Cambridgeshire

FREE!THE TRADE MAGAZINE FOR MUMS & DADS!

EDUCATION SPECIALFor ages 0-12 years old

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2013ISSUE #20

Contents & Competitions

For most of you September means back to school – and back to the afterschool clubs and classes. Some of you will have little ones starting primary school for the first time (such a big step) or you will have youngsters finishing primary and you will be thinking about which secondary school to send your child – wondering where the time has gone! These are momentous milestones for you and your little ones and this issue should have something to help everyone.

One of my favourite events in the What’s On pages this issue, is the Cambridge Film Festival with an open air screening of Finding Nemo on Jesus Green. Why not take a picnic – or ask Carluccio’s to prepare one for you with special Bambini Picnics* for children and settle down for the evening as a family. (*www.carluccios.com/picnics please mention Families Cambridgeshire when ordering)

I hope you enjoy my first issue of Families and the new look we’ve worked hard to create. Please don’t forget to mention

Families Cambridgeshire if you use any of the companies listed. Keep an eye on our website www.familiescambridgeshire.co.uk which is constantly updated with events and what’s on pages or follow us on twitter for regular tweets about what’s on in the area.

4 News

5 Education News

6 What’s On Great days out and events to keep you and your family occupied during September and October

8 Scallywags Starting a new pre-school

9 What’s on for Halloween? Recommended spooky events this Halloween

10 School Open Days

11 Which Secondary is right for my child? 20 things you need to know when choosing ‘big school’

12 Clubs and Classes Choosing extra-curricular activities for your child

14 Listings Great clubs and classes in your local area

Dear Reader, What’s inthis issue?

DON’T MISS A COPY! Receive Families Cambridgeshire by post for just £9.30 for 6 issues (1 year) or £18 for 12 issues (2 years). Call or email editor@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk for a subscription form.

EDITOR: Lisa Exell editor@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk 01945 861336DESIGN: David Slade info@sladecreative.comCover image courtesy of Stephen Perse Schools, copyright 2013

Competition time!WIN a family ticket worth £70 to the Duxford autumn air show on Sunday 13th October!

The Autumn Air Show celebrates 40 years of air shows at IWM Duxford. We’ll be recreating many of those early flying displays and showcasing the iconic aircraft that call IWM Duxford home. Already booked to take part are the Belgian Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon, the Army Air Corps Apache, the Royal Naval Air Squadron Lynx helicopter, the RAF’s Sea King helicopter, the F-86 Sabre jet aircraft and the B-17 Flying Fortress Sally B. Enjoy an atmospheric day with fabulous flying, activities to enjoy across the site and the whole museum to explore too! For further information go to www.iwm.org.uk IWM Duxford is offering a lucky Families Cambridgeshire reader the opportunity to win a family ticket to the Autumn Air Show on Sunday 13 October.

To be in with a chance of winning answer this question: What is the name that the B-17 Flying Fortress is known by?

Enter online at www.familiescambridgeshire.co.uk/competitions

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@familiescambs

Families Cambridgeshire is part of the Families group, established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under license..We take every care preparing the magazine, but the publishers and distributers cant be held responsible for the claims of advertisers, the accuracy of the contents nor for any correspondences.

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2013 | 3

12,000 copies of Families Cambridgeshire available through schools, nurseries, hospitals, clubs and classes, selected shops and restaurants. If you would like copies for your establishment please let us know.

4 | SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2013

EnergiZe is a weight management programme for children aged 7 - 11 who are above their ideal weight. Programmes run for 12 weeks where the children attend each week with a parent / carer for interactive

workshops and fun, active games. EnergiZe is run free of charge. New programmes are starting at the end of September in Comberton, Cambridge, Wisbech, Bottisham and Huntingdon. To book a place, contact EnergiZe 01480 418647 / energize@nhs.net.

Get your kids Energized!

News & views

Virgin Health Bank, the leading independent cord blood stem cell bank, is now providing cord blood banking programmes for parents whose babies are born at the Rosie Hospital.

Parents having babies at the Rosie Hospital are now able to have the cord blood stem cells of their newborns collected and stored through a new arrangement with Virgin Health Bank (VHB). Uniquely in addition to its Family Banking service VHB also provides a Community Banking service through which parents are able to donate some of the stem cells from their baby’s cord blood. Access to the donated cells is then given to Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) on a free of charge basis. The Community Banking programme will increase the number of stem cell units available for transplant, improve the likelihood of finding suitably matched units for patients and significantly reduce the cost of sourcing units.

Cord blood is the blood remaining in the umbilical cord after a birth. It is a rich source of stem cells which, once collected and processed, can be used in clinical therapies to treat and cure a range of blood and immune system disorders.

If parents decide to bank their baby’s cord blood stem cells with VHB, the cord

blood will be collected from the umbilical cord by hospital phlebotomists. It will then be transferred to Addenbrooke’s Stem Cell Laboratory to be processed and stored for up to 25 years. CUH benefits from the arrangement by gaining access to the cord blood units donated to VHB’s Community Bank and by generating additional revenue for the hospital through charging VHB service fees.For further information visit www.virginhealthbank.com

Virgin Health Bank to provide cord blood stem cell banking services for Cambridge’s parentsRemembering everything they need to take

to school and bring home again is a daily challenge for most children. TomTag is a new invention by two mums that helps children to be more organised and independent.

TomTag is a colourful daily checklist that clips to a school bag and is practical and fun to use. Picture cues identify the items a child needs to remember to take with them so it’s even suitable for non-readers and those with additional needs. Each pack contains 6 colourful button holders, one for each day of the school week, plus an extra tag to list the items a child needs every day. A generous supply of blank buttons is included along with a set of picture stickers for a wide

range of school items and activities including

sports, musical instruments&school

essentials.www.

orkidideas.com at only £9.99 per

pack. Buy before 31st Oct 2013 using code FAM10

and receive 10% off

every pack.

Tags of fun!

Loves! Families

Chariots of Fire is the region’s longest running fundraising event, and celebrates its 22nd anniversary this year. The race follows in the footsteps of the famous film which documented the British team’s path to victory in the 1924 Olympic Games, with teams of six each running a 1.7 mile course in relay format.

This year, all sponsorship monies raised will go to a leading disability charity, Papworth Trust. For over 100 years charity Papworth Trust has been supporting disabled people to have equality, choice and independence in their lives. Monies raised through Chariots of Fire, will go

towards urgently needed renovations and improvements to its Cambridge day centre. The day centre, located on Hawthorn Way, is an essential resource for its service users to learn new skills and make new friends.

The race takes place on Sunday 22 September and starts and ends on Queens’ Green. For more details or to make a donation visit: www.chariots-of-fire.co.uk/enter.

Chariots for charity

Cutting-edge technology comes to Rosie Hospital

Beat the traffic and get you and your kids out in the fresh air during International Walk to School Month this October. Each year, primary school children from across the UK join forces with over 40 countries worldwide to celebrate the benefits of walking to school and this October is no different, with the month-long activity encouraging pupils to walk to school at least once a week. Many parents know that walking is actually quicker and less stressful than taking the car and they value the opportunity to spend quality time with their children. It also increases air quality with fewer cars on the streets and strengthen communities, where children and parents are seen in the streets! Stop moaning about the traffic… start clearing it! www.livingstreets.org.uk

Why we should all walk to school

Class Sizes Swell

Building blocks for new nursery

Department of Education figures have revealed a significant rise in the number of children in classes of more than 30 students. The number of five-to seven-year-olds taught in classes of more than 30 pupils has risen dramatically in the past year, with figures showing that over 70,000 children are taught alongside 30 other pupils in 2013, compared with around 47,000 last year and 28,000 four years ago. This has prompted claims from teachers that the government is

failing to address a serious shortage of school places, with critics adding that the government’s new

free schools have not always been opened in areas with the greatest need for extra

places. ‘They are opening new secondary schools in areas where there are surplus places,’ said Stephen Twigg, shadow Education Secretary, ‘whilst the need

for primary places couldn’t be greater.’ However, the Department of Education said,

‘Children are only permitted to join classes of 30 pupils in exceptional cases, if for instance they

are in care or from military families. Classes often fall back naturally to 30 over a year or two.’ The increase is largely the result of a mini-baby boom after declining pupil numbers in the early 2000s, with the situation looking like it will only get worse, as the National Audit Office forecasts that admissions will rise by another 240,000 in September this year.

The number of five-to

seven-year-olds taught in

classes of more than

30 pupils has risen

dramatically in the

past year

Education News

Going to school? Take a hike!

Staff, children and parents at kidsunlimited Fulbourn are all extremely excited that work has begun on a brand new nursery at Capital Park in Fulbourn.

The new nursery, which will replace kidsunlimited’s existing nursery at the nearby Ida Darwin Hospital, should be complete in time for children to transfer by

March 2014. Once built, the nursery will boast six

large home-bases, each tailored to the children’s specific age groups. There will also be three large external gardens for children to discover and explore. In addition to this, the nursery will be set amongst beautiful grounds in which the children can take regular walks and adventures and enjoy activites such as forrest school and mud kitchens.

Michelle Knowles, Nursery Manager at kidsunlimited Fulbourn, said “I’m so excited that work has started on our new nursery, the plans look fantastic and I’m sure the children will absolutely love it.”www.kidsunlimited.co.uk 0845 365 2900

An independent study into the effects of Explore Learning membership has recently been published by The University of Reading. The study tested 1,539 Explore members compared to a control group of children who did not attend Explore, and found that: “Explore Learning members’ improvement in maths was 30% higher than that of the

comparison group.”“Building confidence, overcoming shyness to put up their hand to ask for help, being more independent and less reluctant to try without assistance were all elements that parents recognised in their children and directly attributed to Explore Learning.” To read the full report, visit www.explorelearning.co.uk/efficancy.

Exploring some great results

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2013 | 5

6 | SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2013

Families Fun

Saturday 7 September

Haddenham Steam Rally 40th AnniversaryWHERE? Sutton Road, Haddenham, Nr Ely , Cambs, CB5 3PTWHEN? 9am (SAT & SUN)HOW MUCH? Adults £8.00 OAP £6.00 Child £3.00 Family Ticket £20.00 Haddenham Steam Rally celebrates its 40th Anniversary. The first event in 1971 was a much smaller event than today and totaled less than 50 exhibits plus a country bygones display and our usual extensive fair. www.haddenhamsteamrally.co.uk

Bringing Audley End to LifeWHERE? Audley End House and Gardens Saffron WaldenWHEN? 11- 4pm (SAT & SUN)HOW MUCH? Family ticket £34.00Go and see the Service Wing and Stables brought to life by costumed characters at Audley End. See how the estate springs to life at this time of year and learn some seasonal recipes from MrsCrocombe in the kitchens. 0870 333 1183 www.english-heritage.org.uk

Sandringham Game & Country Fair WHEN? 10am – 6pm (SAT & SUN)WHERE? The Game and Country Fair takes place in Sandringham Park, so please be aware that it is not at the Visitor CentreWhole areas devoted to falconry, fishing, wildfowling, archery and many other country sports and pursuits, together with lots of activities for families (and their dogs!) makes this event a true celebration of country living. HOW MUCH? Adults £11.00 OAPs £10.00 Children £4.00 (under 4s FREE)www.livingheritagecountryshows.co.uk

Mucky Pups... Ugly Bug BallWHEN? 10:15 am-11:45 am (WED & THURS)WHERE? Wicken Fen Ely National Nature Reserve Meet in the Visitor CentreHOW MUCH? Child £3.95Seasonal fun, craft and adventure for under 5s. Party bug style! Fun and games with an insect-inspired twist, the event will be mainly outside - take your wellies and waterproofs. 01353 720274 wicken.learning@nationaltrust.org.uk

display , entertainers, attractions, pony rides and free fairground rides for children.www.fenland.gov.uk

Cambridge Film Festival Open air film; Finding Nemo

WHERE? Jesus GreenWHEN? Please arrive from 6pm with the film due to start when it is dark enough (around 8pm) -HOW MUCH? FREEFrom the creators of “Toy Story” and “Monsters, Inc”, the comedic and eventful journeys of two fish - Marlin and his son Nemo - who become separated in the Great Barrier Reef when Nemo is unexpectedly taken far from home and thrust into a fish tank in a dentist’s office overlooking Sydney harbour. Buoyed by the companionship of a friendly-but-forgetful fish named Dory, the overly cautious father embarks on a dangerous trek and finds himself the unlikely hero of an epic journey to rescue his son - who hatches a few daring plans of his own to return safely home. No booking is necessary. For more family films during the festival from the 19th – 29th September visit the website www.cambridgefilmfestival.org.uk/films/2013/

Cambridge food and Garden FestivalWHERE? Parkers PieceWHEN? 10am – 5pmHOW MUCH? FREEThe 6th annualCambridge Food, Garden & Produce Festival returns once again to Parker’s Piece with Arts, Crafts and Gift marquees as well as Lifestyle stalls and a fantastic Food Hall, there will be something for everyone and entertainment for the children.www.oakleighfairs.co.uk/foodandgarden

Wimpole at War- 1940’s WeekendWHERE? Wimpole EstateWHEN? 10:30am - 5:00pm (SAT & SUN)

Horrible Histories Barmy BritainWHERE? Thomas Clarkson AcademyCorporation Road, WisbechWHEN? 2pm and 4pmHOW MUCH? From £12.00We all want to meet people from history. The trouble is everyone is dead! So it’s time to prepare yourselves for HORRIBLE HISTORIES live on stage with the world premiere of BARMY BRITAIN! Don’t miss this horrible history of Britain with the nasty bits left in! 01945 474447www.act-theatre.co.uk Box office

Heritage Open Day: A Victorian MillWHERE? Houghton Mill, nr HuntingdonWHEN? 1pm - 4.30pm HOW MUCH? £3.95Experience the atmosphere of the Victorian mill. See the mill at work producing stoneground wholemeal flour. Find out about the characters that worked there, and have some fun getting to grips with interactive exhibits and playing with Victorian toys. 01480 301494Philip.ODonoghue@nationaltrust.org.uk

Whittlesey Summer FestivalWHEN? 9.30 - 16.00WHERE? Rear of The George, Market Place, Market Street & The Childers Social Club Whitlesey Cambridgeshire PE7 1BDHOW MUCH? FREEA traditional street market with children’s activity area and indoor crafts market.Includes a town street parade and live performance stages in two areas. Classic car

Free Under 4s

Free!What’s OnThings to do, places

to go, fun to be had…

…for kids of all ages!

11 - 12 September

Saturday 14 September

Saturday 15 September

Saturday 21 September

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2013 | 7

Families Fun

HOW MUCH? Adult £9.60, Child £5.20, Family £27.10 Wimpole travels back in time to the 1940s when food was rationed and growing your own became vital to your survival. Re-inactors displays and demonsrations throughout the day.Estate wide event and all tickets include the House, Gardens and Farm. Free for National Trust members. 01223 206 000 wimpolehall@nationaltrust.org.uk

Too cool for School? An Evening with Benjamin ZephaniiahWHERE? The Theatre, Ormiston Bushfield

Academy, Orton Goldhay, Peterborough, PE2 5RQWHEN? 6.00pmHOW MUCH? Tickets £8/Concessions £5As part of the we love words festival Benjamin Zephaniah will present an evening of poetry and performance for young people and families. Zephaniah is a popular writer of poetry and prose especially with young people; his first book of poetry for children, Talking Turkeys, was reprinted after only six weeks. Suitable for 4 years plus. For full details on all the events please contact:The Key Theatre box office tel 01733 207239 www.vivacity-peterborough.com

Bat WalkWHERE? Ferry Meadows Country ParkWHEN? 6:15pm - 8:15pmJoin park rangers and members of the Cambs bat group for an informative presentation on bats and then a walk in the park to try and discover the bats that call ferry meadows home. Booking is essential. Please call the Nene Park Trust on 01733 234193 or e-mail visitor.services@neneparktrust.org.uk

Stories by the LakeWHERE? Meet at the Discovery Den Ferry Meadows Country ParkWHEN? 3:00pm-4:30pmHOW MUCH? FREEJoin storyteller Claire Stevenson for our family storytelling walk. Enjoy a series of folk tales and contemporary stories and a gentle

walk around Overton Lake. Please note; bookings prior to event are essentialPlease call the Nene Park Trust on 01733 234193 or e-mail visitor.services@neneparktrust.org.uk

Soham Pumpkin FairWHERE? The Recreation Ground SohamWHEN? 1:30pmHOW MUCH? £2.00 adults Kids FREEThis years celebration of the pumpkin has a theme of “50 years of the Beatles” and includes contests, majorettes, Choirs an appearance by Mr Pumkin and lots of pumpkins!www.sohampumpkinfair.co.uk

Duxford Autumn Air showWHERE? DuxfordWHEN? Opens 8am Flying starts at 2pm – 5.30pmHOW MUCH? Adults £24.75 Child £12.35 (under 4s Free) Silver Day Family Pass (2 adults and 2 children) £110.00The Autumn Air Show celebrates 40 years of air shows at IWM Duxford. They will be recreating many of those early flying displays and showcasing the iconic aircraft that call IWM Duxford home. Already booked to take part are the Belgian Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon, the Army Air Corps Apache, the Royal Naval Air Squadron Lynx helicopter, the RAF’s Sea King helicopter, the F-86 Sabre jet aircraft and the B-17 Flying Fortress Sally B. Enjoy an atmospheric day with fabulous flying, activities to enjoy across the site and the whole museum to explore too!www.iwm.org.uk

The University of Cambridge Festival of IdeasWHEN? Starts 23 OctoberWHERE? Events are held in lecture halls, theatres, museums and galleries around Cambridge and entry to most is free. The festival celebrates the very best of the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. The Festival will see a host of inspiring interactive sessions for people of all ages, including a Horrible Histories session, line dancing for preschoolers, a pre-history day, a hands on session exploring whether humans and animals see the world in different ways, a backstage tour of the ADC Theatre, learning French through chess and a walk exploring the hidden history of Indian students at Cambridge. The Museum of Classical Archaeology is running a passport to the past activity where children can learn about the past through designing a passport and following a trail around the museum.For specific details and dates please visit www.familiesCambridgeshire.co.uk

Falling Leaves Festival with the RSPBWHERE? Burwash ManorWHEN? 11am – 4pmLearn how to help the wildlife in our gardens. There will be children’s activities with things to make and do, tractor and trailer rides around the farm and a chance to spend time with the RSPB experts trying to spot some of the birds at Burwash Manor Farm that you don’t see very often – they’ve got quite a few birds at Burwash that are on the protected ‘red list’; it’s a result of their farming in a very wildlife friendly way.www.burwashmanor.com

Saturday 28 September

Sunday 22 September

Thursday 26 September

Sunday 13 October

Sunday 27 October

Wednesday 23 October

Free Under 4s

Advertorial

The months before children start ‘big school’ is an important stage in their development, so at Scallywags day nursery, there is an experienced and skilled team dedicated to ensuring that each child is well prepared for that big step.

At Scallywags, the focus is always on learning through play, giving children the opportunity to develop at their own pace, recognising their strengths and providing support where it is needed.

The ‘Early Years foundation Stage’ (EYFS), the national curriculum set up by the government in 2008 provides a framework for this learning. At Scallywags, the team focuses on activities to keep the pre-school children happily engaged, to develop concentration and introduce learning content – such as reading and writing - in a way that children find engaging and stimulating.

Providing learning in the year before formal education begins, includes the teaching of basic skills, but also building children’s confidence as they take the first steps towards independence.

Cooking, gardening, Spanish and music are just some of the other subjects tackled in a friendly, fun and stimulating way, with plenty of outdoor activity every single day too. Scallywags is an accredited ‘Forest School’ so the children learn to understand and respect nature and animals as they play.

Its not just the children themselves who benefit from the pre-school curriculum at Scallywags – the team guides parents through the transition from nursery to school, offering advice and help at every stage. Scallywags has an excellent reputation for pre-school activity and families benefit from the strong links and supportive relationship the nursery has with all the local schools.

At Scallywags, making the leap from nursery to school can be as easy as A,B,C, with lots of fun along the way.

Ready…Set…Pre-school!

Don’t forget – parents can

have 15 hours of pre-school

activities free through the

nursery education funding

scheme.

8 | SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2013

Families Advertorial

Between 19 Oct - 2 Nov

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2013 | 9

Halloween Fun

Halloween Ghost Tours – Punting and WalkingWHEN? 30th October to 2nd November WHERE? Starting from Scudamore’s Mill Lane Punting Station each evening between 6pm and 9pmExperience Scudamore’s thrilling Halloween Punting and Walking Ghost Tour. Hear tales of ghouls and fright as you glide along the river on a lantern-lit punt and creep through Cambridge’s most haunted streets. Seven spooky tours will leave nightly from the 30th October to the 2nd November Booking is recommended as this limited edition tour is extremely popular. Contact our Bookings Team on 01223 359750 or email enquiries@scudamores.com.

Ghoul SchoolWHEN? 25th October – 6:30 pm younger children, 7:30 pm older ChildrenWHERE? Wisbech Grammar SchoolSpooky tours of Wisbech Grammar School including terrifying tours and ghostly tales, topped off with a fearsome feast of hot dogs and pumpkin soup. All washed down with a blood red brew of cranberry juice, fruit juices and spices. Brave spirits attending the event will bump into gaggles of ghosts and ghouls roving around the blacked out campus, together with the odd grimacing skeleton, while eerie music wafts across the site.www.wgs.cambs.sch.uk/ 01945 583631

Batty HalloweenWHEN? 31st October, 10:30am - 12:30pm & 2pm - 4pmWHERE? Lode Lane, Wicken, Ely, HOW MUCH? £4.75 Ages 3-10Spooky Fun at the fen with ghostly games, crafts and outside activites. Pre-booking is advisable. 01353 720274www.wickenfen@nationaltrust.org.uk/events

Week of Wickedness WHEN? 28th October - 1st November10 - 4pm last entry is at 3pmWHERE? Maize Maze, Skylark, March There will be the usual fun yard attractions plus apple bobbing, witches hat game, pumpkin carving, fancy dress, pumpkin shy and face painting. 01354 741212www.skylarkmaizemaze.co.uk

Little Monster’s Ball WHEN? 26th October 4pm and 6pmWHERE? Wicksteed ParkHOW MUCH? £3.50 for kids 50p for adultsThe annual spooktacular that is The Little Monster’s Ball! There will be fun, games, prizes and fancy dress with Wicky Bear and friends. 01536 512475www.wicksteedpark.co.uk

Halloween Ghost WalkWHEN? Friday 26 October until

Wednesday 31 October (except Saturday 27).7.30pm and 8pm each nightWHERE? Begins from outside Peterborough Museum (Priestgate)The city centre walking tours visit a number of sites which are reputed to be haunted, including the ghosts of the Cathedral precincts and even the museum itself. As a special treat for Halloween, costumed extras en route will bring some of the ghosts to life! Walks last about 100 minutes and they are fully accessible for wheelchairs. The walks go ahead whatever the weather. Not recommended for those under 8 years of age or those of a nervous disposition!Tickets are strictly pre-booked only. These can be purchased in person or over the phone from Peterborough Museum (Priestgate, 01733 864663) or from the Visitor Information Centre (Bridge Street, 01733 452336).

What’s OnThings to do, places

to go, fun to be had…

Halloween

Special!

Scarefest WHEN? 19th October - 3rd November WHERE? Alton Towers resortHOW MUCH? Familiy Ticket £95 (£23.75 per person) if booked online in advanceAlton Towers Resort’s annual Scarefest returns for 2013. For brave young visitors there’s a chance to learn how to spook with Phil & Franklyn’s Ghoul School then meet up with the famous freaky four for more Halloween excitement. Join Skelvin to hear his silly spooky stories and listen to Patch talk about the creepy creatures that live in Franklyn’s Freaky Farm. There is a 9pm ride close on selected dates for those who dare to ride in the dark. www.altontowers.com

10 | SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2013

Kimbolton School Kimbolton, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, PE28 0EA 01480 860505 www.kimbolton.cambs.sch.uk Saturday 5th October 09:30 – 11:30am

The Leys School Cambridge, CB2 7AD 01223 508904 www.theleys.net 26 September (Sixth Form Open Evening) 12 October 11+ Open Morning 16 November General Open Morning

The Perse Upper School Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 8QF 01223 403800 www.perse.co.uk Saturday 28th September

The Perse prep School Trumpington Road, Cambridge, CB2 8EX 01223 403920 www.perse.co.uk Friday 4th & Saturday 5th October

The Perse Nursery and pre-prep 92 Glebe Road, Cambridge, CB1 7TD 01223 403940 www.perse.co.uk Saturday 12th October

The Peterborough School Thorpe Rd, Peterborough, Cambs, PE3 6AP 01733 343357 www.thepeterboroughschool.co.uk Saturday 12th October 10:30am & 3:30pm

Dame Bradbury’s School Ashdon Rd, Saffron Waldon, CB10 2AL 01799 522348 www.damebradburys.com Friday 4th October 09:30 – 12:00pm Saturday 5th October 09:30 – 12:00pm

St Faiths School Trumpington Rd, Cambridge, CB2 8AG 01223 352073 www.stfaiths.co.uk Saturday 12th October 2013

St Mary’s School Bateman Street, Cambridge, CB2 1LY St Mary’s School, Cambridge is an independent day and boarding school for girls aged 4-18. Find out more about St Mary’s by attending one of their open mornings in October. You will be able to tour the school, talk with teachers and students, and join in interactive lessons. They are also holding our annual Sixth Form Open Evening on Thursday 7 November from 7pm to 8.30pm where you will have the opportunity to view the new state-of-the-art Sixth Form Centre. To book your place at any of our forthcoming events visit our website www.stmaryscambridge.co.uk or telephone 01223 224167. Junior school Saturday 5th October 09:30-12:30 Senior school Saturday 12th October 09:30 – 12:30

Kings Ely School Kings Ely Cambridgeshire, CB7 4EW www.kingsely.org Children need plenty of time and space. They need stimulation, challenge and lots of fun. They need to feel that they belong to a happy, nurturing community to which they can contribute so much. They need to try things, get it wrong, try again and make it work. King’s Ely create life-long learners in a vibrant and friendly environment where you can give your child the best possible start. See what they can do for your child. To visit Open Events or make an individual appointment, please email admissions@kingsely.org or call 01353 660702. For further information visit www.kingsely.org King’s Ely Nursery & King’s Ely Acremont (ages 3-7) Saturday 14 September 9.30-11.30am King’s Ely Junior (ages 7-11) Saturday 14 September 10.00am – 12pm King’s Ely Junior (11+ entry) Tuesday 24 September 5.30 – 7.30pm King’s Ely Senior (13+ entry) Thursday 19 September 6.00 – 8.00pm King’s Ely Sixth Form Saturday 12 October 11.15am – 1.00pm

Friends School Mount Pleasant Rd, Saffron Waldon CB11 3EB 01799 523351 www.friendsschool.org.uk Saturday 12th October 10.00am - 12.30 pm

Wisbech Grammar School North Brink, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 1JX 01945 583631 www.wisbechgrammar.com Saturday 28 September 9.30am – 12.30pm Senior School Open Morning Saturday 5 October 9.30am – 12.00pm Magdalene House Preparatory School Open Morning

St Edmunds College Old Hall Green, Ware, Herts, FG11 1DS 01920 824247 www.stedmundscollege.org 28th September 9:30-2:00pm

Open days 2013Education

The Stephen Perse Foundation Union road, Cambridge, CB2 1HF 01223 454700 www.stephenperse.com The Stephen Perse Foundation is different. They achieve exceptional exam results without sticking blindly to the syllabus or cramming facts and figures – what you learn in class is only half the story. Go and see for yourself how they foster a love of learning: their open mornings/evenings are a great chance to experience the many different aspects of life at Stephen Perse Foundation schools. The format of these open events varies across each part of the school but the events include: student tours; presentations by the principal and students; musical recitals; dance displays; sports showcase; departmental activities for all ages. • Stephen perse pre-prep (city and Madingley) - 12th October 2013 • Stephen Perse foundation junior school 12th October 2013 • Stephen Perse foundation Senior School - 5th October 2013 7th November Open day

The Old Palace at KIngs Ely

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2013 | 11

Which secondary school is right for my child?

Education

1 MAKE YOUR OWN MIND UP. It’s amazing how many parents never even look round a school because of what

they’ve heard. A school that doesn’t suit another family could be just right for yours

2 LISTEN TO YOUR CHILD’S FEELINGS AS WELL AS YOUR OWN. Choosing his or her primary was down to just you

and your partner; but your 10 or 11-year-old deserves a say.

3 USE OPEN DAYS WISELY. If you can, go to a daytime visit (especially to a school that seems a strong contender)

because you’ll see it in working mode.

4 NOTHING ADVERTISES A SCHOOL LIKE ITS PUPILS. Do they seem happy? Are they polite? If you have time,

hang around in the area at home time. Are they well-behaved?

5 HOW ABOUT THE STAFF – do they seem happy and fulfilled working there? Take opportunities to chat to them.

6 LISTEN TO YOUR INSTINCTS. If a school doesn’t feel right, move on. You don’t have to explain yourself or your

reasons for doing so to anyone else (although you do, of course, need to discuss it with your child if your instincts are different).

7 DON’T GET BOGGED DOWN IN THE DETAIL: what you’re aiming to get is a sense of the school. Does it feel

happy, productive, calm? Is there a sense of order and caring? These things matter more than the nitty-gritty.

8 THINK ABOUT YOUR CHILD’S TALENTS AND INTERESTS AND PONDER CAREFULLY WHETHER

THEY’LL BE CATERED FOR. But think too about what the school offers that might be harder to pick up at home. We’re a family of journalists, where literacy is easier for us as parents; so I’m glad my girls went to a school that specialised in maths and science, even though these weren’t their strongest subjects.

9 PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT’S ON THE WALLS – and not just the artwork. What are children being warned about, or

encouraged to do? Are there any school visits being advertised? What clubs seem to be thriving?

10 LOOK AT THE SCHOOL’S LEAGUE TABLES, BUT DON’T PIN EVERYTHING ON THEM. Read the Ofsted report

too and pay particular attention to how the school has done over time. If it’s had a dip, are there signs of improvement or suggestions that it could turn round?

11 WHERE DO PUPILS GO ON TO FROM THIS SCHOOL? You want to see at least some youngsters doing well

academically and aiming for good courses at top universities.

12 GO TO THE HEAD TEACHER’S TALK AND TAKE YOUR NOTEBOOK. This is an important part of the event: not

only do you need to pick up on the head’s attitude and values and what matters most to him or her, but you also need to pay special attention to anything that’s said about the entrance criteria. Understanding that is the crucial next stage.

13 IF YOU LIKE A SCHOOL, DO YOUR HOMEWORK ABOUT WHETHER YOUR CHILD FITS ITS ENTRANCE

REQUIREMENTS. However much you love the school, and however much you think your child would thrive there, you’ll only get a place if you fulfil the criteria. Read the school’s entrance policy through very, very carefully. If you don’t fulfil the requirements, could you change something so you do? If not, move on: there’s no point in wasting a choice or railing against something you can’t change.

14 YOU’RE BOUND TO TALK TO OTHER PARENTS, and you want to talk to other parents, but don’t get pulled

along by their tide. Do your own research and develop your own views: knowledge is power.

15 KEEP TELLING YOURSELF (BECAUSE IT’S TRUE!) THAT THERE IS NO PERFECT SCHOOL. Every school has

strengths and weaknesses. There’s more than one school that can be right for your child.

16 WHEN THE TIME COMES TO FILL IN THE FORMS, ALLOW YOURSELF LOTS OF TIME AND DO IT

EXTREMELY CAREFULLY. There may be supplementary forms, and there may be complicated arrangements for giving them in (especially if you’re applying to faith schools). If you find it all too confusing, talk to your child’s primary teacher or primary head, or call the education department at your local authority.

17 HAVE A PLAN OF ACTION FOR WHAT YOU’LL DO IF YOU DON’T GET THE SCHOOL YOU’RE HOPING FOR.

Just having that plan will make you feel more relaxed.

18 REMEMBER THAT THERE’S A LOT OF MOVEMENT IN THE FIRST FEW WEEKS after places are allocated, and

many children get in from waiting lists.

19 DON’T UNDERESTIMATE HOW MUCH HARD WORK AN APPEAL CAN BE, OR HOW EMOTIONALLY

DRAINING. That’s not to say don’t do it: just be prepared.

20 REMEMBER THAT, AT THE END OF THE DAY, PARENTS MAKE MORE DIFFERENCE TO A CHILD’S FUTURE

THAN A SCHOOL DOES. Even if your child doesn’t get into your first choice of school (and one in seven didn’t last year) your attitude to that could be a much bigger factor in what happens next for your child than the school itself. Have confidence, first and foremost, in your child. And believe that, together, you will work things out if and when you come up against problems.

Joanna Moorhead on the 20 things you need to know when choosing ‘big school’

12 | SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2013

Clubs & Classes

Extra-curricular activities

N ot long after your son or daughter disappears through the classroom door for the first time, the choice

becomes bewildering. Their schoolbags come home stuffed with leaflets from this or that organisation promising all manner of benefits from enrolling in their classes. You may find yourself feeling guilty if you don’t sign up to everything.

Please take a deep breath and relax. Extra-curricular activities are not essential; many children do perfectly well without them. However, there are some benefits from a few well-chosen groups, clubs or classes.

With the best will in the world, school cannot teach all the skills you might consider essential for modern life. Swimming lessons, for example, or cycling proficiency are crucial for safety.

In addition, carefully selected activities can bring numerous other benefits that could help your child now and in the future.

They will get a huge confidence boost from participating in an enjoyable activity they are successful at. A shy child, for example, may flourish in a dance class.

As well as learning new skills, more subtle benefits include fostering a sense of community, increasing self-sufficiency and allowing a child – particularly one in a large family – something they feel is their own. Club time can also allow one-to-one time for other children.

While these advantages are very real, care must be exercised when choosing activities. Too many and the wrong ones will only leave everyone fed up and exhausted.

The easy choices are the ones your children are desperate to do. Although beware of signing up for something just because your son or daughter’s best friend is doing it, this may not be a good enough reason.

Ask yourself if your child gets something from the activity that they don’t get elsewhere and that it complements what’s already going on.

For example, an active youngster who is already in the

football team might be better balancing their activities with music or drama than adding another sport. Equally a child timid in the classroom may get great gains from being in a choir if it boosts their confidence.

A more tricky area is an activity you’d like your child to do when they’d rather spend their after-school time at home relaxing. Only you can tell if they are genuinely exhausted

by a day’s education or not. However, do take their views into account as there really is no point in forcing a child into something they hate. And some school stages are more taxing than others.

After-school activities affect the whole family. No one wants to spend all their time

ferrying children from one activity to another while dinner that still needs to be prepared and other children become resentful.

So only commit to out-of-school activities that fit comfortably into the schedule and budget. It may transpire

Football or ballet, drama or Brownies - how do you know what, and how much, out-of-school activity is right for your child?

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“Subtle benefits can include fostering a sense

of community”

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2013 | 13

Clubs & Classes

that your time and money can be better spent on family activities at home.

When you do decide on a class or club – take some time to check it out. Find out how long it has been running, do other parents recommend it, are the staff Disclosure or CRB checked?

While extra classes keep your children entertained and active, it’s also important that they have some unstructured time – even that they are allowed to feel bored. If they bounce from one organised thing to the next, they’ll never learn the important skill of amusing themselves.

Liat Hughes Joshi, author of Raising Children: The Primary Years, told Parentdish: “If you decide to do none at all, you won’t be short-changing her if her after-school activity consists of nothing more than a TV programme, a snack and some good, old-fashioned playing.”

SEN ACTIVITIESChildren with special educational needs can benefit hugely from well-chosen extra-curricular activities.

Even with the best educational support, SEN children can often feel ‘less’ than their peers. They may be aware of their difficulties and differences and this can have a profound effect on their confidence.

Therefore an activity they can participate in successfully is a huge boost to their self-esteem. For example a dyslexic child, for whom school is a struggle, may blossom as a leading light in the dance troupe.

Equally there are other more educational and developmental benefits that make extra-curricular activities important. Dyspraxic youngsters, for instance, can find their co-ordination improves while doing karate or trampolining.

Clubs can be important social outlets for SEN children, perhaps giving them a chance to meet others facing similar

challenges. The school or local authority will be able to advise about SEN groups in your area.

Clubs & Classes

14 | SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2013

Drama Clubs and Classes

JILL BRIDGER SCHOOL OF DANCECambridge, St Ives, Camborne, & HardwickTerm starts 9th SeptemberAge 18mths to 18 yearsJill Bridger school of dance offers Ballet, tap, modern dance, musical theatre and Pre-school Melody Movement - dance along with melody bear.01480 469711 jillb999@aol.comwww.melodymovement.com

CAMBRIDGE PERFORMING ARTSBodywork Company Dance Studios, Cambridge Ages 3 – 18Throughout the year, hundreds of children aged 3-18 years old throng to an impressive range of classes in a variety of dance disciplines as well as drama, musical theatre and singing. To many, these classes are also the first steps along the way to a diversity of stimulating professional careers in the arts.01223 314461 admin@bodyworkds.co.uk www.bodyworkds.co.uk

SYLVIA ARMIT SCHOOL OF DANCEEly, Barton, BourneSylvia Armit School of dance offers ballet, Tap, National and historical dance repertoire classes for all ages and abilities. Tuition offered by fully qualified registered teachers of the Royal Academy of Dance and the international Dance teachers association. 01223 873173 Sylvia@armit.comwww.sylviaarmitschoolofdance.co.uk

KING SLOCOMBE SCHOOL OF DANCEEmanuel Road, Cambridge CB1 1JWClassical Ballet, modern theatre, contemporary and tap dance. The king Slocombe school of dance has been established for nearly 75 years and

has hundreds of ex pupils dancing, teaching, choreographing and working in the dance profession throughout the world.01223 356023 www.kingslocombe.com

RATZ COOL Angles Theatre – WisbechJuniors 5-9, Intermediate 10-14, Seniors 15-19 years, Mixed 10-19The Angles Theatre’s school for the performing, technical and creative arts.Acting Classes Saturdays or WednesdaysDance/Movement classes SaturdaysSinging classes SaturdaysTechnical Crafts classes SaturdayCreative crafts classes Saturday01945 585587emoment@anglestheatre.co.uk www.anglestheatre.co.uk

NORMA TERRY SCHOOL OF DANCESt Ives & NeedingworthTerm starts 7th SeptemberMelody Movements – pre-school – Classical Ballet from age 4 – Morden jazz from age 4 Tap Dance from age 5Please contact for booking and costs.missvicky@normaterry.com 01480 496820

EDEN DANCEChesterton Sports CentreNew Term Starts Saturday 7th SeptemberEden Dance prides itself on providing small classes, personal attention and a warm & friendly atmosphere. The objective of the school is to encourage children to gain benefit from the pleasure of dancing.Age 3 to Senior Citizens01223 650861 info@edendance.co.uk www.edendance.co.uk

RAZZAMATAZ THEATRE SCHOOLCRC Sports Centre Cambridge, CB4 2QT Age 2 to 18yearsRazzamataz Theatre Schools offer

exceptional training in dance, drama and singing together with exciting opportunities to perform. 01223480025 www.razzamataz.co.uk cambridge@razzamataz.co.uk

THE PAULINE QUIRK ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS Cambridge, Age 6-18 yearsSince 2007 PQA has given 6-18 year olds an outstanding training in performing arts in an environment that is both friendly and rewarding084567 32022 www.pqacademy.com

HELEN O’GRADY ACADEMYLinton: Mondays (4-5pm for 5-9 yrs, 5-6pm for 9 - 15yrs)Comberton: Wednesdays (4-5pm for 4-8yrs, 5-6pm for 9-11 yrs and 6-7pm for 11-15yrs)Milton: Thursdays (4-5pm for 4-8 yrs, 5-6pm for 9-11 yrs)Cambourne: Fridays (4-5pm for 4-8yrs, 5-6 for 9-11 yrs, 6-7pm for 11-14 yrs, 7-8pm for 14-18 yrs)Cambridge: Saturdays (10-11am for 4-8 yrs, 11-12am for 9-11yrs, 12 -1pm for 11- 14 yrs)The cost is £8.00 per lesson – charged per term. Development through Drama. This acclaimed self-development drama programme helps to develop children’s confidence, self-esteem and communication skills, If you wish to join this highly successful and fun programme in your area, please contact us for your FREE trial lesson.01462 713406 / 07710 171851 cambs-herts@helenogrady.co.uk www.welcometodrama.co.uk

Sports Clubs and Classes

THE LITTLE GYMUnits 1-3 Chesterton Mill, Frenchs Rd, Cambridge, CB4 3NPAt the little gym takes a non-competitive, progressive approach to motor skill development. The Little

Gym offers a wide clarity of gymnastic- based classes that help children reach their greatest potential.Age 4 months – 12 years01223 324554 www.thelittlegym.co.uk

NEALE WADE GYMNASTICS CLUBNeale Wade Community College, Sports Hall Wimblington Road, March, Cambs, PE15 9PXCommunity based gymnastics club, affiliated to British Gymnastics and the Eastern Counties Gymnastics Association. Based in March, in the Fenland area of North Cambridgeshire. Please call for details of classesAge 5 plus 01354 692437www.nealwadegymclub.wordpress.com

FENLAND GYMNASTICS ACADEMY 21 Algores Way, Wisbech, Cambs PE13 2TQFenland Gymnastics Academy is a vibrant and friendly gymnastics club. Success is celebrated at all levels. We have achieved Gymmark (which is a quality control qualification awarded by British Gymnastics). Ages 4 Plus.07792 543320www.fenlandgymclub.org.uk

GRAFHAM WATER YOUTH CLUBSGrafham Gibbons Climbing ClubHuntingdon£10 per session Sundays 10am-12 noon A fun and exciting way to climb with other young people. Games, skills, techniques, NICAS awards and much more! 01480 810521.RYA Team 15£15 membership and £12 per session (£16 per session for non-members)Alternate Saturdays AM 10am - 12.30pm and PM 2pm until 4.30pm, 27 April, 11, 25 May, 8, 22 June, 6, 20 July, 3, 17, 31 Aug, 14, 28 Sept, 12, 26 Oct 2013T15 - Grafham Flyers is the RYA’s youth windsurfing club designed to get young people into the exciting sport of

PERFORM Hills Road Sports & Tennis Centre, Purbeck Road, Cambridge, CB2 8PFWednesdays 4pm to 5pm, Ages 4 to 8Every child is different. And so are the things they enjoy.Some are energetic and outgoing, others are quieter and more sensitive. Whatever your child is like, you’ll know the most important thing is that they are happy and fulfilled.

Perform is a different type of drama school. We use a unique mix of drama, dance and singing specially formulated to bring out every child’s true potential. Classes are kept small to ensure lots of individual attention by our experienced teachers - hand-picked for their warmth, energy and professionalism. A Free taster class is available. 0845 400 4000 enquiries@perform.org.uk www.perform.org.uk

STAGECOACHColeridge Campus, Parkside Federation, Radegund Rd, Cambridge, CB1 3RJStagecoach Cambridge provide’s quality part-time training in the performing arts for children aged 4-18yrs. Our aim is to nurture and develop young potential through singing, acting and dance classes in Cambridge, stretching young imaginations and building confidence. Open every weekend during term time and workshops during the school holidays, come join the fun! NEW WEEK DAY EARLY STAGES (4-6 YEARS) -Thursday’s 4.00pm - 5.30pm Limited Availability01223 359974 www.stagecoach.co.uk/cambridge

Is there a little star in your family?

Clubs & Classes

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2013 | 15

windsurfing. From basic board balance to cutting edge techniques, T15 can make it happen. 01480 810521RYA OnBoard£15 membership and £12 per session (£16 per session for non-members)Tuesdays 6pm - 8pm, 23 April through to 10 September 2013Alternate Saturdays AM 10am - 12.30pm and PM 2pm until 4.30pm, 20 April, 4, 18 May, 1, 15, 29 June, 13, 27 July, 10, 24 Aug, 7, 21 Sept, 5, 19 Oct 2013OnBoard is the RYA’s scheme to get young people in to the sport of sailing. OnBoard is designed for all young people, from those who have never sailed before right through to the advanced young sailor. 01480 810521

SEALS SWIMMINGThe Grove School Campkin rd, Cambridge. The Granta School, LintonCourse length 3 week crash courses and weekly lessonsTeaching children to swim by using warm pools, small classes with a ratio 3/6 to 1, employing outstanding teachers who continually develop skills. 0845 6809876www.sealsswimming.co.uk office@sealsswimming.co.uk

CLEVER SWIMMINGLinton Sports Centre Tennis AcademyCambridge road, Linton, Cambs, CB2 4JB. Tuesday’s, Wednesday’s, Thursday’s, Friday’s, Saturdays’s. 1st class 4-5 pm 2nd class 5-6pm 3rd class 6-7pmStep-by-step water confidence and safety skills for babies, children and adults.

1-2-1private swimming lessons individual attention for faster progression. Perfect for any ability level, from beginners to advanced swimmers0772 883 2961www.cleversteps.co.uk

RIDING LESSONS Hall Farm Stables Waterbeach,

Tessa Competes and has won at national level. Now Tessa and her team can teach you to the level you require, on a selection of horses at Hall farm stables for further information:01223 860087 www.hallfarmstables.com

MIKES TENNISBarton, Cambridge, Comberton, Debden, Ely, Exning, Fairstead House, Girton, Great Chesterford, Histon, Impington, Linton, Newmarket, Saffron Walden.Courses for all ages and levels of players. For more details visit the website or to book a class call Mike on 07702 291099 www.mikestennis.com

LITTLE KICKERSCambridge, Kelsey Kerridge Sports Centre, Cambridge, Cherry Hinton Village Centre, Cambridge, Impington Sports Centre, Cambridge, Cambourne ChurchLittle Kickers toddler football programme is an ever-evolving quest to teach fundamental football techniques & elementary life skills in a vibrant, group play environment.Little Kicks 1 ½ to 2 yrs 3 months, Junior 2 yrs to 31/2 yrs Mighty31/2 to 5 and Mega Kickers 5-7.www.littlekickers.co.uk

PAXTONS SAILING CLUBPaxton Lakes, Hall rd, (next to the nature reserve) Little Paxton. We are an official RYA training centre and welcome people of all ages and abilities. We have a large selection of club owned boats & equipment available. Price per Child £75Powerboat - RYA Levels 1/2/Safety Boat – 12 hours tuition in 3 to 4 lessons.This course teaches boat handling and seamanship in powerboats. It covers launch and recovery, boat handling, safety, securing to a buoy, anchoring, leaving and coming alongside and man-over-board. Price on application07812 124690 www.paxtonlakes.org.uk

Enjoy the tranquility of Paxton Lakes