The Schools Issue: ISSUE 89: October 2013 WWW - Familieswest.co - Uk

ISSUE 89: October 2013
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Education
EDUCATION News
International Walk to School Month
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
In this forces with over 40 countries worldwide to celebrate the
benefits of walking to school and this October is no different,
issue Cover credit: Marks and Spencer with the month-long activity encouraging pupils to walk to
Welcome to our October issue where we are school at least once a week. Many parents know that
giving you all the information you need about walking is actually quicker and less stressful than taking the car and they value the
schools in West London. It is an anxious time for opportunity to spend quality time with their children. It also increases air quality with fewer
parents and children if they are due to make a cars on the streets and strengthen communities, where children and parents are seen in the
change next September. Huge amounts of time streets! Stop moaning about the traffic start clearing it! www.livingstreets.org.uk
seem to be spent in preparation- all the form
filling, visiting on open days, endless discussions National Poetry Day
around the kitchen table....it's a far cry from just Mark this 3 October with a nationwide celebration of poetry.
wandering down the road to the local school "in Poetry is for everyone, everywhere, from assemblies, bus-queues,
the old days." We have been working hard to cafes, greengrocers, hospitals and ice-rinks to waiting-rooms, yacht
bring as much of that information as you need to clubs and zoos. This year’s theme is water, with Coleridge’s great phrase ‘Water, water,
make the decision. Good luck with it. See you everywhere’ as inspiration. Check out the website for a myriad of poems on the subject,
again in October for the Schools issue. together with ideas on how to turn the theme of water into lines of poetry. Participants
this year are challenged to smuggle poetry into the most unlikely places, not just in libraries
Contents 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
Education 3-15
Education News 3-4 Preparing for the entrance exam season
News from the schools 6-7
Assessment tools used by the schools 8 Children may have to take the exams but it also requires a
The Benefits of Inclusion 10 battery of skills and knowledge from parents to make sure their
Getting An Educational Psychology Assessment 12-13 children reach exam season possessing a quiet confidence and self-belief, secure in their
Open Day Dates for 2013 14-15
English and maths knowledge and well-practised in exam techniques.
Half-term workshops 16
Fleet Tutors advise: “Start early is the mantra you’ll hear from parents who’ve been through the
What's On in West London 17-22
Classifieds 23
experience. Whether you use a tutor or do-it-yourself, a steady structured programme prepares a
child, not just for exams, but for the big changes 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
www.FamiliesWest.co.uk self-belief which encourages learning and also establishes an outlook that will serve them well
throughout life.”
Follow us on Twitter @FamiliesWest Fleet Tutors have been providing private home tutoring for over 35 years.
Call 020 8580 3911 or go to www.fleet-tutors.co.uk.
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of the advertisers nor the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence. For children aged from 2 to 5 years. The nursery follows the Montessori
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Full and part time sessions are available. Qualified and experienced
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October 2013 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR 3

Education
Class sizes swell
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
© Dunnes Stores
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 Has England got it wrong?
opening new secondary schools in areas where By Joanna Parry
there are surplus places,’ said Stephen Twigg, Here in England our students are used to a selective, vigorous education. We specialise
shadow Education Secretary, ‘whilst the need in subjects at an early age. Our courses are test-driven, our exams rigorous and getting
for primary places couldn’t be greater.’ more so, and subjects such as music, drama and sport have been all but squeezed out.
However, the Department of Education said, But have we got it all wrong? As education minister Michael Gove announces measures
‘Children are only permitted to join classes of to make the exams taken by students in England even more demanding, look across the
30 pupils in exceptional cases, if for instance border and we can see that education in Scotland is run very differently. There,
they are in care or from military families. students take a curriculum in which national exams for 16-year-olds have been
Classes often fall back naturally to 30 over a abolished. While schools in England encourage students to specialise, Scottish schools
year or two.’ The increase is largely the traditionally aim for a greater breadth of knowledge. Their secondary education lasts
result of a mini-baby boom after declining six years, ending with a single set of national exams, and their university degree
pupil numbers in the early 2000s, with the programs last four years, compared with only three in England and Wales. In a nutshell,
situation looking like it will only get worse, Scottish schools focus on more than just tests.
as the National Audit Office forecasts that ‘When the Scottish Parliament came into being in 1999, we realised our schools were not
admissions will rise by another 240,000 in performing as well as they should,’ said the Scottish education minister, Michael Russell.
September this year. ‘Our students were overexamined, our schools overinspected and the curriculum was too
divided up and too shallow.’ So Scotland introduced the Curriculum for Excellence, paying
more attention to how subjects were taught. Starting with kindergarten, the curriculum
Say that you saw it mentioned has progressed through the system one year at a time and has just reached the 16-year-
in Families West Magazine olds who, until this year, would have taken Standard Grade exams. Students still take
exams in as many as 15 subjects but those are pass/fail and set by their teachers. ‘I don’t
believe for a minute that Curriculum for Excellence is touchy-feely or that we are watering
down standards,’ said Gordon Moulsdale, head teacher at Bishopbriggs Academy near
Glasgow. ‘It used to be that only students who did well on exams were thought of as the
smart ones. But we’ve learned that there are different kinds of intelligence.’
The changes mean a slightly longer school week, and more time for music, drama,
sports and community service: precisely the areas that have been squeezed in England
by the need to prepare students for so many exams.
It is clear that in Scotland there is no appetite for the selective, competitive and test-
driven approach being promoted by Michael Gore in England, and it looks like the
experiment is succeeding.
So should England take note?
Looking for the potential in every child

At Thames Christian College it is not just the top 5% of pupils who are labelled as gifted
and talented. “We find potential in all our pupils and develop their talents and self-confidence so
they can all achieve their best. Thames accepts pupils with varying levels of ability, many are
academically gifted, some are talented artistically, creatively or in sport. Others have potential yet to
be realised."
Stephen Holsgrove, Executive Head, comments: “Our size allows us to be flexible – we can and
do tailor our curriculum to enable pupils to develop their skills, realise their strengths and become
highly motivated, successful young people. We never have to resort to being just an exam factory.
Whether a pupil is capable of achieving all A* grades and more or finds academic study a
challenge, at Thames we strive to empower each individual to set their own high aspirations.
Typically at Thames, pupils achieve between one and three grades higher across all subjects than
their standard prediction tests indicate. At Thames we welcome pupils who demonstrate respect for
others and a positive attitude towards learning."
To find out more visit www.thameschristiancollege.org.uk

Education
NEWS from the schools
Early years at Orley Happy Birthday
Farm Notting Hill & Ealing
Pre-Prep at Orley Farm is 16 September 2013 was
a very busy and happy Notting Hill and Ealing
place. In Reception, High School’s 140th
children have access to a birthday! To celebrate girls
play-based curriculum at spent the day involved in
the Early Years Foundation activities devised around a
Stage. “We have wonderful theme of ‘140’.These
grounds which extend our children’s learning way beyond the classroom. ranged from following a bearing of 140 degrees from the school and
In addition to the regular curriculum, we have specialist teachers for photographing the landmarks en route, to delving into the school
Drama, ICT, Music, PE, Gymnastics, French and Swimming. We strongly archives to see how school life has changed over the years or
promote confidence and independence through our amazing concerts, recreating photos in the style of 1873. There was fancy dress in
class assemblies and our Harvest festival when all of Pre-Prep sing and both Junior and Senior School (for girls and staff!) and a Great
recite poetry to local elderly visitors. Our annual Book Week always Birthday Bake-off competition to create a show-stopping 140th
encourages a love of reading, as our visiting authors, poets, and illustrators birthday cake.
entertain and excite! Our belief is that a love for learning, and breadth The special guest in the Senior School was Karen Pickering (herself
and balance across the curriculum lead to the best learning possible. Our a GDST Old Girl) who held her audience spell-bound as she
yearly International Day takes the children ‘all over the world’, so by the recounted not just the story of her victories in the pool but how
time they move from Pre-Prep into Middle School they have many stamps she came back from shocking injury and went on to even greater
in their ‘Passports’. Trips to the National Gallery, Open-Air Museum, success in spite of advice to quit the sport .
Gunnersbury Museum and Odd’s Farm are just a taste of the added Summing up the day Head, Lucinda Hunt said: “Despite all the
extras children are involved in.” The school welcome visitors to their changes in buildings and curriculum, fashions and facilities, I think the
Saturday mornings, or contact the Registrar for one of the founders of the school and its first Headmistress, Harriet Jones, would still
Wednesday tours where you will see the school in action. recognise the unique spirit and style of Notting Hill & Ealing, its
www.orleyfarm.harrow.sch.uk/ friendliness and warmth and the way, just as in 1873 when girls’ schools
like ours were still almost unknown, we continue to place the academic
Success at Durston House success and the happiness of each individual girl at the heart of
everything we do." www.nhehs.gdst.net
Durston House is a very successful preparatory school for boys
aged 4 to 13. They aim to provide an outstanding education their
pupils by creating a lively and stimulating environment. Academic New bus service
excellence, creative arts and wide-ranging sporting opportunities between Thorpe
make for a balanced outlook on school life. In the last five years
House School
Durston House pupils have gained thirty-eight academic, music and
sports awards to leading senior independent day and boarding and Ealing,
schools. On the sporting front, their rugby teams have enjoyed two Uxbridge and
unbeaten seasons in recent years, with two members being awarded Hillingdon
club-funded scholarships. Prospective parents are warmly invited to Thorpe House Senior
attend their Open Morning on Tuesday 15 October. Please School in leafy
telephone the Registrar on 020 8991 6532 for more details. Gerrards Cross
opened in 2006 in
New equipment at response to the overwhelming demand from parents who were
looking for continuity in their son’s education and a high quality
Avenue House alternative to the schools that were available at the time. Since its
At Avenue House School, inception, the school has gone from strength to strength and is now
they believe that small is oversubscribed year on year. They aim to provide excellent teaching
beautiful. They pride in a small school environment, where each boy is known by all of his
themselves on the homely teachers and is treated as an individual. The boys are expected to
atmosphere and small class work hard, something demonstrated last March when 90% of those
sizes which allow everyone taking individual GSCE Science were awarded an A/A* in all the
the individual care and three exams (biology, chemistry and physics) with the remaining
attention they need. They are used to making the most of their 10% achieving B grades or above.
lovely house, but sometimes need a little bit of extra space for bags
Field trips, sports tours and cultural excursions are considered an
and coats to keep it looking pristine. Which is why the new lockers
extension of the boys’ studies as are extra-curricular clubs like the
in the playground have been a welcome addition. Bright and eye
Barber Shop Choir, golf, debating, horse riding, Young Enterprise,
catching they add to the cheerful playground, blending with the multi
sculling and judo (to name but a few.) In September 2014 a
coloured benches and the mushroom seats. Offsetting these
dedicated bus service will be running between Ealing, Hillingdon
primary colours is the beautiful mural along the back wall portraying
and Uxbridge.
a variety of country scenes. Meanwhile the front garden houses a
Find out more by visiting them on their open days on Saturday 5th
pond (now with frogs which the children watched develop from
and Tuesday 8th October or by going to
frog spawn) and a vegetable garden, giving the Gardening Club
www.thorpehouse.co.uk
plenty to work on! www.avenuehouse.org

Spotlight falls on New Headmaster at Clifton Lodge
New West End School, Ealing
Facilities for ArtsEd Floyd Steadman has been appointed
This academic year the Headmaster of Clifton Lodge School. He is
Arts Educational Schools one of Cognita’s most experienced
will open its doors to Preparatory School Heads. In his early
reveal a brand new state- career, Floyd taught at Colet Court, the
of-the-art theatre facility. Preparatory Department of St Paul’s School, and became Head of
The theatre will be used Sport and Head of Juniors. He then became Deputy Head of the
by all four schools under the ArtsEd umbrella and is part of a major Preparatory School for Mill Hill. Sir Christopher Woodhead,
refurbishment project funded in the main from a £3.5 million grant Chairman of Cognita Schools Group, subsequently appointed Floyd
from the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation. The seven-month Head of Salcombe Prep. After three years, Floyd moved to
project comprises new film and TV studios, new wardrobe storage, Downsend School, one of the largest in the Cognita group.
new seating in the school’s studio theatre and improved and Away from education Floyd has played sport to a high level. In
accessible foyer facilities. Parents at the recent day school open Rugby he has captained Saracens and played for the Barbarians. He
evenings were the first members of the public to view the theatre later became involved in the administration of sport, as National
which will be launched officially in later in the year by Lord and Squad Adviser for the RFU and Director of the Sports Aid
Lady Lloyd Webber. Foundation. In his own words: “I have a simple philosophy on
ArtsEd’s independent day school for 11-18 year old students is the education and want all children to enjoy their time at school. I challenge
most successful vocational secondary school in academic league them to make the most of all opportunities given, and most soon realise
tables. Pupils combine high academic standards with expert tuition that the more they put in, the greater the rewards and enjoyment will be”.
in dance, drama and music and a wide range of performance www.cliftonlodgeschool.co.uk
opportunities. While sixth-formers can pursue a traditional A level
route comprising four A level subjects, or a Performing Arts BTEC St Benedict’s School
courses, in either Musical Theatre or Acting combined with AS level
subjects. To book a tour or find out more please call 020 8987 6600
in Ealing
or visit www.artsed.co.uk After the most recent ISI
Inspection Report (Nov
2012) praising many
St Augustine’s Priory leads debate on girls’ education aspects of the school’s
St Augustine’s Priory School in Ealing is hosting a Symposium on work including its
14th November 2013 entitled “Equipping the girls of today: academic curriculum, pupils personal development and also the
Empowering the women of tomorrow.” The event will address the very programme of extra-curricular activities, St Benedict’s has been busy
pertinent current issue of whether girls’ schools give their pupils investing in buildings and facilities to build upon its excellence. This
the skills and stomach for life long effectiveness. The event will has included an award winning £6.2million Cloisters complex,
feature keynote speakers including Sue Stone, (CEO,Sue Stone refurbishment of the Senior School Library and a new serving area
Foundation) who is an Empowerment Mentor and who will address adjacent to the dining hall. Also a full size all-weather facility at the
the topic of effectiveness in the workplace and tools required to playing fields to complement the reputation it has acquired for its
ensure adequate preparation of girls for these challenges. A leading excellent sporting tradition. Whilst promoting the highest sporting
counsellor will talk about the emotional attributes required for aspirations, the school is committed to sport for all. A wide range of
success- self knowledge, self respect, self esteem, courage and both sport, music, drama and other extra-curricular activities is
confidence. The event will also feature a workshop led by Navleen offered. St Benedict’s is a co-educational school with a proud
Kaur who will lead a discussion on key motivators and drivers for academic record. Its Mission of ‘Teaching a way of living’ is at the
happiness and success. Sarah Raffray, Headteacher, will close the core of the holistic Catholic education that is provided to boys and
session by giving her views on how St Augustine’s Priory is girls from Nursery through to Sixth Form. Find out more on
committed to lifelong education. Find out more about the school on www.stbenedicts.org.uk
their Open Day on 12th October 2013 or attend the Empowering
event on 14th November. www.saintaugustinespriory.org.uk
Southbank celebrates
European Day of Languages
Time to Shine! The corridors and classrooms were
Numerous studies have awash with languages as Southbank
proven the negative effect International School celebrated
that the media can have European Day of Languages on
on teenage girls’ self- 26th September. Students enjoyed a
esteem and body image at range of activities to learn more about the European languages
a time when they are represented amongst the 70 nationalities at the campus. Children
already experiencing social and teachers wore a sticker to say “Speak to me in……..”, featuring
and peer pressure. To Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Dutch, Polish,
combat this effect, Year 9 girls from Thames Christian College are Norwegian, Swedish, Finnish, Icelandic and Bulgarian, with some
taking part in a personal development programme 'ShineGIRL' to wearing wore more than one sticker! Students looked at the
empower them to understand their own personal worth, strengths connections between different linguistic groups, found out about
and purpose. Sessions aim to develop a strong sense of personal those spoken around the school, shared stories, songs and games
identity, confidence and hope. The idea is to equip the girls to and had circle time to discuss how it makes them feel to speak their
realise their full potential by identifying their individual desires and home language. A map of nationalities at the school can be found at
motivating them to set and achieve personal goals. Emily O’Boyle www.southbank.org. Southbank has a strong ‘Home Languages
said: “The programme is a lot of fun and re-energising. It has helped me Community’. The school usually teaches around 20 home languages
to think about myself in a positive light and consider what I would really and a fifth of 2013 graduates earned Bi-lingual International
like to achieve in life.” Baccalaureate Diplomas. For more information on Southbank
To find out more visit www.thameschristiancollege.org.uk or International School, please contact the Admissions Office on
go along to one of their open days. 020 7243 3803, admissions@southbank.org.

Education
Assessment Tools used by the schools
St Benedict’s School
How do schools assess pupils for entry? We asked some
www.stbenedicts.org.uk
of West London’s top schools what they do and how
Nursery: The children are
you can prepare your child for it. observed during a short
play session in order to
Notting Hill & Ealing High School St. Augustine’s Priory assess readiness for entry
www.nhehs.gdst.net www.saintaugustinespriory.org.uk into the Nursery
Department at 3+.
4+: informal ‘play’ 4+: Reception assessment Children seeking admission
assessment in small consists of classroom visit to the Pre-Prep Department are assessed
groups of up to 4 and informal interview during the Michaelmas term, when
children. Not expected 9+: Assessment consists of applicants are invited to attend an
to have any previous a one hour English paper, Assessment Morning. Using the School’s
formal education or 30 minute maths paper criteria for admission, children are observed
knowledge. Held in January/February of plus verbal and non-verbal reasoning tests. in a classroom situation and asked to carry
year of entry with results by end of 11+ Assessment consists of a 45 minute out certain tasks individually and in small
February. Maths paper, 1 hour English paper and groups. In addition, both parents have the
7+: formal tests (taken in year of entry) a Verbal Reasoning exercise followed opportunity to meet the Junior School
in English, maths and reasoning taking by interview. Headmaster who will offer a guided tour of
approx 30-40 minutes each will take place 13+: Assessment consists of a one hour the Junior School and hold a brief interview.
on 24 January 2014. Results as soon as English paper and one hour Maths paper 11+ : Examination includes a one hour
possible thereafter. followed by interview. Mathematics paper, a one hour English
11+: Group 1 North London Independent How to best prepare your child: The Composition and Use of English paper and
Girls' Schools' Consortium Test in English examinations are designed as a test of a 45 minute verbal Reasoning Test. The
(1 hr 15 mins) and Maths (1 hrs 15 mins) ability and a reflection of how candidates school does not provide copies of past
will take place on Friday 17 January 2014. access the curriculum relevant to their papers. The exam is used to check whether
Sample papers available on school website. academic stage. Interviews are designed to the child is going to be able to access the
All those applying to are NHEHS invited for gain au understanding of the whole person curriculum they offer and therefore the
a short informal interview . and their contribution to broader school school don't set a pass mark as such. The
life. Academic scholarships and music and exam is set at a level which should be
sport exhibitions are available at most accessible to Year 6 pupils doing their
Heathfield School for Girls entry levels. normal course of study.
www.heathfield.gdst.net
Junior School: Entry is Orley Farm School
normally at 3+ and 7+. www.orleyfarm.harrow.sch.uk/admissions
3+: Small group assessments
usually take place between Normal intake is at 4+ with smaller intake at 11+
January and June. Girls 4+: Skills based assessment held in early January. No preparation is
spend 30 minutes in the necessary for these assessments as children perform tasks similar to
Nursery. Girls cannot be assessed before what they are already doing in Nursery. There is no reading or writing
they are 2½ years old. involved. The children are observed playing. The assessments are run in
7+: Girls are invited to spend half a day in birthday order with groups of ten children per session. They will be asked
school participating in lessons, including to join in group play activities and also spend time on a one to one basis with our staff.
Maths and Literacy, during which They will be assessed on their motor skills, social skills, use of vocabulary (language skills),
assessment of their ability to acquire new completing puzzles, naming shapes and colours and counting to ten. The assessment lasts
concepts takes place. for approximately an hour and a half. There is a £50 fee for an assessment.
11+: A member of the North London 11+: Entrance exam is held on a Saturday morning in early March for three hours to
Independent Girls’ Schools’ Consortium. recruit girls and boys for Year 7. The school offers academic, music and sports'
Entrance examination in January consisting scholarships. Limited bursaries are available. The test consists of some digital
of Mathematics and English papers, each (computerised) reasoning tests together with a piece of English writing and a Maths
75 minutes. Past papers are available paper. No preparation is necessary for these tests. To apply, pupils will need to be at a
from the website. In addition a computer- secure predicted Level 5 in their SATs for English, Maths and Science. Music scholarship
based cognitive ability test. All candidates candidates will need to have a good pass at Grade 4 for their main instrument. A
are interviewed. second instrument would be an advantage. For the sports' scholarship, it would be
advantageous for the candidate to have played their main sport at club or
representative levels. Both the music and sports' scholarships require an audition/trial
(with the Heads of Departments) which will be held after school, providing that the
Say that you saw it mentioned candidate has successfully passed the written exam beforehand. All successful pupils will
be asked to come in for an informal interview before a place is offered. There is a £50
in Families West Magazine
fee for this exam.

Education

Education
The Benefits of Inclusion
By Rachael Ross, Chair, Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association
When I went to decision based on what’s best for each individual child and their
school in the mid specific needs.
‘70s and ‘80s, For Max, the benefits in attending mainstream education are huge.
© Steve Reid Blitz Photography, Gosport 07540 972360
children with any Speech and language issues are a significant problem for nearly all
form of disability children with Down syndrome, and can lead to frustration and
were not actively isolation if not tackled head on. Studies show that when they
encouraged into attend mainstream school, these children develop at least two years
mainstream faster with spoken language and literacy.
education. This They also benefit from having positive role models. Max needs to
absence of anyone be around his typically developing peers, not just for PE and
with a disability was playtime, but there needs to be meaningful interaction. He needs to
also reflected in the feel that he is part of the class, part of the wider school community,
wider community. with the same opportunities and responsibilities as the other
Consequently when children. Otherwise how can we expect him to interact successfully
I left school, and for with society as an adult?
much of my early adult life, I had never even met or spoken to a We are very fortunate that Max’s teachers have created a
person with a disability, leaving me awkward and unsure how to welcoming and caring environment where he is very much a part of
interact in their company. school life. When we visit, I am always overwhelmed by the genuine
Thankfully times have changed, and children with a wide variety of affection and friendship shown to Max by both staff and pupils.
additional needs are now commonplace in mainstream education. Many of the children have grown up with Max, and see it as nothing
Children like my son Max. Max is eight and happens to have Down unusual that he is in their class working with them.
syndrome. Until the 1970s it was still widely believed that children In turn, I’m sure the children benefit from being with Max. They
with Down syndrome were uneducable, and they were denied that learn to celebrate differences. They learn acceptance and patience,
most fundamental of childhood rights; an education. We now know and will hopefully grow into more tolerant adults which will lead to
that with right specialist support these children can learn alongside a more accepting and integrated society.
their peers, and today, more children than ever before are being
Inclusion is helping to steadily improve society’s attitude towards
successfully included in mainstream schools. That’s not to say that
Down syndrome, fuelled by more positive media portrayal. Several
special schools do not play an equally important role. It has to be a
top retailers including M&S, Next and Boden have used children
with Down syndrome in their advertising campaigns. Actors with
Down syndrome have played characters in popular TV shows such
as Glee and Downton Abbey. Individuals are becoming role models,
and are themselves changing misconceptions, like Simon Beresford,
who in 2007 became the first person with Down syndrome to
complete the London Marathon, and now eight marathons later is
an inspiration for people around the world.
More is being achieved than ever before, but there is a still a long
way to go. Down syndrome is the most common cause of
intellectual disability and yet funding does not reflect this. The
situation has worsened in the recent economic climate, and parents
are becoming increasingly frustrated by the lack of access to
specialist support like speech and language therapy, which help
enable their children to participate in mainstream education. As the
Coalition Government plans to ‘end the bias towards mainstream’,
there is a real risk that 30 years of slow uphill progress will be
undermined unless there is adequate investment in training,
research, resources and specialist support.
We have seen glimpses of what can be achieved as children with the
right skills and support go on to lead more independent and
productive lives, enter employment, and become valued members of
their communities. But as yet, there has never been an entire
generation of children with Down syndrome that has passed
through the system with adequate and sustained support in all areas
of need, continuing into early adulthood. Until this happens, we will
never be sure of their true capabilities.
Rachael is the Chair of Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association

(Footprints) which offers friendship, advice and a wide range of
educational services to children, their families, schools and
professionals in Portsmouth and across the South East.
To find out more visit www.footprintsds.org

Education
Notting Hill & Ealing High School GDST
Junior School for Girls Aged 4-11
26 St. Stephen’s Road, London W13 8HH
Developing confident
learners in an
environment
in which girls’
strengths flourish
Open Days
Autumn 2013
Tuesday 1 October
at 1.15pm
Wednesday 9 October
at 10.15am
Thursday 17 October
To reserve your place at an Open Day, for further information on occasional vacancies
at 10.15am
in other year groups or to request a prospectus contact the Admissions Secretary
Friday 8 November
Tel: 020 8991 2165 at 1.15pm
Email: enquiries@nhehs.gdst.net Tuesday 19 November
at 10.15am
www.nhehs.gdst.net Registered Charity No. 306983

Education
Getting An Educational Psychology Assessment
Dr Enid Alston, South Thames The moral of this story is that if a school does suggest that they
College of Further Education will refer your child to an educational psychologist or for a
explains: statement of SEN, you are in fact fortunate. It may not seem so at
the time, but this is a comfort. It tells you the school is already
It is not easy to forget the day when
knowledgeable about special needs and the needs of the learner
a teacher throws a grubby and rather
and is concerned for the welfare of your child and for others in
tired folder of exercise books in front of
the class.
you and says scornfully 'This is Jennifer.'
I have found that parents need as much information as
My reaction, perhaps wrongly, was to
they can get about both the kind of difficulties
feel mortified...
that could be affecting their child's learning
I should have defended my daughter and also the process their child will
against such an unfair attack, but experience when they are assessed for
nevertheless I had the reaction that I learning difficulties. They are then in a
was perhaps not the parent that I position to ensure that their child
thought I was, that my child was not gets the best assessment, resulting
meeting other people's expectations in the best available help for their
and this reflected on me. While I particular needs.
wanted to leap to the defence of my
child, the evidence in that little pile The educational psychology
was quite clear: the work looked more assessment process
like that of a drunken spider with a leg To a parent, the process of obtaining an
missing crawling across the page than a child assessment or a statement of SEN can seem
of 9 years old. like one for bottling yoghurt.
Of course nobody at that time suggested that we should The object is packed, the cap is fitted and the label popped
contact an educational psychologist or have Jennifer assessed for on all very neatly and the product comes out at the end looking
differences in learning. beautiful on paper, but not really relating to your child.
The funny child who could speak intelligently and amusingly on It doesn't empower parents or give them confidence or
endless different subjects and be a source of facts and information as reassurance about how to help their child and how to ensure that
well as mimic and act was not the same as the mute, frustrated one they make the most of their years in school, which, in the end, is all
sitting in lessons trying to meet with an approval that never came. that any parent wants.
She was found wanting because of the presentation and the written
Prior to consulting an educational psychologist
content that so under-represented what she really was.
So what will be the process that your child will encounter? First of
Why children with SEN remain undiagnosed all you should already be aware that your child would have had an
Sadly, although one hopes that a reaction such as this would now individual education plan (IEP) for some time. This should have
be the exception rather than the norm, from my work with older been discussed with you at parents' evenings and individually in
students and adults I have found that many have still not received meetings with the class teacher or school special needs
the understanding and support that they need in school to make co-ordinator (SENCo). You will also know that your child has been
the most of their potential. placed on what is called 'School Action' or 'School Action Plus'
Students of 16+ are still coming out of school saying that they did with a Wave 2 (small group) or Wave 3 (individual) intervention.
not receive an assessment or any support with learning in their It is when you get to School Action Plus that, as the term suggests,
school years. assessment by an educational or other psychologist is a probability.
This process may not be quick because the school has to make the
application and funding has to be put in place for the assessment.
In the meantime, try to find out as much background as you can
about the differences in your child's behavioural and learning style
that have been mentioned by the teachers. Some sources of
information are listed as follows.

Education
Why conduct an ed psych assessment? Starting the ball rolling
The purpose of the assessment is to find out how the school can What do you do if no one suggests that your child is having
best help your child. difficulties in learning that are interfering with their progress?
To understand this a close look must be taken at how your child Sandy is the child of highly educated professional parents who
learns, their profile of strengths and weaknesses and the difficulties were working in India when he was conceived. Several months into
that they have in a number of different areas – behaviour, speaking, his pregnancy his mother got dysentery, which affected her on and
concentration, organisation, cohesion of movement and memory off until after he was born. Sandy suffered from frequent ear
being just some of them. infections and at one point it was noticed that he could not hear
what was being said around him. He had grommets fitted when he
First things first
was 3 years old, which solved this problem.
The first step will be to arrange a consultation meeting that
He scraped by in school and remained unobtrusive, but his parents
involves those who know the child best: parents or carers,
were a bit worried that he didn't seem to be doing as well in
teachers, the SENCo and the psychologist. The educational
school as his brothers.
psychologist (EP) may also observe your child in class to make
observations on social interactions and behaviour that lead to His teachers reassured them that he was about average and there
completion of tasks and learning. was no need to worry, and they thought for a long time 'it's just
Sandy'. Eventually when he was doing A levels a friend persuaded
Next steps them that he should be assessed and he was found to be dyslexic
If a further assessment is needed, a consultation will be arranged. and with a specific language impairment which had affected his
This will entail your child completing a number of tasks, which learning to a significant degree. By this time it had also affected his
include reading, spelling, writing and maths tasks as well as verbal motivation and his self-esteem.
reasoning and reasoning with shapes, figures and pictures. If you are worried about your child, but the teachers don't seem
The whole process will take about two to three hours and your concerned or maintain that he will catch up given time, or is just
child should be helped to understand what the assessment is for average, follow up on your hunch. Remember miracles do happen;
and what it will involve. some children will catch up given time, but not very often, so err
Leaflets can often be supplied by the EP to help with this on the safe side and insist your child is assessed by a trained
explanation. EPs are well trained to put the children at ease and professional sooner rather than later. Time matters!
relate to them during these sessions, and most children find the The key thing to remember is that the sooner your child's
session a positive experience with an element of challenge or difficulties are isolated, identified and dealt with, the less
fun involved somewhere in the procedure. their education will suffer, the more successfully they
Feedback from the psychological will learn and the less their self-esteem and self-
confidence will be affected.
assessment
It is difficult to overestimate the importance
The assessment will result either in a verbal
of self-esteem in the classroom, and the
report, or a written one, or both.
more this can be protected, the better for
The written report will contain a great deal your child.
of technical jargon as well as the nitty-gritty,
If you suspect a difficulty with learning,
ie the recommendations for the future
concentration, behaviour or any other source
education of your child and an overview of
of problem and the school is not responding to
your child's strengths and weaknesses.
your concerns, you are at liberty to seek a
A report that does not contain some reference to psychologist's assessment yourself or get a second
strengths or learning strengths is missing the plot because opinion. Sometimes parents need to know a lot more than the
these are the crucial areas through which your child will need to professionals, so always remember this is your child and you do
learn in the future and other professionals need to be guided to know them best!
look for them.
Recommendations or referrals may also be made to other
Dr Enid Alston, AMBDA, DipSpLD, CPsychol, Star Learning
professionals such as a speech and language therapist, occupational
Consultancy, is currently an advanced practitioner and lecturer in specific
therapist, optometrist or a paediatrician, as well as sources of help
such as the child and family consultation services. Don't be unduly learning difficulties at South Thames College of Further Education.
alarmed if this happens – the more
information available, the better the help
that can be obtained.
This assessment and the report will also play
a key role in both the preparation of a
statement of SEN and the possibility of
obtaining access arrangements for
examinations. It is therefore an important
document and, once it is obtained, you
should ensure you have a copy and keep it
in a safe place. A copy should also be made
available to new centres of education if your
child moves school or goes to college.
To advertise in Families West magazine

or online please email
adverts@familieswest.co.uk
or phone 020 8930 4707

Education
Open Day
Dates 2013
© Dunnes Stores
Name Address Age Dates Contact details
Portland Place School 56-58 Portland Place 9-18 Tours: 1 and 8 Oct, 19 and 26 Nov 9-11am 020 7307 8700 admin@portland-place.co.uk
W1B 1NJ Open morning: 9 Nov 10am-12 noon www.portland-place.co.uk
Southbank International School 63-65 Portland Place 11-18 11 Nov 9.30-11am 020 7243 3803 or admissions@southbank.org
(Westminster Campus) W1B 1QR 1st Feb ’14 9.30-12.30. By appointment www.southbank.org
Ravenstone Pre-Preparatory The Long Garden, Albion Street 1-6 By appointment 020 7262 1190 www.ravenstoneschools.com
School London W2 2AX e:admissions@ravenstoneschools.com
Connaught House School 47 Connaught Square, 4-8B By appointment 020 7262 8830 www.connaughthouseschool.co.uk
London W2 2HL. 4-11G office@connaughthouseschool.co.uk
Pembridge Hall 18 Pembridge Square 4-11G By appointment 020 7229 0121 www.pembridgehall.co.uk
W2 4EH contact@pembridgehall.co.uk
Barbara Speake Stage School East Acton Lane 3.5-16 By appointment 020 8743 1306 e:speakekids3@aol.com
W3 7EG www.barbaraspeake.com
International School of London 139 Gunnersbury Avenue W3 8LG 3-18 By appointment 020 8992 5823 www.isllondon.org
Arts Educational Schools London Cone Ripman House, 14 Bath Road, 11-18 1 Oct 6pm for Sixth Form entry 020 8987 6600
W4 1LY 2 Oct 6pm for 11-14 year olds entry. www.artsed.co.uk
No booking required e:pupils@artsed.co.uk
Orchard House School 16 Newton Grove, 3-11 5 Oct 9.30am-12noon 020 8742 8544 www.orchardhs.org.uk
W4 1LB info@orchardhs.org.uk
Heathfield House School Turnham Green Church Hall, 4-11 By appointment 0208 994 3385
Heathfield Gardens, W4 4JU www.heathfieldhouse.co.uk
Chiswick and Bedford Park W4 1TX 3-7B By appointment 020 8994 1804 www.cbppschool.co.uk
Preparatory School 3-11G e:info@cbppschool.co.uk
The Falcons School for Boys 2 Burnaby Gardens, Chiswick, 3-7B By appointment 020 8747 8393 www.falconschool.com
(Nursery and Pre-prep) W4 3DT admin@falconschool.com
Clifton Lodge School 8 Mattock Lane, Ealing, W5 5BG 3-13 12 Oct 10am-12noon 020 8579 3662 www.cliftonlodgeschool.co.uk
admissions@cliftonlodgeschool.co.uk
Durston House 12 Castlebar Road, Ealing, London 4-13B 15 Oct 10am-12.45pm 020 8991 6532 www.durstonhouse.org
W5 2DR info@durstonhouse.org
St Benedict’s School Junior School and Nursery, 3-18 Open Mornings: Junior & Nursery 020 8862 2054
5 Montpelier Avenue, Ealing, London Nursery and Reception: 3 Oct Senior 020 8862 2254
W5 2XP Junior School: 8 and 16 Oct, 7 Nov www.stbenedicts.org.uk
Senior School and Sixth Form Senior School: 4 and 14 Oct, 21 Nov enquiries@stbenedicts.org.uk
54, Eaton Rise, Ealing, London Senior School Open Evening: 17 Oct (all years)
W5 2ES Sixth Form Options Evening: By appointment
Advance booking only
St Augustine’s Priory Hillcrest Rd, W5 2JL 3-18G Nursery through to 6th Form 020 8997 2022
Open Morning 12 Oct 10am-2pm admissions@staugustinespriory.org.uk
Book through admissions@staugustinespriory.org.uk www.staugustinespriory.org.uk
The Falcon School for Girls 15 Gunnersbury Avenue, London 3-11G By appointment 020 8992 5189 www.falconschool.com
W5 3XD admin@falconsgirls.co.uk
Bute House Preparatory School Luxemburg Gardens, Hammersmith 4-11G Tours by invitation after registration 020 7603 7381 www.butehouse.co.uk
W6 7EA mail@butehouse.co.uk
Ravenscourt Park Preparatory 16 Ravenscourt Avenue, 4-11 By appointment 020 8846 9153 www.rpps.co.uk
School W6 0SL secretary@rpps.co.uk
Latymer Prep School 36 Upper Mall, Hammersmith 7-11 Open days throughout the Autumn term. 0845 638 5700
W6 9TA Telephone for an appointment www.latymerprep.org/open-mornings
registrar@latymerprep.org
Latymer Upper School King Street, Hammersmith London 11-18 9 Nov. 11+ entrance only. (children in Year 6) 0845 638 5721 www.latymer-upper.org
W6 9LR Tickets required – contact the Admissions Office. registrar@latymer-upper.org.uk
9 Oct – Sixth Form open evening
St Paul’s Girls School Brook Green W6 7BS 11-18G 11+ entry 9 Oct and 6 Nov 5pm 020 7605 4882 www.spgs.org
12 Oct 9am or 11.15am 16+ 30 Sept 5pm admissions@spgs.org
Godolphin and Latymer School Iffley Road W6 0PG 11-18G 15 Oct 4.45-6.30pm 020 8741 1936 www.godolphinandlatymer.com
No need to book registrar@godolphinandlatymer.com
Hawkesdown House 27 Edge St W8 7PN 3-8B By appointment 020 7727 9090 www.hawkesdown.co.uk
Thomas’s Kensington (Lower School-age 4-7) 3-11 By appointment 020 7937 0583 (Lower School)
39-41 Victoria Rd, W8 5RJ 020 7361 6500 (Preparatory school)
(Prep School-age 7-11) www.thomas-s.co.uk
17-19 Cottesmore Gardens W8 5PR E:kensington@thomas-s.co.uk
The Lloyd Williamson School 12 Telford Road W10 5SH 6 months - 14 yrs 7 Nov 12-8pm 020 8962 0345 www.lws.org.uk
Bassett House School 60 Bassett Road W10 6JP 3-11 5 Oct 10am-12.30pm Book in advance 020 8969 0313 www.bassetths.org.uk
Notting Hill Preparatory School 95 Lancaster Rd, W11 1QQ 4-13 By appointment 020 7221 0727 www.nottinghillprep.com
e:admin@nottinghillprep.com

Education
Name Address Age Dates Contact details
Southbank International School 36-38 Kensington Park Road, 3-11 11 Oct. 9.30-11am 15 Mar 14’ 9.30-12.30 020 7243 3803 www.southbank.org
(Kensington Campus) W11 3BU By appointment admissions@southbank.org
Norland Place School 162-166 Holland Park Avenue 4-8B By appointment 020 7603 9103 www.norlandplace.com
W11 4UH 4-11G office@norlandplace.com
Avenue House School 70 The Avenue, Ealing W13 8LS 3-11 By appointment 020 8998 9981 www.avenuehouse.org
Notting Hill and Ealing High School (Junior) 4-18G (Junior – 4+ and 7+) Parents Only 1 Oct 1.15pm Booking essential.
(GDST) 26 St Stephens Rd, W13 8HH Entry at 4+, 7+, 9 Oct 10.15am 17 Oct 10.15am 8 Nov 1.15pm Admissions 020 8991 2165
(Senior) 11+ and 16+ 19 Nov 10.15am www.nhehs.gdst.net
2 Cleveland Rd, W13 8AX (Senior) Parents Only 7 Oct 10.45am 13 Nov 10.45am enquiries@nhehs.gdst.net
Senior School Open Evening, Parents and girls welcome –
no need to book 16 Oct 4.30pm
St James Junior School Earsby St, W14 8SH 4-11B 12 Oct 10am-12 noon. 020 7348 1793 admissions@stjamesjuniors.org
4-10G www.stjamesjuniors.co.uk
St James Senior Girl’s School Earsby Street W14 8SH 10-18G Open Morning: 5 Oct 9.30-12.15pm 020 7348 1748
Open Evening: 9 Oct 4.30-7.00pm www.stjamesgirls.co.uk
6 Nov 9-10.45am School in Action admissions@sjsg.org.uk
Sixth Form: 2 Oct 5.30-8pm
Fulham Prep School 200 Greyhound Rd W14 9SD 7-13 By appointment 020 7386 2444 www.fulhamprep.co.uk
prepadmin@fulhamprep.co.uk
Eaton Square School 79 Eccleston Square, SW1V 1PP 2.5-13 By appointment 020 7931 9469 www.eatonsquareschool.com
admissions@eatonsquareschool.com
Westminster Under School Adrian House, 27 Vincent Square 7-13B 5 Oct 8+ 28 Sept 11+ 020 7821 5788
Westminster SW1P2NN www.westminsterunder.org.uk
Westminster School Little Dean’s Yard, Westminster 13-18B By appointment 020 7963 1003 www.westminster.org.uk
SW1P 3PF Girls in Sixth Form registrar@westminster.org.uk
Fulham Pre Prep School 47A Fulham High Street SW6 3JJ 4-7 By appointment 020 7371 9911 www.fulhamprep.co.uk
admin@fulhamprep.co.uk
Ravenstone Preparatory School 24 Elvaston Place, SW7 5NL 3-11 By appointment 020 7225 3131 www.ravenstoneschools.com
and Nursery registrar@ravenstoneschools.com
Thames Christian College Wye St, SW11 2HB 11-16 5 Oct 10-1pm 020 7228 3933 www.thameschristiancollege.org.uk
9 Oct 11-12.30pm info@thameschristiancollege.org.uk
The Falcons School for Boys (Prep 41 Kew Foot Rd, TW9 2SS 7-13 B 5 Oct 10.30am-12.30pm 020 8948 9490 www.falconschool.com
School) admin@falconschool.com
The Harrodian School Lonsdale Rd, Barnes, SW13 9QN 4-18 11+ Open morning: 9 Oct, 7 Nov 020 8762 6321 www.harrodian.com
Advance booking essential admissions@harrodian.com
Ibstock Place School Clarence Lane, London 3-18 Prep School: 13 Nov 9.30am 020 8876 9991
SW15 5PY Senior School: By appointment www.ibstockplaceschool.co.uk
6th form 3 Oct 6-8pm registrar@ibstockplaceschool.co.uk
Hampton School Hanworth Road, Hampton 11-18B Open Morning: By appointment 020 8979 5526
Middlesex TW12 3HD Visitor’s afternoon (booking required) www.hamptonschool.org.uk
7 Oct, 5 Nov, 21 Nov, 2 Dec 2.30-4.30pm admissions@hamptonschool.org.uk
Orley Farm School South Hill Avenue, Harrow on the Hill 4-13 5 Oct 10am-12pm 020 8869 7634 www.orleyfarm.harrow.sch.uk
Middx HA1 3NU registrar@orleyfarm.harrow.sch.uk
Harrow School 5 High Street, Harrow on the Hill 13-18B 5 Oct, 2 Nov, 30 Nov 020 8872 8007 www.harrowschool.org.uk
Middlesex HA1 3HP 10am-12.45pm. admissions@harrowschool.org.uk
Quainton Hall School Hindes Road, Harrow, HA1 1RX 2.5-13B By appointment 020 8427 1304 www.quaintonhall.org.uk
2.5-11G admin@quaintonhall.org.uk
The John Lyon School Middle Rd, Harrow on the Hill 11-18B By appointment 020 8515 9400 www.johnlyon.org
Middx HA2 0HN admissions@johnlyon.org
Heathfield School for Girls Beaulieu Drive, Pinner, Middx 3-18G Open Day 5 Oct 10am-12.30pm 020 8868 2346
HA5 1NB Head’s Talks 10.15am & 12pm www.heathfield.gdst.net
Open Evening 17 Oct 6pm-8pm E: admissions@hea.gdst.net
Head’s Talks 6.15pm & 7pm
Open Mornings 13 Nov & 21 Nov 10.30am-12pm
Pre-booking not required.
Northwood College GSA Maxwell Rd, Northwood, Middx 3-18G Sixth Form Open Evening 16th Oct 6pm 01923 825446
Independent Day School GSA IPS HA6 2YE School at Work Open Mornings 5 Nov 9.30am www.northwoodcollege.co.uk
Book ahead admissions@northwoodcollege.co.uk
Merchant Taylors’ School Sandy Lodge, Northwood, Middx 11-18B 6th form - 11 Nov 5.30-7.30 01923 845514
HA6 2HT Mini Open afternoon for 11+ - 7 Oct 4.30-6.30 www.mtsn.org.uk
admissions@mtsn.org.uk
ACS Hillingdon International Hillingdon Court, Vine Lane 4-18 By appointment 01895 259771 www.acs-schools.com/acs-hillingdon
School Hillingdon, Middlesex, UB10 0BE hillingdonadmissions@acs-schools.com
Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School Butterfly Lane, Elstree, Herts WD6 3AF 5-18B 5 Oct 1-4pm (Main School and Prep School) 020 8266 1700 (01727 873 632 for pre-prep open
12 Oct Pre-Prep School by appointment only. day)
www.habsboys.org.uk office@habsboys.org.uk
Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for Aldenham Road, Elstree, Herts 4-18G Junior School: 5 Oct 10am-12.30pm 020 8266 2302 (Junior School and Sixth form entry)
Girls WD6 3BT Senior School: 5 Oct 2-5pm and 10 Oct 6-8pm 020 8266 2338 (age 11+) www.habsgirls.org.uk
6th form - 8 Oct 2.30-4.30pm by appointment admissions@habsgirls.org.uk
Eton College Windsor 13-18B By appointment 01753 671000

Berkshire
SL4 6DW
Thorpe House School Oval Way, Gerrards Cross Bucks, 3-16 5 Oct 10.00 – 1pm 01753 882474 office@thorpehouse.co.uk
SL9 8QA 8 Oct 9.30 -12.00 www.thorpehouse.co.uk

Half-term When you contact these companies, please say that you
saw them mentioned in Families West Magazine
Workshops FAMILY ARTS FESTIVAL www.familyartsfestival.com 18 Oct-3 Nov First ever UK-wide Festival of
family friendly arts events. From music to theatre, to circus, art and dance, all events are designed for families to
enjoy. Venues in West London include:
RIBA HQ www.architecture.com 30 Oct Extreme Makeover. Hands-on free family drop-in workshop. Get
RELISH KIDS www.relishkidscookery.co.uk creative with your little ones to explore and re-design RIBA’s iconic 1930’s HQ. 11am-3pm.
29 Oct Halloween Cookery Workshop. Learn essential
cookery skills at St Mary’s Church Hall, Hanwell W7 ROYAL ALBERT HALL www.royalalberthall.com 28 Oct Discover Blues. Explore all things Blues. Learn
3QP 07947 063155 e: sarah@relishkidscookery.co.uk about the fascinating Blues artists creatively. For ages 5-11.
DIVERTIMENTI COOKERY SCHOOL ROYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC 26 Oct Sparks Family Discovery Concert – Great Classics.
www.divertimenti.co.uk Discover some of the most famous classics and find out about their renowned composers.
27 Oct Growing Gourmets – Halloween and Bonfire Night. BUSH HALL www.musichouseforchildren.co.uk 21 and 31 Oct Creative Dance workshop 10am. Songs,
Spooky eats and bonfire night treats. 10.30am-12.30pm Puppets, lycra, scarves and dance rings in a music and movement workshop for ages 0-5 in Shepherds Bush.
for ages 5-8 and 2.30-4.30pm for ages 9-11 in 23 and 30 Oct Music and Movement workshop. Parent and baby session using live instruments and a range of
Marylebone. colourful resources. For ages 0-3. 10.30am in Shepherds Bush.
1 Nov Growing Gourmets – Bakers Bonanza. Baking bread WIGMORE HALL www.wigmore-hall.org.uk 29 Oct Songlives Family Day. Interactive family music day. Have
and biscuits. 10.30am-12.30pm for ages 5-8 and you ever wondered about the real life stories behind songs? Work together to uncover inspiration from people,
2.30-4.30pm for ages 9-11 in Marylebone. places and events in your own life and create lyrics and music to perform on the Wigmore Hall stage.
2 Nov Skills from Scratch – Pasta Fantastica. Making fresh For ages 6-11. 10.30am.
pasta and sauces. 10.30am-1.30pm for ages 9-11 23 Oct Toddler Bop. Workshop leader Esther Sheridan is joined by guest musicians for an interactive workshop
in Marylebone. with music, movement and play. For ages 1-2 at 10.15am and 11.45am.
FIMO CLAY WORKSHOP HANDEL HOUSE MUSEUM www.handelhouse.org 13 Oct Pop Up Handel House. Get creative and
www.funwithfimoclay.co.uk explore Handel’s home. From candelabras to harpsichords, design your own pop-up Georgian House to take
Creative fun sessions for ages 6+ in Acton. away. 12-4pm
£50 per session.
22 Oct Double sided Jewellery 10.15am-4.15pm. SERPENTINE GALLERY 27 Oct Serpentine Gallery Family Day based on exhibitions by Marisa Merz and Adrián
30 Oct Fimo Fun at Halloween 10.15am-4.15pm. Villar Rojas. 12-5pm, for all ages.
4 Nov My World 10.15am-4.15pm. ROYAL ACADEMY OF ART 20 Oct Sheepish Shenanigans. Sketch from life sheep in the courtyard or create
Clare McKnight 020 8992 3767 e: fimofun@tiscali.co.uk fluffy landscapes with wool. 11am-3pm. For all children up to age 11.
KITE STUDIOS www.kitestudios.org CHISWICK PIER TRUST www.chiswickpier.org.uk 31 Oct Becoming the Thames Free workshops, making
28 Oct-2 Nov Art workshops in W12 for ages 5-8 wearable art inspired by the Thames. 10.30am-12noon for all ages, 1.30-3pm for ages 10+
and 8-15. RICHMOND THEATRE www.familyartsfestival.com 19 Oct and 2 Nov Fabulous Family Duels Fun &
CORNER 9 www.corner9.com Games. Do battle with other families using drama, word play and brain power as your only weapons.
28 Oct - 1 Nov ‘Masterpieces’ Study a little 26 Oct Miranda's Musical Moments Workshop. A fun, no pressure drama, music and movement session based
art history, famous artists and produce our own around The Tempest. 11am-12noon. For ages 6-16. 26 Oct Arty Titania's Got Talent Workshop Make a puppet actor
Masterpieces. 2 D and 3 D art projects. 10am-12noon and the puppet theatre. 12.15-1.30pm for ages 6-16+ 26 Oct Carry On Shakespeare! Comedy Workshop
for ages 5+ in W9. Booking essential. 1.30-3pm, for all ages. 29 Oct Shakespeare's Arty Royal People A royal arts and craft workshop. 10.15-11.15am for
e: info@corner9.com or Siglinde on 07763 472516 age 3-5. 29 Oct Midsummer Mayhem! Drama Workshop. Rehearse and perform Shakespeare's "A Midsummer
KENSINGTON IMAGING Night's Dream" all in an hour. For ages 6-16. 12.15-1.15pm. 31 Oct Shakespeare's Arty Spooky Halloween People. An
www.kensingtonimaging.co.uk arts & craft workshop with optional dressing up. 10.15-11.15am for age 3-5. 31 Oct Ghostly Goings On. Rehearse
and perform Macbeth in an hour.11.15am-12.15pm, for ages 6-2 Nov Talented Thespian Family Tour. Tour backstage,
October dates tbc. Young Film Makers Club hear theatre stories and compete to see who has the loudest voice on stage! 12.15-1.15pm for ages 6-16. 16.
A fun hands on workshop to discover the world of 2 Nov Tremendous Tempests - Drama Workshop. Rehearse and perform Shakespeare's "The Tempest" all in an hour.
filmmaking. Children will explore the various stages of 12.15-1.15pm for all ages.
the film production process from storyboard to film
cover. Age 8-15, 10-1pm and 2-5pm. October dates THE BECK THEATRE www.becktheatre.org.uk 29 Oct The Big Draw – Cinderella. Look at a selection of
tbc. Digital Photography Discover your digital camera, beautiful Cinderella costumes and a whole heap of panto props and design your won ball gown or pumpkin
learn about settings, light, composition and basic rules. coach. 11am-2pm.
Studio and outdoor work. 2-hour workshops.
PERFORM www.perform.org.uk HOLLAND PARK ECOLOGY CENTRE ISIS EDUCATION CENTRE, HYDE PARK
23-25 and 28-30 Oct Half term drama, dance and www.rbkc.gov.uk/ecology www.supporttheroyalparks.org
singing holiday course for ages 4-8. This half-term, the 28 Oct-1 Nov Environmental themed, outdoor 29 Oct Go Batty for Bats. Build your own bat roosting
theme is Rapunzel, which includes colourful costumes, and creative activities for ages 5-12 every weekday, box. Use screwdrivers and team work to construct a
original songs and live music, and a performance at the morning and afternoon sessions. cosy home for the bats to sleep in during the day. Once
end of the week. Classes in Kensington. Booking essential on 020 7938 8166 completed you can decide how to decorate the box to
Call 0845 400 4000, e: enquiries@perform.org.uk e:ecology.centre@rbkc.gov.uk make it comfortably camouflaged. Also find out about
bats; where they live, how they hunt and what they like
as a tasty snack. Just follow the bat trail in the garden
and learn all about these important nocturnal creatures.
10am-noon.
AMANDA’S ACTION CLUB
www.amandasactionclub.co.uk
Throughout half term. Music classes and workshops
Fun, fitness and music for children
4 months to 4 years in Chiswick and Ealing. Call 01895
623999 e:info@amandasactionclub.co.uk
FIT FOR SPORT www.fitforsport.co.uk
28 Oct-1 Nov Activity camps for ages 3-12.
0845 456 3233. Venues: Ealing – Brentham Club,
38a Meadvale Road, Ealing, London, W5 1NP and
Trailfinders Sports Club, Castle Bar, Vallis Way, Ealing,
London, W13 0DD
To advertise in Families West magazine

or online please email
adverts@familieswest.co.uk
or phone 020 8930 4707

Diary Dates
What's On
17 Oct (Notting Hill) 25 Oct (Chiswick) BACH TO 31 Oct HALLOWEEN Time to get the pumpkin carved and the treats ready. Plenty going on at museums,
BABY The critically acclaimed classical concert series galleries, parks and gardens. (see individual places in our What’s On guide)
specifically designed for babies and carers to enjoy 5 Nov BONFIRE NIGHT
together. Treat yourself and introduce your wee ones
to live classical music during the crucial years.
BONFIRE NIGHT/ FIREWORK DISPLAYS IN WEST LONDON
For more info call Miaomiao Yu on 0781 450 9280 Please check www.familieswest.co.uk for more details and up-to-date information.
e: miaomiao@bachtobaby.com To date, there are confirmed events at:
18-20 Oct BLOOMSBURY FESTIVAL Free arts and CORAM FIELDS
culture events for all the family around Russell Square. When and Where: 1 Nov, WC1N 1DN
Dance to world music, plant spring bulbs in the local Time: Gates open at 5pm, display at 5.30pm.
community garden, watch dance in the parks, singalong What else is there: A short display perfect for families
with the choir, learn about fossils and ancient relics, with young children with hot drinks, homemade cakes,
and more. Free. www.bloomsburyfestival.org.uk glow sticks to buy.
25-27 Oct THE BABY SHOW At Olympia Tickets: Free entry but donations welcome for charity.
Kensington, this annual event is the place to browse
EALING CRICKET CLUB
thousands of products and test run all the latest
When and Where: 2 Nov, W5 2HS
innovations for life with a baby! Pushchairs, nursery
Time: Gates open at 6pm, display is at 7.30pm.
ideas, maternity fashion, and healthcare experts are all
What else is there: Bonfire, musical accompaniment,
on hand along with parenting celebrities.
bar, bbq and children’s rides.
www.thebabyshow.co.uk
Tickets: £6 adults £4 children under 14.
26 Oct PUMPKIN PARTY AT CHISWICK HOUSE www.ealingcc.co.uk
The theme is anything to do with pumpkins from
BRENTHAM CLUB
Halloween to Cinderella with prizes for the best fancy
When and Where: 9 Nov, W5 1NF
dress costume! Bring along your own carved pumpkin
Time: tbc
to add to the display. The event takes place outdoors
What else is there: tbc
in the Walled Gardens where you can see pumpkins
Tickets: tbc
and squashes growing and pick up tips on how to grow
and cook them. Fire-eating display, refreshments, lit RAVENSCOURT PARK
pumpkin display and bat watching for all the family. When and Where: 2 Nov Ravenscourt Park, W6 OUL
4.30-7pm. Time: Gates open at 6pm, 7.15pm Children’s fireworks
27 Oct DIWALI Indian festival of Light- Celebrations display, 8pm Main display
taking place all over West London inc. Trafalgar Square What else is there: Food stalls and funfair rides.
where there will be free entertainment includes music Tickets: £7, Under 5’s free. (£5 advance tickets from
and dance from community groups and professional Lyric Theatre box office)
artists, food stalls and a range of activities for children. www.ravenscourtpark.com/events
27 Oct DUSTY HALLOWEEN DISCO an afternoon 5-10 Nov SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS FAIR Taking place at London Olympia. A huge Christmas shopping event
of disco fun with special spooky dances, creepy showcasing jewellery, fashion, accessories and personalised gifts for all the family. Interactive workshops include
costume competitions and Halloween games and creating floral displays and champagne tasting masterclasses. Plus a huge food hall where you can sample before
prizes. 2-4pm in Ealing. www.dustydoesdisco.co.uk you buy. www.spiritofchristmasfair.co.uk

What's On
DAYS OUT 26 Oct FAMILY OVERNIGHT EXPERIENCE
Children will be dressed as Tudor sailors and become
members of the crew. After learning the ship’s rules,
CHELSEA PHYSIC GARDEN they will be trained in navigation, barber surgery and
gunning, before bedding down to sleep amongst the
There are lots more things to do in the 'What's On' SW3 4HS www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk
weapons on the Gun Deck. A Tudor style dinner and
section of our website. www.familieswest.co.uk FAMILY ACTIVITY DAYS Pre-booking and pre- continental breakfast is provided. For age 6+
payment essential. Call 020 7349 6453 or
30 and 31 Oct HALLOWEEN FUN DAY Fancy dress
e:education@chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk
competition, gruesome games and a haunted treasure
29 Oct LOTIONS & POTIONS - AN hunt taking place around the ship. For ages 4+
INTRODUCTION TO HERBAL MEDICINE Find out
30 and 31 Oct HALLOWEEN FRIGHT NIGHT Join
about the history of medicine and the amazing power
the creepy crew for a horrifying Halloween evening on
of plants. Try your hand at making some ointments,
board. With terrifying tales, and gory games this event is
syrups and scented bags to take away. 10.30am-2.30pm,
sure to fright and delight. For ages 6+
for ages 7+
30 Oct THE BIG DRAW Draw plants and develop HAMPTON COURT PALACE
your observational skills and drawing techniques in the
KT8 9AU www.hrp.org.uk
inspiring setting of the Garden. Part of The Big Draw
festival.10.30am - 2.30pm, for ages 6+ Until 3 Nov SECRETS OF THE ROYAL
31 Oct CREEPY CRAWLING Meet Vic Taylor from BEDCHAMBER An exhibition exploring the
Mynewt Enterprises and his marvellous menagerie bedchambers of the 17th and 18th Century royal court.
including a hissing cockroach, giant millipede, corn snake, 5 and 6 Oct, 2 and 3 Nov TUDOR COOKERY
giant African snail and Mr. Jelly Belly the tree frog. Find Watch the cooks toiling in the Kitchens of King Henry
RECRUITING NOW out how they are suited to their environments and hold VIII, preparing the exotic dishes for his majesty.
2 and 9 Nov FAMILY GHOST TOUR Join the
for MUMS & Dad’s! them (…if you dare). 10:30am-12pm or 1-2:30pm, for
Ages 4+ State Apartment Warders for an early evening walking
Home based, global tour to hear stories of ghostly apparitions and
opportunity promoting:
CUTTY SARK paranormal activity at Hampton Court Palace. 6.30pm
H Our natural products in for 60-75 mins.
the markets of health, SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark
beauty, fitness, 5 and 6 Oct FAMILY FUN WEEKEND: DAMRU
HMS BELFAST
sport, nutrition. DRUMS Make and decorate a traditional drum inspired
H A 35 year old by the ship’s voyages to India and the cargoes collected SE1 2JH www.iwm.org.uk
Global brand there. Drop-in at 11.30am or 2pm. ONGOING: GUN TURRET EXPERIENCE - a chance
leader. to see what fighting at sea would have really been like.
6 Oct AHOY CAPTAIN! Join Captain Woodget, Cutty
H Gold Star quality Lights, audio, projections and movement will recreate
Sark’s longest serving master, and hear tales of his
training.
voyages across the high seas. 11am, 12noon, 1.30pm and the experience, highlighting the hectic and cramped
To find out how you can really “be there” 2.30pm. conditions that would have seen twenty-six men in this
for your children at every drop off, pick up, confined space at any one time. INTERACTIVE
28, 29, 30 Oct CUTTY SARK RANGOLI
sports day, illness day, holiday – without OPERATIONS ROOM - the nerve centre and brain of
PATTERNS Design a colourful floor pattern
being accountable to a boss or to book the entire ship which now has exciting interactives.
underneath Cutty Sark’s spectacular hull, inspired by
time off or explain your absence ever
Indian rangoli patterns used for celebrations and 26 Oct-3 Nov TATTOO T-SHIRTS - PART OF THE
again, then please leave your contact
bringing good luck. BIG DRAW 2013 Design your own tattoo shapes and
details in a message on 01252 75 8886.
Be assured, we will return your call. 31 Oct SHIP SHADOW PUPPETS Create a shadow draw them onto t-shirts. As you draw, you will learn
puppet inspired by Cutty Sark’s journeys to India and about different tattoos worn by people in the navy, and
see it come to life in your very own puppet show. what they mean.11am - 12.30pm and 2 - 4pm.
11.30am and 2pm.
HOLLAND PARK ECOLOGY CENTRE
GOLDEN HINDE W8 6LU www.rbkc.gov.uk
SE1 9DG www.goldenhinde.com 12 Oct AUTUMN WILDLIFE AREA OPEN DAY A
26 Oct DRAKE FUN DAYS Find out all about Sir great chance to explore a secret corner of the park in
Frances Drake at 11am and 2pm. For age 6+ its autumnal colours. Enjoy a woodland walk, identify
the flora and fauna and seek out minibeasts. For all ages,
12-4pm, free, drop-in.
28 Oct-1 Nov HALF
TERM HOLIDAY
ACTIVITIES Nature
themed, outdoor and
creative activities for
children. Outdoor
activities are based in the
wooded area. 10am-12
noon and 2-4pm, (ages
5-10) or 11am-3pm (ages
8-12). Advanced booking
required.
To advertise in future
issues of Families
West magazine
please email
adverts@
familieswest.co.uk
or phone
020 8930 4707

What's On
KEW GARDENS Trail. Plus, brave the new Boo Barn… if
you dare! Also, there is a Giant Indoor
TW9 3AB www.kew.org
Playbarn, with a massive adventure play
Until 3 Nov INCREDIBLES: area including a 4 lane Astra Slide, 2 large
A FESTIVAL TO FEED THE drop slides, a netted area with zig zag
IMAGINATION Experience first-hand a chicanes and tunnels, swinging ropes and
selection of the 30,000 species we can a special Toddler and Under 5’s area.
feast. Kew’s Broadwalk is adorned with Outdoors, there is an Adventure Maze,
hundreds of pumpkins, gourds and Go-Karts, Log Play Areas and Crazy Golf.
squashes this autumn as well a sculpted
giant fungus fairy ring. Look out for the OSTERLEY PARK
towering pyramid of pumpkins in the
AND HOUSE
Waterlily House and pick up handy
recipe ideas along the way, all TW7 4RB
incorporating this versatile vegetable. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/osterley-park
Weekends in Oct and daily 28 Oct-2 20 Oct THE SECRETS OF TREES
Osterley Park and House
Nov FAMILY WORKSHOPS Watch a If trees could talk, what would they tell
pumpkin expert Tony Finch carve a us? Join the Warden for a walk in the
pumpkin in time for Halloween. Find out park and gardens taking in some of THE LONDON ZSL LONDON ZOO
how a mushroom gets its spots and take Osterley's rare and veteran trees and WETLANDS CENTRE NW1 4RY www.zsl.org
a walk with a Volunteer Guide to learn their secrets as part of the Great SW13 9WT wwt.org.uk 26 Oct-3 Nov BOO AT THE ZOO
celebrate the fruits, seeds and the British Walk. 2pm.
Until 20 Oct AUTUMN FAMILY Spooky storytelling, creepy crafts,
changes autumn brings. 26 and 27 Oct HALLOWEEN
WEEKEND ACTIVITIES Craft frightening face painting, menacing mask-
PUMPKIN FESTIVAL Family friendly making, terrifying touch tables and
ODDS FARM PARK activities including making hats and face
Halloween fun-silly games, pumpkin carving Halloween themed animal talks, feeds
masks of wetland creatures using
HP10 0LX www.oddsfarm.co.uk and spooky stories. Plus create creepy craft
colourful leaves and reeds, games, talks and demonstrations.
items to take home. Come dressed up and
on migration and looking out for the 26 Oct-3 Nov THE BIG DRAW
receive a small treat. 12-4pm
birds arriving from further north. A chance to draw some of the weird and
30 Oct PLAY CONKERS – 50 THINGS wonderful species. Prizes for the best
26 Oct – 3 Nov HALF TERM
TO DO BEFORE YOU'RE 11¾ Can you drawings. For ages 5-15.
WORKSHOPS Pumpkin carving, pond
become a conker champion. Take part in
dipping, spider making and a Halloween
lots of exciting games to find out!
themed discovery trolley.
Complete number 10 of the '50 things to
do before you're 11¾' by playing conkers. 26 and 27 Oct SPIDER WEEKEND
12 – 4pm Learn more about these fascinating animals.
To counter some of the scarier myths and
31 Oct CRAFT CART Fun craft
phobias about spiders, experts Ray and
activities for families. 12noon-3pm
Angela Hale from the British Tarantula
Society will be at the Centre with a display
TOWER OF LONDON of exotic and local spider species. The London Wetlands Centre
EC3 www.hrp.org.uk
Ongoing: COINS AND KINGS:
THE ROYAL MINT AT THE TOWER
Discover the history of the Mint at the
Tower including Isaac Newton’s efforts
to rid London of counterfeiters when he
was Warden of the Mint. LINE OF
Odds Farm Park
KINGS A restoration of an exhibition
dating back to the 1680s; it features 17th
Every Weekend In October and daily
century hand-carved wooden horses by
at half term HALLOWEEN FAMILY
Grinling Gibbons, a re-presentation of
FUN Carve a Pumpkin, enjoy the
Henry’s VIII magnificent armours and a
madness and mayhem of crazy
whimsical scale model of tilting knights.
entertainers and follow the Black Cat

What's On
BRITISH MUSEUM GUNNERSBURY PARK MUSEUM
WC1B 3DG www.britishmuseum.org W3 8LQ www.hounslow.info/arts-culture/historic-
Until March 14 Beyond El Dorado – Power houses-museums/gunnersbury-park-museum
and gold in ancient Columbia Organised 28 and 29 Oct We love wildlife – RSPB at
with Museo del Oro, Bogotá, this exhibition explores Gunnersbury Learn about wildlife in your local area and
the rich and diverse cultures of Colombia before the make apple bird-feeders and animal masks. 11am &
16th-century arrival of the Spanish. 3.30pm.
26 Oct Photography mystery trails Follow 31 Oct Hallowe’en High Jinx! Be creative in
exciting photography trails through the galleries and Gunnersbury Park's haunted pumpkin patch! Bring a
then turn your photos into a comic strip to take home. jam jar and make a spooky lantern, try out some
For ages 5+ at 11.30am, free. Victorian Hallowe'en games and join the lantern
Bank of England Museum 27 Oct Make your own secret code Learn procession through the park. 1-2.30pm, for all ages.
about beautiful seal stones from China, and create your 31 Oct Marvellous Magic Lantern Show!
own digital seal using Photoshop. Use mobile technology
MUSEUMS AND to turn it into a mind-boggling secret code – brilliant to
View original magic lanterns and slides from the
museum collections, and enjoy a spooky Hallowe’en
GALLERIES make and hard to crack. For ages 7+ at 11.30am, free.
28 Oct-1 Nov Myths, music and mountains
magic lantern show! 3pm, for ages 5+
Explore the myths, legends and meanings of gold in IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM
BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM ancient Colombia. For all ages, 11am-4pm
www.iwm.org.uk SE1 6HZ
EC2R 8AH www.bankofengland.co.uk HORRIBLE HISTORIES®: SPIES Uncover the deadly
FOUNDLING MUSEUM
1 Oct -9 Nov Cartoons & Caricatures world of spies at this major new interactive exhibition
This exhibition consists of published and unpublished
WC1N 1AZ www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk
for families which brings the horrible history of Second
material from the Bank of England's own collection 26 Oct The Big Draw What can the life of the World War spies and their secret schemes to life. Based
of prints and drawings. 5.30pm-9pm foundlings teach us about the future? Help artist Daniel on Terry Deary’s book from the bestselling Horrible
28 Oct-1 Nov The Big Draw – Designs on Wallis create a huge drawing inspired by the story of Histories series.
your money. Learn about banknote security children at the Foundling Hospital. 10.30am-1pm and 19 Oct Martin Brown Draws Horrible
features then design your own secure banknote. Enter 2-4.30pm, free, drop-in. Histories®. Horrible Histories® illustrator Martin
the competition with prizes to be won. 10:00am-4:30pm 1 Nov Perpetual Portraits Taking inspiration Brown will share his top tips for bringing the characters
from portraits in the exhibition Home Truths, join artist from this best-selling series to life. 12pm and 3pm / £8,
BRITISH LIBRARY Shelly Wain to create a portrait that moves and changes. under 4s go free.
10.30am-4.30pm, free, drop-in.
NW1 2DB www.bl.uk ARCHITECTURE OF WAR Artists’ responses to the
impact of warfare on our surrounding landscape and
29 Oct Peter Pan And The Ticking GRANT MUSEUM OF ZOOLOGY environments.
Crocodile Be inspired by Peter Pan and friends!
WC1E 6DE A FAMILY IN WARTIME Explores the lives of
Help their artist create a giant Peter Pan installation.
Come dressed as your favourite character to win a www.ucl.ac.uk/museums/whats-on/grant_listings William and Alice Allpress and their ten children and
prize! 11.00-13.00 and repeated at 14.00-16.00 / Free 19 and 20 Oct Life under the waves Discover what life in London was like during the war.
the amazing animal life that SECRET WAR The clandestine world of espionage,
makes the sea their home – covert operations and the work of Britain’s Special
peer into the mouth of a Forces.
bull shark, tickle a turtle and HOLOCAUST EXHIBITION Film, photographs and a
arm wrestle a lobster. Fun large number of rare artefacts document the history of
hands-on specimen based the Nazi persecution of the Jews and other groups
activities. Free, drop-in before and during the Second World War.
between 1-4.30pm.
28 Oct-2 Nov Hungry, LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM
hungry herbivores WC2E 7BB www.ltmuseum.co.uk
Investigating huge herbivores
and marvellous munchers From buses to tubes, original posters to workers and
from dugongs to hippos and travellers' stories, London Transport Museum explores
camels to snails. Fun the heritage of London and its transport system.
specimen-based activities - Until 27 Oct Poster Art 150 – London
discover which animal is the Underground’s Greatest Designs Since its first graphic
hungriest herbivore plus poster commission in 1908, London Underground has
who produces the most developed a reputation for commissioning outstanding
poo. Free, drop-in between poster designs.
1-4.30pm. 28 Oct-3 Nov Explore the Puppet Zoo Half
term family fun in celebration of the 150th anniversary
of the London Underground. Story time: 11am and 2pm
for ages 3-7. Make and Take felt collage crafts for ages
4-12: 11.30am and 2.30pm.
All Aboard! Let your under 6 'drive' a scaled-down
bus, train, tube or taxi , complete with passengers. They
can also take control of the transport system, moving
buses and trains around the museum's miniature
London.
Family Station. Pick up a free coin bag and choose
some activities to do as you explore the Museum.
Whether you fold your own bus and drive it between
the vehicles, design your own poster-postcards or take
photos through flickr frames, there is something here
for families with children of all ages.
Until Dec LOOK FOR LONGER Enjoy playing a
cryptic Underground game in the galleries where you
try to find the 75 London Underground and DLR
stations hidden within interactive graphics.
You can also play at home at www.lookforlonger.com
To advertise phone 020 8930 4707

What's On
London Transport 28, 29 Oct Stay and Play Drop-in 20, 28 Oct and 1 Nov Every Sun V&A MUSEUM
Museum Depot, Acton session for children under 5 and their Cutting Edge Workshop OF CHILDHOOD
adults. Stay and play with your child in Investigate teeth and diet using the
W3 9BQ www.ltmuseum.co.uk this designated space inspired by amazing animal skulls. Handle real E2 9PA
The Museum Depot at Acton holds the Reuben’s painting. 11am-3pm. specimens, take part in fun group www.museumofchildhood.org.uk
majority of the Museum's collections 27, 29 Oct WALK AND TALK A activities and see how Museum Until Mar 2014 WAR GAMES New
which are not on display in the main themed journey through the collection palaeontologists use skulls to find out interactive exhibition exploring the role
Museum in Covent Garden. The Museum where gallery staff will walk, talk and bring about dinosaur diets. 11.30am, 1.15pm of warfare in children's play from 1800
Depot houses over 370,000 items of all paintings alive! 12.30–1.30pm. For all ages. and 3.15pm. to the present day. It investigates how
types, including many original works of 13 and 19 Oct Hands-on Nature: toys recreate and represent war, and why
art used for the Museum's celebrated NATIONAL PORTRAIT Ocean Life Discover the wonder and children play war games. There are four
poster collection, vehicles, signs, models, GALLERY variety of marine creatures-Handle real thematic sections-Playing at War, On the
photographs, engineering drawings and specimens, make your own 3D starfish Battlefield, Reality to Fantasy and Secret
WC2H 0HE www.npg.org.uk
uniforms. Together these form one of the and take part in rock star challenges, Weapons. Children can dress up, play at
most comprehensive and important 5 Oct Draw Tomorrow What will featuring amazing starfish costumes from espionage and engage in many other
records of urban transport anywhere in you look like in the future? Where will costumier Anna Cocciadiferro. 11am, activities.
the world. you be and what will you do? All ages Free drop-in family activity for all ages. 12 Oct The Big Draw: Drawing
28-30 Oct Behind the scenes welcome. 1-4pm.
31 Oct-5 Jan Natural History Museum Tomorrow. Work with creative
workshops including 19 Oct STORYTELLING FOR Ice Rink. Skate at the Museum – the east geniuses from CIA (Central Illustration
- making travelling time capsules, FAMILIES 10.30am & 1.30pm for ages 3+ lawn will be covered in fairy lights and Agency) to create unique artwork. As
10am-noon and 2-4pm Storytelling followed by a fun art activity. also have a carousel and bar overlooking part of the Big Draw, kids get to be art
- Family tours for ages 5-15 with parents 19 Oct FAMILY ART WORKSHOP the rink. www.nhmskating.com directors and tell the professionals what
or carers, 12.30-1.30 and 4-5pm. 11.30am and 2.30pm for ages 5+ Explore to draw. Demonstrations, workshops and
- Snapshots of the Future Photography portraits, followed by an art activity. PM GALLERY AND HOUSE drop-in activities. 12-4pm.
workshop for ages 8+, 10am-12noon 28 Oct-3 Nov FAMILY WORKSHOPS W5 5EQ 28 Oct-1 Nov Heroes and
and 2-4pm. – ELIZABETH 1 AND HER PEOPLE Sheroes. Transform into a superhero
www.ealing.gov.uk/pmgalleryandhouse
- Cab it Family Tours. Get into the driving 11.30am-4pm, a week of activities and test your powers in the Superhero
seat of the historic trains and travel inspired by the exhibition. (A mix of 31 Oct Who’s there and 1 Nov Skills Station. 10.30am-4pm.
through time so see what it's like to be ticketed and drop-in events). Spooky Portraits Children's
29-31 Oct Play in a Day. Children
the driver of a Victorial steam train. workshops based on the exhibition Out
are challenged to make a play in just one
2-3.30 and 3.30-5pm for ages 5-15. NATURAL HISTORY of the Shadows: MacDonald Gill.
day based on popular children’s stories
10am–12pm for ages 5-7, and 2-4pm for
1-3 Nov Depot Open Weekend MUSEUM ages 7-11. To book please drop by the
about superheroes: Nat Fantastic on
Explore the Museum’s treasures and take SW7 5BD www.nhm.ac.uk Tuesday, My Mum Has X-Ray Vision on
gallery or call 020 8567 1227.
part in family activities including creative Wednesday and Super Daisy on Thursday.
workshops, storytelling, miniature railway Until 31 Oct Wildlife Garden
Participants will design and create every
and tram rides, talks and film screening With habitats including woodland, There are lots more things to do in the aspect of the play and put on a
and behind the scenes tours. meadow and pond, the garden is a haven
'What's On' section of our website. performance at the end for family and
for thousands of British plants and
Tickets for the Open Weekend can be www.familieswest.co.uk friends. 10.30-16.00
animals, and demonstrates the potential
booked in advance online at
for wildlife conservation in the inner city.
www.ltmuseum.co.uk or call 020 7565 7298.
Until 23 Nov Wallace100:
NATIONAL GALLERY Wallace Discovery Trail Follow
the trail around the Museum to see
WC2N 5DN www.nationalgallery.org.uk some of Alfred Russel Wallace’s most
Every Sun in Jul and Aug FAMILY important specimens.
SUNDAYS Activities designed for 18 Oct-23 Mar 14 Wildlife
families to enjoy and learn together, Photographer of the Year
11am and 3pm. MAGIC CARPET Nature photography from amateurs to
STORYTELLING for children aged 2-5. photographers celebrating the beauty
Sundays 10.30-11am and 11.30am–12pm. and magnificence of the world we live in.
Fly away on the magic carpet, coming to
ACTIVITES FOR FAMILIES:
land in front of a different painting each
6 Oct Hedgerow Harvest
day. On 13 Oct there will be a Musical
A celebration of hedgerows, wildlife and
Magic Carpets session. DRAWING
autumn produce with hedge-planting
SUNDAY explore gallery paintings as
sessions, tasting hedgerow foods, making
inspiration for your art. For ages 5-11.
winter bird-feeders and meet a
Sundays 11am and 2pm. Drop-in. Make a
hedgehog. 12-5pm, free for all ages.
room of your own! Learn how to create
space and make things look far away in 12 Oct Dino Snores Ever wondered
this drawing workshop. what goes on at the Natural History
Museum at night? 7-11 years. 7pm till
6 and 20 Oct Dressed to impress
morning, torchlit trails through the
Join award-winning portraitist Robin-Lee
museum, live animal shows and more.
Hall to focus on drawing a single, full-
body portrait in lifelike clothing. 12 and 30 Oct Animal Vision The
world only visible to certain reptiles and
13 Oct Find me in the Picture
invertebrates. See how adaptations in
Artists often include sneaky self-portraits
snakes, iguanas and chameleons allow
in their paintings. Create your own
them to escape predators and locate prey
hidden portrait scramble.
and discover how bees detect ultraviolet
WORKSHOPS:
light to help the process of pollination.
27, 28 Oct and 3 Nov Walk and
10.30 and 11.30am and 1.30pm.
Draw A family drawing tour, explore how
13 and 19 Oct Hands-on Nature:
artists use gesture and body movement.
Dinosaurs Handle real fossils and
10.30am, 1 and 3pm for ages 5-11.
inspect a variety of prehistoric specimens.
27, 28 29 Oct and 3 Nov
Work out which ones were once
Silverpoint Drawing Create your
dinosaurs and find out how scientists
own masterpiece using silverpoint. 11am
classify animals through studying fossils.
and 2pm for ages 7-12.
Compare their features with those of
28 and 29 Oct Talk and Play Meet
modern animals and explore what they
Anya, a costumed character brought to
ate by looking at fossilised teeth. 2pm,
life, for singing, talking and playing inspired
free, drop-in activity for ages 5-12.
by a Rubens painting. For ages 2-5.

What's On
Theatre the Thames it watches and it waits… Its
now 400 hundred years since the original
LYRIC THEATRE
W1D 7ES
SOUTHBANK CENTRE
SE1 8PX www.southbankcentre.co.uk
Globe burnt down. The time has come
AMBASSADORS THEATRE for the Muse of Fire to rise again. Can
www.nimaxtheatres.com/lyric-theatre 3 Nov BENJAMIN BRITTEN: THE
WC2H 9ND you piece together the story and stop 20 Nov-12 Jan The Gruffalo The YOUNG PERSON'S GUIDE TO THE
www.theambassadorstheatre.co.uk Muse before it’s too late? Muse of Fire is magical musical adaptation returns for a ORCHESTRA The perfect introduction
a story-based treasure hunt for intrepid sixth West end season as a favourite to orchestral music. Try your hand at
Oct STOMP Celebrating its 10th
families around Shakespeare’s Globe. festive treat for the whole family. Join playing an orchestral instrument in one of
sensational year in London, Stomp is now
Along the way you will meet strange and Mouse on a daring adventure through the Have-a-Go sessions or join in the
fresher, faster and funnier than before.
magical characters and uncover vital the deep dark wood as she meets the Family Orchestra workshops from 10am
3pm and 8pm
clues. For ages 5-11, 11am and 2pm. cunning Fox, the eccentric old Owl and to 2.30pm in the Royal Festival Hall foyers.
the party mad Snake, and outwits them
THE BARBICAN THEATRE SADLER’S WELLS
THE LILIAN BAYLISS all with the story of the fabled Gruffalo.
EC2Y 8DS www.barbican.org.uk/theatre Music, laughter, physical theatre and just
STUDIO EC1R www.sadlerswells.com
29 Oct-5 Nov THE CURIOUS the right amount of scary fun.
EC1R 4TN www.sadlerswells.com 15-19 Oct PENGUIN CAFÉ TRIPLE
SCRAPBOOK OF JOSEPHINE BEAN.
BILL / THE SLEEPING BEAUTY
In her laboratory, scrapologist Patricia 26-28 Oct GOBBLEDEGOOK — IN A NOTTING HILL Birmingham Royal Ballet returns to
Baker looks after old scrapbooks: she DEEP DARK WOOD Taking inspiration PICTURE HOUSE Sadler's Wells with two contrasting
pours over pages filled with all sorts of from fairy tales, In A Deep Dark Wood is
W11 3JZ www.gagatheatre.co.uk evenings: classic ballet The Sleeping
things that have been flattened and a fun and interactive show about a little
16 and 17 Oct UP & DOWN – Beauty and three short works from
squashed, in order to find out who they girl who bravely ventures into a dark and
Adapted from Oliver Jeffers's much loved artistic director David Bintley. 7.30pm.
belonged to. 11am, 2pm, 5pm. mysterious wood.11am, 1pm, 3pm.
book, this new theatre production
LONDON PALLADIUM THEATRE ROYAL
CHELSEA THEATRE suitable for babies and children up to the
age of 7, brings to life the magical story DRURY LANE
SW10 0DR www.chelseatheatre.org.uk W1F 7TF www.royalalberthall.com
of a penguin who dreams of flying and WC2B 5JF www.reallyuseful.com/
13 Oct HOW TO CATCH A STAR. 24 Oct-3 Nov THE NUTCRACKER the boy who tries to help him. Ignoring theatres/theatre-royal-drury-lane
Based on the bestselling children’s book ON ICE. International ice dance the boy's advice that it is impossible, the
by award-winning author Oliver Jeffers. sensation The Imperial Ice Stars take to a Ongoing CHARLIE AND THE
penguin leaves his friend to go searching
Adapted for the stage with music and specially frozen London Palladium stage CHOCOLATE FACTORY Roald Dahl's
for a chance to get his feet off the
lyrics. 11.30am and 3pm. for the West End premiere of a dazzling deliciously dark tale of young Charlie
ground. A touching story about the
20 Oct THE POETRYJOE SHOW. Join new production. Bucket and the mysterious confectioner
importance of friendship and reaching for
PoetryJoe, star of CBeebie’s Rhyme Willy Wonka in a brand new musical
one's dreams.
Rocket, performer, writer and – of LYRIC HAMMERSMITH directed by Sam Mendes. 2.30pm & 7.30pm.
course! – poet, in his light-up, pop-up W6 0QL www.lyric.co.uk PUPPET THEATRE BARGE
world of fabulous foods, beastly bugs and UNICORN THEATRE
5 Oct THE SORCERER’S W9 2PF www.puppetbarge.com
peculiar pets. 11.30am and 3pm. SE1 2HZ www.unicorntheatre.com
APPRENTICE Puppets and magic in a 28 Oct-2 Nov THE HARE AND THE
27 Oct DON’T LET THE PIGEON family favourite. For ages 4-7. Until 17 Nov DORA Dora is a storer.
TORTOISE AND OTHER TALES
DRIVE THE BUS! Full of fun, feathers, Birdcages and books, bicycles and balls,
12 Oct YUMMM! An imaginative food- FROM AESOP These well-known fables
laughter and excitement and features boxes and biscuit tins, Dora finds and
filled production where tables can dance, from Aesop’s famous collection are
original music and lots of audience keeps everything. Letting go of things can
plates can spin and the audience is given brought to life with drama and humour.
participation! The friendly bus driver be hard but sometimes giving something
the chance to join in with dinner time fun. Staged with beautiful lighting and carved
leaves us with one simple instruction: away can make you even happier. Dora's
marionettes. For ages 3+
“Don’t let the pigeon drive the bus!” story celebrates the pleasure in giving
However, the Pigeon is very clever and and receiving. For ages 4+
whines, bribes, pleads and even sings a
RICHMOND THEATRE
5 Oct-3 Nov
song to get his own way… BUT WILL TW9 1QJ
LUNA Luna,
YOU LET HIM DRIVE??? For ages 3+ www.atgtickets.com/Richmond the moon
30 Oct THE COMPLETE WORKS OF spots a young
BECK THEATRE WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE A fast- boy hiding
UB3 2UE www.becktheatre.org.uk paced romp through The Complete from shadows that move like monsters on
30 Oct IMAGICIAN Jamie Allan blends Works of William Shakespeare in just 97 his bedroom walls. Luna decides to slide
incredible illusion with high technology minutes! Join these madcap men in tights down from the sky to make friends with
including iPad illusion, Virtual Assistant as they weave their wicked way through him. Together they go on an adventure of
and spectacular Laser Manipulation. All all of Shakespeare’s Comedies, Histories light and dark to help him overcome his
enhanced through beautiful projection and Tragedies in one wild ride that will fear of the night. For ages 2+
and world class slight of hand. 18 and 19 Oct THE BOY WHO leave you breathless and helpless with 8 Oct -16 Nov HENRY THE FIFTH
CRIED WOLF A brand new tale laughter. For all ages. What’s the difference between a king and
GARRICK THEATRE inspired by the much-loved Aesop fable 4-9 Nov THE BUTTERFLY LION any other man? Kings need crowns and
for ages 3-7. Award-winning writer Michael castles to prove themselves, and so does
WC2H 0HH www.nimaxtheatres.com
26 Oct THREE BILLY GOATS GRUFF Morpurgo’s inspiring tale of enduring Henry. Henry the Fifth, that is, of England.
Until 5 Jan 2014 HORRIBLE friendship. The Butterfly Lion transports But Henry is running out of cash and all
& OTHER FURRY TAILS Are you sure
HISTORIES® – BARMY BRITAIN audiences from the African veld to the he can think about is that his neighbour’s
you know what happened to the wolf
PART 2 Can you beat battling Boudicca? battlefields of First World War France, as castle is bigger than his. A long and
and those three little pigs? What about
Has William Wallace met his match? Can they follow the adventures of Bertie and terrible war ensues with huge costs on
Goldilocks? Fun storytelling and beautiful
evil Elizabeth entertain England? Will King the White Lion as they strive to find both sides, including the castle Henry
puppets for ages 3-7.
Charles keep his head? Escape the sanctuary amongst devastating adversity. dreamed of having for himself. A dynamic
clutches of Burke and Hare and move to and contemporary new version of Henry
groove with party Queen Victoria! Don't V for ages 8+
miss this horrible history of Britain with 15 and 16 Oct SENSACIONAL An
the nasty bits left in! interactive and immersive digital
experience for ages 18 mths – 4 years.
GLOBE THEATRE
31 Oct-2 Nov NOSFERATU A
SE1 9DT www.shakespearesglobe.com Halloween treat for the bravest. A young
Until 12 Oct A MIDSUMMER lawyer named Hutter travels from his
NIGHT’S DREAM small town to the Carpathian mountains
Until 13 Oct MACBETH 29 Oct – 2 Nov THE MANY to close a sale for a mysterious Count.
28 Oct - 1 Nov MUSE OF FIRE Deep WHOOPS OF WHOOPS TOWN Meet Things get pretty scary when he arrives.
beneath the streets of London lies Muse, the enchanting residents of Whoops Pre-show Halloween party on 31 Oct
the last spirit of Fire. Hidden for Town and look out for some exciting and spooky activities on all other
hundreds years by the cooling waters of interactive surprises. For ages 4+ performances. For ages 8+

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ISSUE 89: October 2013

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Looking for the potential in every child

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