre Hullabaloo & Theatr IoIo production
TOTS ON TUESDAY AT STREATHAM & CLAPHAM JUNIOR SCHOOL
Tots on Tuesday takes place at 10 am until
12 noon every Tuesday morning during
term time.
Streatham & Clapham Junior School Wavertree Rd, Streatham Hill SW2 3SR020 8674 6912 www.schs.gdst.net
A great place to meet other parents and carers
A fun time for babies and toddlers (up to 4 years)
An opportunity to socialise and share ideas and support
A stimulating and safe environment Stay and play while enjoying a coffee (or tea!)
Diary Dates for Grown UpsDANNIE ABSIE IN CONVERSATION11 September, DULWICH BOOKS, 6 Croxted Road, West Dulwich SE21,020 8670 1920, www.dulwichbooks.co.ukDulwich Books is honoured to welcome Dannie Abse to discuss and readfrom his latest book of poetry, ‘Speak, Old Parrot’, published in the sameyear as the poet’s 90th birthday. Over his long and remarkable career, Dannie has published many acclaimed poetry collections as well as worksof fiction, criticism, autobiography and plays. ‘The Presence’, an elegy forhis wife, received the 2008 Wales Book of the Year award, while ‘RunningLate’ won the Roland Mathias Prize. Dannie’s poetry is informed by his workas a doctor, Jewish culture and the speech rhythms and legends of his native Wales, his verse characterised by an almost medical care and precision. Tickets £10 includes a copy of ‘Speak, Old Parrot’ and refreshments on the night, 7pm start.
DIABETES UK - THE BIG EVENT14 September, NOVOTEL HOTEL, 1 Shortlands, Hammersmith W6 8DR,020 7424 1000, www.diabetes.org.uk/thebigevent The Big Event is Diabetes UK’s flagship event for people with diabetes andtheir families. It is organised for those affected by both Type 1 and Type 2diabetes, whether they are newly diagnosed, need a refresher or are a parent or carer. It will be an action-packed day and there will be 16 workshops covering all aspects of diabetes including the latest research,what care to expect, diabetes at school, rights at work, coping with emotional issues and advice on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. 9.30am-5pm, tickets from £10 include lunch, refreshments and children’s activities.
NCT TABLE TOP SALE21 September, St JOHN’S CHURCH, Penge SE20 7EQ,www.nct.org.uk/nnsPre loved baby and children’s clothes and toys, at bargain prices. Run byBeckenham and Borders NCT. 10.30am-1pm. £1 entry on the door.
CAKE & BAKE SHOW13-15 September, EARL’S COURT, Warwick Road SW5 9TA, 0844 8541364, www.thecakeandbakeshow.co.ukMeet the nation’s favourite baking stars including The Fabulous BakerBrothers Tom and Henry Herbert, Great British Bake Off champion JohnWhaite, patissier to the stars Eric Lanlard, world renowned baker RichardBertinet, chef and TV presenter Simon Rimmer and Britain’s Best Bakeryjudges Peter Sidwell and Mich Turner plus many more.
The Cake Catwalk will wow with intricate sugar work and inspiring couturecreations, plus live catwalk shows with an edible twist. Other features at theshow include celebrity demo stages, hands-on experiential stands and livecake decorating in action. Those looking to kit out their kitchen will find hundreds of stands stocked with the latest sugarcraft and baking equipment as well as delicious cakes, breads and pies. Entry free for under 5s, children £7, adults £14.50.
FOREST HILL FASHION WEEK20-25 September, various venues in FOREST HILL SE23, www.foresthillfashion.comThe first FHFW was so chic and well attended, there’s another on its way!This time it’s in association with the Horniman Museum, who are putting onan entire ‘Museum at Night’ fashion special. Retailers, suppliers, designersand jewellers will showcase their talents at the FHFW launch at the Horniman Museum from 6-9pm on 20 September. Other events includeworkshops, a fashion market, performances and catwalks. See the full listing online.
INTUITIVE PAINTINGTHE WHISTLING STUDIO, Camberwell SE5, 07947 104 135, www.intuitivepainting.comYou don’t need any experience or artistic talent to join an Intuitive Paintingcourse - start with the desire to explore your creativity without judgement orexpectation. Sessions are designed to dissolve creative blocks and allowpeople to paint as a spiritual practice, allowing for play and spontaneity.Each session lasts three hours, beginning with a talk about an aspect ofcreativity, and finishing with a sharing of experiences. All materials are provided. Taster sessions £30 for one; introductory courses £180 for a sixweek block.
NUTRITION DURING PREGNANCYFrom 2 October, Albrighton Community Centre, East Dulwich SE22; from18 October Pilgrim’s Way Children’s Centre, Peckham SE15, 07968964194, www.livewellnutrition.co.ukIt really is true that you are what you eat, and nutrition can have a great effect on how you feel, both mentally and physically. The Mini Cooking Clubis a registered charity providing relaxed and friendly workshops across London, filled with practical and realistic advice, tips and recipes.
The October dates will focus on optimum nutrition during pregnancy andafter birth to support a healthy start to life. Topics covered include healthyeating, weight, foods to avoid, any specialised diets, breastfeeding, weaning, as well as a workshop on exercise and cooking activities. This is a free, six week programme for pregnant women in Southwark.
BUMPS, BABIES AND BEYOND FAIR5 October, St JOHN’S CHURCH, Eden Park Avenue, BECKENHAM BR3,0844 234 6046, www.nct.org.uk/branches/beckenham NCT Beckenham is organising a baby fair, bringing together pregnancy,baby, toddler and preschool related businesses under one roof to help parents with young children, with discussions and talks, a raffle and goody bags.
f a m i l i e s s e . c o . u k
families south east - september 2013 18 f a m i l i e s s e . c o . u k
NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM IMP LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM
MoreWhat’sOnFind even more activities: www.familiesse.co.uk then click What's On
PARTY IN THE PARK14 September, FORDHAM PARK, New Cross SE14, email newcrosspeople’[email protected] fun filled day of music, dance spoken word, food, drink and craft stalls,children’s games, arts and crafts, community games and much more.
THE MAYOR’S THAMES FESTIVAL 6-15 September, www.thamesfestival.orgOne of London’s biggest and best free, outdoor arts festivals, which hasnow been extended to a 10-day celebration for the first time. There’ll beriver-themed art, music and educational events both on the Thames andalong its banks and bridges as well as 340 boats taking part in the GreatRiver Race.
FAMILY EVENTS AT THE HORNIMANHORNIMAN MUSEUM and gardens, 100 London Road, Forest HillSE23, 020 8699 1872, www.horniman.ac.ukMuseum open 10.30am-5.30pm daily, general admission free, chargesapply for special exhibitions and the aquarium. The museum’s musicgallery and hands-on base, regular weekend and holiday drop-ins andworkshops allow family visitors to explore the collection through arts andcrafts, music, stories and hands-on sessions. All this within 16 acres ofbeautiful green space.AMAZON ADVENTURE, until November. Experience the world’s largestand most biologically diverse river with its extraordinary animals, exoticplants and fascinating cultures, with unusual creatures including mysterious pink dolphins, piranhas and anacondas, live rays and tetrafish. Discover the environmental dangers facing the Amazon and its inhabitants such as overfishing, poaching and logging. Fittingly, the
displays and audio are bilingual English/ Spanish. Admission free for accompanied under 3s, £3 children, £6 adults, £15 families.
OPEN HOUSE WEEKEND21-22 September, various venues, www.openhouselondon.org.ukSee some of London’s best-loved architectural delights. Open Houszeweekend offers a chance to visit around 750 iconic buildings, venture on guided tours, discover exciting future projects and take part in debates. There are also film screenings, family activities, a photographycompetition and more.
BATTERSEA POWER STATION21+22 September, BATTERSEA POWER STATION SW11, www.openhouselondon.org.ukBuilt in the 1930s as a coal-powered fire station and powering over onefifth of London at its peak, Battersea Power Station will host site visits as part of Open House London for the first time. It will be the last opportunity to see one of London’s most iconic buildings before it undergoes a mixed-use redevelopment with shops, cafes, restaurantsand bars set amongst 3,500 new homes and 18 acres of green space.
TRANSPORT MUSEUM EVENTSLONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM, 39 Wellington Street, Covent GardenWC2E 7BB, 020 7379 6433, www.ltmuseum.co.ukFrom buses to tubes, original posters to workers and travellers’ stories,London Transport Museum explores the heritage of London and itstransport system. Open 10am-6pm Saturdays to Thursdays, from 11amFridays. Admission free for under 16s; under 12s to be accompanied.
ALL ABOARD! Let your under 6 ‘drive’ a scaled-down bus, train, tubeor taxi, complete with passengers. They can also take control of thetransport system, moving buses and trains around the museum’s miniature London.FAMILY STATION. Pick up a free coin bag and choose some activitiesto do as you explore the Museum. Whether you fold your own bus anddrive it between the vehicles, design your own poster-postcards or takephotos through flickr frames, there is something here for families withchildren of all ages.LOOK FOR LONGER, until December 2013. Enjoy playing a crypticUnderground game in the galleries where you try to find the 75 LondonUnderground and DLR stations hidden within interactive graphics. Youcan also play at home at www.lookforlonger.com.
THE GOLDEN HINDEGOLDEN HINDE, St Mary’s Overie Dock SE1, 020 7403 0123,www.goldenhinde.comThe full-size replica of Sir Frances Drake’s 16th century galleon is greatfun for children with a piratical bent, and an opportunity to lean about life on the high seas during the Tudor era. Costumed staff add to the experience, and at weekends you can book children’s parties. Self-guided admission £4.40 children, £6 adults, £18 families.THAMES FESTIVAL WEEKEND, 14 Sept. Experience the life of aTudor sailor on a guided tour, visiting the various areas and learning of the history of the ship. 12pm to 4pm.FAMILY OVERNIGHT EXPERIENCE, 28 September. Children will bedressed as Tudor sailors and become members of the crew. After learning the ship’s rules, they will be trained in navigation, barber surgery and gunning, before bedding down to sleep amongst theweapons on the Gun Deck. A Tudor style dinner and continental breakfast is provided. Ages 6+.
BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM, Threadneedle Street, London EC2R,020 7601 5545, www.bankofengland.co.uk/museumThe Bank of England Museum tells the story of the Bank of Englandfrom its foundation in 1694 to its role today as the UK’s central bank. Examine intricately-designed banknotes, feel the weight of a genuinegold bar and see the pikes and muskets that were once used to defendthe Bank. Children’s activity sheets provide fun for younger visitors.Open 10am-5pm Mondays to Fridays, admission free.OPEN HOUSE WEEKEND, 21-22 Sept. Enjoy 30-minute guided toursof parts of the Bank not generally accessible to the public. No bookingrequired. Come early to avoid the queue.CARTOONS & CARICATURES, Until 9 November. Published and unpublished material from the Bank of England’s own collection of printsand drawings. 5.30pm-9pm.
GEFFRYE MUSEUM EVENTSGEFFRYE MUSEUM, Kingsland Road E2 8EA, 020 7739 9893,www.geffrye-museum.org.ukSpecial workshops and quizzes inspire creativity and provide amusement for accompanied 5-11 year-olds on the first Saturday ofeach month and during school holidays. Places allocated 30 minutes in advance of each workshop. Museum open 10am-5pm Tuesdays toSaturdays, from noon Sundays.MARVELLOUS MAGNETS, 21 Sept. Create ceramic-inspired magnetsfor your home. 2 - 4pm.TEA PARTY HEADRESSES, 22 Sept. Craft a terrific tea party headressusing card and other materials. 2 - 4pm.
SCIENCE MUSEUM SCIENCE MUSEUM, Exhibition Road SW7 2DD, 0870 870 4868,www.sciencemuseum.org.ukAiming to be the best place in the world for people to enjoy science, theScience Museum makes sense of the science that shapes our lives,sparking curiosity, releasing creativity and changing the future by engaging people of all generations and backgrounds in science, engineering, medicine, technology, design and enterprise. Open daily10am-6pm except 24-26 December.LAUNCHPAD SCIENCE SHOWS. The largest free interactive sciencegallery in the UK is packed with exhibits which allow visitors to launch arocket, turn their head into a sound box and control a magnetic cloud.Ages 8-14, free.WHO AM I? Find out what makes you special through interactive activities which use the latest in brain science and genetics. Free.
Theatre, Shows and Music
Events & Attractions
FAMILY SHOWS AT THE ALBANYTHE ALBANY, Douglas Way, Deptford SE8 4AG, 020 8692 4446,www.thealbany.org.ukAll tickets £7 or £24 for a family unless otherwise stated.CIRCUS FAMILY WORKSHOP, 22 September. Have fun tumbling, flying, swinging and spinning with your children in this family workshop.12noon and 2.30pm, £7.DISCO KIDS, 22 September. The outside comes inside for a boogiewonderland. Dress as your favourite garden character or creepy crawlyand wriggle the afternoon away. 2-5pm, under 7s, tickets £5.50 or £20for families.HOW TO CATCH A STAR, 29 September. Once there was a boy and he loved stars very much. Every night he watched stars from hisbedroom window and wished he had one of his own. One day, he decided he would try to catch a star. But first he had to think of a plan.Follow Boy on his incredible journey across land, sea and skies in hissearch for a very special starry friend. Based on the bestselling book byOliver Jeffers. 1 and 3pm, ages 3+, £7 or Family Ticket £24.BIG RED BATH, 6 October. Splish! Splosh! Splash! Bubbles burst, bubbles rise and a frothy feast of animals jump right in to join in the fun.Take a bubbly, barmy bath time adventure around the world and homeagain celebrating all things bath time. Adapted from the book by JuliaJarman, this fun family show blends music and song in a unique newtake on this well-loved story. 1 and 3pm, ages 2+ £7 or Family Ticket £24.
UNICORN THEATRE147 Tooley Street SE1 2HZ, 020 7645 0560, www.unicorntheatre.comGET UP AT THE WEEKEND. Join the Unicorn Play Club every Saturday from midday. Take part in free activities in the foyer such as rocket building, cake decorat8ing or even Olympic musical chairs. OTHELLO - THE REMIX, 12 - 29 Sept. The Q Brothers return to the UK with their fresh take on the powerful tale of betrayal, jealousy and self-doubt. The production’s fired-up hip-hop proves that Shakespeare
himself was the original master of rhythm and rhyme. Ages 13+.DORA, 13 Sept - 17 Nov. Letting go of things can be hard but sometimes giving something away can make you even happier. Dora’sstory celebrates the pleasure in giving and receiving, and will charm children and adults alike. Ages 4+.SENSACIONAL, 21 Sept - 14 Nov. Bursting with colour and joy, this interactive and immersive experience captivates younger audiences.Suitable for 18 months - 4 years.LUNA, 5 Oct - 3 Nov. Luna is bored up in the sky by heself with nobodyto play with. Although she is surrounded by stars, they never quite understand her - it’s certainly lonely being the only moon. An enchantingtheatrical experience about friendship, the moon and being brave in thedark. Suitable for ages 2+.
DISCOVERY LUNCHTIME CONCERT27 September, LSO St LUKE’S, Music Education Centre, 161 Old Street EC1V 9NG, 020 7638 8891, www.lso.co.ukA London Symphony Orchestra concert of Russian music created for
family audiences. 12.30pm start, free.
CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORYTHEATRE ROYAL, Drury Lane WC2B 5JF, 0844 858 8877,www.charlieandthechocolatefactory.com
Five golden tickets are hidden beneath the wrappers of Mr Willy Wonka’sdelicious chocolate bars - five golden tickets which will change the livesof those who find them. The winning children are invited through thegates of Mr Wonka’s Chocolate factory to see all the secrets and magicinside, and to meet Mr Wonka and his staff of Oompa-Loompas. ForCharlie Bucket, a poor boy living within sight of the factory, winning thefifth and final golden ticket is just the beginning of an unforgettable adventure. Featuring ingenious stagecraft, the wonder of Roald Dahl’soriginal story is brought to life in a spectacular musical starring DouglasHodge. Tickets from £25.
19f a m i l i e s s e . c o . u k september 2013 - families south east
®
For back issues and more articles than we can squeeze into
each issue, a directory of localcompanies, competitions and the
latest What’s On listings - join us online!
www.familiesse.co.uk
ERIAL WAR MUSEUM BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM
TOWER OF LONDONTOWER OF LONDON, EC3N 4AB, 0844 482 7777,www.hrp.org.uk/toweroflondon Tower open 9am-5.30pm Tuesdays to Saturdays, from 10am Sundays andMondays. Admission free for under 5s, children £10.45, adults £19.80; bookfor less online. THE PEOPLE OF THE MINT, 2 Sept - 25 October. Find out more aboutthe lives of the men who lived and worked at the Mint - where did the goldand silver come from and how was it turned into coins? FORTRESS TOWER, throughout September. Welcome to the greatestfortress in the land! Knights and squires prepare to do battle for the Kingdom of France.COINS AND KINGS: THE ROYAL MINT AT THE TOWER. Discover thehistory of the Mint at the Tower including Isaac Newton’s efforts to rid London of counterfeiters when he was Warden of the Mint.FIT FOR A KING. Discover 500 years of spectacular arms and armourworn by kings and royal princes in this stunning exhibition on the first floorof the White Tower. Learn about the personalities, power and physical sizeof our nation’s kings, from the Tudors, and the notorious Henry VIII, totoday’s royal family through the historic collection.
NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUMNATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM, Royal Hospital Road SW3 4HT, 020 7881 6606, www.nam.ac.ukThe history of British land forces from 1485 to the present day, with costumes, paintings, artefacts and special displays telling the stories ofmen and women who served in British armies across the globe. Open10am-5.30pm daily, admission free.A SOLDIER’S LIFE, every Sat. Drop in to the museum’s Saturday workshops and learn about the life of a soldier. 2pm and 3.30pm.IF THE INVADER COMES, 21 Sept. A day of hands-on activities giving ataste of life in the Home Guard. Take part in drill, have a go at putting outfires, learn about unexploded bombs and marvel as the gun and searchlightteams scan the skies for danger. Finish it all off with a sing song round thepiano! 10.30am - 4.30pm.
HMS BELFASTOn the THAMES by Morgans Lane, Tooley Street SE1 2JH,www.iwm.org.uk. (Thames Clipper London Bridge City Pier)Discover the exciting stories of those who served HMS Belfast; exploringthe nine decks where sailors once hurried up and down its ladders, or takea look at the mess desk where her 950-strong crew ate and slept. Open10am-6pm, admission free for under 16s, £14.50 adults.GUN TURRET EXPERIENCE. Immerse yourself in the new Gun Turret Experience, a chance to see what fighting at sea would have really beenlike. Overlooking the front of the ship, or Fo’c’sle, is the forward most ofHMS Belfast’s Triple Gun Turrets. Lights, audio, videos and projections willrecreate the experience, highlighting the hectic and cramped conditionsthat would have seen twenty-six men in this confined space at any one time.Entry included in general admission price. DAZZLE CAMOUFLAGE, 13-14 and 10-22 August. How do you hide aship at sea? Learn how dazzle camouflage was used to keep HMS Belfastfrom being discovered by other ships and take part in a creative animationworkshop to create your very own camouflage. 11am-12.30pm and 2-4pm,free with general admission.
IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM, Lambeth Road, London SE1, 020 7416 5000,www.iwm.org.ukIWM London’s brand new First World War galleries mark the 100 year anniversary of the start of the first world war. Large object displays in thenew atrium accompany shops and a cafe opening directly onto GeraldineMary Harmsworth park. A FAMILY IN WARTIME explores the lives of William and Alice Allpressand their ten children, and what life in London was like during the war. A Family in Wartime is brought to life through interactive exhibits, photographs, recorded interviews with the family, archive film footage,paintings, personal documents and an intricate model of the Allpress family home. Admission free. HORRIBLE HISTORIES: SPIES, until January 2015. A major new familyexhibition based on the popular children’s book series written by TerryDeary. Visitors will be immersed into the world of Second World War spy-craft, including codes and cyphers, disguises, camouflage, forgeriesand gadgets. Tickets £2.95 children, £5.50 adults.INTRODUCTION TO THE HOLOCAUST, 21+22 September. A startingpoint for families with children aged 11 and above to reflect on key themesof the Holocaust, including identity, loss and friendship, through replica objects, discussion and the use of archive photographs. The sessions arean opportunity for families to participate in a discussion on the Holocaustthat aims to help inform parents’ decisions on visiting the Holocaust Exhibition. The sessions do not contain any graphic imagery. The HolocaustExhibition is recommended for children aged 14 and above. For further information on the content of the sessions, please contact Grant Rogers,
Informal Learning Manager on [email protected] or 020 7416 5329.
V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green E2 9PA, 020 8983 5200, www.museumofchildhood.org.ukThis gem of a museum is fascinating for families with young children. The collection includes dolls, dolls’ houses, puppets, teddy bears, games,childcare, clothing, furniture and art and photography.Everyday drop-in activities include storytelling, arts and crafts, and trails.
There’s dressing-up, role play and an under 3’s area, an indoor sandpit,and regular special events. If it’s sunny there’s an outdoor space to enjoy a picnic. Open 10am-5.45pm daily, admission free.
MUSEUM OF LONDON DOCKLANDSMUSEUM OF LONDON DOCKLANDS, West India Quay E14, 020 7001 9844, www.museumoflondon.org.uk/docklandsOpen daily 10am-6pm, admission free. Regular programmes of weekendand holiday events and workshops help visitors find out more about London’s history, covering events such as the Great Plague, Londoners’jobs and occupations, and Roman life.
MUSEUM OF LONDON EVENTSMUSEUM OF LONDON, London Wall EC2Y 5HN, 020 7001 9844, www.museumoflondon.org.ukOpen daily 10am-6pm, admission free. Regular programmes of weekendand holiday events and workshops help visitors find out more about London’s history, covering events such as the Great Plague, Londoners’jobs and occupations, and Roman life.
ROYAL MUSEUMS GREENWICHNational Maritime Museum, Queen’s House, Royal Observatory and Cutty Sark, Greenwich SE10, 020 8858 4422, www.rmg.co.ukRoyal Museums Greenwich holds the world’s largest maritime collection. Itis housed in historic buildings forming part of the Maritime Greenwich WorldHeritage Site and incorporates the Royal Observatory Greenwich, the 17th-century Queen’s House, and Cutty Sark. The Museums works to illustratefor everyone the importance of the sea, ships, time and the stars and theirrelationship with people, and is also a major centre of education and research. Open 10am-5pm daily. General admission is free; some buildings, special exhibitions and events have an admission fee. EXPLORE SATURDAYS. Meet a character from the past and take part inan exciting performance that brings maritime history to life. Suitable forages 6+. Noon, 1, 2 and 3pm start, free.DISCOVER SUNDAYS. Be inspired by the museum’s galleries and takepart in free design, craft, illustration and music workshops designed forfamilies. Suitable for all ages. 11.30am-1.30pm and 2-5pm, free.PLAY TUESDAYS. Young children can have fun with their families as theyexplore the museum through making, music, dance and drama. 10.30 and 11.30am, 1 and 2pm, suitable for under 5s; collect a ticket from the admissions desk.THE SECRET LIFE OF STARS. A spectacular show, narrated by PatrickStewart, explores the fascinating life history of the stars, from the smallestred dwarf to the largest blue giant. Using state-of-the-art digital simulation, it charts the life of a star from birth to death and beyond, and looks at whatimpact this has on the universe around us. Ages 5+, tickets £4.50 children,£6.50 adults, £17.50 families.SPACE SAFARI, weekends and holiday weekdays. Join teddy bear Ted forlive music and rhyme as he journeys throughout the solar system lookingfor the Great Bear in the sky in a show designed especially for younger children and presented by a Royal Observatory Greenwich astronomer.Tickets £4.50 children, £6.50 adults, £17.50 families.
CUTTY SARK CUTTY SARK, King William Walk, Greenwich SE10 9HT, 020 8858 2698,www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysarkThe world famous 19th century tea clipper offers visitors four levels to explore. Take in the views from the main deck and steer at the ship’s wheel,meet the crew who worked on board, explore the various cargoes fromwool to whiskey, and see how tea was loaded on board through interactivedisplays, props, information boards and animations. Family friendly eventsrun at weekends and during school holidays. Open 10am-5pm Tuesdays toSundays, admission £6.50 children, £12 adults, from £20 families. Bundledtickets are available with the other Royal Museum Greenwich attractions. EXPLORE SATURDAYS. Meet a character from the past and take part inan exciting performance that brings maritime history to life. Suitable forages 6+. Noon, 1, 2 and 3pm start, free with admission ticket.DAMRU DRUMS, 5+6 October. Make and decorate a traditional drum inspired by the ship’s voyages to India and the cargoes she collected there.Drop in workshop suitable for all ages. 11.30am and 2pm start, suitable forall ages.AHOY CAPTAIN! 6 October. Meet Captain Woodget, Cutty Sark’s longestserving master, and hear tales of his voyages across the high seas. 11am,12noon, 1.30 and 2.30pm.
re:your websitere:brand re:designre: launch re :new
re:vitaliseyour website today!!!
lots of fresh ideas for websites, blogs & shops
020 8658 9975 www.lancasters.co.uk
families south east - september 2013 20
MA
GA
ZIN
E D
ES
IGN
: Lan
cast
ers
020
8658
997
5 w
ww
.lanc
aste
rs.c
o.uk
Prin
ted
on p
aper
from
sus
tain
able
fore
sts.
ww
w.ru
ssel
lpre
ss.c
om
f a m i l i e s s e . c o . u k
Families South East PO Box 11591 , London SE26 6WB
Tel: 020 8699 7240 Email: [email protected] Contact: Robina Cowan
THE SMALL ADS
EE ll oo cc uu tt ii oo nnCC hh ii ll dd rr ee nn && AA dd uu ll tt ss
TT ee ll :: 00 22 00 77 88 88 44 00 44 44 11Magic, Plate Spinning
Balloon ModellingInteractive Games
Karaoke, Mini DiscoTel: 020 8480 8176
www.amigosmagic.co.uk
Adult & Children’s Entertainer
Child, Teen and Family Therapy
Nancy Secchi HPC registered therapist.
Practice in South East [email protected]
07546 740 248PAINTING &
DECORATINGInterior / Exterior
Experienced, Reliable, CleanFully Guaranteed / Insured
FREE ADVICE AND QUOTEJohn:- James & Lamont
020 8462 4646 - 07802 535695
HandymanFor all your household repairs and odd jobs. I offer a professional and courteous service
www.shaunthehandyman.co.uk020 8249 3264 or 07913 656 502
O S T E O P A T H YThe Vale Practice“local, established, trusted”
Experts in Pre & Post Natal treatment of both mothers and babies
Cranial Osteopaths with over 50 years ofcombined experience
64 Grove Vale, London SE22 8DTT. 020 8299 9798E. [email protected]
www.thevalepractice.co.uk
Maths & English tuition centreFor 5 to 14 year olds of all abilities
Courses mapped to the National Curriculum. Adapts to the individual needs of your child. Convenient for families - Open 7 days a week. Award-winning tuition - voted Education Investor
Supplementary Education Provider of the Year.
Childcare
Vouchers
accepted!
“Explore Learning members’ improvement in maths was 30% higher than that of the comparison group after controlling for gender, age, year group and special educational needs.”
Independent Efficacy Study by the Institute of Education at Reading University (2013). Seewww.explorelearning.co.uk/efficacy.
Crafty Cooks cookery classes
Pre-school and after school clubs cooking delicious sweet and savoury recipes!
Email [email protected] or call 0789 015 4651
Singing, Flute &Piano TuitionCall Holly on
0779 303 [email protected]
Free Trial Lesson
Next issue out 4 October 2013
Education features, half term fun,
Halloween events
– advertise yours and put the word out toover 40,000 interested
local parents!
Deadline 16 September
Stressed?Need help with children,teenagers or your direction in life?We all need help sometimes - I’m here to listen…Petra Velzeboer MBACP MSc Private therapy practice SE15 E: [email protected]
T: 07970 323011
